And if you trust email to handle this workload, imagine what would happen to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Planning and management of goods transportation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Assigning drivers,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Monitoring routes, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Guaranteeing on-time deliveries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The outcome would be far from ideal, as email is notorious for<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Delays<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Missed messages<\/strong>, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Miscommunication<\/strong><\/a>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Logistics simply cannot afford these mistakes. And with Pumble<\/a> by CAKE.com<\/a>, you don\u2019t have to either. This communication app allows you to cut off software and services that make dealing with vendors and suppliers a drag<\/strong>. As your centralized digital HQ<\/a>, Pumble handles both internal and external communications<\/strong> in a single user-friendly workspace<\/strong>. Thus, you can keep track of employee activity while also having a pulse check of your vendor and supplier processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ll lay out the complete handbook on how to collaborate with vendors using Pumble. Moreover, we\u2019ll demonstrate how you can replace email in logistics and establish real-time supply chain communication.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"How-to-Collaborate-with-Vendors-and-Suppliers-social\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/How-to-Collaborate-with-Vendors-and-Suppliers-social.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nStep 1: Use guest access for vendors to create a clear gateway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Getting everyone in the same (virtual) space is hard, and with traditional communication channels<\/a> such as email, it feels nearly impossible. But does everyone need to be together in the same office to make logistics and transportation more efficient?<\/strong> Not with the Pumble guest access feature<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Manage](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Manage-team-members-and-guests-in-Pumble0D0A0D0A.png\")
Manage team members and guests in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Here you can choose between two options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Single-channel guests:<\/strong> The guest account can only access a specified channel<\/strong>, not the rest of the workspace. This option is a good solution for connecting with transactional partners. For example, when working with a trucking carrier responsible for a dedicated lane, single-channel guest access keeps the information separate from other business dealings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Multi-channel guests:<\/strong> On the flip side, multi-channel guests have more leeway, as they can access multiple channels approved by the workspace administrator or owner<\/strong>. This makes sense for strategic partners \u2014 major suppliers or 3PL (third party logistics) representatives, for instance \u2014 who need increased supply chain visibility to keep track of order fulfillment, incident reports, warehousing, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
\n![\"Set](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Set-up-guest-access-in-Pumble0D0A0D0A.png\")
Set up guest access in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Of course, external collaboration always brings up the question of security<\/strong>. Guest access is highly customizable, giving admins an extra layer of protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the setup stage, you can add an expiration date so that no one overstays their welcome<\/strong>. Expiration dates are excellent for time-limited collaborations, and you can even archive the channel<\/a> afterwards to prevent clutter. You\u2019ll still be able to access the archived content \u2014 it just won\u2019t take up space in your sidebar.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Pumble\u2019s](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pumbles-privacy-and-security-certificates0D0A0D0A.png\")
Pumble\u2019s privacy and security certificates<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Besides expiration dates, Pumble has taken steps to further tighten its security measures<\/a> with SOC 2 compliance<\/strong> and ISO\/IEC 27001 certification<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vendors and suppliers can feel apprehensive about using an app with a track record of data leaks and misuse. With Pumble, you can give them peace of mind while focusing on what really<\/em> matters \u2014 collaboration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83c\udf93 PUMBLE PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For an in-depth look at the Pumble guest access feature, check out this resource:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A Complete Guide to Pumble\u2019s Guest Access Feature<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Use Pumble for external collaboration<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Speed up the flow with voice & video messages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The trick is to find software whose features cater to all users, from managers and dispatchers to drivers and warehouse staff.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s easy enough to read and reply to messages when working from home<\/a>. But when you\u2019re on the road or on your feet at the warehouse \u2014 not so much. That\u2019s where voice and <\/strong>video messages<\/strong><\/a> come in, giving users the chance to get their message across without needless typing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Record](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Record-a-video-clip-in-Pumble0D0A0D0A.png\")
Record a video clip in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n When incidents such as damaged shipments occur, real-time reporting and accurate detail is essential. Text messaging is okay, but managers then run the risk of wasting time or forgetting to mention necessary context. Voice messages are much more adequate<\/strong> \u2014 as soon as an incident occurs, you can record your account with one tap. Moreover, video messages provide a valuable visual record<\/strong> of what has occurred and can be double-checked later if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Record](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Record-an-audio-clip-in-Pumble0D0A0D0A.png\")
