Maintaining a competitive edge in the transportation and logistics industry is easier said than done. Owners and operators are often forced to wear many hats. In addition to increasing profits and expanding their customer base, business owners must remain abreast of changing industry regulations and introduce strategies to improve efficiency. Below is a look at the key issues facing logistics providers and the top five ways Whip Around can help your business avoid those challenges and become a leader in the logistics industry.
WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY BARRIERS TO SUCCESS FACING THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY?
When most people think of challenges facing the logistics industry, they think of rising fuel costs and driver shortages. And while these two hurdles definitely merit attention, there are many other challenges facing today's logistics and transportation providers. Here is a list of some of the top barriers to success as outlined by Logistics Management Magazine:
1) DEPENDENCE ON OLD TECHNOLOGY
Most industry leaders agree that advances in technology are necessary for continued success in the logistics arena. However, not all logistics companies are able to afford new technology and others lack the resources or experience to implement new changes.
2) OUTDATED BUSINESS PROCESSES
Many logistics providers are struggling to stay abreast of business process improvements. While the desire and intent are often present, logistics firms can sometimes become overwhelmed as they attempt to introduce more advanced business processes.
3) TIGHTENING COMPLIANCE REGULATIONS
Today's carriers face more compliance regulations than ever. Accountability is heavier than ever, and logistics companies often strain to stay on top of the latest regulations imposed by local, state, and federal authorities. Failure to comply with regulations can lead to harsh penalties and sanctions.
4) CUSTOMER SERVICE DEFICIENCIES
Many customers are now demanding complete transparency about the location of their shipments at all times. Failure to provide immediate access to shipment information has prompted logistics providers to take measures to improve their tracking and record-keeping. Customer expectations regarding vehicle cleanliness and maintenance are also changing, with more customers than ever expecting their goods to be carried in neat, well-maintained vehicles.
5) ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Anti-idling regulations and emission reduction guidelines enacted by local and state governments have forced carriers to reexamine their fleet management procedures and develop eco-friendly reporting procedures. At the same time, a growing number of business owners are placing a high priority on environmental preservation and conservation of resources.
HOW CAN WHIP AROUND TRANSFORM YOUR TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS BUSINESS?
As outlined above, you may face a growing number of challenges if you are in the logistics industry. Fortunately, Whip Around offers a cost-effective solution designed to help you overcome those barriers to success. Here are the top five ways Whip Around can help transportation and logistics businesses improve their efficiency and performance.
1) IMPROVE DOT COMPLIANCE
"Whip Around is simple and powerful. I'm a small owner/operator and this is a great tool for keeping track of mileage, as well as details that DOT might want to see. I implemented this for a previous employer and have continued to use and enjoy it as a owner/operator."
- Rick S., Transportation/Logistics Business Owner and Capterra Reviewer
DOT compliance is critical to your company's success and ability to continue operating. Failure to comply with DOT standards can result in harsh financial penalties, revocation of your operating license, or injury to your logistics team. Whip Around's convenient inspection platform was designed to help you achieve DOT compliance by enabling drivers to report their inspections swiftly and more accurately.
2) STREAMLINE INSPECTION PROCESSES
With Whip Around's user-friendly digital DVIR, drivers no longer have to spend time scrambling to find a scrap of paper to jot down their mileage. And administrative staff are not left to try to interpret illegible handwriting when they file paperwork. Whip Around's digital DVIR streamlines the inspection process to ensure that inspections are undertaken consistently and in a timely fashion. Record-keeping is seamless and errors are minimized.
3) PROMOTE CHAIN OF RESPONSIBILITY
Ensuring that all members of your organization play an active and responsible role in supply chain activities is essential to meeting NHVR's enhanced compliance regulations. Recent changes enacted at the end of 2018 call for companies in the heavy vehicle transport industry to increase their focus on activities such as reporting, risk control, and meeting vehicle standard requirements. Whip Around's platform enables transportation companies to improve in all of these areas.
4) PROVIDE A SINGLE INSPECTION SOLUTION THAT COVERS ALL TYPES OF COMPANY VEHICLES
"We've been using Whip Around for over a year now and it's the perfect solution to our inspection requirements. The initial set up/follow up was exceptional and it's ease of use makes it so my whole team was able to implement it immediately. We use it everyday, on all our vehicles, from big trucks to our pallet jacks. As the administrator, having zero paperwork to deal with is probably my favorite part."
- Brent M., Automotive company President and Capterra Reviewer
Few industries feature a more diverse collection of vehicles than the logistics industry. In addition to the wide variety of trucks and trailers used to retrieve and deliver orders, there are forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and reach trucks. Whip Around makes it easy for logistics managers to keep all of their vehicles in good working order with a single app.
5) PROMOTE LEAN AND TIDY DELIVERY VEHICLES
There is more to keeping a transportation fleet up to date than tracking mileage and service needs. Whip Around's platform makes it easy for logistics managers to keep up with trailers and delivery trucks that need repairs and basic maintenance. Vehicles are kept in top physical condition, helping logistics companies to maintain an excellent reputation.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The challenges facing the logistics industry seem to grow on a daily basis. Fortunately, Whip Around's software solutions make it easy for transportation companies to overcome these challenges. We invite you to contact us at Whip Around to learn about the many ways our digital DVIR will help you gain a competitive edge in the logistics industry. From improved compliance to We look forward to helping your transportation company achieve optimum efficiency.
