Over the past several years, the cargo shipping industry has undergone significant changes. With the advent of the internet, the best shipping companies are leveraging this powerful technology to improve their level of service and to make shipping easier for their customers.

So, just what technological improvements have been made in the cargo shipping industry?

-  Free instant quotes online – In the past, shippers didn’t know how much it’d cost to deliver their packages until they took it in to their local cargo shipping provider. Thanks to the internet, anyone can now get a free instant quote online. The best shipping companies have simple forms you can fill out to get an estimate for your shipment. Common fields you must complete to get a quote include ship to and ship from details, shipping service desired (air, ocean, truck, etc.), and general information about the package being shipped. Instant online quotes are great for budgeting funds for shipping your goods.

-  24/7 real-time shipment tracking – For shippers who need to know where their goods are at all times and when they’ll reach their destination, new 24/7 real-time online shipment tracking is crucial. At the time shipping services are purchased, customers are given a unique tracking number. The customers can then visit the cargo shipping company’s website, enter the tracking number, and see exactly where their shipment is at the moment. This gives the shipper peace of mind, and it’s helpful in coordinating delivery or customs clearance of the shipment.

-  Online customer service – Many cargo shipping companies have supplemented their traditional phone and in-person customer service with online customer service. Internet customer service mediums may also include live online chat and email. Online customer service is advantageous as customers don’t have to wait on hold, saving time and hassle.

-  Insurance claims – No shipper wants to file a claim on their shipment. Doing so means their shipment has been damaged, and dealing with insurance companies can be difficult.. Thankfully, filing a claim has been made easier than ever before with the internet. The best cargo shipping companies provide step-by-step instructions on their website for filing claims. Some shipping companies also let you send notification of your intent to file a claim via email and submit documents which do not require a signature. If you do choose to notify the shipping company of your intention to file a claim via email, make sure to request an acknowledgment of receipt so it’s documented that your email has reached the right department.

-  Service overviews – From air cargo shipping to ocean shipping and express air to inland trucking, the number of shipping services are numerous. It’s important that shippers understand all of their options so they can save money and get their goods to their destination on time. The best shipping companies fully detail their service options on their website, empowering shippers to make the best choice for their needs.

The internet has changed cargo shipping for the better. Before you head down to your local shipping retailer, hit the web to save time and money.

A major challenge for all fleet operators, whatever industry sector they operate in, is how to manage drivers, vehicles and other mobile assets when they are “out on the road” and effectively out of sight.

Telematics-based vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions, that utilize GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite technology, give vehicle and equipment operators control over their assets and employees, in a way never thought possible only a few years ago. Maximum optimization isn’t the impossible dream that it once was, and businesses can now see at a glance exactly where their assets are and co-ordinate and protect them far more effectively.

MAKING IT WORK FOR YOU
Despite what some might tell you, vehicle tracking technology cannot be all things to all people, and installing a system won’t immediately solve all transport-related problems or optimise a vehicle operation overnight. Promises of data on every aspect of your fleet won’t help you either unless there is an effective means to transfer this into knowledge.

Not many companies in the telematics field are making money today – a major proportion of service providers go bust within the first two years of business. The field is overdue a shakeout and we will definitely see some consolidation in this sector. Make sure when you are selecting a supplier that it has a good track record, an excellent reputation and, not least, a sound balance sheet

Choosing a vehicle tracking system takes careful consideration. It is about businesses knowing what they really want, not just now, but also in the future. Focusing on what realistically can be achieved is essential, but businesses need to understand that their requirements will change, so any telematics solutions has to possess the flexibility to evolve and adapt to these changing needs.

Furthermore, no two businesses possess the same needs, so it is critical to select a solution that can be tailored to specific requirements. Imagine the varying needs amongst electrical contractors with every single one having individual requirements and operating with different working practices.

For example, protecting vehicles and assets against theft requires different functionality than a work flow management and job scheduling solution, but a vehicle tracking system needs to possess the flexibility to handle both should this be needed. It is worth considering the benefits of selecting a partner that can develop a bespoke tracking solution rather than procuring an off-the-shelf device that may lack sufficient adaptability and expandability.

To best utilize a vehicle tracking solution, there needs to be substantial levels of commitment from both the telematics service provider and the fleet operator itself. This doesn’t just mean financially, company’s need to also set aside some resource to develop and manage the process. A company also needs to communicate openly with all its stakeholders – whether this is directors, employees, drivers, customers or suppliers – to ensure everyone understands the reasoning for the solution and the potential benefits.

Vehicle tracking and telematics systems can fundamentally change the way companies do business, and if it doesn’t then the solution is not working. What is needed is clearer thinking to define what will add value to a business and how companies can work smarter using the knowledge that this technology offers.