PearlTrans Logistics and CLDA Board Member

In light of your experience, what are the technological trends or challenges you've witnessed in the logistics tech space?

It’s been challenging for traditional courier and logistics companies to keep up with technology that at some point was exclusive to large companies like Amazon, Uber, etc. However, times have changed and there are on-going innovations within the industry that help traditional courier and logistics companies keep up with customers’ tracking and visibility needs.

Is there any methodology to address those challenges? 

We understand IT isn’t our core business, however, it’s part of the service we provide our customers. For this reason, it was important for us to partner up with a TMS that could help with both our internal and external needs.

Internally, our TMS continues to help us improve our company’s efficiency by providing data to help manage our fleet and optimize routes. This data is more important now than ever because with current labor shortage and rising costs, you want to make the best use of your available resources. It also helps us predict any parcel that may be late to find another alternative and keep  our customer informed. Additionally, since our operations run on our TMS, we have an integration set up in our accounting software to prevent any billing issues or missing charges on invoices.

Externally, our TMS helps enhance our customers’ experience with PearlTrans Logistics. Our TMS streamlines our communication with our customers by providing transparent and accessible tracking. We’re also able to provide our customers with a client portal where they can view their invoices and run reports to maintain their budgetary goals. Even though this is provided through a TMS -  which essentially is a third-party software -  we made sure it was white-labeled with our branding. When the customer logs in, they see our branding and know the information they are receiving is coming from our company.

"With TMS, you are saving time for both you and your customer, which helps build a better relationship"

Are there any misconceptions about the business or anything you'd like to advise your logistics industry peers?  

One of the big misconceptions is that one should have proprietary software to provide the best services to your clients. That's not true anymore. There is a wide range of TMS providers with a variety of features that couriers and logistics companies can partner with. TMS companies are equipped with teams of engineers to keep up with the latest trends. So we have to only worry about providing good delivery service to our customers, and leave the rest to our TMS partner.  

Is there any disruption and transformations in the logistic industry that you'd like to share?

I am excited to see how the logistics industry will continue leveraging technology to keep streamlining communication and offering visibility for our clients. I started in the industry around the time when our customers were excited if we had the capability of sending PODs (proof of delivery) by fax. Then we provided that by email. Now there is a huge demand for APIs and other integrations with the customer’s platform. I’m excited to see what the next innovation is to help our clients receive their information quicker and increase the level of visibility.

What would be one piece of advice for the upcoming professionals to succeed in this field?

I would advise anyone coming into the industry to consider carefully what TMS provider they choose and to look at it as an investment. Your TMS will be a huge component of your operations and will automate processes that, in the long run, will save you on staffing costs and help you avoid human errors. There are many great providers out there so you have to find one that will fit your needs. Look for a TMS that will continuously offer updates to ensure that in turn, you the courier, are offering your customer the best technology available.

BACKGROUND: Lorena Camargo is a member of CLDA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors and the CEO/Founder of PearlTrans Logistics in Los Angeles, CA. Pearl is a full-service logistics provider specializing in same-day delivery solutions. Their clients range from health care facilities to military bases to movie studios. Today, Pearl transports everything from human tissue to printed material to aircraft parts throughout California and across the U.S.

The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that is the voice of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries.  The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. Since 1987, CLDA has provided business opportunities, advocacy and education. For more information see clda.org