Make.Ship.Happen.® Part 3: Supporting a People-First Strategy with Technology

We’re back with another installment of our Make.Ship.Happen.® series. In our last post, we discussed managing relationships with shippers and carriers. This time, we’re looking at how TA Services combines a people-first mentality with cutting-edge logistics technology.

At TA Services, we take a people-first approach to everything we do. We believe our people set us apart from others in the industry. They are hard-working, dedicated individuals who go above and beyond for our shippers and carriers. We also understand the important role technology plays in the logistics and supply chain industry.

Logistics technology has brought the transportation industry forward in ways some never thought possible. To learn more, we chatted with members of the TA Services team to better understand the role technology plays in our shipping services. Here’s some of the insights they had to share.

How does TA Services approach technology today?

The short answer: We utilize the industry’s best-in-class logistics technology platforms in our space to deliver premier service to shippers and carriers. We hire people who understand how to best leverage those technology platforms to operate more efficiently. We believe technology should simplify the shipping process — not complicate it.

Some examples of the types of best-in-class logistics technology we use include:

• A centralized trucking dispatch platform and software with real-time track and trace capabilities, making it easier for our logistics coordinators to check in with carriers and track loads for shippers.
• A leading platform for carrier compliance monitoring and a carrier payment platform that provides flexible, mobile payment solutions for carrier partners.
• A global transportation management system (TMS) that can handle all modes of delivery, allowing us to provide supplemental or all-encompassing transportation management solutions.
• A cutting-edge warehouse management system (WMS) that allows our warehouse teams to better anticipate and respond to market needs.

What are the capabilities TA Services looks for when choosing technology partners?

We put a large emphasis on understanding the challenges and needs of the shippers and carriers within our network. We make it a point to have regular check-ins that allow us to better understand what is most important to them, especially when it comes to logistics technology.

Here’s some of the features we prioritize for shippers and carriers.

For shippers:

• Extensive reporting for shipments, on-time service, spend, modes, and more — with self-serve reporting capabilities.
• Real-time updates with track and trace features, especially easy-to-access updates via a portal.
• API integrations for shipment status, entry, invoices, etc.

For carriers:

• Visibility into important shipment details.
• Communication features that make it easier to send and receive shipment updates.
• Capability to send Proof of Delivery in real-time.
• Flexible payment options to improve on-time payments.

How will technology continue to shape the future of the logistics industry?

We would be remiss to talk about logistics technology trends without mentioning artificial intelligence (AI). AI has become a household topic of conversation, with everyday use becoming more accessible. Some of these use cases will likely play a larger role in customer service responsibilities. AI also provides predicative capabilities that can help the industry make more informed decisions around pricing and trends.

Technology will always play an important role in the logistics industry, but we anticipate it will become especially important in transportation operations like managed transportation, warehousing, cross-border services, and freight brokerage.

What role does technology play in TA’s future strategy and goals?

Innovation and a people-first approach are two of our core values here at TA Services. We believe technology shouldn’t deteriorate critical relationships within our business, but rather elevate our services and productivity. As we continue to face a shrinking workforce with older generations retiring from the industry, we want to continue to lead on the innovation front and we will do so with our people in mind.

We will continue to prioritize the technology solutions that help our people — including our shippers and carriers — be successful. For shippers, this means offering supply chain solutions that streamline their logistics processes, reduce expenses, and help them better serve their customers.

Here at TA Services, we use technology to empower our teams and simplify the lives of our shippers and carriers — while helping them be more successful.

Contact TA Services today to work with an extraordinary team—using best-in-class logistics technology—dedicated to helping you succeed.