In today’s hyper-connected world, an intermodal transportation management system (TMS) can bridge the gap between shippers and their partners. This groundbreaking technology—which ties together multiple modes of transportation—reduces costs, boosts speed, and mitigates risk.
Amid evolving supply chain uncertainties, intermodal TMS capabilities have proven especially effective. In their quest for flexibility, agility, and efficiency, more and more shippers have adopted this dynamic technology—and with good reason.
Accurate decision-making saves money and drives speed
Most shippers know that a quality TMS can take the guesswork out of high-stakes decision-making. But when it comes to more granular choices, such as shipment routing and carrier partnerships, not every TMS can keep up.
Consider a global shipment route crossing land and water. Facing a sea of transportation options, shippers have to determine the most cost-efficient combination for that particular shipment—without expending unnecessary time and money on decision-making. In general, rail makes for cheaper long-haul transportation, while trucking is a more affordable short-distance option. But how can shippers be certain that they’re making the right choice?
With an intermodal TMS, shippers can make these decisions with confidence. Intermodal technology provides real-time, data-driven insight into every possible transportation combination, guiding shippers toward the cheapest and fastest option for each shipment. Shippers can also easily boost capacity when transporting high-volume shipments, all while factoring in handling costs and other fees. Amid rate fluctuations and hidden route complexities, the right technology ensures precision and visibility—along with newfound cost savings and speed.
Flexible carrier diversification mitigates risk
In today’s unpredictable supply chain climate, diversification is an essential risk management strategy. When it comes to carrier partnerships, that’s especially true: carriers contend directly with driver shortages, rising fuel costs, and other long-standing challenges. In the face of uncertainty, shippers must build a carrier network they can count on—across land, sea, and air.
With the right intermodal TMS, shippers can react decisively to carrier setbacks. CTSI-Global’s Honeybee™ TMS, for example, enables shippers to discover and select carriers based on routing, performance, pricing, and even custom criteria.
End-to-end visibility connects shippers and carriers—from start to finish
The more carriers and routes in play, the more pressing the visibility and management obstacles. But beyond sheer quantity and tracking concerns, shippers must juggle more granular responsibilities—like handling individual contracts and invoices for each carrier. Because longer and more complex routes often consist of multiple carrier journeys, the process can quickly grow complicated.
Real-time insights and visibility provide a tremendous advantage, but intermodal TMSs take it a step further by enabling shippers to manage intricate carrier networks across a wide range of shipments and routes. With live insights and detailed short- and long-term data on performance, payments, and timing, intermodal technology dramatically simplifies a notoriously complex process.
With an intermodal TMS, shipper investments go the extra mile
A TMS is no small investment. But there’s a reason shippers continue to embrace logistics digitization across the board—especially when it comes to intermodal technology.
In a supply chain environment rife with uncertainty, the right tools can make all the difference. With Honeybee™ TMS, shippers can leverage the carriers that work best for them—for individual shipments and long-term partnerships. Perhaps most importantly, it allows shippers to make the most of their technology—and unlock the flexibility they need to thrive.
Contact CTSI-Global today to tap into a smooth global shipping process.
