How Digital Freight Forwarding Can Transform the Freight Industry

With the emergence of digital technology, the freight industry is undergoing a renaissance. With automated quoting, booking, and tracking systems, digital freight forwarders have increased their offerings, and they focus on transpacific trade lanes. Whether a company is just starting out or is a global giant, the needs of its clients are important. As a result, it’s important to invest in a quality digital solution that can meet these needs.
Streamlining operations

Streamlining operations is an important part of implementing digital freight management for modern freight forwarders. The right technology will not only automate the processes involved in managing freight but will also improve transparency. Streamline uses secure cloud-based tools to track shipments around the world. It is built on the SalesForce platform, which is award-winning for its rapid implementation and customizable customization capabilities. This solution does not require a large capital investment. Streamline puts service quality and customer relationships at the center of its operations. It also eliminates the need for costly, time-consuming and inflexible internal infrastructure.
Automation

Increasing automation in digital freight forwarding helps streamline the processes of companies in the industry. Digital platforms help to receive and store information in real-time, creating transparency in processes and the option to add new services. For instance, trucks can be equipped with on-board computers to calculate estimated time of arrival (ETA). This data is then used by the forwarder to organize transports. Furthermore, the customer benefits from early delivery information. Digital platforms have several benefits, but they also pose a challenge for traditional freight forwarders.
Cost savings

The global digital freight forwarding market is fragmented, with a small number of major players. Most players are focused on expanding their sales footprint, product development, and business expansion. A number of developments are underway among leading players, including Descartes Kontainers, Turvo Inc., and Twill. In addition, several early players have emerged as true alternatives to traditional forwarders. While market penetration is low in Europe, there are significant growth opportunities.
Simplifying quoting process

Using automated robotic process automation (RPA) to automate quoting process is the most cost-effective way to streamline the quoting process for freight forwarders. Although many companies still use traditional emails for requesting quotes, the automated software will complete the entire process with little to no human intervention. It’s best to mimic what the customer’s behavior is and leverage this to your advantage.
Focus on transpacific trade lanes

As digital technology advances, the freight industry will continue to evolve. Many digital freight forwarders offer automated quoting and booking capabilities, and are focusing on transpacific trade lanes. Companies such as UPS, DB Schenker, and Panalpina are acquiring digital startups and expanding their services. Adapting to these changes will require careful thought and investment, and will depend on the needs of their clients.