International Freight Forwarding Trends for 2023

With the new year well underway, several enterprises are trying to do everything they can to keep up with the latest trends in their respective sectors. This includes every international freight forwarding company that will leverage new technologies to keep up with the ever-changing demands on how goods will be transported around the globe.

This year will bring unique challenges to the international freight forwarding industry. From the new COVID-19 outbreak in China, several geopolitical issues, and the continuous rise in prices, every freight forwarder international firm will need to adapt to changes to survive. To get ahead of the curve, learning about the possible trends in the industry can help freight forwarders become more flexible with their operations. 

Freight Forwarders to be More Prepared

There were many issues in 2022 that challenged the freight forwarding industry, such as the Russian-Ukrainian war, the Suez Canal obstruction, and the continual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These events resulted in a massive disruption in the global supply chain and firms suffering billions in losses. This year, international freight forwarders are expected to be readier when facing unexpected events disrupting the supply chain. 

Data collection and analysis have been more efficient in 2022, and freight forwarders are using this technology to make accurate predictions of what will happen in the next year. This will allow them to promote resiliency in their operations and be more agile, flexible, and visible in the market despite adverse situations.  

Mergers and Acquisitions will Continue 

The pandemic has brought growth and revenue to the transportation and logistics industry. This enticed various private equity firms looking to put their money into fast-growing sectors. And although mergers and acquisitions (M&A) slowed down recently, experts project that they will continue in 2023. 

The war in Ukraine, new COVID variants, equipment shortages, and supply chain disruptions resulted in some of the major players in the industry trying to acquire more businesses to leverage the supply chain. M&A will allow them to expand their services and potentially optimize the workforce.  

Sustainability will be a Key Goal for Forwarders 

A Sustainable Freight Buyers Alliance report said that freight transport is responsible for 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions. And this is projected to increase to 42% by 2050. To prevent this, freight forwarders can opt for more sustainable products and practices to help the logistics industry become more environmentally friendly. 

By asking for and buying products that are good for the environment, freight forwarders and shipping lines can help move the dial and reduce emissions. They can also promote green practices and technologies that can make the supply chain more efficient, effectively boosting sustainability in the sector. 

International Freight Forwarders Will Go Digital 

The logistics industry, like other fields, has also undergone a digital transformation in recent years. And in 2023, it is expected that more forwarders will use modern solutions to transport goods and reduce paperwork in the freight forwarding process. 

Freight forwarders can also measure supply and demand more accurately, improve efficiency, and automate simple tasks by transforming their operations. This will also allow their employees to work remotely, which is still seen as the norm this year.  

Conclusion

By keeping up with these trends, freight forwarders can stay competitive in the market despite various disruptions. This can also be an excellent opportunity for further growth and advancements in the field, allowing them to remain engaged in improving their services for their customers. 

If you are looking for the best freight forwarding company in the Philippines, then Excelsior is for you. With almost 20 years in the industry, you can guarantee that Excelsior has everything you need regarding logistics. Our mission is to ensure that your shipment will arrive at its destination safely.

If you have inquiries, contact us at (+632) 8525-9775 or email us at wecare@excelsior.ph. You can also visit our website for more information about our services. 

A Guide to the International Freight Forwarding Process

Import and export of goods via trade is the heart of every economy in the world, which is why  international freight forwarding organizations are some of the most importance firms around. International freight forwarders closely work with sellers and buyers in different countries to make sure that goods get where they need to go.

International freight forwarding companies act like the middlemen of the trade, helping both sides ensure the success of shipping. They strictly follow freight forwarder international standards which helps guarantee that the goods will be delivered on time. So, if you are a merchant or consumer that wonders how freight forwarders work, here is a step-by-step guide to help you out.

Stage One – Export Haulage

Export haulage is the process when an exporter moves their cargo to the freight forwarder’s warehouse. The forwarder use trucks or trains are used to move the cargo and might take a few hours to a couple of weeks depending on the location and other external factors.

Stage Two – Checkpoint

Checkpoint is the process of checking goods for damages or irregularities. When the export haulage stage is over, the freight forwarders who are getting the goods will check the shipment to make sure that the goods aren’t damaged in transit.  

Stage Three – Export Customs Clearance

Every cargo requires clearance from the country of origin before being transported to another nation. Custom brokers do this by submitting details and supporting documents about the cargo. If a freight forwarding company does not offer this service, it is required to find a third-party customs broker service to help with the process.

Stage Four – Import Customs Clearance

The country where the shipment is going has to check the import customs documents once the shipment gets there. The freights forwarder or the customs broker chosen by the shipper can get this done before the cargo arrives as doing so can expedite the next steps of the shipment.

Stage Five – Destination Arrival and Handling

This is the stage where the cargo finally arrives and is taken care of by the freight forwarding company. Once the cargo arrives, international freight forwarders will receive documentation about the shipment from the office at origin. Here, the shipment is also transported to the forwarder’s warehouse before getting delivered or picked up by the buyer.  

Stage Six – Import Haulage

This operation moves the merchandise from the warehouse to the intended receiver’s final location. Freight forwarders usually help deliver the merchandise to the shipping address. However, the consignee can also choose to pick up the shipment directly from the warehouse should they wish to.

How do Freight Forwarders Work?

Many people would think that freight forwarders have planes or ships they use to transport cargo vessels. However, this is not always the case. Instead, these companies simplify the process for both importer and buyer as they act like the main point of contact for these people throughout the shipment process.

The freight forwarder takes care of all the details of the shipment from start to finish. This includes tracking the arrival of the cargo ship and getting in touch with trucking, airline, or shipping companies to make sure the shipment is picked up and delivered on time. The freight forwarding partner handles all of these details and tells clients what they need to know.

Deliver Your Goods Using an Experienced Freight Forwarder

Excelsior is an international freight forwarder with 20 years in the industry. Our company is present in across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and will make sure that your cargo is being transported at the right time safely whether by land, air, or sea. If you want to have your goods delivered by professionals, you can contact us at (+632) 8525-9775 or visit our website at https://excelsior.ph.

Excelsior Worldwide Logistics Corp.