Career
EBOLs represent another step forward into the digital age for the freight industry, across modes. Moving away from paper in favor of online dashboards, data analytics, booking and instant quotes is becoming more prevalent as shippers voice need for real-time information to optimize complex global operations. CMA CGM made the switch to eBOL last year, and carriers in the trucking industry have been adopting the technology as well.
However, now that more supply chain personnel are working remotely due to the pandemic, the need for information to be available quickly and electronically has increased. Making the switch to eBOL presents an opportunity to give shippers better insight into warehouse operations and logistics in real time and without being on site. And for those whose jobs can't be done remotely, such as warehouse workers and truck drivers, an eBOL can make social distancing easier by cutting out the need to transfer paper documents from person to person.
"As CPG companies identify ways to increase supply chain efficiencies and ensure employee safety, electronic delivery verification through a contactless pick-up and delivery process is a natural solution," Tom Madrecki, Consumer Brands Association VP of supply chain and logistics, said in a statement.
Accenture, Coyote Logistics and Vector, a transportation digitization solutions provider, will also be working alongside CBA's task force to develop and ultimately scale end-to-end contactless delivery standards.