ZIM container line has joined Cosco Shipping, Maersk Line and CMA CGM in signing up with online retail giant Alibaba whereby customers of the Chinese firm will be able to book space directly on the Israeli carrier’s ships.
Further containerlines are expected to sign with Alibaba soon. The Chinese firm’s American rival Amazon has in the meantime become a fully fledged ocean freight forwarder in another disruptive move shaking up the traditional roles of freight forwarders.
Commenting on the latest news, Splash columnist Kris Kosmala, who works for software firm Quintiq, tweeted: “Traditional freight forwarders and fledgling freight e-portals – you thought you are commoditised? Just wait!”
