3 Tips for Logistics Managers to Improve Alignment with your Freight Forwarder

One of the most significant issues faced by operations and logistics managers is ensuring their freight forwarder's performance is up to the mark. After discussing rates and timeframes, it's treated like a "set and forget" process.

There's a better approach to getting things done, and it starts with informing your provider about your business objectives, defining KPIs, and letting them know what you expect from their service.

This assists them in making better decisions, such as choosing between air and sea freight to meet supply chain timeframes. They must also compare costs while considering carrier service levels, report exceptions, escalate issues, and reduce risks.

Continue reading to learn the best ways to work with your freight forwarding firm to keep your supply chain robust, reliable, and efficient.

Have a Proper Plan?

A proper plan from the outset is essential. Understand what you want, why you want it, and when you want it, and you are halfway there to understand what you need your freight forwarder provider to do.

Define short-term and long-term business goals, then plan accordingly to achieve them. Now discuss the plan with those you're entrusting with your cargo to build a shared sense of purpose.

Identify KPIs and their Measurement?

There's a saying in business: "what gets measured gets managed". Regarding your supply chain and logistics task, this means ensuring your freight forwarder and other suppliers have clear KPIs and a method to measure if they are being met.

These KPIs are also the foundation for building practical systems, internally and with your suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders.

Have Regular Evaluation Meetings

Now that you have your plan and KPIs, the next step is to ensure that your operations run like a well-oiled machine and that no one falls short of your strategy and objectives.

Make it clear from the start that regular meetings to discuss performance and share feedback are part of the deal. This will help ensure that your freight forwarding provider will take a proactive approach.

Contact me so that I can help you with your cargo shipment.