The Challenge
Before they started using WaveBL, KLog faced long and error-prone processes when managing the Master Bill of Lading (MBL). As Fernando Varetto, chief operating officer at KLog, described, “the way to work with the Master Bill of Lading was the same as it was 30 years ago. It’s terrible.”
Releasing the MBL involved multiple steps, various stakeholders (carrier, origin agent, destination agent, customer), and too often there were errors that slowed everything down. “Sometimes the document was not issued correctly or someone didn’t identify a mistake until the last minute,” said Varetto. “That could lead to delays, fines, and extra charges.”
Manually handling these documents typically took about a week and often involved couriering physical documents internationally, adding cost, time, and risk, while pulling staff away from higher-value tasks.
KLog also faced a broken workflow: although many parts of the process had already become digital, the documentation still required physical handling.
“Our goal is full digitization and total transparency,” said Varetto. “With WaveBL, we finally have a digital solution that fits into our workflow instead of interrupting it.”
The Solution: WaveBL
KLog began working with WaveBL as part of its broader digital transformation strategy. With WaveBL’s platform, the team can now access and verify eBLs in real time, with better visibility and faster error correction.
“You can check the document from the first moment,” Varetto explained. “If there is a mistake, you can return it instantly to the issuing agent. Everything happens within the platform.”
This shift has significantly improved the reliability and transparency of the process.
“With email, you never know if or when someone will reply. On the platform, you see everything in real time. I trust more in the platform than in the traditional way.”
Even more notably, KLog is using WaveBL as a consignee, rather than a shipper. That’s unusual, as WaveBL’s typical users are the ones issuing documents, not receiving them. Yet KLog still sees immense value in digitizing their side of the process.
“Even as consignees, we benefit. We save significant costs and time, avoid mistakes, and everything is faster.”
Results and Benefits
- Cost savings
KLog has saved up to $65 per Bill of Lading by cutting courier fees and avoiding charges from delays, storage, or document errors.
- Faster release time
What used to take up to a week can now take as little as 10 hours to two days.
- Reduced errors
Automation and real-time visibility have helped eliminate many manual mistakes.
- Operational efficiency
Staff no longer need to manually fill in forms or chase document updates. “We prefer our people to be close to the customers and help them with anything they need,” said Varetto, “not just filling out forms and correcting mistakes.”
- Workflow consistency
WaveBL closed the digital gap in KLog’s document flow.
“Previously, the process began digitally, then switched to paper, then back to digital again,” said Varetto. “Now it’s seamless.”
- Integration capabilities
WaveBL fits well into KLog’s broader ecosystem of integrations, helping support a fully connected logistics operation.
Next Steps in KLog’s Digital Journey
WaveBL is part of KLog’s multi-phase digitization strategy. After a successful trial in Chile, the company plans to expand WaveBL to operations in Peru, Bolivia, and Mexico.
Looking ahead, KLog aims to integrate WaveBL directly into its own internal platform to streamline workflows even further. “We would like everything to be in one place,” said Varetto. “We’re thinking about different levels of integration with both providers and customers.”
