Using Machine Learning in Shipping to Better Monitor Changing Carrier Standards & Enable Sustainability

Anomaly detection and response remain critical with continued interest and focus on machine learning in shipping. With trucking inflation increasing at levels not seen in decades, it is essential to take proactive measures to prepare and protect against disruptions and anomalies in the supply chain. Machine learning in logistics and shipping will have a tremendous impact on short- and long-term trends throughout the freight network and impact carrier standards and contract expectations.

Continued increases in rates and fees, coupled with higher inflation, will push carriers to be more strict with pickups, delivery arrangements, load and route selections, and accessorials.

Such factors continuously add pressure to reduce emissions in the supply chain. As more companies, especially publicly owned companies, focus on sustainability initiatives, the role of advanced reporting and automated anomaly detection and correction will grow in value.

All this has affected the cost of almost every commodity. Much of the financial world follows the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which has risen significantly since the onset of the pandemic. "The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 1.2% in March on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising 0.8% in February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 8.5% before seasonal adjustment," reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By embracing machine learning in shipping and with renewed efforts to improve logistics and transportation services with artificial intelligence automation, shippers can better monitor and respond to changes in trends and stars within the carrier market. In turn, they'll be better equipped to prioritize sustainable shipping and keep total costs in check.

Why Are Carrier Standards and Expectations Changing?

Apart from regular and anticipated general rate increases and predictable fluctuations in the market, sudden changes and disruptions can cause a much more significant ripple effect within the supply chain. Inflation impacts operational costs and adds to the upfront expenses and costs carriers must manage.

Smart innovation and the implementation of machine learning in shipping, along with a renewed focus on machine learning in logistics planning and freight hauling operations, make it easier for carriers to detect issues and concerns earlier. No longer can they let minor errors slide. Every penny counts, and now more than ever, carrier standards and expectations are higher and more precise regarding what spot bids and contract arrangements they enter into with shippers.

That need also includes knowing how each movement impacts the environment, including tracking emissions data and considering it in every decision.

Machine Learning in Logistics Helps Shippers Identify Anomalies

One of the most significant benefits shippers and carriers can enjoy is embracing AI automation and machine learning in shipping. It is a faster and easier way to identify and respond to anomalies. The most challenging aspect of anomalies is that they can occur at any time. Anomalies in freight auditing, load tendering, shipping services, improper fees, rate applications, and mistakes within billing can all drastically impact fees and operational costs. Machine learning anomaly detection algorithms automatically search records, find these discrepancies, and highlight them for faster response.

An example of how this might work could be with freight contracts for shipping rates. The average rate for these orders has been set at $3 per pound of shipping weight. This regular rate lets carriers and shippers coordinate and plan loads more quickly and efficiently. But say an error occurs that causes the shipment to be priced at $4 instead. This will significantly increase the shipping cost for that load and destroy any profits planned. Machine learning anomaly detection algorithms would catch this sort of mistake before bills are sent and payments are made, thus saving everyone time and money.

How Machine Learning Makes It Easier to Do More With Less

Machine learning in shipping can produce a wide range of benefits for back-office operations within shipping, transportation, and carrier networks. It is possible to do more with less through AI-driven machine learning processes that make it easier to:

  • Spend less time on administrative tasks and mundane processes.
  • Reduces time spent on hold, waiting for calls and emails to address issues.
  • Let team members have more time to work and stay productive.
  • Fill shipments and complete orders with fewer errors or problems.
  • Get everything done with the most affordable options easily accessible.
  • Create better relationships with happier carriers and drivers.
  • Attain carrier preference and earn shipper of choice status in the industry.
  • Calculate emissions by shipment mode, length of haul and other granularities to minimize impact on the environment.
  • Source more capacity quickly and efficiently to avoid anomalies and disruptions.

Machine learning anomaly detection algorithms make it easier to create the ultimate win-win situation for shippers and carriers alike by improving back-office processes and improving front-end services and collaborations within the supply chain network. This forms the basis for actionable insights to know what steps are necessary to drive total costs into retreat without hurting the environment.

Reap the Rewards of Machine Learning to Improve Carrier Relations With Intelligent Audit

Over the past few years, the unprecedented level of stress in the supply chain has led to changes in some of the most fundamental management and logistics processes. This added financial burden requires more care and vigilance in billing all surcharges. Meanwhile, shippers need an auditing strategy built around business intelligence and insight. Minor errors and mistakes can quickly add up, especially when money is already so right and cash flow so strained from ongoing recovery efforts. Machine learning in shipping and logistics makes it easier to monitor changes in carrier standards and ensure higher standings among carriers. Learn how to harness the power of machine learning in logistics and apply machine learning anomaly detection algorithms today to improve overall productivity and profitability, and continue the drive toward more sustainable, efficient logistics with data-backed decisions and easy reporting features in a single source of truth, Intelligent Audit. Contact Intelligent Audit to learn more!

Contact Us

Subscribe Now

It all starts with a conversation...

Get Started

Set up a call with one of our experts to discuss how Intelligent Audit can help your business uncover opportunities for cost reduction and supply chain improvements through automated freight audit and recovery, business intelligence and analytics, contract optimization, and more.

you may also enjoy

More Content Like This

2.28.18

IA Hones in on Freight Delivery Reliability and Customer Retention

Blog Post
a square of dots
parcel_reverse_logistics
2.12.21

10 Best Practices in Parcel Reverse Logistics

Shippers can improve parcel reverse logistics by following the top 10 best practices. Learn what they are today.

Blog Post
a square of dots

Never Miss an Update

resources
Subscribe Now