Why Are Transport KPIs Key to Efficient Logistics?

By María Gamba

In logistics, one thing is clear: if you don't measure, you don't improve. And, although it may sometimes seem that it's just about moving goods, the truth is that behind each shipment there are data that can make the difference between an efficient operation and one full of problems.

That's why today I want to talk abouttransportation KPIs, those indicators that, beyond theories, help us see with numbers how well (or badly) we are doing things.

What are transportation KPIs and why are they so important?

In simple terms, KPIs are metrics that allow you to measure the performance of something specific. And in transportation, these data show us how the operation is really going.

It's not the same to believe that deliveries are going well, as to know exactly how many arrived on time, how many were delayed, or how much it cost to move a certain load.

These indicators allow you to have a clear vision of what is happening at all times and, most importantly, give you tools to make intelligent decisions, improve processes, or solve problems before they grow.

The KPIs that really matter in logistics

Although there are hundreds of possible metrics, there are some that I consider key, especially in transportation:

• Delivery time:Knowing how long it really takes to take the merchandise from point A to B is fundamental. If this KPI fails, everything else becomes complicated.
• Delivery accuracy:It is not enough to arrive quickly, you also have to arrive at the correct place, with the exact order and in good condition.
• Cost per shipment:Understanding how much it costs to move the merchandise allows you to adjust routes, negotiate with suppliers, and optimize resources.
• Delivery compliance rate:Basically, it measures whether deliveries are made as promised. This is key to maintaining customer trust.

These are just a few examples, but the important thing is that each company must choose the KPIs that best align with its operation and objectives.

Measuring to improve (for real)

What I like about KPIs is that they are not just numbers in a report. When used well, they become a guide for continuous improvement.

For example, inControl Terrestrewe work with tools such as real-time GPS tracking, temperature monitoring in refrigerated transport, and reports by stage of the load. This gives us very specific data on how each shipment behaves.

Thanks to that, we can identify routes that are generating delays, optimize delivery times, and offer customers updated information about their merchandise.

But beyond the technology, the real value is in what you do with those data: in analyzing them, in adjusting processes, in preventing errors, and in building a more agile and reliable operation.

The difference between improvising and operating strategically

Nowadays, in a logistics environment where everything changes so fast, it is not enough to improvise or rely only on experience. The companies that manage to stand out are those that combine their operational knowledge with data analysis.

Thetransportation KPIsare not just "pretty numbers", they are the starting point for detecting areas of opportunity, resolving bottlenecks, and making better decisions every day.

For me, that is the essence of well-thought-out logistics: to measure, understand, and constantly improve.