Digitalization of the maritime shipping service: defining the digital freight forwarder

作者：Fangli Zeng, Anqi Chen, Shuojiang Xu, Hing Kai Chan, Lei Xu · 发表于：International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1108/ijpdlm-04-2024-0165 · 被引用次数：8 · 研究领域：Economic and Technological Systems Analysis、Law, logistics, and international trade、Maritime Ports and Logistics

Purpose This study aims to define Digital Freight Forwarders (DFFs) within the maritime shipping industry and examine how they address the digitalization gaps in compared to traditional freight forwarders. Design/methodology/approach The research adopts an inductive, qualitative approach, with empirical data collected through a combination of single-case and multiple-case studies in the maritime shipping sector. This methodology facilitates the development of an empirically grounded definition of DFFs, along with the identification of their key operational characteristics and the critical challenges they encounter. Findings The study identifies two layers of digitalization in DFFs: basic digital functionalities (e.g. online quoting, booking and tracking) and advanced digital integration (e.g. AI-driven analytics, blockchain and application programming interface connectivity). While DFFs enhance service transparency, automation and operational efficiency, they do not entirely replace human expertise due to regulatory constraints, reluctance to data-sharing and integration challenges. The findings further suggest that the adoption of DFFs is not a binary transition but rather a progression along a spectrum of digital maturity, influenced by technological capabilities, stakeholder collaboration and industry-wide trust in digital platforms. Research limitations/implications This exploratory study is based on qualitative case studies, which may limit the generalizability of its fi...