3PLs: Business Intelligence for Bold Growth
Online purchasing, which increased 45% between 2015 and 2016, has risen another 14%, leading to estimates of a mighty $459 billion in sales by the 2017 year’s end, according to a recent report from industry trend tracker retail touchpoints.com.
This upward trajectory of online sales resulting from the omnichannel and e-commerce shopping experiences has placed third-party logistics (3PLs) providers and shipping agents in a favorable position: with supply chain participants reconsidering their respective freight-movement strategies, transferring to smaller vehicles, modified routing or streamlined loads, 3PLs are becoming increasingly valuable in helping shippers determine the best transport methods.
Meeting the demands of a shifting market: The rise of 3PL technology solutions
The relentlessly shifting dynamic of the contemporary transportation management industry requires businesses to offer flexibility, value and swift and accurate response to often-complex distribution challenges. This is where specialized 3PL technology solutions are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for any forward-thinking logistics provider.
Customer-attentive real-time data solutions have become the industry standard, making it strategically advantageous for 3PLs to have the latest tech capabilities at hand. Logistics providers that invest in software solutions capable of identifying (and, when necessary, correcting) the concerns integral to load transport, such as comprehensive route planning, customer history, specified delivery windows and traffic and weather considerations, can dramatically elevate their positioning and reputation within the shipping industry.
Maximizing your competitive edge with 3PL transportation business intelligence
Eager to increase their value to the shipping industry, many prominent 3PLs are fast-tracking their tech investment with sophisticated transportation management systems. With their specialized knowledge and data analysis and impeccable implementation, these systems can help businesses realize significant competitive advantages, some of which include:
- Simplified logistics management of exceptions and real-time changes
- Streamlined client and carrier onboarding
- Real-time ratings for enhanced freight management
- Advanced load planning for increased operational efficiency
- Growth capability through access to a wider network for digital freight matching
- Web services for streamlined logistics coordination
- More accurate, flexible and customizable billing options
- Market intelligence to inform strategic decisions
The path to growth: Embracing transportation business intelligence
3PL transportation business intelligence provides the deep insights needed to truly drive growth. Are you ready to maximize your tech advantage and create value for your clients, reduce expenditures for operations and master freight planning across all modes for increased profitability? Transportation business intelligence is the key.
Contact us to explore how 3PL technology solutions can take your business to the next level.
