Rate platform Cargoguide is offering free user licenses to help home-based freight forwarders stay on top the rapidly changing market.

Last month, Cargoguide began offering free user licenses to help home-based freight forwarders, who are currently adapting to their new way of working, and is now asking carriers to share their rates as widely as possible to increase transparency.

Cargoguide managing director Jorre Cobelens said: “Covid-19 continues to impact the day-to-day operations of everyone in the air cargo sector, from general sales agents (GSAs) and forwarders to carriers and shippers alike.

“As reported in the media, there has been a reduction in bellyhold capacity and demand for freighter space is currently going through the roof, particularly on transatlantic, Europe-China and intra-Asia routes. Recently, we heard that some larger forwarders are declaring force majeure in these extreme circumstances.

“It is getting increasingly tough for everyone and companies have needed to adapt quickly during these uncertain times. This has particularly been the case with rapidly setting up remote working while maintaining functional operations and communications with customers.”

Indeed, consultant Seabury said that overall air cargo capacity had shrunk by around 35% — although it is much higher on certain trade lanes.

Cobelens added: “We announced free user licences because we recognised very quickly that companies needed all the support they could get during this uncertain time.

“We hoped this would go some small way to help and we've seen a very positive take-up, but it's clear more can be done from within the sector. We are now urging carriers, that maybe don't use independent platforms, to share their rates as widely as possible.”

He added: “This will significantly help forwarders get goods where they are needed most as quickly and cheaply as possible. It is clear that we are all still trying to understand the full impact of Covid-19, but by working more closely together, everyone in the sector can better support each other during this challenging time.”

Earlier this year,Cargoguide launched a new rate platform.

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