THE FREIGHT-DISRUPTING DIGITAL INNOVATOR

FINDING THE cost of sending goods prohibitive? What if you could access the spare capacity on trucks already going where you need to send stuff? That’s precisely what Freighthub does.

The Auckland-based start-up has applied digital technology to automate the process of connecting those who need to send goods with the empty space available in trucks moving around the country. The result is lower transport costs for customers, and dramatic improvements in efficiency for transport operators. It even benefits the environment, with reduced emissions from further optimisation of vehicle fleets.

Founder Alan Walpole says the concept is not a new idea. “What is new is our ability to use proprietary algorithms to identify where space is across our network and then efficiently and automatically connect that with customers moving goods. The feedback from customers is overwhelming: it saves money and it boosts efficiency,” he explains.

Freighthub’s digital system handles consignment and sign-off online, providing customers with full tracking and reporting, from start to finish. All shipping documentation takes place electronically and automatically, right down to carbon footprint receipts.

Freighthub’s vision is to have freight manage itself by being the market aggregator with a digital platform specifically for the SME market, both shippers and carriers.

The idea for Freighthub germinated through Walpole’s career in various supply chain and logistics roles. He recognised that when deliveries are made in one direction, it often means transport heads back empty in the other. This simple observation led to further analysis resulting in a broader, novel and cost-effective approach to freight.

The magic in the system is integrated data communications and a simple freight control dashboard for customers, he says. “Customer experience is crucial to our business. Logging on to Freighthub, booking the required space and sending goods is fast, easy and satisfying.”