Good relationships with carriers: Focus on communication
Freight forwarder and carrier—the two sides cannot function without each other in the T&L market. This cooperation model has worked for years, although it is not without mutual animosities. However, regardless of the economic conditions, it is vital to play a one-sided game because a well-established partnership is a win-win situation for both parties. It is where good relationships come into play.
The role of relations in the T&L industry
In the transport and logistics industry, relationships are not just a soft skill but a strategic asset. They ensure the continuity of supply chains and can lead to better negotiation outcomes.
Not surprisingly, the basis of any relationship, whether business or private, is effective communication that allows us to understand each other. In the case of cooperation with carriers, its dispersion, low responsiveness, protracted negotiations, and formal arrangements make the work of both parties difficult. Therefore, it is worth analysing the communication channels you use daily and focusing on one primary tool that makes it easier and more efficient.
Cooperation with a carrier from abroad
Cooperation with carriers from abroad is a common practice in the forwarding industry. It allows companies to access a broader pool of transportation companies and expand market reach to different regions. Secondly, foreign carriers may offer more competitive rates, which will help reduce overall transportation costs and increase margins.
However, cooperating with carriers from abroad poses some challenges. The biggest ones include language barriers and concluding transactions in a clear and understandable manner.
Communication is easier online
Communication over the phone can be easily misunderstood and often needs clarification and arrangement confirmation via another medium, such as an email. The process takes time and can be stressful, especially for forwarders who don’t feel strong in a particular language.
Online communication and tools dedicated to freight forwarders can overcome both challenges mentioned above, namely the language barrier and concluding transactions. They also appeal to younger generations that prefer written communication to speaking over the phone.
The tool that has it all is the Trans.eu freight exchange. It is a comprehensive online platform for handling transport processes in one place. Here, you can easily publish, negotiate, and accept offers, as well as track the status of orders and settle them. This is possible because it has a built-in messenger, in addition to the functionalities that other freight exchanges offer.
Instant messaging and direct offers
The messenger is a highly intuitive and effective tool for any freight forwarder because they know it well from their lives. Our tool allows for real-time communication, negotiations, and transport allocation. When it comes to cooperation with carriers from abroad, it can automatically translate your messages to as many as 14 languages.
Moreover, you can also send freight offers directly via chat to either carriers you know or those you’ve tackled with already. This way, finding a suitable carrier is even faster and more convenient, and your loads remain private. However, the most significant advantage is that it allows you to foster relationships with carriers. They can get your best loads first and respond to your offers quickly.
Universal tool
The Trans.eu platform facilitates freight publication, communication with carriers, and price negotiations. Thanks to the messenger tool, all conversations with a given partner are in one place, and it is also possible to view the entire history of previous conversations. If your carrier speaks another language, the tool has a message translation function, facilitating cooperation with foreign partners. You can send freight offers directly to your regular carriers via messenger to make relations even tighter.