forwarders, and logistics partners, as well as the application of digital technologies, says Matt Goker, CEO with ATA. Through technologies like arti cial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain, freight forwarders that offer digital platforms can provide shippers with real-time visibility and market intelligence to inform decision-making. By implementing application programming interfaces (APIs), freight forwarders can retrieve real-time data—such as information on potential obstacles from port congestion or weather-related events—from third parties. They then can determine how best to adjust to the changes. Here’s a look at a few successful freight forwarder partnerships that provide shippers with innovative solutions, relevant advances in technology, and productive collaborations.
“Many companies don’t have full teams to manage the complexity, so they have a greater need for freight forwarders,” says Lauren Pittelli, principal with Baker Logistics Consulting. Domestic Freight Forwarding Busine Grows While most freight forwarding activity focuses on international shipments, a growing segment is geared to domestic shipments and over-the-road services. One reason is the increased activity in nearshoring and reshoring. The Reshoring Initiative reports that 364,000 jobs due to reshoring and foreign direct investment were announced in 2022, up 53% from 2021. With supply chain visibility becoming more critical, so has collaboration among shippers, suppliers, freight
January 2024 • Inbound Logistics 99
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