In this JOC article, Eric Johnson asserts that the logistics industry has made significant investments in visibility advancements but has yet to see any impactful outcomes from that investment. Reading that piece made me realize that we need to do a much better job of educating the market about what Terminal49 can do - we solve all of these problems and more for our customers already, and we have even bigger plans for the rest of this year.
It's crucial to acknowledge that not all visibility providers are created equal. Terminal49 stands apart from the competition due to our unwavering focus on providing complete, accurate, and timely shipment tracking data. We are committed not only to ensuring the highest possible data quality, but using that data to provide actionable insights and improve outcomes for shippers and LSPs.
Data Quality: Terminal49's Key Differentiator
The article suggests that many visibility providers struggle with data quality, particularly in accurately tracking container terminal milestones and offering insights into modal handoffs and transshipment points. Terminal49 is the only visibility provider connected directly to all US and Canada terminals (with more markets coming soon!). By sourcing data directly from steamship lines and terminals, we ensure that our customers receive the most reliable and up-to-date information available. This direct access eliminates the delays and inaccuracies associated with relying on third-party intermediaries, delivering a significant advantage to cargo owners and logistics service providers.
Savvy buyers evaluate data quality on 3 metrics: latency, accuracy, and completeness. Terminal49 provides data as close to real time as possible, with a multilayered quality filtering process that cross-references multiple sources of data, and can track 98% of container shipments worldwide.
Actionable Insights: Solving Supply Chain Pain Points
One shipper quoted in the article expressed frustration with visibility solutions that fall short in providing complete, accurate, and timely data, resulting in wasted time and decreased operational efficiency. Terminal49 recognizes these pain points and has built its platform around addressing them head-on. By automating container tracking and surfacing containers at risk, Terminal49 enables shippers to take proactive measures to mitigate potential issues, such as detention and demurrage fees. They can stop spending their time pulling together tracking data and instead redirect their efforts to clearing holds, dispatching truckers, and other important actions to keep cargo moving. This saves time, reduces costs, and enhances overall supply chain efficiency. Read here for more detail on how we saved LSP Trade Xcelerators time and money and improved their end customer experience.
Direct Access to Data: Empowering Customers
The article mentions that some shippers spend a great deal of time and effort going to steamship, rail, or terminal websites for shipment milestone updates because their providers make those updates available infrequently or unreliably. Terminal49 understands that firsthand access to aggregated data is crucial for its customers - as is getting that data where it needs to be, in the tools where operators are expediting their cargo. Whether through a user-friendly dashboard, an API, or direct data synchronization with existing tools, Terminal49 offers the flexibility to deliver data in the format most suited to our customers' needs.
Market Recognition and Differentiation
Terminal49's primary focus on ocean visibility sets it apart from providers who offer visibility as an ancillary service. Gartner has listed us as a notable vendor in this space. With our laser focus on ocean freight, Terminal49 ensures unparalleled expertise and dedication to providing the highest-quality ocean visibility solution for this part of the supply chain.
Terminal49 is not just another visibility provider; we are a game-changer in the freight tracking space. While the market may have experienced disappointment in the past, Terminal49's commitment to data quality, actionable insights, and direct access sets us apart. We empower our customers to make informed decisions that save time, reduce fees, and enhance operational efficiency. The transformative outcomes sought by shippers and logistics providers can be realized through Terminal49's innovative platform. The era of reliable and efficient supply chain visibility has arrived, and Terminal49 is leading the way.
