A Freightos Group survey of the top ocean and air carriers shows that, compared to 2019, pandemic-driven volatility accelerated carriers’ development of digital connections with customers via corporate websites, APIs, and third-party platforms.

This progress is the start of connectivity that will lead to end-to-end logistics data sharing in real-time, and open a new world of efficiencies, and actionable intelligence that is already a reality in other industries.

Among the highlights:

• Ocean carriers made the biggest leaps in developing their own digital portals and APIs, while air carriers gravitated toward third-party platforms for digital reach.
• Growing ocean carrier leverage during the pandemic may be pushing them for control over the digital relationship with their customers too. While in a fragmented air cargo market, carriers are eager for low-touch ways to extend their reach.