Conqueror FreightViewer participates in the Container Shipping Conference 2023

The seminar hosted by PTN Events brought together digital innovators in next-generation technologies

Andrea Martin -Conqueror’s FreightViewer Coordinator, took part as a speaker in the Container Shipping Conference celebrated online on 30th– 31st May, presenting the topic “The importance of a digital strategy for freight forwarders”. Conqueror’s FreightViewer Department chose this topic with the aim of exposing the need of establishing new strategies and procedures to cope with disruptive changes in Industry 4.0. Andrea Martin tackled three points: the impact of Industry 4.0 in the logistics industry, how to find a place in this new industry based on a digital strategy and the challenges this process may come with.

Container Shipping conference
Container Shipping conference

 

During her speech, Andrea Martin highlighted the importance of developing a digital strategy within the logistics business to cope with the technological changes in the industry. In addition, she pointed out how FreightViewer helps members to implement digitization, underlining the two most important advantages the platform has – connectivity between members and the ability to be online. Lastly, Martin finalized her participation talking about all the challenges this process will come with.

The Container Shipping Conference assembled several experts to explore insightful topics on container optimization and platform collaboration, causes and impacts of port congestion, accelerating digitalization, investment scenario and solutions for improving efficiency. The conference brought together global container shipping professionals to understand and discuss international market issues and technical challenges. It enabled attendees to gain insights from the best leaders of the industry and get to know new approaches to improve their knowledge in the future tools and tactics from the sector.

In the words of Antonio Torres, CEO and Founder of Conqueror Freight Network, “We are always keen on participating in conferences which bring out the digital innovations in the industry. It helps both our members and us to be informed about the latest developments in logistics sector. Plus, it gives our member-exclusive transport management software, FreightViewer, a place in a new digitized era where establishing a digital strategy becomes no longer optional but mandatory for freight forwarders. We thank PTN Events for this invitation, it has been a pleasure for us.”

 

FreightViewer: From an idea to a revolutionary freight quotation software

The freight forwarding industry is transforming steadily. Big Data, IoT, AI, Cloud Computing, TMS, are some of the digital trends that have serious consequences for this sector with regards to customer service, cost control, speed, and resilience. In this background logistics 4.0 has become crucial for independent freight forwarders looking forward to positioning themselves successfully in the industry.

Today we are publishing a special report on the beginnings of FreightViewer with valuable insights from Mr. Manual Cardona, the IT Manager of Conqueror Freight Network and the Developer of FreightViewer.

How an idea led to FreightViewer

Four years ago, Antonio Torres, President and Founder of Conqueror Freight Network, realized the importance of Logistics 4.0. He took into consideration the up and coming technologies that were setting new standards in the transportation and logistics industry. Technological innovation started allowing players in this industry to boost efficiency, reduce expenses, and explore new business opportunities.

Many forwarders used phone and computers to manually enter the same info into several IT systems. As pointed out by Conqueror’s IT Manager Manuel Cardona, “The logistics industry had been stuck many years in outdated customer interfaces, and age old manual processes. However, everything was changing very quickly. We noticed that freight forwarders were running the risk of getting overburdened with inefficient asset utilization, and declining response time that ultimately eroded their customer base. This motivated Antonio Torres to find a way to allow Conqueror members to take the first digital stride. This was when he got in touch with me.”

Manuel Cardona
Manuel Cardona, IT Manager

Nevertheless, digitization is not just a matter of adjusting the freight forwarders’ business to the new market using ground-breaking technology. Digitization also entails the creation of a foolproof digital strategy that is sustainable in the long run. This process necessitates thorough preparation and constant engagement with clients so as to make an informed decision and invest in the right tools.

That is why it took two years of hard work and substantial private investments, for Conqueror to launch its member-exclusive Transport Management Software, FreightViewer. “It was a very exciting moment. We were doing something that was going to make history. We were offering 260 members the capability to compare competitive freight rates, immediately receive an instant quote , book online, organize and share shipping documents effortlessly and track shipment in real time all neatly organized in one place”, continues Manuel Cardona.

How FreightViewer has become a revolutionary quotation software

A TMS or Transport Management Software is a platform capable of managing and optimizing regular logistics operations. The greatest advantage of TMS is that it processes most of the shipping operations within a unique channel. In an industry where promptness is crucial, a TMS can make regular logistical operations way more efficient.

Manuel Cardona is of opinion that TMS will play a vital role in the process of digitization. Its major advantage is the simplification of tasks in a very complex business. Additionally, it improves your response time and enhances customer experience. Most importantly, it reduces costs, saves time, cuts down the steps involved in the operations, and improves security and visibility.

The evolution of FreightViewer

“Of course, once FreightViewer was launched there was a lot of work to be done. First of all, many members have been helping in the updates, changes and new features implemented in the software to make it more practical, more easy-to-use and adapt it to its work reality. Then, we had to explain members how to use it, its benefits, its upgrades… All was done thanks to Conqueror’s FreightViewer Coordinator, Andrea Martin, who has been key in the development and update of the software, as well as in the teaching and presentations process.”

