The freight forwarder’s playbook for outsmarting port congestion in 2025 If you’ve been in freight forwarding long enough, you know the drill, more often than not, your container finally reaches the port… and then just sits there. Days pass. The tracking updates are frozen. Clients are calling. The port looks more like a parking lot…
The Cooperative blog
Category: Logistics articles
Why clients ghost freight forwarders (and what to do about it)
If you’ve been in the freight forwarding business for more than five minutes, chances are you’ve dealt with it: a promising lead suddenly stops replying. The emails go unanswered. The phone calls hit voicemail. That once-eager prospect you spent days quoting and following up with? Gone. No explanation, no warning, no deal. This silent disappearance,…
Are autonomous freight ships the future of global freight?
The ocean freight sector is no stranger to transformation. From the rise of containerization in the 1950s to today’s digital platforms streamlining customs clearance and shipment tracking, maritime logistics has always evolved with the times. But now, it’s facing a potentially seismic shift—one that could redefine the very nature of ocean freight forwarding: the rise…
The rise of Mexico as the U.S.’s top trade partner: What forwarders need to know
In 2024, Mexico officially became the United States’ top trading partner, surpassing China for the first time in decades. This isn’t just a data point but a signal of deep shifts in global trade, manufacturing strategies, and logistics networks. For freight forwarders in the USA, it’s a moment of both challenge and opportunity. Understanding what’s…
Rising logistics hubs in Southeast Asia: How Vietnam and Malaysia are redrawing the map
For years, Singapore has been the uncontested kingpin of maritime trade in Southeast Asia. But look a little closer, and you’ll see a shift underway. Vietnam and Malaysia are now investing heavily in port infrastructure, trade facilitation, and regional connectivity. As shipping routes evolve and demand grows, new logistics hubs in Southeast Asia are emerging…
How the logistics industry can reduce carbon emissions with short sea shipping
The logistics sector is under pressure to clean up its act. Road freight is fast and flexible, but it comes at a cost, rising fuel bills, congested highways, and a heavy carbon footprint. For freight forwarders trying to balance efficiency with environmental responsibility, the old ways aren’t cutting it anymore. That’s where short sea shipping…
Port congestion in Europe 2025: What freight forwarders need to know
The congestion in European ports in 2025 has reached a critical level, disrupting trade routes across the continent and creating ripple effects far beyond the region. Major ports in Northern Europe such as Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Rotterdam, are experiencing severe delays, with average berth waiting times increasing between 37% and 77% in just a…
Top air freight hubs in Asia: What inforwarders need to know about Hong Kong, Incheon, and Narita
Asia sits at the heart of global air cargo. With world-class infrastructure and nonstop trade flows, the region drives the movement of high-value, time-sensitive goods across continents. If you’re a freight forwarder aiming to stay relevant and profitable, you need to understand which Asian hubs matter most and why. In this post, we break down…
From pandas to Picassos: The weirdest jobs in freight forwarding
Let’s be honest, when most people think of freight forwarders, they picture containers of electronics, textile shipments, or pallets of auto parts moving efficiently across the globe. What they don’t picture is a panda on a diplomatic mission, a priceless Picasso in a temperature-controlled crate, or a Formula 1 race car flying business class. But…
What makes a reliable independent freight forwarder in the age of automation
Freight forwarding isn’t what it used to be. Not long ago, the strength of a forwarder was measured in phone calls, personal relationships, and the ability to juggle documents, customs rules, and client expectations across time zones. Today, the industry is changing fast. Automated quoting platforms, AI-powered route optimization, paperless customs clearance, and real-time cargo…