Like all other industries, the transportation market is also updating its machinery to state-of-the-art, new technology that matches the demands of today’s fast-paced secondary sector. Because of the vigorous outbound sales strategies to accquire and expand the customer base, the business world has progressed to a stage in product supply where one-day delivery and detailed order tracking has become essential. It is the topmost priority for ordered supplies to reach their destinations as soon as possible.
On-demand trucking involves relying on the leftover capacity in ‘on-demand’ shipments, instead of shipments pre-established contracts. This acts as a win-win for both parties, as it allows the carrier to eliminate empty miles while the shippers get to choose the truck of their choice, especially when supply exceeds regular lanes.
Reasons On-Demand Trucking Is Gaining Popularity
Ever since the global pandemic caused major disruptions in the supply chain, shipping products to customers has become a big challenge. With consumers stocking up on everyday miscellaneous items, and businesses struggling to bridge the supply and demand deficit, the only way out is on-demand trucking.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
These are federally mandated devices that keep close track of and surveil drivers’ activities, in order to ensure that they obey trucking guidelines and the hourly service (HOS) law.
Market Volatility
Trucking availability is very limited these days. There has been a shortage of trucks and drivers over the past few years. On the other hand, freight demand has also steadily increased alongside the demand for drivers and trucks.
New Trucking Apps
There are quite a few new trucking apps that have sprung up and are occupying the market. For example, the Uber Freight app is a reliable one, and its user interface is very similar to its ride-sharing service app. Similarly, Amazon has also started its on-demand trucking app.
Rising Interest Rates
The increasing interest rates equate to a higher overall cost of transporting goods, which is why shippers choose to avail the on-demand options that are most suitable for their needs.
Increase Contract Rates
Because trucking capacity and supply are tight, the rates have continued to rise. In response to this, shippers have been forced to rely on intermodal transport or rail to move their cargo.
Significance of On-Demand Trucking
Given the current supply chain constraints of today, on-demand trucking is becoming the best way to get your supplies to their destination. This is why on-demand trucking is important:
Data Analytics Features
Data collected by on-demand trucking tools allow you to make more informed decisions using real-time analytics. This gives direct and almost instant access to detailed reports, created through diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analysis. Moreover, this also eliminates the need for tedious manual calculations.
Tracking Each Move
The most recent updates in on-demand trucking technology allow customers and suppliers to track the delivery status of their supplies in real time. This allows them to optimize delivery routes and tailor the delivery schedule to their needs, using a Courier app, for an enhanced customer experience for customer appreciation day .
Managing Orders Efficiently
On-demand trucking services have helped equip users with platforms that have intuitive built in interfaces that can easily manage and schedule deliveries. They can also track and monitor parcel activities from a single dashboard. This helps minimize the number of courier thefts and misplaced packages.
Optimizing Route Planning
Your delivery team can improve and optimize their performance with the route planning features in logistics applications. This helps suppliers select delivery options that have the shortest and fastest route, saving fuel costs and time alike.
The Advantages
There is a lot of potential for development in the freight and transportation management industry, thanks to the advent of on-demand trucking service applications. Here are a few advantages they bring to the table:
Cost Effectiveness
Relying on a trucking app or courier business improves ROI drastically because automation helps optimize resources in a way that reduces third-party involvement. A greater number of deliveries can be made in less time this way, improving business overall.
Convenience
On-demand trucking is dynamic in nature and allows direct and real-time management through applications. Customers can easily track and schedule orders, without the stress of wondering when they’ll arrive. Additionally, coordination with delivery agents, too, is an option if you want an update on your parcel, reducing miscommunication and call center burden.
Better Supply Chain Management
The constant tracking option makes room for convenient and effective communication between backend teams and truck drivers. This helps smooth out supply chain operations as real-time communication helps avoid blockages or hindrances along the way.
Convenient Warehouse Management
On-demand delivery options facilitate warehouse management because stocking up your inventory becomes much easier. This helps keep track of the stock and demand, whilst reducing overhead costs and extra waste.