Record an audio clip in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Best of all, video and voice messages<\/a> are available in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 1-on-1 direct messages,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Group chats<\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Private channels, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shared channels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Group and 1-on-1 messaging can help speed up problem solving and provide instant updates to all conversation participants. Should you encounter an issue that warrants more eyes on it \u2014 like triaging a carrier problem \u2014 you can move the conversation to the relevant channel to receive feedback or insight. Thanks to these options, workflows go uninterrupted, and each and every user has the information they need, at any time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83c\udf93 PUMBLE PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To see in which other ways you can use audio and video messaging, check out this post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Revolutionizing Communications: The Power of Voice and Video Messages<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Stay in touch on the go via Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Create a digital paper trail with file sharing & Google Drive integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another advantage of using Pumble for logistics is how easy it is to store and <\/strong>share files<\/strong><\/a>, whether that be:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Bill of lading (BOL),<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proof of delivery (POD),<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Invoices, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Collaborative documents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Not only does sharing knowledge<\/a> improve communication within a single team, but it also streamlines cross-functional collaboration<\/a>, connecting coworkers from different departments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If team X does their job well, as do teams Y and Z, what good does that do if they can\u2019t get on the same page? This back-and-forth needs to be smooth if you want suppliers and drivers to be on top of their game. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Google](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Google-Drive-integration-in-Pumble0D0A0D0A.png\")
Google Drive integration in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n The Google Drive integration<\/strong><\/a> goes one step further in optimizing communication, allowing you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Share Google Drive files in Pumble,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Add comments within the app, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Receive Pumble notifications whenever someone makes a change to a specific document.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Connect Pumble & Drive to achieve more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Successful shipment and delivery is the end goal, but that won\u2019t happen unless everyone can follow the paper trail showing each step of day-to-day operations. That\u2019s why it\u2019s essential to leverage <\/strong>channels to organize files<\/strong><\/a> within Pumble<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, users can keep up with their workloads by accessing accurate information in Pumble channels<\/a> such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- #shipment_PO1234:<\/strong> Compile all documents regarding the shipment in a shared space so that operation officers, carriers, sales reps, and support agents know where to find the files.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- #night_shift:<\/strong> Create a dedicated channel where employees working the night shift can share tips or ask for help<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- #incident_reports:<\/strong> Ensure safety and prevent future problems by centralizing your incident reporting in a Pumble channel. Upload your records and build a collaborative hub where you can analyze, repair, and respond to incidents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n![\"Find](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Find-what-you-need-in-Pumble0D0A0D0A.png\")
Find what you need in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Plus, anything you share through Pumble\u2019s channels automatically becomes part of your unlimited message history<\/strong>. Logistics runs on accurate recordkeeping, and with a few keywords, every team member can retrieve a message or file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Manage files with ease in Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Target the right people with user groups & notifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In some instant messaging apps<\/a>, the constant hum of notifications can drown out your message. With so many posts popping up across channels, why assume each one is intended for you? The downside of this type of thinking is that both unimportant and important messages fall to the wayside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For on-site work specifically, not noticing urgent announcements can lead to late shipments and deliveries. Luckily, Pumble makes it easier to capture someone\u2019s attention with <\/strong>user groups<\/strong><\/a>. These are groups of members who simultaneously receive an alert whenever someone mentions the appropriate handle. Mentions are particularly helpful<\/strong>, and you can use the following in both private and public channels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- @here<\/strong>, to notify all channel members currently online that you\u2019ve posted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- @channel<\/strong>, to alert all channel members.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A specific user group<\/strong> you\u2019ve made previously, like @morningshift or @dispatchteam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n![\"Divide](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Divide-large-teams-into-user-groups0D0A0D0A.png\")
Divide large teams into user groups<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n This convenience makes it possible to notify the right people without pinging and distracting anyone else. Not to mention, off-duty staff can further protect their work-life balance<\/a> by setting a <\/strong>custom notification<\/strong><\/a> schedule<\/strong>. Customizing your notifications means you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Receive notifications for mentions only, not all messages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mute non-work-related channels like #hobbies<\/em> or #recommendations<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pause notifications coming in outside your work hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n![\"Take](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Take-charge-of-notifications-in-Pumble0D0A0D0A.png\")
