The COVID pandemic has sent shockwaves through the freight industry but the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) predict a return to growth in 2021 and highlight the need for the transport industry to brace for change and be prepared for a transformed post-COVID world.
“The global shipping industry will be at the forefront of efforts towards a sustainable recovery, as a vital enabler of the smooth functioning of international supply chains. The pandemic strengthened the case for digitalization.” UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi said.
This is why we decided to create something brand new in the freight networking world and are delighted with the DigiFreight interface, especially developed for mobile devices and to enable easy and effective virtual connections for the transportation industry.
DigiFreight C.E.O. Rachel Crawford says “We are aware that communication and connections are vital and we provide our Members with a strong networking platform. Indeed, belonging to organisations like DigiFreight could be essential to the survival of many independent forwarders over the coming years. The fact that our powerful Meeting Hub, which goes live in April 2021 will enable them to quickly schedule an online meeting with their global partners at a mutually convenient time - with time zones automatically considered - will be a vital tool.”
Until then, Members can reach out via email, WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet or Skype directly from the DigiFreight Member Centre – they can even see local times to make sure it’s not midnight for their overseas partners!
Administration Manager, Wendy Schuller says “We are in the process of adding an exciting new feature where our interface will indicate when staff are online, making it easier for Members to have more real-time communication and make the platform more conversational.”
Transportation and supply chains are recognised as being essential services, and the work completed by freight forwarders during 2020 to support healthcare and essential supplies was vital. As the world adjusts to a new normal, the safe and well-organised movement of goods is at the very heart of economic recovery.
Working closely together with global partners has never been more important and although it is difficult to travel and meet in person now, we are delighted to be able to offer you the next best thing, a platform that enables fast online communication and virtual meetings … all with time-zone considerations.
