How Freight Forwarders Can Secure Business in the
Today the global logistics industry is undergoing massive change due to the increased use of technology and automation. Traditionally freight forwarders relied on their networks of contacts and “who do you know†in order to secure business. Competition was focused on offering the lowest rates. Records were kept on paper or spreadsheets. And deals were made with phone calls and a handshake. In short a very low-tech approach to global business.
One of X2’s roles under network management is to understand and help identify industry shifts, changes and future trends. This allows us to help our network of over 500 freight forwarders in more than 150 locations around the world be tremendously successful and professional.
With the future looking even more likely to be technology driven there will be an obvious requirement for forwarders to focus on the customer and look at new ways to innovate in this ever increasingly competitive market. The customer-centric business environment requires supply chains to be resilient enough to respond quickly and easily according to demand whilst maintaining vital profitability. Indeed, organisations are now required to step-up and maintain their competitive edge by treating customers as strategic partners in order to keep up with the tech-savvy consumer.
We assist and advise our members of specific tactics to grow and develop their business within the group. Obviously, one thing we have no control over is the introduction of new technology. But our research shows that freight forwarders need to innovate and have a more focused, customer-centric approach to win in the face of logistics-technology game changers.
How Will Freight Forwarders Innovate and Grow in 2016?
We recently asked 130 freight forwarders and 110 of their customers a few questions about innovation, technology and their plans for business growth in 2016. See their feedback below.
What’s the biggest threat to your business growth in 2016?
how freight forwarders gained most new business in 2016
how freight forwarders expect to gain new business in 2016
What type of cutting edge tech adopter are you?
Where do freight forwarders most often come up short?
So the data shows that whilst most freight forwarders think of themselves as part of the early majority or sooner in terms of adopting technology (55%), they also fall short in terms of innovation, new ideas and solutions (47%).
Building on this how are you going to innovate your logistics business in 2016/17?
Leave your comments below. And also let us know how X2 help you reach your goals.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, The X2 Group was founded in 2012. Managed by CEO, Richard James Overton, the company aims to be represented in all major markets worldwide. The vision is to bring an advanced and professional approach to the world of logistics networking. Learn more at www.X2Group.com
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!
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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''.
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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.
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tokyo
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sydney
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