The Morrow Roberson Road Test: DSV Lead Logistics

The Morrow Roberson Road Test is a new column in The Loadstar dedicated to examining IT platforms and applications introduced in the industry, and trying to separate the PR from the reality…

Once you get past buzzwords such as transformative, cutting-edge and configurable, you get an interesting solution that’s not exactly a leading solution (pardon the pun), but still a good one that could interest shippers of all sizes, particularly in today’s complex environment. 

Don’t bother reading DSV’s press release. Like so many today, it tells you nothing other than providing helpful links to the website and a video describing the service. So after viewing the video, brochure and the website, here’s what I’ve been able to come up with on what DSV’s new service, DSV Lead Logistics, is all about. 

But first, a bit of background. Over the years, DSV has made significant investments in technology, particularly taking advantage of solutions from Cargowise, now absorbed into WiseTech, as well as AI solutions, conducting blockchain tests and utilising other ‘cutting-edge’ IT that is accessible. The result of these investments is the ability to offer a solution such as DSV Lead Logistics, a modular 4PL service. 

Based on cloud technology, DSV can tailor a solution specifically to fit a customer’s needs while supporting supply chain design, implementation and management across all modes, geographies and currencies. 

Customers can pick one module, a couple of modules, or all. These are: 

• Order management 
• Load planning 
• Carrier collaboration 
• Load execution 
• Freight payment and settlement 
• Analytics 
• Logistics procurement 
• Network design. 

Basically, DSV serves as a 4PL, depending on how much or how little a customer needs. A 4PL acts as a single interface between the client and multiple logistics service providers. Many logistics providers, including Kuehne + Nagel, DHL and Panalpina, already offer such services, but the modular approach is a nice one, and one that these providers, as well as Seko Logistics, AGL and XPO Logistics offer as well.  

The key is cloud-based technology; the ability to host a software platform or service from a remote location that can be accessed and used anywhere via the internet. Customers are able to tap into DSV’s cloud tech-enabled system without investing in the technology themselves. Typically, cloud-based solutions take as little as a day to a few weeks to be up and running, versus the old days of several months, if one was lucky. Cloud-based solutions also cost less and the learning curve is usually quick and easy. As long as the customer is fine with sharing data with logistics providers such as DSV, 4PL services can be beneficial.  

A ground-breaking solution? Not really – but one that more logistics providers are able to provide thanks to technology solutions now available. Supply chains and the general business environment have become more complex. 4PL services, such as DSV’s latest offering, are a way for shippers to manage such complexity while focusing on their core business.