FreightViewer, is a freight rate management software that not only helps with instant quote generation but also offers a host of advantages. Moreover, every year Conqueror’s IT team adds significant updates to this software thereby immensely increasing its capacity as a powerful digital tool to help with the day-to-day office chores of members.

As Mr. Cardona points out – Conqueror is constantly partnering with companies to improve the usability of this software. Conqueror aims to integrate the main co-loader’s buying tariffs on a global scale into FreightViewer. Our agreement with SHIPCO allows us to offer their LCL buying rates online through FreightViewer. Additionally, Conqueror is presently negotiating the same with Webcargonet which will enable us to upload and update more than 14 million buying airfreight rates to FreightViewer. Furthermore, we have a partnership with Onus Cargo Services, an insurance broker offering rates from different insurance companies. Therefore Conqueror members can insure their cargo directly through FreightViewer. Moreover, we are working on the process of reaching competitive insurance rates for Conqueror members.

A look at the contemporary digital freight forwarders

Eight out of the top ten carriers have created their own instant quoting platform.  This proceed started in 2008 when Maersk launched Maersk Spot Booking, their online booking platform. Currently, fifty-two percent of Maersk spot cargo are booked on their online platform.

In the last couple of years digital freight forwarders like Freighthub, Flexport and Freightos came into the picture. This only shows the importance more than ever to become a digital freight forwarder to stay ahead of the competition. According to a Freightos report just 25% of the world’s top 20 logistics companies are providing LCL online quotes. It takes customers a minimum of two days to receive a freight quotation.  This implies that there is a dire lack of transparency in operations.

“This is the reason why we have been working hard on FreightViewer- a platform with upgraded capabilities, adapted to the freight forwarders realities and with an insuperable benefit over other software. Unlike the rest, Conqueror is a network which boasts of 260 members in 135 countries around the world. This implies we can have rates from almost every corner of the world.” adds Mr. Cardona.

The importance of a change of mentality in the digital transformation in this sector

Even after all the digitization efforts in this for from companies like Flexport or Freightos funded by millions of dollars or top logistics multinationals such as Twill or KN Freightnet, a large percentage of freight forwarders continue to miss out in the race of digitization. To quote Mr. Cardona, “One of the preconditions of digitization is considerable investments in an IT team and training of your employees. However, small and mid-sized companies don’t always have the necessary resources to keep pace with the needs of the hour. This is why Conqueror provides the agents with a very useful digital platform that allows them to initiate this process of digital transformation without investing a dime.”
FreightViewer will allow Conqueror members to be at the cutting edge of technology

The first and foremost thing that independent freight forwarders need to do is boost the level of client engagement. For example, tools like Conqueror’s TMS FreightViewer will provide you with the required capacity to meet your customers’ expectations. The technological impact on the freight forwarding industry in the last few years has been considerable. Most of the top players in this sector are investing in enhancing their services by implementing a well-rounded digital strategy.

FreightViewer allows forwarders to effectively manage rates, put together personalized quotations, and send them instantly or save them in PDF. They can also follow up with their clients and customize their websites. Mr. Cardona sums up, “This intuitive platform not only helps with instant quote generation but also allows for better customer service and helps with customer retention. Moreover, every year Conqueror’s IT team adds significant updates to this platform thereby immensely increasing its capacity as a powerful digital tool to help members with their everyday office chores.”

Conqueror’s 1st Virtual Meeting will be held from 27th-28th October 2020

CQR’s first ever online conference will ensure more participation and help the agents to generate more collaborative projects for 2020

Conqueror Freight Network is gearing up to host a virtual meeting of network members to be held on 27th to 28th October 2020. By bringing all the agents in one platform at one time the online conference will allow the members to discuss the prospects of upcoming collaborative projects in 2020. The videoconferences will help the members have constructive communication with their network partners and since an in-person meeting is out of the question in 2020, members need to make the best use of this networking opportunity.

best freight forwarder network
best freight forwarder network

The conference isn’t going to be a regular video call over Skype or Zoom. CQR agents will be able to participate in up to 32 one-to-one videoconferences of 15 minutes duration with previously chosen partners. Moreover, there will be a presentation about all the latest updates of Conqueror’s member-exclusive digital tool FreightViewer. Although a face-to-face meeting would have been much preferable, the major upside of the virtual meeting is that the agents will be able to save a lot of time as well as expenses on transportation, visa, and hotel.

The user-friendly meeting platform integrated with Conqueror’s website will ensure a seamless videoconferencing experience in accordance with the agenda of the agents. In the words of Antonio Torres, the President and Founder of Conqueror Freight Network, “This year we could not meet in person because of safety concerns which is why we have decided to move our meeting online for 2020. The virtual nature of the meeting will do away with all obstacles to participation and we are looking forward to much greater participation by CQR agents.”

Be there to promote your business, obtain new projects, and foster an enhanced working relationship with your partners!

Make the most of the new opportunities emerging in a changing landscape

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light many deficiencies in all societies world-wide, but it has also shown the importance of many sectors in the world. Logistics has emerged as one of the most important business to overcome the pandemic, either by the supply of medical equipment, basic goods or even all the online purchases during the lockdown.

