Global trade depends heavily on logistics, which keeps supply chains running smoothly and ensures that items travel across borders effectively. CargoWise, a leading logistics software solution, has become a crucial tool for freight forwarders, customs brokers, and supply chain managers worldwide. This blog will cover CargoWise’s features, its function in enterprise resource planning (ERP), cost considerations, and the advantages of working with a certified CargoWise partner.
What is CargoWise?
CargoWise is an all-in-one logistics software that simplifies and enhances supply chain operations. Developed by WiseTech Global to automate logistics procedures, such as e-commerce logistics, freight forwarding, warehousing, customs clearing, and transport management.
Powered by a single, unified database, CargoWise connects branches and departments across your organization, making collaboration and efficiency easier to achieve. By centralizing your data, businesses can communicate more clearly, reduce redundancies, and stay aligned on common goals with greater speed and accuracy.
As a cloud-based solution, CargoWise provides users with continuous updates and enhancements from WiseTech Global. This means businesses can stay ahead of industry shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements without the hassle of manual updates or costly IT overhauls.
Building on its foundation of innovation and global reach, CargoWise helps businesses automate and optimize international forwarding operations across modes and borders. From capacity planning and rate management to vessel booking and last-mile trucking, CargoWise gives logistics providers the tools they need to manage complex global supply chains more efficiently.
As of March 2025, CargoWise is recognized as the leading logistics and forwarding software, licensed for use in 195 countries. WiseTech Global has delivered 5,800+ features and enhancements to CargoWise over the last five years, reflecting a strong commitment to continuous product advancement.
CargoWise is trusted by 16,500 customers across the globe, including 24 of the top 25 and 46 of the top 50 third-party logistics providers, according to Armstrong & Associates’ rankings based on 2018 logistics gross revenue and freight forwarding volumes (source).
Whether you’re managing a growing supply chain business or a global freight forwarding operation, Cargowise’s versatile and feature-packed system optimizes productivity where it counts the most.
CargoWise’s Importance in the Logistics and Freight-Forwarding Sector
CargoWise has transformed logistics management with its single-platform solution that improves visibility, control, and compliance across the entire supply chain. It’s not just about keeping track of shipments; it’s about giving every part of the business—from operations to customer service—access to the same real-time information. By connecting all key stakeholders such as freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, warehouses, and customers, CargoWise makes true real-time collaboration possible.
CargoWise for Freight Forwarding and Transportation Management
Beyond its role as an integrated logistics platform, CargoWise is particularly beneficial for freight forwarding businesses. It enables seamless multi-modal transportation management, where shipments often move across a combination of air, sea, and land, and it brings all of those operations together in one place. Instead of jumping between different systems or relying on manual processes, freight forwarders can coordinate every stage of transportation seamlessly. This functionality allows freight forwarders to easily consolidate shipments, plan more efficient routes, and cut down on unnecessary transit times.
Key Capabilities of CargoWise for Freight Forwarders
Run ocean operations smoothly from port to port:
- Gain total visibility into container movements and shipping events across the supply chain.
- Exchange direct electronic messages for schedules, bookings, tracking, verified gross mass, shipping instructions, and bill of lading data.
- Maintain compliance and keep shipments on schedule with direct electronic connections to ports, port community systems, and port authorities worldwide.
Accelerate and automate air freight operations:
- Track air freight movements from a single, deeply integrated platform with real-time aircraft data visibility.
- Exchange messages easily across your entire network, regardless of geography, language, or currency.
- Monitor shipments all the way through to final delivery, keeping customers updated with accurate, real-time information.
Streamline landside operations with Blume Global integration:
- Access a global network of pre-integrated motor carriers to move shipments to and from air and marine terminals, rail ramps, and customer facilities.
- Automated tools for selecting carriers, remove the uncertainty of choosing the optimal mode (rail, full truckload, less than truckload, or parcel) and carrier.
- Track shipments in real time from purchase order to delivery, with predictive estimated arrival times to minimize delays and optimize logistics performance.
Automation and Real-Time Visibility Across the Supply Chain
One of CargoWise’s biggest advantages is its ability to automate labor-intensive processes. Tasks like documentation, customs compliance, and freight tracking, which traditionally require a lot of staff time and attention, are automated within the system. By removing the need for constant manual input, CargoWise helps minimize the risk of human error and gives businesses the ability to handle increased volumes without proportionally growing operational costs.
