Shipping company ZIM has announced an investment in technology start-up Ladingo, a solution provider connecting ocean freight to global e-commerce.
According to a statement, ZIM’s decision to invest in the company is a strategic move, as Ladingo is tipped to lead a “global consumer revolution” by enabling the personal importation of large items to online shoppers.
Ladingo’s digital platform offers a transparent, real-time view of the entire importation process, and the company has just closed a US$1 million funding round to support its future growth.
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While nearly all business-to-customer purchases made today are shipped by air freight, this method of transportation poses difficulties in terms of weight and size limitations, preventing larger items from being shipped at a reasonable price.
As a result, online retailers are also limited with regard to the size of products they can sell to international customers, prompting ZIM and Ladingo to provide a technological solution that will give the ocean freight sector more access to rapidly growing e-commerce markets.
Founded in January 2018, Ladingo is the first company in the world to offer a comprehensive solution to online shops selling products such as furniture, bicycles and electronic equipment directly to the door of international customers.
As part of the recent tests, original bill of ladings were transferred to the receiver less than two hours after the vessel’s departure… @ZimShipping #PTIDaily #Blockchain #Shippinghttps://t.co/nzuGHhDg3M
— Port Technology (PTI) (@PortTechnology) January 15, 2019
By implementing a system which involves the sharing of containers, Ladingo is able to drastically reduce shipping costs for retailers and shoppers of large items.
Hagar Valiano Rips, CEO of Ladingo, commented on the external investment: “We are proud and pleased that ZIM, a leader standing at the forefront of global logistics, has invested in us. Ladingo will lead significant change in the world of e-commerce fulfilment.
“When it comes to the revolution we are leading, item location, size and weight have no significance, and there is no longer a need for inventory. Looking a couple of years ahead, we will all buy directly from sellers or manufacturers abroad – without any intermediaries.
“This is the manifestation of a true global e-commerce revolution. ZIM is not only investing in Ladingo’s technology, they are engaging in a fully synergistic investment, one that will lead to a revolution within the B2C world.”
ZIM is proud to be the first strategic investor in Ladingo and its innovative and talented team of founders. Ladingo's unique B2C platform is broadening the scope of e-commerce. Its another building block in our innovation strategy!
read more: https://t.co/t2CkFcZJj5 pic.twitter.com/zWw1O0sPyz— ZIMShipping (@ZimShipping) February 27, 2019
Assaf Tiran, VP of Global Customer Service at ZIM, added: “We believe that innovation and creative ideas will define the future of the logistics industry, especially that of maritime shipping.
“Our support and investment in Ladingo is part of the greater ZIM vision, one of openness and the promotion of technological innovation in all aspects of our operations.
“We see tremendous potential in Ladingo’s platform, providing a real breakthrough simplifying the complex supply chain process all the way to the end-user’s homes.”