When it comes to shipping freight, there are two main options: digital freight providers or traditional freight providers. Here’s a look at the differences between these two types of providers and what you should consider when choosing one.
Digital freight providers offer a more streamlined and efficient way to ship freight, using technology to connect shippers with carriers. This type of freight shipping option has seen a lot of growth in the last few years, with digital freight companies working to create freight technology that is easier for carriers and shippers to use and is paperless, streamlined, and time-efficient.
Traditional freight providers are more established, using tried-and-true methods including phone calls and faxes. Traditional freight companies, such as brokers, rely on relationships among their select carriers to provide shipping options that can be more limited than digital freight forwarding platforms with larger databases.
There are pros and cons to both digital and traditional providers. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing which type of provider is right for you.
Price
Traditional freight providers need a percentage of the payment for the work and man-hours they are investing into finding a carrier and managing a particular shipment. That’s where hidden fees accumulate when going with a traditional freight provider or a broker. Digital freight providers can be more cost-effective and faster, and not only save you money upfront but also over time. Applications and platforms, like Freightnav, reach thousands of carriers at the click of a button.
Speed
Digital freight providers often process shipments faster than traditional freight providers. The freight industry has seen major improvements thanks to software programs that help automate paperwork and increase supply chain efficiency.
Ease of use
Digital freight providers are often easier to use, with user-friendly websites and apps. Digital freight systems keep track of everything about a particular shipment including bills, rates, transactions, and the drivers. These are all easily accessible within the application and use GPS and Live Mapping Systems to keep track of all freight shipments in real-time.
Relationship building
Traditional freight providers rely on relationships with their own carriers, which can be limited, but this can be beneficial for shippers looking for specific freight options. In a digital freight system or freight forwarding platform the process is less hands on, and you can select available carriers and view competing quotes inside the application before making your selection.
If you’re unsure which type of freight provider is right for you, it’s best to schedule a demo with our team, who can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. Getting started with FreightNav is easy – all you need is a computer with an internet connection. Simply click here and follow the instructions to get started.
Digital Freight Providers are the way of the future
A digital freight provider is much more cost-effective and environmentally friendly for both the shipper and carrier. There are many benefits to using this tech based method, including improved speed of freight tracking. A shipment is posted by a shipper, and all the carriers are notified via email and text, and they have the opportunity to send that shipper a quote if they have the availability. When the quotes are ready, which happens in a matter of minutes, the shipper can log in and select their preferred carrier(s).
Benefits of Digital Freight
Freight software can offer a range of benefits for freight customers, which include:
– Reduced freight costs because of multiple quotes on each shipment
– More efficient freight management
– More accurate, and quicker access, to freight rates
– Reduced time spent on manual entry: it only takes a few minutes to post a shipment
– Improved freight tracking: the freight software provides shippers with the latest information on the status of their freight shipments
Digital freight providers have revolutionized the industry because they offer a more efficient and cost-effective way to ship. Freight forwarding software helps plan routes, track freight automatically, and calculate shipping costs. Digital freight providers and freight forwarding platforms are quickly becoming the preferred choice for shipping freight. They offer a more efficient and cost-effective service than traditional freight providers. This makes going digital the best option for businesses of all sizes. If you are looking for a more efficient and cost-effective way to ship, then consider using digital freight software like Freightnav.