DHL’s digital start-up Saloodo! launched its platform for shippers and transport providers in South Africa, bringing the first digital road freight platform to the region. The digital solution was first launched in 2017 in Germany and is now also represented in the Netherlands and Poland. Saloodo! was also introduced in the Middle East just six months ago and continues its growth by offering its digital services in Africa.
“After successfully entering the Middle East we have taken the decision to continue on our growth path by expanding to the African continent,” said Thomas Grunau, CEO of Saloodo! “As the world’s youngest continent with 60% of the population below 25 economic decisions and growth are increasingly driven by a dynamic generation of digitally-minded young adults.”
With South Africa as its launch pad into Sub-Saharan Africa, Saloodo! is the first digital platform available in the region. It plans to become a one-stop platform for road freight connections for domestic shipments within South Africa and international movements to several neighbouring countries. Backed by DHL’s global and regional footprint and expertise, all contractual relationships on the platform are organized via the existing local DHL entity.
“With real-time visibility, Saloodo! will inject greater transparency and efficiency to the road network in the region, enabling shippers – from small enterprises and start-ups to large multinational groups – to find trusted and reliable freight carriers in South Africa. This will in turn help carriers manage existing fleets and optimize capacity with full truckload shipments,” added Tobias Maier, CEO of Saloodo! Middle East and Africa.
According to DHL, road freight volumes in South Africa have been increasing steadily, exhibiting a growth of 5.6% in June 2019 when compared to the previous corresponding period. Equally, intra-Africa exports already accounted for 26% and 12% of South Africa’s 2018 total exports and imports respectively – almost 50% of which are with neighbouring countries in this landlocked region.
Collectively, the service has grown to more than 30,000 shippers and over 12,000 carriers covering 35 countries.
Source: DHL
