CargoLinx freight matching passes 2000-load/per day threshold

Toronto-based CargoLinx Inc., has announced that its freight matching services have passed the threshold of 2000 load postings per day. It also announced exceeding the mark of 5,000 North American vehicles under subscription to its services.

"There are quite a number of freight-matching services available in North America", said Peter Hebb, president of CargoLinx. "However, most provide access only through the Internet, and most post only loads which are already brokered. We offer a unique mix of telephone and Internet access after all, not many owner-operators have access to the Internet while driving down and Interstate highway. We also provide our subscribers with both direct-from-shipper loads as well as brokered loads and the latter are always clearly identified by our live service reps and on the Web."

The other difference between CargoLinx and traditional freight-boards is that CargoLinx is an active participant in the search. When it learns of empty trucks we actively seek out loads. Similarly, when a shipper posts new loads CargoLinx contacts who may be able to carry that load.

Hebb noted the company expects up to 90 percent of subscribing carriers will do their load searches via telephone, using the CargoLinx representatives to search the database for them. "While a majority of businesses now have access to the Internet, independent owner-operators and smaller trucking firms cannot count on having access to the Web while they are on the road. Therefore our option of live toll-free service will be an important factor to this segment in improving their ratio of paying loads", said Hebb.

CargoLinx subscription rates are $10 per month for shippers. Rates for carriers start at $10 per month for independent owner-operators with one to two vehicles and range up to $100 per month for trucking firms with up to 100 vehicles. In addition, CargoLinx charges carriers a flat-rate "success" fee for each load successfully matched and picked up by the carrier. This flat fee is a maximum of $45 for a long haul truckload . Loads which are brokered carry only a $10 administrative fee in addition to monthly subscription rates.

Hebb also said, "CargoLinx is not a broker. We will not get between the shipper and the carrier all payment arrangements are directly between the two parties. Typical brokerage fees are straining the economics of the industry by reducing the amount a carrier can earn on a brokered load. By using this very low flat-rate fee, we can improve the return to carriers."

"We will not attempt to replace the ways carriers and shippers are currently working together, nor do we intend to threaten existing contract situations", continued Hebb. "Instead, we believe we can be an affordable ‘insurance’ provision for carriers and shippers when existing arrangements don’t work or are being stretched."

CargoLinx also announced that it has extended its free trial service to shippers and carriers. Shippers and carriers may sign up to use the system and pay no subscription or match fees until such time as we arrange a successful match on their behalf.

Internet access is provided through a standard Web browser and sophisticated Java software developed for CargoLinx to permit simple posting and searching tasks. For clients using Internet access to use the system, CargoLinx provides additional software (at no cost) to speed-up access. The service is hosted on a number of Web servers to ensure speedy response and to enhance reliability. Internet access is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Registration for CargoLinx can be completed by toll-free telephone at 1-866-474-9494 or directly via the Internet at www.cargolinx.com.