News / Forwarders eye closer ties with smaller box lines as the 'trade gap' widens

Algeciras, Cadiz, Spain - June 24, 2021: Ships, containers and cranes in the commercial port of Algeciras, with the rock of Gibraltar in the background with a large cloud above

Forwarders are focusing on building improved relationships with smaller container lines amid deteriorating relationships with the largest operators.

Speaking to The Loadstar, multiple forwarders said Covid-19 had “permanently” upended the balance of power between the two sides , with increasing digitalisation further eroding the possibility of seeing relationships improved.

“All carriers have moved to some form of online model, which further restricts the possibility for human interaction,” one UK-based SME told The Loadstar.

“And that ...