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5 Reasons to Automate Your On Forwarder Deliveries

by Matt Corby,
Aug 9, 2021
3pl warehouse management
3pl warehouse management

Plus why we’re a little bit different.

On-forwarder deliveries sure can make for a headache, can’t they?

If you’re still relying on paper-based processes and manual integration with your on-forwarding partners, we’ve got a question: what if there’s a better way?

There is. In this article, we’re outlining exactly how you can improve efficiency, visibility and communication simply by automating some of the tasks you already do during on-forwarder deliveries.

We’ll show you how to extend reach and visibility across your networks, and stay in control with live data.

But first things first, a brief explainer of why automating has become so important.

What are on-forwarder deliveries?

On-forwarder deliveries happen when a delivery company partners with another, specifically if the deliveries need to go to areas outside of where their own trucks would normally go. This is often how regional deliveries are made possible, especially in a place as geographically spread out as Australia.

Most transport companies will use many different partners to get their on-forwarder deliveries done. What it means is that the two partners need to be able integrate their systems and communicate accurately.

It can get very messy.

For instance, if you’re relying on paper-based PODs, you have to wait for your on-forwarder agent to manually process things on their end, while still having to do the same on your end.

In the meantime, customer communication is slow and visibility is way down. Track and trace become the headache it’s so well known for. Happily, using an automated TMS to manage your on-forwarder deliveries makes it simple, fast and gives you 100% visibility.

Let’s have a quick look at how using an automated TMS to manage on-forwarder deliveries works.

Benefits of using and automated TMS with on-forwarder connections

There are almost endless benefits to making the switch to an automated TMS, well beyond just managing your on-forwarder deliveries. But here we’ll run through how it revolutionises on-forwarding.

Integrate data easily with partner systems

We offer a full, two-way flow of critical data. This includes scans, status of deliveries and PODs where your agent or on-forwarder has their own TMS. Know another TransVirtual powered transport company? We’ll link your portals together quickly to provide the ultimate level of visibility. It’s like having a huge network of drivers at your fingertips.

This level of integration means instant communication between you and your partner company.

Which leads you to…

100% visibility for easy track and trace (yes, really!)

When you link your agent and on-forwarder networks, TransVirtual gives you transparency across your entire system. On-forwarders have more information and can stop things falling through the cracks.

With TransVirtual, you can stop waiting for notifications and instead know instantly when and where your goods have been delivered. This real-time visibility means that you’ll track and trace faster and more easily when something goes wrong. And that means lower costs and happier customers.

You’re in control with flexible allocation of pickups and deliveries

Allocation can be a tricky part of ensuring efficient on-forwarder deliveries. With us, you can automate the allocation of jobs or manage this manually. We’re all about you choosing your level of control in the system. Work out which aspects you want to manage yourself and which can be hands-off.

Your TMS is scalable with your business

From one or two partners to multiple depots with many fleets on the road at once, TransVirtual helps you manage your supply chain seamlessly. Set it up according to your needs and adapt quickly (and easily) as you grow.

Win more volume from our leading national partners

Shippers love the live tracking, ETA and cost transparency TransVirtual enables. Increase volume from our leading national and regional partners. We integrate with all leading national carriers including DHL, Mainfreight, Border Express, Aramex.

So why TransVirtual (and not another automated TMS)?

Well, we combine an instinctive and practical understanding of day-to-day operations with specialist software knowledge and state-of-the-art technology. The result: a logistics software business that is, and always will be, just a little bit different.

Why?

Our founder and lead developer, Troy, grew up at the feet of drivers, in and among trucks and immersed in the family transport business. He holds a Multi Combination license to this day.

And it means he instinctively gets it.

He knows how time consuming paper-based POD’s and manual invoicing are (let alone when they get lost). He knows how complex on-forwarder deliveries can be and what happens when you get it wrong.

And he knows that in this business, every second and every dollar counts.

Well, being a good locally grown boy, he didn’t stray too far. He followed his passion for software development and built a powerful transport management system (TMS) to make the transport industry better.

Enter stage: TransVirtual.

We’ve built this software from inside the industry we love and staff our team with like-minded people. People who genuinely care about helping you get the best out of it.

What does that mean for you?

It means you get the advantage of using a TMS developed by someone who knows what you need.

Want to know more about automations?

You can see how automation makes for better on-forwarder deliveries, but wondering how it might work for you and your business? If we know one thing in this game, it’s that every business is different.

Talk to us today to find out how it might work for you, or book a personalised demo to see it in action.