In the last few years, investments in logistics have increased significantly. The proliferation of IoT (Internet of Things) devices and the development of wireless communications have increased data accessibility and pushed visibility to the edge. This evolution, along with a growing interest in and investment in logistics technology, is propelling transformation across the whole sector. It is essential to advance technology if one is to succeed in such a cutthroat environment.
A company may struggle if it does not give technology adequate priority because it is constantly changing. Critical qualities include using data to take action, employing cloud/IoT to expedite processes, and using analytics to proactively manage processes. Nathan Johnson, Chief Information Officer at AFS Logistics, a company that emphasizes the skillful use of technology in the workplace, is pushing the technology revolution in the logistics sector. AFS employs over 380 logistics teammates across eight locations and offers distinct logistics services to over 1,800 customers, with the single goal of ensuring each client’s success.
AFS Logistics: Exclusive Mix of Services
AFS Logistics, established in 1982, provides a wide range of services, from cost management and arranging freight movement across multiple modes of transportation to auditing freight spend to ensure clients pay only what they should. The company’s roots are in freight audit and payment, and its service offerings have since expanded. AFS is neither asset-based nor asset-biased. Instead the company is dedicated to providing the best solutions based completely on customer needs across freight and parcel audit, parcel cost management, LTL cost management, and transportation management, which includes freight brokerage and freight forwarding. The goal of the company is to guarantee the success of its customers and is dedicated to bringing them value by fusing decades of knowledge with innovative data analytics. AFS is always improving its technology and processes to better equip client logistics operations for success.
AFS recently launched the AFSmart Technology suite, aimed to provide exceptional, sustained transparency between shippers and carriers. Another key distinction is the Cowen-AFS freight index, which applies advanced analytics, including machine learning algorithms, to unveil depth and richness from data that gives customers a forward-looking view of the market and helps them make better business decisions.
Equipping Clients for Resilience
AFS has remained dedicated to helping customers cope with common issues in the logistics space, including constrained capacity, labor shortages, convoluted pricing structures and contractual language, COVID-19, inflation and more. The company has made significant technology investments to address these problems by giving clients and teams real-time visibility and in-depth analytics to support proactive solutions and quickly pivot in the face of late-breaking issues. These technology-driven solutions equip customers with the right tools to fuel success with data-driven decision-making and more effective processes.
A Logistics-focused CIO
A competent leader is one who carries a wealth of information and experience and uses it appropriately. As CIO of AFS, Nathan Johnson is focused on the integrity, availability, and security of the company’s data, and ultimately putting it to use to solve business problems for clients. With AFS offering a broad range of services, Nathan puts data and experience to work for shippers and service providers alike to enable the most informed decisions and efficient outcomes. He has experience consulting on supply chain technology with fortune 500 organizations and served in several industry advisory roles. Now he puts decades of experience to work for AFS clients every day.
United by Technology
The AFS team represents the very best the sector has to offer and brings knowledge from some of the biggest carriers in the world. The team members are the company’s most significant asset. AFS invests in the team’s future and has a tailored training and development program. Team members can cross-train in various jobs and technologies, and they work in a virtual but connected environment. The company balances the use of remote communication tools and in-person, physical gatherings to strengthen its relationships and culture.
Overcoming Pandemic
The pandemic has brought about significant problems and adjustments for numerous companies. AFS’s priority has always been the safety and welfare of its staff and customers, and the pandemic brought an opportunity for the company to gather feedback and alter many paradigms. In terms of technology, the corporation has moved many roles online and offered employees in-office and work-from-home flexibility. As a result, teams are expanding and producing more. The pandemic underlined the necessity for companies to have innovative technology to assist operations, thus the investments in technology have benefited not just AFS customers, but AFS teammates, too.
Testimonials that Speak Volumes
AFS Logistics has 40 years of success and rapid growth, both organically and through acquisitions. To provide the finest customer experience in the market, the company has assembled a world-class team with a wealth of industry knowledge and the newest technologies. Here are a few testimonials from clients.
“AFS has been the differentiator that puts us where we need to be with rates and scaling operations to keep up with all the changes happening in the global and domestic supply chain.”
- Michael Lin, Senior Director of Supply Chain, Musco Family Olive Company
“We’d be bleeding millions of dollars in excess freight costs if we didn’t have AFS. They have the expertise, knowledge, and systems that our business needs and they do everything more efficiently than we could.”
- Jim Thompson, Cavender’s Chief Financial Officer, Cavender’s
Future Endeavors
The customer has always been and will remain AFS’s main focus. To ensure customer success, the company places a very high priority on finding the greatest talent and the best technology. As AFS serves more customers, the company processes more data which can in turn be used to enhance solutions for the industry. With AFS already managing over $11 billion in transportation spend, the company is well versed in turning data into useful insights and visibility to serve customers.
Road Map for aspiring youth
Nathan responds when questioned about the road map for aspiring youth in the industry: “There’s never been a more exciting time to work in logistics! The current events in our world have brought a new awareness of logistics and it has increasingly become more prominent. Global supply chain issues are front and center across the world, and investments in logistics technology are critical to resolving these issues. If you want to invest in a career that carries an impact, look into logistics.”
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