Internet Plus Freight: A New Opportunity to Optimize Traditional Logistics
Fast freight is reshaping the freight industry through mobile applications and big data, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs while promoting sustainable development.
Fast freight is reshaping the freight industry through mobile applications and big data, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs while promoting sustainable development.
This article explores the differences between freight forwarding and logistics, as well as how freight forwarders operate. Freight forwarders are agents in the shipping process and are not actual carriers; they primarily handle booking and customs declaration. There are tier 1 and tier 2 freight forwarders, each with different qualifications and invoicing capabilities. Although tier 1 forwarders might have some booking rights, they are not always the best choice in terms of pricing and service. The role of freight forwarders is crucial, and shippers should select the right forwarder based on their needs.
As the number of carriers increases, competition in the transport market intensifies, making it crucial to implement effective measures to ensure timely freight payments. Risks associated with prepaid freight terms need to be clearly outlined in contracts to avoid complications in recouping fees. Furthermore, confirming the actual payer of the freight is essential. Carriers should pay attention to the details of relevant agreements to ensure smooth freight collection.
JD Freight Airlines recently obtained its air operator certificate and officially commenced operations. As an emerging aviation logistics company within the e-commerce sector, it primarily conducts domestic and international cargo transportation using Boeing 738-800 freighters. The service is expected to cover key economic regions such as the Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, and the Pearl River Delta, while also aiming to expand into international markets. This development not only enhances logistics efficiency but also introduces new innovations and collaborative models within the industry.
Zhengzhou Airport plans to add a dedicated freight runway and actively promote testing of short-distance drone logistics to strengthen its position as an international logistics center and drive high-quality local economic development. Despite some achievements, the Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone faces challenges such as a weak industrial structure and insufficient innovation capacity, necessitating the establishment of a modern industrial system. In the future, the integration of air transport with road and high-speed rail will optimize resource allocation and enhance logistics efficiency.
This article introduces the definitions and calculation methods for cargo weight above one ton and flat weight cargo in air freight. Cargo weight refers to goods exceeding one ton, while flat weight cargo consists of goods with a total weight ≥1 ton and a specific gravity ranging from 167 to 300 kg. Through practical examples, the article clarifies the distinctions between light cargo, heavy cargo, and flat weight cargo. It also highlights the importance of adhering to different calculation standards for specific gravity across various transportation methods.
Recent data shows that container freight rates from Shanghai to Europe and the Mediterranean rose by 27.2% and 23.5% within a week, with increases of 170% and 203% compared to the same period last year. The box shortage and demand recovery are the main driving factors, which may impact the global trade landscape in the future.
In the first quarter of 2025, the freight market shows initial signs of stability, but the underlying signals of economic recession and market pressures cannot be ignored. In the face of new challenges, freight companies must keenly capture market signals and proactively adjust their strategies to cope with future uncertainties.
On October 16, 2023, the Yellow River Delta region inaugurated its first international freight train service, train number 79588, loaded with 2,760 tons of rolled steel headed for Uzbekistan. The train's route includes a main line and two branches, covering multiple countries. Operated on a fixed schedule, the train is expected to run once a week, significantly reducing transportation time and enhancing efficiency.
This article discusses the differences between bills of lading issued by international freight forwarders and those issued by shipping companies, as well as the operational processes involved. It emphasizes the significance of bills of lading in international shipping.