Clear, ongoing communication plays an indispensable role in all aspects of logistics, building a sure foundation of trust that fosters operational success for both providers and shippers. But it’s not something that just happens, like flipping a switch or booking a load. It takes a genuine commitment to communication excellence, intentionality, prioritization, and a solid plan to ensure its effectiveness.
In logistics, effective, clear communication facilitates tight coordination, fewer errors, streamlined operations, and real-time problem-solving. All of this is crucial for maintaining efficiency in the fast-paced, interconnected world of the supply chain.
COGISTICS Transportation, a leading provider of logistics services, takes its approach to client communication very seriously. Throughout each engagement, we provide complete transparency and timely messaging, with trust as the bedrock of every relationship. Instead of excuses, shippers get effective solutions. We value all our partnerships and work hard to grow and strengthen them.
Unpacking the Importance of Communication for Shippers
Updates matter—they just do. As consumers, we’ve come to expect regular, clear, and concise texts and emails on the real-time status of every online order in transit. I’ve never heard anyone complain about overcommunication from an e-merchant, although I guess it’s possible.
In the same way, shippers should also expect regular, accurate messages, alerts, and updates on the status of each load, where it is, and when it’s arriving. In cases where there are unforeseen delays, this should be communicated proactively, in a transparent manner, with clear options presented for fast rerouting.
When it comes to COGISTICS Transportation, we’re not afraid of going old school in our communication style. In a world of digital communication, we still stay in regular contact with our customers via good old-fashioned phone calls to clear up issues, develop workarounds, or refine strategies.
Even before you get to that point, clear communication needs to happen during the planning stages of your work with a logistics provider. There are many important details to cover, from order volumes, shipment destinations, carrier agreements, budgeting, cost, and required transportation modes. Every step of the way, COGISTICS Transportation lays out what to expect and works in a highly collaborative, consultative manner to help you map out an effective transportation strategy.
Having an effective communication approach has a direct impact on logistics efficiency, customer satisfaction, and supply chain resilience. This is why COGISTICS Transportation stands out as an effective communicator and highly responsive business partner.
The Tech Backbone of Transparent Shipping
Technologies such as GPS, scannable RFID tags, and IoT devices greatly enhance shipment visibility, offering real-time updates on location and condition. These tools allow continuous monitoring of shipments and proactive inventory management. They also provide customers with accurate delivery estimates, optimizing supply chain transparency and reliability.
COGISTICS Transportation takes a collaborative communication approach to every aspect of its technology platform, which includes advanced tracking across ocean, air, and truck and a best-in-class TMS. It’s all built on a strong core of industry knowledge gleaned from years of combined experience.
COGISTICS Transportation: Keeping Shippers In the Know
As noted, consistent, proactive communication and transparency are the backbone of logistics success. Here are some of the ways COGISTICS Transportation maintains high visibility and engagement with shippers.
- Tracking and updates: comprehensive tracking includes status update emails, with links to a dashboard providing further details (images of freight, signed documents, notices of freight clearance, etc.). If it’s a “hot” shipment, COGISTICS Transportation is ready with a contingency plan to address any potential delays or issues.
- Communication with stakeholders: COGISTICS Transportation reaches out to both shippers and forwarding agents to confirm when freight is ready to be picked up or loaded for the next leg of its journey.
- Benefits of proactivity: advance notices benefit all parties by preparing them for what lies ahead. An in-house customs broker makes sure all documentation is provided to the clearing agent prior to a flight’s arrival or a ship docking in port, so nothing is held up.
- Supply chain collaboration: As a virtual logistics backoffice, COGISTICS Transportation understands each client’s business and processes and the types of freight being shipped. They can also analyze shipping data to make recommendations on efficiency gains and cost savings.
- Adaptable workflows: custom workflows can be based on things like variations within a carrier mode (rules for when to ship via standard vs. expedited air vs. ocean freight, for example) and built into the dashboard and alerts.
- Building trust: COGISTICS Transportation takes time to learn the specifics of each shipper, considering all the logistics from every angle and at each location. Extra thought and preparation on the front end help eliminate surprises and drive greater cohesion and efficiency. The results speak for themselves.
Effective Communication That Gets the Job Done
Logistics and transportation require consistent, clear communication to keep the wheels turning, move freight, and proactively reduce snafus. Any breakdown in the lines of communication can only spell trouble, resulting in costly delays.
COGISTICS Transportation, literally “collaborative logistics,” has this approach hard-wired into its DNA. Whether you’re moving freight by land, sea, or air, you can rest assured that a true partnership approach, backed by technology and matched to your needs, will surpass expectations. Contact us to learn more.
