Ship4wd is a digital freight forwarder that puts SMBs in control. The company simplifies complexity and minimizes risk to make it easier for small and midsize businesses to seize the incredible opportunities of global trade and turn shipping into a business value driver. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Ship4wd CEO Carmit Glik to learn more.
Carmit Glik’s Background
(Carmit Glik, CEO of Ship4wd / Image credit – Tammy Montag)
Glik’s first role in the logistics and shipping industry was after her release from the Israeli army. And Glik said:
“I replaced somebody on maternity leave and initially thought this job would be a three-month gig. It turns out it would last for at least 25 years. At first, the international aspect of the industry fascinated me–working with people from all over the world and the ability to make a global impact were the main factors for my choice.”
“Throughout my career, I have worked in more than 30 countries and have lived in 6 countries working in larger companies and startups. Working in logistics and global trade, few people know what we do and why it is essential. But, when you are in the business, you see the importance of global trade, how it has brought societies out of poverty, and how it impacts small businesses and families.”
Formation Of Ship4wd
How did the idea for Ship4wd come together? Glik shared:
“The idea of Ship4wd is the culmination of my 25-year journey working in the largest companies in the industry. It became clear to me that there is a significant gap in the industry that nobody is filling – providing service for SMBs. SMBs are underserved and overpaying for their logistics operations. Over the last eight years, I decided to dedicate my career to looking deeply into the best way of serving SMBs and understanding the reasons why the industry cannot provide them with efficient logistics services.”
“After years of closely following technological developments and how they are reaching the industry, it became clear to me that if we leverage technology to deal with the most significant gaps in the industry, we can actually solve the situation and ultimately open the doors of global trade to every business that wishes to participate, regardless of its size.”
Favorite Memory
What has been Glik’s favorite memory working for Ship4wd so far? Glik reflected:
“My favorite memories are always related to the moment we receive feedback from a customer, showing us that our promise has not only been delivered but surpassed their expectations. For example, one of our customers was planning to unveil his business and launch his product line at a toy trade show in the U.S. After 25 years in the U.S. Army, he had made a shift to his career. He created a product line, started a partnership with a factory in China, and was getting ready for his big launch. Then he came across a problem he had not foreseen—freight forwarders were reluctant to work with him for several reasons. Because he didn’t “speak the shipping language,” he was basically at a loss on how to get his samples in from China for the upcoming trade show.”
“He needed someone to guide him through the process and get his shipment in on time. Not only did he manage to get his shipment in from China, but also, with the help of our customer support, he came across discrepancies in the documentation that would have probably led him to miss the trade show. Hearing later from him that he felt seen and that we took his urgency and business needs seriously were fantastic moments for us.”
“As a team, we truly believe and work very hard towards our vision. It’s a magical moment when we witness the positive impact of our efforts on the lives and businesses of our customers.”
Challenges Faced
What are some of the challenges Glik faced in building Ship4wd, and has the current macroeconomic climate affected the company? Glik acknowledged:
“The challenges are abundant, and it’s no wonder there hasn’t been a player in the industry who has managed to solve challenges related to creating a solution that solves logistics-related issues for SMBs; how to simplify a complex, highly-regulated industry for SMBs that don’t speak the logistics jargon and don’t have an expert logistics department; and how to turn enterprise-class service into a simple and accessible tool for small and medium-sized businesses.”
“The current economic climate is challenging as well, but it also gives us several opportunities. Naturally, navigating the global scenario of downward demand for goods and products is more complicated. On the other hand, I believe it gives SMBs an excellent opportunity to enter the market and recover their business, given that shipping prices are considerably low and a much fairer playfield compared to a few years ago during Covid.”
Core Products
What are Ship4wd’s core products and features? Glik explained:
“Ship4wd’s team developed a digital freight forwarding platform that provides SMBs with the service and guidance they have never received but depended on for success. Users can quickly view and compare a range of fully detailed quotes, knowing precisely what they are paying for. They can book their shipments in a few clicks and have guaranteed rates and allocation and door-to-door delivery. If any questions arise, our team of experts is available 24/7, ready to answer and aid SMBs with any doubts and issues of concern.”
“We also offer SMBs various essential financial services. Business leaders seeking financing options and better cash flow management can apply to credit lines. As a result, SMBs can now pay for shipments up to 90 days from the cargo delivery date, providing them with unprecedented and much-needed cash flow relief. In addition, we offer other additional services such as online checkouts, where businesses can pay with a credit card and ACH debit, custom clearance services, a crucial step in import and export processes that demand experienced staffing and cargo insurance, ensuring their transport is protected in case of any eventuality.”
