Mar 13, 2023

DirectFresh service enables same-day perishable shipping

WARP, a tech-powered freight network specializing in middle-mile solutions, has launched DirectFresh, a service enabling perishable shippers with same-day and next-day direct store delivery.

The service offers shippers an end-to-end solution for their fresh freight including manufacturer to cold storage transfers and high-touch, in-store deliveries. WARP’s DirectFresh service enables shippers to transfer product from cold storage directly to a store or a WARP Station (cross dock) depending on their inventory needs within the same day without needing to work with a last-mile delivery service.

Perishable goods are highly susceptible to damage due to their fragile nature and how quickly their quality deteriorates. A missed delivery window can lead to an entire shipment of spoiled products and thousands of dollars in losses for a customer. Because perishable shipments are so sensitive, it’s integral that shippers have visibility and transparency from manufacturer to store.

WARP’s technology weaves together the middle-mile and last-mile using its network of temp-controlled cross docks and carriers to provide perishable shippers with a one-stop shop for logistics needs.

“A majority of freight providers don’t have the right technology to provide quality service to the sensitive temperature-controlled freight market” Jake McPaul, head of refrigerated operations and product at WARP, said in a news release. “The sensitivities associated with perishable shipping also almost always leave perishable shippers little to no consolidation solutions, making it challenging to manage costs.

“With technology that connects temperature controlled cross docks and carriers, we’re bringing new and innovative solutions for perishable shippers across North America,” McPaul said in the release.

As part of DirectFresh, WARP has partnered with ShipRec to provide real-time temperature monitoring of fresh freight in transit directly in the WARP platform. The partnership between WARP and ShipRec improves food safety and works to meet the strict requirements of Food Safety Modernization Act regulations to prevent foodborne illness.

Users can receive notifications if a refrigerated or frozen product’s temperature is outside of the optimal temperature zone, allowing drivers to investigate issues as needed and alert customers of any issues in advance. ShipRec’s tracking technology also gives WARP customers accurate locations for all their loads.

“We’re thrilled to partner with WARP to provide their customers with cutting-edge technology that will allow them to have better insight and control into their shipments,” Paul Vinuelas, ShipRec CEO and co-founder, said in the release. “ShipRec’s tracker signal is strong enough to go through cardboard, metal and even concrete, making it applicable to fresh shipments and everything in between.”

WARP provides more transparency at a lower cost by right-sizing capacity based on the pallet-level/piece count of shipments that day, time and place. WARP has partnerships with carriers that offer in-store delivery including unloading the trucks and delivering the final product inside the store.

The service is available in every major metro area in the U.S., Canada and select areas of Mexico.

WARP recently announced an additional $5.7M in funding to bring its total to $8.1M for 2022, its first operational year.