Applications are now being accepted to join Conqueror, in which carefully selected members will work with each other on at least 50 percent of their shipments, enabling them to compete against the largest forwarding groups.
Applicants must undergo audits and supply proofs of solvency, strength, and good reputation but those chosen will pay no membership fee for the first six months.
Antonio Torres, a freight forwarding veteran and mastermind of the Madrid-based Conqueror network believes that independents are faced with a “co-operate or die” situation in the present market. He says: “The idea is to mobilize the top rank of independents to work together as another ‘mega-forwarder’, while keeping their independence.”
The Conqueror Freight Network gives one agent in each local market a single worldwide brand, obligatory co-operation among members and exclusive well defined territories. This is an attractive new alternative for shippers, who will no longer have to choose between the personalized service of the strongest local independent agents and the global reach and lower prices of a multinational forwarding group.
As Torres explains: “Globalization has brought a steady increase in market share for a handful of multinational forwarders at the expense of even the best local firms.
“The mega-forwarders have followed their customers, opening branches everywhere, while the independents have watched helplessly from the sidelines. But our members will be able to bid for the biggest contracts.”
Each Conqueror agent will operate as a "virtual branch office" in one of 564 cities in 175 countries, receiving free- hands, routed cargo, and sales leads from other members. Like the multinationals, they will also benefit from global coverage, a payment-protected environment, collective negotiation with carriers, and internal discipline.
Torres concludes: "We're assuming that most qualified freight forwarders will want to join, since they risk nothing, and the rewards -- more volume, worldwide scope, efficiency, prestige -- will be enormous.”
Edited by: Ellie Duncan
Visit the Conqueror website
Applicants must undergo audits and supply proofs of solvency, strength, and good reputation but those chosen will pay no membership fee for the first six months.
Antonio Torres, a freight forwarding veteran and mastermind of the Madrid-based Conqueror network believes that independents are faced with a “co-operate or die” situation in the present market. He says: “The idea is to mobilize the top rank of independents to work together as another ‘mega-forwarder’, while keeping their independence.”
The Conqueror Freight Network gives one agent in each local market a single worldwide brand, obligatory co-operation among members and exclusive well defined territories. This is an attractive new alternative for shippers, who will no longer have to choose between the personalized service of the strongest local independent agents and the global reach and lower prices of a multinational forwarding group.
As Torres explains: “Globalization has brought a steady increase in market share for a handful of multinational forwarders at the expense of even the best local firms.
“The mega-forwarders have followed their customers, opening branches everywhere, while the independents have watched helplessly from the sidelines. But our members will be able to bid for the biggest contracts.”
Each Conqueror agent will operate as a "virtual branch office" in one of 564 cities in 175 countries, receiving free- hands, routed cargo, and sales leads from other members. Like the multinationals, they will also benefit from global coverage, a payment-protected environment, collective negotiation with carriers, and internal discipline.
Torres concludes: "We're assuming that most qualified freight forwarders will want to join, since they risk nothing, and the rewards -- more volume, worldwide scope, efficiency, prestige -- will be enormous.”
Edited by: Ellie Duncan
Visit the Conqueror website
