Forwarders, Here's How to Build a Strong Relationship with Shippers

The relationship between forwarders and shippers has never been more crucial. Today, Shippers are no longer content with mere promises; they seek partnerships grounded in visibility, transparency, and seamless communication. The logistics industry is shifting—where once it was enough to ensure on-time delivery, now it’s the ability to provide real-time insights, automated processes, and proactive engagement that sets leaders apart.

The Need for Transparent and Efficient Logistics Management

1. Growing Demand for Real-Time Visibility

Shippers today want more than just assurance that their cargo will arrive on time. They require real-time tracking, proactive communication, and instant access to shipment status. With global supply chains becoming more complex, having real-time visibility into shipments has become a critical factor in operational success. Shippers want to know the exact location of their goods, anticipate any delays, and ensure their cargo is handled properly.

For forwarders, failing to provide this level of transparency can result in frustration, loss of trust, and even losing business to competitors who do provide it. This creates a clear need for a solution that delivers visibility and control in a simple, user-friendly format.

2. Operational Efficiency is Non-Negotiable

Logistics operations involve managing multiple stakeholders, tracking documentation, monitoring customs clearance, and ensuring all parties remain informed. However, managing workflows manually is inefficient, prone to errors, and leads to delayed shipments or incomplete documentation. This inefficiency directly affects the relationship between forwarders and shippers, as delays and miscommunication lead to dissatisfaction.

To build strong relationships with shippers, forwarders must not only deliver on promises but also streamline their operations in a way that improves communication and reduces manual processes.

3. Document Management and Communication Are Essential

Beyond shipment tracking, forwarders and shippers exchange numerous documents—ranging from invoices to customs forms and other critical shipment-related paperwork. Without a streamlined document management system, these exchanges can be chaotic, resulting in delays and confusion. A platform that allows for smooth document exchanges, approval workflows, and accessible communication is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship with shippers.

Presenting the Solution: Logi-Sys and LogiTRACK

Logi-Sys, developed by Softlink Global, is an all-in-one cloud-based logistics management platform designed to address the complexities faced by modern forwarders. It integrates all critical aspects of logistics operations, from booking and documentation to tracking and billing, into a single system that simplifies workflow management and boosts operational efficiency.

One of the key features of Logi-Sys is its workflow management capabilities. By automating routine tasks, managing milestones, and enabling seamless communication across teams, Logi-Sys reduces the manual effort required for logistics operations. Here’s how the workflow management system in Logi-Sys contributes to stronger forwarder-shipper relationships:

• Workflow Management in Logi-Sys

1. One-Time Setup

Forwarders can configure workflows tailored to their operations, defining milestones and assigning tasks once. Logi-Sys automates these processes, ensuring consistency and smooth operations

1. Custom Milestone Assigning

Each shipment has critical milestones that need to be achieved, from booking to delivery. Logi-Sys allows forwarders to assign specific milestones to different team members and mark tasks as mandatory or optional, ensuring no task is overlooked

1. Automated Reminders

In a busy logistics operation, delays often arise from missed tasks or poor communication. Logi-Sys triggers reminders for pending or incomplete tasks, ensuring all parties stay on track

1. Live Tracking Integration

As real-time tracking data becomes available, Logi-Sys updates shipment milestones automatically, ensuring forwarders and shippers always have the latest information

1. Customer Visibility

Once milestones are completed, the system automatically updates shippers via LogiTRACK, ensuring seamless communication and visibility

• LogiTRACK: The Visibility Portal that Strengthens Relationships

Integrated within Logi-Sys, LogiTRACK is designed to provide shippers with the transparency and real-time updates they demand. This interactive customer portal not only allows shippers to track their cargo in real time but also empowers them with access to essential functionalities that enhance the overall logistics experience.

Key Features of LogiTRACK

• Real-Time Shipment Tracking

Shippers can track their cargo in real time, from initial booking to the final delivery. Every milestone is highlighted, every delay is noted, and every update is pushed to the shipper without hesitation

• Mobile-Responsive 

Designed with usability in mind, LogiTRACK offers shippers a secure, mobile-responsive portal where they can access all relevant shipment data, whether from a desktop or a mobile device. No detail is out of reach, and everything is a click away

• Complete Job Overview

LogiTRACK offers a comprehensive view of all shipments, showing milestones, estimated delivery times, and even providing a map view of cargo movement. This level of visibility not only enhances trust but also allows shippers to anticipate any potential issues before they become problems

• Seamless Document Exchange

The exchange and management of documents become a streamlined process. Shippers can upload and retrieve documents, approve critical paperwork, and keep track of all essential records without the burden of navigating traditional communication barriers

• Invoice and Payment Management

Invoice visibility is just as critical as cargo visibility. With LogiTRACK, shippers have immediate access to billing details, ensuring payments are on time, accurate, and never a source of dispute

• Custom Alerts

Shippers never miss an important update, as LogiTRACK sends real-time alerts for each status change in the shipment, allowing both the forwarder and the shipper to take action as required 

Connecting Workflow Management to Customer Satisfaction

Logi-Sys, with its workflow management tools, takes care of the operational backbone, ensuring that every task is completed on time and every milestone is met. The seamless integration of LogiTRACK into this system gives shippers the visibility and control they crave. When shippers can access up-to-the-minute information, handle documents with ease, and receive timely alerts about their cargo, their confidence in the forwarder grows.

By offering shippers a portal that allows them to be part of the logistics journey, forwarders elevate the shipper’s experience from passive to active. They no longer have to ask for updates; they can simply log in and see the exact status of their cargo. This kind of empowerment turns a business relationship into a true partnership, where both parties are aligned in their goals.

Conclusion: From Communication to Collaboration

Ultimately, the secret to a strong relationship between forwarders and shippers isn’t just communication—it’s collaboration. And in this digital age, that collaboration is powered by the right tools. With LogiTRACK, forwarders can deliver the kind of transparent, efficient, and responsive service that turns one-time clients into long-term partners.