Opus9 expands into port drayage

   Opus9, a digital freight broker that connects shippers and motor carriers, says its computer platform now can be used to arrange drayage moves as well as full truckload and less-than-truckload haulage.
   Opus9 launched its platform last September and added drayage to its offerings last month.
   It is focusing on drayage moves in the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York and New Jersey and Savannah.
   The company said it will offer instant drayage quotes, eliminating the need for shippers to negotiate rates and easily book trucks in a few minutes.
   The company also is using algorithms for smart matching of shippers with carriers, which it says increases efficiency and addresses capacity issues at busy ports.
   “We want to remove any friction points and frustration for shippers,” said Alex Ryu, the chief executive officer and founder of Opus9.
   “We are partnering with medium-size and bigger-size drayage companies which can cover at least one big port area like Long Beach and Los Angeles. Every week we are onboarding a different carrier,” said Ryu, but he did not want to disclose how many have signed up.
   He did say the company has about 10 beneficial cargo owners using the platform.
   Ryu said the drayage companies are prequalified by Opus9 in face-to-face meetings and through the use of a vetting platform to make sure the drayage carriers are insured and have a good safety system.
   Why the Opus9 name? The nine is a tip of the hat to Beethoven’s magnum opus, his Ninth Symphony.
   “When you ship one product from A to B, many parties should be orchestrated with each other,” explained Ryu. “Opus is a masterpiece of music or art. So we combine these two.”