The 5 Best Digital Tools to Deliver Great Service and Reduce Shipping Costs

Logistics professionals are all too familiar with the constant pressure to reduce costs, maintain efficiency and deliver excellent service to clients. It's a daily balancing act, and it's not set to get any easier in the remaining months of 2024, which where logistics management tools become even more essential.

The industry is changing quickly as a result of the ocean prices peaking early this year and the air freight rates remaining high due to China's e-commerce expansion. Q1 saw eight carriers report their highest operating margin since 2010, not counting the pandemic years , at the same time freight rates are at their highest levels post pandemic. ?

But with industry growth comes challenges, such as losing business due to high shipping costs. It's frustrating for freight forwarders to see potential clients walk away because of expenses that are challenging to control.

To support freight forwarders and logistics managers to optimise operations and reduce costs this week we discuss 5 digital logistics tools to reduce your shipping expenses, available from SeaRates.

1. Logistics Explorer

Spending hours comparing rates, via email, phone calls and on multiple different platforms should not be the reality for any logistics professionals today.? Logistics Explorer, is designed to show you available, reliable rates for all transportation modes worldwide. As you see the options in real-time, you are able to optimise your supply chain and book the best market offers in just a few clicks.

That's the power of using online logistics tools. It's not just about saving money; it's about building trust with clients by consistently delivering the most cost-effective solutions.

2. Container Tracking

Surprises usually mean extra costs, especially in logistics. The Container Tracking tool is your safeguard against unwelcome shocks. It provides real-time updates on your shipments, allowing you to spot potential issues before they escalate into costly problems.

Think about the last time a delayed shipment led to demurrage charges or a dissatisfied client. Web and API integration options provide the ability to proactively manage these situations and clients can check the shipment status directly on a freight forwarders website- great for customer retention.

3. Load Calculator

No-one wants to see underutilised container space. It's like watching money float away with every partly filled container. Load Calculator is a web-based application created to?optimise the stuffing of goods?inside a truck or container, tackling any space planning issues head-on.

By maximising every cubic inch of space, this tool can significantly reduce the number of containers needed, cutting container costs by as much as 10% or 20% – the kind of efficiency that can set a business apart in a competitive market. ?Better still, Load Calculator integrations offer?comprehensive loading planning?features, designed to save both time and space.

4. Distance and Time Calculator

What if there was an online tool that could give instant results on time, speed, and distance for goods by air, sea, rail, or road? The Distance and Time Calculator does exactly this and more, with a simplified mapping feature this is the easiest way to make shipping cost-effective. It's not just about finding the shortest route; it's about finding the smartest route.

This effective logistics planning tool offers a quick way to compare different options, factoring in transit times and potential delays, enabled informed decisions that balance cost savings with timely delivery – a combination that positively impacts customer satisfaction

5. Freight Index

One of the newest tools available, Freight Index (or FI) indicates daily real-time changes in the market rates for shipments by sea/air/land to a wide range of destinations worldwide. The user-friendly FI tool, provides access to the daily price index for container shipping, commercially determined freight rates from leading shipping companies and logistics providers.

With real industry visibility, freight forwarders can build credibility and trust. The FI tool features 70+ million data points, processing anonymised and combined data from carriers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, airlines, truckers, and other logistics providers. The premium subscription allows users to set up notifications to catch the best opportunities as well as offering handy chart visuals for quick reference. ?Real industry intel and lightening fast service enables users to remain competitive even in the most challenging market.

Final Thoughts

By leveraging SeaRates’ digital logistics tool suite, logistics managers are able to make data-driven decisions, to optimise every aspect of their operations, saving money but without compromising on service quality.

In an industry where margins are tight, these tools provide the edge many professionals are looking for to deliver outstanding value and service.

At SeaRates, we understand that in a fast-paced industry, you need access to digital tools on the go, wherever you are. That's why we've developed the SeaRates mobile application, available for download on both the Google Play Store and iOS App Store.

Remember, in the world of freight forwarding and logistics management, adaptability and efficiency are key. The impact of digital tools on logistics management can transform operations. By embracing these digital tools – whether through SeaRates.com, mobile app, or API integrations – your logistics business is positioned to stay ahead of the competition.