Independent freight forwarders seeking to boost sales and expand into the global market can greatly benefit from joining one of the best logistics networks. These networks serve as international umbrella organizations comprising vetted freight forwarders, enabling small and mid-sized companies to compete more effectively with multinational firms by expanding their reach, forming new partnerships, and broadening service capabilities. Furthermore, premier freight forwarding networks like Conqueror Freight Network, provide small logistics companies with an international brand presence that enhances credibility in the industry. However, selecting the right logistics network can be challenging due to the multitude of options available, with new networks emerging regularly, not all of which align with specific business interests.

In today’s article, we will explore several tips that independent freight forwarders should consider before affiliating with a freight forwarder network. This guidance aims to assist forwarders like you in making informed decisions that support business growth and success in the global logistics landscape.

What to consider before selecting the best logistics network

• Reliability of the network

As an independent freight forwarder, your priority should be to align with a reputable network that enhances your brand image and credibility in the industry. There are only a select few globally recognized logistics networks that carry significant brand recognition, and Conqueror Freight Network stands out as the largest exclusive logistics network of our time. Joining such a network can elevate your brand image and broaden the scope of your business. Independent freight forwarders without an established international brand and a network of reliable partners often face limitations in bidding for major contracts and negotiating favorable rates with carriers. Consequently, they may end up working with unfamiliar agents who provide little business and occasionally fail to fulfill commitments, resulting in dissatisfied customers and unpaid invoices.

This underscores the importance of affiliating with a trustworthy and well-established network like Conqueror. Conqueror is a capped, exclusive alliance comprising hand-picked freight forwarders in major air and seaports worldwide. As a member of this network, you gain access to a collaborative and financially secure environment that helps mitigate costs and risks while facilitating business expansion and enabling competition against large multinational corporations.

• Exclusivity of the members

• The prospect of getting new projects from network partners

The primary motivation for logistics companies to join a network is often to boost sales. Therefore, your main consideration should be whether the network can serve as an effective sales tool for your business. As a member of Conqueror, you have the advantage of receiving inbound inquiries, routing instructions, sales leads, and quotations from over 258 agents within the network. This influx of opportunities is likely to result in a notable increase in your business volume. It’s important to note that active engagement is key to maintaining a steady flow of shipments from your network partners. Reciprocity is essential—you must also generate and send out projects to your network counterparts. This reciprocal approach forms the foundation of a mutually beneficial relationship that fosters productivity for both parties.

To kickstart this collaboration, members just need to explore the Network Directory on our website and reach out to agents operating in territories where you can offer services. Additionally, Conqueror hosts an Annual Meeting each year, providing members with an opportunity to convene in one location, minimizing travel expenses and time away from the office. This gathering facilitates networking and strengthens partnerships among members.

• Reliability of the partners

Before joining a logistics network, it’s essential to consider this critical factor. Collaborating with unprofessional or unreliable partners can result in significant costs and potentially damage your company’s reputation. Conqueror Freight Network strictly admits the most solvent, reputable, and creditworthy agents. The network continuously monitors their performance and swiftly identify any red flags, such as delayed payments on invoices issued by fellow members. As a member of Conqueror, you can trust that you’ll work exclusively with dependable partners selected through a rigorous and careful screening process. Moreover, all Conqueror members are audited by Dun and Bradstreet, a third party auditor. This ensures a network of reliability and professionalism that safeguards your business interests.

• Select a network that offers a digital strategy

Embracing digitization not only boosts operational efficiency but also positively impacts return on investment (ROI). However, adopting technological innovations entails significant investments in developing a robust IT infrastructure and providing staff training. To facilitate this technological transformation, freight forwarders should consider joining a leading logistics network that offers a digital platform. As one of the largest exclusive international logistics networks, Conqueror Freight Network equips its members with cutting-edge freight management software, delivering numerous benefits. This advanced digital tools offered by Conqueror streamlines daily office tasks, enabling improved client service by generating instant and accurate quotations within minutes. Joining Conqueror Freight Network provides access to these tools, empowering freight forwarders to leverage digital solutions for enhanced efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Conqueror’s member-exclusive online freight quote generation platform FreightViewer is designed to bolster the digital infrastructure of network members, propelling them forward in the digitization journey. This member-exclusive tool is provided free of charge and serves as a pivotal asset in automating the sales process, improving visibility, and enhancing the overall client experience. One of the key features of FreightViewer is its ability to provide a standardized platform for sending and requesting quotations, sharing documents, and exchanging freight rates with partners both within and outside the network. This standardized approach streamlines communication and collaboration, fostering seamless interactions between network members and external stakeholders. By leveraging FreightViewer, network members gain a competitive edge in the digital landscape, enabling them to optimize operations, strengthen client relationships, and navigate the complexities of global freight management with efficiency and ease.

• A network that offers financial protection

Joining a low-quality freight forwarders network may expose you to unreliable members who pose payment risks. Dependability is crucial, as unprofessional behavior from partners can lead to client loss and tarnish your company’s reputation. It’s vital to be part of a logistics network that provides protection against payment issues. Conqueror Freight Network encourages immediate reporting of late payments by members, and recurrent late payments can result in expulsion from the network. Moreover, Conqueror offers a Payment Protection Plan (PPP) to shield members from financial losses due to unpaid debts resulting from bankruptcy or insolvency of other network members. By paying an annual fee, members can significantly increase incoming projects and gain access to digitization opportunities that foster competitiveness in the market.

Wrapping up