In a fluctuating economy, Shippers and 3PLs are seeking new ways to save time and money in their shipping operations. Arguably the best way to do so is having the ability to compare over-the-road (OTR) shipping modes to make practical choices when it comes to shipping freight.
The most similar of all of the OTR modes is less-than-truckload (LTL) and parcel, which can make it difficult to choose between the two. Typically for shipping larger items, LTL is your best option especially if you have a high volume of small packages going to the same destination. For smaller packages that don’t have special shipping requirements, parcel is more cost-effective than LTL due to the higher volume of packages making their way through the carrier’s network.
However, there other things to consider when determining which mode is best for your shipments, like transit time, accessorial needs, damage risk, lane discounts, destination, and carrier performance. As the supply chain evolves, there may be other factors to consider when deciding which mode is best for each shipping scenario.
The best way to determine the right mode for your shipments? Partnering with a software solution that allows you to rate and compare all OTR shipping modes from a single screen – from parcel to full truckload.
Why Partnerships Matter
Parcel shipping is an essential component of any business’s supply chain. It’s crucial to have reliable partners that can help ensure your OTR shipment arrives in a timely manner. That’s why partnering with the right technology company is so important.
Transportation management software has made it easier than ever for companies to get the most out of their shipping services. From tracking packages in real-time to seamlessly integrating with existing systems, modern parcel shipping solutions are designed to help streamline operations and minimize errors.
By partnering with a reliable and experienced parcel shipping software provider, companies can access the latest technologies that help them deliver goods faster and more efficiently, such as:
- Comparing mode rates to ship your parcel
- Understanding international shipping options
- Accessing specialized transportation networks
- Real-time tracking and visibility
- Dedicated customer support
- And more!
Ultimately, by developing a mutually beneficial partnership, businesses can make sure their parcel shipping solutions are optimized for their specific needs. Whether you’re sending a small package or a large shipment, a trusted partner can help you get it there on time and within budget.
Big Data and Analytics
In the modern world of parcel shipping, big data and analytics have become increasingly important. With the aid of transportation management software, companies can identify areas where improvements can be made in their supply chain and track the efficiency of their shipping services.
By analyzing large amounts of data, companies can gain valuable insights into how their shipping operations can be improved and how they can best optimize their resources. Additionally, data can help companies analyze the costs associated with different shipping services and determine which shipping modes are the most cost-effective. This helps businesses save money on shipping expenses while providing an efficient and reliable service to their customers.
Automation
Automation provides improved efficiency in all stages of parcel shipping, from sorting and loading packages to routing and delivery. Shipping can be automated to reduce manual labor, optimize the package-tracking process, and create a streamlined experience for customers. Streamlining your parcel process not only enhances operational efficiency, it also helps:
- Improve customer satisfaction
- Provide real-time updates on package status
- Reduce the risk of lost or damaged items
- Improve overall visibility
- Improve communication with Carriers
- Provide better route optimization
Technology is the key to cost-effective OTR shipping. By streamlining the process, automation helps to ensure that parcels reach their destinations on time, while big data gives you the insight you need to make better business decisions including helping to determine which mode makes the most sense for your shipments – LTL or parcel.
Banyan Technology's End-to-End Parcel Solution
Partnerships with like-minded organizations help power Banyan Technology’s expanded Parcel solution to augment our LIVE Connect™ software. By capitalizing on our extensive history and first-to-market approach for transportation management solutions and API connectivity for less-than-truckload (LTL), Truckload and Local Carrier, Banyan has developed an end-to-end OTR shipping solution.
Enhancing our software through valued partnerships has given Banyan’s clients access to all OTR shipping modes on a single screen within LIVE Connect. With access to 3x more carriers than any other provider, including more than 10,000 Local Carrier assets and drivers in the U.S. and Canada, clients can easily utilize solutions for LTL, Truckload, Local Carrier and Parcel within Banyan’s LIVE Connect platform to rate, schedule, and track shipments in real-time.
Contact Banyan Technology today to learn how advancements in Banyan Technology’s LIVE Connect™ software can help determine the best mode for your shipments.
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