What is digital freight forwarding?
Digital freight forwarding means using technology to make the shipping and logistics process smoother, faster, and more connected. It brings together many different tasks – like getting freight rates, managing quotes, booking shipments, handling customer info, and taking care of finances – into one streamlined system.
In the past, each of these steps was often handled separately, using different tools, emails, spreadsheets, and a lot of manual work. That often led to delays, mistakes, and frustration. With digital freight forwarding, all of these steps can happen at the same time, in real time, with everything working together in one platform. This not only saves time and reduces errors, but also creates a much better experience for both the freight forwarder and the customer.
Read more about the role of an air freight forwarder.
What is a digital freight forwarder?
A digital freight forwarder is a logistics company that uses digital tools and platforms to manage and coordinate international shipping from start to finish. Instead of relying heavily on phone calls, emails, and paperwork, they use cloud-based systems, automation, and real-time data to offer faster quotes, better tracking, and more transparent service.
Think of it as a modern version of a traditional freight forwarder – with all the same core services – but powered by smart technology that makes everything more efficient and easier to use. Digital freight forwarders typically handle air, road, rail, and sea freight, offering flexible, multimodal solutions through self-service portals, live tracking, automated pricing, and data-driven insights.
Bertling is an example of a digital freight forwarder. With decades of experience in global logistics, we integrate advanced technologies into our daily operations to deliver smarter, faster, and more sustainable freight solutions. We combine personal service and industry expertise with modern digital tools to meet the evolving needs of clients across industries and continents.
What is the difference between a freight forwarder and a digital freight forwarder?
Traditional and digital freight forwarders have the same core goal: helping shippers move their cargo from point A to point B. However, the way they go about it is quite different. The key difference lies in how they manage and execute the process. The table below highlights how traditional and digital freight forwarders compare in practice:
|
Feature |
Digital freight forwarding |
Traditional freight forwarding |
|
Processes |
Uses technology to handle tasks, which makes everything a lot easier and more streamlined. |
Dependent on manual workflows, paper-based documentation, and phone communication. |
|
Efficiency |
Digital platforms automate key tasks, reducing manual work and speeding up the entire freight process. |
Human-led, manual processes are often time-consuming and susceptible to mistakes. |
|
Cost |
Automation and streamlined workflows usually lead to lower costs in digital freight forwarding. |
Labor-intensive processes and human errors can lead to significant costs. |
|
Visibility |
Shipments can be tracked in real time thanks to online platforms and seamless data integration. |
Visibility is limited, and updates typically come through calls or emails, often too late. |
|
Customer experience |
Customers have real-time access to shipment information and can easily communicate with the freight forwarder through digital portals. |
Limited transparency and delayed responses can negatively impact customer satisfaction. |
|
Scalability |
Scalable by design, the platforms offer flexibility without increasing costs. |
Scaling is challenging, often demanding increased labor and costly infrastructure upgrades. |
|
Data analysis |
Provides valuable insights to improve logistics strategies and uncover growth opportunities. |
Limited data analysis capabilities. |
|
Paperwork |
Minimal use of physical documents. |
Primarily dependent on physical paperwork. |
Digital freight forwarder services
Digital freight forwarders offer a wide range of services that go beyond simply moving goods from point A to B. Below is an overview of services typically offered by a digital freight forwarder.
- Optimized, tailored transport solutions: Customized routing and transport planning based on client needs, shipment type, and cost-efficiency goals – powered by real-time data.
- Warehousing and storage services: Temporary or long-term storage solutions integrated into the freight platform for better inventory control and supply chain visibility.
- Packaging and labeling: Proper packaging and accurate labeling to ensure goods are secure, compliant, and ready for transit or cross-border handling.
- Shipment consolidation: Combining multiple shipments into a single transport unit to reduce shipping costs and environmental impact.
- Digital shipping documentation: When possible, seamless handling and automation of required documentation such as waybills, invoices, and delivery receipts.
- Customs support: Assistance with customs clearance procedures, including digital submission of documentation when applicable.
- Real-time tracking and notifications: Continuous monitoring of shipment status with live updates, accessible through online dashboards or customer portals.
- Expedited shipping services: Fast-track delivery options for time-sensitive shipments, often coordinated with automated scheduling tools.
- Carbon emission reporting: Insight into the environmental impact of shipments, helping companies track and reduce their carbon footprint.
- Performance reporting and analytics: Access to detailed reports on delivery performance, delays, cost trends, and other key logistics KPIs to support data-driven decision-making.
What are the benefits of using digital freight forwarders?
So, digital freight forwarders use technology to streamline and automate the entire freight process. But what are the benefits of using one? Let's walk you through them.
-
Increased efficiency
Automation replaces manual tasks, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. The entire transport process is handled digitally. Smart systems optimize routes and resource use, enabling smoother operations. -
Cost savings
With less manual input required, labor costs decrease and errors are minimized. Instant access to rate comparisons helps secure better deals. Real-time data also reduces storage costs and improves financial planning. -
Real-time tracking
Shipments can be monitored in real time, offering full visibility throughout transit. This enables quick responses to delays and provides accurate delivery estimates for customers and partners. -
Improved customer experience
Clear communication and reliable delivery timelines lead to higher customer satisfaction. Automated updates eliminate guesswork and help meet client expectations more consistently. -
Data-driven insights
Digital platforms collect and analyze large volumes of data to identify inefficiencies, track key performance indicators, and improve logistics strategies. This supports better, data-informed decisions. -
Scalability
As your business grows, digital freight systems can scale without the need for major investments in staff or infrastructure. The platforms are flexible and easily adapt to higher volumes and changing demands. -
Streamlined communication
Centralized systems ensure that all stakeholders – shippers, carriers, and customers – receive real-time updates. This reduces misunderstandings and speeds up decision-making. -
Environmental benefits
Optimized route planning and fewer empty trips lower fuel consumption and emissions. Going paperless reduces waste, and integrated reporting tools make it easier to measure and manage environmental impact.
Unlock the potential of digital freight forwarding with Bertling
Bertling’s own digital freight forwarding platform, BLU4U, exemplifies the power and potential of a modern transport management system. Built to support smarter, greener, and more efficient logistics, BLU4U brings the benefits of digital freight forwarding into one centralized platform.
With BLU4U, our clients gain:
- Full transparency with real-time shipment tracking (Real-time updates available with paid plans).
- A digital interface for booking, documentation, and reporting
- Automated workflows that speed up processes and reduce manual input
- Customizable analytics and emissions data for improved decision-making
Whether you're managing a single shipment or coordinating a complex logistics chain across continents, BLU4U delivers the control, visibility, and performance of today's freight landscape demands.
