Partnering with SMC³ – Armstrong Transport Group
Authored by SMC³ on November 21, 2024
Sometimes, technology alone can be the fast fix for improving business outcomes. More often, the difference maker is technology delivered and backed by a true business partner, a partner who supports business functions and is invested to ensure their solutions perform and directly contribute to improving LTL transportation management. This is especially true in LTL, where digitized execution, visibility and optimized efficiency are key to customer service.
Armstrong Transport Group understands this well. The third-party logistics provider, which focuses mainly on technology and operates throughout North America, was looking for a new technology partner to deliver robust, reliable connections their carrier partners through Armstrong’s platform using APIs. Their search led them to SMC3.
If it’s broken, the right partner can help fix it
Prior to SMC3, Armstrong had a scattered approach to managing carrier data. Some pricing was pulled directly from carriers, while other pricing was pulled from other 3PLs. Armstrong had APIs through a different technology partner, but they weren’t seeing the results they needed. Specifically, they were running into a lack of real-time dispatch functionality, had limited shipment visibility and were missing the level of collaboration needed.
“Having visibility into our shipments and dispatching on time and accurately is critical to our business,” says Ryan Poynter, Senior Vice President of LTL at Armstrong. “Having a partner that wasn’t easily available on the same day, let alone the same week, wasn’t working.”
Poynter found himself spending a lot of time unwinding data from disparate sources and trying unsuccessfully to gain the collaboration needed from their API partner. Eventually the company decided it was time to make a change.
“We had to find somebody that had a product––a solution, a partnership, a collaboration––that would allow us to bring all of our carrier partners under one roof and allow us to have quoting, tracking and visibility––all the things we needed to grow our business.”
Setting up long term success – the value of true partnership
After evaluating options, Armstrong decided to partner with SMC3 for LTL shipment lifecycle digitization. The improvement was immediate and significant.
“The level of collaboration has been very high,” says Poynter. “It’s been easy to get ahold of them and set meetings. They’re dedicated to making sure that our business is successful, that our integration is successful, and that we have everything synced together to make sure that we’re growing and scaling together as partners.”
This ability to reach SMC3 quickly and receive meaningful support has been especially important. For Poynter this level of collaboration is what the company needs to achieve the next level of growth.
“Whenever we were trying to articulate a problem, SMC3 came with solutions. They’ve helped us find creative ways to get those solutions, whether it’s developing a new product or building off of an existing product. It really gives you the feeling that they’re in the long-term partnership.”
Seeing the difference – results for the long run
With SMC3, Armstrong is experiencing more streamlined, successful shipment tracking and dispatching in real time to all carrier partners. Their team gained efficiency, freeing up time to pursue more strategic initiatives.is Working with a responsive partner has given Poynter and his colleagues a level of collaboration to support their need today and in the future.
“We’re helping each other throughout these collaborative discussions,” says Poynter. “Together we’re building products that are going to end up helping the overall industry, SMC3, and Armstrong Transport Group.”
Want to learn more about SMC3 LTL APIs? Read more here. https://vimeo.com/1031618271