Are you tired of spending countless hours manually planning your freight shipments? Look no further than a freight planning tool. With the right software, you can streamline your shipping needs and save time and money.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about freight planning tools. From their benefits to key features and top options on the market, we’ve got you covered.
Benefits of Using a Freight Planning Tool
Before we delve into the specifics of what makes a great freight planning tool, let’s first look at why it’s worth investing in one.
1. Time-Saving
Perhaps the most significant benefit of using a freight planning tool is the amount of time it can save you. Rather than manually inputting data, calculating rates, and creating shipping schedules, a freight planning tool automates these tasks for you. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your business while still ensuring your shipments are running smoothly.
2. Cost-Effective
By automating your shipping processes, you can also save money in the long run. A good freight planning tool will help optimize routes and identify cost-saving opportunities such as consolidating shipments or choosing more economical carriers.
3. Improved Accuracy
Manual processes are prone to human error. By using a freight planning tool, you can reduce the risk of mistakes in data entry or calculations. This means fewer headaches down the line and more reliable delivery times for your customers.
4. Enhanced Visibility
A quality freight planning tool will also provide greater visibility into your entire supply chain. You’ll be able to track shipments in real-time, receive alerts for any delays or issues, and have access to comprehensive reporting and analytics.
Key Features to Look for in a Freight Planning Tool
Now that we’ve established why a freight planning tool is worth investing in let’s take a closer look at what features make a great tool.
1. Carrier Integration
Make sure your freight planning tool integrates with the carriers you use. This will allow you to view rates and transit times from multiple carriers in one place, saving you time and effort.
2. Route Optimization
A good freight planning tool should be able to optimize routes based on factors such as cost, delivery time, and carrier capacity. This can lead to significant cost savings and faster delivery times.
3. Automated Scheduling
Manually scheduling shipments can be a time-consuming task. A freight planning tool that offers automated scheduling can take care of this for you, freeing up your time for other tasks.
4. Real-Time Tracking
Being able to track your shipments in real-time is crucial for managing your supply chain effectively. Look for a freight planning tool that offers comprehensive tracking capabilities across all stages of shipment.
5. Reporting and Analytics
Having access to detailed reporting and analytics can help you identify trends, spot areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions about your shipping operations.
Top Freight Planning Tools on the Market
Now that we’ve covered the key features to look for let’s take a look at some of the top freight planning tools available.
1. Descartes Aljex
Descartes Aljex is a cloud-based transportation management system that provides end-to-end functionality for brokers, 3PLs, and carriers. Its features include automated rating and carrier selection, load tendering, dispatching, real-time tracking, and more.
2. Oracle Transportation Management Cloud
Oracle Transportation Management Cloud is an enterprise-level software solution that offers advanced routing, mode selection, and optimization capabilities. It also includes real-time visibility into shipments and robust reporting and analytics features.
3. JDA Transportation Manager
JDA Transportation Manager is a comprehensive transportation management platform that offers route optimization, load consolidation, carrier selection, and more. It also includes real-time tracking capabilities and extensive reporting and analytics features.
4. FreightPOP
FreightPOP is a cloud-based freight management platform that offers automated rating, carrier selection, and shipment scheduling. It also includes real-time tracking and comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities.
5. Cerasis
Cerasis is a transportation management system that offers route optimization, carrier selection, load planning, and more. It also includes real-time tracking and reporting features, as well as integration with major carriers such as UPS and FedEx.
In conclusion, investing in a freight planning tool can provide significant benefits for your business. By automating your shipping processes, you can save time and money while improving accuracy and visibility into your supply chain.
When choosing a freight planning tool, look for key features such as carrier integration, route optimization, automated scheduling, real-time tracking, and reporting and analytics capabilities. With the right tool in place, you’ll be able to streamline your shipping needs and focus on growing your business.
References:
https://www.descartes.com/aljex-transportation-management-system-tms
https://www.oracle.com/transportation-management-cloud/
https://www.jda.com/solutions/transportation-management/
https://freightpop.com/features
https://cerasis.com/tms/
