--- title: The Key steps for Implementing a Freight Visibility Solution for Freight Forwarders description: 5 key steps to implement a freight visibility solution for freight forwarders—boost transparency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction in logistics. image: https://bluebox-systems.com/hubfs/WPS%20Photos(1)-2.png --- [![BlueBoxSystems](https://bluebox-systems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BlueBoxSystems.webp?width=153&height=60&name=BlueBoxSystems.webp)](https://bluebox-systems.com/) - PLATFORM - [BlueBoxCargo](https://bluebox-systems.com/cargo-tracking-management-system) - [CO2 Tracking](https://bluebox-systems.com/co2-tracking) - [Onboarding & API](https://bluebox-systems.com/onboarding) - [Trade Lane Intelligence](https://bluebox-systems.com/trade-lane-management) - [OUR COMPANY](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company) - [Our Story](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#our-story) - [Agility and Innovation](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#agility-innvoation) - [Customers](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#customers) - RESOURCES - [News](https://bluebox-systems.com/news-and-conferences) - [Conferences](https://bluebox-systems.com/news-and-conferences#conferences) - [Blog](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog) - [FAQ](https://bluebox-systems.com/faq) - [Freight Visibility Glossary](https://bluebox-systems.com/freight-visibility-glossary) - [Book Our Demo](https://bluebox-systems.com/demo) [LOG IN](https://bluebox-systems-cargo.com/login.html) [BOOK OUR DEMO](https://bluebox-systems.com/demo) Insights # The Key steps for Implementing a Freight Visibility Solution for Freight Forwarders 5 key steps to implement a freight visibility solution for freight forwarders—boost transparency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction in logistics. [Henning Flaspöler](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/author/henning-flaspöler) Aug 5, 2025 [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/the-key-steps-for-implementing-a-freight-visibility-solution-for-freight-forwarders&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/the-key-steps-for-implementing-a-freight-visibility-solution-for-freight-forwarders&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/the-key-steps-for-implementing-a-freight-visibility-solution-for-freight-forwarders&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/the-key-steps-for-implementing-a-freight-visibility-solution-for-freight-forwarders&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) [Insights](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/tag/insights) ![](https://bluebox-systems.com/hubfs/WPS%20Photos(1)-2.png) In today’s fast-paced logistics environment, visibility is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. A visibility solution refers to a system or platform that provides real-time tracking and end-to-end transparency across the entire freight forwarding process. It allows stakeholders to monitor shipments, anticipate disruptions, and make proactive decisions to maintain smooth supply chain operations. For freight forwarders, implementing an effective visibility solution enhances customer trust, optimizes internal processes, and reduces operational inefficiencies. One of the most crucial components of any effective visibility solution is real-time tracking, which enables stakeholders to view shipment statuses instantly and respond quickly to changes or delays. This article provides a comprehensive guide to implementing a freight visibility solution specifically designed for freight forwarders—helping you improve performance, boost customer satisfaction, and stay competitive in an increasingly data-driven industry. **Step 1: Define Project Scope and Requirements** Before starting the implementation process, the first step is to clearly define your project scope and requirements. Understanding what your business aims to achieve with a visibility solution will set the foundation for success. Identify key goals and KPIs that align with your organizational objectives. For instance: - Improving customer satisfaction through greater shipment transparency. - Reducing shipment delays and manual status updates. - Enhancing operational efficiency with predictive insights. When defining requirements, consider the essential tracking features your visibility solution should support—such as shipment milestones, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and event-based notifications. These features should provide comprehensive track and trace capabilities across relevant modes of transportation to ensure seamless oversight from origin to destination. **Step 2: Assess IT Maturity and Infrastructure Readiness** A successful visibility solution relies heavily on your company’s existing IT infrastructure. Therefore, the second step involves assessing your current system maturity and identifying any gaps that could impact integration. Start by reviewing your Transportation Management System (TMS) and other digital tools to evaluate: - How shipment data is captured, stored, and shared. - Whether your systems support real-time updates. - Any limitations in data accuracy or accessibility. If your IT ecosystem lacks modern capabilities—such as API connectivity or cloud integration—you may need to upgrade systems or streamline workflows to ensure smooth data exchange. Conducting an infrastructure readiness audit at this stage minimizes future disruptions and ensures the visibility platform operates efficiently within your existing setup. **Step 3: Establish Connectivity with TMS and Other Systems** Once your IT readiness is confirmed, the next step is to establish seamless connectivity between your visibility platform, TMS, and other key systems. This connectivity ensures that shipment data flows automatically between systems, eliminating manual intervention and reducing data errors. There are several methods to enable this integration: - **Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)** – Traditional but widely used for structured data sharing. - **Application Programming Interface (API)** – Provides real-time data exchange and flexibility. - **Excel file uploads** – Ideal for smaller data sets or legacy systems