Over the past five years, forwarders worldwide have seen just how powerful digital procurement can be. With digital bookings now on track to outpace offline, the industry is looking at how to accelerate adoption. Expanding networks and investment in specialised services give forwarders the edge to quote faster, win more business, and scale globally. Hand-in-hand, carriers, forwarders, and digital booking platforms are making it easier to grow with the digital tools they need.
“Since 2018, Etihad Cargo’s digitalisation strategy has launched new technologies and solutions to provide customers and partners with an improved service offering,” Grant Kemp, Regional General Manager of Africa, Middle East and CIS at Etihad Cargo, said.
“In 2019, we were happy to partner with cargo.one to launch a new digital initiative. Digital quoting and booking enables a quick, convenient and seamless customer experience.”
“We’re proud to have partnered with Etihad Cargo to pioneer digital distribution from Abu Dhabi, delivering forwarders of all sizes an efficient, seamless way to access Etihad’s global network and unique offerings like PharmaLife and FreshForward,” Simson Demmer, Vice President of Partnerships at cargo.one, added.
“With deeper technology integration, forwarders now have more adaptable tools and flexible options, empowering them to better meet market demands and maximise the full value of Etihad’s digital solutions. This collaboration underscores our commitment to making air cargo more accessible and customer-focused.”
Adoption on the rise
Recognising early that freight forwarders needed much better ways to identify and secure confirmed capacity was key to the increased embrace of innovation. Forwarders have learnt that digitalisation is the best way to get more out of their existing teams. Digital platforms and third-party portals enable them to quote and secure capacity faster with carriers, eliminating thousands of emails and team hours saved per year.
“While Europe and the North American forwarders were ahead with digital in earlier years, we are now seeing a strong increase in adoption rates in Africa, the Middle East and CIS across Asia,” Kemp highlighted.
“We have just expanded our markets available on cargo.one to include 15 additional countries in Africa, the Middle East and CIS, so now a total of 31 countries to over 70 global destinations. The launch of the UAE for digital booking is a really pleasing milestone, reflecting the digital transformation progress that UAE forwarders have made.”
“Digital quoting and booking on cargo.one is part of Etihad Cargo’s continuous programme of digital innovations to help forwarders work smarter, manage shipments end-to-end more easily and maximise their business growth.”
“With cargo.one, UAE forwarders can now seamlessly manage global imports and exports while leveraging Etihad’s extensive network,” Demmer continued.
“This setup not only extends their reach to new markets but also strengthens their ability to build and expand commercial relationships worldwide. By combining cargo.one’s digital efficiency with Etihad’s reliable connectivity, forwarders can secure more business, deepen partnerships, and provide clients with flexible, high-quality service across the Middle East and beyond.”
