Dive Brief:
- Fresh Del Monte-owned Network Shipping entered into an agreement with tech firm Grydd to digitize operations and make its ocean logistics arm more attractive to new customers.
- The digital transformation will make it easier for Network Shipping customers to book and track shipments. Francis McCawley, head of commercial at Network Shipping, told Supply Chain Dive in an email Wednesday that the company will start onboarding customers in October.
- Grydd is a developer of an operating system that helps shippers and freight forwarders manage their end-to-end supply chains through machine learning and artificial intelligence. The firm has worked with businesses such as Golden State Foods, ILG Logistics and Atlantic Express, according to the release.
Dive Insight:
Fresh Del Monte’s shipping arm is digitizing operations as the company works to expand its customer base. McCawley told Supply Chain in June that the company is servicing 350 customers, up from 100.
Grydd will allow Network Shipping to automate manual processes involving scheduling, contract management and vessel tracking, McCawley said in the email Wednesday. The company chose Grydd over “well-known global software providers” because the startup better fit Network Shipping’s needs in regards to “modifications, timelines and budget.”
The tech integration will help Network Shipping’s own decision-making processes while also offering customers more transparency and visibility into shipments. The logistics company isn't alone in optimizing its operations through digital platforms. Unilever and Maersk inked a four-year partnership to manage ocean and air transport using the carrier’s platform NeoNav.
Network Shipping ultimately hopes that Grydd will enhance customer experience and give it an edge as it looks to scale.
"Now, the challenge we have is the transition towards an organization that adds more value to our customers' supply chain, while we improve our customers’ experience," said McCawley.
