Sending a high-priority shipment is time-sensitive. For instance, if it’s perishable goods, these are worth thousands of dollars and your fleet reputation is at stake. What you dread most at this hour is a call from a client who asks about the shipment status. You scramble through your cellphone to connect with the truck driver or dispatcher but getting the exact details may seem impossible. This is where load tracking software will help you.
Whether you own a small fleet or a large one, its vital to know exactly when the shipment is dispatched and is expected to reach the destination. To run trucking operations smoothly, and keep track of loads and fleets, receive updates from drivers, a load tracking software can do it all for you.
The use of artificial intelligence and cloud-based technology trends is rising which has paved the way for smarter software that helps carriers and brokers to overcome certain industry challenges. In this blog, we will take a detailed look at what is load tracking software, its benefits, and its features.
What is meant by load tracking
The practice of monitoring the status of loads under management is called load tracking. It includes automated tracking of events, including real-time ETAs, allowing you to reroute loads and adjust the delivery time in case of delays.
With the help of load tracking, you can know about loads anytime, anywhere without any hassle or concern of losing track of your fleet.
What is load tracking software
Load tracking software is a specialized tool that aids trucking companies in monitoring their freight loads during transit. It gives real-time updates on shipments’ position and status from the time they leave the warehouse until they arrive at their destination.
Thanks to this technology, Businesses now handle logistics differently, which makes intricate tracking jobs easier and more effective.
Cargo-tracking solutions have grown in importance as the logistics sector develops. These solutions provide quick and accurate information, which is necessary to maintain competitiveness. Businesses that use this software can more accurately and reliably meet client demands and manage contemporary supply chains.
6 Key features of load tracking software
1. Real-time tracking
With load tracking software, users can monitor shipments in real time as they travel. The location of the freight, its expected time of arrival (ETA), and any potential delays are all updated regularly. This tool helps businesses run more efficiently by enabling them to quickly modify routes or delivery schedules as needed.
2. Automated notifications and alerts
Any changes in shipment status, including arrivals or delays, are automatically communicated by the software through alerts and notifications. All parties concerned, including customers and internal staff, are kept informed by these messages. It helps companies increase transparency and boost the general customer experience by maintaining timely and clear communication.
3.Third-party integrations
Numerous load-tracking programs easily interface with current electronic logging devices (ELD) and transportation management systems (TMS). By guaranteeing a smooth data transfer between systems, this integration raises the precision of tracking data. It makes logistics management easier and enables companies to better plan their operations.
4. Customer tracking portal
A customer tracking portal is a dedicated interface designed for ease of customers. They can easily log in and view the status from truck load planning to real-time tracking en route. Customers have access to the latest data such as the current location of the fleet, so that they can eliminate the need to constantly communicate with drivers or brokers back and forth. A customer tracking portal also empowers carriers and brokers to remain updated on the orders independently as well.
5. Interactive dashboard
The load tracking software should have a user-friendly interface, easy to understand, and take less time to train the employees as well. A centralized dashboard displays the easy-to-navigate charts and real-time insights so that businesses can easily track and monitor load performance, and confirm ETAs and any potential delays.
3. Detention tracking
There are times when loading or unloading takes longer than scheduled which leads to delays and adds to the cost. The detention tracking feature enables businesses to automatically log detention events. The load tracking feature records details of when and where the delays occurred. You can also gain insights into operational inefficiencies which allows you to identify the patterns. This way businesses can avoid any hidden costs and negotiate better with the carriers and brokers.
How to choose the best load tracking software
Choosing reliable transport management software is essential that align with your business goals and streamline the operational workflow. Here are some of the factors you need to keep in focus when choosing a load tracking software:
Assess the needs
Determine the essential characteristics you require in load-tracking software by analyzing your present logistics operations. Take into account your company’s size, the intricacy of your supply chain, and any particular difficulties you may be facing.
Look for real-time data
Choose software that provides up-to-date information on the location and status of your shipments. This aids in proactive decision-making and exception management.
