Efficient dispatching is crucial for any transportation business, whether it's an entire fleet of trucks or a single-vehicle operation. With the rise of cloud-based solutions, dispatch software has become more accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes. However, not all cloud-based dispatch software is created equal. It's important to find a high-quality, cloud-based dispatch software you can rely on that meets the specific needs of your transportation business. So how exactly do you narrow down the options? In this blog post, we'll explore some key factors to consider when selecting a cloud-based dispatch software to ensure you're making the best choice for your business.

What is cloud-based dispatch software?

Cloud-based dispatch software allows businesses to optimize their delivery order management, increase efficiency, and reduce costs using automated technology. Cloud-based software is gaining popularity since unlike on-premise, there is no need to install hardware and servers (along with having an IT team on call to handle problems). This helps save on costs for the long term and allows your team to focus more on logistics and customer service rather than troubleshooting technical issues.  Through GPS tracking, you’re able to see when deliveries are sent out and where exactly they are in real-time. Ultimately, your business can be more proactive when it comes to shipment issues by giving your customers full-visibility in order to anticipate potential delays and provide a more accurate delivery time. 

The benefits of using cloud software

More and more companies are embracing the cloud since all it requires is access to the internet –  there is no need to download any clunky hardware or software. Your cloud software set-up only takes a few hours after which you’ll have full access to the software from your own computer, as well as access to a driver mobile app. 

Other benefits of using cloud-based dispatch software include:

Automated dispatching

• Streamlines the dispatching process by automatically assigning tasks to available drivers based on predefined criteria
• Reduces the risk of human error by eliminating the need for manual data entry
• Enhances the accuracy and speed of dispatching, leading to more efficient operations and improved customer service
• Provides real-time updates on the status of tasks and drivers, allowing for quick adjustments and better communication with customers

Route optimization

• Automatically calculates the most efficient routes for drivers based on factors such as traffic, weather, and distance
• Reduces travel time and fuel consumption, leading to cost savings and reduced environmental impact
• Enables dispatchers to easily adjust routes in real-time to account for unexpected changes or delays
• Improves overall operational efficiency and allows for the completion of more tasks per day

Customizable technology

• Offers a range of customization options to fit the specific needs and workflows of each business
• Enables businesses to add or remove features as needed to ensure optimal functionality
• Allows for the integration of other technologies or tools, such as GPS tracking or customer relationship management software
• Provides businesses with the flexibility to adapt and evolve as their needs change over time

Fully integrated

• Enables dispatchers to access all relevant data and tools from a single platform, improving efficiency and reducing errors
• Allows for seamless communication between dispatchers, drivers, and customers through integrated messaging and notifications
• Provides a centralized database for storing and accessing important information, such as customer details and driver schedules
• Improves overall visibility and control over the dispatching process, leading to more informed decision-making and better business outcomes.
• Take a look at Rose Rocket’s full integration list here. 

Increased efficiency

• Automates manual processes, reducing the time and effort required for dispatching tasks
• Enables dispatchers to manage more tasks in less time, leading to increased productivity and output
• Reduces the risk of errors and delays, leading to smoother and more efficient operations overall
• Provides real-time data and analytics to identify areas for improvement and optimize performance over time

Improved collaboration

• Enables dispatchers to communicate seamlessly with drivers, customers, and other stakeholders in real-time
• Improves visibility and transparency throughout the dispatching process, promoting better communication and collaboration
• Enables teams to work together more effectively and respond to changes or issues more quickly
• Enables dispatchers to coordinate resources and tasks more efficiently, leading to improved teamwork and productivity

Enhanced visibility

• Provides real-time tracking and monitoring of drivers, vehicles, and tasks, improving visibility and control over operations
• Enables dispatchers to quickly identify and respond to issues or delays, reducing the risk of errors and improving customer satisfaction
• Provides actionable insights and data to inform decision-making and optimize performance over time
• Enables businesses to better understand their operations and make informed decisions about future investments and strategies

