What Supplier Management Software does for a freight forwarder
Supplier management software tracks purchase orders, supplier contacts, payment terms, delivery schedules and stock reorder points in one system. For a freight forwarder, the value shows up exactly where the work is hardest.
Freight forwarders track shipments, customs documentation, cargo consolidation and delivery confirmations. Freight forwarding margins come from shipping fees and customs service charges.
Shippers and authorities expect complete documentation and compliance. Veira handles that as part of the same sale, so compliance is not a separate evening job.
Freight Forwarders run differently, and the software should too
A generic till misses the details that decide whether a freight forwarder makes money. These are the ones that matter:
- 1
The daily reality
Documentation and compliance. Supplier Management Software built for a freight forwarder turns that into a number you can act on, and you also keep track of purchase orders from creation through delivery and payment.
- 2
Where the margin leaks
Cargo tracking and tracing. Supplier Management Software built for a freight forwarder turns that into a number you can act on, and you also never miss a delivery date: get alerts when orders are due, and confirm receipt when goods arrive.
- 3
What slows the counter
Customs delays and fees. Supplier Management Software built for a freight forwarder turns that into a number you can act on, and you also manage payment terms: know which suppliers need cash on delivery and which offer 30-day terms.
- 4
What buyers expect
Customer communication. Supplier Management Software built for a freight forwarder turns that into a number you can act on, and you also compare prices across suppliers so you order from the cheapest option each time.
What to look for in Supplier Management Software for a freight forwarder
- Purchase order creation and tracking from order to delivery. This matters for a freight forwarder because of documentation and compliance.
- Supplier contact and payment term management. This matters for a freight forwarder because of cargo tracking and tracing.
- Delivery date reminders so you know when to expect stock. This matters for a freight forwarder because of customs delays and fees.
- Price comparison across suppliers for the same item. This matters for a freight forwarder because of customer communication.
A notebook and a basic till, or Veira
| Notebook or basic till | Veira | |
|---|---|---|
| Counting stock | By hand, rarely matches the shelf | Live by item, branch and value |
| M-Pesa at the counter | Checked on a separate phone | Matched to each sale automatically |
| eTIMS invoices | Typed in later, if at all | Filed on every sale, even offline |
| Knowing your numbers | A monthly guess | Live margin and takings on your phone |
A real freight forwarder example
A Mombasa freight forwarder handling 30 shipments monthly cannot track customs status or delivery confirmations.
- Documentation and compliance.
- Cargo tracking and tracing.
- Customs delays and fees.
- Keep track of purchase orders from creation through delivery and payment.
- Never miss a delivery date: get alerts when orders are due, and confirm receipt when goods arrive.
- Manage payment terms: know which suppliers need cash on delivery and which offer 30-day terms.
Every sale on Veira files a compliant KRA eTIMS invoice, online or offline. Shippers and authorities expect complete documentation and compliance.
Supplier management software tracks purchase orders, supplier contacts, payment terms, delivery schedules and stock reorder points in one system. Here is what that looks like with Veira:
- Keep track of purchase orders from creation through delivery and payment
- Never miss a delivery date: get alerts when orders are due, and confirm receipt when goods arrive
- Manage payment terms: know which suppliers need cash on delivery and which offer 30-day terms
- Compare prices across suppliers so you order from the cheapest option each time
Frequently asked questions
Is Supplier Management Software hard to set up for a freight forwarder?
Does it keep working offline?
Does it handle M-Pesa for a freight forwarder?
Is it KRA eTIMS compliant?
How much does Supplier Management Software cost for a freight forwarder in Kenya?
Can it run more than one freight forwarder?
Based on KRA eTIMS regulations and interviews with 5,000+ Kenyan businesses
Whether you run one freight forwarder or several across Kenya, Veira gives you supplier management that fits the trade instead of fighting it. Book a free demo and see it work with your own local and international shipping.