Logistics and transportation companies require coordinating with several departments in real-time to ensure on-time delivery. Besides, they need to constantly share updates on order supply or delivery status with the clients. In this era of digitization, performing such operations using phone calls or manually is impractical. 

That’s where chatbots can help!

With chatbots, businesses can create engaging and personalized conversational experiences. From sharing business updates to resolving clients’ queries, chatbots provide end-to-end virtual assistance, redefining customer support. Rightly so, leading industry players like XpressBees, UPS, and LetsTransport are leveraging chatbots. 

The best part? With a no-code chatbot builder, building and deploying chatbots has become hassle-free. No wonder, these chatbot builders are gaining popularity among firms wanting to establish an omnichannel presence. Further, the cost efficiency of chatbots makes them ideal for businesses, especially SMBs with tight budgets. 

Did you know? The chatbot market is expected to reach $9.4 billion by 2024 at a CAGR of 29.7%. 

In this post, we will share the five best benefits of chatbots for the logistics and transportation industry.

1. HELPS WITH DATA ANALYTICS

Data analytics helps companies gain in-depth insights into customer activities and make informed business decisions. It helps them streamline customer support operations, identify pressing challenges, and use data-driven solutions to overcome them. 

For instance, if a customer raises queries regarding their delivery status, authorities in respective departments can receive the notification on their systems. With chatbot integration, customer support experts can track crucial details like customer purchase history, order ID, GPS location, shipment status, and more. 

Notice how iMile’s chatbot collects user data in real-time. This approach helped their team handle 6X queries efficiently. 

2. SUPPORTS FLEET AND STAFF MANAGEMENT

Tracking the availability of employees and vehicles is pivotal for logistics and transportation businesses. This helps them better manage their delivery schedule and ensure on-time delivery. According to statistics, 41% of customers rank fast and reliable delivery as one of their top priorities. However, only 15% of customers in the US are satisfied with delivery speeds. 

Deploying chatbots can help businesses track en route, under maintenance, and idle vehicles. Besides, they can monitor the availability of their employees or drivers. This helps in getting visibility of resource availability, allowing them to assign delivery tasks effectively. For fast delivery services, companies can gauge whether to opt for road vehicles, cargo, or freight train shipping. 

3. AIDS WITH SEAMLESS OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTIVITY

The productivity of a logistics and transportation firm depends on how well the workforce manages the warehouse and operations like shipping, inventory management, distribution, delivery fulfillment, and customer support services. By streamlining the tasks related to customer relationship management, chatbots can help improve the team’s productivity. 

Let’s say – your customer support experts spend around four hours servicing client requests. AI-powered chatbots can help reduce time consumption. As per reports, chatbots are efficient enough to save 30% of a company’s time spent in handling client requests. 

AI-powered chatbots like IBM Watson Assistant can answer 79% of repetitive questions with 14.7 times more accuracy than others. This reflects that your team can save around 1.2 hours daily. Your employees can utilize the time for complex operations like inventory management, order fulfillment, and warehousing. In short, chatbots can improve team efficiency and productivity.

4. PROVIDES 24*7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT

According to reports, the rise of globalization has made it crucial for businesses to operate  24*7 to gain a competitive edge. Besides, millennials expect them to resolve their queries within an hour. 

As running any business relentlessly can be draining, companies are switching to chatbots for uninterrupted customer support services. Statistics reveal that 64% of users consider ongoing service as the best feature of chatbots. So, deploying a chatbot with round-the-clock support can help logistics and transportation firms establish high customer service standards. This will improve customer satisfaction rates. 

Another study highlights that establishing continuous customer support can help save clients valuable time. So, logistics firms deploying chatbots can create a great impression on customers and achieve positive reviews as social proof of their exemplary services. 

The greatest benefit? According to a report, 72% of customers trust online reviews and testimonials more than anything else. So, a consistent chatbot service can encourage clients leave become loyal brand advocates, thereby boosting your company’s credibility. 

5. ESTABLISHES OMNICHANNEL PRESENCE

Forbes reckons, “a company is only as good as their customers perceive them to be,” which is true. Whether customers interact with your business via chatbot, website, social media pages, or client portal, a quick response is crucial. 

The reason? The average waiting time of customers when using live chat is only 88 seconds. This depicts you can lose valuable customers if you fail to address customer requests within a few minutes. 

Chatbots can be integrated into multiple communication platforms, including social media, websites, emails, messaging apps, and more. They work seamlessly on multiple communication platforms without human assistance. 

For instance, you can integrate chatbots with WhatsApp, which is GDPR-compliant and 100% secure. With a WhatsApp Chatbot platform, you can assist and engage clients in real-time. 

Observe the following example depicting chatbot integration in WhatsApp. Notice how chatbots can help logistics and transportation businesses engage clients on WhatsApp.

So, deploy chatbots to achieve an omnichannel presence.  

CHATBOTS ARE HERE TO STAY

96% of businesses agree chatbots are here to stay. As shared in the post, chatbots can help logistics and transportation businesses save on operational costs, streamline operations, track staff activities, and assist clients when they need them the most. 

With such a plethora of benefits, chatbots can prove to be a big asset for logistics businesses and their customers. So, if you run a logistics and transportation business, invest in chatbots to take your business to greater heights.