Automated Freight Forwarders - Universal Shipping News HD

Read More: http://www.universalcargo.com/are-automated-freight-forwarders-better-for-shippers/ Transcript: Hello and welcome to Universal Shipping News, where we ask, “What the freight is going on with international shipping?” I’m Jared Vineyard Freight forwarders are coming under fire lately over automation. Or the lack thereof. Technology has put anything a consumer wants at his or her fingertips or thumbtip. Want to know how much the complete works of Stanley Kubrick cost? Looks like you only get 10 of his 13 films, but its $112.64. That’s not in the budget, so I’ll just buy a pair of Air Jordans now. For $190 Done. Who in this day and age doesn’t give you this instant satisfaction? Freight forwarders. You mean I can’t instantly see how much it costs to import or export cargo in the extremely volatile international shipping industry and book my freight movement on the spot? With online marketplace heavyweights Amazon and Alibaba pushing into international shipping and the tech industry knocking on the door of the logistics industry, the word is that freight forwarders need to introduce instant online freight rate platforms or become obsolete. The complexity of the international shipping industry does not lend itself well to instant freight rate quotes. And is that what shippers really need anyway? No. The need is for someone with expertise to make sure all those Jordans get imported smoothly, without delays and unnecessary costs and fees, so I can buy them instantly at a reasonable price. That’s what a freight forwarder does. They get me my shoes. I can probably stream Kubrick instantly online. Hey, there is a demand for that immediacy of freight rate automation, and it’s inevitable that freight forwarders will need to meet that demand. Already companies are popping up with the purpose of providing this service. But without the industry experience and relationships of traditional freight forwarders, who can handle all the intricacies of international shipping, the convenience of freight rate automation could quickly be outweighed by shipping complications. Shippers, how important is automation in the freight rate gathering process to you? Or is a relationship with a real live person and international shipping expert more important for your importing and exporting needs. I imagine the two must eventually be married. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section. For more on this topic, and all your international shipping needs, check out UniversalCargo.com. Please like this video, share, subscribe, and… Until next time, stay in shipshape!