Regardless of your position within the trucking or overall shipping industry — supply chain visibility is the crucial component that determines efficiency.
Without point-to-point tracking information, truck drivers are lost to dwell time. Below, we’ll discuss the implications of dwell time and how improved supply chain visibility is a crucial focal point in increasing the efficiency of the delivery of goods.
The Current State of Supply Chain Visibility
Currently, supply chain visibility software is typically integrated across a company’s enterprise resource planning system (ERP).
These systems track everything, such as accounting, compliance, risk management, and, of course, supply chain operations.
However, the problem with the current state of supply chain visibility is that many brands’ ERP uses third-party logistics (3PL) companies.
By outsourcing logistics, shipping companies (and their clients) are at an increased risk of slow supply chain visibility.
Remember, the supply chain is exactly what it sounds like. Once there’s a lag at one point, it will cascade across the rest of the supply chain — all the way to the consumer.
Why SCV is Important
SCV is the eyes and ears of the movement of goods across the globe.
Without it, customers are dissatisfied, goods are frequently delayed, competitive edge is diminished, and global forecasting is at a standstill.
In other words, supply chain visibility is the backbone of the shipping (and trucking) industry. The effects of supply chain visibility ripple across the industry and impact key pieces when incorrectly implemented.
The Effects of Dwell Time of Truckers
Inefficient supply chain visibility causes a specific problem — dwell time.
In the trucking industry, truck drivers lose valuable hours while waiting to drop off or pick up loads. This lag time is not only inefficient — it’s expensive as well.
Ultimately, dwell time costs the shipping industry over $1 billion each year. Furthermore, dwell time is a leading complaint among truck drivers because it literally wastes their time.
On average, dwell time consumes up to six hours of a truck driver’s time. However, the average dwell time ranges between 1-3-hours. At any rate, dwell time is a significant problem for everyone involved, from the trucker to the client.
How to Improve Supply Chain Visibility and Reduce Dwell Time
To reduce dwell time — shipping and trucking companies must improve their supply chain visibility.
For starters, real-time data aggregation is the foundation of reducing dwell time. By having a clear picture of where goods are, all parties involved are ready at the moment of arrival or departure.
In other words, an efficient supply chain visibility protocol will ensure everything is scheduled.
In-depth and real-time logistics technology empowers everyone within the supply chain to make smarter decisions. Once the trucking and shipping industry integrates high-end logistics technology, it will be much easier to pinpoint bottlenecks within the chain.
