[030716.EN.BIZ] Ex-DHL Forwarding Chief Among Backers In French Freight Tracker Scheme

ROGER CROOK, whose IT reforms at DHL Global Forwarding failed so spectacularly, is among the backers in the EUR1.5 million into Convargo, a French freight 'disruptor" start-up.

Like the former DHL Global Forwarding's focus, Convargo's business model relates to the digitalisation of the entire transport chain from a single pallet to a full truck load, reports Lloyd's Loading List.

Convargo is planning to launch in France in September before extending the service other European countries in 2017.

Financial backers also include the founders of some of France's leading online retailers and an entrepreneur who heads a mobile phone and internet access company.

The idea is to use the latest technology to put shippers in direct contact with transporters, said the report.

"The multiplication of intermediaries creates a lack of transparency and generates additional costs to the detriment of the transporter," said Convargo's founder Maxime Legardez.

Convargo says it will offers GPS tracking, instant access to market prices, a platform for document management, 24-hour assistance and data analysis tools that optimise truck load factors, reducing operating costs.

The service will be free to freight transporters, Convargo's income being generated through commissions charged to shippers.

"Goods transport is one of the biggest sectors of the economy but is not disrupted yet and there is an enormous opportunity to seize," Mr Legardez said.

"There is a necessity to invest as thousands of companies need convincing," he said.

Source : HKSG.