GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026

Collaborative Logistics Networks

Freight forwarders, shippers, and carriers form collaborative logistics networks by sharing vehicle capacity, warehouse space, routing data, and demand forecasts through integrated digital platforms.

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Last updated: 23 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/collaborative-logistics/

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Definition & Explanation

Freight forwarders, shippers, and carriers form collaborative logistics networks by sharing vehicle capacity, warehouse space, routing data, and demand forecasts through integrated digital platforms. The goal is network-wide optimization: empty runs are minimized, transport costs are distributed across multiple partners, and delivery reliability improves – without any single actor needing to maintain a complete standalone network. Unlike a bilateral cooperation agreement between two companies, a collaborative logistics network typically involves multiple parties of varying sizes and roles, coordinated through order matching and capacity exchange. The model is widely used in urban parcel delivery, temperature-controlled food transport, and time-sensitive industrial supply chains. Real-time visibility platforms are the operational backbone that makes a network of this kind viable.