Categories:

#38

CargoWise is ranked #38 in the Freight Broker Software product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

CargoWise Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, CargoWise pricing starts in the range of $100 - $500.

Price
$
$
$
$
$
i
Starting From
Undisclosed
Pricing Model
Annually, Quote-based
Free Trial
No

Training Resources

CargoWise is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for CargoWise:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

CargoWise Benefits and Insights

Why use CargoWise?

Key differentiators & advantages of CargoWise

  • Accelerate Supply Chain Efficiency: Ensure data quality with master data validation tools. Get access to validated addresses to make accurate delivery and routing decisions. Includes advanced spatial technology, autocomplete function, and background address, registration code and phone validation functionalities. 
  • Automate Parcel Transport: Streamline shipping procedures throughout the enterprise. Includes multi-carrier parcel processing, smart routing, shipping documentation, regulatory compliance and rate shopping capabilities. 
  • Manage Ecommerce Operations: Offers a centralized platform for the entire international ecommerce fulfillment supply chain. Improve data quality, increase productivity and ensure trade compliance to facilitate reliable logistics operations. Provides origin depot, shipper and destination portals. 
  • Simplify Rates and Contracts: A searchable live database provides multi-modal rate visibility and control. Analyze buy and sell rates to quickly produce quotes using automated cost and revenue calculations. Provides functionalities like a rate selector, auto-costing and auto-rating, and direct carrier connections. 
  • Seamless Shipments: Leverage integrated sailing schedules, container control, automated data exchange and more to manage bookings and bills of lading. Provides container management and tracking, bookings, vessels allocations and multi-currency accounting modules. 
  • Maintain Compliance: Ensure seamless shipment movement using geocompliance tools and maintain trade compliance with real-time updates and the latest regulations. Automated accounting processes simplify international transactions and operations. Offers security screening, invoice automation, reporting, automatic tax engine and multi-language communications. 

Industry Expertise

It offers software solutions to industry-leading freight forwarders, third-party logistics providers and more than 17,000 logistics organizations worldwide.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of CargoWise reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • End-to-End Visibility: Provides comprehensive tracking and management of goods throughout the entire supply chain, from the point of origin to the final destination.
  • Global Trade Compliance: Includes built-in tools that help businesses navigate the complexities of international trade regulations, ensuring compliance with constantly evolving legal requirements.
  • Data Accuracy: Offers upfront data verification tools that help maintain data integrity, reducing errors and improving the reliability of information used for decision-making.
  • Centralized Platform: Consolidates all logistics operations into a single, unified system, streamlining workflows and reducing the need for multiple software solutions.

Cons

  • Customer Support: CargoWise users frequently report poor customer service experiences. Support is often limited after the sales process, and resolving issues can be slow due to a cumbersome incident reporting system.
  • Pricing Volatility: The pricing structure for CargoWise is often criticized for its lack of transparency and unpredictable changes. Initial discounts may be enticing, but frequent price revisions and unexpected charges make budgeting and cost management challenging.
  • Workflow Inefficiencies: Some users find the workflow processes in CargoWise to be cumbersome and inefficient. Promised updates and new features are sometimes delayed, which can cause frustration and hinder productivity.
  • Unexpected System Costs: Despite promises of cost savings, some businesses experience escalating system costs with CargoWise. The lack of clear guidance on achieving the advertised cost reductions adds to this frustration.
  • Performance Issues: Occasional reports of the software being laggy can negatively impact daily operations and create inefficiencies for users who rely on a responsive system.

Researcher's Summary:

Is CargoWise really so wise when it comes to meeting user needs? Recent reviews paint a mixed picture of this supply chain management software. On one hand, users rave about its comprehensive functionality, highlighting its integrated approach to managing freight forwarding operations, from tracking and tracing to customs clearance and accounting. This end-to-end solution, as one user pointed out, brings everything under one umbrella, streamlining complex workflows and boosting productivity. The software's configurability and flexibility also receive praise, with customers appreciating the ability to tailor the system to their specific needs. However, this apparent strength is countered by a recurring theme in negative reviews: CargoWise's steep learning curve and lackluster customer support. Users report that the software is difficult to master, with training materials deemed insufficient for navigating its more technical aspects. This challenge is compounded by what many describe as abysmal post-sales support, characterized by slow response times, unhelpful incident reports, and a general lack of readily available assistance.

