How efficiently a business operates will either make or break the business, no matter how young or old.
In an industry that’s heavily relied upon to deliver goods to everyone worldwide, having a clear, efficient, and effective operation can sometimes be the difference between a delivery arriving on time or terribly delayed.
Thankfully, technology is on our side. Tracing back 20-30 years ago, most freight forwarding operations relied heavily on physical paperwork. Now, most, if not all, of the documentation and paper trails needed for delivery can be managed electronically.
However, integrating software capable of replacing necessary paperwork has its own challenges. Which is why there are clear dos and don’ts of implementing freight forwarding software you need to know.
The Dos of Choosing the Right Freight Forwarding Software
It Should Automate Your Processes
Let’s face it—paperwork can be mundane, especially after a long trip from New Jersey to Illinois. The last thing any driver wants to do is fill out yet another confirmation of delivery.
Instead, a task that would probably take 10 minutes can be completed in less than five. Delivery confirmations are just one example of the primary advantages of freight forwarding software. Others include:
● Documentation like customs documents and commercial invoices● Tracking shipment● Communication and notification
The do here is clear: leverage the software’s full potential by automating repetitive processes, freeing up valuable human resources for more strategic tasks.
It Should Help Your Business Scale
There are dozens of freight forwarding software available to choose from. But that doesn’t mean each and every one of them is ideal for your business.
Factors that affect the kind of freight forwarding software you should choose include:
● The size of your business and the volume of shipment you handle● The regulations your business needs to follow● The kinds of goods you deliver
The right freight forwarding software must grow with your business and accommodate any new processes you incorporate along the way. If you choose the wrong software, you risk wasting time and resources.
It Should be Easy for Your Staff to Learn and Use
Companies that sell software spend a lot of time and money ensuring their programs are user-friendly and easy to implement.
As you research which freight forwarding software is right for your business, you must also consider how easy it is to use. Even the most advanced software is only as good as the people using it.
Considering the software’s onboarding resources helps ensure you and your staff effectively and efficiently use their platform to its maximum potential. These onboarding resources typically include:
● Step-by-step training guide on how to operate the platform● User guides, documents, and training videos to refer back to● Accessible customer service department for both management and the reps using the platform
Training programs should cover not only the basic functionalities but also the advanced features. The goal is to use the same platform for as long as your business can utilize its benefits.
The Don’ts of Choosing Freight Forwarding Software
Don’t Ignore the Level of Security Measures
As our world continues to evolve and switch to the efficiencies of automotive features, we equally keep the security of our assets at the top of the list when choosing the right services.
Remember that your business handles hundreds of sensitive data, so you can’t risk overlooking the level of security the freight forwarding software provides.
If you want to take that risk, you’re looking at the possibility of:
● Data breaches● Financial losses● Damaged reputations
Don’t Overlook Compliance, Especially When Dealing with International Shipments
As a freight company that regularly handles an international supply chain, you know the complex web of regulations and compliance standards you need to adhere to to ensure the shipment makes it on time.
Because each freight forwarding software offers different features, you want to pay extra attention to how the software handles compliance standards.
If you choose just any freight forwarding software, you risk:
● Legal complications● Delays● Financial penalties.
Don’t Ignore the Software’s Customer Service Features
As you automate your own services, keeping customer service in mind for you and your clients is equally important.
One of the biggest frustrations customers experience nowadays is the inability to get past the robotic gatekeeper. While it can help answer commonly asked questions, concerns are often unique and require human interaction.
And yet, this frustration happens on both the B2C and B2B sides.
So when you choose your freight forwarding software, pay attention to what customer service features it provides for interacting with your clients, but also the customer service department it has for you and your staff.
The last thing you want to do is get caught in an automatic loop of, “Sorry, looks like you’ve chosen an option not listed above.”
Choosing the right Freight Forwarding Software is a Delicate Process.
Changing how your operations work is a process you don’t want to rush and certainly don’t want to do without the proper research. Considering the money it’ll take to implement the software and the time it’ll take to change everyone’s workflow, this is a process you want to guarantee will prove valuable not just for the next five years but for the next 10-20 years.
These Dos and Don’ts may seem obvious, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the dozens of freight forwarding software available—especially if you’re working on a deadline to implement a new operation.
Trust us. Keep these Dos and Don’ts easily accessible as you make the logistical choice for your freight forwarding business.
Cloud Based Software for Logistics Success
CSA Software has been providing transportation management solutions for the shipping industry for more than 35 years. Check out our freight forwarding software products and get started with ta Free Demo. Your transportation and freight business will become optimized overnight. Talk to one of our freight software experts to get a customized system for your logistics business today!
