The Initial SituationToday’s customers expect accurate and timely updates about every stage of their shipment in order to plan and, if necessary, respond to delays or issues. This has become more important than ever in the COVID era of supply chain disruptions.
Through its platform, Flexport partners with multiple parties, from ocean carriers to terminals to consignees to customs authorities. These parties often have their own systems and data formats, which can make information-sharing slow and challenging.
The SolutionTo give customers better insights into the ocean leg of their cargo’s voyage, Flexport has integrated MSC’s Track & Trace API into the Flexport Platform. MSC uses the DCSA’s Track & Trace API standard: a data format that is particularly easy to consume.
The API connection provides milestone updates to Flexport customers and Flexport’s operational teams. Customers can then use this information to make decisions about their supply chain, such as how much inventory to hold or how to divert deliveries at destination.
The OutcomeThe Track & Trace API between MSC and Flexport has created multiple benefits for our shared customers. First, is faster and simpler data-sharing. Customers now have up-to-date shipping information at their fingertips and higher quality data tracking capabilities.
For MSC, the Track & Trace API allows it to establish quicker, more secure connections.
MSC and Flexport teams now have fewer phone calls, customer service inquiries and errors, and less manual work and complexity overall
The new API integration delivers near real time, high-quality ocean milestones, meaning better visibility for us and our clients. We’re excited to continue our technology partnership with MSC. ”
Shaping the digital future of ocean freight through APIs
This successful partnership highlights a new phase of collaboration in global trade. In this new era, freight forwarder and ocean carrier technology teams are coming together to co-design new integrated workflows building on the latest technology and digital advances.
The result: a frictionless user experience for every party involved in a shipment including the end customers.
