There’s a single trend most likely to carry over into the new year and beyond: leveraging advanced tools and techniques to streamline air freight procurement processes, enhance efficiency, and gain strategic insights. In a survey conducted by Freightos in 2023 with shippers, forwarders and carriers, it showed an overwhelming 98% of respondents already using tech solutions, with 60% utilizing them to better inform their operational decisions, and that’s not likely to slow down in 2025.
From easily navigating diverse rate types and estimating market trends with pinpoint accuracy to crafting custom quotes and staying ahead of pricing shifts, leveraging the right digital platforms that bring it all together is crucial. These tools don’t just make life easier – they completely revolutionize air freight procurement. In speeding up quoting time by up to 20x and improving accuracy with data-driven decisions, they boost win rates, enhance customer satisfaction, and transform bookings into a seamless, instant process. Raz Ronen, CEO of Wisor.AI sums it up,
Instead of manually searching for rates or waiting on responses from carriers, forwarders can instantly access the data they need to make informed decisions. This saves time and ensures accuracy in pricing and planning, enabling forwarders to provide faster and more competitive quotes to their clients.
Here’s how forwarders can make the most of these powerful tools as part of their air freight procurement strategy in the coming year:
Buy & Sell Rate Management: Everything in One Place
Managing critical pricing data like market rates, promotions, contracts, BSAs, or spot rates doesn’t have to feel like juggling. With the right rate management platform, all your buy and sell rates are housed in a single system – organized, accessible, and ready for updates. This means you’re always prepared to negotiate a new deal or pivot quickly in response to market changes. It’s smart, simple, and lightning fast.
Live Data Pulls from Airlines: Real-Time Rates at Your Fingertips
Picture this: every airline rate, updated in real time, ready for you to act on instantly. Live data pulls from airlines make it possible. Spot rates, dynamic pricing updates, and market conditions are no longer just educated guesses – they’re guaranteed insights. With real-time updates, you can move in sync with the market, and keep your air freight procurement strategy sharp and reactive.
Integrated Analytics, Benchmarks, and Market Intelligence
Having data is one thing; turning it into actionable insights is where the magic happens. Integrated analytics let you benchmark your rates, spot trends, and uncover pricing opportunities your competitors haven’t seen coming. Whether you’re adjusting your strategy or responding to market events, these tools give you the intelligence to take advantage of the most competitive, profitable rates that win deals.
Leveraging Market Intelligence
Smarter pricing decisions start with smart data. By leveraging market intelligence from sources like Freightos Terminal, you can easily compare your rates with market benchmarks to keep your data sharp and actionable. Get real-time, customizable rate data across key lanes, complete with transit time insights and live updates on market-moving events to proactively guide ongoing logistics pricing and decision-making.
Automated, Rule-Based Quote Generation
Set your rules, and let the system handle the rest. Automated quote generation ensures every quote aligns perfectly with your pricing strategy. And when customization is needed? No sweat. You can tweak quotes in seconds to suit specific customer needs or market conditions, increasing your win rate by up to 3%.
Dynamic Quoting: Real-Time Rates for Customers
Take transparency and customer service to the next level with dynamic quoting. Customers can not only see the initial static rate but also refresh it to access the latest real-time rates, complete with your predefined markup. It’s a game-changer for building trust and delivering top-tier service.
Dive into essential data-driven strategies to master rate accuracy, tailor quotes, and create a seamless customer experience in our Hybrid Rate Reality Report.
Set the Pace For Air Freight Procurement In 2025
For 2025’s air freight procurement, digital rate management will be a must-have for forwarders, empowering them to work with unmatched efficiency, accuracy, and strategic foresight. By embracing these tools fully in 2025, forwarders will be able to seize new pricing opportunities and lead the market – not just keep up.
