Shipping lines aren’t just selling space any more. They’re coming for freight forwarders, so what happens next?
With major carriers rolling out end-to-end logistics services and the continuing march of technology allowing shippers to take more control (DIY), some believe forwarders are heading for extinction.
Others see major risks.
✅ The Pros of Going Direct to Carriers
• Potential cost savings by cutting out the middleman
• Faster quoting and booking through carrier platforms
• More direct control over carrier selection
❌ The Risks No One Talks About
• Limited flexibility - If schedules change, space is tight, or their routes don’t fit your needs, you don’t have an alternative unless you manage multiple direct relationships.
• No one fights for you - If a container gets rolled, delayed, or overcharged, a forwarder works to resolve it. A carrier? You’re just one customer in a long queue.
• Hidden inefficiencies - Direct booking platforms promise simplicity, but many shippers struggle with tech challenges, hidden fees, and inconsistent support, leading to more admin and operational risks.
So, are forwarders becoming obsolete? Not quite, but we will need to adapt along the way (and which we always have)
The future belongs to forwarders who can offer flexibility, advocacy, and expertise, ensuring shippers stay in control of their supply chains rather than being tied to a single carrier’s network.
Have you moved to direct carrier bookings? Are they saving you money—or costing you more in hidden inefficiencies?