Key Highlights

• CargoWise investment deepens: KRL Logistics is expanding its use of the CargoWise platform in partnership with technology specialist Cen Global to improve operational efficiency, data quality and customer visibility.
• Warehouse operations to be integrated: The freight forwarder is migrating from its existing warehouse management system to CargoWise’s integrated warehouse module, creating a more connected logistics operation.
• Automation to strengthen compliance: New workflows and automated validation checks are being introduced to improve data accuracy, reduce manual quality control and support regulatory compliance.
• Responding to changing customer expectations: KRL says growing demand for real-time shipment visibility and digital communication is driving continued investment in technology across its international freight operations.
• Long-term technology partnership: Having worked together for more than a decade, KRL Logistics and CargoWise Platinum Partner Cen Global are focused on maximising the value of existing technology rather than adding unnecessary system complexity.

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KRL Logistics Unlocks Greater CargoWise Capability to Support Digital Supply Chains

As customer expectations for real-time shipment visibility and seamless digital communication continue to rise, KRL Logistics is expanding its use of the CargoWise platform to improve operational efficiency, strengthen data integrity and enhance the customer experience across its international freight operations.

The UK-based freight forwarder is working with long-standing technology partner Cen Global, a CargoWise Platinum Partner, to unlock additional functionality within the platform and further digitise its logistics processes.

Having used CargoWise for more than 15 years, KRL is now implementing a series of enhancements designed to support its continued business growth while meeting increasing customer demands for transparency throughout the supply chain.

Building on a Long-Term Digital Strategy

Established more than three decades ago, KRL Logistics provides tailored air, sea and road freight services to customers across the UK and international markets.

The company operates from eight locations across the UK, with additional offices in Ireland, China and Hong Kong, supporting a broad range of global supply chain requirements.

As the business has expanded through both organic growth and acquisitions, CargoWise has become central to its operations, with the platform now supporting approximately 90% of the company’s daily activities.

Current development projects include migrating from an existing warehouse management system to CargoWise’s integrated warehouse module, creating a more streamlined flow of operational information while reducing reliance on multiple technology platforms.

Improving Data Quality and Operational Consistency

Alongside warehouse integration, KRL is introducing additional automated workflows and validation checks within CargoWise to improve data accuracy and strengthen compliance.

The enhancements are designed to minimise manual intervention, reduce quality control workloads and improve operational consistency across the business.

By automating routine verification processes, KRL expects its quality control teams to spend less time checking transactional data and more time supporting higher-value operational activities.

The company views improved data quality as an increasingly important differentiator as customers seek more accurate shipment information and greater confidence in supply chain performance.

Meeting Rising Customer Expectations

According to Peter Phythian, Managing Director of KRL Logistics, freight forwarding customers increasingly expect the same level of shipment transparency that has become standard in consumer e-commerce.

“We moved to CargoWise around 15 years ago because we recognised we needed a global platform that could support the way our business was growing. It’s an incredibly capable system, but like any technology, its value comes from how well you use it,” he said.

Phythian noted that customer expectations have changed dramatically over the past decade.

“Today, businesses of all sizes expect the same levels of visibility and communication that consumers experience when ordering online. You can order something as simple as a coat hanger and follow every stage of its journey, yet historically you could import millions of pounds worth of machinery from overseas and have very little visibility once it left port.”

He added that CargoWise enables freight forwarders to deliver the end-to-end shipment visibility customers increasingly expect, while Cen Global helps KRL maximise the value of the technology already in place.

“Working with Cen Global allows us to continually improve how we use CargoWise. They help us understand what the platform can do, identify opportunities to improve our processes and make sure we are getting the maximum value from the technology we already have.”

Technology as a Competitive Advantage

KRL’s ongoing collaboration with Cen Global spans more than a decade, with the technology consultancy supporting the freight forwarder’s digital transformation as its operations have expanded.

For Steve Cross, Managing Director of Cen Global, competitive advantage in freight forwarding will increasingly depend not on the software itself, but on how effectively companies integrate technology into everyday operations.

“Platforms such as CargoWise provide freight forwarders with a huge amount of functionality, but the real value now comes from understanding how to apply that technology effectively,” Cross said.

“Our role is to work alongside businesses like KRL, understand their processes and help them identify where CargoWise can deliver real improvements. It’s about making technology work harder for the business as customer expectations and operational demands continue to change.”

Cross added that as CargoWise continues to evolve, businesses need expert guidance to ensure new capabilities solve genuine operational challenges rather than adding unnecessary complexity.

Driving the Next Phase of Digital Freight Forwarding

The latest technology investment reflects a broader trend across the freight forwarding sector, where companies are seeking to improve operational efficiency while delivering greater transparency and responsiveness to customers.

As global supply chains become increasingly data-driven, forwarders are focusing on maximising the capabilities of existing digital platforms through automation, integration and workflow optimisation rather than relying solely on new software deployments.

For KRL Logistics, continued investment in CargoWise is expected to strengthen operational resilience, improve customer service and support future growth as digitalisation reshapes the logistics industry.