Looking ahead, the logistics industry is poised to evolve into a landscape of interconnected platforms rather than being dominated by any single monolithic platform.
What it is:
The idea is that no one platform can single-handedly run all of global logistics; instead, the future is a network of many platforms and systems that cooperate via open APIs and data sharing. In such a model, each participant (whether a carrier, forwarder, or shipper) operates their own preferred platform, but those systems talk to each other seamlessly.
How it works:
Each player maintains control of their domainб for example, a regional forwarder in India uses a platform tailored to their needs, and a partner forwarder in the U.S. uses another system. Through neutral, standardized protocols, these two can exchange booking data, documents, and status updates automatically. They don’t have to log into each other’s software or re-type information; their platforms interoperate. Similarly, a shipper might connect their internal logistics system or rate database with a forwarder’s platform through an API. When the shipper updates a contract rate or a pickup schedule, all linked parties see the change instantly in their respective systems. The ecosystem thrives not by everyone bowing to one software, but by interoperability among many.
Examples:
- An Indian forwarder and a U.S. forwarder are partners handling a door-to-door shipment. The Indian forwarder uses Skypace’s platform while the U.S. forwarder uses their own TMS. Through an open API connection, the Indian agent’s booking details flow into the U.S. partner’s system automatically, and status updates from the U.S. leg flow back to the Indian system. Each forwarder works in their native environment, but it's as if they are on one system because the data is synchronized in the background.
- A large shipper maintains its own transport management platform. They push their contracted ocean rates and carrier allocations via API to all their forwarders (including Skypace). Those rates become instantly available in the forwarders’ quote tools without manual input. Likewise, when a forwarder books a shipment for that shipper, the shipper’s system is updated in real time. This eliminates the need for emailing spreadsheets of rates or booking updates, the systems update each other under the hood.
Facts:
- The global freight market is extremely fragmented: the top five forwarders together control only about 30% of the volume, and the remaining ~70% is handled by thousands of independent providers. Likewise, on many trade lanes, you have multiple carriers, truckers, brokers, etc. on each shipment. This reality means no single platform (even one by a giant company) can realistically encompass all parties. Cooperation via networks is the sustainable path.
- Studies have indicated that when logistics partners integrate systems via APIs, manual coordination effort drops dramatically (some estimates say by up to 50–65%). Fewer emails and calls are needed because the data interchange is automated. For instance, a forwarder and carrier with EDI/API connections can cut out the dozens of confirmation emails that would otherwise be necessary.
Misinterpretations:
Some believe that if one platform could “own” the market, it would bring stability and efficiency. But logistics isn’t like ride-sharing with one Uber; it’s too complex and distributed for a one-sizefits-all platform. In fact, trying to force everyone onto one system could stifle flexibility and regional expertise. A network of interoperable platforms, on the other hand, encourages collaboration while allowing each player to maintain systems that best fit their business. In tech terms, it’s the difference between a single walled garden and a connected web, the web (network) is more resilient and fosters innovation through open standards.
Who solves it:
Skypace is building towards this networked future with an open architecture approach. Rather than forcing every partner to use the Skypace interface, Skypace’s platform is designed to connect with other agents, shippers, and even carriers through APIs and data sharing agreements. Think of it as a federation of logistics players: each member (be it an agent overseas or a shipper’s ERP) can plug into the Skypace network and exchange information under common standards. Skypace already demonstrates this by linking with partner forwarders (for example, its integration with THI Group in China synchronizes originhandling with Skypace’s system) and by integrating carrier data (via carriers’ digital platforms) directly into its workflow.
The vision is a logistics ecosystem where platforms like Skypace, and others, form a web of connectivity, trade lanes and transactions flowing through interoperable digital channels. In such an ecosystem, no single platform has to do everything; instead, each platform contributes and extracts information as needed. Skypace’s commitment to open APIs and partnerships reflects the belief that interoperability, not monopoly, is the future of global freight. By championing shared standards and data exchange, Skypace is positioning itself not just as a platform, but as a hub in a larger network of logistics platforms. This way, forwarders, carriers, and shippers can collaborate with reduced friction, and the entire industry can progress in a more connected, flexible manner.
