1.8 billion. That’s the estimated number of people who have purchased goods online in 2018. In 2019, the number of digital buyers across the globe is expected to rise to 1.92 billion. Here is How a Digital Freight Forwarder Can Help Your Business
Are you in?
If you’re a small- to medium-sized company already doing business online, then these figures will bode well for you. If you’re not, then you might want to catch up. With global e-retail sales projected to reach up to 4.8 trillion US dollars in 2021, wouldn’t you want to get a slice of that pie?
Doing business internationally isn’t a walk in the park, however. There are factors that you need to consider such as localization and translation, pricing, landed costs, marketing and communications, customer service, and logistics. One of the major considerations when selling to other parts of the world is that your products must reach your customers on time and in good condition.
Shipping to the USA, the UK, China, and other countries will not be a problem if you have a trusted shipping partner. Shipping companies catering to high-volume freight shippers or multinational companies operate at a much larger scale, so you should take time to find a reliable freight forwarder whose platform is designed specifically to help out small- to medium-sized enterprises or SMEs.
Here are some of the advantages that a digital freight forwarder can offer you which will help take your business to the next level:
1. A Global Network
When choosing a freight forwarding company, make sure that it has a vast global network as well as advanced digital capabilities.
When you partner with a freight forwarder that has ties with a global logistics leader, you also benefit from their capability to utilize extensive resources while maintaining economies of scale. With connections that reach far and wide, you can cater to a wider net of customers and expand your business reach.
2. Advanced Digital Capabilities
At the same time, a freight forwarder’s digital facilities can help you manage international logistics for your business. Their online facilities will enable you to choose from a variety of shipping and payment options.
Similarly, you also get access to 24/7 expert support through their customer service team who can guide and assist you with your queries and concerns regarding complex shipping situations.
3. Flexible Freight Options
Freight forwarder companies that offer alternative means of shipping your goods offer you and your customers more flexibility.
You can choose to ship via air freight where your goods are put on board the world’s most trusted airlines, assuring you of on-time deliveries and the most competitive prices. Alternatively, you can expect a smooth sailing ride for your products when you opt for ocean freight. Ship with peace of mind as your items will be aboard the most reliable ocean carriers in the world.
4. Good Business Credit
When you choose a freight forwarder specifically designed to cater to SMEs, you also get the benefit of having financial flexibility. Choose one that can offer you 15- or 30-day credit terms to help you manage your finances better.
5. Ease and Convenience
Since digital freight forwarding companies were created to help out SMEs, you are also assured of the accessibility and convenience they offer when it comes to their services.
Their digital platform allows you to get online quotes promptly after your request, sign up and ship immediately, choose between door-to-door or port-to-port shipping, and avoid confusing compliance and customs processes.
Since it is a digital shipping platform, the whole process becomes much simpler. To ship orders to Germany, Italy, or anywhere else in the world, you just need to go online. Fill in the details about the origin and destination, check whether you want air or ocean transport, and indicate what items you’re shipping. You’ll get a quote within moments either online or via a dedicated customer help desk.
You can then proceed to book, pay for, and track your shipment. Easy, isn’t it?
Ship Your Way to Success
The world is your oyster when you get to partner with a reliable freight forwarding company. Backed by a wide network and a strong logistics partner, you are assured that your business can tap into a thriving global economy.
AUTHOR BIO
As Chief Product Officer for Shipa Freight, Paul Rehmet is responsible for translating the vision of Shipa Freight into an easy-to-use online freight platform for our customers. Formerly Vice President of Digital Marketing for Agility, Paul managed Agility’s website, mobile apps, content marketing and online advertising campaigns. In his 25-year career, Paul has held various technology leadership positions with early-stage startups and Fortune 500 companies including Unisys, Destiny Web Solutions, and US Airways. Paul has a Masters in Software Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Computer Science from Brown University. Paul is based in Philadelphia.
