It's All About Who You Know

It’s been said that it isn’t what you know, but who you know that counts. Being part of a network broadens the market reach of any carrier company and makes its service more valuable to shippers.

Entrepreneurs are an independent breed by nature and tend to avoid being grouped together. However, savvy business people know that networking can create a lot of synergy to help them grow their company. Many of them probably participate in personal networking groups and various forms of social media to build their businesses, but they may be overlooking the benefits of leveraging their operations technology to gain access to an already powerful network.

More Than Just Technology

Unless a carrier runs on custom made courier software and has no need to connect with partners and customers, they are already part of a network that brings together all the users of that product or service. The combined power of all those users on a single platform can be a force for growth. The question becomes how to leverage that power and turn it into a value proposition for the end customer.

Shippers are often forced to deal with a variety of data feeds and types. They must utilize a diverse group of couriers and truckers to help them move their goods to market in a cost-effective manner. Unfortunately, this also means they have to go to great lengths to consolidate performance data and manage their carriers.

The Power of the Network

The power of any network is the strength of its common connections. If a courier company fully utilizes the communication capability of their courier software to manage EDI exchanges with shippers, they are accessing the technical power of the network. Their shipper customers recognize the advantage in dealing with a service provider who can provide a consistent, unified and reliable flow of data.

But when those owners wisely select courier software that provides a common platform for a broad group of carriers, they can leverage that physical network to drive connections to new shippers and new streams of revenue. Their customers prefer to work with proven technology and the carrier who possesses the right tools will find that they enjoy a certain preference from new or prospective shippers.

As with most things in business, technology is about who you know. Explore the many courier software options carefully and make sure the one you select will deliver all the networking power a growing company needs.

Tough Times Call for Smart Technology

Tough economic times are forcing businesses everywhere to take drastic measures to cut costs. When it comes to running your expedited delivery business, bottom line profitability is what really matters. If you’re searching for ways to trim away the fat and ride out the economic downturn, investing in courier software technology could be the cost effective solution you need to improve efficiency today and prepare for future growth as the recovery takes shape.

Increase Operational Efficiency with Courier Software

Implementing courier and dispatch technology streamlines the entire delivery process from order entry through dispatch and right through the billing process. For example, courier software provides convenient, low cost communication options like sending SMS text messages directly to a driver’s phone. One big problem faced by courier companies is the miscommunication that results when dispatchers try to manually relay messages to drivers. Lost time, productivity and profits are often the result. Mobile communication technology keeps drivers connected so that important data is immediately transmitted and jobs can be updated even while the driver is already en route. Courier software and dispatch software provide the tools your staff needs to save precious time and provide better customer service.

Tracking Means Transparency

Modern courier software operates the same way you run your business—in real time. Your customers want to track their own shipments and they demand complete accountability. Barcode scanning capability is expected along with online proof of delivery (POD). It isn’t enough to have any old system these days. If you and your customers can’t interactively manage the shipping process, you don’t have the tools you need to survive. In fact, holding on to older technology can actually cost you more than making the move to a more modern system. Investing in advanced technology saves on overhead costs now, but it saves even more money in the long run.

Reducing costs during these tough economic times may seem like a financial stretch, but can you afford to let the opportunity for a better future just pass by? Taking the necessary steps to stay ahead of the technology curve (and your competition) is the smart investment for your business.

Should Your Business Be Up in the Cloud?

These days you often hear about companies making the shift to doing business “in the cloud.” Such advanced web-based technology allows users to access important information anytime, anywhere. Expedited delivery companies are finding this technology to be especially useful. With cloud-based courier software, their authorized users can access their logistics operations system from any computer with a web browser.

Cost Effective Solution

Cloud computing software provides its users with a predictable operating cost. A fixed monthly fee typically includes technical support, upgrades and maintenance. All of the upkeep is handled by the software vendor so the user can focus on his or her core business instead of maintaining hardware and updating software.

It’s Clearer in the Cloud

Operating in the cloud opens a business up to so many possibilities. Accessing important logistics data is as simple as logging on to a website or remote server. The cloud-based solution provides carriers and shippers the ability to access important information 24/7 without being limited to a specific platform, operating system or hardware system. They have instant access to pertinent information about shipments, proof of delivery, time in transit and control of high-value or potentially dangerous goods. Every time a shipment or package passes through the various points in the delivery chain, vital information is collected and becomes almost instantly available for viewing.

Up to the Minute Information

For couriers and other expedited carriers, the focus is on time. Getting shipments to their intended recipient requires that real-time data move right along with the packages they are transporting. Shippers, distribution centers and drivers rely on access to timely information in order to expedite the delivery process. The ability to access this information via the cloud results in operational efficiency and improved cost management. The right courier software can significantly improve tracking efficiency and reduce the incidence of lost, stolen and misdirected packages. The ability to deliver time-sensitive packages efficiently is essential in order for courier companies to remain competitive.

Technology has also leveled the playing field for courier companies looking for ways to expand into new markets. Doing business in the cloud makes it easier for independent carriers to provide both the service and visibility that their customers demand