Although the pandemic has shown what an important component logistics is for society, it has also exposed its weaknesses’ and the need for profound changes in the industry. Before the pandemic, the economic incentives stemming from globalization, were already pushing logistics to a digitalized form, but social distancing or online working are making such a transformation even more necessary.

From Conqueror we support each of our members in this digital process, by helping their company to move all products and services into the digital environment. We are working to implement different online features which will help your company to be on the same page with global tendencies. Check four of the tools we offer to help you gain your place in the e-commerce.

1. FreightViewer: our exclusive transport management software will enable you to create a friendly-user website for your clients, enabling them to check on your services any time, any day.

2. Online company brochure: create an online brochure to promote your business from anywhere in the world.

3. Strong online presence: we offer you a complete digital coverage through an online news section, blog and social media promotion.

digital transformation
digital transformation

4. Virtual event: due to the current situation we will not be able to meet face to face, but we will do online. Don’t miss the opportunity to make the most of our next Virtual Meeting.

Digitization is so important in the global context, among other reasons, since it makes information and communication available anywhere, anytime and for any user device. Therefore, isn’t this exactly what we need in the near future taking into account that this situation will remain for a considerable time? Think about it!

 

CQR agent in Hangzhou encourages all members to use FreightViewer in order to develop good and quality business between agents

After the launch of Conqueror’s exclusive Transport Management Software, FreightViewer Department has been receiving plenty of applications from our members to test the software and suggest its improvements. Bruce Li, General Manager of Domax Logistics, our CQR member in Hangzhou, has recently visited our office in order to get an in-depth knowledge of FreightViewer and contribute to its improvement.

Bruce states: “FreightViewer is different from other online rates tools, as it is a member-exclusive privilege […] members are able to share their costs with each other, we are able to have rates and local information, working as a global forwarder” In addition, Bruce Li, offered different suggestions to be implemented within the tool such as specific policy regulation for FreightViewer

Following our member’s statements, we are sure FreightViewer will enable all members of Conqueror to work in a different and more efficient way. The more users, the more useful  the Software will become.

FreightViewer Department will be happy to assist you if you may need any assistance with the use of FreightViewer or would like to know more about the system, contact amartin@conquerornetwork.com, we will be happy to assist you.

Conqueror takes a major step towards the digitization of the freight forwarding sector by creating FreightViewer

Madrid, Spain October 2019: After two years of hard work and substantial private investments, Conqueror with agents in 265 cities and 142 countries is all set to start working with its member-exclusive Transport Management Software, FreightViewer. This software will provide the members of Conqueror the technological capability to compare competitive online freight rates, share shipping documents,and quote instantly in real-time all in one neatly organized platform.

Freight forwarding sector is aware about the need of digitization in the industry. The best example to show this fact, is the great investment of technological companies such as Flexport, Freightos or other pioneer freight forwarding multinationals, e.g. Twill and KN Freightnet, have done during the last few years. But even, after all these investments and efforts, a considerable percentage of freight forwarders continue to miss out on the digitalization race in the freight industry.

Even though it is not an easy task to become digitalize within this industry, highly demanding and inpatient customers, multinationals and globalization, are some of the factors which are forcing an important transformation in logistics sector. Inside this environment, Conqueror has developed FreightViewer, revolutionizing the old ways of working. As a member-exclusive and free Transport Management Software, FreightViewer allows members of the network to automatize the uploading of their contract rates (Air, FCL, LCL and Cargo Insurance) through the online platform and share them with agents or customers instantly. Moreover, FreightViewer on the dashboard allows customers and agents to manage bookings for any carrier online, collaborate and share the shipping documents, and offer real-time status updates for shipments.

As stated by Antonio Torres, the CEO and President of Conqueror, “The new tool is going to help freight forwarders within our network cope with the problem of ever-changing freight rates due to complex tariffs, various time zones and unresponsive overseas agents, which eventually leads to a delay in quoting a door-to-door service.”

FreightViewer will ensure that all members will become truly digital freight forwarders. Mr. Torres further added that “Digitization of the freight forwarding sector is starting but very slowly. For example, only three of the top twenty global freight forwarders can provide an instant quotes online. We feel very proud to be part of the digitization process in our industry. Conqueror is the first international freight forwarding network to launch instant quoting ability for its members. We have come up with FreightViewer after the launch of the operating system by the industry leader Flexport, who has received one billion $ investment, has eleven offices in four countries and is currently receiving all the attention world-wide from media related to the industry as it is growing incredibly. We haven’t a received a billion-dollar investment, but we have developed a state-of-art software and we have a huge worldwide infrastructure formed by our members. This makes us one of the biggest players running in the digital race of the logistics sector. Our main aim is to contribute towards actualizing the process of digitization in this sector and thereby create value for the shippers.”

FreightViewer will definitely alter the way independent freight forwarders conduct their businesses. It will not just reduce the quotation processing time from a number of days to a couple of seconds, but also help to enhance the productivity, client engagement, and profitability of the member companies.