Dive Brief:

• XPO Logistics will expand its mobile app for carriers to Europe this spring after a successful launch in the U.S., according to a press release emailed to Supply Chain Dive.
• The app, Drive XPO, allows real-time visibility of shipments in transit and centralizes and integrates a carrier's operations.
• Drive XPO also integrates XPO's Freight Optimizer data, "the global platform for XPO’s non-asset transportation services. By bringing Freight Optimizer’s data science to the road, Drive XPO helps to reduce empty miles, lower fuel waste, reduce road stress," according to the press release.

Dive Insight:

An app like Drive XPO can give the 3PL a sharp competitive edge, not only because it increases efficiency, but also because it automates processes for carriers. The press release notes that the app "displays load postings in real time, with details such as origin, destination, freight type, timing and shipper, as well as special handling or equipment needs."

Drive XPO is an example of how analytics, algorithms, mobile technology and some automation can dramatically improve a carrier's efficiency. Consumer expectations change rapidly and demand complete satisfaction, but an app like Drive XPO is tailored to handle those consumers in the e-commerce age.

As e-commerce continues to accelerate its domination of consumer spending, the 3PLs who come out on top will be the ones who know how please the consumer in any circumstance.

Not only that, but an app like Drive XPO also gives XPO an edge in facing the trucking capacity crunch. The app is designed to navigate capacity, pricing, demand, in-transit issues, origin and destination, and a carrier's tasks and operations, so that the carrier can make the best use of its time, resources and capacity.

Now that XPO is expanding the app to Europe, the 3PL shows that Drive XPO has been successful in the U.S., which is an opportunity for XPO to pull ahead of its competitors, including DHL and C.H. Robinson.