Aug. 15, 2017 – Descartes has acquired MacroPoint, an electronic transportation network providing location-based truck tracking and predictive truck capacity data content.

US-based MacroPoint runs a connected network of over 2 million trucking assets and drivers. MacroPoint connects to trucks through integrations to on-board electronic logging devices (ELDs), transportation management systems, or any mobile phone. MacroPoint uses this data content to help transportation brokers, logistics service providers and shippers track the locations of deliveries in trucks

Descartes’ strategy is focused on growing and operating the most complete and interoperable global Logistics Technology Platform. Descartes’ Logistics Technology Platform uniquely combines the Global Logistics Network (GLN), a wide range of modular and interoperable logistics applications and the largest community of logistics-intensive companies in the world. The acquisition advances Descartes’ strategic objective to strengthen its global presence and leadership position by: 

  • Extends the reach of Descartes’ network through real-time connections with over 2 million trucking assets; 
  • Adds innovative technology and associated applications for monitoring and alerting on real-time truckload data; 
  • Expands Descartes’ community with a significant number of freight brokers, logistics service providers and market-leading shippers; and
  • Provides truck capacity data content that can be used for capacity planning, backhaul matching and predictive analytics.

Extending Descartes’ Global Logistics Network

Descartes’ GLN is the foundation on which the applications and community are built. The GLN provides community members the flexibility to easily connect and collaborate with global trading partners.  The MacroPoint acquisition extends the reach of the GLN by connecting more than 2 million trucking assets through integrations to on-board electronic logging devices (ELDs), transportation management systems, GPS-enabled smart phone applications and mobile phone triangulation.

Enhancing Descartes’ offering of logistics management applications

Descartes’ product strategy is focused on expanding its logistics application functional footprint to provide its customers with the most comprehensive logistics management solutions in the industry.  The MacroPoint acquisition will strengthen Descartes’ application footprint by adding innovative technology and associated applications for monitoring and alerting on real-time truckload data.

Growing Descartes’ global multimodal logistics community

Descartes’ logistics community is the largest multimodal network of logistics intensive companies in the world, with parties using its cloud-based services in over 160 countries. Descartes’ mission is to create the world’s most comprehensive networked logistics community. MacroPoint’s network includes more than 8,000 participants, including a significant number of freight brokers, 3PLs, logistics service providers and market-leading shippers.

Expanding Descartes’ logistics trade data content 

Descartes’ leading platform combines regulatory trade data and logistics trade to improve market research, reduce the risk of transacting with denied parties, perform shipment classification and valuation to minimize duty spend, and improve shipment planning and execution. MacroPoint adds truck location and capacity content that can be leveraged to provide transportation brokers and shippers with predictive truck capacity availability to identify early opportunities for backhauls and additional moves.

About Macropoint

US-based MacroPoint runs a connected network of over 2 million trucking assets and drivers. MacroPoint connects to trucks through integrations to on-board electronic logging devices (ELDs), transportation management systems, GPS-enabled smart phone applications and location-based mobile phone triangulation. MacroPoint uses this data to help transportation brokers, logistics service providers and shippers track the locations of deliveries in trucks. MacroPoint can also use this content to provide transportation brokers and shippers with predictive freight capacity to help identify early opportunities for additional freight moves.

The acquisition makes MacroPoint’s customers members of the world’s premier global logistics community – The Global Logistics Network – facilitating improved performance and productivity of logistics operations around the world. As part of this community MacroPoint’s customers will have access to the Global Logistics Network and additional solutions via Descartes’ Logistics Technology Platform to expand modes and sources of tracking information, improve rate management, dock appointment scheduling, transportation management, routing and scheduling, and in-transit inventory visibility. 

MacroPoint is based in Cleveland, Ohio.