Digital freight forwarding has become a standard practice within the shipping industry. While many companies have established online platforms for quotes and booking, only a handful provide a seamless process from purchase order to point of delivery. Those that do can be considered true online forwarders. With the rise of tech-savvy shippers from Generation Z and Generation Alpha, the demand for a streamlined, digital experience has intensified. To meet this demand, forwarders must offer comprehensive online solutions that consolidate all necessary information and actions in a single platform, eliminating the need for constant phone calls or emails.
For a forwarder to be deemed truly digital, it must not only cater to the needs of these new-age shippers but also encourage traditional shippers to embrace online solutions. Unlike those who simply transition their services to a website, a new-age digital forwarder will drive its customers to conduct all operations solely within its platform. However, some veteran shippers may still prefer traditional ground services, reflecting the ongoing debate between on-premises and cloud-based solutions, a dilemma faced across various sectors today.
An effective digital forwarder can serve as a hub for various enterprise software, seamlessly connecting with a shipper’s ERP system via API or other integrations. By doing so, it minimizes the need for shippers to navigate between different software systems. An ideal digital forwarder solution would not only provide traceability but also cover the entire process from quoting to operations, from factory to distribution center, and cater to both road and sea shipments, handling regulatory requirements such as customs and marine insurance. Such a solution should ideally act as a comprehensive business process management tool, thereby becoming the preferred choice for supply chain teams.