Adding Value.

BYLINE: Roy W. Hecteman

When you cut through the jargon and buzz words, "Adding Value" is what a forwarder does. It is the sole reason for their being. But as true as that is, we have come to take this for granted.

All of the things a forwarder does with each shipment are no longer recognized for the value they bring to their customers. Not convinced? The following have all become so commonplace they are rarely recognized for the added value they represent:

Route optimization - This is the sorting through the myriad options to ensure a shipment gets from shipper to consignee in the timeframe required at a reasonable cost.

Aggregated buying power - The combined volumes of a forwarder''s customers allow it to reduce buying costs, which in turn accrue to the benefit of the shipper.

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