The Cooperative Logistics Network wraps up its 9th Annual Meeting blending global reach with a highly personalized networking experience

Over 180 freight forwarders spent three days at Intercontinental Bangkok, engaging in focused one-to-one networking within a trusted and structured setting

The Cooperative's 9th Annual Meeting Group Photo

The Cooperative Logistics Network has brought its 9th Annual Meeting to a successful close, held from 11–13 May 2026 in Bangkok. The event welcomed over 180 freight forwarders from across the globe for three days of networking, strategic exchange, and collaborative discussions. What set the meeting apart was its ability to combine scale with intimacy, creating a structured environment where members could connect and engage with ease and confidence.

The meeting highlighted the importance of direct human interaction in a fast-moving, digital industry. At its core were the one-to-one meetings, where members reviewed ongoing cooperation and explored new opportunities, building trust and clarity for long-term collaboration.

One-to-One meetings

Antonio Torres, President and Founder of The Cooperative Logistics Network, commented, “Scale alone doesn’t generate value; the quality of connections does. This meeting reinforces that even at a global level, business remains personal. Every member has unique strengths and needs, and our role is to create an environment where those differences become opportunities.”

As the logistics sector continues to evolve, The Cooperative Logistics Network is focusing on strengthening its capabilities through team expansion, improved digital tools, and more secure operational frameworks. Key developments include a redesigned member directory to support faster partner selection, as well as a new payment solution currently being developed to make transactions between members more seamless and secure.

Additionally, the three-day program featured interactive Membership and FreightViewer workshops, giving attendees hands-on insight into the network’s tools and services. Led by María Serrano and Andrea Martin, the sessions went beyond FreightViewer basics to cover practical resources that support daily operations. They also highlighted continuous learning through the network’s partnership with CIFFA’s TraversEd, offering a three-level certification pathway and flexible digital courses for members.

Lastly, the conference balanced business sessions with social activities that encouraged informal interaction. A day trip to Bangkok’s landmarks, followed by the Welcome Cocktail Reception and Gala Dinner, created relaxed settings for delegates to connect more freely and build stronger personal relationships. With another successful edition completed, The Cooperative Logistics Network continues to reinforce its position as a trusted global platform for independent freight forwarders, focused on fostering long-term partnerships and supporting sustainable growth across its membership.

The meetings may be over, but the memories continue. Explore the photos from The Cooperative’s 9th Annual Meeting in Bangkok, share your favourite moments on social media, and tag us if you post your own pictures from the event. We’d love to see them.

E2E Supply Chain Management is diversifying their business by shipping DDU

They are mostly exporting general cargo consisting of printed matter or equipment and tower cranes

E2E Supply Chain Management, a Coop member in Singapore, is handling DDU shipments from Singapore to South Africa, Europe, North Asia, Korea, Japan, Australia, and the US. They are moving cargo consisting of printed matter and equipment/tower cranes via ocean freight. They normally use equipment of 20ft and 40ft dry boxes, OT, flat rack, and occasionally BB or RORO vessels. Additionally, they are also providing packing services for some export shipments of used and new equipment.

Recently, they cooperated with Ocean International Freight Services, a Coop member in Southampton, UK, for exporting a set of new equipment to the U.K. by 1 x 40ft HQ & 1 x 40ft OT. They were responsible for customs clearance, container trucking, wooden packing with treated woods and loading.

E2E Supply Chain Management- logistics company in Singapore
DDU Shipments by E2E Supply Chain Management

 

To quote Mr. Alan Lim, the CEO of E2E, “Presently we are mostly using services of carriers like Cosco and HPL. Nevertheless, looking for an appropriate carrier with desired sailing schedule and competitive freight rates given the sky-high freight rate caused by the pandemic bottleneck is a considerable challenge.”

“After 15 years of experience in the freight forwarding industry, our team is well equipped to provide door-to-door transportation services. Regardless of the kind of shipment or the destination, our customers can expect affordable, efficient and speedy services,” adds Mr. Lim.

Congratulations to E2E Supply Chain Management and wishing them the very best for the future!

Interview: Saqib Mehmood, The Vision Shipping

Interview Saqib Mehmood
Interview Saqib Mehmood

“Good customer service with prompt reply and the ability to quote rates quickly and accurately are some of the factors which can lead to a Freight Forwarder’s success”

This week we interviewed Saqib Mehmood, Director of The Vision Shipping LLC- a Coop member in Dubai UAE. Among other things, Saqib talks about the benefits of attending our Annual Meeting and sheds some light on how to be successful in the freight forwarding industry.

 

Q. Can you tell us a little about The Vision Shipping’s history? 

A. I founded TVSL group- a company providing various shipping and logistics services in 2009. With a proven background in the freight forwarding industry, we have served customers from all parts of the world. Over the years, we have become our client’s most reliable option and we carry the same image even today. TVSL is undoubtedly, one of the most renowned companies in the city and we’re making it big with each day passing.

Q. What distinguishes The Vision Shipping from other freight forwarders in your city?

A. Our services are more focused on the domestic and international transportation of both domestic and commercial goods. The service is mandatory for the companies, which are engaged in transporting a wide range of products to overseas market. We are committed to achieving high levels of customer satisfaction by ensuring quality, cost effective services and timely freight forwarding and logistical solutions. Apart from Air and Sea, we also use LTL, FTL, and Intermodal (rail) to move freight. What sets us apart is our ability to deliver the best service on time.

 Q. Which is the most difficult shipment your team has had to deliver?

A. Although we keep handling a lot of complex shipments on a regular basis, moving the Rig Moment from the Gulf of Mexico to India had indeed been a challenging task.

Q. How did you hear about The Cooperative Logistics Network? What attracted you most to The Coop?

A. We were curious about your network when we heard about it from an acquaintance in the industry. I immediately followed up and all the answers to my scrutinizing questions were answered satisfactorily. It was then that we joined as a founding member and here we are still. Full transparency, clear cut information, friendly members, professionally organized Annual Meeting and follow up, and an uncomplicated Payment Protection Programme are some of the factors which attracted us most to your network.

Q. What are the main technological challenges facing freight forwarders at the moment? How important is technology for the industry? 

A. With every passing year, the role of technology in the freight forwarding world is steadily increasing. Technology is now enabling things like predictive analytics, real-time visibility, and enhanced customer service. Freight forwarders of our times need to be updated with all the latest technologies in the industry otherwise they would run the risk of falling behind their competitors. Q. What are the main challenges facing freight forwarders in your country at the moment? A. The transparency and the ruthless competition of carriers and logistic providers, increasing traffic, and related congestion, strikes and hijacking are some of the most common issues faced by freight forwarders in UAE. Moreover, we need to keep pace with the rapidly changing laws and directives and inform our customers about them before our competitors do. I realize these issues are not exclusive to our country.Q. From your own experience, what are the keys to success in the freight forwarding industry?

A. The first step has to be introspection. One needs to analyze where they currently stand in the market, their strengths and weakness. Once the problems are identified, the freight forwarding companies need to focus more on their strengths and work on their weakness and convert that into their strength. Moreover, one needs to identify their client’s exact needs, to make a tailor-made service. Freight forwarders should always keep in mind that low rates are not always the deciding factor to gain a business. If a freight forwarder can provide top-notch services while offering a decent rate, then there is no looking back for that company. Good customer service with prompt reply & the ability to quote rates quickly and accurately are some of the factors which can lead to a company’s success. Lastly, a freight forwarding company have to have a proper marketing team with a good marketing strategy in place to promote their organization at the global level.