For TMS providers like MercuryGate and large 3PLs, less tedium means more time to help their customers secure capacity. But every manual freight transportation task, from receiving quotes to transmitting a bill of lading to generating invoices, adds inefficiency, reducing the ability to provide value to their customers. This case study explains how an effective LTL API solution can amplify value for customers.
But the increasing use of spot and dynamic pricing also means 3PLs can’t wait until the end of the day for data visibility. And as a critical link in the chain between shippers and carriers, MercuryGate and a large full-service 3PL needed a way to enable automated data flow between systems to generate the real-time insights that drive their logistics services.
- Better workflow automation to reduce hands-on tedium.
- Real-time insights to secure the right capacity for shipping customers.
- Faster tendering and invoicing to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Smooth integration with existing systems.
Let’s examine how the SMC³ LTL API solution supports MercuryGate and this 3PL’s needs.
The SMC3 LTL API Solution to Improve a Leading 3PL’s Workflows
MercuryGate and this leading 3PL chose SMC³’s LTL APIs to better streamline workflows. The SMC³ digital platform automates the shipment lifecycle with freight transportation visibility solutions, sending and receiving data to reduce tedium while enabling better, more timely data flow between systems.
- The ability to receive less-than-truckload (LTL) quotes for volume, contract, broker and dynamic pricing and transit schedules from multiple carriers.
- Self-assigning PRO numbers prior to pick-up.
- Use of Electronic Bills of Lading (eBOL) to digitally transmit shipping information to carriers quickly and securely.
- Digital pickup scheduling and immediate pickup confirmation.
- Real-time shipment monitoring and messaging.
- On-demand access to vital documents (including bills of lading, weight & inspection certification, proof of delivery, and invoices).
- Proactive supply chain management with real-time alerts.
Here are some of the results realized through this solution.
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The Results: Automating Tasks to Increase Efficiency
SMC³ APIs have enabled MercuryGate and this 3PL to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and impress customers.
APIs help 3PLs and TMS providers eliminate gaps in shipment visibility, automate manual processes and redeploy resources to help revenue-generating activities—especially in the less-than-truckload (LTL) space.
“There are some really challenging LTL-specific rules like minimum density or linear footage that can be difficult to rate automatically in your system,” said the 3PL’s executive vice president. “With an API, you can catch those on the front end and get a proper rate.”
SMC³ APIs also automatically tender shipments to carriers and ping the shipper with confirmation, providing increased freight tracking throughout the freight transportation supply chain.
Automating freight transportation tasks reduces inefficiencies. With SMC³ LTL APIs, all shipment information is stored in the same location, using the same digital format, making adding security and speed to freight processes — all with less hands-on work.