The pricing policy is another sore point, often described as unpredictable and frustratingly opaque. Users express concerns over frequent revisions, hidden charges, and escalating costs that belie the promised savings. This lack of transparency, coupled with the reportedly poor customer service, creates a sense of distrust and frustration among those who feel locked into a system that doesn't deliver on its initial promises.

In conclusion, CargoWise seems like a powerful tool for freight forwarding, but one that requires significant investment in terms of both time and money. Its comprehensive features and integration capabilities make it suitable for large enterprises with dedicated IT and training resources to navigate its complexities and absorb potential cost overruns. However, smaller businesses or those seeking a more user-friendly and transparent experience might want to explore alternative solutions.

Key Features

  • Forwarding Management: Offers a single platform to perform logistics transactions and handle freight operations. Leverage advanced technologies, automation and analytics to gain deep visibility, optimize supply chain and make data-driven decisions. 
    • Freight Forwarding: Automate and optimize forwarding procedures, such as capacity planning, rate management, vessel booking and last-mile tracking. 
    • Schedules and Bookings: Increase accuracy and save time using an online feed of flight and vessel information for air and sea ports. 
    • Container Freight Station: Improve and streamline complex container and depot processes from a single, integrated platform. 
    • Electronic Port Connections: Direct electronic connections to carriers, agents and ports across the world’s busiest ports helps save time and money. 
  • Customs Management: Create, manage and clear import and export customs declarations globally while operating within the law. Minimize cargo delays, fees, fines and inspections. 
    • Customs Declarations: Prevent costly compliance mistakes and ensure smooth goods movement across borders through electronic import and export customs clearance processes. 
    • BorderWise: Offers multiple books about trade legislation and reference materials in one location to avoid penalty risks, delays and reputation. 
    • Bonded Warehouse Integration: Track, manage and maintain inventory levels with greater control and compliance by integrating customs brokerage and warehouse procedures. 
    • Denied Party Screening: Stay informed and compliant through smooth screening processes for shippers, consignees, client contacts and ocean vessels. 
  • Monitor Freight Movements: View cargo status in real time. Improve decision-making capabilities and gain supply chain transparency with automation and visibility tools. 
    • Container Automation: Automate workflows, manage exceptions and eliminate manual operations from a global, integrated platform. 
    • Tracking and Events: Combine a network of agents and partners to regular procedures with the tools required in shipments. 
    • Air Waybill Automation: Merge data streams from the entire supply chain and develop a customized global data-set of locations and events information. 
  • Enterprise Operations Management: Consolidate and streamline business processes using enterprise tools. Includes features like accounting, human resources manager, customer relationship manager, workflow and productivity, eDocs and customer ticket portal. 
  • Optimize Transport Performance: Streamline order-to-delivery processes and proactively plan capacity, loads and routes. Real-time alerts and ETA updates help improve customer service. 
    • Asset-Based Transport Management: Use on-the-road data and status updates to monitor drivers, equipment and consignments. It helps improve service levels and minimize transportation costs. 
    • Non-Asset Based Transport Management: Access multiple carrier connections quickly to enhance shipments across modes and routes worldwide. Simplifies multi-carrier rating, shipping and tracking. 
  • Warehouse Visibility and Control: Manage inbound and outbound cargo using a warehouse management system. Track inventory movements and use transit facilities to accurately receive, process and dispatch packages. 

Limitations

At the time of this review, these are the limitations according to user feedback:

  •  Involves a steep learning curve. 
  •  Training material is limited. 
  •  Customer service is not responsive. 
  •  The system is slow and crashes sometimes. 

Suite Support

mail_outlineEmail: Not available.
phonePhone: +61 (2) 8001 2222 or 1300 853 121 (Australia). Other region-specific numbers are also mentioned on the support page.
schoolTraining: Offers an education portal, free online training and certifications.
local_offerTickets: Log in on the support portal to raise tickets.