In freight forwarding, summer is usually seen as the off-season. Port activity slows. Clients vanish into OOO email replies. And for many, it feels like a time to tread water until the Q4 surge begins. But if you're only waiting, you're missing an opportunity.
Summer can be one of the best times of the year to build new partnerships, expand your agent network, and prepare your business for the next shipping cycle. Here’s why.
1. Fewer Distractions = More Meaningful Conversations
During peak seasons, you're buried in rate requests, container issues, customs delays, and last minute bookings. There’s no time to breathe, let alone build relationships.
But in summer?
- Schedules ease up
- Quote pressure dips
- Communication becomes more relaxed and open
That means you can connect with agents on a human level, not just a transactional one. This is the ideal moment to have quality conversations: ask about service reliability, operational strengths, payment preferences, and get a true sense of their business culture.
Relationships built in the off-season are more likely to last through the busy months.
2. You’ll Stand Out as a Serious, Proactive Partner
Let’s be honest: most people are semi-checked out during summer. They’re slower to respond or not responding at all. If you’re active and available, you’ll be noticed.
- Sending timely offers
- Following up on quotes
- Answering messages within the day
These simple actions put you ahead of 90% of others in the same lane. In a quieter market, being visible and responsive goes a long way.
How can All Forward help you achieve that? On our platform, you can:
- See who's online and actively quoting
- Track how quickly agents respond
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Communicate directly via the platform, no external emails needed
3. It’s the Perfect Time to Explore New Markets and Lanes
Maybe you’ve been considering entering new trade lanes or seeking stronger coverage in certain regions. Summer gives you breathing room to:
- Research markets
- Search by country or specialization
- Reach out without urgency, just exploration
All Forward gives you access to over 2,000 verified forwarders in 160+ countries. With detailed company profiles, Trust Scores, and activity data, you can vet new agents before the high season hits.
Tip: Look for forwarders who have Trust Score 2 or 3, a Pro badge, and are actively quoting in your target lanes.
4. Use Summer to Prepare for Q4 (and Beat the Competition)
Q4 is traditionally the busiest and most chaotic quarter in global logistics.
Space is tight, rates fluctuate daily, and one weak link can derail the entire shipment flow.
By starting now, you can:
- Lock in reliable partners before they’re overloaded
- Discuss volume commitments and preferred pricing
- Set up backup agents in critical lanes
- Test cooperation on small shipments now, before it really matters
Proactivity in summer means stability in Q4.
5. Bonus: Your Own House in Order
While networking is essential, summer is also the perfect time to refine your own offering and position yourself for stronger results year round. Use this window to:
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Update your All Forward profile with accurate services, regions, and response times
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Improve your Trust Score- if you haven’t reached the top level yet, now’s the time
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Collect strong reviews and build new partnerships by quoting quickly and delivering consistently
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Increase your visibility by ranking higher in search results and quote listings
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Streamline your digital processes so you’re ready when volume picks up
Reminder: Visibility on All Forward is directly tied to your online activity. Use the quieter summer period to build momentum that will carry you into peak season and beyond.
In Summary: Summer Isn’t a Slow Season - It’s a Smart Season
Most people wait for the peak to take action. Smart forwarders take action before the peak.
- You have the time
- Your competitors are less active
- The tools are at your fingertips
Don’t let the summer lull fool you- this is your window to connect, grow, and strengthen your position in the global market.
Log in today. Let your competitors sleep. You? You’re moving forward.
