Isra-Mart srl : Shiply aims to build European green logistics network

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Pioneering British firm Shiply.com has stepped up efforts to take its innovative green logistics business model to the continent, launching operations in France, Italy, Spain and Holland.

The company, which kicked off its international expansion with the launch of a German website late last year, will now offer firms in Europe's other main markets the opportunity to inform logistics firms if they have goods that could be moved in lorries that would otherwise be running with empty or part full loads.

Shiply.com, which only launched in 2008, now has more than 170,000 registered users and is supported by 17,500 haulage and deliver firms, including some of Europe's largest logistics companies.

The website allows users to list an item they want moving, allowing haulage and delivery companies to bid for the work in a reverse auction. The company claims that customers can save up to 75 per cent on haulage costs, while the transport companies can use the site to ensure lorries that would otherwise be empty can pick up extra business, allowing them to run fuller, more efficient fleets.

According to the Shiply website, the company has helped to save more than 6.8 million kilograms of carbon emissions by pairing customers with haulage firms.

Company founder, Robert Matthams, predicted that Shiply's success in the UK will be replicated across the rest of Europe.

"When I initially researched the concept for the business – filling under-utilised vehicles – figures revealed that 25 per cent of trucks were running empty and 50 per cent part full," he said. "Further research before the European launch highlighted the issue is one common to most countries."

He added that the concept was likely to appeal to both business customers and haulage and delivery firms.

"It's a win-win," he said. "Hauliers fill their vehicles and generate additional income – which is hugely beneficial with a hike in fuel duty on its way – and consumers make big cost savings without having the hassle of calling numerous companies to get the best deal."