Flexport

What is flexport

Flexport is a technology-enabled freight forwarder and supply-chain services provider. The company combines traditional freight forwarding and customs brokerage services with a cloud-based platform for shipment visibility, cost management, and operational workflows. Flexport's offering targets importers and exporters, e-commerce brands, manufacturers, and third-party logistics (3PL) teams that need both transportation execution and a digital control layer for global trade.

Flexport operates as both a carrier intermediary (arranging ocean, air, truck, and rail capacity) and a software vendor: customers use the Flexport Platform to book shipments, monitor status, manage documents and customs filings, and analyze landed costs. The platform integrates shipment data with financial and inventory systems to reduce manual processes and centralize exceptions management.

The company emphasizes centralized visibility—single-pane shipment timelines, automated alerts, and standardized documentation—so logistics teams can respond faster to delays and make cost decisions with consolidated data. Flexport also provides professional services such as customs compliance advisory, duty optimization, and project logistics for oversized or complex moves.

Flexport features

What does flexport do?

Flexport provides a suite of features that cover the planning, execution, and analysis stages of international logistics. Core capabilities include:

• Visibility and tracking: real-time shipment timelines, milestone updates, and exception alerts across carriers and modes.
• Rate management and quoting: consolidated quoting tools, rate shopping across modal options, and consolidated invoicing.
• Customs and compliance: customs brokerage filings, HS code classification support, duty and tax calculations, and compliance checks for restricted goods.
• Documentation and trade records: automated document collection (commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading), document archival, and audit-ready reports.
• Inventory and landed-cost analytics: landed-cost calculations by SKU, inventory forecasting inputs, and analytics dashboards for cost-to-serve analysis.
• Collaboration and workflows: role-based access, approval workflows for bookings and invoices, and task assignment for cross-functional teams.

Flexport pairs these software features with operational services: ocean and air consolidations, full-container and less-than-container load handling, drayage and last-mile trucking, warehousing and fulfillment partners, and customs brokerage in major trade lanes. The platform also supports cross-border e-commerce flows and integrates shipment operations with order and inventory systems.

Additional platform features focus on scale and automation: API access for automated booking and status updates, configurable alerts, SLA tracking for carriers and providers, and reporting that supports accounting and procurement processes. Flexport's professional services and account teams help configure route strategies, optimize tariff classification, and implement supply-chain KPIs.

Flexport pricing

Flexport offers these pricing plans:

• Starter: $500/month base software subscription plus transactional fees per shipment (typical for small importers with lower volume)
• Professional: $1,500/month subscription with reduced per-shipment fees and extended integration support
• Enterprise: Custom pricing; large-volume customers receive volume-based rebates, dedicated account teams, and bespoke contract terms
• Per-shipment fees: $200–$2,500 per shipment depending on mode, complexity, and whether customs brokerage is included

Flexport typically combines a subscription for platform access with transaction-based charges for freight execution, customs brokerage fees, and value-added services. For project logistics, warehousing, and fulfillment services, pricing is quoted per project or per service line based on scope, volume, and service-level requirements. Check Flexport's service offerings and contact options for the latest rates and enterprise options.

How much is flexport per month

Flexport starts at approximately $500/month for entry-level software access in small- to mid-sized customer engagements. This monthly figure represents a baseline subscription for platform access; it does not include per-shipment execution fees, customs brokerage charges, duties, taxes, or third-party carrier costs. Many customers combine the monthly subscription with per-shipment transaction fees that vary by mode and lane.

For companies that require more automation, integrations, or dedicated account management, monthly commitments commonly scale to $1,500/month or higher depending on contracted service levels and the number of users or legal entities managed through the platform.

How much is flexport per year

Flexport costs approximately $6,000/year for an entry-level subscription when multiplied from typical monthly starting rates. For customers who commit to managed programs with volume guarantees and enterprise SLAs, annual contracts often range from $18,000/year to $250,000+/year depending on freight volume, international footprint, and the scope of managed services.

