Freight tech: How carriers can take advantage of the 3G shutdown

Wireless providers have started the process of sunsetting their older 3G networks to make room for 5G systems.

"We've had a longstanding and well-thought-out plan to decommission 3G and move on to other technologies," says Nicki Palmer, Verizon's Chief Network Officer. Verizon plans to shut down its 2G/3G service by the end of the year, with AT&T following in 2022.

A significant portion of fleets is still running equipment on the 3G network.

The freight industry has always been slow to adopt, but when networks shut down, it could cause a major struggle for fleets to get organized and moving again.

Read on to learn why prepping now is key to staying on the road.

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Connect with the future

Change is hard -- especially when it's forced change. However, carriers could use this time to reflect on how their business is being run and determine if they can use this as a time to upgrade their entire system.

Some carriers are going to attempt to continue using their 3G equipment until the final days of the shutdown. Understandably, if you invest in an expensive piece of equipment, you want to use it as long as possible. But there are significant drawbacks to waiting until the last minute.

Technology is not an enemy to truck drivers. In fact, choosing the right tech to supplement your business operations can drastically change your time management and revenue levels.

Leverage change to your competitive advantage

Carriers will have the opportunity to change out older video camera equipment, alarm solutions, and even their smartphones. However, with new and shiny equipment, carriers deserve to have the best software to run their operations.

At Shipwell, we have listened to the pain points of carriers and factor those issues into our software builds to make booking loads and managing fleets easier than ever.

Carriers get the added benefit of using our app for free. They can log in and see loads on private, curated shipper and 3PL Load Boards.

No longer do you have to access a public load board and fight for loads at dirt cheap rates.

When you get access to Shipwell Load Boards, it is because you are a trusted carrier and personally selected to bid and book these loads.

Try out the Shipwell Load Board

Transform you carrier business

Additionally, another part of the industry changing is the necessity of tracking freight. While some carriers have decided not to offer tracking, the ones that have are seeing more shippers and 3PLs add them into their priority list when new loads become available.

With access to Shipwell, carriers can now offer shippers and 3PLs freight tracking via their ELDs, a mobile app, or even through automated check calls. Now, the Shipwell platform will show the truck moving along the route in real-time, giving them peace of mind and adding value to your carrier business.

Shipment documents are stored and signed digitally so your whole business can be run from a computer or smart device. Finally, truckers drive more and worry less.

Work smarter, not harder

If you're one of the carriers who needs a transition to smarter freight tech, you're going to love Shipwell.

Find better loads and reduce deadheads by joining the Shipwell carrier network -- at absolutely no cost. Set up is easy and we'll have you on the road in minutes.

Sign up to join the Shipwell Carrier Network