Sign in Start now

Special offer: Get access to everything Melio has to offer, free for your first 30 days. Start now ›

Back to Community
Community
5 min

Freight Technology: Tools to Move Your Business Forward

Discover how freight technology, from tracking to digital payments, can push your business forward.

Published at | Updated:
A truck carrying freight

Key takeaways

  • Adopt freight technology to cut manual paperwork and keep goods moving efficiently.
  • Use digital payment tools to speed up cash flow and pay carriers on time.
  • Choose tools that work on any device so drivers can manage payments from the road.
  • Prioritize features that fit how your team already works, on the road and in the office.

What is freight technology?

Freight technology is the software, hardware, and digital tools that help freight and logistics businesses move goods, manage operations, and get paid. It covers everything from GPS tracking and route planning to automated bookkeeping and digital payments.

In short, freight technology takes the manual, paper-heavy parts of shipping and makes them faster and easier to manage. That matters most for the small carriers, brokers, and forwarders who keep the industry running.

The unique pains of freight

The freight and logistics industry has its fair share of challenges. Each one calls for tech solutions built for the way freight actually works.

Challenge #1: it’s long-distance

In freight, you’re either working on the road or working with people who are. That makes direct contact tricky.

Relying on paper or phone calls across time zones isn’t always realistic. It gets even harder when time-sensitive deliveries are at stake.

Challenge #2: personnel shortage

Not enough people are willing to embrace the demanding lifestyle of living on the road. It asks a lot, both physically and emotionally.

Excellent terms and special incentives are crucial to encouraging people to choose this career path.

Challenge #3: small businesses are big

Freight has its share of massive players, but most of the industry is made up of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

These smaller players are more prone to cash flow issues. They are also especially vulnerable to delays and price hikes.

How new payment solutions can help anyone in freight

Recent developments in payments and finance can help freight businesses clear big hurdles and thrive even in tough times.

Whether you’re a broker, a forwarder, or a truck driver, digital payment solutions offer something for every professional in freight.

Here are some features to look out for:

  • Instant payments
  • Fast pay
  • Flexibility and choice
  • Visibility and control
  • Integrations
  • Compatibility with any device
  • Credit card payments
  • All-in-one platform
  • Scheduling

In 2022, we published a white paper in collaboration with FreightWaves. It outlines how this can play out and the role digital accounts payable (AP) tools will have in it. You can read the full white paper to hear more.

Types of freight technology to know

Freight technology covers a few main categories, and most businesses use a mix of them.

  • Tracking and telematics—GPS and sensors that show where trucks and shipments are in real time.
  • Automation and smart logistics—tools that plan routes, schedule loads, and cut down on manual work.
  • Data and planning tools—dashboards that help you forecast demand and manage capacity.
  • Digital payments—platforms that let you pay bills and get paid without paper checks.

Choosing the right freight technology for your business

The best freight technology fits the way your team already works, both on the road and in the office.

Start by looking for tools that save time on manual tasks. Every hour saved on paperwork is an hour back for driving, dispatching, or serving customers.

Next, prioritize cash flow control. Look for payment tools that let you choose when and how you pay, so money stays in your account longer.

Finally, make sure it works on any device. Your drivers need to manage payments and updates from a phone, not just a desk.

Move your freight business forward with Melio

Freight runs on tight margins and long distances, so the right tools make a real difference.

With Melio, businesses can pay bills and get paid digitally, all from one place. You can also choose the payment methods and speeds that fit your cash flow, whether you’re settling a fuel bill or paying a carrier.

Ready to move your freight business forward? Sign up for Melio and start paying and getting paid the way that works for you.

Freight technology FAQs

What is freight technology?

Freight technology is the software, hardware, and digital tools that help logistics businesses move goods, track shipments, and manage payments. It ranges from GPS tracking to digital bill pay.

What are the main types of freight?

The main types of freight are truck, rail, air, and intermodal. Intermodal combines two or more of these methods in a single shipment.

How does technology help small freight businesses?

Technology saves small freight businesses time on manual tasks and gives them more control over cash flow. That helps smaller carriers and brokers compete with larger players.

How do digital payments improve cash flow in freight?

Digital payments let you choose when and how you pay, so you can hold onto cash longer while still paying on time. They also cut the delays that come with paper checks.

*This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice.
**Melio does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice, and you should consult with a professional advisor before making any financial decisions.

Read more