Would you trust a mechanic that didn’t know how to change a tire? Probably not, which is why standards and best practices are established to show a basic level of competence that can be expected from every service or product provider. Every business needs to understand standards and best practices regardless of the industry. When it comes to logistics, this understanding and implementation can mean the difference between success and failure. Logistics can be complicated, and there’s always the potential for unforeseen problems in your supply chain.

Proper transportation management can help you mitigate risk, better control shipping speed, increase efficiency and adaptability, and lower costs. Follow these industry dos and don’ts to take full advantage of these benefits and avoid issues on the road, in the sea, or the air.

Do: Use a Good Transportation Management System

One of the best things you can do to increase your shipping capabilities and streamline operations is to install a solid transportation management system (TMS). A TMS combines valuable technology that helps you plan, execute, and optimize incoming and outgoing shipments while ensuring all deliveries are properly documented and compliant with industry standards and regulations. Transportation management systems have quickly become a necessity in the logistics industry, but not all TMS products are the same. Be sure your TMS is capable of the following:

• Increasing transportation visibility across your global supply chain
• Creating and tracking shipments, generating reports, and confirming deliveries
• Addressing capacity management issues for all freight flows
• Storing information in a centralized and easy-to-access platform

These are the essential elements of an effective TMS and a necessity for improving your logistics workflows.

Don’t: Forget About Chemical Freight Brokerage

When it comes to chemical shipping, freight brokerage can be incredibly complicated. You have to meet specific regulatory requirements and effectively manage safety and security concerns regarding hazardous materials while minimizing costs. Finding the right logistics partner and tools to help simplify the brokerage process is essential to success in chemical logistics, so be sure that chemical freight brokerage is a priority when establishing your transportation management operations.

Do: Take Advantage of Flexibility and Supply Chain Visibility

In an increasing digital age, the role of supply chain visibility and traceability has become paramount. It can be hard to handle problems quickly and efficiently when you don’t have real-time transportation visibility over your shipments. Advanced telemetric tools allow you to keep a close eye on all shipments while they’re in transit, better managing customer satisfaction and keeping ahead of issues as they arise, granting you more control and flexibility with your shipments.

Do: Focus on Data

Data is essential when optimizing logistics capabilities and a vital part of any transportation management effort. How can you know what needs to improve without utilizing real-world data? Integrating data collection and analysis into your transportation management will provide valuable insight into your operations, exposing gaps and indicating where you’re currently succeeding, allowing you to improve wherever necessary.

Don’t: Use Outdated Technology

It may seem more straightforward to utilize the technology you’re familiar with regarding transportation management but using outdated tools can create problems and bog down operations. The technology you use in your logistics management should be capable of processing hefty amounts of data, analyzing that data, and utilizing any insights to improve operations and management. Older methods cannot deliver all this as efficiently as newer technology, and you don’t need to invest massive amounts into new tools as was the previous norm. Most transportation management systems from full-service managed logistics providers like CLX Logistics can give you access to the advanced tools you need without breaking the bank. TMS adoption can increase your return on investment over time so much that it covers and returns the initial implementation costs.

Do: Establish a Trusted Carrier Network 

The need for suppliers and carriers is growing each day, making it challenging to find available carriers you can trust. Establishing a network of trustworthy carriers you’ve worked with before ensures you have options. Qualified transportation management partners and 3PLs can provide this connection for clients, leveraging their freight brokerage relationships with high-quality carriers to expand your capacity without sacrificing peace of mind.

Do: Look into Transportation Management with CLX

Organizing the mentioned dos and don’ts into a streamlined and effective transportation management program can be difficult for chemical shipping professionals. But some partners like CLX Logistics can make it easier. CLX offers a full-service transportation management system that simplifies and optimizes your logistics with specific solutions to help you take control of your operations. Our unique platform gives you the advanced tools required to stick to these dos and don’ts with planning, freight procurement, tracking, and more.

All this and more is possible with CLX TMS, from enhanced supply chain visibility to better data collection to securing trustworthy freight partners.

The demands of the modern world require advanced solutions, and to ensure your logistics operations are well-managed and prepared for all future possibilities, contact CLX.