Real-time visibility has gone from competitive advantage to table stakes. Shippers expect to know where their freight is at all times, and brokers who can't deliver that transparency lose business.

The Tracking Technology Stack

Modern tracking combines multiple data sources for comprehensive visibility:

• ELD integrations — Direct feeds from Samsara, KeepTruckin, Omnitracs, etc.
• Mobile apps — Driver check-ins via smartphone
• EDI 214s — Carrier milestone updates via standard formats
• API integrations — Real-time data from carrier systems

Automation Opportunities

Proactive Check-Ins

Instead of waiting for problems, set up automated check-in requests at key milestones: pre-pickup, departure, mid-transit, and pre-delivery. If you don't hear back, escalate automatically.

Exception Detection

Build rules that catch problems early: ETA slippage beyond threshold, unexpected stops, route deviations, or missed milestone windows.

Customer Notifications

Don't make customers ask for updates. Push notifications at milestones they care about, and proactive alerts when something goes wrong—before they have to call.