In today’s logistics landscape, real-time shipment visibility is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Freight forwarders can elevate customer experience and streamline operations by integrating track and trace functionalities directly into their websites complementing their TMS‘. This empowers customers with 24/7 access to shipment whereabouts, fostering trust and reducing inquiries.

Here’s a breakdown of some leading track and trace solutions, along with their key benefits and considerations to help you choose the perfect fit for your freight forwarding business:

1. Shipment Tracking APIs:

  • Project44: (https://www.project44.com/)

    • Benefits: Offers comprehensive visibility across diverse transport modes (air, ocean, truck, rail). Provides real-time tracking, estimated arrival times (ETAs), and historical shipment data through a robust API.
    • Considerations: Ideal for companies requiring multi-modal visibility. May require more development resources for API integration.

  • Cargowise: (https://www.cargowise.com/)

    • Benefits: Integrates seamlessly with Cargowise Freight Management System (TMS), offering a powerful API for track and trace functionalities.
    • Considerations: Best suited for freight forwarders already using Cargowise TMS. May have a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with the platform.

  • Aftership: (https://www.aftership.com/)

    • Benefits: Designed for e-commerce but highly adaptable for freight forwarding needs. Tracks shipments across numerous carriers and provides customizable notifications for both you and your customers.
    • Considerations: While adaptable, some features might be geared more towards e-commerce. Pricing might be based on a per-shipment model.

  • Individual Carrier APIs:

    • Benefits: Many major ocean carriers (Maersk, MSC, etc.) and large freight companies (FedEx, UPS) offer their own APIs for direct integration. This allows for a potentially more customized experience.
    • Considerations: Requires integrating APIs with multiple carriers you commonly use, increasing development workload. May have limitations in terms of data and features compared to comprehensive track and trace solutions.

2. Shipment Tracking Platforms with Website Integration:

  • ShipStation: (https://www.shipstation.com/)

    • Benefits: Streamlined tracking and automated customer notifications. Offers white-labeled tracking portals that can be customized with your branding. Easy integration with popular shopping carts and marketplaces.
    • Considerations: Primarily focused on e-commerce fulfillment, some features might not be directly applicable to traditional freight forwarding.

  • FreightPOP: (https://www.freightpop.com/)

    • Benefits: User-friendly dashboard and white-label tracking options provide a seamless customer experience. Offers advanced features like proof-of-delivery (POD) capture and reporting.
    • Considerations: Pricing might be based on a per-shipment model.

  • Vizion API: (https://vizionapi.com/)

    • Benefits: Goes beyond basic tracking, offering supply chain visibility tools and data analysis features. Provides insights into potential delays and proactive alerts for exceptions.
    • Considerations: Focuses heavily on analytics and data visualization. May require additional resources for leveraging these functionalities.

The Future of Track and Trace in Freight Forwarding

The future of track and trace systems in freight forwarding is filled with exciting possibilities:

  • IoT Integration:

     The expansion of IoT will enable even more granular tracking and monitoring capabilities, providing real-time insights into shipment conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, shock).

  • Blockchain Adoption:

     Blockchain technology promises increased transparency, security, and immutability to shipment tracking data.

Conclusion

Implementing track and trace capabilities directly into your website is a crucial step for freight forwarders looking to boost customer satisfaction and drive operational efficiency. By carefully evaluating your needs and exploring the array of solutions available, you can find the tool that empowers you to provide superior shipment visibility and stand out in a competitive logistics landscape.