Freight forwarders are the most crucial link in the chain of global trade who is responsible for moving shipments on behalf of the cargo owner. The role of independent freight forwarders in the domestic and international movement of shipments is absolutely vital and involves a variety of functions. However, not all independent freight forwarders have the expertise or capacity of handling the complex movement of cargoes. In today’s post, we are going to discuss all the factors that go into the making of a reputed, freight forwarding agent capable of providing value-added domestic and international transportation services. Keep reading to find out what all the Globalia members have in common.
Credibility and expertise
As an exclusive network of the highest calibre freight forwarders, Globalia agents undergo a strict vetting process before making it to the network. Globalia agents are not necessarily the largest forwarders in their territories. However, what makes them stand out is their credibility, professionalism, financial solvency, sound business volume, and good credit history. All Globalia agents have an in-depth knowledge of their local market. This is one important factor that prompts our agents to entrust their shipments to partners across 176 cities around the world.
A thorough understanding of the market
One of the most basic formulas to ensure the success of independent freight forwarders is a thorough understanding of the market. Moreover, comprehensive knowledge of the exact requirements and expectations of the customers is also a crucial factor behind the success of freight forwarders. Globalia’s blogs and newsletters ensure that all our agents are updated with the current market trends and the activities of the giants in the industry. This allows them to formulate a well-thought-out strategy that grabs the attention of the customers.
Territorial exclusivity
Globalia accepts only one freight forwarder who gets to exclusively represent the city/port they are operating from. This allows them to be solely in charge of all shipments to/from that territory within the network. In other words, each Globalia agent operates as a ‘virtual branch office’ of the network.
Effective networking
Freight agents need to constantly communicate with their domestic and international partners to ensure efficient networking. This is the best way to keep tabs on your partners’ activities and get a pulse of the market. Moreover, networking with industry partners also allows the companies to showcase their strong points and obtain new project opportunities. Despite the ever-increasing use of emails, texts, and video conferences, a large number of entrepreneurs still rely on face-to-face communications for boosting the efficiency of their businesses.
Globalia’s Annual Meetings are designed to precisely help the members with this. One-to-one meetings are ideal for engaging with your partners leading to quicker decision making. In addition, face-to-face communication also fosters a sense of community within the network. It allows our agents to socialize and interact which in turn lays the foundation for trust and a better working relationship.
Even in the last two years where physical gatherings were impossible, Globalia organized two successful virtual meetings. Globalia’s online events brought the forwarders on one platform where they took part in one-to-one videoconferences to hash out the project details with their partners.
The ability to compete against the multinationals
Globalia Logistics Network provides the members with the much-needed brand name and quality international partners. This allows our agents to tender for the largest contracts from major exporters. Moreover, it allows independent freight agents to increase the scale of their operations. With a set of reliable network partners, Globalia members get to receive and send shipments to/from any part of the globe. Putting it simply, it allows the forwarding agents to internationalize their operations. This in turn allows our members to compete with the big players on a more equal footing.
International publicity and greater visibility
As one of the leading logistics networks of our time, Globalia coordinates an international campaign to publicize the member companies. For example, we publish the news of the latest accomplishments of the members on our website and our quarterly newsletters. Additionally, our marketing team implements new SEO tactics that enhance the visibility of our network as well as our members. For example, SEO optimization greatly augments the visibility of our Members’ News and helps them rank higher on Google search. This in turn also enhances the visibility of the members whose news we are publishing on our website.
The ability to digitize logistical operations
Since 2020, the freight forwarding sector has undergone a major shift. The industry has finally realized the importance of end-to-end connectivity. Â Globalia is also taking initiatives to digitize the operations of the members. Two years back, Globalia launched our member-exclusive instant quote generation software. Globalia’s FreightViewer allows the members to send accurate quotes almost instantly.
Ever since then our FreightViewer department has been adding new features to improve the usability of this platform. Additionally, Globalia gives access to other tools like Cargo Tracking System and Carrier Schedules that speeds up the work processes of the member companies.
Small and mid-sized logistics companies who are looking forward to increasing their sales, and globalizing their operations should consider joining a logistics network like Globalia. Now that you have read about the formula for the success of independent freight forwarders, the time is now to take a concrete step to expand your operations and increase your ROI.