In an era of rising delivery expectations, tight parcel security can make the difference between lengthy customer service calls and efficient shipments that delight every time. But safeguarding parcels from inception to final delivery can become a consistent headache for shippers using scattered data management tools and manual logistics processes.
A transportation management system (TMS) acts as a huge boon to businesses struggling with effective parcel management. These systems offer dedicated parcel functionalities designed to help shippers confidently enhance and standardize parcel security processes, increasing the quality of carriers, driving customer satisfaction, and raising profits.
Safeguard and centralize parcel data
The digital era has brought with it transformative benefits—as well as many new complications. This is particularly true of data management.
Daily parcel workflows involve high quantities of data, including the information embedded within important documents like parcel manifests, invoices, and bills of lading. But when it comes to managing this data, shippers too often rely on an array of unsafe and inconsistent processes, including:
- Storing data across local devices that may lack proper security measures
- Writing down information where it can be misplaced or discovered by anyone
- Manually dragging files into one or more cloud storage options, none of which guarantee data encryption to today’s security standards
These haphazard and insecure data management practices leave parcel data exposed to costly security incidents and criminal acts, such as unauthorized users obtaining route information so they can locate carrier vehicles and steal the freight on board. Modern, robust TMSs use encryption, automation, and user authentication tools to secure data to the latest security protocols, then collate it in one accessible dashboard. From this secure platform, shippers can set data access restrictions on a per-file basis, ensuring sensitive information is only visible to the right people.
Assess the quality of carriers
Parcel security breaches aren’t just an embarrassment on the customer front—they can expose sensitive information to malicious actors and drive substantial costs. In 2023 alone, shipping costs from US package thefts amounted to more than $1 billion.
Unvetted carriers increase the risk of theft, losses, and shrinkage, potentially lacking trusted drivers, experience confidently navigating a given area, or comprehensive security practices. TMSs provide quick access to a network of reliable parcel carriers able to meet specific delivery needs. Shippers can assess the carrier’s parcel theft, loss, and shrinkage claims history, and learn whether their personnel diligently follow proper handling procedures for minimizing missing packages. With this information, businesses can make more informed carrier decisions to reduce the risk of theft.
Validate customer information and expand visibility
The reasons why shippers should confirm customer information before sending a parcel are obvious: for one, if they don’t know where to deliver a parcel, they can’t ensure it will get there on time.
But what shippers may not realize is that validating customer information is also a matter of parcel security. Say a customer complains that they didn’t receive an order. Shippers must inspect where and when it was delivered and which carrier transported the parcel to discover where in the logistics pipeline a security issue like theft may have occurred. That way, they can recover and redirect the order to the customer if possible or, if necessary, replace it, file the appropriate claim, and hold the correct parties accountable.
TMSs can store customer data and use automation to consistently verify information before initiating a delivery. For example, CTSI-Global’s Parcel Management solution within Honeybee TMS provides real-time visibility into in-transit parcel movement and utilizes local and global address directories to validate customer addresses, eliminating opportunities for human errors to improve delivery accuracy.
Enhance parcel security and management with a TMS
As customers continue to demand on-time, transparent delivery experiences, shippers must take steps to protect every parcel, without sacrificing efficient management. CTSI-Global’s Parcel Management solution, powered by ShipEngine’s API tool from Auctane, affords shippers significant visibility and agency over their entire operation.
This best-in-class parcel system—built into the robust Honeybee TMS—ensures shippers no longer need to make haphazard logistics decisions or side with carriers inexperienced in today’s parcel security protocols. Instead, they can rest easy knowing state-of-the-art logistics technology will secure all proprietary, carrier, and customer data—while providing the real-time information they need to make every delivery count.
Secure your parcels to secure your future. Contact us to learn more about how our parcel and transportation management solutions can drive revenue and growth for your organization.