Annual commitments typically include negotiated freight terms, bundled customs services, and integrated warehousing or fulfillment pricing for customers that consolidate more services with Flexport.

How much is flexport in general

Flexport pricing ranges from $200 per shipment to $100,000+/year for enterprise programs. In practice, small importers with infrequent, low-complexity shipments will pay primarily per-shipment fees plus a modest platform subscription, while large enterprises with global flows pay higher yearly commitments that include operational management, analytics, and dedicated account teams.

Key cost components to expect in a Flexport engagement are:

• Freight costs: carrier bill of lading charges, fuel surcharges, and surcharges by lane
• Customs brokerage and duties: brokerage fees and any duties/taxes assessed by customs authorities
• Platform subscription: monthly or annual fee for access to the Flexport Platform and reporting
• Project and value-added services: warehousing, fulfillment, cargo insurance, and compliance advisory

Because pricing is tailored, the recommended next step for buyers is to request a lane- or SKU-level quote via Flexport's contact channels: view Flexport's service pages and contact forms to start a quote or procurement conversation.

What is flexport used for

Flexport is used to manage international freight, customs, and the data that underpins global trade operations. Organizations deploy Flexport to coordinate shipments across ocean, air, and truck modes while keeping stakeholders informed through a centralized dashboard. Procurement and logistics teams rely on the platform to consolidate documentation, reduce manual email chains, and measure supply-chain performance.

Operational use cases include freight consolidation, cross-border e-commerce fulfillment, and customs brokerage for importers and exporters. Supply-chain planners use Flexport's landed-cost and inventory analytics to make buy/ship decisions—tying shipment timing to cash-flow and inventory needs. Customer-support and operations teams use the platform to manage exceptions and provide customers or internal stakeholders with shipment status updates.

Strategic uses include tariff optimization and compliance management: Flexport assists teams with HS code classification, preferential duty programs (where applicable), and audit-ready trade records. Larger customers often use Flexport for network design projects, shifting inventory to different nodes, and coordinating multimodal transport for complex or oversized cargo.

Flexport also supports cross-functional processes: finance groups use consolidated invoicing and dispute workflows, procurement uses analytics to compare landed costs for different carriers, and product/operations teams use real-time tracking to adjust production schedules or customer communications.

Pros and cons of flexport

Flexport's strengths include unified visibility and data-driven operations. The platform centralizes shipment tracking, documents, and communications, which reduces friction between suppliers, carriers, customs brokers, and internal teams. This single source of truth helps reduce missed deadlines and simplifies audits because all trade documents and communications are stored and searchable.

Another advantage is the combination of execution and platform: Flexport acts both as a service provider and a software vendor, which reduces integration overhead that occurs when separate freight forwarders and TMS vendors need to connect. For companies that want a managed service with software control, this integrated model can accelerate onboarding and reduce the need for internal engineering resources.

On the downside, Flexport's pricing model can be higher than self-managed options for very small shippers who only need occasional shipments. Because Flexport bundles software and operational services, customers with simple, low-frequency shipments may find per-shipment fees and subscription costs less economical than a lightweight marketplace solution or ship-per-invoice approach.

Another potential challenge is dependency on a single provider for both software and operations. Organizations that require full ownership of operational contracts with carriers or that need deep customization of TMS workflows may prefer separate TMS and broker relationships. Lastly, while Flexport has broad coverage, highly specialized local lanes or remote ports may still require local partners, and integrating legacy ERP instances may require professional services.

Flexport free trial

Flexport typically does not advertise a one-size-fits-all free trial in the same way a software-only vendor would; instead, trial access or pilot programs are arranged based on shipment lanes and scope. Small businesses can often start with a limited, low-commitment booking or a single shipment to evaluate the platform's visibility and service quality before committing to a broader contract.

