U.S. e-commerce revenue is about $423.3 billion and is steadily climbing. Whether it\’s full truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), or parcel, carriers are being forced to adjust to changes in the retail industry. One major innovation in the transportation industry is the integration of load boards into everyday operations. Here\’s what your freight brokers need to know about trucking load board integration and other shipment tracking integrations.
What is a trucking load board?
Also known as freight boards, load boards are digital pairing systems that enable shippers as well as freight brokers to post loads. Most types of load boards are very integrative and include many unique features that optimize the transportation process. Carriers have the ability to post their equipment and search using various criteria. Many load board and shipment tracking integrations also include some extra features like message boards, load matching, credit information, mobile access, and more.
How do load boards make the shipping process easier?
Load boards are incredibly helpful to freight brokers for a number of reasons. They can help new operators and owners to get a head start in the transportation business. However, it can be complicated to find the right service for you, so take the time you need to do thorough research and ensure that the load boards you use are conducive to business success.
Should I pay for a trucking load board service?
Nearly 12 million trucks, rail cars, locomotives, and vessels move goods over the transportation network, so it should come as no surprise that there are a wide variety of load boards available. Some are free and others cost money, but free load boards tend to have limited features. Try to come to a balance when choosing a load board: make your decision based on what\’s within your budget as well as the features you need most.
In 2013, trucking transported nearly 15 billion tons of cargo. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that by 2040, that number is expected to increase to 18.79 billion tons. While a load board can certainly make the transportation process easier for freight brokers and carriers alike, it\’s critical to shop around and find a service that meets the needs of your particular business model. For more information about shipment tracking integrations, contact 3PL Systems.