Communication; the core of supply chain problems?

In the wizarding world of Harry Potter, communication is quite easy. Write a note. Get an owl. Send a message. You’re done.

Traditional supply chains in 2022; not so easy. 

The global pandemic completely altered how people around the world communicate with one another; whether that be with your colleagues, extended family, or friends. Workforces across every industry, including logistics, have had to go through numerous changes. Food shortages, transport regulations, and a shortage of resources had all faced unprecedented challenges in an already complex global supply chain.

But, while you can pay your credit card bills, communicate with your friends, order food and groceries to your doorstep through advanced technology, the logistics industry is clearly still not there. And between suppliers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers and customers, there are a million spots in your supply chain where something could break down. There could be up to 20 different companies in your cross-border supply chain. Yes, twenty. 

Before going on, consider this:

1. What are the most popular communication channels in freight? 
2. How long do you think it takes to procure a freight quote? 

No, not owls. Here are the most common communication methods when procuring a freight quote:

1. Email: Modern-ish, but a headache. Also, it traps all your data. Nobody wants to scroll back a year to see a previous quote you had received. 
2. Phone: Straight to the point, yet decisions are usually required in writing. Usually followed up by an email or WhatsApp. 
3. Messages / WhatsApp: Unprofessional. Nobody wants to receive a WhatsApp message for further information when they’re chatting with their friends. 
4. Fax: PalletPal has nothing to say here. Bewildered. 

Procuring a quote through the traditional communication methods will likely keep you in mind. When shipping, there is a lot for you to think about like (1) cost, (2) reliability, and (3) the credit terms provided. However, trying to get the best value across all three of these areas is not an easy ride. 

• You will end up sending 10-20 emails to your list of freight forwarders to obtain the best price and payment terms. 
• Hope they get back to you with all the information you requested including value added services like insurance and customs clearance. 
• Back and forth emails for missing documents, heavy negotiations, and terms could drag on for days. 
• On average, this process can take roughly 2 weeks and force you into 40+ emails and phone calls JUST to procure a quote. 

Ok, so, what is being done about this? Glad you asked because PalletPal is tackling these pain points head-on. At PalletPal, we’re changing communication for the better:

• By creating live, transparent communication channels so that you can speak directly to one person. Yes, only one person. Thanks to PalletPal, no more is there a requirement to speak to up to 20 different companies. 
• PalletPal connects every node of the supply chain through a global network of logistics providers from the first mile to the last mile. 
• We ensure the secure transmission of documents and data directly on our platform. All requests for missing documents (if they are not already stored on your account) 
• The PalletPal platform automates routine procedures to streamline operations and cut out all the unnecessary pain points.
• All this, with absolutely zero documents printed. 

PalletPal is making shipping as quick and easy as booking a flight. What is stopping you from communicating and running your shipments on PalletPal?