CargoWise also gives businesses real-time visibility into every shipment through its centralized platform. Freight forwarders, carriers, and customers can easily access accurate updates whenever they need them, without having to dig through multiple systems or wait for manual responses. This level of transparency helps eliminate communication gaps, strengthens coordination across the supply chain, and builds more trust with customers who expect timely and reliable information.
Simplifying Global Expansion and Compliance
With its global reach and integration capabilities, CargoWise gives logistics companies the tools they need to expand their operations into new markets without losing control or compromising efficiency. Growing across borders can be complicated, especially with different trade rules, customs procedures, and regulatory standards in every region. CargoWise helps simplify that complexity by offering built-in customs management tools that make it easier for freight forwarders to navigate the often confusing world of international regulations.
With CargoWise, businesses can:
- Accelerate customs clearance and ensure your goods move smoothly across borders
- Minimize your exposure to risk and streamline decision making processes for problematic shipments
- Ensure financial operations are being conducted in accordance with local laws and regulations
By having this level of regulatory support built directly into the platform means companies can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time focusing on bigger priorities like expanding their services, entering new markets, and strengthening customer relationships.
CargoWise Features
CargoWise offers a wide range of features designed specifically for the needs of logistics professionals. This platform has the tools needed to run everything smoothly, whether you’re managing freight across the borders, tracking shipments, or handling complex customs.
Key features of CargoWise
- Freight Forwarding: Automates air, marine, and land freight processes to create efficient workflows, helping businesses move goods faster and with fewer errors.
- Customs Clearance: Facilitates the processing of customs documentation and international trade regulations.
- Container Freight Station (CFS): Optimizes cargo handling and storage by streamlining the consolidation and deconsolidation of shipments before they reach their final destination.
- Liner & Agency: Supports the management of relationships between shipping lines and agents, ensuring that vessel operations, bookings, and cargo handling run smoothly across different ports.
- Warehouse Management (WMS): Integrates inventory tracking, order management, and 3PL and 4PL warehousing operations.
- Transport Management (TMS): Facilitates real-time transport tracking, scheduling, and cost optimization.
- CargoWise Neo (Track & Trace): Provides real-time visibility into the status and location of shipments, enabling users to monitor cargo movements throughout the supply chain.
- Geo Compliance: Protects sensitive data while ensuring compliance with global trade regulations, an essential feature for companies operating across multiple countries.
- Ocean Carrier Contracts and Allocations: Maximize contract efficiency and minimize costs.
- Market Intelligence and Analytics: Transform data into actionable insights.
- Advanced Order Manager: Enables seamless fulfillment operations by offering real-time visibility into orders from purchase through final delivery.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator: Automated emissions tracking with precision.
- Accounting & Finance: Offers a full suite of financial management tools, including invoicing, cost allocation, financial reporting, and reconciliation.
- Sales & Marketing: Supports customer relationship management (CRM) by tracking leads, managing client interactions, and automating sales processes to enhance customer engagement and drive business growth.
- HR & Workforce Management (HRM): Simplifies human resources operations by managing employee records, tracking work schedules, and ensuring compliance with labor regulations
- Global Connectivity: Enables integration with various third-party logistics platforms, carriers, and customs authorities.
How CargoWise Functions as an ERP Solution
CargoWise is an ERP solution tailored for logistics businesses by integrating essential supply chain functions that freight forwarders and logistics providers rely on every day. From customer management and accounting to warehouse operations, customs compliance, and transportation management, CargoWise connects these critical processes within a single, unified system. Unlike traditional ERPs, CargoWise is designed specifically for the freight forwarding and logistics industry.
Benefits for Logistics and Supply Chain Businesses
- Operational Efficiency: Reduces manual data entry and optimizes workflows.
- Cost Savings: Lowers operational costs by automating key processes and improving the accuracy of forecasting and planning.
- Scalability: Supports business growth with flexible, customizable modules that adapt as your needs change.
- Global Compliance: Helps businesses stay compliant with international trade regulations and documentation standards, reducing the risk of delays and penalties.
- Real-Time Visibility: Provides complete tracking and reporting across the entire supply chain, giving you better control and faster response times.
Why Work with a CargoWise Certified Partner?
Implementing CargoWise is a major step for any business. While the software is powerful, setting it up correctly and getting the most out of it requires specialized knowledge and experience. A CargoWise Certified Partner brings the expertise needed to guide you through a smooth implementation, configure the system to match your operations, and continue optimizing it over time as your business grows.
Services Offered by CargoWise Partners
- Requirement Analysis: Partners take the time to fully understand how your organization currently operates. They identify specific needs, set expectations for CargoWise setup, and help define the right approach for system development and training.
