What Are the Benefits of Electronic Cargo Tracking?

The Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) facilitates the tracking of goods as they move from one location to another. Previously, businesses had to obtain shipment updates over the phone or via text messages. Information about delays and missing shipments did not reach promptly, thereby leading to a loss. With ECTS, such issues can be largely mitigated. It helps save time, reduces losses, and enhances customer satisfaction. This is why its popularity is growing across the globe. 

The global Electronic Cargo Tracking System Market size is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2030. This shows that it will grow at a CAGR of 12.9% between 2023 and 2030. In this blog, you will explore how Electronic Cargo Tracking Systems (ECTS) work, their role in improving supply chain visibility and traceability, and how they contribute to smarter logistics.

What It Means to Have a Transparent Supply Chain?

A transparent supply chain means that everyone involved in the process is aware of the exact location of the shipments. This includes the business owners, suppliers, transporters and warehouse staff. They also receive notification about the condition of the shipments and any possible delays. Even customers are provided with information about the movement of their packages from the time they place the order until delivery.  The implementation of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System enables easy access to this information and maintains transparency. This helps teams coordinate and work more effectively.

Here’s how maintaining transparency improves the supply chain process:

• Real-Time Updates: Suppliers, transporters, business owners, and all others involved in the supply chain process can track the real-time location of cargo at any time.
• Better Planning: Accurate and timely information about shipments enables more effective inventory management and planning.  
• Quick Action: Any delays or issues with shipments can be identified in a timely manner and addressed at the earliest opportunity.
• Added Security: The chances of theft or loss can be minimised as real-time tracking enhances security.
• Builds Trust: When customers and business partners see updates, they feel more confident about the process. This helps build trust in your brand and increases their satisfaction level.

What Are The Latest Trends And Challenges In Greening The Supply Chain?

Environmental concerns are growing with the increasing number of factories and vehicles. To lower pollution levels and contribute to a greener environment, many organisations are adopting eco-friendly supply chain practices. Thus, several new trends are emerging in the way goods are being manufactured, packaged and delivered. While they have a positive impact on the environment as well as the brand image, they also pose certain challenges.

Let us take a quick look at the latest trends in supply chain:

1. Eco-friendly Practices

Many companies are collaborating with suppliers that follow sustainable practices, even if it means an increase in their expenditure. They verify the necessary certifications and the efficient use of resources. 

2. Low-waste Packaging Material

Traditional packaging materials are being replaced with recyclable or reusable alternatives. Environmentally conscious customers prefer brands that take such initiatives to lower their carbon footprints.

3. Cleaner Transportation

The use of electric vehicles helps reduce carbon emissions. Companies are also investing in apps that optimise route planning to cover the distances quickly. 

4. Use of Advanced Real-Time Tracking Tools

Real-time tracking enhances supply chain sustainability by offering better visibility and control over shipments in transit. Tools such as Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) allow companies to monitor cargo movement. This helps reduce delays and unnecessary emissions by enabling companies to take timely action in the event of a vehicle breakdown or roadblock.

Now, let us take a look at the challenges of implementing sustainable practices:

1. Increase in Expenditure

The cost of eco-friendly technologies and recycled raw materials is higher than traditional alternatives. Thus, shifting to eco-friendly options can lead to an increase in the company’s expenditure. This is one of the biggest challenges faced by businesses, especially start-ups and smaller companies.

2. Lack of Awareness and Understanding

Many businesses are unaware of the full range of sustainable supply chain practices. Limited knowledge and a lack of understanding about green alternatives can hinder effective implementation.

3. Regulatory and Compliance Issues

Keeping up with environmental laws, certifications, and compliance standards is yet another challenge in this direction. It can be even more challenging for those operating in international markets, as different countries have varying regulations.

How Visibility Helps Reduce Waste and Carbon Footprints?

When companies have a clear understanding of what’s happening in their supply chain, they can make more informed decisions to ensure a smooth flow. For example, if they know a shipment is stuck somewhere, they can take quick action to remove the hurdle and move it. Here’s how enhanced visibility contributes to reducing waste and carbon emissions:

1. Reduces Fuel Consumption

If a shipping vehicle takes a longer route or gets stuck on the way, it uses more fuel and increases carbon emissions. With live tracking, companies can instruct their riders to reroute if there are road closures or traffic jam. With the use of advanced tools, they can suggest shorter routes with less traffic.

2. Reduces Waste in Warehouses

Some goods are not in high demand and thus remain in warehouses for an extended period. Most of them get expired, thereby leading to financial loss. Real-time visibility enables businesses to manage their inventory effectively. They can see which items are not moving and which ones are going to expire. This information can help take timely action and reduce waste.

3. Ensures Better Coordination and Efficiency

When every step of the supply chain is transparent, suppliers and delivery partners are more likely to adhere to the rules. If someone is not adhering to the given timeline or using outdated methods, businesses can identify the issue and make adjustments to ensure efficiency.

How Does CargoX Enable Smarter Logistics With Electronic Cargo Tracking?

CargoX enables businesses to easily manage their shipments with the aid of advanced technology and experienced personnel. Our user-friendly platform and digitised workflow offer a seamless shipping experience. We ship goods to over 100 countries worldwide, helping you expand your business internationally. We pick up your shipments within 24 hours and ensure they are delivered within the committed timeframe. Our team assists with documentation and customs clearance to streamline the process.

We understand the importance of ensuring shipment visibility and therefore offer it to our customers through the latest tools. To maintain transparency, we provide clear invoicing and do not levy any additional charges. Pricing information is clearly communicated at the start, and any doubts related to it are promptly clarified to avoid confusion.

CargoX has a wide network of courier partners that cater to different business requirements. You can choose among them depending on your specific needs and budget. Our dispute management system is robust. Any issue or query is handled efficiently and resolved promptly.

Conclusion

Ensuring an efficient supply chain process is crucial for business success. Businesses must ensure traceability and maintain transparency to ensure the process runs smoothly. The Electronic Cargo Tracking System helps achieve the same. The advanced system makes it easy to monitor the shipments as they move from one place to another. It provides real-time updates about the shipments’ whereabouts. So, any issues that arise can be spotted instantly, and immediate action can be taken to remove the hurdle.

The system is especially useful for international trade, where cargo moves through multiple checkpoints. Partnering with experienced logistics providers like CargoX ensures you have the tools, technology, and expertise to build a smarter, greener, and more reliable supply chain.