with limited capabilities. Most forwarders should be easily able to extract an excel file of shipment data on a weekly basis and then upload that into a vendor platform. Of course it is only a one way transfer and does not enrich your legacy system, but it is simple and quick. The right approach depends on your company’s technology stack and data volume. Regardless of the method, consistent connectivity is vital for maintaining accurate, up-to-date shipment information that drives visibility across the entire logistics chain. **Step 4: Implement Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring Features** At the core of every successful visibility solution lies real-time tracking. This step involves leveraging advanced technologies to monitor shipments across all transportation modes. Key technologies include: - Internet of Things (IoT) sensors that transmit live location and condition data (e.g., temperature, humidity). - Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive ETA calculations and delay forecasting. - Blockchain for secure and transparent transaction records between parties. By enabling automated alerts and milestone updates, these tools enhance operational responsiveness. For example, if a shipment is delayed, the system can immediately notify customers and operations teams—improving communication, building trust, and minimizing costly disruptions. **Step 5: Optimize Data Analytics and Reporting for Decision Making** Once your visibility system is operational, the next step is to leverage analytics and reporting tools to extract actionable insights from the data collected. Visibility platforms generate vast amounts of information that, when analysed effectively, can drive smarter decision-making. Advanced analytics tools—such as Sedex and other supply chain intelligence platforms—offer end-to-end transparency while supporting ethical sourcing and supplier collaboration. By analysing data trends, freight forwarders can: - Identify performance bottlenecks and optimize routes. - Forecast demand and reduce idle time. - Strengthen supplier accountability and compliance. In essence, optimizing analytics transforms visibility data into strategic intelligence—helping companies make informed decisions that enhance both efficiency and sustainability. **Conclusion** Implementing a well-designed visibility solution empowers freight forwarders to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving logistics landscape. By following this 5-step guide—defining project scope, assessing IT readiness, establishing system connectivity, enabling real-time tracking, and optimizing analytics—companies can achieve higher levels of transparency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Beyond operational gains, visibility solutions also support sustainability goals, enabling forwarders to track carbon emissions, optimize routes, and align with global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. In today’s world, visibility isn’t just about seeing—it’s about understanding, anticipating, and improving every aspect of the freight journey. ### 1. What is freight visibility?  Freight visibility refers to the ability to track and monitor shipments in real time throughout the supply chain. It provides transparency into shipment locations, statuses, and potential disruptions, allowing logistics professionals to make proactive decisions. ### 2. What is the procedure of freight forwarding? The freight forwarding process involves several stages: booking cargo, documentation, customs clearance, shipment transportation (via air, sea, road, or rail), and final delivery. Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, ensuring efficient and compliant cargo movement. ### 3. What technique provides visibility into real-time supply chain events? Technologies like IoT sensors, API integrations, and AI-driven visibility platforms provide real-time tracking and event visibility across supply chain operations. ### 4. What does supply chain visibility require? Supply chain visibility requires integrated data systems, real-time communication tools, and collaboration between stakeholders—including carriers, suppliers, and customers. Strong IT infrastructure and connectivity are essential for maintaining accurate, timely insights. ## Similar posts Customers ### [Logicsols chooses BlueBox Systems due to excellent air freight data](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/logicsols-chooses-bluebox-systems-due-to-excellent-air-freight-data) Logicsols partners with BlueBox Systems for top-tier air freight data integration, offering enhanced tracking capabilities and superior data quality. Henning Flaspöler Apr 25, 2024 Press ### [Calculate CO2 emissions from air freight shipments in real time](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/calculate-co2-emissions-from-air-freight-shipments-in-real-time/) With BlueBoxAir you can calculate the specific CO2 emissions in addition to the flight data of your air freight. Learn more now! Henning Flaspöler Nov 17, 2021 Insights ### [Why TMS Software should add a Freight Visibility Layer](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/why-tms-software-should-add-a-freight-visibility-layer) For years, a transportation management system's job in international trade was booking space, generating documentation, and managing rates.... Henning Flaspöler Feb 1, 2026 [![c-1](https://bluebox-systems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/c-1.png?width=200&height=79&name=c-1.png)](https://bluebox-systems.com/) Bluebox Systems GmbH Am Hof 28 D-53113 Bonn [+49 228 33885400](tel:4922833885400) ### Platform - [BlueBoxCargo](https://bluebox-systems.com/cargo-tracking-management-system) - [Co2-Tracking](https://bluebox-systems.com/co2-tracking) - [Onboarding & API](https://bluebox-systems.com/onboarding) ### Company - [Our Story](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#our-story) - [Agility and Innovation](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#agility-innvoation) - [Customers](https://bluebox-systems.com/our-company#customers) ### Resources - [News](https://bluebox-systems.com/news-and-conferences) - [Conferences](https://bluebox-systems.com/news-and-conferences#conferences) - [Blog](https://bluebox-systems.com/blog) - [Faq](https://bluebox-systems.com/faq) - [Freight Visibility Glossary](https://bluebox-systems.com/freight-visibility-glossary) - [Book Our Demo](https://bluebox-systems.com/demo) © 2026 Bluebox Systems GmbH     All rights reserved        [Imprint](https://bluebox-systems.eu/imprint)[Privacy Policy](https://bluebox-systems.eu/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Henning Flaspöler", "url" : "https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/author/henning-flaspöler" }, "dateModified" : "2025-11-13T06:55:32.603Z", "datePublished" : "2025-08-05T13:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "The Key steps for Implementing a Freight Visibility Solution for Freight Forwarders", "image" : [ "https://bluebox-systems.com/hubfs/WPS%20Photos(1)-2.