Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Press releases are provided by companies as is and have not been edited or checked for accuracy. Any queries should be directed to the company issuing the release.

Independent Forwarders Join Networks and Look to the Future With Optimism

The Global Pandemic has changed the face of many industries, causing a huge level of disruption across the world. The Freight Forwarding industry has been hugely affected in its turn.


World Freight Network - WFNSpecialist Freight NetworkInternational Freight Network
   

Kelly Bunyan is the Owner and Managing Director of a group of successful freight networks, headquartered in London, UK: World Freight Network (WFN), Specialist Freight Networks (SFN) and International Freight Network (IFN).

Kelly comments: "With freight forwarding confirmed by governments as an essential industry, the ongoing worldwide situation has highlighted just how vital a role forwarders play in keeping
supply chains moving.

Our networks are specifically for small to medium sized forwarders; independent companies who are competing with 'the big boys' (as the large freight companies are sometimes called). We provide our members with the necessary global coverage and support to compete.

As one of our members mentioned recently, 'Almost all freight forwarders will join a networking alliance, if not already - independent forwarders will find it too difficult to proceed without
one.' We are receiving new applications each week from forwarders who agree, and want to give themselves the contacts and support structure that a network provides."

Debbie Constantine, Group Operations Manager, added: "One of the main subjects that has been raised this year when talking to our members, is the future of the freight forwarding industry. Unsurprisingly, our members say that there are many challenges to be met and difficult times to weather, with one member commenting: "The future right now looks uncertain. We will certainly have to adjust our companies to these new times."

Other members offered some encouragement to smaller companies and practical tips to their fellow agents on ways to approach the current challenges:

"Independents have a place in our industry. There is no doubt that many of them offer a better and a more personal service, which the 'big boys'/multinationals do not always give. Perseverance is key. Keep in touch with your clients and keep knocking on doors."

"In most cases, small and middle-sized independent forwarders cannot compare with large forwarders in price. But we absolutely can compete on quality services with reasonable prices. And there is a niche market for this."

Despite the difficulties raised, there were also some positive remarks, with one member saying, "I am very optimistic for our industry and our role. We need to seize the opportunity to meet the challenges." And yet another commenting, "The future looks bright! The world economy cannot do without freight forwarders."

Debbie concluded, “What has become abundantly clear to our Head Office team is just how resilient and positive our members are. Forwarders have to be flexible and ready to think on
their feet most every day... this has surely served them well this year. We are so impressed with their remarkable ability to adapt, and we look forward to continuing our journey together
as a united family."

As one member put it: "We will face a lot of challenges in the coming future, but I believe they will only change the way we play the game, they will not end the game. The logistics industry will keep growing, changing and evolving. We have to keep up with the trends."

Read more about Kelly’s networks on the links below:

www.worldfreightnetwork.com
www.specialistfreightnetworks.com
www.internationalfreightnetwork.com

Recent

More Stories

Viking Line, Port of Turku and Ports of Stockholm celebrate one year of cooperation to establish a green shipping corridor

On the anniversary on 6 February, the parties and a large number of invited stakeholders gathered for an open seminar in Turku, Finland. Results, experiences, challenges and opportunities were discussed based on the common goal of establishing a green maritime corridor between Stockholm and Turku by 2035.

"We are very pleased with the cooperation and the work done during the first year," says Magdalena Bosson, CEO Ports of Stockholm. "We have been investing in onshore power supply infrastructure for ships for many years and Viking Line is one of the pioneers. Now we are further sharpening our goals together with the other parties to establish a fossil-free shipping corridor between Stockholm and Turku."

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

TrusTrace Joins Textile Exchange’s Trackit™ Pilot Project to Advance Interoperability and Traceability in Textile Supply Chains

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, February 6, 2025 – TrusTrace, a market-leading platform for supply chain traceability and compliance in the fashion and textile industry, is proud to announce its participation in Textile Exchange’s test pilot project, to evaluate a multiparty Trackit™ system.

The pilot is set to run throughout 2025, marking a significant step forward in advancing traceability and transparency within the textile and apparel supply chain. The project aims to test the performance of an interoperable traceability framework that functions across diverse technology platforms. It is designed to minimize the burden on supply chain operators while maintaining a strong and credible standards system to adapt to an evolving legislative landscape.

Keep ReadingShow less

Vanderlande to Showcase How to Automate Your Warehouse Success at ProMat 2025

ATLANTA– February 5, 2025Vanderlande, the global partner for future-proof warehouse solutions, today invited ProMat 2025 attendees to visit booth #S1503 to learn more about the fully integrated technologies, best-of-breed solutions and comprehensive services available to warehousing operations regardless of where they are in their automation journeys. Vanderlande experts will also present two interactive conference seminars that will draw on real-world examples and lessons learned to show attendees how they can successfully deploy automation for the faster and more efficient warehousing needed to stay competitive and thrive.

Known for providing leading global brands with the most advanced distribution centers (DCs), Vanderlande offers the fully-integrated and comprehensive suite of solutions dynamic retailers, including omnichannel brands and e-commerce companies in the general merchandise, apparel and food sectors, need to excel. The company’s automation technologies encompass the systems, software, robotics and services needed to optimize throughput, order accuracy and storage capacity in the most demanding fulfillment and store replenishment operations.

Keep ReadingShow less

Warp Announces Preparation for U.S. Government Partnership to Enhance Service and Efficiency

Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Warp, a tech-powered network of cross-docks and carriers offering various vehicle sizes, announced that 2025 it will extend its solutions and services to the U.S. government. Warp aims to modernize government freight logistics with machine-learning-driven planning, optimized network strategies, and flexible solutions to create efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable supply chain transportation.

Focused on optimizing every load, every time, Warp employs machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and groundbreaking consolidation techniques to blur the traditional lines of freight shipping by combining the best elements of LTL, FTL, and parcel delivery. Using its homogenous fleet including cargo vans, sedans, box trucks, and 53-foot trailers, Warp facilitates carrier injections, inbound vendor consolidation, pool point distribution, zone-skipping, store replenishment, and national retail distribution for some of the world’s largest shippers.

Keep ReadingShow less
an illustration of a global network

Container xChange launches free leasing marketplace

Hamburg, Germany, 27 January 2025 –Container xChange, a leading global platform for container trading and leasing, has introduced free access to its One-Way leasing network.

With a free signup, businesses gain access to over 1,000 vetted partners across 4,000+ locations, helping users to access container availability and pricing insights on 10,000+ routes at no cost.

Keep ReadingShow less