Q&A with Steve Collins, Managing Director of Fargo
Gaining control of inland container movements
Ahead of Multimodaal on 12 March in Breda, Netherlands, Steve Collins, Managing Director of the Fargo Group, explains why inland container control has become a strategic priority for freight forwarders, and how intermodal-first technology is transforming visibility, cost management, and operational decision-making.
Why has inland container control become more prominent on the agenda for freight forwarders?
Cost exposure across inland operations has risen markedly. Longer dwell times quickly lead to higher demurrage, detention, and storage charges if containers are not actively monitored and managed. Forwarders now need real-time, end-to-end visibility throughout the entire container lifecycle – not retrospectively – to retain commercial control.
Where do most people lose visibility and control within inland operations?
The challenge is rarely a lack of information; it’s fragmentation. Critical data is dispersed across port systems, forwarding platforms, transport partners, emails, and spreadsheets. Without integration and automation, teams find it difficult to identify cost exposure early or intervene before avoidable charges occur.
What part does systems integration have in solving these challenges?
Integration is essential. When systems connect, ports, forwarding platforms, transport providers, GPS, and financial data all flow seamlessly. Job orders, transport bookings, arrivals, departures, and live status updates are displayed in one location, reducing manual effort and enabling quicker, more confident decision-making.
How does real-time financial visibility influence the way forwarders manage inland movements?
Forwarders require visibility not only of incurred costs but also of forecast exposure. Real-time access to revenue, costs, and accruals allows teams to actively manage margins, foresee commercial risks, and provide customers with precise, timely updates – rather than addressing issues after they occur.
Which operational roles are most affected by improved container control?
Intermodal planning and control teams are vital to inland operations, managing exceptions, service performance, and cost risks daily. Providing them with real-time operational and financial insights directly improves efficiency and service levels across the wider supply chain.
How do you see inland container management developing in the coming years?
We are shifting towards control without ownership. Forwarders will increasingly depend on intermodal-first platforms that unify planning, execution, integration, and financial insight. As inland networks become more complex and commercially sensitive, that level of control is no longer optional; it is essential.
As inland operations become more complex and cost-sensitive, control without ownership is quickly becoming a business necessity. Fargo’s intermodal-focused platforms are helping forwarders replace fragmented data with real-time operational and financial visibility.
Meet the Fargo team at Multimodaal, stand 2.601, to discover how inland container management can shift from reactive firefighting to strategic control.