You’re an independent freight forwarder navigating an industry filled with towering multinationals that seem to have resources and global reach on tap. Imagine discovering a network where your small or medium-sized company could tap into a support system that lets you operate like a giant. This was the vision that I brought to life in 1998 with WCAworld, the world’s largest network of independent freight forwarders.

In my founding of WCAworld, I was responding to a real need. Small and medium-sized forwarders often found themselves edged out, limited in reach and resources compared to large corporations. I envisioned a network that would give these independents the power to expand, collaborate, and serve clients globally. Today, WCAworld is home to over 12,000 member offices across 195 countries, providing what I like to call a “level playing field” for independent forwarders around the world.

For members, WCAworld isn’t just a network of contacts. It’s a comprehensive support system that offers practical resources to tackle everyday challenges. There’s the PartnerPay program, for example, that allows international payments to be made instantly at zero cost, eradicating all wire fees and other charges and reducing the risks associated with international business. Each member goes through a vetting process, so you know that when you partner with another WCAworld forwarder, you’re working with a trusted, qualified ally.

I believe that it’s not just the tools—it’s the people and connections that make WCAworld unique. Independent forwarders bring a level of flexibility, local expertise, and distinctive touch that larger corporations often can’t replicate. WCAworld members have access to this collective expertise, maintaining their autonomy while extending their capabilities through partnerships with other independent forwarders. I see this as one of the core strengths of WCAworld: members can uphold their unique identities and bring their strengths to the table while benefiting from a global network.

The freight forwarding industry is no stranger to complexity, and independent forwarders face plenty of challenges. From shifting regulations to meeting the technology demands of clients, WCAworld supports our members in keeping up with these demands. Training is a big part of this—WCAworld Academy offers ongoing education on best practices and industry standards, helping members stay competitive. Recently, we introduced an ECO Program, allowing members to track and manage their environmental impact—we know that sustainability is now a priority in logistics. We evolve as the industry does, anticipating members’ needs and adapting our resources to keep us relevant and competitive.

Looking to the future, I envision WCAworld to be a continuously evolving network, expanding our resources, integrating digital tools, and providing data insights that help our members make informed decisions. Logistics is moving fast, and we are preparing our members to move with it. Independent forwarders will remain essential to the industry’s future, and we are ready to support them every step of the way.

For independent forwarders around the globe, WCAworld has become more than a network; it’s a foundation. Over the years, we’ve developed a space where smaller forwarders can connect, access critical resources, and compete effectively, all while preserving the strengths that make them unique. In an industry where collaboration and trust are paramount, WCAworld offers both, helping independent forwarders face whatever the industry throws at them next.