According to many carriers, a freight forwarder is redundant as an intermediary in the supply chain. The forwarder lowers the rates, does not pay on time and generates unnecessary costs for manufacturers. At the same time, as the survey indicates, almost 70 percent of all orders for the carriers come from the forwarder. Then what is the role of the freight forwarder in the supply chain?
Where to find loads?
Our survey ‘The role of a freight forwarder in the supply chain’ shows that carriers derive loads mainly from freight forwarders – (68% of respondents). The rest of transport companies receive orders directly from manufacturers (26%) or logistics companies (6%).
Freight forwarding – the benefits of cooperation
Ignorance of the legislation is a key barrier for the carriers when it comes to cooperation with foreign partners. The survey ‘Opportunities and barriers for transport companies in Europe in 2014’ shows that up to ¾ of transport companies do not know the consequences of legislation abroad, and ignorance of foreign languages is indicated as one of the main obstacles to such a cooperation. Freight forwarder, as an intermediary, supports the carriers not only in this area. The survey results show that the forwarder’s field of knowledge is very comprehensive – ranging from knowledge of foreign languages to the labour, civil and commercial law.
The companies ordering the load transport, i.e. loaders, in turn, appreciate other advantages of cooperation with freight forwarders: saving time, money or support in the complete record management of the transport process.
