Starboard

🚀 Exciting News from Starboard! We’ve secured $5.5M in seed funding led by Eclipse, with support from Garuda Ventures and Everywhere Ventures. This milestone accelerates our mission to empower SMB freight forwarders with AI-driven logistics solutions that: ✅ Automate workflows ✅ Boost productivity by up to 70% ✅ Cut costs by up to 50% Want to learn more about how we’re transforming global trade? Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/eCyF_iV8 #GlobalTrade #FreightForwarding #AI #LogisticsTech #StarboardAI

Canadian National Railway could see major disruptions starting January 28, with 750 workers preparing to strike. With cross-border rail traffic representing 30% of CN’s revenue, disruptions could impact supply chains across Canada and the U.S. Uncertainty like this demands agility. Freight forwarders need access to real-time insights and streamlined workflows to stay ahead and keep goods moving. Stay prepared for potential delays. Read more 👇

We’re excited to welcome Shreyans Jain to Team Starboard as our Founding SDR! Shrey brings exceptional sales expertise and technical knowledge to our mission of empowering SMB freight forwarders. His commitment to building relationships and solving challenges is already making a difference! 📩 Reach out to Shrey at shrey@starboard.biz to say hello or learn more about what we’re building at Starboard.

Starboard is hosting AI 101. If you are interested in learning how AI is changing freight forwarding, make sure to attend it on February 7.

Are you curious about adopting AI but not sure where to start? Join our co-founders on Friday, February 7th at 1:30 PM ET as they demystify AI, explain the basics, and answer real-world questions from freight forwarders.

Trump’s second term is already reshaping logistics, with new tariffs set to hit: 🔹 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico starting Feb 1. 🔹 10% on Chinese goods, with up to 60% on certain products. Rising costs, port congestion, and tighter capacity are on the horizon, but forwarders who adapt quickly can stay ahead. To navigate this new trade era, diversify carrier networks, invest in AI-powered tools, and guide clients with smart sourcing strategies. 🌐 Read more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/ecqMmQsi #FreightForwarding #Tariffs #GlobalTrade #LogisticsTech #AI

A U.S. port strike was narrowly avoided with a new tentative labor agreement. But the impact of earlier disruptions and an ongoing import surge is keeping freight forwarders on their toes. U.S.-bound imports surged 14.7% year-over-year in November, driven by proactive retailers avoiding disruptions and tariff hikes. But freight volatility is far from settled. Here’s what forwarders need to watch: 🔹 Front-loading impacts: Retailers stocked up to mitigate risks, putting pressure on port capacity. 🔹 Upcoming fluctuations: Lunar New Year shutdowns will slow imports in February before rebounding in March. 🔹 Stability concerns: While the new labor contract offers relief, potential tariff increases continue to cloud 2025 forecasts. In times of uncertainty, tools that enable real-time data and faster decision-making are more essential than ever. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ddieFEbv

Is your team ready for Chinese New Year freight challenges? With factories closed for a week, it's one of the busiest times in global trade. Managing last-minute orders, capacity constraints, and fluctuating rates can leave teams stretched thin. AI empowers freight forwarders to stay ahead. With real-time insights, faster quoting, and less manual work, your team can navigate the chaos with confidence. 💡 Read more on how AI can help you stay ahead during peak season: https://lnkd.in/eBG3MqcA #FreightForwarding #AI #GlobalTrade #LogisticsTech #SupplyChainInnovation #ChineseNewYear

Global trade hit $33 trillion this year, but it wasn’t without challenges. Freight forwarders navigated volatile markets, geopolitical tensions, and labor shortages—all while keeping goods moving. Key highlights from 2024: ✅ $1 trillion in trade growth, with ICT and apparel leading the way. ✅ Freight market recovery: Ocean freight rates surged, air freight demand grew 10% YoY. ✅ Resilience in the face of geopolitical pressures and labor disruptions. Looking ahead to 2025: Freight rate volatility, nearshoring bottlenecks, and talent shortages will make agility critical. AI will play a vital role in helping forwarders quote faster, gain real-time visibility, and streamline operations. Dive deeper into our 2024 recap and 2025 predictions on the blog: https://lnkd.in/e7k6PS9V #FreightForwarding #GlobalTrade #AI #LogisticsTech #SupplyChain

As the year wraps up, we want to celebrate the freight forwarders and logistics pros who make global trade possible and keep the world moving. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey. Together, we’re not just moving goods. We’re moving the industry forward. Wishing you a happy holiday season, The Starboard Team