Headwinds into Tailwinds: Arrive Logistics Expands into Canada
Arrive Logistics has begun expanding into Canada. We speak with them to learn how they're positioned to thrive in Canada
In an industry dominated by geography, expansion plans don’t always follow as straight a line as the Trans-Canada west of Winnipeg. This is especially true when attempting to expand from one side of the border to another. Rules, regulations, and culture differ from country to country. What works “here”, doesn’t always work “there”. So, when a company wants to expand from the U.S. into Canada, what’s the most important marker on the map?
For Austin-based Arrive Logistics, a top 10 U.S. brokerage that’s currently making a move into Canada, the answer is: the ideal mix of technology and people, which Arrive refers to as its “copilot strategy”. We spoke to Noah Sidenberg, Arrive’s Sr. Director, Canada Sales & Operations, to learn more about the company, and what it sees as its competitive advantage when it comes to making a push north of the border.
As Sidenberg explained, for Arrive, expansion has meant growing physically with new locations, but also by investing in specialized services positions the company as a full-service brokerage.
“Arrive launched 9 years ago in Austin. Over time, we grew to a second hub in Chicago and within the past two years, have heavily invested into expansion—San Antonio, Phoenix, Columbus, Tampa, Guadalajara to drive our cross-border and Mexico offerings, and now into Canada. In addition to our North American expansion, we are also laser focused on our full suite of specialized services, including flatbed, reefer, LTL, intermodal and drayage.”
Still, more locations and services can’t guarantee success. As Sidenberg explains it, this is where Arrive’s competitive advantages and modern approach come in to play.
Competitive edge
“We invest heavily in technology,” Sidenberg explained. “Arrive has effectively built a full-service technology company within its own walls. We have a staff of more than 250 technologists working as engineers, developers and data scientists. That investment alone accounts for up to $50 million a year.”
Monthly market updates
As impressive an investment as that might be, what also impresses me is the strong emphasis Arrive places on data and market intelligence. The company was first-to market with a comprehensive, monthly market update analyzing and sharing freight market trends, which is published publicly on their website and shared directly with customers.
“Arrive has published a monthly Shipper Market Update for five years now, and recently added a monthly Carrier Market Update along with Quarterly Freight Rate Forecasts. These resources are crafted with our own data insights as well as those from direct customer feedback. They have become incredibly useful tools for our sales teams, customers, and the industry as a whole. In the first half of this year, our Shipper Market Update was accessed 25,000 times by customers and industry pros.”
While the reports have traditionally been geared at the U.S. market, as Arrive continues its growth into Canada, expanding their scope is a key part of the plan. As Sidenberg explained, by using their own research to highlight trends and position themselves as market leaders, they can stay ahead of local downturns and market shifts, giving them an edge over competitors.
“What we're focused on now within Canada is replicating that same level of market intelligence. We want to mirror the success we’ve had in the U.S. to not only give us the ability to make good strategic decisions, but keep us protected when the market turns.”
For their customers
In addition to parsing market data, Arrive’s investments in technology provide numerous benefits for their customers. Accurate, real-time rates allow Arrive to provide the best value for their customers while maintaining a level of transparency not all brokerages can offer.
“We hold ourselves to a very high standard, utilizing best-in-class data science practices and insights from our vast carrier network, to inform our decision-making.”
Enhanced visibility tools and instant communication features enable Arrive to ensure the secure delivery of their customers’ freight.
“Customers entrust their broker with transporting their freight securely and efficiently. Our technology and dedicated team provide visibility into our operations and engagement throughout the life of a shipment to ensure all expectations are met. Our technology is able to automate many of those touchpoints to ensure fast and effective updates and communication. Arrive operates with efficiency, and our on-time percentages are industry-leading.”
At the end of the day it all comes down to turning challenges into opportunities.
“We are very excited about how far we’ve come as an organization, but even more so about where we’re going. Arrive stands ready to provide first-class service and technology to Canadian customers and carriers, and make a positive impact in this market.
Stay tuned to see how the rollout continues.