Connected Freight: Why Interoperability Is the Future of Supply Chain Visibility

A supply chain is designed to operate as one continuous network, though most days it rarely does.  

It’s well known that shippers, carriers, brokers, and consignees each rely on their own systems and processes to perform shared functions. Drivers are expected to manage and maintain multiple mobile apps to complete a single run. Dispatchers chase updates that are only accessible to drivers. Drivers often require documents that are in brokers’ inbox.  Shippers plan around partial or delayed information  to then drown out any dissatisfaction by hiring more CSRs that reassure frustrated consignees. Brokers nurse shipments for consignees to the outrageous tune of 3 customers per broker agent. 

Operationally, freight is indeed handled through multi-enterprise manual processes, but without enabling digital workflows, the ecosystem is fragmented at best.  

That fragmentation is now one of the biggest barriers to achieving end-to-end visibility, operational efficiency and supply chain resilience. 

The Visibility Gap: Where Data Gets Stuck 

Supply chains don’t suffer from a lack of data. Every shipment generates plenty: 

• GPS and telematics signals 

• Status updates and timestamps 
• Documents, signatures, and pickup / relay / delivery events 

But the problem is that this information often isn’t shared between systems. 

Instead, it’s trapped behind: 

• Customer portals, load boards and control towers 

• WMS / TMS / ERP platforms 

• Driver mobile apps that don’t independently engage shippers / consignees 

• Email Inboxes with PDFs and paper forms that must be manually entered 

When information stalls, coordination stalls and people have to resort to paper and manual processes. That’s where delays, friction, and frustration begin. 

Interoperability: Turning Data into Shared Understanding 

Interoperability allows systems to share and act on data without requiring new apps, new logins, or custom integrations. 

It means the data that already exists can finally flow.A few examples of how this is reshaping freight operations: 

• QR-based event capture gives drivers a single, simple action to confirm pickup, arrival, loading, unloading, or delivery; and those updates sync across every stakeholder at once. 

• eBoL workflows reduce rekeying, disputes, and paperwork by letting shipment information follow the freight itself — shipper → carrier → consignee — without manual intervention or paper trails. 

• Shared visibility ensures brokers, dispatchers and shippers are operating from the same version of the truth, not competing versions.  

This doesn’t replace human communication – it streamlines it to enhance digital collaboration between partners! 

Case Example: Removing Friction to Unlock Performance 

A regional freight broker recently implemented interoperable eBoL and QR-based shipment event workflows with one of its primary BCO customers. 

After 90 days: 

• Drivers spent less time logging into portals at each stop 

• Dispatch reported fewer “Where is the truck now?” calls 

• Appointment scheduling became more precise 
• Invoice and delivery disputes dropped noticeably 

No extra staff. No new apps to learn. 

The only thing that changed was how information moved. 

When information flows smoothly, it reduces friction, enhancing operational efficiency for both back office and field operations. 

The Human Element: Why This Change Matters 

Technology in logistics often focuses on automation and efficiency. But interoperability has a more personal effect; it makes the day easier. 

For drivers, it means fewer screens, fewer steps, less waiting. 

For dispatch, it means fewer interruptions and more proactive planning. 

For shippers, it means fewer CSRs hand-holding customers  

Supply chains run better when field operators don’t have to fight the system just to do their jobs. 

The Bottom Line 

The future of visibility won’t be ushered by additional dashboards.   It’ll be brought to life by the solutions that facilitate enhanced  digital colalboration between supply chain partners.  Interoperability turns visibility from a reporting function into an orchestration platform — one where every stakeholder sees and acts against a single, shared source of truth.   

At Aquatio Software, we’re building the infrastructure that makes this possible — real-time eBoL and shipping workflows driving interoperable logistics handoffs across partners, without multiple apps, portals, or complex integrations. 

Because the supply chain doesn’t just move on freight. 

It moves on shared workflows— and shared workflows start with shared visibility. 

For more information on Aquatio Software supply chain visibility solutions, visit us at aquatiosoft.com.