Efficient logistics management helps businesses skyrocket in the current eCommerce landscape.
The potential to handle large volumes of orders and deliver them on time to customers is a priority task. It becomes difficult to run logistics operations after a point without multi-carrier shipping software.
A multi-carrier shipping software (MCSS) helps streamline logistics operations. They help reduce time & effort for enterprises to run their networks smoothly.
The MCSS has several advantages and benefits. Let us dive deeper into its purpose in driving business scalability.
What is a Multi-carrier shipping software?
A multi-carrier shipping software is a shipment allocation and monitoring platform for eCommerce businesses.
You can generate AWB (Airway bill), track shipments, and manage transit times. You can view your order information, access data, and analytics, and keep an eye on relevant fulfillment metrics.
A multi-carrier software seamlessly integrates with your operational workflows and offers reliable customer support. It offers the best shipping rates from several carriers and chooses the best one for your business.
Benefits of Multi-carrier shipping software
A multi-carrier software is imperative for businesses to beat their competitors. Here are the benefits of a multi-carrier shipping software.
1) Regulation & Compliance Automation
Regulations and compliances are mandatory rules and safety standards to safeguard customers and business outputs.
They ensure a seamless journey of the package through complex processes and networks. An MCSS accurately automates the regulation and compliance of a business to operate successfully.
Meeting the industry standards and regulatory requirements can save its efforts from expensive penalties and prevent delays.
For example, the MCSS can simplify compliance complexities through knowledge integration of business rules and country-specific terms.
2) Low cost and efficiency
Businesses face budget constraints for managing multiple 3PLs (Third-party Logistics) partners. A multi-carrier logistics system helps you shortlist the most cost-effective carriers and options for your parcels.
Small and mid-level businesses looking for low-cost shipping solutions can benefit from the MCSS.
Also, the software reduces the need for expensive options and helps you meet customer expectations. It allows you to focus on other relevant investments for your business and achieve good overall value for money.
3) Improved Scalability
The MCSS is a boon for your business scalability by streamlining all operations. The software helps identify the areas of improvement and improved shipping processes.
You can also compare delivery times and rates to select the best option for your customers. The software reduces overall shipping costs.
In addition, businesses can proactively communicate with consumers and logistics partners and provide accurate delivery estimates. You can analyze and ship large order volumes for individual logistics partners.
4) Order tracking and shipping management
Order tracking and shipping management are the most integral parts of shipping logistics. Businesses can compete by offering robust shipping management solutions and maximizing efficiency.
It has advanced tracking systems like RFID and GPS to inform customers about their orders in real-time.
Another advantage of the advanced order-tracking capabilities of the software is to increase retention rates and keep their customers satisfied. The two popular options for order tracking are integrated and built-in order tracking.
5) Reduces disruptions and delays
Once the order is out, customers expect it on or before the EDD (Estimated Delivery Date), and businesses have to be on time.
A successful business must avoid disruptions and delays and keep its customers happy. The shipping software manages your shipments within a single dashboard and reduces potential disruptions.
For example, if your order is not on time due to an unexpected situation, the business keeps you updated about its delay. It informs you about the rescheduled time or date of delivery.
Businesses can think long-term with this software and improve order visibility up to the last mile of the delivery.
6) One platform for all
The multi-carrier shipping software is a one-for-all system that benefits small, medium, and sizable enterprises in many useful ways. It provides a single dashboard with several shipping management systems.
It creates a fruitful experience for customer visibility and transparency. From data analytics to carrier allocations, multi-carrier shipping software has you covered.
ClickPost is a multi-carrier logistics intelligence platform that helps you streamline your logistics operations. The software effectively manages and monitors shipments.
It handles last-mile deliveries and reduces non-delivery reports on a unified dashboard. ClickPost offers several APIs for each shipment activity. It simplifies the overall complexities in the logistics workflow.
Points to consider for maximum scalability by Multi-carrier shipping software
Maximum scalability is achieved when a business utilizes the maximum potential of multi-carrier shipping software. Here are a few things to consider for optimal business scalability.
1) Multi-carrier integration
Multi-carrier integration is an excellent logistics solution that empowers medium and large businesses. It empowers their network for efficient shipping.
The multi-carrier integration technology enables you to pick and choose the best carrier for specific tasks.
For example, return orders are assigned to the carrier performing returns better than the others. The task is suggested to a hyperlocal delivery expert who carries out last-mile deliveries.
ClickPost’s multi-carrier integration API connects you with more than 650 carriers worldwide and streamlines your supply chain operations. Auto-assign carriers according to analytical data, get real-time status through customized notifications, and improve customer experience.
2) User-friendly Interface
The logistics software offers a user-friendly interface to manage your shipping needs effectively. You can access every feature within an intuitive dashboard and manage all your shipments smoothly.
A user-friendly multi-carrier integration software is easy to use, requiring less effort and time.
In a nutshell, multi-carrier logistics software can drive your business forward with its ready-to-integrate functionalities. You can get started with it after learning from a quick demo. An easy-to-use interface is a turnaround factor in business scalability.
3) Data analytics and insights
Getting a grip on data is a tedious and complex task that takes time and professional expertise. It needs accurate data analytics and competitive insights to determine further business performance.
Accurate logistics identifies and reduces the inefficiencies in your logistics operations. A multi-carrier shipping software fetches industry data, business insights, and performance metrics. It performs competitor analysis to keep you ahead of the competition.
Robust APIs within the software sorts your inventory levels, quality issues, transportation, and delivery times. Businesses can utilize data analytics and customer insights for demand/supply planning and other strategic decision-making.
4) Uninterrupted customer support
Good customer support is a priority for businesses to stand out and boost their brand image. Customer reviews and feedback are crucial for the enterprise to improve its products and services.
The logistics software offers excellent customer support to address issues and doubts regarding logistics. They are available through various channels including chat, emails, and calls.
While choosing a carrier or multi-carrier shipping software, businesses pay heed to uninterrupted customer support. A superior customer experience is a must and it plays a vital role in the overall success of a business.
5) Returns Management
Managing returns is as important as all the other shipping and supply chain activities. It is the reverse logistics process where the product/order is returned safely to its origin warehouse.
Returns can happen for several reasons, but how the business handles them is the bigger picture. Returns management workflow requires an efficient system to consider few aspects.
They include sales percentage, volume, value, and product condition to achieve better profit margins and scalability. A multi-carrier shipping software optimizes your returns by helping you track them back to the warehouse. It is also a sustainable measure in the eCommerce landscape.
Takeaway
A multi-carrier shipping software transforms businesses. Their comprehensive range of features, fulfill customer demands and allow businesses to take bigger leaps.
They save you from unnecessary investments and time-consuming operations. The right software helps cater to customer needs and future-proof your business goals.
The MCSS is a crucial contributor to your overall brand image and a tool for navigating the changing eCommerce industry. Scale your business and make the best of the multi-carrier shipping software.
FAQs
1) Is it easy to transition to a multi-carrier shipping software?
Transitioning from a traditional logistics system or equivalent to a multi-carrier shipping software can be challenging.
Factors like integration, compatibility, customization, training and data migration come into play. A professional logistics partner can make the process easier.
2) What are common challenges businesses encounter with carriers?
There are quite a few challenges that businesses encounter with carriers and 3PLs. They are - Cost, Capacity inadequacies, service level variability, and customer support. Businesses can address them individually or by adapting to multi-carrier shipping software.