DHL to enter virtual surface-freight marketplace with CILLOX

DHL is getting into the virtual freight marketplace game with CILLOX, a platform that helps match full truck load (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments with available transportation providers. According to DHL, the new system provides “end-to-end control of shipments within a single platform,” which can help improve efficiency for truck operations supporting air cargo service.

CILLOX certainly isn’t the first such offering on the market, but what might distinguish it from other startups is access to DHL’s network of verified carriers, and the sort of price pressure that a multinational can exert on partners. The platform, which will be fully operational in January 2017, allows companies to find the provider that best suits their FTL/LTL needs, and can lock in rates in less than 1.5 hours.

Online freight marketplaces also offer increased visibility, which, CILLOX noted, enables carriers to market their company’s assets and capabilities to expand their customer base. Truck drivers using the CILLOX mobile app receive jobs directly on their smartphones and get automatic status alerts throughout transit.

Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Freight, explained that DHL has been working towards “the digitalization of the logistics industry and disrupt the traditional road freight business.” Many smaller companies have been pushing similar products for a number of years now, so, as a major player in freight, DHL is seeking to capture this momentum.  Diallo added that, “The launch of the platform is a result of our strategy 2020 and promotes further growth due to its innovative and agile business model.”