Using transportation tracking software helps businesses effectively track the locations of their vehicles and cargo and stay informed on other logistical information at all times. This software also allows businesses to automate processes and improve productivity.

There are a variety of transportation tracking software packages for businesses to choose. Transportation tracking software packages can vary from providing basic to complex transportation tracking solutions. Consider the following tips on using transportation tracking software to manage your company’s logistics data.

1. Outline your goals for using transportation tracking software.

2. Evaluate the various logistics tracking software options.

3. Determine how to choose providers of transportation tracking solutions.

Action Steps
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Assess your need for transportation tracking software

When using logistics tracking software, you need to find a program that works well with your business, as this software is dependent upon the complexity of your company. You can use a logistic tracking system to store and transfer data related to your delivery and shipment services and transport vehicles. You can also use many transportation tracking systems to analyze recorded data and create reports to help you identify both efficient and inefficient practices. The first step in choosing the right transportation tracking software is identifying how you plan to use the software so you avoid overspending for functionality you may never use.

I recommend: Read more about picking the right transportation tracking software for your business by reading Young Urban Professionals. Learn more about using radio frequency identification (RFID) systems by checking out Industry Week.

Learn more about transportation tracking software functionality

Using a transportation tracking system is a great way to increase your drivers' productivity. With a transport tracking system, you not only get to track your drivers' whereabouts, but you also get to monitor when the engines of your vehicles are off and on, the driving speeds of the vehicles and vehicle maintenance schedules. Transport tracking systems are also helpful in delivery tracking. With transportation tracking software, you can service more customers in less time and quickly respond to their delivery time inquiries.

I recommend: Check out ThomasNet Industrial Newsroom to read more about transportation software. Learn more about the benefits of using transportation tracking software by visiting Telogis.

Compare providers of transportation tracking software

There are many transportation tracking system providers you can work with. For example, global positioning system (GPS) providers have gained popularity in recent years as businesses look to them for assistance with improving utilization and operation efficiency of cars, trucks and other commercial vehicles.

I recommend: Check out Forbes.com to obtain a list of transportation software providers. You can also visit HotFrog to review a list of transport tracking system providers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  No matter which provider you choose, there are a few basic factors to consider when purchasing and using transportation tracking software. It's important that you ask about the scalability, security and usability of the software. It's also a good idea to inquire about mobile/remote tracking services to offer you the flexibility of tracking logistics data outside the office.

Transportation tracking is vital to shippers and customers whether it be for small packages or 40 TEU (20-ft. equivalent unit) containers. That makes it essential that you use the right type of logistics tracking software for your business.

Cargo tracking software can range from very simple to extremely complex, depending on what you want the transport tracking system to do. In fact, it can be as uncomplicated as using a bar code reader and harnessing the power of the Internet.

The various technologies used for transportation tracking include:

1. Bar code scanning combined with electronic document imaging (EDI) technology.
2. Radio frequency ID tags (RFID).
3. Global positioning (GPS) or satellite tracking.
4. Transportation log books.

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Use a bar code transport tracking system

Bar code transportation tracking systems working in conjunction with an RFID or EDI system are used by all of the major small package shipping companies and many retailers. Customers and shippers are able to follow the progress of their packages by accessing a specific website and entering a tracking number.

I recommend: The Courier Ordering Processing System (COPS) from Datatrac is one of many delivery tracking software systems being used by small package couriers. It can also work with wireless logistics tracking software and RFID transportation tracking devices. Other software developers include CXT Software and IntelliTrack.

Use RFID and transportation tracking software for containers and large shipments

Some of the larger retailers prefer to receive pallets or container loads of goods with RFID transponder tags used to communicate with a transportation tracking system for tracking and inventory control. RFID is also used for transportation tracking by railroads and ship lines.

I recommend: Most RFID systems consist of transponder tags attached to the pallet, container or freight car and a receiver at a remote location that will input the information into your transportation tracking software. Developers of RFID systems that will work with shipment tracking software include Fluensee, Inc., Odyssey RFID for DoD, and Sybase.

Use a GPS system to track cargo

GPS systems are being installed in fleets of trucks, containers and rail cars and can deliver extremely accurate data as to the location of your cargo. Unfortunately, the wide use of public GPS systems makes this technology less secure than others.

