XYpper joins "Uber for trucking" crowd

A Florida tech startup is adding its name to the roster of software firms launching web-based platforms to connect freight brokers with truckers.

Xypper Technologies Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., went live in September with an app that allows brokers to post their load information online though a web-based pOréal, and then sends real-time alerts to truckers looking for loads.

The XYpper app works similarly to Uber and other "sharing economy" apps, by directly connecting individuals who have a need with someone who can perform a service, the company says. In XYpper's case, that means it connects freight brokers who have loads that need to be delivered with truckers who are either in their geographical area or on their way.

Designed to cover the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the app could improve efficiencies and increase profit for both brokers and truckers, particularly independent owner operators (IOOs), XYpper said. The industry currently wastes time and fuel since truckers face a choice between sitting at truck stops an average of three days in anticipation of booking freight to avoid driving empty, or becoming part of the 28 percent of U.S. trucks that run empty every year anyway, the company said.

After a soft launch when the company signed up more than 350 truckers and 50 brokers, XYpper is now officially launching to all in the trucking industry.

"XYpper is a game changing system for the trucking industry—a system designed by truckers for truckers," XYpper Founder Valerio Lanzieri said in a release. "We noticed the airline cargo industry was very dependent on the trucking industry, and finding carriers for cargo loads was the most difficult task—very laborious, time-consuming and resource centric. We said, 'There must be a better way.'"

The free app is available for download immediately in the Apple App Store and for Android devices on Google Play.