Connecting Shippers and Carriers
The Digital Freight Platform IRIS

Thanks to technology, you can request and compare specific services with ease. For example, now it’s possible to book airline tickets using online platforms. There, you can also compare different options and opt for the most affordable one. The same happens in the logistics domain after the emergence of digital freight platforms.

A digital freight platform refers to online marketplaces where shippers can reach carriers to transport their goods. Such platforms use technology to streamline the process of matching shippers with carriers and managing the delivery process. Logistics digital platforms can be used for a variety of transportation modes, including trucking, air freight, rail, and ocean shipping. They typically offer features such as real-time tracking, and automated freight matching.

By using digital freight platforms, shippers can access a wider pool of carriers, compare rates and services, and simplify the process of booking and tracking shipments. Carriers can benefit from increased visibility into available loads, streamlined payment processes, and access to new business opportunities.

In recent years, there are more and more logistics digital platforms which proves the success of such marketplaces for shippers and carriers. The solutions are similar, however, they have unique features. Explore the most popular platforms for cargo carriage below:

1. The CoyoteGO digital freight platform. This platform is owned by Coyote Logistics, a leading 3PL provider in the USA. It offers a wide range of features, from real-time freight tracking to documentation management. For shippers, it’s possible to communicate with carriers during transportation and receive proactive notifications. Carriers can get access to thousands of available loads and manage their fleet and schedules directly on the platform.
2. Uber Freight. The ride-sharing company Uber made a similar solution for logistics. The platform offers real-time visibility into freight movements and enables shippers to book and track shipments directly from their smartphones. Uber Freight has an extensive carrier network, allowing shippers to easily get access to transportation services all over the world.
3. Loadsmart. This digital freight platform utilizes Artificial Intelligence to help shippers make perfect carrier match. It’s also possible for shippers to track their delivery from point A to point B. Carriers can choose shipments according to their location and preferences.
4. Convoy. This Seattle-based company offers a digital freight network connecting shippers with carriers. The platform uses technology to optimize the efficiency of freight movements and offers features such as automated matching, real-time tracking, and transparent pricing.
5. Freightos. Freightos is a global digital freight platform that offers instant quotes and booking for air, ocean, and land freight shipments. The platform allows shippers to compare rates and services across multiple carriers and manage their shipments through a single dashboard.

Freight transportation is crucial because it directly affects a company’s reputation. If your cargo isn’t delivered on time, you take risks of unsatisfying client experience and interrupted manufacturing processes. On the other hand, it’s challenging to quickly find a carrier.

Here are some other factors:

• Capacity constraints. When there is high demand for transportation services, carriers may have limited capacity to accept new shipments. This can make it difficult for shippers to find available carriers to move their goods.
• Market fragmentation. The transportation industry is highly fragmented, with many small carriers operating independently. This can make it difficult for shippers to identify and vet potential carriers.
• Lack of transparency. The traditional freight industry has historically been opaque, with limited visibility into carrier performance and pricing. This can make it difficult for shippers to identify reliable carriers and negotiate fair rates.
• Regulatory compliance. The transportation industry is subject to a range of regulations, including safety and environmental standards. Shippers need to ensure that their carriers are compliant with these regulations to avoid legal and financial risks.
• Operational challenges. Carriers may face operational challenges such as equipment breakdowns, driver shortages, and traffic delays, which can impact their ability to deliver shipments on time and in good condition.

In general, online platforms are a great way to get needed services. They also simplify the interaction between a service provider and a consumer. Online platforms can be relevant solutions for different niches. For example, Coreteka also developed a financial platform, allowing traders to make investments based on data. This solution is powered by Machine Learning.

To address transportation challenges, you can try multi-carrier shipping platforms. These online freight marketplaces allow shippers to search for reliable carriers that also meet their pricing and service level expectation.

What platforms for cargo transport can deliver both for shippers and carriers?

• Increased visibility. Online platforms provide shippers with increased visibility into carrier performance and pricing, making it easier to identify reliable carriers and negotiate fair rates. Shippers can access real-time information about carrier availability, shipping options, and rates, which can help them make more informed decisions about their transportation needs.
• Streamlined processes. Digital freight platforms speed up the process of finding, booking, and managing shipments. On the other hand, they reduce administrative burdens for shippers. Shippers can use online platforms to automate processes such as quoting, invoicing, and tracking, saving time and reducing errors.
• Access to a wider pool of carriers. Technological solutions can connect shippers with a wider pool of carriers, including small and independent ones that may not be visible through traditional channels. This increases competition among carriers, which can drive down costs and improve service levels for shippers.
• Improved communication. Freight platforms for shippers and carriers are a great way to enhance interaction between both sides. After all, they frequently provide communication tools that make it easier to coordinate with carriers and manage the transportation process. Shippers can use online platforms to communicate with carriers in real-time, track shipments, and receive updates on delivery status.
• Flexibility. Online platforms offer shippers greater flexibility in terms of shipping options, allowing them to choose from a range of transportation modes, carriers, and service levels. This can help shippers optimize their transportation spend and better meet their customers’ needs.

If you want to test online freight marketplaces, simply enter a search query “shippers looking for carriers near me”.

The cost of developing a digital freight platform can vary widely depending on a range of factors, including its complexity, features, and functionalities.

Here are some cost considerations to keep in mind:

• Development team. This can be a significant factor in the overall project cost. Rates can vary widely depending on the location and experience of the development team.
• Features and functionality. More complex features, such as real-time tracking and automated matching, will require more development time and resources.
• User experience and design. Developing a user-friendly and visually appealing platform can be a significant cost driver. Investing in user experience design and testing can improve adoption rates and user satisfaction.
• Integration with third-party services. If the platform needs to integrate with third-party services, such as payment gateways or mapping services, this can add to the cost of development.
• Maintenance and support. Ongoing maintenance and support costs should be factored in when considering the overall cost of the platform.

If you need to get a detailed calculation of such a project, you can contact us.

If you need to develop a digital freight platform, approach an IT company. However, your vendor should have an experience in supply chain and logistics since such solutions require deep expertise and an understanding of processes.

Coreteka is a software development team that has over 7 years of experience in logistics. We already implemented the digital freight platform Iris for one of your clients. The platform was proved as a great project which has modern design and advanced features, such as shipment status notifications and freight tracking.

Let’s discuss your project in detail! Contact us to learn how we could help.