Global shippers today face the challenge of orchestrating end-to-end logistics processes while managing the interplay with other third parties, such as customers, suppliers, ocean carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and government agencies. Doing so effectively is difficult, regardless of whether the shipper is importing or exporting freight. Part of the challenge is dealing with international laws, global regulations and multiple languages, currencies, and units of measure; supply chain security and compliance programs, such as the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Operation Safe Commerce, place even more burdens on the proper execution of global logistics.

Simply put, there are numerous challenges, both from a systems and operations perspective, to ship product via any mode, anywhere in the world.

Currently, management of international freight is still largely dominated by manual processes and point/siloed technology solutions. Additionally, since many global supply chain organizations are decentralized with separate groups and often separate systems, the issues become multiplied. That is changing quickly, however, with the emergence of global transportation management systems (TMS) that have the functionality and built-in connectivity needed to manage all the moving parts of global logistics in one system.

Global SaaS-based TMS solutions provide multi-modal planning, execution, trade compliance, built-in carrier connectivity, financial reconciliation, and reporting features to effectively manage global transportation. Global logistics technology enables companies to successfully manage all modes of transportation under a common umbrella while providing complete visibility and direct communication between shippers and carriers.

With SaaS global logistics management technology, companies can:

• Manage the complexities of multi-leg, multi-modal movements by synchronizing international and domestic legs.
• Connect instantly with ocean carriers, forwarders and NVOCCs.
• Automate import and export processes to enable goods to flow unimpeded across international borders in the most efficient and compliant way possible.
• Extend “track and trace” capabilities by configuring a multi-partner workflow with explicit milestones to tightly manage end-to-end supply chain process and provide real-time visibility with event notification to all stakeholders.
• Eliminate third-party freight payment services by automating the freight audit process and authorizing payment to supply chain partners.
• Manage supply chain partner performance and streamline operations by evaluating transportation spend management through the use of analytical and reporting tools.

By leveraging a global TMS, shippers can become empowered with a comprehensive solution for managing domestic and cross-border freight, which directly impacts the bottom line.

Automated communications, processes, and workflow between supply chain partners allow companies to improve efficiencies while gaining visibility into freight payment and discrepancies before they impact the company’s finances. Global transportation technology bridges the gap for multi-divisional enterprises, enabling global logistics management in a centralized system that delivers significant value for shippers and carriers.

Jon Kuerschner oversees sales and marketing at LeanLogistics and he has nearly 20 years experience in defining, building, marketing and selling innovative supply chain solutions.