A New Era for Back-Office Operations: 3 Ways Automation is Transforming Freight Brokerage

Today’s freight brokerages must perform like well-rehearsed orchestras – in unison – all day, every day. Everyone within the business needs to read from the same page (freight broker software, you could say). For fast-tempo brokerage operations, those pages need to be shared digitally, and data must flow harmoniously.

Automation of back-office operations is the key for modern freight brokerages to top the charts for their customers.

“Back-office automation is like giving your business superhero sidekicks that handle all the behind-the-scenes tasks, allowing you to focus on what you do best,” Gleematic said. “By automating these repetitive and time-consuming back-office tasks, organizations can redirect human resources towards more strategic and creative endeavors, ultimately fostering a more agile and productive work environment. In essence, back-office automation is the engine driving smoother, smarter, and more responsive business operations.”

🚚Today’s Freight Brokerages Face a Challenging Logistics Landscape

We live in an I-want-it-now world. Shippers and carriers are no different. They require the freight brokerages they work with to immediately handle complex tasks and supply them with clear communication, real-time visibility, and accurate data.

“To remain competitive, freight brokers must upgrade to modern technologies for access to the most recent data,” FreightWaves Ratings said. “Choosing valuable metrics to track and monitor can give you a competitive edge and help you address issues like delays or in-transit damages. Data enables you to pinpoint root causes, as opposed to simply identifying them, so you can prevent problems from occurring.”

Complex Load Management

Busy airports cannot operate safely and efficiently without digital tools that enable air traffic controllers to manage planes during takeoff, in the air, and landing. It’s the same for on-the-ground freight movements. Without automated processes facilitated by software, freight brokers are almost flying blind. It’s nearly impossible to handle multiple loads and have any type of visibility into the status of that freight.

And, juggling multiple tasks actually can negatively impact productivity, according to Verywell Mind.

“While multitasking seems like a great way to get a lot done at once, research has shown that our brains are not nearly as good at handling multiple tasks as we like to think they are. In fact, some research suggests that multitasking can actually hamper your productivity by reducing your comprehension, attention, and overall performance.”  

Inefficient Communication Channels

Inefficient communication tools and information silos not only impact single-load coordination and response times but put the entire business at risk. With thousands of freight brokerages out there, customers are going to work with the one that’s easiest to communicate with.

“Communicating with your customers is one of the most important links in the business chain,” Fullview said, noting that “poor communication can lead to information overload, unmatchable customer expectations, and customer drop-off over time.”

Limited Data Visibility and Reporting

Customers will drop off for sure if they have difficulty accessing real-time data and performance metrics that enable them to make informed, data-driven decisions.

Real-time visibility “used to be a nice-to-have service offering for many freight brokers and logistics providers,” Trucker Tools said. “Not so long ago, real-time visibility was only required by the larger shippers. Today, shippers of all sizes often require that freight brokerage and 3PL businesses … meet minimum visibility KPIs to broker their freight.”

↪️Meeting the Moment: Forward-Thinking Freight Brokers Leverage Automation

Automation achieved through freight broker software can greatly simplify and enhance back-office operations. Efficiencies can be gained in a multitude of ways, including through streamlined load management, integrated communication solutions, and advanced data integration and reporting.

Streamlined Load Management

Automated load assignments, tracking, and updates provide real-time visibility and significantly reduce manual errors.

“Automation is a game-changer when it comes to streamlining operations,” business coach Jerry Freishtat wrote in a LinkedIn post. “Invest in cutting-edge technology tools that can handle repetitive tasks, reducing the risk of human error and allowing employees to focus on more strategic, value-added activities. From automated data entry to workflow orchestration, technology can significantly enhance efficiency.”

Integrated Communication Solutions

Consolidation of communication tools into a single platform enables automated responses, real-time messaging, and centralized information.

Freishtat pointed out that businesses should “utilize communication platforms that allow for real-time collaboration, reducing delays and fostering a culture of transparency.”

Advanced Data Integration and Reporting

The automation of data entry and reporting processes provides access to comprehensive, real-time performance insights for better decision-making.

“In the era of big data, leveraging analytics is crucial for making informed decisions,” Freishtat wrote. “Implement analytics tools to gather insights from your operational data. Analyzing trends, identifying patterns, and understanding performance metrics empower decision-makers to steer the organization in the right direction.”

🥁Drumkit Transforms Freight Brokers’ Back-Office Operations

At Drumkit, our goal is to simplify as many back-office operations as possible across the lifecycle of a load, allowing freight brokers to ensure their businesses continue to run at a fast tempo.

Our software automates workflows with artificial intelligence (AI) to help freight brokers increase capacity by 30-40%, reduce errors, and improve customer relationships. Drumkit plugs directly into customers’ email inboxes and transportation management systems (TMSs) to automate what formerly were tedious manual tasks.

Drumkit’s features include:

• A quick quote tool that instantly responds with rate quotes for loads.
• An integrated sidebar to quickly see load information across platforms in one place.
• Track and trace to automate carrier and shipper status checks.
• A load-building function that instantly inputs loads into customers’ TMSs and eliminates manual data entry.
• Appointment scheduling to set load pickups and deliveries – and reschedule them if necessary – seamlessly.

We help freight brokers move fast, scale rapidly, and grow their businesses by eliminating manual processes.

Our stellar software provides:

• A platform for real-time messaging and collaboration among freight brokers, shippers, carriers, and other stakeholders. This facilitates instant communication, enabling quick decision-making and problem-solving.
• Tools for shared visibility into shipment status, schedules, and documentation among all involved parties. This shared visibility enhances transparency and trust, allowing stakeholders to stay informed and aligned throughout the load journey.
• A vehicle for brokers to assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress across stakeholders. This streamlines workflows, ensures accountability, and fosters collaboration by providing a centralized platform for managing tasks and responsibilities.

Drumkit frees freight brokers from tedious day-to-day tasks. From load building to appointment scheduling to track and trace, Drumkit handles it all.

You can set the stage for more efficient back-office operations by booking a demo with Drumkit.

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