The WCA family, or World Cargo Alliance, is a network of professional freight forwarders that offers valuable opportunities for small, independent forwarders looking to make global connections and drive business growth. Its presence is all the more important this day and age, when staying competitive especially because of large, multinational companies that make it difficult for startups to develop a client base. Joining the WCA family is one of the fastest ways of creating connections, getting coverage and large contracts. However, the term is not known to everyone; in fact, many freight forwarders struggle to gain exposure, without knowing how much they can fast forward the process with the help of a cargo network. Freight networks were specifically established to encourage collaboration and promote a sense of partnership. Structure is very important in such organizations, allowing all members to express their business identity and benefit equally from opportunities. Here are the most important things about structure and how it makes it possible for networks to work.

What is the WCA?

The WCA is a multinational organization that allows members to join depending on the available vacancies. It can even be possible for two or more companies in the same country to be allowed to join, because it is not the mission of the alliance to create competition, but to encourage collaboration.

WCA membership and management

Usually, there can be three members per country, but larger territories can have up to five registered members. All rights and responsibilities are distributed equally and all members must contribute equally to the organization, bringing value and suitable financial health. Needless to say, the management of the cargo alliance is objective and does not have a self interest. This ensures that all members can receive equal opportunities.

Who can join the World Cargo Alliance?

One of the most important structural characteristics of a freight forwarder network is its non-exclusivity. Everyone is welcome to join, no matter the company size, and this empowers small businesses to have a chance in today’s competitive environment, reach clients and form collaborations. There isn’t a pyramid scheme to the network, so this eliminates any misunderstandings. All companies who join have access to the same resources and, as long as they respect the alliance’s rules, they get the same opportunities. This equality is extremely sought after by small companies, who usually find it very hard to survive in the current competitive market.

Member responsibilities in the WCA

Depending on its size and policies, a network may or may not have offices in all the locations in which it is present. However, there is an annual meeting when all members can discuss business, analyze new opportunities and meet potential partners. If you are in charge of a freight company and you want to know all the technical details of an alliance, you should check if it has an official website and if you can access information there. In such an alliance, communication and transparency are extremely important. You should only be part of a network if you know for sure that its goals are aligned to your business objectives.