Companies that work across multiple geographies around the world have complicated logistics. In this QAD Precision Report we look at how multi carrier shipping software helps global enterprises to control shipping costs and improve customer service. 

When a company works across multiple countries and locations, logistics can become very complicated. In order to meet customer demands for on-time delivery, many companies partner with a single global carrier. If centrally managed, this has its advantages, including volume discounts.

Far more likely is that each region or office negotiates its own contract with a carrier or carriers. Each carrier will have its own rules, pricing structure, labeling requirements and so forth. 

As a result, shipping data will be spread across multiple systems. Without centralized control and standardized transportation procedures, shipping costs are difficult to track. 

Furthermore, the customer service experience may be completely different depending on where the customer is located. In order to access the best shipping rates, whether shipping internationally or domestically, global companies should consider a multi carrier shipping solution.

This allows a company access to a global network of multiple carriers. In addition, companies can leverage specialized carriers, where needed. Furthermore, with multi carrier shipping, enterprises have more options when capacity is tight.

Here we outline 4 benefits of multi carrier shipping software for global manufacturers.

Greater Visibility and Control

Global enterprises using multi carrier shipping software can track every package, with any carrier, from a centralized portal. This includes tracking information for both inbound and outbound shipments, across different modes of transport, whether domestic or international. This maximizes visibility. Logistics managers can see what is happening with all shipments at a glance.

Furthermore, multi carrier shipping solutions with exception alerts will inform staff if a delivery is at risk of missing its delivery deadline. As a result, personnel can take proactive measures to correct this.

Greater visibility increases customer satisfaction and a company’s reputation. Poor communication around delivery is frustrating for your customers. This is particularly so if your customer’s customer is left waiting.

Get the Best Rates and Service Levels

A multi carrier shipping platform allows companies to save time and money. Instead of relying on a single carrier, logistics managers can quickly compare carriers to get the lowest rate to meet the delivery deadline.

Even if a company is only using two or three carriers in the multi carrier solution, this still saves money. The solution can also shop between different carrier services. This way a company can save money. For example, by choosing a ground service that will meet the delivery date, instead of an expedited and more expensive air service.

This process can be automated. The system will automatically route parcels to the lowest cost carrier that can meet the delivery deadline.

Automate Documentation

Getting your goods from A to B requires a lot more than printing a shipping label. International shipments in particular require a ton of documentation. Without this, your goods are likely to be held up in customs.

Companies can automate documentation production with multi carrier shipping solutions to streamline the shipping process.

Standardized Shipping

When an organization can standardize their shipping processes it becomes significantly easier to manage carriers and control costs. Companies have a much greater understanding of their transportation costs. This allows them to cut unnecessary freight costs and maverick spending.

Organizations with standard and repeatable processes can create global shipping plans. This in turn unlocks logistics ROI. Every cent spent on transportation benefits the bottom line.

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Further Reading

UNDERSTANDING HOW PACKAGE CONSOLIDATION WORKS

3 MINUTE EXPLAINER: WHAT IS MULTI CARRIER SHIPPING SOFTWARE?

TRANSPORTATION EXECUTION: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE EU AND US