For years, freight forwarding companies have handled shipment bookings, rate comparisons and tracking services that are now offered by most online marketplaces. Where does that leave the middlemen of the freight world?
The situation was simple and understood by all local parties: Shipment must be re-sent, cargo was stolen. While this was apparently a common occurrence in that particular country, the nonchalant attitude toward serious cargo theft raised my eyebrows.
Cyclical market swings are being exacerbated by new legislation and the entry of Amazon into the delivery business — factors that are likely to drive rates even lower.
The freight industry is trying new business models and tools to keep up with consumer demand for same-day and one-hour delivery times. This guide to carrier rate shopping can help shippers navigate these changes.
