The logistics industry is very complex and when customers use online channels to find forwarders and to book and manage their shipments, they face many obstacles. For example, 40 percent of carriers and forwarders still do not offer online registration – and the percentage providing online quotes is even lower. These obstacles – paired with slow processes in traditional freight forwarding and a lack of visibility across the logistics industry – explain why so many start-ups (and some investors) see huge potential in disrupting the logistics business. Many have already taken important steps along the path to digitization.
Many start-ups have successfully digitalised one or more parts of the supply chain, such as quotation and invoicing, but none of them cover it in full, except for simple shipments. In the case of the latter, users can place a booking with a few clicks, offering track and trace and one single dashboard to manage all shipments. Traditional freight forwarders offer information on rates, available capacities, and routing options via phone or email. Digital platforms on the other hand provide this kind of information faster and at lower cost, since there is less human interaction involved.
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Flexport: A digital freight forwarder and customs broker
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Freightos: An online freight shipping marketplace & platform
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Forto: A supply chain platform
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Cogoport: An international logistics data-driven marketplace, specialised in routes between Asia and Europe
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iContainers: An online freight forwarder