What is freight visibility?

Freight visibility is the ability to track and monitor shipments in real time as they move through the supply chain. It provides insight into where goods are, whether they are on schedule, and when they will arrive across all modes of transportation. 

How does it work? 

Freight visibility relies on data from GPS devices, IoT sensors, carrier integrations, and driver mobile apps. This data is aggregated into centralized platforms that standardize and present shipment information in a single view. Predictive analytics enhance this visibility by generating estimated arrival times that factor in traffic, weather, and historical data. 

Why does it matter? 

Visibility reduces blind spots and allows companies to act proactively rather than reactively. Without it, businesses may not discover a delay until it’s too late. With it, they can reroute shipments, notify customers, and adjust schedules. This improves efficiency, lowers costs tied to detention or demurrage, and strengthens customer confidence. 

Common questions about freight visibility 

How is freight visibility different from supply chain visibility? 

Freight visibility focuses specifically on shipments in transit, while supply chain visibility is broader — covering inventory, orders, production, and demand data across the entire supply chain. 

Do all carriers provide real-time freight visibility? 

Not always. Large carriers often provide APIs and tracking capabilities, but smaller or regional carriers may rely on manual updates. Visibility platforms bridge these gaps by aggregating data from diverse sources. 

Is freight visibility only for long-haul shipments? 

No — it applies across the supply chain, including first mile (supplier to factory), middle mile (distribution centers), and last mile (to customers). 

What technologies are driving freight visibility today? 

• IoT sensors and GPS trackers 

• API integrations with carrier systems 

• Mobile driver apps 

• Cloud-based visibility platforms 

• AI-powered ETA predictions 

What challenges exist in achieving freight visibility? 

Fragmentation across carriers, inconsistent data standards, and global differences in regulations make end-to-end visibility complex. That’s why many companies adopt specialized platforms (like project44) to unify and normalize data. 

Common questions about freight visibility 

• How is it different from supply chain visibility? Freight visibility tracks goods in transit; supply chain visibility covers the entire ecosystem, including inventory and production. 

• Do all carriers provide visibility? Large carriers often do, but smaller ones may not. Platforms help bridge the gaps. 

Is it only for long-haul shipments? No — it applies to first-mile, middle-mile, and last-mile deliveries.