Dive Brief:
- Flexport launched an end-to-end supply chain tool called "Flexport Revolution" on Tuesday, offering businesses access to freight, fulfillment, replenishment and financing services.
- The tool provides access to more than 20 supply chain services that can help them sell in more places and automate the movement of products from factories to customers, the freight forwarder said in a news release.
- Flexport Revolution also offers direct replenishment into Fulfillment by Amazon, Walmart Fulfillment Services and more than 15 wholesale distribution channels, including Target, Costco and Nordstrom.
Dive Insight:
Flexport Revolution advances the company's push to provide fulfillment services tailored for small- and medium-sized businesses since its acquisition of Shopify Logistics earlier this year. The product aims to be a one-stop shop for these businesses that addresses needs ranging from transportation and customs brokerage to cargo insurance and inventory replenishment.
"Customers typically are thinking about their supply chain in pieces today," said Parisa Sadrzadeh, Flexport executive vice president of SMB Product and Technology, in an interview with Supply Chain Dive. "This is the first time we're really bringing that truly into a one-page experience."
Flexport has historically focused on helping shippers move their international freight to a destination port, but the Shopify Logistics purchase gave it e-commerce fulfillment and last mile delivery capabilities. The deal included Deliverr, a fulfillment and order storage provider that uses a third-party warehouse network, and a handful of warehouses Shopify Logistics owned and managed.
Flexport Revolution is built on the foundation that the acquisition provided, particularly when it comes to inventory replenishment. The product is especially attractive for businesses that want to distribute their goods to as many locations as possible, according to Sadrzadeh.
"By bringing your goods into our storage facilities, we can help you inject into as many places as you want, whether that's fulfilling through us, fulfilling through Amazon, fulfilling through Walmart or other solutions that might exist out there," Sadrzadeh said.
Most products are eligible for Flexport Revolution as long as they meet certain size and weight criteria, such as weighing fewer than 50 pounds, according to the company's website. Goods containing lithium batteries or hazardous materials are ineligible.
The rollout comes as Flexport is grappling with a shakeup in leadership, including the departure of CEO Dave Clark.
Amazon launched its own end-to-end set of supply chain services for third-party sellers on Tuesday.
