Have you decided to purchase a freight forwarding software for your business? Congratulations! You’re about to make one of the best investments of your career. But now comes the tricky part: choosing a software system. While every owner is different and every business has different goals with unique methods of operation, there are several factors every transportation professional must consider before choosing a system.

So, what goes into picking the perfect freight forwarding software?

Transportation is a stressful business but over the past decade, technology has truly changed the landscape for the better. From streamlining finances to automating busywork, there is so much about software that eases the day-to-day burden and allows your team to focus on big picture strategy. Just remember that not every software system is created equal.

Let’s break down some elements to consider when browsing through options.

User-Friendly

Whether you’re a tech wizard or hate computers, there’s a curve to any new program. And you’ll likely encounter a range of abilities on your end plus the vendors and accountants you work with externally. Not to mention – your customers! If the system requires weeks or months of training to master, consider looking elsewhere. The system you invest in shouldn’t require a lengthy time investment as well.

Remote Access

When there’s an inevitable problem, the last place you want to be is miles from your office and work computer. 21st-century employees are on the go and need a system that moves with them. Instant access to software allows for quick fixes which of course improves customer service. And with workers more connected than ever, you’ll see a boost in collaboration. Search for freight forwarding software with cloud technology that allows for productivity outside of your office’s four walls.

Customer Service

Many professionals, including outside of the freight industry, forget about a key player when making corporate decisions: their customers. As you know, customer service is the crux of your industry. The software system you choose should allow customers to reach support staff easily. All communication should be clear and, as their title suggests, supportive.

Accounting Software

When it comes to increasing efficiency, nothing achieves that faster than invoice management and general financial automation. Look for software that provides customizable invoices and stores previous invoices. Past invoices should be filed separately from current and, luckily, most software systems include a digital filing cabinet for that purpose. Members of your financial team should also be able to quickly mark invoices as paid, track unpaid invoices, and generate receipts. And in the same vein as our previous point, invoice automation makes life easier for your paying customers.

Quick Quoting

Quoting leads is an essential part of growth. But let’s face it, quoting can be a thankless, time-consuming financial suck. The software you choose should streamline quoting so you can earn customers at no extra cost to your wallet or watch. More often than not, customers appreciate the quick turnaround and reward you with their business. You’d be surprised how even these small efficiencies can boost your reputation and, ultimately, your bottom line.

Analytics

One of the reasons you’re investing in freight forwarding software is to step away from life’s day-to-day mundane tasks and focus on big-picture decisions like global expansion and new operating systems. A software that includes profit and loss analytics gives you that coveted holistic view of your business’ wheels and levers and, ultimately, helps you make those big-picture decisions. More advanced analytics also allows you to focus on specific aspects of your business such as tools that assist in managing shipment expenses and profit and loss numbers by service.

Finally…Free Trial

It may seem trivial, but when you’re new to the daunting task of implementing company-wide software, you’ll likely make mistakes along the way. As you start working in the software, you may notice the learning curve is steeper than expected or the system is missing an element you hadn’t considered. There’s so much to think about that you’re bound to have missteps. In case those missteps are hefty, it’s important to have an insurance plan. When it comes to tech, free trials are your insurance plan.

Summary

Clearly there’s more to pour over than price. Hopefully this helped narrow down your options so you can make the best choice possible when it comes to freight forwarder software. While you’ve already made the right decision to upgrade your transportation business into the high-tech world of 2020, your choice of a software system can ultimately determine how well your business adapts to this brave new world.

CSA Software offers the best freight forwarding software products in the industry. Our resources and capabilities allow us to have the competitive advantage over our competitors. With over 35 years of freight forwarding software development experience, we are at the forefront of the transportation industry trends.

Our freight forwarder products include Account Trak (operational TMS), Web-Trak (shipment management portal), LTL Trak (software for LTL shipments), WMS-Trak (warehouse management software), QuickBooks (accounting for freight forwarders), EDI (electronic connectivity) services, and much more. Call us today for your Free Software Demo!