Freightnow™, a unique internet based service that will boost profits for transport operators, cut costs for freight forwarders and prove certainty for both, has been launched in Australia.
The service, which brings freight forwarders and transport operators together via a real time internet site, was developed by FreightNow Pty Ltd.
“We expect Freightnow™ to dramatically reduce the number of empty and therefore, unprofitable trucks on our highways and to allow freight forwarders to send anything to anywhere any time they wish,” says managing director Sam Davies.
“Put simply, we are offering a service which matches loads with empty trucks in the smartest possible way.”
While the service is still in its infancy, Mr Davies says that the industry’s response to it has been extremely positive. (and that the company is currently signing up many new carriers across the country.
“More than 30 percent of trucks currently on the road are empty and with overheads, particularly fuel prices, everyone agrees that’s just not sustainable,” Davies says. “Our aim is to cut costs for operators and give freight forwarders the peace of mind that comes with total transparency in pricing and freight movements.”
Membership of Freightnow™ (www.freightnow.com.au) allows forwarders to list shipments and operators to search for appropriate loads.
Operators can obtain background information on forwarders before bidding for a job while forwarders can ask questions and view relevant information about interested operators before accepting or declining a transport offer.
Both sides can provide feedback on the other.
“Operators can also access journey information, maps, running cost calculations and an email notification system,” Davies explains. “We are aware that drivers don’t often have access to the web so we have developed an instant SMS system which alerts them to potential loads.”
The site also rates operators according to their commitment to truck safe and fatigue management programs.
“Forwarders know exactly who is carrying their freight, exactly what its costing and at the end, are provided with proof of delivery,” he says.
While Freightnow™ is based on a bidding system, developers have been quick to dispel any suggestion that the site is a transport version of eBay with reverse auctions likely to ‘slaughter prices’.
“The only person who will see the operator’s bid is the forwarder and that’s only one of the factors that will influence a deal,” Sam Davies says. “Availability, feedback and our rating system will also play a large part.”
“We have established Freightnow™ to improve revenues on existing routes and to provide forwarders, brokers and carriers alike with profitable business opportunities in a way that benefits the entire community and the environment.”
For further information contact:
Sam Davies phone 02 9252 5210, mobile 0438 988 850
sam@freightnow.com.au