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.