A MERGER between heavy haulage platforms Freightlancer and Loadshift is expected to create Australia’s largest freight marketplace, offering new features for shippers and carriers.
Founded in 2007, Loadshift was designed to connect Australian carriers with shippers to deal with the number of trucks running with empty trailers.
Freightlancer and Loadshift will merge under Loadshift’s banner, positioning the platform to transform from a membership-based bulletin board to a full marketplace for freight.
Freightlancer executive chairman Matt Barrie said the merger would create more opportunities for carrier to find loads and for shippers to access carriers.
“The new platform will also provide our users with new features which will enhance the shipper and carrier experience,” Mr Barrie said.
The new marketplace is expected to offer carriers more access to freight, as well as secure payment options, shipper transparency, invoice financing and an internal messaging platform that will offer direct quoting.
For shippers, the new marketplace will provide enhanced carrier reviews to improve the vetting process, and managed service offerings including freight operations and project management.
“Whilst the new platform will be a new experience for members, we have still kept the core principles of connecting shippers and carriers across the country,” Loadshift general manager Drew Davis said.
“We have, however, introduced enhancements which will improve the overall user experience and offer carriers an additional level of safety and reliability when transporting loads.
“The added vetting features will be crucial to ensure shippers are finding quality, reliable carriers.”
Mr Davis said Loadshift trucks “running on empty” is one of the biggest issues in the trucking industry.
“The merger with Freightlancer will give our users access to more freight, while enhancing the overall experience to make it easier to find loads,” he said.
