In May 2019, Maersk released Maersk Spot. It didn’t happen overnight, but something needed to be done about the everyday inefficiencies it was experiencing within shipping.
Instant gratification is something users are used to in most aspects of their lives, but why not within the shipping industry? Imagine adding something to the basket on Amazon without knowing the price, how much delivery would cost, or how long it would take to arrive? Users wouldn't accept this in everyday life so why do they accept it within the industry?
Instant information
When developing Maersk Spot, Maersk knew it had to address this early on but how to tackle something that people expect as a given, a sure thing, a basic need within the customer experience?
Well, it’s no different in business. People want information instantly. Price uncertainty is something that just doesn’t wash anymore. With Maersk Spot being based on the airline pricing model, something that customers are already familiar with and trust, it means they feel comfortable booking shipments this way. Customers want to choose a date and have access to the price instantly, knowing it won’t change or come with unexpected charges at the end.
Innovation and digitisation
With innovation, digitisation, Maersk Spot tackles inefficiencies that were an everyday occurrence in shipping
By implementing Maersk Spot, Maersk has seen a massive decrease in overbooking. A huge 75% compared with its traditional model and the rolling of shipments has dropped to just 1.5%!
With a continued focus on driving innovation and digitisation, Maersk Spot has been able to tackle those fundamental inefficiencies that were an everyday occurrence in shipping.
Hassle-free and sustainable
When a customer thinks of their transport and logistics, Maersk wants flexible, sustainable, and hassle-free to be the first thing they associate it with and ultimately, help their supply chain as a whole.
When rolling out any product, honest feedback from customers is key. When bringing something new to the market that’s based on customer needs, they must tell users what works and what could be improved and so far the feedback has been amazing.
Digitalising logistics
“The future of logistics is digital, everything is moving fast and customers won’t and can’t afford to wait on rates for their shipments.”
“To keep up with these new ways of working, we as a smaller freight forwarding company also need to change the way we work. Maersk Spot is helping distinguish us from big players and global logistics companies as it makes almost impossible things happen,” Dennis Lehnecke, Con-Truck Shipping.
Quick and flexible shipping
Maersk Spot saves time and allows for the faster, proactive development of new trades and tradelines"
Maersk Spot has become perfect for smaller business owners. The kind of business that needs quick and flexible shipping with a fixed price, so they can accurately forecast their cash flow.
"Developing new tradelines has never been easier. The spot is, by all means, a very useful tool, particularly in developing cross trades. For the main business route such as Europe to the Middle East, for example, I would have to have a long-term COA with shipping lines and fixed terms and conditions. But for spot business not related to this route, Maersk Spot is perfect. It saves time and allows for faster, proactive development of new trades and tradelines,” said Hans Bönnen, Nortrop.
Working on uncertainty, improving communication
When companies need to keep their clients happy, uncertainty and fluctuating prices can throw a spanner in the works. Maersk Spot has been successful in easing this pressure and making communication between all parties much more straightforward.
“Maersk Spot helps us keep our clients happy in that we significantly reduce waiting times for rates, and it gives us to guarantee and assurance. Once the booking is placed, we know there won’t be any space issues,” Karthick Kumar, St. John Freight Systems Limited.
Sustainable transport and logistics
No longer do customers have to guess or forecast what they'll need to pay. The transparency that Maersk Spot provides means customers can get on with the really important stuff that helps their business tick. It makes all of the operations much more efficient meaning the businesses that use Maersk services can confidently come back, knowing when their shipment will arrive and how much it will cost them exactly.
The logistics industry is being pushed out of its comfort zone to expand and make room for innovative growth. Launching Maersk Spot didn’t happen overnight, but this is a huge change in the industry, and Maersk can't help but think this is just the beginning of better, faster, and more sustainable transport and logistics.