How to Choose the Best Load Planning Software for Your FCL/FTL Shipments

If you are a shipper or a carrier who deals with full container loads (FCL) or full truckloads (FTL), you know how challenging it can be to optimize your cargo space and reduce your transportation costs. You have to consider various factors such as cargo type, weight, size, destination, loading sequence, and special requirements when loading multiple items into a container or a trailer. Doing this manually can be time-consuming, error-prone, and inefficient.

That’s why you need a load planning software that can help you automate and streamline the process of load optimization. Load planning software is a tool that uses algorithms and data to calculate the best way to arrange and stack your cargo in the available space. It can also generate loading instructions, diagrams, and reports to help you and your staff load and unload the cargo quickly and safely.

But how do you choose the best load planning software for your FCL/FTL shipments? There are many options available in the market, each with different features, pricing, and support. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

1. Define your needs and goals

Before you start looking for a load planning software, you should have a clear idea of what problems you want to solve and what benefits you expect from the software. For example, do you want to reduce your transportation costs, improve your customer service, comply with regulations, or increase your sustainability? How often do you ship FCL/FTL shipments? What types of cargo do you handle? What types of containers or trailers do you use? How many users will need access to the software? These questions will help you narrow down your options and find a software that meets your specific needs and goals.

2. Compare features and functionality

‍Once you have a list of potential load planning software, you should compare their features and functionality to see how they can help you achieve your desired outcomes. Some of the essential features to look for are:

A) Compatibility with different types of containers and trailers

A good load planning software should be able to handle various types of containers and trailers that you use for your FCL/FTL shipments. It should also allow you to easily switch between them and customize their dimensions and specifications.

B) Ability to handle different types of cargo

A good load planning software should be able to handle different types of cargo that you ship, such as pallets, boxes, barrels, bags, rolls, etc. It should also take into account any special requirements or restrictions that apply to your cargo, such as temperature, fragility, orientation, stacking limits, etc.

C) Optimization algorithms and data

A good load planning software should use advanced optimization algorithms and data to calculate the best loading configuration for your cargo. It should consider factors such as weight distribution, balance, stability, loading sequence, order priority, etc. It should also provide accurate and reliable results that can help you save time and money.

D) Loading instructions, diagrams, and reports

A good load planning software should provide clear and detailed loading instructions, diagrams, and reports that can help you and your staff load and unload the cargo efficiently and safely. It should also allow you to export, print, or share these documents with your customers or partners.

E) Integration with other systems

A good load planning software should be able to integrate with other systems that you use for your logistics operations, such as ERP, WMS, TMS, CRM, etc. This can help you streamline your workflows, avoid data duplication or inconsistency, and improve your visibility and control over your supply chain.

3. Compare pricing and support

Another important factor to consider when choosing a load planning software is the pricing and support. You should compare the costs and benefits of different software options and find one that fits your budget and offers a good return on investment. You should also consider the support options that the software provides, such as online chat, phone call, email, documentation, training videos, etc. You should look for a software that offers reliable and responsive support that can help you resolve any issues or questions that may arise.

Choosing the best load planning software for your FCL/FTL shipments can be a daunting task. However, by following these tips, you can make an informed decision that can help you optimize your cargo space and reduce your transportation costs.