Taking the human error out of freight forwarding

Mistakes in freight forwarding happen all the time. A well-equipped forwarder limits mistakes and takes quick action to contain the damage. In hindsight, what are the major sources of mistakes? Can we prevent them?

An estimated 80% of all errors that occur while using technology are human. Entirely replacing technology with a human is neither feasible nor advisable. With the right balance, humans and technology complement each other's strengths. Let's understand how to use technology and prevent human errors for effective freight operations.

Example of human error in freight forwarding operations and its impact

Mistakes in the weight and dimensions of a shipment can lead to costly delays and additional fees.

Situation: If you're shipping a pallet of goods, for example, that's 1,000 pounds over the limit for air freight (which is usually 70 pounds per cubic foot), then your shipment will need to be sent by truck instead.

Impact: If it's overweight by 50%, it may not even be possible for your shipper to transport it back. They'll have no choice but to return it or destroy it so as not to break any laws regarding shipping hazardous materials on airplanes or other modes of transportation like trains or ships.

Using technology to fix human errors

Errors usually occur due to a lack of correct information available, duplicate, late, or incorrect manual data entry. A better way of ensuring reduced errors is by preventing repeated data entry and automation. All-in-one freight forwarding & logistics management software Logi-Sys integrates a global database that pre-fills forms with repeated data entry. Automation turns repeated tasks into a sequence of events with timelines applied. If a task is not completed by the stipulated deadline, an escalation is triggered. Automation allows you to track your goods more easily and provide an improved customer experience by providing real-time updates on their shipment status.

Automation for cost-effective freight forwarding

Automation in freight and logistics has been widely adopted by businesses due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to reduce human error. Automation allows companies to process more data faster to make better decisions in planning shipments or making adjustments based on real-time information like weather conditions or traffic patterns. Automated systems also allow companies to save money because they don't require as many employees at their facilities anymore; instead, they can rely on software programs running 24 hours per day 7 days per week 365 days per year without needing any breaks. This means fewer overhead costs associated with payroll taxes.

Reduce steps to collect accurate data for better customer service

Automation streamlines processes, which means less time spent on manual tasks and more time to focus on what you do best: growing your business. Instead of a human repeatedly entering data from an email quotation received, freight software collects quotations via an online form. With organized data available in real time you can readily reply to quotations and even reduce the turnaround time for sending revised quotes. Automation reduces costs by eliminating unnecessary expenses like hiring additional staff members or outsourcing certain tasks. With improved accuracy and faster delivery times, your customers benefit from improved customer service.

Getting started with automation in freight forwarding

Technology is the answer to eliminate manual errors. Among the several freight forwarding software options, how do you choose what suits your business needs? Solutions like Logi-Sys are comprehensive in serving freight and logistics industry needs. It encompasses everything from quotations, billing, invoice, accounts, finances, and operations to sales. Reduce manual data entry by turning to automation for quicker job turnaround times for your growing business.