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Tips for Successfully Managing Thin Margins in the Freight Forwarding Business
mengelola margin tipis

Freight forwarding is one of the most competitive sectors in logistics, where profit margins are often razor-thin. To survive—and thrive—in this environment, companies must carefully manage costs and develop efficient operational strategies while continuing to deliver reliable service to clients.

Here are several key tips for managing thin margins in the freight forwarding business:

1. Tightly Control Fixed Costs

Fixed costs such as warehouse rent, employee salaries, and operational equipment must be strictly managed. Consider the following strategies:

  • Leverage technology to automate administrative tasks and reduce manual labor.
  • Regularly review rental agreements and vendor partnerships to ensure competitive rates.
  • Implement flexible work arrangements to keep HR costs aligned with operational needs.

2. Maximize Load Capacity

In logistics, any unused space in a container or truck represents lost revenue. To avoid this:

  • Use route and load optimization tools to prevent underutilized shipments.
  • Consolidate shipments from multiple clients to fully utilize container space (especially for LCL services).
  • Use historical data to forecast demand and plan space allocation more effectively.

3. Negotiate Rates Strategically

Effective negotiation with shipping lines, trucking providers, and other vendors is essential to protect your margins.

  • Build long-term relationships with strategic partners to secure better rates and service priority.
  • Use your shipping volume as a leverage point during negotiations.
  • Compare offers from multiple vendors, but don’t focus solely on price—consider reliability and service-level agreements (SLAs) as well.

4. Choose a Flexible and Integrated Logistics Partner

In a highly competitive environment, you need a logistics partner that is not only reliable but also adaptable to your customers' needs.

This is where PT SPIL comes in, offering both LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) services designed to deliver efficiency and dependability.

With an integrated land-sea logistics network and a powerful digital platform, mySPIL, your shipments can be managed end-to-end—from booking to tracking—with full transparency and high operational efficiency.

SPIL’s LCL service is ideal for customers with smaller shipment volumes, allowing them to benefit from scheduled deliveries and affordable pricing. For customers with larger volumes, the FCL service offers better control and direct handling of goods with greater security.


Managing thin margins in the freight forwarding industry is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s achievable. By controlling fixed costs, maximizing load capacity, and negotiating smartly, companies can remain competitive and profitable. And by partnering with a trusted logistics provider like PT SPIL, you can ensure operational reliability and efficiency—whether you’re shipping LCL or FCL.



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