Shippers’ Asset Tracking Data Demand an Opportunity for Carriers

By SkyBitz • Published March 4, 2016 • 3 minute read

The Importance of Asset Tracking Scorecards

A recent article from Transport Topics shares insight from a panel of supply chain experts highlighting the fact that shippers are desiring more and more data, and this presents an immediate opportunity for carriers to capitalize on and create happier customers along the way.

The article quotes Ben Cubitt, senior vice president of supply chain and transportation for Transplace, Inc., as saying shippers are “maniacs about data… (They) respond to data and fact-based selling.”

Shippers are already rating carriers on a variety of factors, most often in scorecard form. To get ahead of the trend, carriers can create and share internal scorecards with their shipper partners. In addition to any key safety data, the panel of experts recommended that carriers create a scorecard to focus on a variety of metrics, including:

  • Cost-per-Mile
  • On-Time Performance
  • Claim Payments

Going Further: More Insight = More Opportunity

Real-time asset tracking has revolutionized asset management. As it becomes more and more prevalent, partners will demand more and more insight – as referenced by the trend among shippers. So, what can carriers do to build a better scorecard and differentiate from competition?

Total visibility into asset tracking is one option. With mobile container tracking data analyzed and visualized in real-time, carriers can answer shippers’ questions before they’re ever asked. Scorecards are no longer weekly or monthly executive summaries, they’re interactive dashboards available on the spot.

Extending the real-time data available to carriers further to their shipper partners will provide more insight into trailer location and availability, thereby improving detention management, getting faster turns and ensuring on-time delivery. Win-wins for everyone involved.