You're managing cross-border transportation services. How do you balance cost-effectiveness and quality?

When selecting an external carrier or subcontracting to a third party, there are inherent risks. Even for a specific country, multiple carriers might be needed. Cost-wise, evaluate their FTL and LTL distribution services, and whether they use their own vehicles or resell transport. Consider driver qualifications, language skills, Track & Trace capabilities, and transparency through onboard tech or apps. Reliable, clear communication builds trust, and successful deliveries enhance your company's reputation. Sometimes, paying more ensures better service, leading to positive reviews and attracting more customers.

Confiabilidade e Reputa??o: A reputa??o de uma transportadora é construída com base em sua capacidade de cumprir prazos e entregar mercadorias sem danos. Investigar o histórico da operadora, buscando referências de outros clientes e análises de desempenho, pode evitar surpresas desagradáveis. Transportadoras que consistentemente cumprem prazos e mantêm a integridade das cargas oferecem uma vantagem competitiva, mesmo que seus custos sejam um pouco mais elevados.

Negocia??o de Contratos: Contratos flexíveis s?o essenciais para lidar com a variabilidade na demanda de transporte. Ao negociar, busque cláusulas que permitam ajustes no volume e frequência das remessas, o que pode abrir espa?o para tarifas mais competitivas sem comprometer a qualidade. A flexibilidade contratual também permite que sua empresa se adapte rapidamente a mudan?as nas condi??es de mercado, mantendo o controle sobre os custos.

Optimal routing involves much more than just finding the shortest path. You must consider opening and closing times, emission zones, recipient preferences, and delivery appointments. These challenges necessitate advanced TMS software that can handle these calculations for you. The goal is to create the most efficient route with minimal empty kilometers. Networks and online transport markets have emerged, but there's still progress to be made. AI, combined with trust in collaboration, offers new possibilities. However, much work remains to be done in this area.

Route Optimization: Use route optimization tools to find the most efficient and cost-effective paths, taking into account fuel costs, tolls, border crossing times, and potential delays. Consolidation of Shipments: Consolidate smaller shipments into larger ones to reduce transportation costs and improve vehicle utilization.

Análise de Rotas: O estudo detalhado das rotas disponíveis, considerando n?o apenas a distancia, mas também o tempo de transito e possíveis desafios, como congestionamento nas fronteiras ou portos, é essencial. Ferramentas tecnológicas avan?adas, como software de simula??o de rotas, podem ajudar a prever e comparar diferentes cenários, permitindo decis?es informadas sobre qual rota escolher.

Combina??o de Modos de Transporte: Em muitos casos, a combina??o de diferentes modos de transporte (multimodalidade) é a chave para otimizar custos e tempos de entrega. Por exemplo, o uso de transporte marítimo para longas distancias e rodoviário para a última milha pode reduzir significativamente os custos enquanto ainda se cumpre o prazo de entrega desejado. A análise cuidadosa dos tempos de transbordo e o impacto no prazo final de entrega ajudam a garantir que a qualidade do servi?o seja mantida.

The greater your drop density, the easier it becomes to implement capacity planning, such as the solutions we offer. This allows you to optimize load and unload schedules on chosen days and times within specific areas. However, smaller carriers often rely on marketplaces to fill remaining capacity, which comes with drawbacks like low rates, reliability issues with unknown clients, and inaccurate data. A good TMS system helps, but to avoid margin losses on already low-yield shipments, we must think more strategically about how collaboration can drive further optimization.

Stay Updated on Regulations: Keep updated on the regulatory requirements of all countries involved, including customs duties, taxes, and documentation needs. This helps avoid unexpected costs and delays. Work with Experienced Brokers: Partner with customs brokers who are knowledgeable about cross-border regulations and can expedite customs clearance processes.

Choosing a TMS system is one thing, but many carriers underestimate the crucial time and effort required for proper setup to achieve optimal efficiency. The more data the TMS can utilize, the better the resulting routes will be. At MendriX, we ensure that every step in the transport process—from shipper to receiver, planner, and driver—is fully transparent and trackable in real-time. We assist planners in avoiding errors and making the right decisions, but this is only possible if all relevant data is provided.

Proactive Communication: Maintain open and proactive communication with customers regarding their shipment status, any potential delays, and alternative arrangements. Personalized Service: Offer customized solutions to meet the specific needs of different customers, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Customer service is rooted in complete transparency. If issues arise, inform the customer before they notice and immediately explain your solution. This enhances appreciation and leaves a positive impression despite the challenges. It's no longer just about the client, but the recipient's experience, which is now a key metric. Ensure a great experience with clear communication, attractive layouts, and precise time slots. We take it further in B2C deliveries by allowing recipients to choose delivery times, but within options that work best for the carrier. This ensures satisfaction for all parties: supplier, carrier, and recipient.