Changing next practice to best practice in freight forwarding

With global supply chains in upheaval, mounting container imbalances, and increasing pressure for digital transformation, traditional approaches are proving inadequate for freight forwarders. All hope isn’t lost, however.  

The global supply chain of old seems to be in an upheaval, and a growing stack of empty containers that cannot make their way home are likely contributing to an expanding global mismatch in supply and demand. This is adding to a possible crisis that some say is hiding in plain sight. 

One-way may be the best way forward

For these reasons, the ever-changing world of global logistics is facing many new demands to which an often conservative container shipping industry must adapt to keep up, including the use of technology, fleet availability and flexibility, and solutions that benefit economic, environmental, and social factors.

This might explain why OVL Container’s CEO Osmo Lahtinen has seen a recent uptick in interest in one-way leasing. Lahtinen is not surprised, though, and he argues that one-way leasing may be the best way forward, considering developments happening in the global supply chain.

“The one-way container leasing industry is highly equipped to handle the new requirements from the market and the supply chain, not least in terms of, say, fleet accessibility, the utilisation of AI, and the continued green transition,” he elaborates. “However, this requires breaking away from being considered a niche solution. This means that we, as specialists, must subvert expectations and misconceptions about the service – not least among those who still think it is primarily a tailor-made solution at a high-end price.” 

“Next practice” must become best practice 

OVL Container is part of a highly specialised generation of emerging one-way leasing companies that are spearheading a change within container shipping, where “same-old, same-old” will no longer suffice.

According to Maritime Analytica, uncertainty is currently stalling the industry’s momentum, driven by high freight costs, digitalisation, and sustainability investments. More of the same will not fix these issues, says Lahtinen, meaning that “next practice” must become best practice.

“While we try to embody one-way leasing done right today, we are now – more than anything – determined to help embody what will be ‘next practice’ in container shipping as a whole. This means embracing digital technology such as AI, while investing in an accessible depot network as well as a reliable fleet of green containers,” he elaborates. “All this, without slapping on a premium price tag, because let’s be honest, price is still king with increasing port fees, inflation, and geopolitical risks.” 

Another digital tool is also tackling operational safety and efficiency. The Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations’ (FIATA’s) recent launch of its Container Packing App at the 2025 FIATA-Region Asia-Pacific Field Meeting represents a significant step forward in digitalising core freight forwarding processes.

The app, available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, provides practical guidance on global container packing best practices, and translates complex safety requirements into an accessible, user-friendly format available from your mobile device, whether in the warehouse, at the loading site, or on the go.

“Improper packing of cargo inside containers remains one of the leading causes of accidents, cargo damage, and supply chain disruptions,” says Tej Contractor, chair of the FIATA Advisory Body on Information Technology (ABIT) and key contributor to the project. “This app equips our industry with the essential knowledge to ensure cargo is packed safely, protecting not only the goods, but also the people handling them. By placing global best practices directly into the hands of freight forwarders, loaders, and warehouse teams, it promotes standardisation and enhances safety in container packing worldwide.”

FIATA director general, Dr Stéphane Graber, also highlights the significance of the app: “This app represents a major leap forward in making safety and compliance easier to manage for those working in the logistics and transportation sectors. By digitalising critical packing guidelines, FIATA is helping to reduce risks, improve efficiency, and ensure that the global supply chain operates more safely and smoothly.”

Key features of the app include step-by-step packing guidance, downloadable visual checklists for key safety recommendations, and practical tools to reduce risks and ensure compliance.

So, as global supply chains evolve, one-way container leasing and digital safety tools like FIATA’s packing app represent fundamental shifts that freight forwarders can make to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive risk management.