A business’s success hinges on the satisfaction and successes of its customers. One area of recent increasing customer demand is visibility and transparency, where customers expect to receive fast, up-to-date information on their orders. As a result, those upstream in the supply chain must respond to this demand.

As logistics and transportation visibility across the industry increases, shippers can use intermodal container tracking to elevate their customer service, focusing on proactive communication, exception management, and logistics optimization.

The Power of Intermodal Container Tracking

Intermodal container tracking has the power to set a new standard for customer service in the freight industry. If a shipper is moving goods from Shanghai to Chicago with ocean tracking capabilities, the shipper can access updates regarding the container's location, estimated arrival time, and any potential delays or disruptions. However, this information stops when the container reaches the Port of Los Angeles. With intermodal container tracking, the shipper can continue to receive detailed information as the container is transported via rail on to its destination.

The difficulty with ocean container tracking by itself is that it mainly focuses on tracking containers during their transportation by ocean vessel. Once a container arrives at a port, there is often a lack of visibility and tracking during the subsequent intermodal transportation phases, such as when it is transferred to trucks or trains for further distribution.

Intermodal container tracking solves this problem by providing end-to-end visibility into containers throughout the transportation journey. It enables tracking and monitoring not only during ocean voyages but also during various intermodal transfers and while being transported by rail. Companies get real-time insights into the location and status of containers at any given moment, regardless of the mode of transportation. This enhanced visibility allows for better planning, improved efficiency, and effective management of complex supply chains. It also helps in providing accurate arrival estimates and other shipment updates to customers.

Enhancing Customer Service through Intermodal Container Tracking

Intermodal container tracking provides the data that allows companies to elevate the customer service experience. This real-time visibility has direct applications that strengthen the relationship between a company and its customers.

Proactive Communication

Having fast access to data allows people to stay in control when problems arise. Proactive communication is how companies can go above and beyond. Intermodal container tracking, with real-time data on container movements, means companies can proactively communicate with their customers before the ripple-effects of issues have a chance to grow. This keeps customers informed and helps manage their expectations while also demonstrating a commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction.

Exception Management

As intermodal container tracking provides a wider view of container movements, companies can detect more cases of exceptions such as delays or incidents, which can easily happen at the hand off from one mode of transport to another. With this level of visibility, companies can quickly take corrective actions, reroute shipments if necessary, and keep customers informed about any changes. In addressing exceptions promptly, companies are reducing the impact on their customers.

Logistics Optimization

Lastly, the data of intermodal container tracking allows companies to optimize their logistics operations and improve service. Analyzing historical tracking data enables companies to identify patterns of inefficiency, such as bottlenecks, within their supply chain. They can take this information and optimize routes, schedules, and decisions on modes of transport to ensure on-time arrivals and efficient delivery. Intermodal insights lead to continuous improvements so the customer can receive a more reliable service.

Use VIZION’s Intermodal Tracking as a Competitive Advantage in an Evolving Industry

In a market with increased competition, a competitive advantage means having a clear reason why a customer would choose to work with one company over another. Intermodal container tracking data, when utilized effectively for customer service, can create this type of advantage.

VIZION offers an advanced intermodal container tracking solution that seamlessly integrates rail and ocean tracking into a single request, making an easier process for supporting the customer experience. Eliminating the need for multiple tracking requests, VIZION ensures a gap-free tracking experience, preventing containers from getting lost and incurring additional fees. This comprehensive visibility extends to critical inland events, such as Last Free Date and Container Available for Pickup, so companies can take action to reduce demurrage charges through better coordination. With VIZION as a single source of truth for container location updates and other data, companies can make informed decisions, reduce shipping costs, and provide a better service for their customers.

Learn how intermodal container tracking can transform your customer service. Contact us today to book a demo.