Success story: Central Global Cargo (CGC)
Integrated first/last mile tracking without an app
How CGC and CargoSoft are closing the gap in shipment tracking
The first and last mile are often a blank spot in time-sensitive air freight shipment tracking. CargoSoft has integrated a barrier-free solution from software provider Champ into its transport management system (TMS) to meet the needs of its pilot customer, Central Global Cargo (CGC).
Customer as initiator
CargoSoft applications are often developed in collaboration with customers who have specific needs. In this case, Central Global Cargo provided the impetus for the innovative solution. The company needed end-to-end traceability for the pickup and delivery of air freight shipments. One key requirement was clear: no additional app. This is because apps incur maintenance costs and can pose an additional hurdle for some truck drivers.
Accessible tracking
The result is impressive. The trucker only needs to scan a barcode to trigger the web-based tracking. The real-time data can be managed in CargoSoft TMS.
Aircraft spare parts need transparency
The background to the need for seamless shipment tracking is CGC’s sensitive business. Among other things, the company is the first point of contact for the aviation industry for the worldwide transportation of aircraft spare parts.
From barcode to status message in real time
With first/last-mile tracking, end-to-end transparency for this sensitive leg of the shipment is built in right from the moment the shipment is recorded. In the very first step, our software partner Champ generates a barcode that is attached to the shipping order. This barcode forms the basis for real-time status updates.
Automated messages to the customer
All the driver has to do is scan the barcode. In the corresponding web application, the trucker submits the relevant status update, including photos if necessary. In the background, Champ transfers the information to the CargoSoft TMS. The data is available in the software within seconds of scanning. In addition, a notification is automatically sent to the customer.
The innovative logistics provider has developed its own “track & trace tool” called Flow. Registered customers receive their status report via this tool. The international air freight forwarder handles around 20,000 shipments worldwide every year.
The delivery promise becomes measurable
While real-time tracking of deliveries and pickups has long been an integral part of operations in the express, courier, and parcel (ECP) industry, this status information remains a unique selling point in B2B logistics. Given the delivery commitments regarding guaranteed transit times that CGC makes to its customers, it goes without saying that the company makes these commitments transparent. Real-time tracking makes it possible to verify whether the delivery time—which can be booked in three priority levels ranging from 12 to 96 hours—is actually being met.
No more telephone inquiries
In addition, CGC saves a significant amount of time and money through first/last-mile tracking. The fast, digital communication interface eliminates the need for phone calls to confirm whether a shipment has been picked up or delivered. Furthermore, the web-based solution ensures a high level of user acceptance for CGC. About 95 percent of truck drivers are able to generate status updates.
Expandable: Tracking with live geodata
Looking ahead, CGC would like to further refine its shipment tracking. Live geolocation data would be a valuable addition to the service. This would make it possible to track the driver’s exact location.