One critical area where analytics shines is in providing transportation visibility and predictive estimated day of delivery and time of arrival ( EDD / ETA ). Analytics can leverage historical data , current traffic patterns , driver speed and even weather conditions to offer more precise and updated EDD / ETAs to customers . Further , analytics can help carriers implement dynamic appointment scheduling , which responds to real-time data and customer preferences . This dynamic approach allows carriers to adapt delivery windows and appointments as needed , providing flexibility for both customers and carriers while ensuring resources are used most efficiently .
Optimizing freight capacity utilization is another aspect that benefits from advanced analytics . By considering shipment volumes , vehicle capabilities and other constraints related to the delivery route , advanced analytics can help better plan vehicle needs and optimize freight capacities across various fleets . This ensures that vehicles are loaded
to their most efficient capacities for a given route without breaching weight limits or affecting delivery schedules .
Tying it All Together
So there you have it . Who said logistics was easy and boring ? Rising costs and economic uncertainty will continue into 2024 . Ecommerce demand and shipping revenues may falter . As shippers look to reduce costs , streamline their supply chains and enhance customer delivery experiences , last-mile carriers will need to embrace further flexibility , innovation and efficiency to survive and thrive .
In an industry that has already seen established logistics carriers wiped off the map this year , staying the course in 2024 may no longer work . The most progressive , informed and agile organizations will prevail . CLDA
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18 customized logistics & delivery Magazine I fall 2023