What has changed in the freight forwarding industry?
The developing and increasingly fast Internet has allowed for significant changes in almost every area of life. It is thanks to the possibilities of the world wide web that sending information has become cheaper and faster. This has significantly influenced the direction and speed of development of forwarding services. The perspective of interactive information exchange has become a fact – forever changing transport and related logistic processes.
One of the most revolutionary changes was undoubtedly the real-time transport tracking function. The ability to see exactly where a supplier is, has increased control over cargo, timeliness, but also positively impacted transport efficiency and productivity. Developing transport tracking, allowed for effective management of the journey, even in a situation where several different vehicles are used to transport the goods – and all this within one map.
Without transport tracking, it would not be possible to make changes at a later date – providing verification of cargo, free and occupied seats, and even book them directly from the system.
Supply chain management and IT system unification
An efficient supply chain management system significantly facilitates the work of the forwarder and increases control over cargo. The ever-dynamic technological industry allows for constant changes in software to ensure stable transmission of information between partners (in this context, not only between the forwarder and the carrier, but also the forwarder and the customer of the forwarding service).
Similar software, as it becomes a key element in the information flow system, often becomes a trump card in the hands of the forwarder. There are widespread activities aimed at increasing the efficiency, effectiveness and efficiency of internal software used by the forwarder. Most often it is the forwarding company that is responsible for providing such a system. By placing this responsibility on itself, it also becomes responsible for providing a system that will function at an equally high level regardless of the industry in which the end customer works. In this case, compatibility becomes a primary factor.
Providing a reliable supply chain management system is, in the rapidly changing world of shipping, first and foremost an investment. Unifying IT systems – or at least ensuring compatibility between systems – is the shipping industry’s primary technological challenge. With such a system in place, a freight forwarder can increase its chances of keeping a customer and having them return with their next order. Customers also benefit – firstly by being able to significantly reduce their own logistics costs.
Blockchain technology is expected to be a revolutionary technology in the case of supply chain management. Not only will it provide greater transparency and allow to build a more resilient supply chain, but it will also streamline the process of introducing new suppliers. According to the IBV report, it was blockchain technology that was to bring the greatest benefits to freight forwarding services during the pandemic.
Freight forwarder’s work environment and new technologies
The forwarder’s work environment itself has also changed under the influence of new technologies. Nowadays, freight forwarders need to have developed digital competencies to be able to perform their duties efficiently and effectively. The ability to draw virtual borders or automatically receive information about the location and entry and exit of given suppliers from specific locations, has expanded the duties of a forwarder, but at the same time – increased his competence and enabled real control over the transport process in real time.
New technologies in forwarding services
New technologies have contributed to positive changes in the forwarding industry. Forwarders can provide their customers with even more effective services and optimize processes, making them more efficient. However, all these changes mean a new phase of competitiveness in freight forwarding. Since the widespread use of the Internet and the introduction of subsequent improvements, it is not only the skills of the forwarder that will determine the provision of quality services, but above all compatible and reliable information systems.
Using ALLcom services you can be sure that your cargo is safe and will arrive at your destination in the fastest possible time. Our freight forwarders are some of the best specialists on the market, and ALLcom itself is constantly investing in technological development.
