Partial truckload shipping continues to evolve with technology, and it’s become much more popular over the last few years. This freight movement method allows shippers to combine their PTL freight with other shipments to fill a truckload.
Both dry van and reefer trucks containing meat, dairy, and produce can benefit most from shipping multiple loads together. Partial truckload shipping is a great option because it is a much more cost-effective and efficient way to ship a wide range of items nationwide.
Technology only continues to evolve and play a key role in the trucking industry. Automated load matching systems, real-time tracking, and predictive analytics are just a few examples of how shipping continues to change.
These technological advances are one of the main reasons more shippers are turning to partial truckload shipping to meet their needs. Using this efficient method is a great way to lower transportation costs while ensuring the shipment reaches its destination on time.
Here is an overview of how the latest technology is making a big impact on the partial truckload shipping industry.
Technology Trends in PTL Shipping
1) Automated Load Matching Systems
One of the biggest challenges faced by shippers and carriers in partial truckload shipping is finding the right match for their refrigerated or dry van freight. Trying to do this task manually is often time-consuming and stressful.
However, automated load matching systems make it much easier to find the best shipment to ensure your items reach their destination. Automated load matching systems use algorithms to quickly match available freight carriers that have available space in their trailers.
Using this technology also makes it easier for smaller shippers to access partial truckload shipping services nationwide. Previously, only large shippers had the freight volume necessary to make partial truckloads cost-effective.
For example, the use of automated load matching systems allows smaller shippers to consolidate their shipments with others to fill up reefer trucks, which reduces their shipping costs and makes it easier to schedule shipments.
These innovative systems can easily find the right match, which saves shippers time and money. Load matching systems also play a vital role in reducing empty miles, which happens whenever a carrier drives with an empty trailer.
Using automated load matching systems is a win-win situation for shippers and carriers, as it’s a great way to improve efficiency. Partial truckload shipments will only continue to become even more widespread as more companies adopt load-matching systems.
2) Real-Time Tracking and Visibility
Real-time tracking technology is another essential component of the partial truckload shipping process. Using real-time tracking and visibility makes it possible for shippers and carriers to easily monitor the location and status of their freight at any time.
Investing in this technology is a great way to make well-informed decisions for managing routing, scheduling, and delivery times. It’s also much easier to make any changes with up-to-date information.
An added benefit of real-time tracking is that it greatly improves the customer experience. For example, customers can easily track their shipments in real time, which gives them much greater confidence in the delivery process.
Customers will also receive alerts if any delays or issues arise, which helps to keep them informed. Using this technology creates a much better customer experience and eliminates any guesswork about a shipment’s arrival time.
Real-time tracking also makes it much easier for shippers to find available carriers. Many technology platforms now provide access to a vast network of carriers, allowing shippers to quickly find nearby carriers with available capacity to secure the best rates.
The cost savings and convenience of real-time tracking and visibility will only cause this technology to be even more widespread throughout the shipping industry.
3) Predictive Analytics
The evolution of partial truckload shipping has also been heavily influenced by predictive analytics. In simple terms, predictive analytics is the process of using advanced data, algorithms, and machine learning technology to identify the likelihood of future outcomes.
Predictive analytics is often used in partial truckloads by optimizing route planning, improving load matching, and forecast price variations for each shipment. For example, route optimization uses predictive analytics to identify the most optimal routes for transporting goods.
Numerous factors are considered in determining the most optimal route, such as distance, the amount of traffic, and weather conditions. Calculating these different factors helps a carrier minimize transportation costs while improving delivery times.
Load matching is another key part of predictive analytics. Algorithms can match loads with the most suitable carriers by considering historical data, carrier capacity, equipment type, driver availability, and transit times.
All of this data helps improve efficiency, making it much easier for carriers to make well-informed decisions. Ultimatly, the role of predictive analytics is essential in decreasing costs and improving the entire shipping experience.
4) Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology has the potential to significantly impact the evolution of partial truckload shipping, as it creates a more secure and transparent recording of transactions.
One potential application of blockchain technology in partial truckloads is tracking shipments. A verifiable record reduces the risk of lost or stolen shipments and provides much greater visibility into the supply chain.
Another potential impact of blockchain technology is in the area of smart contracts. Smart contracts are a form of self-executing contracts that include the terms of the agreement between a buyer and seller that are directly written into lines of code.
These contracts can be used to automate certain aspects of the shipping process. Using this technology help reduce the administrative burden of managing partial truckload shipments for dry van freight or reefer trucks while also increasing efficiency and reducing the risk of fraud.
Overall, blockchain technology can play a significant role in the evolution of partial truckload shipping. Blockchain technology offers much greater transparency, security, and efficiency.
Using this technology can also help drive innovation and improve the customer experience. As a result, more shippers and carriers will continue to rely on blockchain technology due to its wide range of benefits in the transportation industry.
Your Shipping Company Can Benefit from Technology Too
Technology will only continue to play a significant role in the evolution of partial truckload shipping. For example, implementing automated load-matching systems has greatly improved efficiency and reduced costs by matching loads with available carriers.
Real-time tracking and visibility have also increased transparency and improved communication between shippers and carriers.
Predictive analytics has enhanced decision-making by providing insights into market trends and performance metrics. In addition, the use of blockchain technology has increased security and trust in transactions by creating a transparent and tamper-proof ledger.
Ultimately, the role of technology will only continue to advance and will have a transformative impact on anyone working in the partial truckload shipping industry.
