Streamlining the Freight Forwarding Process Through Automation

According too a recent publication by Raft, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into freight forwarding is revolutionizing the supply chain landscape, traditionally bogged down by paperwork.This innovation aims to create a more efficient and transparent process for logistics professionals.

James coombes, CEO of Raft, emphasizes that their goal is to automate the entire freight journey. “By incorporating AI into our workflows, we’re providing freight forwarders and customs brokers with enhanced openness and control,” he explained.

This isn’t just a concept; it’s actively reshaping operations in real-time. By automating tedious tasks prone to human error, logistics teams can shift their focus from mundane data entry to strategic decision-making.

The results are impressive. As an example, Navia Freight has experienced notable efficiency improvements after adopting Raft’s AI for invoice automation.“they’ve saved over 3,000 minutes weekly—equivalent to 50 hours—on manual processing,” Coombes shared. This not only reduces administrative burdens but also allows employees to engage in more valuable work that enhances service quality and operational oversight.

This kind of time efficiency leads directly to quicker workflows and better client interactions. And Raft continues expanding its capabilities; currently automating essential functions like accounts payable and customs documentation.

Certainly, Coombes acknowledges some limitations of AI: “Complex situations requiring nuanced human judgment—like dispute resolution—are still challenging for full automation.” In these instances, technology serves as an enhancement rather than a replacement for human expertise.

The Role of Document Intelligence

The world of freight forwarding relies heavily on various documents such as bills of lading and invoices that differ across regions in format and language. Handling these documents manually can be slow and costly—a challenge that Raft’s AI addresses effectively.

This adaptability is vital as global logistics increasingly requires systems capable of navigating regulatory variations worldwide.

“Our system understands regional nuances—from metric versus imperial measurements to currency formats,” said Coombes. “This flexibility makes it ideal for global forwarders managing intricate cross-border shipments.”

The capabilities offered by this technology tackle many common challenges faced by forwarders today: labor-intensive data entry processes or compliance risks are significantly reduced through automated validation methods.

“Clients like Navia Freight have reported not just faster operations but also fewer errors,” he added—a crucial factor since mistakes can lead directly to costly delays or fines.

Aiding Human Intelligence

A key aspect in an industry were experience matters is maintaining a human-centric approach towards automation; it’s about alleviating repetitive tasks so professionals can excel at what they do best.

“Raft focuses on enhancing human capabilities,” stated Coombes.” Our platform handles routine jobs while allowing humans oversight on decisions needing judgment.” this philosophy shapes how they integrate with existing systems too.

Acknowledging the fragmented tech landscape within freight forwarding means building solutions compatible with various platforms—including major ones like CargoWise customs module—is essential.” Clients connect via API or other methods ensuring smooth transitions without disruption,” he emphasized.

The underlying AI isn’t static either; it’s continuously refined based on real-world usage feedback which helps maintain accuracy even amidst changing conditions.”
Pushing Insights Forward

While the immediate benefits at task level are clear—the true strength lies within broader strategic insights generated through increased usage patterns observed over time .“As we reach significant volume thresholds , our system reveals trends previously unnoticed ,” said Coombes . These insights come alive through dashboards offering clients valuable information guiding planning resource allocation optimization efforts .Such insights hold immense value especially considering many industries still navigate digital transformation hurdles . Yet challenges remain including resistance change lack internal expertise compatibility concerns acknowledged by coombs who assures tailored onboarding training resources dedicated support available throughout transition phases ensuring teams feel confident embracing new technologies