The fastest route to better efficiency
Authored by SMC³ on September 19, 2024
Digitizing the full shipping lifecycle with APIs
LTL application program interfaces (APIs) are invaluable tools when it comes to improving 3PL operations. They heighten visibility, eliminate manual processes, and enable businesses to take a streamlined approach to shipping management.
Express Logistics understood this when they first began utilizing APIs in their business. As an award-winning third-party logistics provider specializing in LTL, truckload, and intermodal brokerage services, they knew they needed to reach optimal efficiency and deliver enhanced customer service to stay competitive.
However, they ran into a -challenge along the way to digitization. They’d been using another provider’s APIs and weren’t seeing the levels of optimization they’d been promised. Issues kept cropping up; for example, carrier onboarding delays were triggering a reversion to manual methods.
Express Logistics needed LTL APIs that could deliver on the efficiency-enhancing promise they knew was possible with LTL APIs.
They found what they were looking for in the APIs from SMC3. Here’s how-
Finding the right path forward
Before making the switch to SMC3, Express Logistics was suffering under the weight of low efficiency and poor performance.
Instead of reaping the rewards of increased efficiency, Express found themselves moving backward, manually handling processes like carrier ratings, performing workarounds and sometimes even finding themselves in a position where they couldn’t rate at all.
“Carrier onboarding delays with our previous API provider led to inefficient processes across the full lifecycle,” said Dianna Giltner, Express’ Director of Operations. “We had been waiting to get some carriers onboarded for over six months.”
It was time to make a change—and Express knew they needed to prioritize API performance and reliability from partner who could deliver both against an expedited implementation timetable. They had lost so much time with their previous solution; the prospect of embarking on another -less than satisfactory solution was not an option.
That’s why they partnered with SMC3.
Express and SMC3 embarked on an aggressive, 60-day conversion timeline designed to onboard 25 carriers on a tight schedule.
The expedited transition was a success. SMC3 tackled potential issues and leveraged proactive communication to ensure Express was well-positioned to start seeing results fast.
“The SMC3 team gave us confidence to move,” Giltner said. “The team’s transparency, responsiveness, and communication helped keep our business running smoothly during the transition. With any change, there are challenges, and SMC3 had the proven expertise
to collaborate with us as a true partner.”
Real results with the right LTL APIs
SMC³’s LTL APIs empowered Express to digitize the full LTL shipment lifecycle—from quote to delivery. Now, the fully automated lifecycle management process supports and manages multiple pricing models (contract, volume, and dynamic) and has elevated the experience for all stakeholders through improved visibility and timely access to needed documentation.
The impact on Express’ business was immediate. Business operations saw a sharp increase in productivity and efficiency, which helped the 3PL deliver improved service to its customers. The Express team—now freed from the tedious manual processes imposed by their previous API solution—was able to shift their focus to more strategic, high-value tasks. What’s more, they were able to do all this without increasing headcount.
In Giltner’s words: “Before moving to SMC3, when issues arose, it took an average of four to five days to resolve them. Now, it’s hours or minutes. The true partnership, unrivaled support, and commitment to helping us meet business needs and service our customers have been tremendous.”
Say goodbye to poor performance
Logistics runs on efficiency. 3PLs like Express Logistics can’t settle for APIs that fail to live up to their promise of streamlining operations, eliminating manual processes and moving business forward. By switching to SMC3, Express made a crucial investment in their operational future.
“When APIs work and the data can be trusted, it’s a game-changer,” said Giltner. “It was a tough decision to make the change, but we’re so glad we did.” Curious about the impact SMC3 LTL APIs could have on your bottom line? Read more here: https://smc3.info/ltlAPI