I had this same exact startup idea as well after having issues with customs brokers and all the stupid faxing, bond issues, freight issues, etc. Its incredibly archaic.
I actually did try to use Flexport really early on for one shipment and it was very buggy and basically a total disaster, had to abort and use my old broker. They seem like they're a smart team and they'll get it right though.
I think "re-inventing global trade" is a bit of hyperbolic marketing speak, but in regards to re-inventing customs brokerage they are in the best position to solve this problem because the founder Ryan Petersen is a co-founder of import genius. Therefore they have an incredible database of importers to market their brokerage services to.
And that database and expertise is why I abandoned that business plan :)
Sorry to hear that. We've come a long way. Email me ryan@flexport.com I'd love to hear what went wrong and how we can learn from it. We'll hook you up if you're ever brave enough to try us again.
Agreed, there is real room for someone to do in-depth coverage of us, our product, and why we're so different from the rest of the companies in our industry.
The short answer is that it has to do with data. Rather than printing every document and storing it in a file cabinet, we normalize and structure it in our database, and then make it available to the various parties in the chain on a need-to-know basis. Remarkable how much more efficient that is than passing PNGs, PDFs, XLSs, and even paper documents off as the goods move.
I love the idea of Flexport. It's one of the few startups in the latest batches that I can see as positively changing the world and has a great chance of being the next $1bn+ company.
I worked at a large public 3PL for 8 years before joining a VC backed startup and at first glance the logistics industry seems ripe for disruption by smaller tech-driven companies. I'm super excited that there are companies out there trying to change the industry. My gut feeling however is that the large incumbents have long relationships, tons of cash, and people on the ground in hundreds of countries around the world. Those things might make it difficult for a startup. How do companies like flexport plan to compete with the Expeditors and CH Robinson's of the world? The place I worked would probably benefit greatly by acquiring a company like this and integrating their tech, but the culture would never allow that to happen.
I only applied once although I would guess that 1/3 of my batch had been rejected previously, so don't be discouraged if you don't get in on the first try. Remember you don't need anybody's permission to build a great company.
This article felt kind of puffy though. No mention of competitors or what else is going on in the space.
What specifically puts flexport in the best position to solve this problem?