Implementing intermodal services requires experience, in this case, managing a transportation company. And, as we know, having a fleet with different modes of transport has taken a lot of hard work. Hard work is important in business, but working smart is even better, and that means never settling.
Intermodal services in transport
Intermodal transport, as it began to be defined, matured with the aim of improving service efficiency. This was because the growth in demand and volume was becoming unmanageable. It was then that a trucking entrepreneur realized that it was more efficient to use the same vehicle for different modes of transport.
Efficiency in any type of supply chain, such as delivery services, is a priority. That's why it's essential to know how to use all available resources. Only in this way can you provide good customer service without going overboard, both to avoid overcharging and to prevent the company from incurring losses.
Savings that intermodality will generate for your transport company
Logistics is so vital to businesses that the type you choose can make or break them. Finding the right logistics system can lead to cost savings and optimized resource allocation, making the handling of goods and products during delivery much easier.
Because it's so closely tied to sustainability, intermodal transport uses various means. These allow for optimization, which in turn leads to a greater number of trips with less fuel consumption. For example, scheduling all trips on one side of the city at a pre-arranged time. Or using delivery drivers on bicycles and motorcycles by partnering with startups.
How to make the most of intermodality?
If you want to be one of the market giants like Uber Eats, you need to make the most of intermodality. That's why Blair Peterson, senior vice president of International Asset Systems, a global provider of transportation solutions, offered the following advice.
Be on the same wavelength
Ensure your partners are aligned with your transportation company's philosophy and work methods. The goal should be to align intermodal transportation objectives with overall business objectives, as achievements should be supported by and reflected in the goals of all businesses involved.
Don't let it delay you
Just as there needs to be alignment on goals, the partnership also needs to be evaluated from other perspectives. Understand the criteria and areas they typically cover to avoid future problems. If you work with software but the other business refuses to move forward with updates, it's best to avoid finalizing the agreement.
New drivers
Hire wisely. Whether you're subcontracting or simply recruiting new drivers, don't take it lightly. Don't just consider the cost; review their previous employers' experiences. And, of course, consider what they can offer your company that will benefit everyone.
Take advantage of the tools available today.
Standardizing processes is the best option; get apps like ToolRides for your transportation service. Your intermodal dispatch team should be working at their best, but without overworking, we're back to smart work. Leverage your investment in technology and refine the associated processes. Only in this way can you ensure that everyone, from your partner to the customer, operates efficiently.
Always optimal communication
Provide all the necessary information to your business partners. Standardize data for shipment tracking, scheduling, routing, delivery receipts, and invoicing. Delivery software already handles half of this, especially if, like us, it offers partner versions.
Use of data
Leverage data, because otherwise it will become useless and the consequences will only be seen when it's too late. Use data on routes, modes, customers, or partners to drive decision-making. Seek harmony across all your processes and identify efficiency opportunities. The unit of measurement can be: revenue, costs, margins, hours, minutes, stages, stops, or calls.
How do you measure the efficiency of a work chain?
To optimize the supply chain, companies need to rigorously monitor the various processes in real time. This can be achieved by effectively dividing the work into well-defined departments or by utilizing the data generated daily by our dashboard in the app. This will enable logistics managers to make strategic decisions that refine efficiency.
The dashboards we provide with our transportation software will include details such as the following: the amount of money collected, number of clients, active drivers, partner companies, and daily, weekly, and monthly services. All of this will depend on your chosen features, as all apps are customizable and accessible on your devices.
Become pothole-proof
Since the start of the pandemic, companies working with delivery services have faced increasing changes. In a constantly evolving market with fluctuating demand, optimizing with technological solutions is a best practice. This allows them to serve customers without delays or additional costs.
Automation and digitalization are the two cornerstones of today's business world. They help businesses sell increasingly efficient services. Don't miss the opportunity to refine what's already approaching your vision. Contact us and we'll tell you how we can boost your delivery business.
