‘Phygital’ Solutions Launched by Automotive Specialist

Automotive logistics specialist GEFCO has launched two so-called ‘phygital’ solutions (combining physical capabilities and digital technologies) – on demand services for in-life car logistics and a core freight marketplace.

These innovations are powered by the Group’s 70-year know-how in logistics and the digital skills of partners. Recently acquired by GEFCO, Chronotruck is a digital road freight marketplace that simplifies deliveries for shippers and carriers through robust algorithms that match demand with available supply. Moveecar is a digital platform created by GEFCO and external IT experts* to offer car logistics throughout a vehicle lifecycle for automotive and mobility players.

Innovation through digitalization and selected acquisitions are fundamental to GEFCO’s growth strategy. The introduction of Moveecar and Chronotruck are two solid examples of how the company says it is transforming the logistics sector and bringing new value to customers. “Moveecar is building on our experience in finished-vehicle logistics and end-to-end solutions to unlock the tremendous potential of the used car market,” confirmed CEO Luc Nadal (above). “In addition, Chronotruck’s agile, accessible digital platform ensures that customers have timely answers to their immediate needs.”

Chronotruck: access to the best available carrier at any time

“Chronotruck is a core freight marketplace,” explained Rodolphe Allard, CEO of Chronotruck. Chronotruck connects shippers and carriers through a digital platform using powerful algorithms. “We developed this high-performance solution for shippers and carriers that require timely, cost-efficient solutions. Our service reduces empty truck loads and limits carriers’ carbon footprints, while allowing smaller trucking companies to access bigger customers.”

Shippers can select a carrier for any of their general cargo, ranging from 50 kilos to 28 tons at the right price and the right time. Chronotruck offers access to nearby carriers and a portfolio of digitalised services, including instant price quotes, geo-tracking, proof of delivery and e-invoicing. For carriers, the digital platform offers an opportunity to optimise flows and run trucks at full capacity by taking nearby loads.

Today, truck capacity is hard to find and driver availability is an increasing challenge. When shippers make a request, carriers are geo-localised and respond with instant price quotes. Chronotruck’s marketplace solution enables businesses to choose a carrier at a price and time to suit them. 95% of customer requests find a solution.

“The platform allows all carriers to participate, opening opportunities for smaller carriers to access large customers,” confirmed Rodolphe Allard. “There are no barriers to entry and we do not reuse carrier data. The information we request from the carrier is the same as in traditional logistic transactions.”
Chronotruck serves over 9,000 customers in France and plans to expand its European footprint soon. The digital platform is currently available in seven languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish.

Moveecar: in-life car logistics in a click anytime, anywhere

Moveecar’s digital platform enables car-as-a-service (CaaS) players such as car makers, car dealers, fleet managers, rental and leasing companies, auctioneers, e-commerce pure players and mobility players to provide added-value car logistics throughout the vehicle life cycle.

“Not long ago, consumers would buy pre-owned cars through ads in newspapers,” stated Dominque Masutti, Moveecar’s CEO. “Consumers are now turning to the web to shop for new and pre-owned cars and Moveecar’s services will help automotive and mobility players meet customer expectations and generate higher margins.”

Emmanuel Arnaud, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for GEFCO added, “There’s an exciting untapped market for Moveecar’s services. Forty-five million pre-owned cars are sold each year compared to 15 million new cars in Europe. Transporting these cars, often in small groups or single deliveries, is complicated. Moveecar leverages GEFCO’s expertise in finished-vehicle logistics to transport them seamlessly within countries and across borders.”

In addition to transporting used cars, Moveecar will roll out additional services that can be activated throughout a car’s lifecycle. Under Moveecar’s “STAART” umbrella, meaning Storage, Transport, Administration, Appraisal, Repair and Travel experience, customers can access services anytime, anywhere. Moveecar is building a network of local partners in countries to offer STAART services. These can be customised and offered under the Moveecar brand or as a plug in to the customer’s brand.