- Parameter Setup and System Configuration: Every business is different. Certified partners configure CargoWise to fit your unique operational structure, making sure the system works with your workflows instead of forcing you to adjust to a generic setup.
- Master Data Migration: Migrating existing data can be one of the trickiest parts of implementation. Partners handle the uploading of critical XML files such as organization master data, chart of accounts, charge codes, company tariffs, and client rates, using standardized Excel templates to streamline the process.
- Customization/Integration: Configuring reports and documents, and creating seamless external integrations with other systems via API and EDI.
- Training: Proper training is essential for success. Certified partners deliver comprehensive user training to make sure your team understands how to use CargoWise effectively across different functions.
- Support & Maintenance: Implementation is only the beginning. Partners provide ongoing support to troubleshoot issues, apply software updates, and recommend performance improvements as your business grows and changes.
Why Choose Calsoft Systems as Your CargoWise Partner
Choosing the right partner can make all the difference when it comes to a successful CargoWise implementation. At Calsoft Systems, we bring decades of experience in logistics technology and global deployments across Asia, Oceania, North America, Europe, and beyond.
As a trusted CargoWise Certified Partner, we are committed to helping businesses maximize the full potential of their investment. Our team is committed to helping businesses not just install the software, but use it in a way that truly transforms their operations. From initial setup to complete deployment, we walk you through every step. We work closely with customers to make sure they can take full advantage of CargoWise’s capabilities to improve their business processes.
Cost of Implementing CargoWise
Overview of CargoWise Pricing
The cost of implementing CargoWise can vary based on the unique needs of each business. WiseTech Global uses a subscription-based pricing model, which gives companies the flexibility to scale their usage as they grow. Whether you are a small freight forwarder just starting out or a large enterprise managing complex logistics networks, CargoWise offers a pricing structure that can be tailored to fit your operations and goals.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, businesses can choose the services and modules they need, paying only for what supports their specific workflows. This flexibility makes CargoWise a practical investment for companies at different stages of growth.
Factors Influencing CargoWise Cost
Several factors come into play when determining CargoWise pricing and the overall cost of implementation:
- Company Size: Larger businesses often require more user licenses, broader system access, and additional advanced features to support their operations. These factors can increase the total cost compared to a smaller company with simpler needs.
- Modules Required: CargoWise offers a wide range of modules covering freight management, customs compliance, warehousing, transportation management, and more. Costs will depend on which modules your business chooses to activate and use regularly.
- Customization Needs: If your business needs special integrations with existing systems or customized workflows, this can add to the overall implementation cost. However, investing in the right customizations often leads to greater efficiency and better system performance over time.
- Implementation and Support: Working with a CargoWise Certified Partner, such as Calsoft Systems, can have a major impact on the success of your deployment. A knowledgeable partner can guide you through setup, training, and ongoing support, helping you avoid costly mistakes and delays during implementation.
Is CargoWise the Right Solution for Your Business?
Before implementing CargoWise, it is important to take a close look at your logistics needs, operational complexity, and integration requirements. Careful evaluation will help you understand whether CargoWise is the best fit for your goals, both now and in the future.
Some questions to consider:
- What are the biggest pain points in your logistics operations? Are inefficiencies, manual data entry, or outdated systems slowing you down?
- Does your business require real-time tracking, automated workflows, or greater visibility across your supply chain?
- Will CargoWise support your business as it grows? Can it integrate with your existing solutions and expand as your operations evolve?
How to Maximize ROI with the Right Implementation Approach
Once you’ve determined that CargoWise aligns with your business needs, the next step is to ensure a smooth and effective implementation. Here’s how you can make the most of your investment:
- Work with a CargoWise Certified Partner. Experienced partners can guide you through every step of the implementation, from initial setup and system configuration to integration and troubleshooting
- Invest in employee training. Making sure your team understands how to use CargoWise effectively is key to getting the most from the platform.
- Continuously evaluate and optimize your system. Regularly reviewing your CargoWise configurations ensures they stay aligned with your evolving business goals and help you keep pace with industry changes.
Conclusion
CargoWise stands out as a powerful logistics software solution that drives operational efficiency, strengthens compliance, and enhances global connectivity. Whether you’re a freight forwarder, customs broker, or warehousing provider, CargoWise offers a scalable and customizable ERP solution to meet industry demands. Having the right CargoWise Certified Partner ensures a smooth implementation and helps users get the most out of the software.
Ready to optimize your logistics operations with CargoWise? Contact Calsoft Systems today to learn we can help you achieve a seamless implementation and maximize the benefits of CargoWise for your business.
