Freight technology is transformative 

Technology in freight shipping is a story of a continuous cycle of innovation and adaptation. Aside from the broad-stroke technology that continues to affect transportation (like forklifts), modern-age technology is constantly being developed to solve logistic problems and enable a more effortless transportation experience.  

Understanding how and when to include new (and legacy) tech in your supply chain can lead to better communication, improved performance metrics and overall success. 

Technology’s impact on shippers  

Today, software advances like the internet, e-commerce, big data and analytics pave the way for new technologies in freight shipping. And as these expand, the shipping industry continues to evolve around them. This leads to faster and more efficient shipping and continues to make the sector more interconnected than ever before.  

Technology can be used to:  

  • Improve supply chain visibility  
  • Create more efficient operations  
  • Provide insights into performance  
  • Enhance communication  
  • Provide paperless transactions with digital documentation  
  • Optimize warehouses  

 Emergent and legacy freight technologies used today 

  1. EDI. EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is used to make supply chains more visible. EDI allows records such as invoices and shipping notices to be exchanged between computer systems without manual intervention. This facilitates seamless communication and integration, allowing for a speedy and unified connection.  

  2. API. In addition to EDI being used, API (Application Program Interface) is a newer technology that allows for an even faster implementation experience than traditional EDI and allows for a real time experience that can be used on demand when you need access to information quickly.  

        Suggested Read: EDI vs API: which works best for your business 

  1. Artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics. With proper integrations and strategic support, you can obtain the most up-to-date and accurate analytics to optimize your operations further. Learn how to use shipping data to make decisions about your current operations. 

  1. Virtual assistants. Virtual assistants, which can be used to make and answer calls about drivers, shipment statuses, etc., offer accessible, effective communication between your business and your carriers. This allows you to spend your time on more urgent issues and rely on technology to handle tasks that can be tackled with tech alone. 

  2. IoT. IoT, or the Internet of Things, enables the integration of connected devices and sensors, playing a pivotal role in shipment and equipment monitoring and supply chain visibility. IoT can improve the efficiency of your logistics operations by providing real-time tracking and monitoring, minimizing delays and preventing losses. 

  3. Blockchain. Blockchain technology acts as a decentralized and data-encrypted ledger. This provides the potential for shippers, receivers, carriers, and retailers to record their transactions and movements of goods, make payments more efficient, or simplify international trade. Learn more about the potential use of blockchain in logistics.  

  4. Online tools. The technology available to you is only as good as your ability to utilize it. Online tools make it easy to perform tasks, including tracking shipments, requesting pickups and getting quotes. With these user-facing logistics technologies available at your fingertips, shipping becomes more manageable. 

ArcBest’s commitment to technology 

Revolutionizing the transportation industry has been part of ArcBest’s journey for 100 years. By constantly investing in new and existing technology, ArcBest provides modern and user-friendly tools to make your transportation experience seamless.  

Whether through our self-service customer portal, our virtual assistants, or our ability to integrate with your warehouse management systems or other in-house platforms, you can rest assured that the right technology will be used to give your company a competitive advantage. 

Interested in learning more about our technology offerings?  

See what technology is available for shippers and carriers and learn more about our latest innovation, Vaux™, which was introduced earlier this year: Explore ArcBest's technology capabilities