Don’t Get Left Behind: What Defines a Best-in-Class Freight Forwarder System
Global supply chains are moving faster, becoming more complex, and facing constant disruption. Customers expect real-time visibility, competitive rates, and seamless service. Forwarders that can’t deliver risk losing business to competitors who can.
What Sets Best-in-class Freight Forwarding Systems Apart?
The reality is simple: freight forwarders who rely on outdated tools and manual processes are being left behind. Best-in-class systems aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re the difference between thriving in today’s market or just surviving.
What sets these systems apart? Let’s break it down.
Connectivity That Keeps You Competitive
The days of stand-alone systems are over. Customers and carriers demand seamless integration. With API-driven connectivity and automated data flows, forwarders can eliminate delays, cut down on errors, and provide the kind of service speed customers now see as the norm. If your system can’t connect, you’re already a step behind.
Compliance Confidence Without the Headaches
Customs regulations are only getting more complex. Forwarders relying on manual documentation or outdated systems risk fines, delays, and damaged reputations. Automated compliance tools, customs integration, and audit-ready records ensure you stay ahead instead of constantly playing catch-up.
Carrier Rate Management: The Competitive Edge
Pricing is one of the most powerful levers in freight forwarding. But managing carrier rates manually—or across scattered spreadsheets—means missed opportunities and costly errors. Best-in-class systems put forwarders ahead by:
✓ Centralizing rates from multiple carriers in one place
✓ Automating rate updates so teams never quote outdated prices
✓ Enabling real-time rate comparisons across modes and service levels
✓ Simplifying contract and spot rate management for faster, smarter decisions
If your competitors can quote faster, more accurately, and at better rates, they’ll win the business. Rate management is no longer just an operational function—it’s a growth strategy.
Advanced Integrative Capabilities
With strong integration tools, a freight forwarder system can automate data exchange in real time, reducing manual data entry, errors, and delays. Integrations with ERPs, forwarder transportation management systems, and carrier platforms allow for efficient workflows, from booking to delivery.
Integration
Seamless integration with transportation management systems (TMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms enables a smooth workflow from quoting to booking.
Built to Scale, Ready for the Future
Growth shouldn’t break your system. Cloud-based platforms with multi-language and multi-currency support let forwarders expand into new markets without hesitation. If your system can’t scale with you, it’s holding you back.
Descartes' forwarder back-office solution helps logistics service providers digitize processes to better coordinate shipments, clear customs, and create “stickier” client relationships. With a comprehensive solution set, local support, and 30+ years of experience, Descartes is the industry leader in software for freight forwarders. From shipment management, customs compliance, rate management, seamless integration, and more, Descartes has you covered.