I recommend: Companies providing transportation and logistics software and hardware to work with GPS systems include VehiclePath, which tracks your fleet online for a monthly fee, Vericom Technologies, SageQuest, and FleetTrackingOnline.com, which is a web-based system.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with your customers before installing one of these systems. Some require that you use RFID transponder tags, and others may prefer bar codes to make your shipments compatible with their inventory control systems.
• •  Adequately train your employees in using these systems. One mistake could result in lost shipments. Most of the companies offering tracking hardware and software have training programs available.
• •  Request a demo of the products before you buy.

Transportation tracking software helps companies keep track of where their vehicles are at all times. A transport tracking system, sometimes also referred to as logistics tracking software, can help your business in many ways. Transportation tracking software can not only help gain efficiencies by improving time and fuel management, it can help keep better tabs on vehicle maintenance needs and poor driver habits that can prove costly.

Transportation tracking software education and training is key to properly utilizing transportation software to the fullest. When you and/or your employees are up to speed, you will be able to take maximum advantage of the transportation tracking solutions that come with your package tracking software. Consider the following to help you learn what is necessary to operate a new transportation tracking system:

1. Take advantage of in-house training provided by transportation tracking software companies.

2. Utilize web-based training to allow your organization to learn on its own time table.

3. Travel to a software provider's classroom and receive hands-on training at their facility.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take advantage of in-house training provided by a transportation tracking software company

Many software companies that offer tracking software also provide in-house training for you and your employees. In-house training can provide your company with individualized attention to address issues that may come up that are specific to your organization.

I recommend: Computer Support offers onsite training for your employees. One of Ron Turley Associates' training options is in-house training at your place of work.

Train on a transportation tracking system on your own timetable with web-based training

Web-based training is a viable option for companies with a small number of users. Web-based training is often done live online. All each student needs is a phone and a high-speed Internet connection.

I recommend: Collective Data offers web-based training as an option for its customers. Virtual Dispatch also offers web-based training along with several other training options to meet your organization's needs.

Travel to a transportation tracking software provider's classroom to receive hands-on training

Traveling to a software manufacturer's training facility can give you the benefit of backup expertise. You can also take the opportunity to see other software available by this provider that may be worth purchasing down the road.

I recommend: Prophesy Transportation Solutions has an expanded, cutting edge training and implementation facility which they refer to as "the University of Prophesy." TMW Systems offers training at its training facility in Durham, NC.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some transportation tracking software companies offer train-the-trainer programs, which allow you to train one person from your company that can then return to train many. This option may be more cost-effective, and provides you with a more permanent training resource once training is complete.

Whether for clients or for yourself, tracking transportation items is a valuable asset. With a multitude of tracking software options, it can be overwhelming to know the exact terms. Once you become knowledgeable about these common words, you can better communicate with your vendors or clients.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

UPC bar codes

UPC bar codes, in conjunction with tracking software, are a universal necessity for companies that wish to track their merchandise. Once scanned, the bar code and 12-digit UPC number allow companies to find the specific location of their shipments.

I recommend: Learn more about how UPC bar codes work at HowStuffWorks.

Radio frequency ID tags

Radio frequency ID tags contain silicon chips and an antenna, which allow for easy transmission back to a wireless receiver. The benefit of such software is that you do not need to manually scan each individual item like you would for the UPC bar codes.

I recommend: Visit Wired.com to learn more about the different types of radio frequency ID tags.

Global positioning system

A global positioning system, also known as GPS, involves satellites, computers and corresponding software. The positioning devices allow you to know the precise location of a transportation vehicle. It is the same type of technology used by those who drive in cars and have their own global positioning systems.

I recommend: Learn more about global positioning devices at Garmin.

Carrier bid optimization

Certain software programs might offer a benefit called carrier bid optimization. This feature allows you to maximize your profits by determining the exact prices offered by shipping companies.

I recommend: Learn more about carrier bid optimization at RedPrairie.

Intermodal

Certain transportation tracking software programs offer specialized features, which allow you to customize the software. One of the options might be an intermodal feature that allows you to ship to port or trailer, then to cosigner and back to you.

I recommend: Learn more about the intermodal option for transportation tracking software at Computer Support.

Transportation management systems

Transportation management systems is a specific software geared toward those seeking to track their freight. Whether it's used for shippers, airlines, buses, trucks, moving companies or trains, this software tracks and monitors every aspect about the trip, from vehicle maintenance to fuel to routes chosen.

I recommend: Visit Reed Business Information to learn how a transportation management system might be beneficial to your company.