Transportation logistics has played an integral role throughout history. In fact, the basis of logistics was developed by ancient Roman armies, who organized a supply networkOpens a new window of provisions and tools that allowed them to travel far distances efficiently. During the Industrial Revolution, logistics greatly advanced with the development of railroads and improved shipbuilding techniques. After World War II, modern logistics practices emerged as many businesses in the U.S. began to recognize the importance of logistics and how these methods help reduce costs and better serve customers.
Today, the logistics industry continues to evolve. With the integration of 21st-century technology, we’re in the process of realizing the full promise of the digital freight revolution.
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Advancements in Transportation Management Technology
At its core, the digital freight revolution is about streamlining the processes associated with freight management through the use of technology to match capacity with freightOpens a new window , provide visibility into the process, and implement a friction-free way to complete payments. With the right technology, transportation managementOpens a new window can be more efficient and effective.
I strongly believe technology has the potential to simplify transportation management and continuously improve efficiency, which was one of our founding principles over 15 years ago. Although the industry was tremendously fragmented at that time, companies like Echo have made a great deal of progress in using technology to streamline transportation management in the years since.
In our industry, we’re simplifying the freight marketplace with solutions that address shippers’ and carriers’ needs. Today, shippers can access self-service platforms like EchoShip to book freight online in just a few simple steps. Likewise, carriers can log in to web portals and mobile apps, such as EchoDrive®, to get real-time access to freight and find and book loads. These freight managementOpens a new window tools also provide simplified quoting, booking, tracking updates, payment tools, and custom integrations. This technology streamlines shippers’ and carriers’ workflows, allowing them more time to focus on their core businesses.
Integration via API and EDI is another way technology is streamlining transportation management. This capability enables the system-to-system transfer of data between 3PLsOpens a new window and shippers and carriers. API and EDI integration technology, like our EchoConnect solution, automates routine processes for both shippers and carriers, saving them time to concentrate on other priorities.
Furthermore, technology plays a key part in optimizing the performance of 3PL employees. At Echo, our EchoAccelerator proprietary architecture supports shipper, carrier, and managed transportation systems. By using enhanced workflows Opens a new window and the application of advanced data science, this technology helps our logistics specialists increase efficiency and productivity.
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Making the Digital Freight Revolution a Reality
Although many transportation management providers are already utilizing technology to integrate logistics processes for shippers and carriers, the industry as a whole still has room for further adoption of technology. As companies like Echo continue to leverage innovations in technology, the logistics space will become less fragmented and more efficient for shippers and carriers alike. In turn, the widespread use of these capabilities will allow more shippers and carriers to focus on their core businesses, leading to increased productivity.
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