When shipments are late, so much becomes inconvenienced. Production stops, work gets backed up, further shipments are delayed. Then, the phone calls arrive with customers wanting to know the status. If you have ever had to ask “Where is my freight?” then, it’s time to learn about the best ways to keep track of it.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options that are helpful for tracking freight from the moment it leaves the original location all the way to the final destination. Many of them are under your control. If you follow best practices and meet the needs of shipping company regulations, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about where your freight is, as it should arrive on time.

Tip #1: Accuracy Matters with Time and Cost

When you ship freight, the accuracy of the information improves your shipping speed. Your shipments need to have accurate measurements of length, width, height, and weight. If you have fractions, they should be rounded up.

When your measurements are inaccurate, the shipping company has to make adjustments which can be costly in both time and money. Shipping companies do not set their own freight weight regulations; the Department of Transportation does. Companies have to comply with the DOT rules. If you give the shipping company inaccurate dimensions, they have to make adjustments that could cause your shipment to be delayed.

Tip #2: Package Properly for Pallets

Another reason your items could be delayed is another one that is under your control. When you ship freight, you should expect that it will sit on a typical 40” x 48” pallet. Your best bet for timely shipping is to package your freight to fit on a standard pallet. If you cannot do that, then you should take time to talk to your freight company for the best advice. If the freight company has to take care of poorly packaged items, they are slowed.

Tip #3: Learn About AEI Tags

Shipping companies of all types rely on Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) tags. These passive tags help shipping companies see where their rail cars and semi-trucks are when they are in transit. With various types of AEI readers, real-time information about the location of the freight cars and the items they are carrying can be shared with shipping companies and their customers. AEI tags can help you not only see where your freight is in real-time, but they can also provide you with alerts when the shipment is expected to be delayed.

Tip #4: Use a Transportation Management System

Freight or transportation management systems help you keep track of what you are shipping, where it is, and when it arrived. They are designed to create helpful reports in real-time, and they can help you manage all of your freight to optimize your business. Some systems can be connected with AEI readers to create timelines for arrivals and to show what is happening when shipments are delayed.

Tip #5: Put Your Smartphone to Use

Along with a transportation management system, mobile apps can help you track your freight. Businesses rely on apps that provide GPS tracking and confirmation. Delivery logs are helpful, too. Some freight companies offer their own branded, specific apps to follow shipments. Some apps even get down to fuel efficiency and how to save money that way. When you are able to see all the data regarding your freight and shipping, you will be able to save more money in the long run.

Tip #6: Know Where Your Freight is Going

Sometimes, when things go too well, it can be too good to be true. Imagine the freight that is packaged perfectly and arrives on time to the destination without any hitches along the way. But, once the freight arrives, no one is there to meet it and assist in unpacking. Then, there’s no loading dock. It is just as important to know where your freight is going, so there aren’t any unexpected delays at the arrival end.

Tip #7: Watch the Road Conditions

There are times and places where road conditions become impossible to maneuver. When the weather is bad or traffic is at a stand-still, freight companies cannot do anything about it. But, when they use apps or tracking software, you can find out where your freight is and realize the problem.

If you require shipments to arrive on time and weather could affect your production, then you should do what you can to plan your shipments in advance. For example, it can be tough to trust the road conditions in the northern United States in the middle of January. So, planning for delays should be part of your production design.