“Once their shipment is underway, we provide our customers with total visibility and real-time updates at every transit stage over the dashboard in our platform. Every operation at Ship4wd is geared towards making the entire shipping experience less complex and a source of growth for SMBs.”
Evolution Of Ship4wd’s Technology
How has Ship4wd’s technology evolved since launching? Glik noted:
“It amazes me how much we have evolved. One and a half years ago, when we launched our services, we only delivered Full-Container Load (FCL) services to a few countries. Today, we provide Full-Container Load (FCL), Less-than-Container Load (LCL), and Air Freight shipments across the globe, in addition to several other integrated services that turned Ship4wd into a true one-stop-shop, end-to-end experience for every business, regardless of its size.”
“Our integrated services include flexible payment terms, such as credit lines (subject to meeting eligibility conditions), to which users can apply over the dashboard and pay for their shipments up to 90 days from the cargo delivery date; online checkouts, where business owners can pay online with a credit card or ACH debit, saving them the time of completing payments offline; customs clearance services, cargo insurance services, and 24/7 expert support, giving business owners the opportunity of clarifying any questions during and beyond office hours, regardless of their time zones.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of Ship4wd’s most significant milestones? Glik cited:
“Our first significant milestone was the launch of our platform in October 2021, offering Full-Container Load (FCL) ocean freight services to North America.”
“This year has been a year of significant milestones. We reached the 15,000 registered users’ mark on our platform. In June, we launched our financing services, a game-changer for SMBs struggling with cash flow, and within 3 weeks of the launch, we provided our customers access to more than $3 million USD in credit lines. In recognition, Ship4wd received two awards from the Global Brand Awards Magazine this year in Best Freight Forwarding Company for SMBs (United States) and Best Freight Forwarding Company for SMBs (Canada) categories, and I was honored to have been awarded Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s ‘Pros to Know’ Award.”
Customer Success Stories
Upon asking Glik about customer success stories, she highlighted:
“Our customers range from business owners who have just started their businesses and don’t have experience in the shipping industry, yet the success of their business depends on it, to well-versed medium-sized entrepreneurs looking for a logistics partner who can advocate for their specific needs. For example, one of our customers, Bruce Tucker from Octane Sitting, provides residential and commercial seating solutions to its customers, a combination of end consumers, eCommerce, and massive retail stores in the U.S.”
“He is not a novice in the shipping industry, but he still struggled to find a partner to provide technological solutions, human expertise, and essential support throughout his freight journey. He said, ‘Today it’s not a matter of if, but when, something goes wrong. And when it does, your business pays the price, no matter whose fault it is.’”
“The round-the-clock, updated information we provided on the status of every shipment each step of the way and the 24/7 expert support has, according to Bruce, given him ‘the right visibility… to be on top of the process. I am now more confident in communication with my customers, knowing that I can meet the commitments I have made to them – that’s something I can’t take for granted in today’s environment.’”
Funding
After asking Glik about the company’s funding, she replied:
“We are a well-funded startup that is a part of ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (NYSE: ZIM).”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is Ship4wd pursuing? Glik assessed:
“Our total addressable market is small and medium-sized businesses globally, representing 40% of the global freight market.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates Ship4wd from its competition? Glik affirmed:
“Ship4wd was created to make international freight viable for SMBs to propel their growth and prosperity. Therefore, we are fully committed to reducing these barriers and helping pave the growth path for these businesses. This differentiates us from our competitors–SMBs are at the core of everything we do.”
“By actively listening to SMBs and their experiences and needs, we built a one-stop-shop platform and range of services that aim to remove these obstacles one by one in issues concerning freight forwarding, customs clearance, financing, cargo insurance, and assistance. Our user-friendly platform allows SMBs to book, track, and finance their shipments, in combination with around-the-clock customer support services, to clear any doubt that may come up.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of Ship4wd’s future company goals? Glik revealed:
“Our goal is to create a one-stop-shop solution for global shipping and related services such as customs and financing for SMBs and to become their go-to logistics partner.”
Additional Thoughts
Any additional thoughts? Glik concluded:
“Managing cash flow is among the most prominent problems small and mid-sized businesses face when importing or exporting goods. SMBs have fallen between the cracks regarding transportation and when trying to finance their businesses.”
“The new industry standard we set in June – our digital financing service that offers entirely digitized online payment options for our customers – enables SMBs that are typically underbanked or unbanked a true opportunity to compete and thrive amidst today’s economic climate. SMBs deserve our full attention, and their success is everybody’s success.”
