Cargoguide ramps up support for air cargo sector

Free user licenses offered to help forwarders through tough times.

The head of Cargoguide, a leading independent air cargo rate management platform, is urging everyone in the sector to do what they can to support each other during the Covid-19 pandemic. The company recently started extending free user licences to freight forwarders, while warning that a lot more needs to be done to combat the "growing uncertainty" brought about by the current situation

Jorre Cobelens, Managing Director, Cargoguide International, said: "Covid-19 continues to impact the day-to-day operations of everyone in the air cargo sector, from general sales agents (GSAs) and forwarders to carriers and shippers alike. As reported in the media, there has been a reduction in bellyhold capacity and demand for freighter space is currently going through the roof, particularly on transatlantic, Europe-China and intra-Asia routes. Recently, we heard that some larger forwarders are declaring force majeure in these extreme circumstances.

"It is getting increasingly tough for everyone and companies have needed to adapt quickly during these uncertain times. This has particularly been the case with rapidly setting up remote working while maintaining functional operations and communications with customers."

Last month Cargoguide began offering free user licenses to help home-based freight forwarders, who are currently adapting to their new way of working, and is now asking carriers to share their rates as widely as possible to increase transparency.

Jorre went on to say: "We announced free user licences because we recognised very quickly that companies needed all the support they could get during this uncertain time. We hoped this would go some small way to help and we've seen a very positive take-up, but it's clear more can be done from within the sector. We are now urging carriers, that maybe don't use independent platforms, to share their rates as widely as possible. Platforms like Cargoguide allow forwarders to access the latest freight rates from anywhere with internet access, so they can play a significant role in helping those employees now faced with working remotely.

"Carriers are facing unprecedented challenges and we want to help further. We are asking those who aren't yet sharing their rates with us to get in touch. This will really help create greater transparency across the sector and level the playing field. It also enables platforms such as Cargoguide to maintain the accuracy of service options and the most up-to-date price information.

"This will significantly help forwarders get goods where they are needed most as quickly and cheaply as possible. It is clear that we are all still trying to understand the full impact of Covid-19, but by working more closely together, everyone in the sector can better support each other during this challenging time."