Eases ocean carrier access and provides seamless carrier connectivity

Transwide, a leading European e-commerce communication platform and software developer for logistics execution management, has joined forces with INTTRA to provide e-commerce connection for their customers seeking ocean shipments.

The new alliance represents the first direct connection between a multi-modal connectivity platform and INTTRA, the industry platform for electronic ocean carrier connectivity. INTTRA is the largest e-commerce platform for the ocean industry with 22 of the world's largest ocean carriers in its network, representing 61% of the ocean freight capacity among the world's top carriers.

"The successful establishment of this hub-to-hub connection now allows Transwide customers to send electronic bookings and shipping instructions to the carriers," said Jocelyn Hansen, INTTRA Sales Manager for the United Kingdom (UK) and Benelux countries. "As a result of the INTTRA/Transwide connection, ocean carriers will experience ease of access to the European intermodal industry along with seamless carrier connectivity."

Eric van den Bemden, Transwide Sales and Marketing Director, said the collaboration with INTTRA evolved a number of months ago out of customers' requests to have Transwide carry the ocean leg communication of their shipments. "As we already know the INTTRA ocean carriers well, we approached them and they recommended that our customers connect to INTTRA rather than doing each e-commerce connection singly," he explained.

"This is without a doubt a win-win situation for Transwide, INTTRA and the users of the platform, where clients of both companies will be served equally in an efficient manner," said van den Bemden, who adds that "a large number of Transwide clients are already keen to start communicating via the Transwide and INTTRA link to the shipping lines." He predicts volumes increasing "subsequently and rapidly especially as Transwide expands globally to provide a common transport execution platform across all continents."

Fabrice Maquignon, Transwide CEO, says the collaboration fits Transwide's position as a multi-modal transportation communication hub. Thanks to the new connection with INTTRA, he says, "current clients who handle all their road, rail and combined mode transport using the Transwide platform will now be able to also exchange information electronically on booking requests and bill of lading (B/L) instructions via INTTRA's electronic connection with shipping lines. This provides our customers with one, seamless communication platform for all their shipment needs."

"INTTRA is delighted to be collaborating with such a forward-thinking and e-commerce-capable company. The first shipper is already saving time and noticing reduced errors by sending electronic bookings and shipping instructions to multiple carriers using this hub-to-hub connection," said Hansen.

Army Pedersen, INTTRA's Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa said the Transwide collaboration boosts INTTRA's mission to, "support the ocean industry and provide shippers and freight forwarders with standardized connectivity to all ocean carriers. With INTTRA, it's no longer necessary to have multiple direct connections to carriers."