If Forwarders Don't Adapt To Digitization, They'll Be Left Behind
A New Report Suggests If Forwarders Don't Adapt to Digitization, They will Be Left Behind
The world of technologies and digitization has changed dramatically over the years and a new finding in Global Freight Forwarding 2019 report suggests forwarders have not demonstrated the capacity to adapt to the developments in this field.
Markets and technologies have both developed significantly, but the overall landscape is broadly similar to that in the previous 10 years, claims the report.
In other words, responding to change is never easy and it is perhaps even harder when the mentality is to stick to traditions.
There appears little drive within the sector to change things fundamentally, and the large number of parties involved in the supply chain has made visibility difficult to achieve.
Old School Rules.
While the report claims traditional forwarders are not destined to be usurped by digital competition, it could happen if they fail to act on changing customer expectations.
You don't see a whole lot of travel agencies around do you! As customers embraced online portals, agencies have struggled to survive. The ones that stuck to the traditional way have probably all disappeared. Sure these are two totally different industries and the main difference is that passengers can manage everything by himself, but containers can't. They need people working behind them with experience and know-how, who can handle the complexity that international logistics demand. Going digital can't replace this but it can improve it and forwarders who adopt digitization move forward while those who don't are left behind in the market because customers want an online experience and will prefer faster up to date service.
This will be a difficult challenge when they have invested so much in their legacy systems, continues the report. But if they do not prove agile in adoption of new technology, they will find they rapidly lose customers looking for visibility, quotation and easy booking that digital forwarders provide.
Digital platforms are making a success of market penetration, with 49% of surveyed shippers in the report citing use of online booking platforms, marketplaces, and digital forwarders. FreightHub just raised $30 million in series B financing, the big boys such as DB Schenker, CMA, and FedEx have all invested heavily in digitization, so as a forwarder yourself, what do you think?
Member Testimonials
X2 always thrives on raising the bar when it comes to connecting people. X2 conferences are one of a kind! As the founding member, we are happy to be in X2 Elite and the X2 Projects Network.
"We believe in limiting memberships to a minimum and have found our home for projects as well as general cargo within the X2 family."
I've been in the business for over 30 years, I have never had or experienced such and effort by the management team of the network to get members to participate and make their membership work for them.
The professionalism and organisation shown from the X2 team totally blew us away.
Richard is an innovator, what I find great working with him is that he can see the future.
I was positively surprised from the amazing organization and specially the commitment of all X2 Team making this event incredible for everybody and in all complete fields.
We have to skip the networks that are founded only for the benefits of the founders Quality and not quantity.
We found the best way to build trust is to go to the conference and meet with people, talk to them and get to know them.
As a new member of the X2 Network, we are very impressed by the organization and its professionalism and focus on mutual business development. X2 has already given us some great opportunities to work with likeminded partners across the globe on both project and general cargo.
Great energy and drive throughout the X2 Team and high profile Network agents to complement each other’s business across the globe and help achieve positive results. Keep up the good work!
X2 is like a family! We have met so many amazing partners. There has been so much success with the relationships we have developed throughout the years and most importantly friendships that will last a lifetime. And we love the networks' reach!
.jpg)
We have been a member of X2 since 2014 and have attended six conferences. Richard and his passion for the network with his enthusiastic team have arranged all the conferences perfectly considering every single detail. We made many friends and found new global partners to work with at the conferences. X2 is one of the good solutions for our needs and we hereby thank them for their efforts.
I have attended a lot of networks and annual meetings in the freight industry, but I have never come across a network like X2. This is another level. It is a pleasure to be a part of the X2 network - the professionalism, the attention to detail, the broad and knowledgeable staff - everything at the highest level.
X2 is really an excellent logistics network, with a well-organized team that is always thoughtful and helpful. We are happy with X2 and expect a long journey together.
"At X2 Network we found a group of partners that really want to build a long-term relationship. Companies are run by people that really care about your business and success. X2 Team has been really supportive and very active to develop new opportunities for your business''.
Our Partners
Vendors Partners
X2 Conference
Our special networking event is about smart freight forwarders coming together to grow and develop business within the group by providing an opportunity for all members to gather in one place to form and extend personal relationships.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
7:53
NEW YORK
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
7:53
sao paulo
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
7:53
london
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
7:53
dubai
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
7:53
bangkok
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
7:53
hong kong
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
7:53
tokyo
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
7:53
sydney
Book a Discovery Call with our Network Development Managers
Got questions or want to explore new opportunities within our networks? Schedule a one on one meeting with our Network Development Managers.