Building trust in a fragmented market – how visibility is transforming European logistics

With Europe’s complex and highly segmented market, achieving true supply chain transparency is no easy feat. Here’s an analysis of the main obstacles and insights Bertrandy shared for overcoming them to create a connected, resilient logistics network.

The shift to a trust-based supply chain

Bertrandy describes a crucial shift underway in logistics: the movement from isolated data silos toward a collaborative, trust-based ecosystem. This transformation is driven by both CSR initiatives and the need for sustainable practices, which require each supply chain participant to contribute actively to end-to-end visibility.

Bertrandy sees this trust-based model as essential for shippers to not only hold their partners accountable but also optimize service quality and operational processes.

Enhancing visibility for shippers and carriers alike

Achieving meaningful transparency doesn’t stop with shippers. Bertrandy emphasizes that visibility should extend to carriers, benefiting them with clearer schedules, reduced waiting times, and better planning capabilities. This approach fosters mutual benefits, allowing carriers to reduce empty miles, minimize emissions, and improve driver well-being. He highlights the importance of visibility not only for optimized operations but also to help “create a healthier work environment for drivers,” which ultimately supports a more sustainable ecosystem.

Tackling fragmentation in the European market

With nearly half a million transport companies, Europe presents a unique challenge compared to the U.S. market, where regulation and major players streamline operations. CargoON addresses this fragmentation through adaptable, agnostic solutions compatible with different fleet management systems, telematics, and mobile apps, empowering even small carriers to integrate easily. Bertrandy underscores the importance of culturally aware onboarding processes, as successful collaboration depends on building strong, localized connections.

Addressing real business needs with targeted proof of concept

Bertrandy recommends that shippers identify specific “pain points” before launching visibility solutions on a broader scale. For instance, enhanced visibility on inbound flows can stabilize production and optimize inventory levels, freeing up capital. Real-time visibility on outbound flows can also enhance on-time, in-full performance, leading to higher customer satisfaction and operational resilience.

CargoON’s unique real-time visibility solution

CargoON’s real-time visibility (RTV) solution, developed with major partners like Project44, is set to deliver a new level of operational intelligence across Europe. This solution enables shippers and carriers to proactively manage transport exceptions and receive real-time ETA calculations, minimizing disruptions and enhancing decision-making accuracy. “The technology for electric or hydrogen heavy transport is developing,” Bertrandy notes, “but we’re still far from ensuring widespread adoption across Europe.”

Future innovations: AI and blockchain for operational excellence

Looking to the future, CargoON is leveraging AI for data consistency, ETA prediction, and exception management. The company also explores blockchain for secure document exchange, such as e-CMR, enhancing transparency and traceability within the digital ecosystem. These innovations are vital, Bertrandy explains, as they support even the least tech-savvy carriers in navigating the shift to a digitally enabled supply chain.

Fostering pragmatic innovation for long-term value

For Bertrandy, the key to sustainable digital adoption lies in pragmatic solutions and mutual commitment. “Innovation is not about showcasing technology, but about assimilating it effectively,” he reflects.

Through steady integration and a human-centered onboarding process, CargoON is turning Europe’s fragmented logistics landscape into a cohesive, resilient network, one data point at a time.

Explore the full interview to gain deeper insights into how CargoON is reshaping the logistics landscape, fostering collaboration, and building a future where visibility and trust drive success across Europe [link].