Technology and innovation at the tipping point
We are at the tipping point. Technology cannot be ignored – even in old, traditional industries. ...
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Developers of cloud-based freight market start-ups, offering shippers instant access to rates and carriers, deny they pose a threat to traditional forwarders.
Recent headlines suggest their developments could mean the end of the standard forwarding business model as they remove the need for intermediaries between shippers and air and, especially, ocean freight carriers.
In its Global freight Forwarding 2015 report, industry analyst Transport Intelligence says a proliferation of e-commerce start-ups are targeting the logistics sector
“Rising competitive threats from e-commerce could eventually make ...
Comment on this article
Paul Kelly
July 28, 2015 at 2:12 pmSir,
The notion that the rise in freight portals portends the demise of forwarders is misguided.
These channels have a place in the overall market, but they really only suit those clients and commodities that have no interest outside the point to point product movement.
Forwarders add value for their clients throughout the supply chain, potentially managing every element and participant upstream and downstream.
They provide costings, advice and expertise on all types of movements; from Customs requirements, through financial protection and marine insurance.
Forwarders need to rise to the challenge of raising awareness of the value that they add to the UK’s supply chain.
Until they do, their professional capability will continue to be undermined.
Paul Kelly
Chair: CILT; Freight Forwarding Forum
Founder, Actualis Marketing
John Roberts
July 28, 2015 at 3:14 pmAny forwarder not investing NOW in their online offering will be dead in a few years. The days of messing around for hours just putting a quote together are over.
The funny thing is that the experienced freight people are not inclined to change anything and like to continue how they’ve been working for years already. Meanwhile the clever techy people producing these websites don’t have a freight background so they can’t add the knowledge needed to create a good overall service.
Maryann Farrugia
September 18, 2015 at 5:53 amThis online method is very helpful. Im working in a freight forwarding and shipping industry for so long and having the traditional way is not that easy but with this kind of technology our life is easier and of course we are aiming for the fast paced activity and efficient system.