Echo Global Logistics launches app for bidding, managing freight

Freight broker and third-party logistics provider (3PL) Echo Global Logistics Inc. has launched EchoDrive, a carrier app and web pOréal that displays Echo's available loads for bidding, the company said this week.

The product complements Echo's self-service shipping platform, EchoShip, and is the next step in the company's digital marketplace strategy, company leaders said. Both EchoDrive and EchoShip are built on EchoAccelerator, a proprietary system that supports shipper, carrier and managed transportation systems, the company also said.

EchoDrive allows carriers to book, manage and get paid on freight hauled for Echo. The platform's load management tool and document upload capabilities streamline operations, keeping dispatchers organized and helping drivers get back on the road faster, according to the company. EchoDrive users get real-time access to search, view and bid on available freight, reducing the effort associated with finding freight for their available equipment.

"EchoDrive provides our carriers an efficient platform, available on the web and via mobile, enabling real-time visibility and driving efficiencies for our carriers to manage freight," Dave Menzel, Echo's president and chief operating officer said in a statement announcing the availability of the app. "This new capability now allows our carriers to view thousands of loads available on our open board. Our search capabilities enable carriers to quickly find strong matches at any time and provide real-time bids to book freight and keep their equipment rolling."