Freightlancer

Freightlancer operates as a comprehensive marketplace and management system for freight logistics, functioning as a subsidiary of the publicly traded Freelancer Limited (ASX: FLN). The company's journey began in 2016 when mining executive Tom Cavanagh founded a freight marketplace named Channel 40. With a background as the founder and CEO of EMS Group, a provider of services to the underground mining and tunneling sectors, Cavanagh brought deep industry expertise to the venture. In 2018, Freelancer Limited acquired Channel 40, which then became Freightlancer.com, marking Freelancer's first major vertical-specific expansion.

A significant milestone occurred in May 2021 when Freightlancer acquired its primary Australian competitor, Loadshift, for AUD 7.7 million. Loadshift, founded by Phil Callaghan in 2007, was a major online marketplace for heavy haulage in Australia. This acquisition was a strategic move to consolidate market share and merge different business models; Freightlancer operated on a commission basis, while Loadshift used a subscription model. Following the acquisition, Tom Cavanagh was appointed CEO of Freightlancer. In August 2022, the two platforms officially merged under the Loadshift brand, creating one of Australia's largest transport marketplaces. The unified platform adopted a commission-based model, charging a 3% fee to shippers and a 10% fee to carriers for non-members.

The business targets enterprise clients in demanding sectors such as mining, construction, tunneling, rail, and oil & gas. It provides a platform that connects freight owners (shippers) with a network of vetted transport operators (carriers). For shippers, the service simplifies the process of finding reliable transport by allowing them to post loads and select from qualified operators. For carriers, it offers opportunities to find loads and minimize empty trailer runs. The platform includes features like secure escrow payments, real-time tracking, compliance management, and a live dashboard for monitoring all logistics details from booking to delivery, aiming to provide a transparent and efficient transport solution.

Keywords: freight marketplace, logistics management, heavy haulage, supply chain technology, transport marketplace, freight booking, shipper carrier network, Australian logistics, mining logistics, construction transport, enterprise freight solutions, Loadshift, Tom Cavanagh, Freelancer Limited, road freight, freight brokerage, online freight exchange, B2B logistics, equipment transport, asset-light logistics