From Port to Destination: Understanding the Role of Container Tracking

In the fast-paced world of global logistics, efficiency, real-time visibility, and continuous growth are key to staying competitive. As brokers continue to navigate the complex industry and supply chains, the ability to track container shipments- whether on land or sea- has become a function many desire and need. Container tracking is a game-changing technology set to alter the logistics environment.

What is container tracking?

Before exploring the relationship between FreightPath and container tracking, it is important to understand what it entails. Large shipping containers are the backbone of the logistics industry. Commonly, the containers are transported via land (truck) or sea (vessels) and, more often than not, are linked to one another. The ocean and land freight relationship exemplifies the need for a reliable and efficient container tracking system.

What is container tracking? It is the ability to track and trace a shipping container from start to finish using either an RFID chip or a beacon, providing the ability to monitor the movement of containers in real time. Tracking in real-time provides key members of the logistics operations with consistent and unparalleled insights into data related to the status and location of the shipment. Overall, this tracking type allows brokers to expand their supply chain and boost operational efficiency within a competitive market.

FreightPath and Container Tracking

Most logistics brokers rely upon a TMS to manage, track and process their trucking shipments. As the industry continues to grow, brokers want to expand their supply chain by branching out into another section of the industry: container shipping. With this being said, there is a need for a combination of a TMS platform and a container tracking system. In comes FreightPath. Our top-tier TMS includes a container-tracking integration with each subscription purchase. This integration allows involved parties the ability to track containers transported by vessel and truck. Container tracking not only allows supply chain growth but also enhances the value proposition to encourage internal growth within the business. Let's explore how this integration will help FreightPath users enhance their operations, grow their supply chain and boost their value proposition.

1. Real-time Visibility and Transparency: This feature of container tracking is one of the most beneficial. Through the use of RFID chips and beacons, container tracking allows all parties involved to track the shipment in real time from start to finish. This creates a full sense of transparency and builds trust for both the client and brokerage. It also aids in boosting a company's value proposition as it provides real-time data to help teams make decisions to optimize their operations. This data can relate to shipment delays, rerouting, changes in delivery windows and more. Having the ability to communicate this data internally and externally in real time helps the company build solid relationships and trust with each member of their supply chain. With this element of container tracking, FreightPath users can quickly respond to and solve problems related to the shipment in real time, building more customer loyalty and boosting their value proposition.
2. Market Expansion: Our container tracking integration automatically provides our users with the opportunity to grow into the ocean freight market and container shipping. As this integration is included with each of our subscription plans, brokers/ companies can branch into this market by accepting and sending out loads that include containers sent via vessel and truck. This provides our users the chance to connect with companies and teams outside their direct market, growing their supply chain and visibility within a new market. This aspect will not only grow their supply chain but also give FreightPath users the ability to grow their value proposition as they now can offer their clients real-time tracking on containers. With this integration, our users can present their clients with the ability to fully track their goods from start to finish and expand their market to include partnerships with companies in which goods and products are transported via containers. This market expansion is set to benefit multiple sectors of one's company.
3. Operational Efficiency and Optimization: The real-time data obtained from tracking these containers can help your team monitor routes, improve load management, and identify any bottlenecks in the supply chain. This information will allow brokers, drivers and carriers the chance to optimize their routes and schedules to minimize delays and extra costs, as they can now track the container from its original leaving port to its final destination, either completed by ship or truck. This helps build more efficient and streamlined operations as it provides the ability for FreightPath users to respond and communicate changes in real-time with each section of the supply chain, benefiting both the company and the client at the same time.

Improving your value proposition means embracing change and finding ways for growth within the industry. As the logistics industry is highly competitive, it is important to find ways to provide value to your customers that fits said changes. Growing alongside the industry is key, but that also means growing your value proposition to ensure that you retain and obtain clients. This container tracking integration does just that. Having the ability to grow your supply chain to cover both truck and vessel container shipments boosts your value proposition in a highly competitive market. Using our integration, your operations now have the chance to accept more shipments, accept a new form of shipment, and build your customer base, expanding your overall market. This aspect alone aids in reducing customer churn, which builds your company's value proposition significantly. Overall, this partnership between FreightPath TMS and our container tracking integration is set to help your operations boost efficiency, grow your market and client base, boost your value proposition and stay present in the market.

Key Features of the Container Tracking Integration

Now that we have outlined what container tracking is and its relationship with FreightPath, it is important to understand how it works within our TMS platform. FreightPath TMS has integrated with a container tracking system that allows our users the ability to obtain automated status updates, container visibility, and digital paperwork management for both truck and vessel container shipments. This integration offers your team GPS tracking and automated status notification for each container, all completed in one centralized platform and stored in the cloud. Here are the key features of FreightPath's container tracking:

1. Easy load tracking: Through the FreightPath Driver Mobile App, you can easily follow through with container tracking through our included integration.
2. Client tracking page: This feature helps brokers communicate directly with their clients. With a unique public online customer page, you can share container visibility with your clients. This promotes efficient communication between each party and makes the tracking process simple and user-friendly.
3. Status updates: Drivers can update the order team on the container status directly through their smartphones, making status updates easy and accessible.
4. Visual proof of delivery: This feature helps your team validate each stage of the delivery process. Through the FreightPath Driver Mobile App, your team can effortlessly upload visuals (images) to provide brokers and carriers with proof of delivery, proof of pick-up, and more.
5. Easily collect digital signatures: Our container tracking integration works seamlessly with our Driver Mobile App. Once the container has reached its final destination, our app allows your drivers to sign a proof of delivery through their smartphones with ease, saving time and quickening the transition process.
6. Cloud storage: One of the most beneficial features of our container tracking integration is the ability to store documents related to the shipment in a secure cloud. Upload and organize shipping documents from ports, carriers and customs brokers all in one centralized place that is secure and reliable.

The combination of these six features builds a strong and reliable container-tracking integration that all respective parties can use when dealing with vessel and truck shipments.

FreightPath TMS, accompanied by our integrated container tracking solution, provides your team with the ability to grow your supply chain, boost operational efficiency and build on your underlying value proposition. This function enables the ability to track, trace, accept and deliver containers via vessel and truck transportation. Integrated directly into our unique TMS, your operations are presented with the opportunity to move alongside the changing logistics industry. The benefits of container tracking are evident in this industry. Embrace it with FreightPath TMS.