For the majority of freight shipments, standard transit times are good enough to keep the flow of goods moving so business operations are maintained. However, companies often lean on expedited transportation for a variety of reasons. It could be that:
- A previous order was delayed or sent to the wrong place.
- A customer has ordered a rush job.
- Poor inventory management has created a crisis.
- A demand spike necessitates overnight delivery of a critical part.
Regardless of the reason, expedited transportation cannot happen effectively without a high degree of visibility into each shipment: the ETA, location at each scan, weather, etc. Visibility and tracking are always important, but never more so than for these types of urgent shipments.
Technology Enhances Real-Time Tracking
Fortunately, advances in tracking technology have made it easier to gain real-time visibility into freight shipments, enabling a higher degree of accuracy. Many 3PL solution providers and freight forwarders have invested heavily in tools to improve tracking, visibility, and communication on every shipment.
This includes live status updates by email and text, with links to a dashboard that provides access to important freight documentation. On expedited shipments, your logistics provider should be ready to set in motion a contingency plan to address delays and be quickly accessible by phone.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also being used to improve communication between logistics providers and shippers. Large language models can be trained to determine whether an incoming email is about shipment status, a pickup appointment, or a quote request and route it accordingly.
In its annual “State of Logistics Report,” the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) listed end-to-end supply chain visibility and AI as two of the three areas of investment to address future disruption and create competitive advantage, along with automation.
Expedited Transportation: Getting It There Fast
Expedited freight shipping is a premium service that prioritizes speed, often involving direct routes and minimal stops to reduce transit time. It can utilize air, ground, or a combination of both to achieve the fastest possible delivery. The higher price tag is due to the added resources and priority handling involved.
Expedited shipments are critical due to their time-sensitive nature and the high stakes associated with delays. Common examples include:
- Perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals.
- Emergency medical supplies.
- Disaster relief.
- Manufacturing parts for business continuity.
- Meeting customer order deadlines.
The stakes are high when it comes to expedited shipments: the potential for financial loss, production disruption, and damage to customer relationships.
In expedited shipping, data flows from order to driver arrival, pickup confirmation, location updates, arrival, and confirmation of delivery. If it’s an international shipment, it goes from airport or port delivery, freight acceptance, plane/ship loaded, entry document notifications, etc. Real-time tracking and visibility provide continuous updates, enabling better coordination, timely interventions, and informed decision-making for shippers and customers.
Risks of Poor Visibility With Expedited Freight
Expedited freight without real-time tracking carries significant risks. A lack of visibility leads to poor coordination and delays. Without precise tracking, dispatchers and drivers can face extended downtimes and be unable to anticipate or respond quickly to issues. This results in poor resource allocation, with assets either overutilized or underutilized, adding to costs and missed delivery windows.
Late deliveries erode customer trust and damage relationships, especially with businesses dependent on the timely arrival of critical goods. The result is severed contracts, negative reviews and word of mouth, and loss of future opportunities.
The financial implications are also substantial. Losses can pile up through paying for idle resources (workers, assets) or rescheduled production runs. Without real-time tracking and visibility, unforeseen delays result in higher costs for expedited shipping and penalties, as last-minute adjustments come at a premium.
Benefits of Real-Time Visibility In Expedited Transportation
Real-time visibility ensures readiness at the receiving end of an expedited delivery. This allows them to prepare in advance for incoming shipments, optimizing the receiving and unloading process. Delays are minimized, there is less idle time, and resources aren’t wasted, improving supply chain efficiency.
Better on-time delivery rates and cost savings are two main benefits of real-time tracking for expedited transportation. The precision it enables reduces the risk of missed deadlines, penalties, and rescheduling fees. Optimized asset management leads to greater efficiency. Customer satisfaction grows as delivery reliability and transparency increase, building trust and encouraging repeat business.
Expedited Shipping Calls For Greater Visibility
At some point, most businesses will need to rely on expedited shipping to handle time-sensitive/time-definite deliveries, and real-time tracking and visibility are crucial for their success. This helps ensure timely deliveries, optimized resource allocation, continuous updates, and swift responses to issues. Investing in advanced tracking and partnering with a reliable logistics provider can significantly improve operational efficiency.
COGISTICS Transportation, a leading provider of 3PL solutions, has an integrated network, advanced technology, and 24/7 on-demand expertise to help ensure accurate, timely, expedited shipments. COGISTICS Transportation also provides a comprehensive range of logistics services across land, air, and sea freight operations. We have the skills, experience, and connections to execute your transportation plan, providing a high degree of visibility and communication. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our expedited freight services.
