FR8 Revolution Launches Online Freight Management Platform

Screenshot via FR8.guru

Provider of cloud-based, data-driven tools for the transportation industry FR8 Revolution has launched FR8.guru, a new platform and marketplace with routing, scheduling and tracking features.

FR8.guru helps carriers schedule, route and load their trucks and offers real-time load tracking for shippers. Since receiving an $8.5 million investment from European truck manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus AG, FR8.guru has been in a closed beta with select carriers, shippers and brokers, undergoing finalizing and testing.

The platform gives small- and medium-sized fleet owners more control and oversight of fleets through an online dashboard. The software tracks a fleet of up to 500 trucks, providing carriers and shippers real-time notification of estimated arrival dates and times.

When fleets have excess capacity or backhauls to fill, FR8.guru can find freight to fill, improving fleet utilization and reducing wasted fuel and emissions from driving empty miles.

For drivers, FR8.guru has a companion driver mobile app that provides routing and schedule information, helps drivers establish a reliability track record, and gives drivers details on when they can expect to pick up additional shipments or when they will be home next. By giving drivers input and visibility into their schedule and an anonymous way to rate their experience with docks and shippers, FR8.guru aims to improve their lives on the road, noted the company.

“FR8 Revolution is building the operating system for the entire trucking industry,” said Matthew Kropp, CEO of FR8 Revolution. “Our beta test has been well-received and widely successful and we are excited to open up our platform to even more carriers.”

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Related: German Truck Manufacturer Invests In Freight-Matching Startup

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Cargo Thefts Decline, Average Loss Increases

Highlighted areas show incidents of the most cargo thefts in the second quarter. Graphic: CargoNet

A new report reveals the number of reported cargo thefts in the U.S. fell during the second quarter of the year compared to the same time in 2015, but the average value of the heists increased, according to the cargo theft prevention and recovery service CargoNet.

Its command center logged 297 reports of cargo theft, identity theft, vehicle theft and other criminal intelligence matters relating to the United States and Canadian supply chain. Of these incidents, 192 involved thefts of cargo, down 15% compared to a year earlier.

An estimated $39 million in cargo was stolen in second-quarter 2016, up $1.3 million from the 2015 second quarter. Sixty-one percent of incidents had a loss value recorded, averaging $330,339, up $63,243 from cargo theft incidents reported in second-quarter 2015.

Also in second-quarter of 2016, CargoNet recorded eight cargo theft incidents worth $1 million or more and one valued at an estimated $8 million.

During the most recent quarter, $14.6 million in electronics items were stolen in cargo thefts, the most costly category, but not the most frequently stolen commodity. Food and beverage items were stolen most often, though losses in the category decreased 17% year-over-year, totaling $3.81 million.

Warehouse or distribution center locations were the most common location for cargo theft, with 53 thefts. Unsecured yards were the next most common with 29 cargo thefts, growing 45% year-over-year.

Fifty-nine percent of unsecured yard thefts occurred in Texas and California, though the Lone Star State had a larger share. In contrast, cargo thefts were down 26% at truck stops and 36% lower at parking lots.

Many of the top states showed a decrease or little change in reported cargo theft when comparing the second quarters of 2015 and 2016. However, cargo theft incidents in California climbed 86%, from 37 reported incidents to 68 reported incidents, totaling $17.4 million in losses. Nineteen fictitious pickups were reported also in the state, eight more than in second-quarter 2015.

Across the United States and Canada, 139 trailers and 124 tractors were reported stolen in second-quarter 2016, down from 173 trailers and 143 tractors in second-quarter 2015.

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