Transfix, e2Open partnership focuses on shipper access to real-time and spot market rates

Two leading logistics technology players—New York-based Transfix, a logistics technology services provider that streamlines shipment data to better help shippers make informed decisions to optimize time and revenues, and Austin, Texas-based e2open, a network-based provider of cloud-based, mission-critical, end-to-end supply chain management platform services—recently announced a partnership focused on offering shippers access to dynamic market rates and capacity.

This partnership is comprised of meshing Transfix’s API connectivity with e2Open’s global multi-modal TMS, which gives shippers easy and automated access to dynamic market rates and capacity. And they added it will enable shippers on the e2Open platform to access Transfix’s network of top-performing full truckload van and reefer carriers, as well as access to Transfix’s Real-Time Rating (RTR) API and Spot Market API.

The RTR API provides shippers with what Transfix called “instant visibility” into Transfix pricing, with rates automatically appearing in shippers’ routing guides and not having to deal with maintaining contracted rates or spot market sourcing. And the Spot Market API, according to Transfix, reduces manual processes and increases the response rate to spot loads and also provides reliable pricing for individual shipments.

Transfix Chief Product Officer Tony Tzeng provided LM with a detailed overview of the partnership with e2Open, which follows below.

LM: What drove the need for the partnership with e2open?

Tzeng: The partnership came from a few driving factors: 

First, we listened to feedback from our shippers who needed a more efficient and reliable carrier network. They were looking for solutions that removed the guesswork and empowered their business to access a network of top-performing full truckload carriers. 

Second, shippers were requesting a solution for the void between capacity, service, and price. With this partnership, Transfix and e2open are offering a Real-Time Rating (RTR) API and a Spot Market API that gives shippers a competitive edge for the future of their freight operations.

And also, today’s shipper needs a partner who not only provides data and analytics but has the capability to integrate with existing platforms. e2open is a leading platform for shippers managing multimodal freight around the globe, so it's a benefit to our existing customers who already use both systems, and to our prospects whose transportation management system (TMS) will gain easy access to instant rates.

LM: Did the companies have a previous relationship? If so, what was it?

Tzeng: In 2018, we established an EDI partnership with e2open (formerly known as BluJay) for customers that utilize their TMS. Seeing the industry changes over a short time period, we decided to double down on our partnership to provide their customers with real-time pricing information via API.

LM: What are the main benefits of this partnership for the companies' shipper customers? What will it provide/offer that was needed or missing?

Tzeng: One of the biggest benefits for our shippers is that we can utilize our extensive carrier network of nearly 30,000 carriers to fulfill the freight transportation needs of shippers. In addition, it allows us to deepen our relationship with existing customers that utilize the e2open TMS. This is a win-win opportunity for e2open and Transfix, and we’re thrilled to see what comes from this partnership.

Through the API connections, shippers are able to more simply and quickly solicit quotes without phone calls and emails, thereby reducing the time from quote to tender.

Lastly, shippers with e2open can now access instant real-time Transfix rates. Prices for full truckload (dry van and reefer) automatically appear in their routing guides.