Enables integration
Select a solution that works well with the systems you already have, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), warehouse management (WMS), or transportation management (TMS). This improves operating efficiency and guarantees seamless data interchange.
User-friendly interface
Verify if the software’s UI is easy to use and intuitive. While a complex interface might cause aggravation, a well-designed one can increase user adoption and productivity.
Easy mobile accessibility
Verify if the software is mobile-friendly. This enables your staff to keep informed while on the go, track shipments, and receive notifications.
Receive automated alerts
Select software that offers automated warnings and alerts regarding delays, changes in load status, or other important occurrences. Proactive management and prompt modifications are supported by this feature.
Create reports
Seek out software with robust analytics and reporting features. Enhancing efficiency and reducing expenses requires features that enable you to analyze load performance, locate bottlenecks, optimize routes, and make data-driven decisions.
Ensures data security
Select software with strong security features, such as encryption, access limits, and adherence to data protection laws, to protect sensitive data.
Active customer representation
Make sure that the required software for tracking also offers a proactive customer representation as well. In case of any queries, bugs or other concerns a keen response from the customer agents is highly appreciated and useful.
Benefits of using load tracking software
1. Operational efficiency
By automating tracking duties, eliminating the need for human check calls, and assisting logistics teams in locating and resolving bottlenecks in real-time, the program simplifies operations. Better use of resources, reduced expenses, and fewer delivery delays result from this.
2. Risk management
Software for load tracking keeps an eye on the safety and security of shipments, including those containing sensitive or valuable items. It lowers the chance of theft or damage by empowering companies to put security measures in place and react swiftly to accidents or route deviations.
3. Enhanced customer satisfaction
Load tracking software provides precise, current cargo status information, which enhances the customer experience. Consumers can monitor their shipments transparently, track their orders, and get alerts about any changes or delays, which helps to foster confidence and lessen uncertainty.
4. Logistics management
Businesses track the location, status, and expected time of arrival (ETA) of shipments with this program, which gives them real-time visibility into the movement of goods. This feature aids businesses in more efficiently planning and streamlining their delivery and transportation procedures.
5. Real-time insights
The software gathers useful information about logistics and transportation operations. By analyzing this data, companies may better understand supply chain performance, spot trends, and decide how best to allocate resources and routes, increasing overall efficiency.
6. Compliance regulated
By keeping accurate records and monitoring shipments across many areas, load-tracking software helps guarantee adherence to regulatory requirements. It improves accountability and transparency by offering a transparent audit trail.
Through increased productivity, client happiness, and risk management, the program improves logistics operations. It is a vital tool for companies engaged in freight management since it guarantees compliance and offers insightful information.
Keep Track of Loads with LoadStop
Let’s face it, managing and tracking loads can be hectic. Using a load tracking system can help you streamline operations, boost efficiency, and reduce the hidden costs associated with load planning and load tracking. Before choosing a load tracking software you need to identify your business needs and the features that you are looking for.
Using LoadStop, you will be able to track the live location of your loads just in one click. Remain informed with the live updates, driver’s app to communicate with fleet drivers, and get instantly notified once trucks depart or reach their designated designation. It’s that simple!
Automate load tracking while eliminating inefficient and costly process
Book a DemoFAQs
LTL stands for ‘’less than load’’ (a smaller portion of a truck is used only for smaller shipments). It is the process of using shipment data to receive updates and determine the location of LTL shipments. It is useful to predict the ETA of the freight. LTL
To track the location of your truck, use a cloud-based transportation management software (TMS) like LoadStop to enable live-tracking of the fleet, receive alerts and notifications, control the fuel usage, and use the Drivers app to easily communicate with the drivers.
LoadStop is an AI-based TMS software that helps brokers and carriers keep track of fleets, load planning, driver schedules, and more. Using this software you can easily pinpoint the exact locations, create customizable reports, do route planning, install and use driver’s app, and integrate third-party tools all within your budget.