Logistics processes are only on their way to simplification and improvement. One of the problems that requires urgent solutions is the pricing of cargo shipments by different modes of transport that global carriers are dealing with. Freight forwarders and shippers are the first parties interested in enhancing these processes. So, how can you optimize your transportation budget?
In our article, SeaRates will analyze the essence and solutions to the pricing issue. Keep reading and find out how to improve the performance of your business' trading processes.
The essence of skyrocketing freight costs
Among the reasons for the high cost of cargo shipping by sea are several significant ones, including the following:
- inefficient fuel consumption of cargo vessels
- an acute shortage of empty containers ready for transporting various types of cargo (especially noticeable in case of urgent delivery requests)
- rapid growth in shippers' demand (which also echoes the shortage of cargo containers or trucks)
- rising operating costs for shipping lines and freight forwarders
Left alone in such a challenging situation, logistics processes will only cause difficulties, and simplified or cost-effective operations will be out of the question.
The most successful, but not very common, solution to this concern is to select and negotiate with carriers.
Receive a transparent and affordable freight rate: SeaRates practice
The severity of this issue forces our team to return from time to time to discuss methods of reducing the freight rate for your transportation. Currently, we are focusing on the benefits of freight procurement automation and choosing shipping alternatives.
Our platform is effectively a marketplace that provides these and more additional features to simplify the logistics of businesses worldwide. Using the Logistics Explorer tool as an example, let's look at the most pressing issues: tariff transparency and carrier alternatives.
Shippers and freight forwarders: how does Logistics Explorer work for everyone?
Both the carrier and shipper should avoid futile actions to prevent dozens of useless and ineffective negotiations on freight rates and transportation conditions, as well as inflated shipping costs.
Nowadays, shippers are looking for a minimum number of steps, namely, to find a convenient freight calculator on the website of a freight forwarder or shipping line and instantly book their transportation, specifying individual conditions. Or find the most affordable alternative carriers and a selection of freight rates from 6k+ freight forwarders directly on SeaRates.com.
Also, subject to the Premium Membership in the Digital Freight Alliance, the freight forwarder has significant advantages, such as advertising its rates and reselling partners' ones on its website with its commission. Besides, the convenience and completeness of your website with necessary, urgent, and unique information put you far ahead of the competition.
For shippers, the easy-to-use functionality of the tool also allows them to find out the individual components of the freight rate. Also, it is possible to add a fee to each booking for the need for carbon emission reduction on their shipments. SeaRates handles this through the ClimaTrade fund.
Discover more about integrating the tool as a widget on your website or API connection on our Developer Portal.
So far, we've shown you how to stop performing unnecessary manual and unreliable freight rate research and get a range of tariffs for your personalized cargo transportation requirements. The transparency of our platform and tools promotes fair competition and increases the logistics operations of our users. This way, you can sustainably scale your business.
Let's move on to the Logistics Map to explore opportunities to expand your supply chain or promote your own logistics services.
The Logistics Map tool: Capabilities for carriers and shippers
Consider the main benefits shippers and carriers get from the Logistics Map tool:
- Automation of quotations for both parties. The accelerated process of finding shipper requests from all over the world.
- Logistics customization. Shippers and carriers match each other for further transportation based on their individual needs. Shippers' requests are displayed on an interactive map according to their geography, and carriers select consignments to complement their shipments. Learn more about the tool's features and scenarios for applying at the link.
- Marketplace for collaboration. All parties, interested in joint logistics and cargo turnover, have access to unique data for exchange and further transportation planning.
- Advanced quotation process. SeaRates aims to satisfy its users with the highest level of service. The well-organized interactive functionality allows shippers to quickly receive answers to their requests and carriers to generate additional leads.
Take advantage of the potential of digital logistics and streamline your business operations. Spare time for accurate handling of quotes from the most reliable logistics providers and monitoring of shipments without doing unnecessary manual work.
Conclusion
We are committed to helping businesses of all sizes achieve their business goals. Get involved in effective logistics solutions and gain competitive opportunities to expand the geography of your services.
Contact us at it.sales@searates.com to strengthen your logistics management with SeaRates IT tools.
