Good day,
Technology startup FR8 Revolution has received an investment from Sandhills Publishing as well as announced a new technology partnership with the company.
FR8 Revolution created the FR8Star.com, a freight marketplace for open deck carriers and shippers. The amount of the investment was not disclosed.
Sandhills offers products and services that connect buyers and sellers in the trucking, agriculture, construction, heavy machinery, aviation, and technology industries. The company develops and manages print publications, applications and online services. Under terms of the partnership agreement, FR8Star services will be integrated into Sandhill’s platforms, including Machinery Trader, CraneTrader, TractorHouse, Truck Paper, AuctionTime, Fast Track Iron, Controller, and RentalYard.
“We have long recommended FR8Star to our customers as the easiest and best way to move their flatbed and oversized freight,” said Shawn Peed, COO of Sandhills Publishing. “Now, with this integration, they have access to instant freight estimates and the ability to schedule loads to haul the items bought through our various Sandhills’ platforms. The collaboration reinforces our mission to increase efficiencies and reduce costs for our clients.
FR8Star.com specializes in moving flatbed and oversize/overweight loads. The platform provides pricing estimates, optimal shipping routes and real-time freight tracking for shippers. FR8Star’s qualified open deck carriers bid on and are awarded high-value loads using the online marketplace. The service offers fuel advances and instant pay upon fright drop-off.
“This partnership really is a match made in heaven,” explains Matt Kropp, CEO of FR8 Revolution. “Sandhills’ publications, website and auctions are trusted industry resources for sellers wanting to reach buyers of heavy equipment and machinery. We are thrilled to partner with Sandhills and introduce our capabilities to more shippers needing flatbed freight services.”
Did you know?
According to a HELP, Inc. 20% of those surveyed said they had not yet selected an ELD, citing the believed high cost.
Quotable:
“It’d be point-of-sale technology. We’re looking for something so simple that there is nothing (the driver) has to do.”
– Carrie Pourvahidi, Caltrans deputy director, on the potential of a per-mile tax in California
In other news:
San Francisco cracks down on delivery robots
San Francisco has put in new regulations for delivery robots, making it tougher for companies to use the new technology. (TechCrunch)
California exploring per-mile fuel tax
Even with a recent gas tax hike, California officials are concerned with declining fuel tax revenues are more fuel efficient vehicles drive the roadways, so they are looking at a per-mile tax. (Sacramento Bee)
Trump meets with transportation leaders
President Donald Trump met with transportation leaders yesterday as it prepares an infrastructure proposal, expected to be released next month. (The Hill)
Hiring remains steady
While unemployment has trended down for the last several years, hiring has remained steady for three-and-one-half years, indicating there has been no big surge in the economy. (Wall Street Journal)
Diesel prices drop
The average price of diesel fuel fell last week, according to EIA, dropping 1.2 cents to $2.91 per gallon. (Logistics Management)
Final Thoughts
California is the latest state to explore a per-mile tax as more fuel efficient vehicles hit the roadways. Colorado just completed a study, Oregon has studied the measure and a big study on the East Coast is set to start as well. With all the interest, it seems increasingly likely we will see a per-mile tax sometime in the next seven years.
Hammer down everyone!
Stay up-to-date with the latest commentary and insights on FreightTech and the impact to the markets by subscribing.
