Technology: Artificial Intelligence is grabbing all the headlines, but how intelligent is it, how much could it add to SMEs bottom line and how intelligent is it adopt a technology that some fear may change the way we work?

Sourcing: Mexico, China+1, the breakdown of globalisation as we know it: which way are global supply chains heading, and which regions look set to gain from the changes energised by the pandemic?

Aid and humanitarian logistics: With the world suffering from increasingly devastating natural disasters and man-made conflicts, how can independent forwarders support global aid efforts and become specialists in this important and highly visible supply chain.

Project logistics: Project logistics has faced several ups and downs in recent years, but with the advent of a range of new industries and demand for real experts growing, has a new market opened for specialist project forwarders?

Time-critical: Just-in-time became just-in-case which became just-don’t-know as forwarders found themselves in uncertain market conditions following Covid. However, the industry has always relied on true specialists to ensure valuable and urgent shipments reach their destination on time and on budget and independent operators continue to lead the sector in quality and reliability.

Environment: Environmentally friendly transport is more important than ever. We look at how SME forwarders can drive positive change while providing real benefits in terms of data and tools for their customers.

Latin America: As the US stresses with China become more pronounced, Mexico and the rest of Latin America could benefit from increasing trade with both China and North America. However, what economic issues must be resolved and what’s needed in terms of infrastructure and friction free trade for the region’s forwarders to prosper.

Training and recruitment: Labour has become increasingly transient, staff shifting jobs with ever-increasing frequency. How do forwarders ensure retention of staff necessary to offer customers a service they expect? Where does training fit into this? And how must it improve?

eCommerce: End-of-year eCommerce inspired peaks have been something of a non-event over the past two years. Are meek performances the result of shippers being smarter in sourcing? Or is 2024 looking like it may have a big growth surprise in store?

Pharma logistics: Pharmaceuticals and healthcare verticals have soared in the past, providing strong yields and good growth for the logistics business. But how has the sector fared over the past year; and is it an easy business to get into?

Carrier-forwarder relations: Covid generated a clear divide between carriers and customers. With 2023 seeing the former take a hit on earnings, there was crowing to be had but how have forwarders sought to engage with carriers, and what assurances are they seeking?

Perishables: Perishables struggled while freight rates soared during the pandemic. With rates expected to have fallen, are fruit and vegetable exporters enjoying a better, cheaper service?