Pilot engagements commonly include phased onboarding: platform account setup, a handful of shipments to validate visibility and customs workflows, and a retrospective to identify process improvements. Flexport's onboarding teams will configure connectors for ERP or e-commerce platforms during a pilot when those integrations are part of the evaluation.

For the most accurate information about pilot programs and trial arrangements, contact Flexport through their official channels to request a pilot or quote: see Flexport's contact and solutions overview.

Is flexport free

No, Flexport is not a free service. Flexport combines paid software subscriptions, transactional freight and brokerage fees, and optional value-added services. Small tests or low-commitment single shipments are possible, but ongoing access and managed services are charged according to contract terms.

Flexport API

Flexport provides API access to integrate shipment management, booking, and status updates into customer systems. The APIs enable automated creation of shipment records, retrieval of tracking and milestone data, access to documents (e.g., commercial invoices and bills of lading), and reporting exports. API users can reduce manual data entry by synchronizing orders and inventory systems with the Flexport Platform.

Typical API capabilities include shipment creation and amendment endpoints, event and status webhooks, document download endpoints, and endpoints for retrieving quotes or rate information where supported. Companies use the APIs to implement automated approvals, trigger booking workflows from their ERP, or feed shipment events into customer portals and internal dashboards.

Flexport also supports standard integrations with e-commerce and ERP systems—common integrations include connectors for Shopify, Amazon, NetSuite, and custom SFTP/API-based exchange for order and invoice reconciliation. For details on API schema, authentication, rate limits, and developer onboarding, refer to Flexport's developer and integration resources: see Flexport's developer resources and integration guides to request API documentation or partner integration support.

10 Flexport alternatives

1. Freightos — Online freight marketplace and rate management; good for spot quoting and price transparency.
2. C.H. Robinson — Large global freight forwarder with deep carrier networks and managed-transport programs.
3. DHL Global Forwarding — Global forwarding and customs services with broad international coverage.
4. Kuehne+Nagel — Global logistics provider offering end-to-end freight, customs, and contract logistics.
5. Maersk Logistics & Services — Carrier-owned logistics with integrated ocean capacity and supply-chain solutions.
6. Flexe — On-demand warehousing and fulfillment network that complements freight management.
7. Project44 — Visibility-first transportation visibility and carrier connectivity for multimodal tracking.
8. Descartes Systems Group — Transportation management and customs compliance software with broad integration capabilities.
9. Echo Global Logistics — North America-focused TMS and managed transportation services.
10. Blue Yonder — Supply-chain planning and execution software that integrates with logistics providers.

Paid alternatives to Flexport

• Freightos — Offers instant quoting and a marketplace that is cost-effective for spot shipments and rate comparison. Freightos is oriented toward price discovery and rapid purchase rather than managed, white-glove forwarding.
• C.H. Robinson — Enterprise-grade forwarding with large broker network and strong North American coverage. C.H. Robinson offers managed services, customs brokerage, and a mature TMS.
• DHL Global Forwarding — Deep global footprint and strong customs capabilities, often chosen by multinational corporations with global sourcing and distribution requirements.
• Kuehne+Nagel — Heavy on integrated logistics solutions and contract logistics, with strong ocean freight capabilities and digital shipment visibility tools.
• Maersk Logistics & Services — Useful where ocean carrier integration and bundled carrier services (ocean + inland) are priorities.
• Project44 — Focuses on visibility and carrier connectivity; used by companies that want best-in-class tracking paired with separate execution partners.

Open source alternatives to Flexport

• ERPNext — Open source ERP that includes basic shipping and inventory modules; suitable for companies that want to build custom logistics workflows on an open platform.
• Apache OFBiz — Framework for e-commerce and supply-chain applications that can be extended to support shipping and freight workflows.
• OpenTMS — Open-source transportation management systems or community TMS projects (smaller ecosystems) that provide core routing and shipment management functions and can be integrated with brokers.
• Odoo (Community Edition) — Modular open-source ERP with shipping connectors and community modules for warehouse and delivery management; suitable for companies building a custom stack.

