Imagine this scenario: A winter storm forms along a planned FTL route, and the driver gets stuck. But before the driver can reach the company and help come up with a solution, the delivery deadline has passed, and the truck is stranded. The problem with running your supply chain without real-time visibility is that you are always reacting to what has already happened rather than taking action before it becomes a problem. 

Real-time visibility means being able to see where your freight is, its condition, and whether it’s on schedule to arrive as promised. The shippers that leverage this solution are more informed and better protected.

Real-Time Visibility Is More Than a Dot on a Map

At its core, real-time visibility needs layered, connected information. And that entails knowing the exact location of the shipment, when it will arrive, the internal temperature, whether the truck is ahead of schedule, and whether anything along the way, like bad weather, road closures, or mechanical problems, could cause it to go off course.

You want to increase visibility and decrease variability. The difference between the two is important because many tracking tools provide information, but don’t give you anything to do with it. For instance, you may be able to see the truck, but you cannot see the trouble coming. EFS’ approach differs because it integrates location data, temperature monitoring, carrier communication, and proactive alerts into a single view across the entire shipment journey. 

How EFS Tracking Tech Stops Problems Before They Start

This is where things get real. Beyond reporting, real-time visibility doesn’t just tell you what is going on; it stops it. Here are examples of proactive logistics management that show how tracking should work.

1. A Temperature Drift Is Caught Early

A reefer truck carrying milk and other dairy products to a distribution center in Memphis begins to slowly warm up. When the drift was within a recoverable range, EFS’ cold chain monitoring informed the shipper. The carrier was called, and the unit’s cooling system was revised. The cargo arrived at its destination on time, and food quality was preserved. If the receiving team hadn’t gotten that alert, they might have turned down the whole shipment at the dock. 

2. A Traffic Delay Triggers a Schedule Adjustment

An LTL shipment bound for a foodservice warehouse outside Chicago ran into unexpected traffic. The system automatically recalculates the ETA and sends a real-time delivery update to the receiving facility, rather than waiting for the driver to call in. This way, the warehouse could adjust its dock schedule. And there was no unnecessary work or trucks sitting around waiting to unload.

What to Look for in a Logistics Partner’s Tracking Capabilities

Not all tracking is the same. If you’re thinking about hiring a third-party logistics company, here are some questions you should ask before you sign anything.

1. Does Tracking Cover Origin to Documentation?

Some logistics partners will only let you see what’s going on at pickup and drop-off. But that leaves a long, dark middle where anything can happen. Find a partner who keeps track of every mile.

2. Are Alerts Active or Passive?

A dashboard that you have to check is very different from a system that sends you alerts when something needs your attention. The second approach is what makes proactive shipment disruption prevention possible.

3. Is Temperature Monitoring Built In?

If you ship anything cold, which you would probably do if you are in the foodservice or pharmaceutical industries, make sure the tracking package includes temperature data from the very beginning. This is not an option.

4. Can You See Everything in One Place?

Tracking that spans multiple carriers and platforms is confusing. It’s much easier to spot problems early when you can see all your shipments on one platform, whether FTL, LTL, or reefer.

Plan Your Shipping Operations With EFS to Stay Ahead

Not every risk needs to be eliminated to keep the supply chain running smoothly. In fact, that is not going to happen. Real-time visibility is about spotting problems early enough to address them and having a logistics partner who cares about your freight as much as you do.

Entourage Freight Solutions gives you the whole picture: real-time tracking, alerts that go off before something bad happens, temperature monitoring, and a team that understands how important it is to move your shipment. If you’re sick of hearing about problems after they’ve already cost you time and money, it might be time to get in touch with a logistics partner who can spot them before they cost you time and money. Contact us to get started.