Australia, Companies, Features, Freight

MachShip reshaping freight management

MachShip celebrated its 10th anniversary in July 2024. Image: MachShip

MachShip’s Sam Rowse explains to MHD how the freight management solutions company provides a competitive advantage by allowing full control over logistics operations and offers unique boxing rules.

MachShip, a freight management platform, has emerged as a critical enabler for businesses seeking independence, control, and efficiency in their logistics operations.

For 4PLs (fourth-party-logistics providers) and other logistics-focused businesses, the choice of software can make or break their ability to deliver top-tier service.

With an emphasis on providing a carrier-agnostic, full-featured system, MachShip offers a solution that aligns with the needs of 4PLs, B2B, and B2C businesses.

Independence: a key differentiator

One of the core strengths of MachShip lies in its independence from 4PLs. Unlike 4PL-owned freight management systems, MachShip is not tied to any particular set of carriers, making it a neutral player in the logistics ecosystem.

“Our platform allows 4PLs or any logistics provider to have full control over their operations without the conflicts of interest that can arise when using a competitor’s platform,” says Sam Rowse, the company’s Chief Revenue Officer.

“This autonomy is crucial for businesses that need to deliver a tailored logistics offering to their clients without external influence. This independence has been a factor in why many 4PLs choose MachShip.

“Our customers have reported rapid growth and the ability to scale their operations significantly at their
own pace.

“For instance, Benchmark Logistics, one of our clients, achieved their three-year growth target within just 12 months, largely due to the control and flexibility provided by MachShip.”

Integration: covering all bases

MachShip’s platform is not just about independence; it’s also about integration. With more than 500 carriers integrated into the system, and more being added each month, MachShip ensures that 4PLs and businesses have access to the full spectrum of freight profiles.

“We’ve got all freight profiles covered,” says Sam. “Whether it’s envelopes or full truckloads, or even specialised needs like crane services, our platform supports it all. This means that 4PLs are rarely ever constrained by integration limitations, allowing them to confidently offer a range of services to their customers.”

The platform also works well in carrier invoice reconciliation, a critical feature for managing logistics costs accurately.

“Carrier invoice reconciliation allows our customers to quickly identify discrepancies between what they should have paid and what they’re being charged,” says Sam.

“This leads to accurate invoicing, whether pre-or post-reconciliation, and significantly reduces the time and errors associated with manual processes.”

MachShip’s platform is not just about independence, it’s also about self-sufficiency. Image: MachShip.
MachShip’s platform is not just about independence, it’s also about self-sufficiency. Image: MachShip.

Support and self-sufficiency: empowering 4PLs

In addition to its technical capabilities, MachShip places an emphasis on customer support and self-sufficiency. Sam says that 4PLs are experts in logistics and customer service.

“Our support needs to match the high level of service that 4PLs provide to their clients,” he adds. “We ensure that our support is responsive and effective, allowing 4PLs to maintain the direct relationship with their customers without us intervening.”

MachShip also empowers 4PLs to be self-sufficient, giving them the tools to onboard new customers, adjust carrier rates, and manage surcharges independently.

“We’re providing 4PLs with software that enables them to operate more efficiently and at their own pace,” explains Sam. “They’re the experts in their space, and we’re just here to support them with the best technology available.”

Leveraging independence for B2B and B2C success

MachShip’s independence is not just a boon for 4PLs; it also offers advantages for B2B and B2C businesses. By allowing these companies to leverage their own carrier relationships, MachShip helps them optimise logistics costs and operational performance.

“For businesses that want to retain control over their supply chain, our platform is an enabler,” says Sam. “Wholesale and distribution businesses, in particular, benefit from the ability to manage their logistics in-house without a 4PL influencing their strategy.

“Adventure Operations, an Australian company managing multiple brands in the camping equipment sector, faced challenges in managing logistics across three different distribution centres.

“By integrating MachShip with their NetSuite ERP, they were able to streamline their freight logistics processes, “Significantly improving accuracy in freight reconciliation, considerably reducing overcharges and discrepancies.”

Seamless integration with existing systems

MachShip has the ability to integrate seamlessly with ERP, WMS, and other critical systems. This is a key differentiator that sets it apart from other freight management platforms.

“We centralise freight management into one system, eliminating the need for multiple freight tools,” says Sam. “This reduces manual data entry, minimises errors, and provides timely visibility across the entire logistics operation.”

An example of this integration in action is with Dobinson’s Spring and Suspension, a supplier of 4WD parts. Before using MachShip, its sales team had to manually import sales order data into multiple carrier platforms to get the best pricing and book jobs.

