Privately-held Encompass is one of the first logistics providers to develop and launch a mobile app that gives both exporters and importers greater control and flexibility over their shipments. 'We are thrilled to be among the first international 3PL providers to offer a robust and content-rich, cross-platform mobile app that works with any smartphone,' says Asa Cheng, CEO of Encompass. 'Shippers now can take charge of their own decisions, in the palm of their hand, to plan ahead, schedule the fastest transits and reduce any unnecessary shipping costs.
The Encompass mobile app allows users to:
' Access the latest sailing/freight schedules for ocean and air in order to identify best transit times and routes.
' Track and trace shipments using Encompass' proprietary information management services (IMS), known as Globe Trak.
' See the status of every shipment and create customized reports, such as exceptions to supply-chain milestones.
' Access House Bills of Lading (HBL), packing lists and commercial invoices, among other items.
' View a company's background and look-up information about professional services such as transportation, consolidation and brokerage.
' Access a live customer-service representative as well as the latest industry news and service updates.
These capabilities instantly give shippers more control over their cargo and tremendous flexibility in moving freight, says Cheng. 'We work in a business where product demand can change at a moment's notice. Instead of being tied down to a computer, our customers now have the freedom and flexibility to access and track their shipments from anywhere in the world using this new mobile app.'
The application also 'is an excellent way for the industry and for our customers to stay in touch with the latest service updates, plus news of the company's developments across the globe,' says Cheng. 'Technology will continue to play a vital role in the logistics industry to speed up the flow of goods worldwide and Encompass will continue to be on the leading edge.'
