BlueCargo builds a software platform that aggregates port terminal data to track containers, manage gate schedules, and handle dispatching, planning and scheduling for trucking companies and shippers. The company connects to ports (rather than selling to them) and positions itself as an interface between ports and trucking companies rather than a replacement for truck management systems. Its platform tracks demurrage, detention and per diem fees, secures appointments for pick-ups and drop-offs, and generates supporting documentation to dispute late fees. BlueCargo pivoted in 2019–2020 from optimizing container stacking at terminals to this dispatching and scheduling focus. The company has raised $11 million in a new round and is currently focused on the U.S.; the article cites Forrest Logistics saving more than $5 million in fees using BlueCargo and notes late fees ballooned to "tens of millions" in 2021–2022. BlueCargo plans to bring shipping companies onto the platform so they can flag priority containers and may expand to other intermodal transport such as rail in the coming years. BlueCargo builds software to optimize how containers are stored in seaport terminal yards so the first container scheduled to leave is at the top of the pile, reducing unproductive moves. The system leverages extensive data on each container — origin, container type, full/empty status, ship, seasonality and more — to train models after ingesting a terminal's historical data. It integrates with existing ERP solutions and crane workflows (cranes already scan container IDs) and can push positioning guidance to crane operators. In modeling work at Saint‑Nazaire the company estimated a 22% reduction in container shifting and plans to test its solution there in December. BlueCargo charges fees based on realized shifting savings (taking 30% of what shifting would have cost under the old model) and aims to be minimally disruptive to terminal workflows. The startup is part of Y Combinator’s latest batch and is in discussions with larger ports including Long Beach; winning adoption from the six dominant terminal-management players would be a significant commercial opportunity.

Total raised

$14M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Feb 2023