Integration of Ocean and Air Freight Rates on Unified Platform

Freightos has launched the WebCargo Rate & Quote Ocean, integrating ocean freight into its existing WebCargo solution. This new feature handles over 1.6 million annual transactions and processes thousands of ocean freight quotes, centralizing ocean rate management for forwarders and offering integration with major transportation management system (TMS) solutions. The platform supports carrier rates and direct booking, aiming to streamline and enhance the logistics process for stakeholders.

Expansion in the Logistics Sector

Dachser is expanding its logistics operations in the Asia Pacific region, responding to the growing demand for streamlined supply chain solutions. Meanwhile, Lufthansa Cargo has introduced a weekly A321 service to Beirut, further expanding its global reach. These developments coincide with the record-breaking attendance at the ProMat 2025 event, which saw 52,223 registered manufacturing and supply chain professionals gather to discuss industry advancements.

Companies within the agricultural supply chain are increasingly turning to digital tools to enhance clarity and resilience against challenges such as climate change, tariffs, and operational inefficiencies. The FSMA Rule 204 has emphasized the necessity of digital traceability in the supply chain, while the rapidly evolving temperature-controlled logistics industry is creating new career opportunities, driven by advancements in cold storage technologies.

Transportation Management Systems and Partnerships

The transportation industry continues to innovate, with the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant evaluating recognized transportation management systems. McLeod Software has announced updates to its partnerships related to TMS, reflecting the industry's ongoing efforts to optimize logistics solutions. Grasshopper has unveiled a new white-label digital branding solution, and CtrlChain has strengthened its partnership with NewCold to build a fully integrated supply chain solution.

In addition to these technological advancements, the BuilderNation podcast has launched a procurement insights series aimed at tech visionaries, offering valuable insights into the future of supply chain management. The formation of the White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience, announced by President Joe Biden in late 2023, underscores the federal government's commitment to bolstering the resilience of supply chains across the nation.

Modal Choice in Supply Chain Management

Deciding whether to ship products via air or ocean involves analyzing inventory carrying costs and investment data. Despite the subsiding of recent crises, the risk of supply chain disruptions remains, necessitating a strategic approach to transportation modal choices. Integrating inventory considerations into air versus ocean transportation strategies is a critical aspect of supply chain management.

The full article discussing supply chain resilience was featured in the September-October 2024 edition of Supply Chain Management Review. Companies deploying inventories across multiple continents must carefully analyze transportation modal decisions to manage costs effectively. A comprehensive decision-making methodology should consider all associated costs, not just freight costs.

Analytic Approaches and Mixed-Mode Strategies

An analytic approach has been developed to evaluate situations where a mixed-mode transport strategy, combining ocean and air freight, may be optimal. Ocean freight has been found to be more cost-efficient for certain product lines, while air freight offers cost efficiencies for others. This consideration is crucial for firms seeking to optimize their supply chain operations and align with evolving market demands.

The insights provided in the full article, published in the September-October 2024 edition of Supply Chain Management Review, emphasize the importance of a nuanced approach to transportation decisions, incorporating both economic and strategic factors.