Digital Freight Matching

Technology creates opportunities in logistic market worldwide. Omani market can benefit from technologies. Utilizing internet and mobile application can solve customer problems and creates opportunities to start-ups. While I am driving in Muscat I see many trucks which are empty. Some of them less then half utilized. Not only that: Some of them are moving and trucks are empty. Sometimes truck drivers their truck is not fully utilized and they may get opportunity by finding new customers to fulfill the empty space in the container before departure. 

We have in one side truck drivers and in the other side customers who are willing to transfer their goods. A company can develop an application to let truck drivers know customers who need to transfer their goods. With this application customers can know who are the truck drivers who have empty space in their truck. Developing an application where connecting truck drivers with customers is an opportunity for new start-up to enter the logistic marker. Also, it is revenue stream for existing market. This is called Digital Freight Matching.  

They are many famous Digital Freight Matching Companies. In USA popular companies are:   

Convoy: As their web site states, 40% of truck are empty. Putting goods in those empty trucks will generate good revenue for truck owners if customers know that they are empty trucks going to the same location they are requesting. Small business can benefit from saving time and money. 

Uber has entered the market. Uber is popular having applications transferring people from location A to B. Uber had decided to enter the market of logistics with similar application moving goods from point A to B. They have an application called Freight, 

Companies in Europe had developed similar concept. Sites in Europe have the web site in more then one language. 123 Cargo have their web site with more then 10 languages. Another company is cargocore which their web site operating for approximately 18 languages. 123 Cargo charge for registration. Cargo Core have the option of registering for free and premium accounts. The one I had visited are not easy to use and get information. Some of them do not have mobile application. Express Online is Digital Fright Matching in France which has a smart phone option. Others I could not see they are promoting the concept of using mobile. TimCom is another company from Germany. What I like about it is their big network but I did not like it the registration process which is complicated. 

Worldwide Digital Fright Matching is new but understanding and implementing this in Omani market will create revenue for companies. Digital Freight Matching is threat for existing company. Furthermore, it is an opportunity for start-up companies to enter into the market using new technology.  

Those mobile applications are new. Thinking out of box in creative and innovative way might solve problems and create opportunities. 

In the gulf region company based in Dubai had implemented similar idea. The company called load-me . 

Currently in 2018 Oman is working on Tanfeedth which is strategic project owned by the government. One os the strategic decision is focusing in the logistic market.  Developing Digital Freight Matching will contribute to the logistic market in Oman. Challenges will be marketing the new concept. Developing an easy system which is usable and Building trust with different parties. Having knowledge with Logistic industry and understanding Information, Commutation and Technology (ICT). Some of truck drives in logistics in Oman are not familiar with technology and way of using mobile application. Similar to other countries in the region and world wide the method of communication is face2face and mobile calling. May be now using WhatsApp application for customer requests. Personally, I feel learning from international companies in USA and Europe and developing a business model and product that match Omani market will be great opportunity. Now they are no much competition in this area and an entrepreneur or company can develop a brand as it is the first company in this field. Mobile and internet coverage is important to this type of business.  

Drivers benefit from Digital Freight Matching as they can get their payment faster, reduces the numbers of trucks which are empty in the road and comparing to traditional method Digital Freight Matching Applications are faster closing the deal between the company and the customer. 

People in Oman can benefit from Digital Fright Matching. It reduces pollution in Oman. Take for example a truck moving and been utilized for only 40% and at the same time another company needs to move goods at the same location. Having a database that there is another company needs to deliver goods at same location. Truck driver who deliver both goods will save the company transportation cost, reduce traffic in Oman and carbon in the country.  

Technology, Internet and Mobile Applications will change the world in logistic market in Sultanate of Oman.