“By integrating MachShip with their MYOB Acumatica sales order management process, they saved over 10 hours per week, reduced human errors, and enhanced the overall productivity of the team,” says Sam.

Enhancing accuracy and efficiency

MacShip offers up-to-date tracking information, typically updated in line with carrier systems.

“Data flows quickly and promptly, allowing businesses to track consignments, monitor carrier performance, and manage freight costs more effectively,” explains Sam.

“This centralised approach means that businesses no longer need to switch between multiple platforms; everything is managed within
one system.”

The Blue Space, an online retailer, experienced transformative results by integrating MachShip with its WMS, Unleashed.

“They eliminated clunky, manual processes, saving six hours of labour per day,” adds Sam. “The timely visibility provided by MachShip also allowed them to make data-driven decisions that improved profitability and customer satisfaction.”

Packing rules: tailored freight efficiency

For e-commerce businesses, MachShip’s ability to interpret customer-specific packing rules, often referred to as “boxing rules,” is an advantage.

“We don’t impose a one-size-fits-all solution,” says Sam. “Instead, we account for how each customer already packs their products and automate the process to match their specific logic. This approach ensures that our customers’ existing packing strategies are respected and optimised within our platform.”

By automating the interpretation of packing rules, MachShip not only saves time but also enhances freight efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Businesses can continue to pack their products in the way that works best for them, while MachShip streamlines the process and helps manage potential errors. By automating these decisions, MachShip helps customers obtain accurate freight costs and provides shipping quotes, which can be verified through the reconciliation process.

Listening to the freight management sector

MachShip’s success in the Australian freight management sector is not just about advanced features; it’s also about the company’s approach to listening to the market and continuously improving its platform.

“We position ourselves as a leader by partnering with industry leaders – carriers, 4PLs, and consultants and listening to their needs,” explains Sam. “Our system has been developed to scratch their itch, so to speak.”

Unlike traditional dispatch platforms that offer limited functionality, MachShip provides a full-featured Freight Management System (FMS)
with advanced capabilities.

“We’ve spent the last decade asking the market what they want and enhancing our platform based on that feedback,” adds Sam.

“Our independence allows us to engage with thousands of different operations, giving us a unique perspective and expertise that is unmatched in the industry.”

Mike McKay, CEO, MachShip. Image: MachShip.
Mike McKay, CEO, MachShip. Image: MachShip.

A solution for modern logistics

The platform’s tracking feature allows businesses to monitor consignments and carrier performance with precision, ensuring that every stage of the freight process is visible and manageable.

“Our carrier invoice reconciliation and reporting are key differentiators,” says Sam.

“These features enable businesses to generate detailed reports on freight costs, carrier performance, and operational efficiency, which are essential for making better decisions and improving profitability.”

Client feedback and market leadership

The feedback from MachShip’s clients has been positive, particularly regarding the platform’s key features include carrier invoice reconciliation and MachShip’s independence from 4PL models.

“We’re leaders in this space because we focus on empowering our customers and ensuring they are self-sufficient with our platform,” says Sam.

He emphasises MachShip’s onboarding process and responsive customer support, which are designed to help businesses fully leverage their freight management system.

“We provide a reliable and feature-rich platform that adapts to the unique requirements of each business, allowing them to maintain control over their freight operations while maximising efficiency and effectiveness,” he adds.

Future-proofing logistics operations

In an industry that is constantly evolving, MachShip’s ability to adapt to market changes is a component of its success.

The platform is designed to be scalable, allowing businesses to add new carriers, integrate with additional systems, or scale up operations during peak seasons.

This future-proof approach ensures that MachShip’s clients can continue to rely on the platform as their business grows.

“Future-proofing freight operations is always on our minds,” says Sam. “Whether it’s adding new carriers, integrating with additional systems, we’re committed to ensuring that our clients can adapt and thrive in a changing market.”

Easy deployment

Clients have noted the ease and speed with which MachShip can be deployed, allowing them to realise the benefits without prolonged disruption to their operations.

“Integrations can take as little as hours or days, depending on the situation, and has been an advantage for our clients,” says Sam. “It allows businesses to quickly see the value
of MachShip without the typical delays associated with implementing new systems.”

MachShip listens to the market, continuously improving its platform, and offering features that address the complex needs of modern businesses.

MachShip is a solution that empowers businesses to optimise their freight processes, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance profitability.

“We’re more than just a platform; we’re a partner in our clients’ success,” says Sam.

For more information about MachShip, click here
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