Kuehne + Nagel has launched an AI-enabled digital road logistics platform sg.eTrucknow.com in Singapore to simplify the time-consuming quotation comparison process for logistics, enabling businesses to operate at better efficiencies.

eTrucknow's will automatically analyze multiple data points and instantly identify the most competitive quotation and route, seamlessly connecting any Singapore-based shipper with suitable carriers for domestic and cross-border road logistics shipments.

The platform offers various vehicle options from vans, trucks, reefers, trailers, and lorry cranes - also providing instant quotation by simple inputting pick-up and delivery location.

Kuehne + Nagel said the longer-term plan is for eTrucknow to connect countries from Singapore all the way to China for cross border transportation, it is likely to bring about efficiencies in the short term as shippers and carriers alike contend with a logistical bottleneck brought about by COVID-19.

Singapore-Malaysia cross-border road logistics shipments will also be made available on the platform in the second half of 2020. 

"eTrucknow bridges the supply and demand of road logistics via a digital marketplace, bringing a faster way for customers to book trucks and an easier way for carriers to unlock business opportunities," the firm said in a statement.

Piloted in Thailand, eTrucknow is further enhanced and expanded to Singapore. With eTrucknow, Singapore shippers get access to a simplified quotation and comparison process for domestic road logistics shipments. 

Kuehne + Nagel noted that once the shipper provides the shipment details, its AI-enabled engine streamlines and automates the quotation comparison process by validating multiple data points and presents the customer with the most competitive quotation and route.

"Real-time visibility, an important concern to customers and carriers, is another key feature of eTrucknow: shippers and carriers will always know where their shipments or drivers are through the platform’s real-time track and trace capabilities," it added. 

The platform also offers approved carriers the opportunity to convert their empty space or trips into potential revenue via the marketplace platform which provides them with access to a network of shippers requiring road freight services.

“The development of such platforms is in line with our focus on digital, client-centric innovation within the logistics industry. This will help trucking service providers better position themselves for the post-COVID-19 upturn, and the recovery in demand across the ASEAN region,” said Lee Eng Keat, senior vice president, commercial and professional services, Singapore Economic Development Board.

Chellan Ganesan, senior vice president of road logistics for Kuehne + Nagel, Asia Pacific noted that the company is looking forward to shaping the road logistics business in Asia.

Kuehne + Nagel's eTrucknow will also be deployed across Malaysia, India, Vietnam, New Zealand and Australia this year.