According to a 2023 American Trucking Association (ATA) report, nearly 70% of trucking companies still rely on outdated, manual systems for key tasks like dispatch, billing, and tracking.
As the end of the year approaches, drayage trucking companies and brokerages have a unique opportunity to invest in technology that can pay off in the long run, both financially and operationally. This hampers efficiency and leads to missed opportunities for tax savings and operational improvement. Companies that have upgraded their software solutions have reported reductions in operational costs by as much as 15% annually, highlighting the potential financial benefits of timely tech investments.
If you’re on the fence about upgrading your software and technology solutions before the new year, here are 5 key reasons: setting your business up for a competitive edge and improved efficiency in 2025. Note: Be sure to consult with your accountant to address any specific requirements.
#1 The Big Tax Write-Off: Make Your Software Investment Work for You
The end of the year isn’t just about wrapping up operations; it’s a prime time for tax planning. Did you know that you can deduct certain software purchases from your taxes? Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy (or lease) a piece of qualifying equipment, you can deduct the full purchase price from your gross income
For drayage trucking companies and brokerages, this is a smart move to reduce your tax burden while also modernizing your business processes. Whether it’s fleet management software, route optimization tools, or customer relationship management (CRM) systems, these are all eligible for a Section 179 deduction, making the end of the year a perfect time to invest in new tools that will enhance your operations.
#2 Capital Expenditure Benefits: Boost Cash Flow with a Strategic Investment
In addition to tax write-offs, investing in software qualifies as a capital expense. This means that you can capitalize on your investment and amortize the cost over time, which helps with deferring tax liabilities and improving your cash flow. For drayage companies and brokerages, managing cash flow is critical, especially with the fluctuating demands we are still experiencing.
Our clients are seeing substantial improvements in operational efficiency and cost savings. According to an interview for PortPro’s 2nd Annual State of Drayage Report, Matt Schrap, CEO of The Harbor Trucking Association said “Drayage companies are embracing technology and AI, using APIs with terminals to set appointments. He added, “There’s a lot of positive things on the horizon. Technology seems to be really helping in a lot of regards when it comes to appointment scheduling, route maximization, and dispatch.”
These technology investments not only improve your bottom line but also create opportunities for long-term growth. By making technology investments now, you’re not only positioning yourself for financial benefits through tax savings, but you’re also setting yourself up for smoother operations as you enter the new year. Instead of waiting for the new fiscal year to invest, take advantage of the current year’s tax rules to boost your financial flexibility.
#3 Improved Customer Service
Technology isn't just about internal processes; it also greatly impacts customer experience. Upgrading your software can lead to better tracking, communication, and overall customer service. For drayage brokerages, having access to real-time data and predictive analytics can help anticipate customer needs, prevent issues before they arise, and provide more accurate timelines. For drayage trucking companies, providing visibility into load status, routes, and delivery times can significantly boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.
#4 Implementation Considerations: Plan for a Smooth Transition
When making a significant software upgrade, careful planning is essential. The end of the year provides a great window for implementing new systems before the demands of the first quarter take over. With the time to focus on a smooth transition, you can ensure that your new software is up and running without disrupting daily operations.
Here are some tips we offer our clients for a successful transition:
Thorough Training: Implementing new software means your team needs time to learn how to use it effectively. Use the remaining weeks of the year for comprehensive training, ensuring that everyone—from dispatchers to drivers—understands how the new tools work.
Phased Rollout: Consider introducing the new system in phases, starting with smaller teams or less critical operations. This approach helps identify any issues early without disrupting the entire operation.
Minimize Downtime: Choose user-friendly, scalable software solutions that are easy to integrate into your existing operations. The goal is to minimize downtime and ensure that your staff can quickly adapt to the new system.
Future-Proof Your Tech: Technology is always evolving, so make sure the solutions you choose can adapt to changes in the industry. Whether it's expanding into new markets or adjusting to regulatory changes, your technology should be flexible enough to meet the future demands of the drayage industry.
#5 End-of-Year Strategy: Position Your Company for Success in 2025
Investing in technology before the end of the year is more than just a tax strategy. It’s an investment in your company's future. The combination of tax advantages, capital expense benefits, and the ability to stay competitive in a fast-evolving industry makes this a smart move for any drayage trucking company or brokerage. With the right technology, you can enhance customer service, streamline operations, and position yourself as a leader in 2025.
McKinsey & Company’s study on transportation and logistics, reports that technologies like warehouse management systems and transportation management systems are now mainstream. Companies that have not invested in these systems could be at risk of falling behind their competitors. The drayage industry has the most laggards when it comes to technology adoption. For these companies the message is clear – adopt now, or die.
Drayage trucking companies that embrace cutting-edge tools—such as real-time tracking, automated dispatching, and AI-driven route optimization—can position themselves as industry leaders. These technological upgrades streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction, all of which are critical to maintaining a competitive edge.
As you plan for the new year, take the time to evaluate your current technology needs and consider how upgrades can help you operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and boost customer satisfaction. By investing now, you’ll ensure that you’re not just meeting today’s challenges, but proactively preparing for the opportunities and demands of tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
The EPA consistently reports that 90% of shipper company emissions come from the supply chain. This makes visibility in logistics a vital role in improving sustainability. Visibility can provide data on shipping lanes, fuel lifecycle, and route behavior to identify historical carbon footprint insights and hot spots. This data gives shippers and their clients important information that can suggest alternate modes of transportation based on lead times, reveals opportunities for consolidation, and allows all parties the option of time and data insights to make strategic decisions. This helps trucking companies and brokerages provide another opportunity to help their customers meet ESG requirements and ultimately make them better partners.
The end of the year is a time for reflection and planning, and upgrading your technology should be at the top of your to-do list. Take advantage of tax savings, improve your operational efficiency, and ensure your business is positioned for success as you enter 2025.