When it comes to selecting the right carriers and providers, shippers face a myriad of challenges. Too often, this results in shippers falling into the "easy button" habit: they find themselves repeatedly turning to the same provider due to the time and effort required to explore different options. 

The extensive array of variable factors – ranging from pricing to modes of transportation and insurance options – can be overwhelming. Waiting for multiple carriers to return with quotes and availability further compounds the challenge, often leading to delays in decision-making. Establishing trust in selected carriers is another crucial concern, as is ensuring the proper protection and insurance coverage for shipments. With all of these critical choices in front of them, shippers need to balance their familiarity with providers against the desire for a more comprehensive and efficient approach to transportation management.

In the second article in our series exploring various needs and challenges faced by shippers when seeking transportation management partners, we look deeply at S-2’s proprietary Transportation Optimization Platform (TOP). Developed by S-2, TOP harnesses the power of leveraged volume rates from national and regional providers across multiple transportation modes. From there, we look at how S-2’s streamlined service offerings provide shippers a comprehensive solution at every stage of the shipping process.

TOP and the Benefits of Automated Transportation Management Systems

Transportation management has undergone a paradigm shift with the integration of automated management platforms like TOP. S-2's TOP has redefined the user experience by reducing manual errors and enhancing overall satisfaction. 

Using advanced API integration, S-2 seamlessly connects customers to a diverse array of modes and providers, offering a comprehensive view of shipping options. This connectivity empowers users to benchmark and compare rates and transit times effortlessly, enabling them to make optimal routing decisions at pricing that fits their budgets. The ability to compare multiple carriers through one easy-to-use portal eliminates the need to contact carriers individually for quotes, saving immeasurable time and enhancing informed decision-making. 

S-2's TOP allows shippers to leverage S-2's volume negotiated rates from a host of major 3PLs and national and regional carriers, as well as each customer’s individually negotiated rates. This way, shippers can see if the carriers they normally use out of habit and convenience are actually the best options for their needs. The consolidation of pricing information based on factors such as cost, transit time, and service mode provides users with a comprehensive view in a single entry. The result is not just time savings but also a significant cost reduction, with potential savings ranging from 15% to 20% based on side-by-side cost data analysis of actual S-2 TOP users.

The platform's real-time responsiveness ensures instant comparisons of rates, enabling users to make well-informed decisions instantly. This level of efficiency extends beyond cost savings to drive consistency, control, and predictability in operations. 

Ease of Use at the Core of S-2’s TOP

S-2 recognizes the paramount importance of user-friendly interfaces (UI) in enhancing the overall transportation management experience. The design principles of simplicity and efficiency are at the forefront of TOP's UI, offering users an intuitive platform that allows them to jump right into the features and savings offered by S-2.

The impact of intuitive UI extends beyond ease of use. It significantly reduces the learning curve and training time for users. S-2's commitment to user satisfaction is evident in the success stories of businesses that have seamlessly implemented the platform. The interface empowers users to navigate through complex transportation scenarios effortlessly, promoting a positive and productive user experience.

Going Beyond TOP: S-2's Streamlined Services

S-2 offers a comprehensive shipping solution to shippers that extends beyond the capabilities of the Transportation Optimization Platform (TOP). S-2's streamlined services are designed to provide end-to-end support, from optimizing transportation decisions at the outset through their TOP software, to ensuring a hassle-free back-office experience, 24/7 support, and continuous carrier monitoring. By going beyond even the immense capabilities of TOP, S-2 both simplifies and enhances the entire shipping process for its customers.

Dedicated Customer Support

Customers who work with S-2 gain a team of Freight IQ experts available to them 24/7 who provide updates on their shipments throughout the entire transit, keeping a watchful eye on potential issues and stepping in when needed to maintain timely and safe deliveries. This proactive approach ensures that customers are well-informed, allowing them to make informed decisions and pivot as needed to maintain the best possible efforts to stay on schedule.

Streamlined Back Office Processes

S-2 understands the challenges faced by businesses in managing invoices from various carriers. To address this, S-2 offers a streamlined back office experience with single invoicing. Customers no longer have to deal with the hassle of receiving invoices from different carriers. Instead, S-2 consolidates the invoicing process, providing a single point of contact (POC) for all transactions. This not only saves time but also enhances efficiency in financial management.

Continuous Carrier Monitoring

One of the standout features of S-2's services is the ongoing monitoring of carriers. Rather than leaving carrier vetting solely at the time of setting up a shipment, S-2 takes a proactive approach by continually monitoring carriers utilizing a variety of digital compliance tools. This ensures that customers are connected to reliable and trustworthy service providers, mitigating the risks associated with unexpected disruptions.

Integrated Insurance Solutions

S-2 integrates top-rated insurance through premium carrier Redkik into its slate of offerings. At the time of shipment, customers can purchase additional insurance with just a few clicks. The process is easy and affordable and provides customers with a range of coverage options to protect their shipments comprehensively. With this integrated insurance solution, S-2 empowers its customers to safeguard their LTL and Air shipments in transit and ensures a swift and efficient resolution in the event of damages.

Conclusion

The extensive variables faced by shippers who need to source reliable and cost-efficient carriers – including pricing, modes of transportation, and insurance options – is fraught with challenges. S-2's Transportation Optimization Platform (TOP) offers shippers an automated transportation management solution that empowers users to make well-informed decisions quickly. With its streamlined processes and user-friendly interfaces, TOP provides a holistic solution that reshapes the transportation management landscape.

Check back soon for our upcoming article that will unravel strategies aimed at directly enhancing shippers’ revenue growth through effective transportation management. We will explore how S-2's comprehensive suite of services optimizes and streamlines logistics so that businesses can thrive in the dynamic world of transportation. 

If you are ready to unlock the potential of S-2's offerings, discover how they can revolutionize your shipping needs, or wish to see firsthand through a demonstration, don't hesitate to reach out today.

Bookmark https://www.s-2international.com/ to connect with the team to guarantee that your shipments will be sent in full confidence, guided by our committed staff and excellent partner carriers.