The importance of providing our customers tracking and real time updates for their shipments has never been more prevalent in our industry. Having the knowledge of where shipments are located and when they will arrive in real time allows our customers to forecast inventory levels and run a more efficient supply chain. Carriers and drivers have been hesitant to use these applications as some view it as an invasion of privacy. However, this article will show the good they provide for all parties involved.

Applications such as MacroPoint and FourKites have been at the forefront of this movement for the past several years. They are great tools that allow shippers and 3PL’s to have a more streamlined communication with their carriers. The ability to see where a carrier is in real time allows more accurate updates and better reporting to customers and suppliers alike. These apps benefit carriers and their drivers as well. With being able to report their location through the app, drivers are able to concentrate on what they do best, drive. This means less phone calls to and from drivers, which will help them get from point A to point B safely and on time. 

Allen Lund Company has launched its own user-friendly tracking app as well. ALC Carrier is available for Apple and Android in your phone’s app store. If you are a carrier that has hauled a Walmart load for Allen Lund Company, you might already have it on your phone. Tracking applications are here to stay due to the many business benefits they provide. Most likely, they will be adopted for all shipments as shippers and brokers look for ways to improve transparency. The sooner we all work together with this technology, the better transportation life will be for all.