In the fast-paced world of transport and logistics, keeping your customers happy is paramount. Efficient operations, clear communication, and reliable service are the cornerstones of customer satisfaction. Let's dive into five essential tools from Stratum that can help you achieve just that.

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1. Customer Web Portals: Empowering Your Customers

A customer web portal provides your customers with self-service access to information and services related to their shipments. Think of it as a personalized dashboard where they can track their orders, access documents, and even book new jobs. By providing your customers with a dedicated portal, you give them the power to track their shipments, manage their inventory, and access important documents anytime, anywhere.

For instance, Stratum's web portals allow customers to book jobs directly into your system, view Proof of Delivery (POD) documents on demand, and receive live updates on job status. This transparency builds trust and reduces time spent answering emails or phone calls with customers - freeing up focus to work on more important things.

Key Benefit: Enhanced customer autonomy and reduced administrative burden.

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2. Seamless Communication: Bridging the Gap

Effective customer communication relies on visibility and transparency, a level of control near impossible without a centralized system. Our solutions are designed to give you that visibility with real-time insights into your operations, including vehicle locations, route information, load plans and driver assignments. Our driver messaging tools, like our WhatsApp integration and driver app, InCabPro, keep the office and customers updated by staying connected with the driver at every step of the job.

Additionally, the centralized communication platform within our TMS streamlines interactions, making it easier for your team to provide timely updates and address any concerns. Keeping your customers in the loop is crucial, this proactive approach to communication helps build stronger relationships and positions your business as reliable and dependable.

Key Benefit: Visibility and transparency into job progress.

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3. Document Management: Staying Organized

Managing documents can be a nightmare, with important job notes and dockets spread across emails, spreadsheets and paper diaries. But it doesn't have to be. With the right document management tools, you can keep all your POD’s, handovers, weights, arrival times, EWC codes, and other critical documents organized and easily accessible.

Stratum's centralized database allows you to store and track documentation, receive automatic updates, and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. This not only helps you stay compliant but also makes it easier to provide customers with the information they need, when they need it.

Key Benefit: Streamlined document access and improved compliance management.

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4. Easy Reporting: KPI’s for Negotiation

Stratum's reporting tools provide comprehensive insights into your logistics operations, allowing you to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and share valuable data with your customers. By offering customizable reports on metrics such as on-time delivery rates, order accuracy, and inventory turnover, Stratum enhances transparency and trust.

Automatically generate key reports like temperature audits, time on site, and average arrival times to enhance your own business. These reports are crucial for customers who need to ensure compliance with regulations and optimize their supply chain processes.

These detailed reports help customers understand your commitment to maintaining high service standards and continuous improvement. Sharing insights on delivery performance, order fulfillment rates, and service level agreements (SLAs) further demonstrates your dedication to operational efficiency and reliability.

By providing transparency into these KPIs, transport companies can effectively communicate the full value of their services to customers. This evidence-based approach is invaluable during negotiations, as it provides concrete data to support discussions about service quality, pricing, and performance. Showing up to these discussions with hard numbers and evidence strengthens your business' position. Customers can see firsthand the value you provide, how your operations meet or exceed agreed-upon standards - fostering a stronger, more trusting relationship (and helps to settle any disputes with particularly demanding customers).

Key Benefit: Informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

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5. Overall Efficiency: Doing More with Less

Efficiency is the name of the game in transport and logistics. Tools that automate tasks, reduce manual data entry, and streamline workflows can significantly boost your overall efficiency.

Stratum's solutions help you manage everything from order to invoice on a single platform, eliminating the need for spreadsheets and manual processes. This leads to faster turnaround times, fewer errors, and ultimately, happier customers. Customer expectations are high and competition is fierce - by focusing on efficiency, you can grow your business and keep your customers satisfied.

Key Benefit: Increased productivity and cost savings.

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Sidenote: Rethinking your Relationships

The biggest mistake transport companies make is thinking that being busy means making money. From working with our customers, we know that's just not true. Knowing where your profits are coming from and rewarding your best customers is vital. Stratum users work smarter, they know the margin they'll make on any job before the driver's even on the road, and plan ahead with maximized efficiency in mind. Serve the customers that best serve you.

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Wrapping Up

Investing in the right tools can transform your transport operations and elevate your customer relations to new heights. From customer web portals to seamless communication and easy reporting, Stratum's solutions are not just nice-to-haves; they're essential for staying competitive and keeping your customers happy.

See your businesses grow by working smarter. Get in contact with our team or read more about our transport solutions here on our site.

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