Take charge of notifications in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n\ud83c\udf93 PUMBLE PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the complete scoop on adjusting your notification preferences within Pumble, head to this in-depth guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Say Goodbye to Distractions: The Ultimate Guide to Customizing Your Notifications<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Put a stop to distractions in Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Make faster decisions with polls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Full-time employees, carrier partners, and shippers all have a stake in the decision-making processes<\/a>. So, how can you ensure that you hear what they\u2019re saying?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to get everyone in the same physical space to do so. Besides, for remote and hybrid<\/a> organizations, this may not even be a viable option. However, in a virtual workspace, polls provide a quick and easy solution<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Run](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Run-polls-and-surveys-in-Pumble0D0A0D0A.png\")
Run polls and surveys in Pumble<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n After completing a few simple steps and adding the integration to your Pumble workspace, you can start collecting insight on how to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Build stronger client relationships<\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Streamline shipment services,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Simplify logistics and other operational activities, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Of course, employees and external collaborators might have more to say. In those cases, they can turn to threaded replies<\/strong><\/a> underneath the post. All messages appear in chronological order, allowing conversation participants to lead more organized discussions without adding clutter to the rest of the channel.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Communicate](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Communicate-and-collaborate-in-threads.png\")
Communicate & collaborate in Pumble threads<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Thus, polls and threads join the suite of features<\/a> that help different teams \u2014 from sales and accounting to carriers and customer representatives \u2014 work in tandem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make better decisions in Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pumble for logistics \u2014 better than email<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Email workflows are inconvenient, more often than not keeping you out of the loop rather than highlighting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The progress teammates, partners, and collaborators have made,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The latest to-dos, approvals, and messages, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Urgent challenges, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Key milestones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a summary of how email falls short when compared to Pumble<\/strong>, a streamlined email alternative<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Category<\/strong><\/th> Pumble<\/strong><\/th> Email<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Speed<\/strong><\/td> \u2014 Real-time messaging with customizable notifications (you can set different preferences and schedules in mobile app and desktop version)
\u2014 Excellent for urgent updates like delayed deliveries and route changes<\/td>\u2014 Slower communication where delays are common
\u2014 Threads and time-sensitive information disappear under new messages<\/td><\/tr>Searchability<\/strong><\/td> \u2014 Fast and comprehensive search functionality across channels, messages, and files<\/td> \u2014 Clunky and inconsistent search makes it hard to retrieve old info<\/td><\/tr> Document management<\/strong><\/td> \u2014 Files and documents stored within channels
\u2014 Easy to share and centralize context<\/td>\u2014 Scattered attachments make it difficult to locate relevant files right away<\/td><\/tr> Accountability<\/strong><\/td> \u2014 Clear and unlimited message history documents decisions and boosts visibility across teams
\u2014 Reactions and emojis simplify expressing confirmations and opinions
\u2014 No confusion regarding whether team members have seen a message<\/td>\u2014 CC and BCC email copies don\u2019t guarantee recipients will see the message
\u2014 No way to know whether recipients have acted upon the received information, leading to unclear accountability<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBye, bye email, hello Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Refine the way you collaborate with vendors in Pumble by CAKE.com<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The behind-the-scenes of coordinating with external collaborators doesn\u2019t have to be a chronic headache. Connect teams across all levels<\/a> of your organization with Pumble and never make a misstep in your supply chain management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t settle for a downgrade like email and subpar software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Build stronger client relationships<\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pause notifications coming in outside your work hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- @channel<\/strong>, to alert all channel members.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- #night_shift:<\/strong> Create a dedicated channel where employees working the night shift can share tips or ask for help<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- #shipment_PO1234:<\/strong> Compile all documents regarding the shipment in a shared space so that operation officers, carriers, sales reps, and support agents know where to find the files.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proof of delivery (POD),<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bill of lading (BOL),<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Multi-channel guests:<\/strong> On the flip side, multi-channel guests have more leeway, as they can access multiple channels approved by the workspace administrator or owner<\/strong>. This makes sense for strategic partners \u2014 major suppliers or 3PL (third party logistics) representatives, for instance \u2014 who need increased supply chain visibility to keep track of order fulfillment, incident reports, warehousing, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
- Missed messages<\/strong>, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Delays<\/strong>, <\/li>\n\n\n\n