>Freight brokers and third-party logistics companies (“3PLs”) are first-class citizens in Shipwell’s platform, which sets us apart from other startups in the space that are actively trying to disrupt them.
This is an important differentiator. Many other freight network startups have failed because they couldn't get the supply/demand flywheel turning fast enough. Integrating with existing carrier networks means you won't undercut them on price, but you can compete on convenience for shippers.
Possibly off topic, but I'll ask it here anyway in case someone can point me in the right direction: I'd like to ship a preloaded and privately owned 20 ft shipping container from urban West Coast US to rural East Coast US. From what I can tell, probably would make sense as truck-train-truck intermodal freight transport. But this seems to be rare enough I'm not finding a lot of information online, at least given those search terms. Are there better terms to search for? Who would I talk to about this for what is likely a one-time shipment?
For a one-off shipment what you want is a freight forwarder. They will arrange the truck pickup at origin, rail transport, and truck transport to offload at destination. Truck transport at destination will need to be customized because you probably need a self-unloading trailer that can set it down on the ground, not a regular truck such as if it were going to another container yard.
You might have difficulty shipping a standard 20 or 40' container by rail within the US unless it has a standard set of ownership markings on it.
Hi Jon -- we work primarily with businesses, but if you're shipping freight and have questions, you can always email us at sales@shipwell.com -- thanks!
This is an important differentiator. Many other freight network startups have failed because they couldn't get the supply/demand flywheel turning fast enough. Integrating with existing carrier networks means you won't undercut them on price, but you can compete on convenience for shippers.