Definition An Award is the process of selecting and assigning transportation business to a bidder based on the results of a logistics procurement or freight bidding project. It represents the final decision made by the shipper after evaluating quotations, proposals, and service capabilities. Purpose of an Award The objectives of an award include: Selecting the best logistics partner Optimizing transportation costs Improving service quality Securing transportation capacity Mai

Definition A Bidder is a company that submits quotations, pricing, or service proposals in response to a shipper's logistics procurement or transportation bidding project. Carriers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and logistics providers commonly participate as bidders. Role of a Bidder Bidders are responsible for: Submitting freight rates Providing service proposals Offering transportation solutions Presenting operational capabilities Competing for transportation contracts Bidde

Definition NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) is a company that provides ocean freight transportation services without owning or operating vessels. An NVOCC purchases cargo space from ocean carriers and resells it to shippers, importers, exporters, and freight forwarders. Role of an NVOCC An NVOCC typically performs the following functions: Purchases container space from ocean carriers Arranges international ocean transportation Consolidates shipments from multiple c

Definition A Carrier is a transportation company that provides freight transportation services for shippers. In logistics procurement and freight bidding, carriers participate in RFQs and RFPs by submitting quotations and service proposals for transportation lanes. Role of a Carrier Carriers are responsible for: Freight transportation Service quality On-time delivery Cost efficiency Safety management Shipment visibility Carriers in Logistics Bidding In logistics bidding proje

Definition A Transportation Lane is a shipping route defined by an origin and destination location. In logistics procurement and freight bidding, transportation lanes are used as the basic unit for collecting quotations, comparing carriers, and awarding transportation contracts. Examples include: Tokyo to Osaka Nagoya to Fukuoka Yokohama to Sapporo Each route is treated as a separate transportation lane. Purpose of Transportation Lanes Define transportation routes clearly Com

Definition RFP (Request for Proposal) is a formal document used by shippers to request detailed business and service proposals from transportation providers or logistics companies. Unlike an RFQ, which focuses primarily on pricing, an RFP evaluates service quality, operational capability, technology, innovation, and overall value. Purpose of RFP Evaluate logistics service capabilities Compare transportation solutions Improve procurement transparency Select strategic logistics

Definition RFQ (Request for Quotation) is a formal document used by shippers to request freight rates from transportation providers for specific transportation lanes or logistics services. In logistics procurement, an RFQ allows shippers to compare pricing and service conditions from multiple carriers before selecting the most suitable supplier. Purpose of RFQ Collect competitive freight rates Compare transportation providers Benchmark market pricing Improve procurement trans

Definition Logistics bidding is a procurement process where shippers invite transportation providers to submit freight rates and service proposals for specific transportation lanes. The purpose of logistics bidding is to identify the most suitable carrier based on price, service quality, transit time, and operational capability. Benefits of Logistics Bidding Reduce transportation costs Improve pricing transparency Increase competition among carriers Enhance logistics procurem

The international air cargo forwarding ranking for Japan in April 2026 has been disclosed. Nippon Express (NX) retained the top position with 18,177 tons, up 0.9% compared to the same month last year. Kintetsu World Express (KWE) ranked second with 12,641 tons, surging 52.9%, followed by Yusen Logistics in third with 9,032 tons, up 1.7%. Nishi-Nippon Railroad (NNR) placed fourth with 4,579 tons, marking a 21.7% increase, while Hankyu Hanshin Express came fifth with 3,411 tons

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has unveiled its “2026 National Freight Strategic Plan” (NFSP) to modernize the country’s freight transportation network. Covering nearly seven million miles of roads, railways, ports, airports and waterways, the network moves more than 54 million tons of cargo worth over $68 billion daily. The five-year strategy focuses on six priorities: safety, efficiency, security, resilience, innovation and workforce development. The

Global General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) giant World Freight Company (WFC, France) has been acquired by Brookfield Asset Management (Canada) in a deal reportedly worth $1.2 billion. Former owners PAI Partners and EQT announced the sale, which is expected to close by the end of 2026. Founded in 2004, WFC operates 25 logistics brands, serving more than 300 airlines and 16,000 freight forwarders across 80 countries. Brookfield plans to invest in technology and expand WFC th

The trend in shipping rates shows an increase for the West Coast of North America (+2.6%) and the East Coast of North America (+1.3%) compared to the previous week. Conversely, rates have remained unchanged for Europe (0%) and decreased for Korea (-3.5%).

The international air cargo forwarding ranking for Japan in March 2026 has been disclosed. Nippon Express (NX) secured the top position with 18,632 tons, up 1.9% compared to the same month last year. Kintetsu World Express (KWE) ranked second with 13,440 tons, marking an increase of 11.5%, followed by Yusen Logistics in third with 9,197 tons, down 2.2%. Nishi-Nippon Railroad (NNR) placed fourth with 4,331 tons, up 10.6%, while Hankyu Hanshin Express came fifth with 3,506 tons

Airports Council International (ACI) has released its 2025 global cargo rankings, with Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) retaining first place for the 15th time since 2010, handling over five million tonnes (+2.7%). Shanghai Pudong (PVG) ranked second, followed by Anchorage (ANC) in third. Louisville (SDF) and Miami (MIA) placed fourth and fifth, both posting strong growth. Memphis (MEM) ranked sixth despite a sharp decline. Incheon (ICN) secured seventh, ahead of Doha (D

The trend in shipping rates shows an increase for the East Coast of North America (+2.8%), the West Coast of North America (+2.6%), and Europe (+1.8%) compared to the previous week. Conversely, rates have decreased for Korea (-4.3%).

Airfreight rates are climbing toward peak-season levels as disruptions from Middle East conflict and soaring fuel costs strain the cargo market. Recent TAC Index data shows the global Baltic Air Freight Index rose 9.3% week on week and stands 10% higher year on year. Jet fuel prices have doubled, suggesting further rate increases. Asian export hubs including Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul report rising or elevated prices. Rates to Europe and North America remain high, while t

The US decision to introduce a temporary 10% global tariff will create uncertainty and disrupt supply chains, the Airforwarders Association said, warning of operational and investment risks for air cargo and logistics providers. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the previous tariff regime. The group urged the Trump administration and Congress to adopt stable, transparent trade policies and clearer guidance. The tariff will apply for 150 days under Secti

The international air cargo forwarding ranking for Japan in February 2026 has been disclosed. Nippon Express (NX) retained the top position with 17,129 tons, up 4.6% compared to the same month last year. Kintetsu World Express (KWE) ranked second with 11,001 tons, up 1.7%, followed by Yusen Logistics in third with 8,438 tons, down 6.4%. Nishi-Nippon Railroad (NNR) placed fourth with 3,484 tons, down 3.5%, while Hankyu Hanshin Express came fifth with 3,093 tons, up 4.0%.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting global shipping routes. Major container lines including Evergreen, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, and Maersk have suspended bookings or rerouted cargo to several Gulf ports due to safety concerns. MSC has diverted vessels to nearby safe ports, while others have halted transits through the strait. These disruptions could push more cargo toward airfreight, though airlines are also facing chall

The trend in shipping rates shows an increase for the West Coast of North America (+2.5%), the East Coast of North America (+1.5%), and Korea (+0.4%) compared to the previous week. Conversely, rates have decreased for Europe (-1.3%).