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Enterprise Freight Management

The freight management needs of large Australian enterprises are significantly different from those of small-medium-sized businesses in terms of complexity and scale.

Their scale alone means that even small errors in freight pricing, processes or carrier selection can have much bigger impacts on profitability and customer satisfaction.

What is enterprise freight management?

Enterprise Freight Management is the strategic coordination and optimisation of freight logistics for enterprises, with a goal of improving operational efficiency and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

Shutterstock 2064581663
Shutterstock 2064581663

What technologies are commonly used in enterprise freight management?

Cario – the solution at the core of Freight People’s freight management service - is a unique software solution that combines the features of both a Freight Management System (FMS) and Transport Management System (TMS). This platform is particularly powerful thanks to its native integration with ERP and WMS platforms – including SAP, Netsuite, and Microsoft – which allows enterprises to access over 300 carriers to ensure their freight is always handled by the most appropriate carrier. Designed for large-scale, complex freight operations, Cario delivers unparalleled levels of transparency, control, cost recoverability and automation to the Freight People offering.

What are the key characteristics that define enterprise freight management?

Global network coordination

Managing and synchronising extensive and complex global networks requires a unified FMS and TMS platform. One that has the native capabilities to facilitate seamless coordination across various regional hubs, streamline customs compliance processes, and handle diverse domestic and international logistics regulations.

Volume handling and scalability

Large enterprises ship an enormous volume of products every single day. To manage this scale of operations, they need a freight management solution that can process massive amounts of data and transactions while remaining reliable and efficient, without compromising on performance. Then as new markets, product lines, and more complex logistics needs are added, it must be flexible enough to scale without limits.

Multimodal transportation support

Enterprises rarely rely on just one mode of transportation. They're constantly juggling shipments across air, sea, road, and rail networks. An effective freight management solution supports this multimodal approach by maintaining up-to-the-minute carrier options and a seamless flow of information across all modes. With consistent visibility and control, teams can track and manage diverse transportation options while comparing choices, optimising routes, and lowering costs.

Diverse product accommodation

Enterprise-scale operations often deal with a wide range of products, from perishables to industrial equipment. A freight management system must be flexible enough to handle these varied requirements – from transporting oversized and heavy equipment, to temperature control for fresh produce, or special handling for hazardous materials – and assure product integrity from origin to destination, regardless of what's being shipped.

Risk mitigation and compliance

Risk is an inevitable part of global logistics. A robust freight management solution helps enterprises proactively manage risks by ensuring compliance, environmental regulations, and security protocols are met. For example, it can ensure proper documentation for customs, track carbon emissions for environmental reporting, and maintain security standards.

Integration with business systems

Enterprises invest heavily in business systems such as ERPs and CRMs. Instead of leaving their logistics systems outside of these existing systems, enterprises can generate more value when their freight systems – and all the valuable data generated – are directly integrated with their core business platforms.

Real-time data and analytics

Enterprises thrive on timely, precise data. Real-time tracking, coupled with performance analytics and predictive insights, enables them to fine-tune logistics processes, optimise routes, anticipate market trends, and drive overall efficiency.

Supplier and carrier collaboration

Rather than focusing solely on cost control, enterprises understand that high levels of collaboration with their suppliers and carriers is a competitive advantage too. Access to capabilities that allow the sharing of information—such as shipment schedules, inventory levels, and demand forecasts – introduces valuable new efficiencies across the supply chain.

Enhanced customer experience

Ultimately, meeting customer expectations boils down to how well you handle logistics. To meet customer expectations, enterprises need freight management tools that make it easy to provide proactive customer service and issue resolution - from live delivery updates to ensuring DIFOT levels are within acceptable limits.

Eco-friendly logistics

Sustainability is climbing up the priority list for enterprises. To support their eco-friendly logistics strategies, enterprises require systems to gauge and adopt green logistics solutions, such as grouping shipments to boost load efficiency, picking eco-conscious carriers, and streamlining routes to decrease emissions.

What are the future trends in enterprise freight management?

Enterprise freight management will continue to evolve, growing in both efficiency and sustainability. Expect to see increased use of AI and machine learning for predictive analytics and decision-making, blockchain technology for enhanced transparency and security, and continued integration of IoT devices for real-time tracking and monitoring.

There will also be a greater emphasis on sustainability initiatives, such as using electric and autonomous vehicles for transportation, and developing circular supply chains to minimise waste.

Enterprises that adopt innovative freight management solutions and providers capable of keeping up with these trends will have the tools to improve their logistics operations, enhance their competitive advantage, and contribute to a more sustainable future.