Scalability

• Enables businesses to easily scale their operations up or down in response to changing demand or business needs
• Provides the flexibility to add or remove drivers, vehicles, and other resources as needed
• Enables businesses to expand into new markets or territories without the need for significant infrastructure investments
• Provides a scalable solution that can grow with the business over time

Cost-savings

• Reduces the need for manual labor and administrative tasks, leading to cost savings and increased efficiency
• Enables businesses to optimize routes and resources, reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs
• Enables businesses to better manage their resources and operations, reducing the risk of waste or inefficiency
• Provides real-time data and analytics to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize performance over time.

Who can benefit from it? 

Your team can benefit from cloud based dispatch software since a lot of tasks will be automated so they can focus on servicing customers rather than playing a game of broken telephone with their fleet managers and drivers about status updates and delivery issues. Rather than fielding calls from drivers that there are delays due to road closures or goods that have been damaged, all this information can be logged through an app so the entire team has visibility and can be more proactive about impending issues. 

Customers can benefit from this software upgrade too. For example, if your customer Marcia demands to have regular updates on her shipments, that will be possible with a customer portal. Orders can be tracked in real-time and customers can be notified of any status updates or delays. Rather than having your customer service team call Marcia repeatedly with updates, this can all be done via a mobile app. 

Your entire team can focus on servicing the customer rather than playing a game of broken telephone with their fleet managers and drivers on status updates and delivery issues. Billing and paperless invoicing clients can also be done via the cloud software. Customers can access their portal via mobile app at any time to track orders in real-time and see any messages relayed on your end.

The user-friendly app gives them full visibility into the delivery process so there’s no miscommunication about where or when a shipment will be delivered. Drivers can view their schedules and routes in one place and provide updates and documents directly through the driver mobile app, while simultaneously getting information about the most optimal routes to take and any roadblocks ahead that may affect their delivery time. 

How much does dispatch software cost? 

Costs can vary depending on your needs and the size of your business. Typically the cost of dispatch software can vary depending on the size of your business and the features you require.  Prices can range anywhere between $50 to $500 per month. This is based on the number of jobs and drivers needed, plus other features you require such as a customer portal, accounting, payroll reporting, etc. Some companies offer free trials so you can test it out before investing. But whether you are a small business or an enterprise, companies should be able to customize this based on your fleet size, business size and number of loads. The good news? Rose Rocket offers the ability to have custom pricing based on your business needs.

What does high quality vs low quality cloud software look like?

High-quality cloud TMS software typically offers a wide range of features, such as real-time tracking and visibility, automated routing and scheduling, freight audit and payment, and data analytics. It may also have integrations with other systems, such as warehouse management or customer relationship management software, which can streamline operations and increase efficiency. In addition, high-quality cloud TMS software is typically more reliable and offers better performance than low-quality software, with minimal downtime and fast response times.

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On the other hand, low-quality cloud TMS software may have limited features, poor user experience, and frequent system errors. This can lead to delays, errors, and inefficiencies in the transportation and logistics operations, which can ultimately impact the company's bottom line. Low-quality software may also have a limited capacity to scale, which can be a problem for growing businesses or those with fluctuating demand.

Why Rose Rocket is your best option 

Rose Rocket has all the high quality features you could want in a cloud-based dispatch software. Dispatch management involves GPS tracking, routing, mileage tracking, and scheduling while providing customer service and the capacity to handle billing and invoicing. Everything can be done via the cloud so the entire delivery experience feels seamless. The all-in-one delivery management system helps with end-to-end route planning so you can track shipments in real time and gain insightful analytics into your delivery operations. If a high quality, cloud-based TMS software is what you’re looking for, Rose Rocket could be your answer.

If you want to want to learn more about how we can help your business, book a demo below with one of our Rose Rocket logistics experts –  as the #1 Rated TMS, we’d be happy to help you learn more!