CargoM expands storage space finder

CargoM, the Logistics and Transportation Metropolitan Cluster of Montreal, has updated its storage space matching tool.

Initially developed at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tool was designed to provide assistance to businesses in the transportation and logistics sector, given the considerable storage requirements at that time.

Following the pandemic, the supply chain has been through further disruption and storage issues have remained important and topical. In response to strong user interest in this tool, CargoM intends to upgrade it on ongoing basis, making it more user-friendly and accessible.

The tool allows indoor and outdoor storage space owners and space seekers from across the country to find a match. The tool currently has more than 50 entries for vacant space, totalling 18.7 million square feet, both indoor and outdoor.

“As a registry, it makes it possible for companies to promote the rental of their excess space, while those looking for space can consult the dashboard on our web-based interface to find available indoor and outdoor space based on their search criteria. Initially developed for Greater Montreal, the registry also lists spaces elsewhere in Quebec and the rest of Canada,” said Mathieu Charbonneau, executive director of CargoM.

“We are confident that this tool will have a positive impact and help to make our supply chain more efficient.”

The procedure is simple. Once logged on to the tool’s web page with a password assigned by CargoM, companies seeking space to rent will be able to find it based on their search criteria and/or using the interactive map that enables companies to be geolocated.

Then all they have to do is contact the designated person in the storage space table. Companies with vacant space only need to fill out the form on the CargoM website. The organization said information collected by means of this interface is protected on a secure server.

CargoM obtained funding for this new version of the tool from the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) through the Ministry of the Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE). The project was carried out by Mely.ai Solutions, a company that is accelerating supply chain digitalization.