A critical component of any successful business is its ability to efficiently source and transport services or products. World-class manufacturing companies are keenly aware that continued success depends on their ability to deliver products and services at the exact moment a customer expects it.

Transporting medical shipments such as organs, tissues, and blood is a time sensitive process with no room for error. Based on a study by the Cardiothoracic Research Unit at Rayne Institute - St. Thomas Hospital in London, UK; 27% of hearts that are donated become damaged during the transportation and storage process.

The freight forwarding industry generates an estimated $270 billion in annual revenue. There are over 15,000 freight forwarders in the USA alone. Competition is ever present: a constant game of catch up is being played to stay competitive. Customers will chase the lowest cost, combined with the best services, or the best user interface/ability. And in the age of the consumer, service, transparency, and information has never been more critical. Two main points around the industry significantly impact a shipper’s buying process: technology and service.

At the Air Cargo Conference, earlier this month, the theme was the innovation of an industry that hasn’t changed in decades: Air Freight. You can track your local pizza delivery guy more meticulously than an aircraft part en route to a grounded 747. There’s an incredible disconnect between a shipper’s expectation and the technology available.

Today, shippers require more transparency and real-time information from legacy providers unable to support their requests; however, they also want their forwarder to handle every mode of transportation possible.