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://bluebox-systems.com/blog/the-key-steps-for-implementing-a-freight-visibility-solution-for-freight-forwarders", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://bluebox-systems.com/hubfs/BlueBoxSystems-1.svg" } } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://bluebox-systems.com/#organization", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "DE", "addressLocality" : "Bonn", "postalCode" : "53113", "streetAddress" : "Am Hof 28" }, "description" : "BlueBox Systems GmbH is a logistics technology company providing real-time air and ocean freight tracking, predictive ETAs, route monitoring, and CO₂ emission transparency for supply chain optimization.", "email" : "info@bluebox-systems.com", "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 50.735268, "longitude" : 7.102287 }, "name" : "BlueBox Systems GmbH", "openingHoursSpecification" : [ { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "17:00", "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens" : "09:00" } ], "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluebox-systems/", "https://twitter.com/blueboxsystems" ], "telephone" : "+49 228 33885400", "url" : "https://bluebox-systems.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "/#service", "@type" : "Service", "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "" }, "description" : "", "hasOfferCatalog" : { "@type" : "OfferCatalog", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "", "name" : "" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "", "name" : "" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "", "name" : "" } } ], "name" : "" }, "name" : "", "provider" : { "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "DE", "addressLocality" : "Bonn", "postalCode" : "53113", "streetAddress" : "Am Hof 28" }, "email" : "info@bluebox-systems.com", "name" : "BlueBox Systems GmbH", "telephone" : "+49 228 33885400", "url" : "https://bluebox-systems.com" }, "serviceType" : "", "termsOfService" : "", "url" : "" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "", "postalCode" : "", "streetAddress" : "" }, "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "availableLanguage" : "", "contactType" : "customer support", "email" : "", "telephone" : "" } ], "description" : "", "email" : "", "founder" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "" }, "foundingDate" : "", "legalName" : "", "logo" : "", "name" : "", "sameAs" : [ "", "", "" ], "telephone" : "", "url" : "" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "BlueBox tracks around 150 airlines. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}" }, "name" : "Which airfreight carriers does BlueBox track?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "BlueBox tracks around 50 ocean freight carriers. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}" }, "name" : "Which oceanfreight carriers does BlueBox track?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes — although they already track all major carriers, BlueBox can add additional carriers based on customer and market demand. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}" }, "name" : "Can BlueBox add additional carriers?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes — documentation is available for both Airfreight and Oceanfreight APIs. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}" }, "name" : "Can I view your API documentation?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "For ocean freight, you need a container number or Master Ocean Bill of Lading. 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There is a supplemental charge for CO₂ tracking. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}" }, "name" : "How do you charge for tracking services?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "You can have as many users as you like; there is no charge per user. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}" }, "name" : "How many user licences can we have?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "You can start tracking the same day if you upload via Excel. API integration typically takes 1‑4 weeks, depending on your system and tech‑team. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}" }, "name" : "How long does it take to start tracking shipments?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Through the UI, you can select shipments (or groups) and email a hyperlink to customers. Alternatively, you can create sub‑accounts for customers, letting them log in to view their own shipments and reports. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}" }, "name" : "How can I share shipments with customers?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes — BlueBox offers a free trial for up to 20 air and/or ocean shipments. You just need to fill out the contact form to get started. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}" }, "name" : "Can I have a trial of your tracking services?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Typically, yes — BlueBox signs an annual contract with tiered pricing based on volume commitments. But they also offer introductory packages for 45‑day or 90‑day periods, for users who want to try the service without a long-term commitment. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}" }, "name" : "Do I have to sign an annual contract?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "They invoice monthly for the actual shipments tracked (subject to minimum volume if agreed). 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