This Amsterdam-based logistics startup reports 240% hypergrowth despite the coronavirus pandemic

With many startups reporting layoffs, this Amsterdam-based logistics startup continues to thrive amid the coronavirus pandemic that has cost tens of thousands lives and trillions of dollars in economic damage. Quicargo is an online platform that connects empty trucks to any business that needs transportation in real time. In the midst of coronavirus, the scale-up Quicargo, a digital freight network serving both shippers and carrier, has managed to turn a complex and challenging situation into an opportunity for exponential growth.

In the first quarter of 2020, the Amsterdam, Netherlands-based Quicargo saw an increase in gross revenue of 240% when comparing the 1st quarter of 2020 to the similar quarter in 2019. The number of unique visitors to its website was more than tripled. The company also served about 1000 active shippers during the same period. During the month of March 2020, Quicargo automatically matched 70% of the shipments to a carrier. It is worth mentioning that at the end of March 2020, Quicargo broke its historical record for the number of transactions on one single day.

The arrival of the Coronavirus in Europe undoubtedly affected the number of transactions from several frequent shippers. Nonetheless, by increasing the number of active shippers – reaching a record of over 550 in March -, Quicargo was able to find opportunities for exponential growth.

Quicargo was founded by Israeli natives Avishai Trabelsi (CEO) and Roni Liberman (CPO) in the summer of 2016. Before founding the logistics startup, Avishai was the CEO of a family owned-transporting company in Israel. “When I realized that 50% of trucks in the industry were running empty, I decided to quit the family business and solve the problem on a global scale.” Empty, or partially empty trucks cause lots of inefficiencies for transportation companies. Besides that, because of this there are more trucks on the road than necessary meaning that we could contribute to reducing CO2 emmisions by eliminating those empty trucks. This is how our mission ”no more empty trucks” was born!

Quicargo now connects empty trucks to any business that needs transportation in real time, ensuring a more efficient road freight industry while reducing CO2 emissions and congestion on the roads. Quicargo was originally founded in Israel, but the company moved to the Netherlands in 2016. We are fully operational in the Netherlands and have made a first entry into Germany and Belgium. Quicargo is headquarted in Amsterdam with an ambitious team of 25 people.

Even though Quicargo is growing exponentially, the company emphasizes that safe working conditions are of the utmost importance. Employees have been asked to work from home. All the operations adhere to government regulations and advice. Quicargo expects the same from its partners. The digital freight network has released a COVID-19 statement on its website to keep everyone involved with Quicargo up-to-date about the possible impact of the outbreak on daily operations.