4)

The value inherent to freight forwarding in the modern global supply chain can be stated both in terms of finances and efficiency, which ultimately has its own effect on finances and revenues, as well. These two value elements are largely intertwined in the supply chain itself as well -- freight forwarders are better equipped to locate available shipping space at the best possible price than are individual manufacturers or even distributors (Baluch 2005). Freight forwarders essentially offer a service to both shippers and manufacturers/those in need of shipping, creating greater value for both asset-based entities in the arrangement by creating greater efficiency in the system as a whole (Baluch 2005).

5)

The seven economic drivers of transportation costs can be easily illustrated with the example of a standard laptop computer. Distance for many of these units is considerable, often requiring transport from parts of Asia to Europe and North America, with prices commensurate with the miles and modes of travel required. Weight and density for most laptops is not a major factor of increasing the cost of transport, as individual units are relatively light (between one and four pounds) and are not especially dense for their size (though this varies considerably from model to model). Stowability is also a relatively minor factor...

The market has one of the most complex relationships with transportation costs, but as technological consumption continues to rise in the world, shipping from manufacturing regions will likely remain relatively cheap as the shipping supply grows.
6)

The freight bill, or bill of lading, is given by a shipping provider to the manufacturer or shipping originator to acknowledge the receipt of specified goods for transport, usually with certain key details of the shipping agreement including payment terms, pickup and delivery locations and often dates, and a detail of the goods to be transported (MarketTrans 2010). Though not itself a full contract, it is evidence of a contract (whether verbal or written) between the shipper and the carrier, and as it lists certain terms of the carrier's part in the venture and requires the shipper's signature it is legally binding in several regards (MarketTrans 2010).

7)

The essential goal of multi-vendor consolidation is to increase the efficiency of shipping for both