Can you imagine that nowadays you can hire freight forwarders from Alaska even if you live in California or vice versa? It sounds weird but nowadays cloud logistics centers are becoming more and more popular. They provide lots of shipping services to people from all over the globe. At the same time, there are still people who prefer traditional logistics hubs where you can get the whole spectrum of services. People believe that such companies are more convenient and reliable. Let’s figure out whether it’s true or not.
The first thing to clarify is the essence of the concept of cloud logistics fulfillment centers. It implies placing an order online, finding the needed carriers, and dealing with brokers via the Internet. This method of cooperation has several significant advantages. They are the following:
- Carriers are available for users from all over the globe.
It sounds cool but people have an awesome opportunity to deliver goods anywhere on the planet. It’s possible to pick up parcels in California, transport them to Virginia, and then transfer them to Hawaii.
- It’s possible to order any service you need.
Cloud centers have a wide network of contacts. When it comes to professional and experienced forwarders, they are able to find the needed number of trucks and containers in no time. They may provide entrepreneurs with both FTL and LTL freight options.
Yet, if you want to experience flawless fulfillment of your order, you are to fill in an order form carefully. You are to provide experts with relevant and accurate information. It’s better to contact forwarders as early as possible especially when it comes to shipping during the hot season.
- It’s possible to pick up the most appropriate rates.
Business owners have a perfect chance to save their money. Before placing an order, they are to investigate the market and choose the variant that meets their budgets the most. Moreover, if the financial issue is of prime importance for you, it’s a good idea to wait until brokers offer sales or discounts.
- The use of such canters is very convenient.
You do not even need to leave your house to order cargo transportation. It’s possible to do everything online via your computer or smartphone. Moreover, specialists are ready to gather and process the necessary paper and forms for you.
At the same time, the cooperation with cloud logistics fulfillment hubs possesses some disadvantages you should know about. The most crucial one is a lack of control over all the procedures. When you deal with local forwarders, you have an opportunity to visit their office, see the vehicles they use or even check the quality of packaging materials. Although tracking apps allow you to monitor the movements of the cargo but they do not give you the whole control.
To sum it up, it should be highlighted that the right choice of freight forwarders is a key element of the successful functioning of the supply chain of your business. Nowadays, thanks to the innovative technologies, it becomes possible to experience the whole spectrum of delivery options irrespectively to the area of your residence.