IntelliTrans, a provider of multi-modal solutions for optimizing supply chain operations for bulk & break-bulk industries, October 25 launched its Global Supply Chain Visibility Platform for ocean shipments. Shippers can now plan, book, execute, and track ocean shipments, in addition to truck, rail, barge, on a single platform. The company aims to provide visibility for the entire lifecycle of an ocean shipment.

“The ocean freight industry struggles with lost containers, congested ports, shipping container shortages, rising freight rates, lack of carrier capacity, and crew shortages,” said Bernard Cohen, senior product manager at IntelliTrans. IntelliTrans says that, while some vendors only provide a tracking platform, IntelliTrans provides a more robust solution that actually helps them book and execute.

The platform provides connections to more than 100 ocean carriers, NVOCCs, and freight forwarders, eliminating the need for shippers to reach out to each carrier by email, phone, or carrier website. Booking and shipping instruction templates help shippers with pre-populated forms, making it quicker and easier to execute a shipment, and enabling staff to focus on more value-added tasks.

Ocean schedules enable planners to determine the best route option. The platform returns all possible options with available transit dates, estimated arrival times, voyage information, and terminal information so that planners can pick the best lane with confidence.

Container tracking captures future critical events when importing containers, allowing shippers to easily tender a truck and have the shipment picked up on time.

IntelliTrans says its Open Message Systems Interface (OMSI) connects virtually any TMS, ERP, and third-party providers, enabling shippers to have visibility from a purchase order number and other essential reference numbers or information.