Use Cases

Freight Cost Optimization

Use Case:

ShippersEdge evaluates carrier options, transport modes (e.g. road, rail, air sea), and routes to find the most cost-effective method of transport. This involves comparing carrier rates and/or adjusting transportation modes based on shipment requirements (e.g. shifting from air to ground when transit time allows).

Benefit:

• Cost Savings: By choosing the optimal combination of carrier, mode, and route, clients reduce their freight costs. This optimization is based on variables like rates, fuel surcharges, and potential accessorial fees.
• Time Efficiency: Automated carrier selection reduces the time spent on manual comparisons and negotiations.
• Scalability: This becomes particularly valuable as shipment volumes grow and manual selection processes become too cumbersome.

Route Optimization

Use Case:

ShippersEdge analyzes various routes to determine the most efficient path for deliveries based on parameters like traffic, fuel efficiency, delivery windows, and distance. It can also factor in multi-stop deliveries to minimize the total travel time and mileage.

Benefit:

• Reduced Transit Time: Optimized routes decrease the time it takes to complete deliveries, improving delivery speed and customer satisfaction.
• Fuel Efficiency: By minimizing unnecessary mileage and optimizing routes, clients save on fuel, which directly reduces operating costs.
• Improved Asset Utilization: Better route planning ensures trucks are utilized to their full capacity, potentially reducing the need for extra vehicles or trips.

Carrier Selection & Tendering



Use Case:

ShippersEdge automatically tenders shipments to a predefined pool of carriers based on factors like cost, performance (on-time delivery, rates, claims, etc.), and availability. This can involve real-time bidding (spot market), automated tender acceptance, or dynamic carrier assignments.

Benefit:

• Consistency and Quality: Ensures the best carriers are selected based on predefined criteria (e.g., reliability, cost, insurance, compliance), ensuring service quality.
• Operational Efficiency: Reduces the time spent manually selecting carriers and handling negotiations, which speeds up the tendering process.
• Reduced Costs: Automated carrier selection ensures that the company is always getting competitive rates and terms.

Load Consolidation



Use Case:

ShippersEdge identifies opportunities to consolidate multiple shipments, optimizing the load on each truck. Instead of sending multiple LTL or partially filled trucks, ShippersEdge combines shipments headed to nearby destinations or on similar routes, reducing the number of trucks on the road.

Benefit:

• Cost Reduction: Consolidating shipments lowers the number of trucks required, reducing total transportation costs (e.g., fuel, labor, equipment).
• Sustainability: Fewer trucks mean lower emissions, which is increasingly important for companies with sustainability goals.
• Capacity Optimization: Maximizes truckload efficiency, utilizing the full weight and volume capacity of each vehicle.

Dock Scheduling

Use Case:

ShippersEdge dock scheduling module allows warehouse managers to efficiently plan the loading and unloading of trucks at all facilities. It considers the availability of personnel, equipment, and dock space to prevent bottlenecks and reduce waiting times.

Benefit:

• Reduced Dwell Time: Minimizes the time that trucks spend waiting at docks, reducing demurrage and detention fees.
• Improved Warehouse Efficiency: Optimized scheduling ensures that dock workers and equipment (e.g., forklifts) are utilized efficiently, improving overall warehouse productivity.
• Reduced Congestion: By scheduling trucks in a staggered manner, the risk of congestion at loading docks is reduced.

Shipment Tracking & Visibility



Use Case:

ShippersEdge offers real-time tracking and visibility of shipments throughout the transportation lifecycle. This includes monitoring the location, status, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) of shipments, providing updates to both shippers and customers.

Benefit:

• Increased Customer Satisfaction: Real-time updates improve communication with customers, giving them better visibility into shipment statuses.
• Proactive Issue Resolution: The ability to monitor shipments in real-time allows logistics managers to address delays, rerouting, or other issues before they escalate.
• Enhanced Security: Tracking can help reduce the risk of lost or stolen goods, particularly for high-value shipments.

Automated Freight Auditing



Use Case:

ShippersEdge automates the auditing of freight invoices to ensure that carriers are charging the correct amounts. ShippersEdge compares invoices against contracted rates, fuel surcharges, and accessorial charges to identify discrepancies.

Benefit:



• Error Reduction: Automation catches invoicing errors, ensuring that companies aren’t overcharged or charged for services not rendered.
• Cost Savings: Correcting overcharges or misapplied fees can result in significant savings, especially for high-volume shippers.
• Efficiency: Automating the audit process reduces the labor and time involved in manually checking and reconciling freight bills.

Integration with ERP / WMS

Use Case:

ShippersEdge integrates seamlessly with client's existing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and/or WMS (Warehouse Management System) to streamline order processing, inventory management, and shipping. This creates a single, unified platform for managing end-to-end supply chain processes.

Benefit:

• Increased Efficiency: By automating data exchange between their ERP and ShippersEdge, clients reduce the need for manual entry, minimizing errors and delays.
• Better Decision-Making: Integration allows for real-time access to data, providing managers with a comprehensive view of orders, and shipments.
• Faster Fulfillment: Streamlined processes lead to faster order-to-shipment cycles, improving customer satisfaction.

Compliance & Documentation



Use Case:

ShippersEdge helps clients manage the complex regulatory requirements of shipping, particularly for international or hazardous goods. It automatically generates and stores necessary documents such as bills of lading, packing lists, labels and customs declarations.

Benefit:

• Reduced Risk of Penalties: Ensuring compliance with trade, safety, and environmental regulations helps companies avoid fines, delays, and other legal consequences.
• Streamlined Documentation: Automating documentation processes saves time and reduces errors associated with manual entry.
• Better Record Keeping: Digital storage of shipping documents ensures that records are easily retrievable for audits or inspections.

Analytics & Reporting



Use Case:

ShippersEdge provides detailed reporting on various transportation KPIs, such as freight spend, carrier performance, on-time deliveries, and shipment volumes. Clients use this data to generate reports tailored to specific needs, such as cost analysis by region, carrier, or product type.

Benefit:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Access to detailed analytics allows companies to make informed decisions regarding carrier selection, contract negotiations, and transportation strategies.
• Cost Management: By identifying trends in freight spend and performance, clients can find opportunities to reduce costs or improve service.
• Improved Operational Performance: Monitoring KPIs enables continuous improvement in transportation efficiency and service levels.