Although the introduction of online quoting was initially considered unattractive, Röhlig took the plunge. It was so successful that the product, which was initially conceived as a niche solution, is now placed on the homepage of Röhlig's website and is hugely popular with customers.
We were able to support Röhlig Logistik from the idea to the product launch.
The challenge
Online quoting in freight forwarding is a broad balancing act that offers both opportunities and risks.
For end customers, even complex requests should be able to be entered intuitively in self-service, even by transport laypersons, regardless of office hours. Price information should be provided as immediately as possible. And the range of services should include everything online that would otherwise have to be clarified over the phone with a dispatcher.
For the provider, the development and operation of such a platform means adapting to and embracing a complex technical development as well as organizational change.
Volatile boundary conditions in freight forwarding (availability, prices, routes, transport risks, customs clearance, blacklists, etc.) make it difficult to provide ad hoc offers in online quoting due to the many variables. And the large number of data sources required necessitates the complex technical system integration of many systems as well as the redesign of various process and data structures.
To turn this into a business case, Röhlig Transporte needed good ideas, a digital business model - and the courage to develop a previously unknown market.
Procedure model
Together with the specialist department, we were able to examine the specialist processes and, in parallel with Röhlihg IT, the existing processes and systems and develop the target BluePrint.
We derived the product and IT backlog from the requirements and put together suitable teams for the technical implementation of the necessary adaptations and the product.
Close cooperation with Röhlig's strategy department and the Röhlig IT and development divisions enabled us to set the course for other future topics at the same time as the actual project.
The visual part of the solution was provided by UX/UI specialist BUSSE Experience Design.
The project, which was initially viewed critically by many, quickly gained such a high level of acceptance that even internal doubts quickly turned into active demand from the country organizations at Röhlig. Suddenly, every country wanted to be the next to be onboarded.
We are still proud of this joint success.
What is online quoting in general?
Online quoting in Freight Forwarding refers to the process of calculating freight charges for the transportation of goods from one location to another. This process is done online by a company or a customer using an online platform provided by a freight forwarder to get a quote for the transportation of goods.
The online quoting process usually requires you to enter details such as the type and quantity of goods, the origin and destination, the mode of transportation and the desired delivery date. This information is then used to calculate the freight costs, including all associated fees and taxes.
The advantages of online quoting in Freight Forwarding are the immediate availability of prices, the ability to compare multiple quotes, the reduction of errors through the use of automated systems and the ability to complete the entire booking process online. This makes it easier for customers to decide which freight forwarder is best suited to transport their goods.
