About
Flexport is a comprehensive supply chain logistics platform built for businesses that need to ship, clear customs, and fulfill orders at a global scale. It combines ocean freight, air freight, and trucking services with customs brokerage and eCommerce fulfillment into a single, technology-driven experience. Businesses can book shipments in a few clicks, track cargo in real time with SKU-level granularity, and manage their entire trade network from one dashboard via the Flexport Control Tower. The platform's Customs Suite helps importers clear goods quickly, minimize duties through smart HS code classification, claim duty drawbacks, and stay compliant with ever-changing trade regulations. Flexport Intelligence provides data-driven analytics and supply chain insights, while the Carbon Control feature allows companies to measure and reduce their transport emissions. Additional services include Buyer's Consolidation to maximize container utilization, B2B and eCommerce fulfillment, returns management, trade finance, and cargo insurance. With a developer portal offering full API and EDI documentation, Flexport integrates into existing tech stacks seamlessly. It is designed for retailers, manufacturers, importers, and omnichannel sellers who need a reliable, scalable logistics partner with advanced technology at its core.
Key Features
- Ocean & Air Freight: Book ocean and air freight shipments with a few clicks and gain SKU-level visibility from origin to port with real-time tracking.
- Customs Brokerage & Compliance: Expert customs brokers help clear goods quickly, minimize import duties, optimize HS codes, and manage duty drawback claims and compliance audits.
- Flexport Control Tower: A centralized dashboard that provides end-to-end supply chain visibility, order management, booking management, and carbon emissions tracking.
- eCommerce & B2B Fulfillment: Accelerate sales across all channels with omnichannel eCommerce fulfillment, B2B retailer partnerships, and streamlined returns management.
- Flexport Intelligence & Analytics: AI-powered supply chain analytics and insights that help businesses make data-driven decisions, forecast demand, and reduce operational costs.
Use Cases
- An online retailer uses Flexport to book ocean freight from overseas manufacturers, clear customs automatically, and route inventory directly to their fulfillment centers for same-day eCommerce shipping.
- An importer leverages Flexport's Customs Suite to classify HS codes, claim duty drawbacks, and receive alerts on tariff changes — reducing compliance risk without hiring a dedicated trade team.
- A mid-market brand tracks all open purchase orders and shipment milestones in real time through the Flexport Control Tower, reducing surprises and improving on-shelf availability.
- A sustainability-focused company uses Flexport's Carbon Control feature to measure transport emissions across their entire supply chain and offset carbon footprint as part of their ESG reporting.
- A manufacturer with complex multi-leg logistics uses Flexport's API to integrate shipment booking and status updates directly into their ERP system, eliminating manual data entry.
Pros
- True End-to-End Coverage: Flexport handles every stage of the supply chain — freight, customs, fulfillment, and financial services — eliminating the need for multiple vendors.
- Real-Time Visibility: SKU-level tracking from factory to customer door gives businesses unprecedented transparency and control over their shipments.
- Developer-Friendly Integration: A full API and EDI documentation portal makes it easy to integrate Flexport into existing ERP, WMS, or eCommerce tech stacks.
- Carbon Control Built In: Emissions tracking and carbon reduction tools are natively integrated, helping companies meet sustainability goals without extra tooling.
Cons
- Enterprise-Oriented Pricing: Flexport is a paid commercial service geared toward businesses with regular shipping volumes; pricing may be prohibitive for small or occasional shippers.
- Complexity for New Users: The breadth of features — freight, customs, fulfillment, finance — can require a significant onboarding investment before teams see full value.
- Limited Transparency on Rates Upfront: Freight rates are not always publicly listed, requiring direct engagement with a sales representative for accurate quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flexport?
Flexport is an AI-powered supply chain logistics platform that helps businesses manage ocean freight, air freight, customs clearance, and order fulfillment from a single dashboard.
Does Flexport handle customs clearance?
Yes. Flexport's Customs Suite includes licensed customs brokers who help businesses clear goods quickly, minimize import duties, manage HS code classification, and handle duty drawback claims — even for businesses not shipping freight through Flexport.
Can I track my shipments in real time?
Yes. Flexport provides SKU-level real-time tracking via the Flexport Control Tower, giving you visibility from factory floor to customer door.
Does Flexport offer an API for developers?
Yes. Flexport provides a full Developer Portal with API tutorials, API documentation, and EDI documentation so businesses can integrate Flexport into their existing technology stack.
What fulfillment services does Flexport offer?
Flexport offers eCommerce fulfillment for omnichannel sellers, B2B fulfillment for retail partnerships, and returns management — all integrated with the same platform used for freight and customs.
