FourKites has published its Premier Carrier list for H1 2024. The list includes 727 carriers who have demonstrated the highest standards of tracking across all modes of transport. The list includes 215 SmartWay partners, which are companies that are advancing supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. Founded by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the organization also partners with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to extend its coverage across North America. Five carriers also operate across Central and South America as well.
With the recent disruption to supply chains, such as the Baltimore Bridge collapse, the Red Sea crisis and the Panama Canal drought supply chain resilience and Visibility is top of mind for many. Ever since COVID-19 in 2020, supply chain managers have faced an increased number of disruptions. The freight recession that began in 2022 is now showing signs of ending. The most recent Logistics Managers Index shows that growth is increasing at a faster rate for inventory costs, warehousing capacity, warehousing utilization, transportation capacity, transportation utilization, and transportation prices.
What is on the list
The list includes different types of carriers, with the list filterable by Capabilities & Services, Transportation Modes, Region and Type. The list is stronger in some regions than others, with:
- Africa: 2 carriers
- APAC: 4 Carriers
- Canada: 540 carriers
- Europe: 81 Carriers
- Latin America: 81 Carriers
- Mexico: 81 Carriers
- Middle East: 1 Carrier
- US: 540 carriers
Each entry consists of basic details about the carrier, including a named contact, email and telephone number to contact. However, the listings are not complete, which is disappointing. In some cases, the website link returns the user to the Premier Carrier list. And in others, all the contact details are absent.
Carriers on the list can provide reliable and consistent Visibility of shipments using the FourKites platform. This helps reduce the need for manual check calls, minimizes dwell time, optimizes carrier-shipper workflows and enables shippers to adapt swiftly to dynamic operational conditions and disruptions.
Chandrashekar (Vicky) Ramaswamy, Vice President of Network Operations at FourKites, commented, “Carriers today have the opportunity to cultivate new business by offering best-in-class service through enhanced shipment visibility. The Premier Carrier List is a celebration of excellence in our industry. Featuring carriers that have set new standards in Visibility and performance and proven their value to shippers and their customers alike. As the market shows signs of potential recovery, these carriers are poised to lead the way, driving innovation and efficiency in supply chains.”
A differentiation for carriers
In the hunt for the right carrier, FourKites has created a list that makes it easier for shippers to find the right company to deal with. For carriers on the list, it enables differentiation and notes that can offer the strengths of the FourKites solution to customers. Shippers can then pass on the benefits to their customers, providing better insights into inventory to improve planning. It doesn’t mean that there are no carriers out there that offer similar functionality. Still, if one is looking to identify a short or long list of carriers to consider, then the list provides a strong starting point.
FourKites has, however, fallen short of offering a review site for the carriers beyond the listing. Is this something that they might consider in future lists?
Constantin Gangu, Managing Director at Senior Forwarding SRL, commented, “Visibility is a must-have for shippers, so we’re delighted to qualify for FourKites’ Premier Carrier List. It validates our ability to provide customers with high-quality, consistent and accurate data tracking for their loads. We’re confident this recognition will help us stand out from competition and attract new business.”
Simone Maiocchi, Key Account Manager at Autotrasporti Vercesi SpA. “FourKites’ platform has been a real game changer for our business. By helping us spend less time sitting and more time booking high-paying quality freight with the world’s largest brands. Being recognized as one of FourKites’ Premier Carriers is a real feather in our cap. And demonstrates the value and superior service we’re bringing to our customers.”
Enterprise Times: What does this mean
The Premier Carrier list is a useful reference for shippers looking to identify carriers they wish to work with. However, while FourKites has created a very useful resource, its execution of it falls short. Contact details for many carriers are not included. Surprisingly, contact details for both companies quoted in the release are missing from the list!
Hopefully, Fourkites can turn this list into something far better for the second half listing, with all contact details included. It would be even better to see reviews on the site, as well, but this may not be a direction that FourKites wishes to take. If, however, it could open access to the carriers to update their details in a limited way, this might become a very useful resource and selling point for its customers and one that others might wish to join.
