Category: Business Strategy

Post 7/7: What Happens When They Compete Outside Their Sweet Spot

When small forwarders pursue large global clients:

• They may underprice or overcommit.
• Risk reputational damage if execution fails.
• Lose focus on their core SME base.

When large forwarders pursue small clients:

• Clients may feel neglected or priced out.
• Service personalization often suffers.
• Internal processes may not suit transactional needs.

Bottom line:
The winners understand their lane—and stay in it or grow with clarity.

#LogisticsLeadership #FreightForwarding #SupplyChainStrategy #LargeVsSmall #Forwarders #SME #GlobalForwarding #BusinessStrategy #CorporateStructure #FreightForwardingStrategy #ClientFit #ForwarderGrowth #BusinessScaling #CustomerCentricity #LocalExpertise #ForwarderTech #Digitization

Post 6/7: What Small Forwarders Struggle With

Trying to do everything often backfires.

Common pitfalls:

• Limited rate leverage
• Overstretching into services beyond core strength
• Fragmented tech stack
• Dependency on key staff or clients
• Difficulty competing in global tenders

#LogisticsLeadership #FreightForwarding #SupplyChainStrategy #LargeVsSmall #Forwarders #SME #GlobalForwarding #BusinessStrategy #CorporateStructure #FreightForwardingStrategy #ClientFit #ForwarderGrowth #BusinessScaling #CustomerCentricity #LocalExpertise #ForwarderTech #Digitization

Post 5/7: What Small Forwarders Do Well

Small forwarders build trust through agility.

Strengths include:

• Tailored service delivery
• Personal client relationships
• Speed in quoting & execution
• Success in underserved or emerging markets
• Entrepreneurial problem solving

#LogisticsLeadership #FreightForwarding #SupplyChainStrategy #LargeVsSmall #Forwarders #SME #GlobalForwarding #BusinessStrategy #CorporateStructure #FreightForwardingStrategy #ClientFit #ForwarderGrowth #BusinessScaling #CustomerCentricity #LocalExpertise #ForwarderTech #Digitization

Post 4/7: What Large Forwarders Struggle With

Size comes with trade-offs.

Challenges include:

• Inflexibility in service customizations
• Slower response time for smaller clients
• Complexity in internal processes
• Less personal account management
• Struggles in niche, low-volume lanes

#LogisticsLeadership #FreightForwarding #SupplyChainStrategy #LargeVsSmall #Forwarders #SME #GlobalForwarding #BusinessStrategy #CorporateStructure #FreightForwardingStrategy #ClientFit #ForwarderGrowth #BusinessScaling #CustomerCentricity #LocalExpertise #ForwarderTech #Digitization

Post 3/7: What Large Forwarders Do Well

Large forwarders excel when the task is complex, global, or regulated.

They shine in:

• Serving multinational clients
• Managing high-volume, multi-lane shipments
• Delivering standardized SOPs
• Investing in automation, ESG, and innovation
• Winning and running RFQs

#LogisticsLeadership #FreightForwarding #SupplyChainStrategy #LargeVsSmall #Forwarders #SME #GlobalForwarding #BusinessStrategy #CorporateStructure #FreightForwardingStrategy #ClientFit #ForwarderGrowth #BusinessScaling #CustomerCentricity #LocalExpertise #ForwarderTech #Digitization

Post 2/7: Characteristics of Small Freight Forwarders

Small forwarders are agile, customer-centric, and often locally dominant.
They thrive in flexibility, service quality, and personal relationships.

Key traits:

• Niche market expertise
• Hands-on customer service
• Quick decisions, no red tape
• Customizable solutions
• Strong regional agent networks

#LogisticsLeadership #FreightForwarding #SupplyChainStrategy #LargeVsSmall #Forwarders #SME #GlobalForwarding #BusinessStrategy #CorporateStructure #FreightForwardingStrategy #ClientFit #ForwarderGrowth #BusinessScaling #CustomerCentricity #LocalExpertise #ForwarderTech #Digitization #mmlogistix

Post 1/7: Characteristics of Large Freight Forwarders

Large forwarders (USD 2B+ revenue) are built for scale.
They operate global networks, run proprietary systems, and handle end-to-end supply chains. Think compliance, capacity, and cross-border coordination.

Key traits:

• Global offices & assets
• Deep sector specialization
• Digital platforms & integrations
• Strong procurement power
• Focus on large contracts & tenders

#LogisticsLeadership #FreightForwarding #SupplyChainStrategy #LargeVsSmall #Forwarders #SME #GlobalForwarding #BusinessStrategy #CorporateStructure #FreightForwardingStrategy #ClientFit #ForwarderGrowth #BusinessScaling #CustomerCentricity #LocalExpertise #ForwarderTech #Digitization #mmlogistix

Introduction

In today’s global logistics landscape, both large multinational forwarders and agile regional players play critical roles. But their strengths—and weaknesses—are not created equal.

Over the next 7 posts, I’ll break down:
✅ What large forwarders do well
✅ Where small forwarders outperform
✅ Where each fall short
✅ And what happens when they step into each other’s turf

Whether you’re a forwarder, shipper, or supply chain leader, this series will help you better understand the strategic choices that shape the forwarding industry.

Follow along and share your thoughts as we explore both sides of the freight equation.

#LogisticsLeadership #FreightForwarding #SupplyChainStrategy #LargeVsSmall #Forwarders #SME #GlobalForwarding #BusinessStrategy #CorporateStructure #FreightForwardingStrategy #ClientFit #ForwarderGrowth #BusinessScaling #CustomerCentricity #LocalExpertise #ForwarderTech #Digitization