# The Beginner’s Guide to Utilizing Technology for Freight Visibility and Efficient Shipping
Freight visibility is an essential factor in the success of any shipping business. It not only updates all stakeholders about the flow of goods in the supply chain but also reduces the risk of delays, shows opportunities for improvement, and ensures successful transactions. However, traditional freight visibility methods can be costly and inefficient. Logistics managers often face challenges such as malfunctions, human error, and unaccountable events. Without tools to manage these factors, shipment tracking becomes difficult, leading to inaccurate inventory counts, high costs, and challenges in maintaining accountability.
Fortunately, technology has significantly improved freight visibility in recent years and introduced state-of-the-art hardware and software into common logistics operations. In this blog post, we will discuss how technology improves freight visibility and the advantages of using various technologies for efficient shipping.
## Understanding Technology’s Role in Freight Visibility
### Load Board Technology
During peak seasons and busy times like holidays, some companies may overbook by accepting as many shipments as possible, hoping to maximize profits. However, this strategy can backfire, leading to delays and missed deadlines. To avoid overbooking trucks and trailers, load board technology is the solution. This technology allows shipment planners to view carrier locations, in-transit time, and proximity to the next stop and helps them plan their shipping routes accordingly.
### Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
The risk of cargo theft is always present during freight shipping. To address these incidents efficiently and quickly, it’s essential to track shipments in real-time. This is where RFID comes in, allowing shippers to monitor every process, from loading to drop-off. It helps them respond to theft attempts before they can fully harm shipments. Shippers can also set up email alerts for each order to know precisely when a package will be delivered.
### Vehicle Tracking Systems
Fleet managers can reroute trucks based on traffic patterns to avoid jams and schedule routine maintenance by tracking past refueling dates. Vehicles tracking systems help prevent breakdowns on the road, which eventually cuts operating costs.
### Global Positioning System (GPS)
Today, with GPS, shippers can get accurate information about the location of their fleet and goods. They can send real-time updates to their customers about the status of their goods in transit. This feature assures customers that their products will be delivered on time.
## Maximizing Shipping Routes
Shipping routes are the backbone of any supply chain, and the ability to optimize shipping routes can help shippers reduce costs and secure their clients’ satisfaction. Real-time tracking software can predict delays and congestion, allowing shippers to avoid detours or having to reroute shipments unnecessarily. It also provides historical data about different routes and shows which ones are cost-effective for specific deliveries.
## Enhancing Safety Standards
The technological advancements that have improved freight visibility have significantly increased the safety and security of crew members and truckers. By reducing margins of failure, improving work efficiency, and enhancing protective protocols, logistics workers enjoy a better working environment.
## Conclusion
Freight visibility is critical in the success of shipping businesses. Technology has dramatically improved freight visibility, introducing state-of-the-art hardware and software into common logistics operations. Shippers can now use various technologies such as load board, RFID, vehicle tracking systems, GPS, and real-time tracking software to enhance their shipping efficiency. With freight visibility solutions such as these, shippers can easily track and manage shipments, reduce costs, optimize shipping routes, and ensure the safety of their employees and goods.
