Freight solutions: Tips for implementing new tech

Trying to convince your boss to change how they manage processes can be a tricky conversation.

It brings back the feeling of trying to ask your parents for something you wanted but that they had to pay for. In the world of freight solutions, there are plenty of managers who know their systems and have no reason to change them -- unless you give them a pitch they can't ignore.

Here are some tactics to use when trying to convince your boss to use freight solutions to propel the business into bigger profits with less time and work.

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Step #1: Do your research

If you have ever tried to ask for anything from someone who controls the budget for your department, you need to come into the conversation well researched.

Spend some time researching online and talking to other logistics professionals about the pros and cons of the tech. That way, you can lay out a spectrum of information during the initial conversation about implementing new systems.

Conferences are an amazing opportunity to meet other professionals in the supply chain world to get a sense of what works for them. Check out Greg Price, CEO & Co-founder, Shipwell talk at TransparencyWaves19 in Atlanta about how the future of freight involves quantum computing.

https://youtu.be/sdsd1kim12M

Step #2: Understand what problems you're solving

What are questions you're struggling to answer about your supply chain?

Some frequent ones we hear are:

• Where is my freight right now?
• How much are we spending on freight?
• Which carriers perform best for us?
• Which warehouse or DC is struggling?

Having a clear picture of what you're trying to solve for can help when you begin demoing solutions. Work with your managers and colleagues to understand everyone's unique challenges to find a solution that works for the entire organization.

Step #3: Get a demo (or multiple demos!)

When you have won over your boss to the idea of new freight solutions, suggest a period of time to review solutions to your freight challenges.

When reviewing freight tech solutions, turn back to those core questions or problems you're trying to solve. Talk with your reps about specific instances you're trying to solve for, and see if and how the proposed solution can solve it.

Our team speaks with shippers, 3PLs, and carriers all day about their obstacles to a seamless, automated supply chain. From simple freight operations to a multifaceted, complicated supply chain, we've addressed it all!

For instance, Lumi came to Shipwell to start transporting their freight across the country with instant quoting, booking, real-time tracking, and less manual work on their end.

In the end, Lumi went from spending 10 hours a week quoting freight down to just two hours. The team also saw an incredible 500% savings on freight quotes from accessing Shipwell's massive carrier network.

Read the case study

Step #4: Meet with your team & review options

Once you've demoed solutions, re-group with your team to ensure everyone's questions and concerns are addressed.

It's essential to evaluate the features presented in each solution. For instance, our pricing tiers for our cloud-based automated freight platform are available here, and include features and tools for each pricing group.

Pushing a new system into your workplace can be tricky business, but when it's a platform like Shipwell, have no fear.

Shipwell listens to shippers, brokers, and carriers say what they want to improve about their jobs, and we make a platform that works for them. By providing freight visibility, automated workflows, in-app messaging, instant rates, etc., Shipwell is propelling the world of freight into the future.

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