CIFFA Forwarder Spring 2025

22 THE FORWARDER | SPRING 2025 SeaRates ERP Become a DFA Member today for free df-alliance.com Take control of your costs and streamline your operations with: End-to-End Integration Enhanced CRM Automated Processes Customs Filing What can you do now? Try showcasing your success. For example, adding case studies to your website based on quantitative data is a great way to demonstrate to prospective clients of the long-term benefit you can provide for their sustainability strategy. Clients will see your business as a viable long-term freight forwarding option that delivers more than simple logistics services, increasing client loyalty and building up a revenue pipeline over time. Position yourself as a sustainability thought leader Freight forwarders that exhibit thought leadership on emissions and sustainability in the supply chain will benefit more than those that don’t. By offering expertise and advice on how to lower your clients’ carbon footprints in the supply chain, you can gain a competitive edge and increase your bottom line. • Attract customers from outside your typical client profile: Businesses are increasingly looking to work with partners who share their commitment to sustainability. By positioning yourself as a thought leader in supply chain sustainability, you can attract new clients who value eco-friendly practices from outside your typical client pool. • Increase client retention: Existing clients are more likely to remain loyal if they see that you are committed to sustainability and feel that they can learn from your expertise. By demonstrating your knowledge and innovation in this area, you can build trust, strengthen client relationships and build long-term value. • Command premium pricing: Thought leaders can often command premium pricing for their services. Try publishing research such as white papers and reports, and collaborating with industry experts to build your profile as a thought leader in sustainable logistics. By establishing yourself as an authority, you can charge higher rates for your expertise and advice. What can you do now? Sustainability expertise is still relatively new in freight forwarding, so there’s a great opportunity to strike while the iron’s hot and take the lead. Try publishing research, contributing to industry discussions and using quantitive data to inform your strategy to position your business as an expert in sustainable freight. Driving new opportunities in the freight and logistics sector Sustainability presents much more than an expensive necessity for freight forwarders to meet shippers’ needs — it has the potential to provide forwarders with new avenues for generating revenue. If you take the initiative now to start integrating automated emissions measurement, offering shippers support with long-term sustainability strategies and positioning yourself as a thought leader, you’ll successfully see your bottom line increase through a growing customer base and the ability to charge a premium for your services.