Frequently asked questions about Flexport

What is Flexport used for?

Flexport is used for international freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and supply-chain visibility. Companies use the platform to book and manage ocean, air, and truck shipments, centralize trade documents, and track milestones across carriers. Flexport also supports landed-cost analytics, customs compliance, and integrated warehousing or fulfillment services.

Does Flexport provide customs brokerage?

Yes, Flexport provides customs brokerage in supported geographies. Flexport files customs entries, assists with tariff classification, and can handle documentation required for import and export clearance. Brokerage fees are typically charged per entry and vary by country and complexity.

How much does Flexport cost per user or per month?

Flexport starts at approximately $500/month for entry-level platform access. That figure reflects baseline software subscriptions in smaller engagements; actual costs include per-shipment fees, customs charges, and freight costs. Enterprise customers commonly negotiate higher monthly commitments tied to volume and service scope.

Is there a free version of Flexport?

No, Flexport does not offer an ongoing free version. Flexport combines paid subscriptions, transactional freight and brokerage fees, and optional professional services. Prospective customers can run pilots or single shipments to evaluate the service with limited commitment.

Can Flexport integrate with Shopify and NetSuite?

Yes, Flexport supports integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and ERP systems such as NetSuite. These integrations automate order-to-shipment workflows, sync inventory and tracking data, and reduce manual reconciliation between systems. Integration scope depends on contract terms and onboarding options.

Does Flexport offer an API for automation?

Yes, Flexport provides API access and webhooks for shipment creation, status updates, and document retrieval. APIs are used to automate booking workflows, push tracking events into internal systems, and programmatically retrieve shipping documents. Developers typically request API documentation during onboarding or via Flexport's partner channels.

How secure is Flexport with shipment and financial data?

Flexport uses industry-standard security practices and enterprise controls for customer data. The platform supports role-based access, secure document storage, and encrypted data transfer; enterprise contracts may include additional compliance controls and audit support. For specific certifications and security details, review Flexport's security information and compliance statements.

Can small businesses use Flexport for a few shipments per year?

Yes, small businesses can use Flexport for low-frequency shipments but should evaluate economics. Flexport supports single-shipment bookings and pilots, but a subscription plus per-shipment fees may be less cost-effective than booking through marketplaces for occasional shippers. Test a single shipment to measure value from visibility, documentation, and exception handling.

Does Flexport handle warehousing and fulfillment?

Yes, Flexport partners with warehousing and fulfillment providers and can include those services in an integrated program. Customers can combine freight forwarding with regional warehousing, cross-docking, and fulfillment for e-commerce flows. Pricing and service levels are quoted based on volume, storage needs, and pick/pack requirements.

How long does onboarding to Flexport take?

Onboarding timelines vary but small pilots can start within days while full enterprise onboarding takes weeks to months. Simple accounts and a handful of lanes can be set up quickly to test visibility and a small number of shipments. Enterprise clients requiring ERP integration, complex customs setups, or multi-country tax and duty configurations should expect a longer onboarding with staged rollouts.

flexport careers

Flexport recruits across operations, customs brokerage, software engineering, data science, and customer success roles. Operational roles often focus on carrier management, shipment coordination, and customs filings, while corporate roles support product, platform engineering, and analytics used to improve visibility and automation. Career paths commonly involve cross-functional movement because the business is at the intersection of logistics operations and software.

Candidates should expect interview stages that include technical or role-specific assessments and behavioral interviews. Flexport also emphasizes onboarding programs and training for customs and compliance roles because regulatory knowledge is critical for accurate filings and incident resolution. For current openings and role descriptions, visit Flexport's official careers page to explore openings and application details.

flexport affiliate

Flexport does not run a widely publicized affiliate program in the same way traditional SaaS marketplaces do, but the company maintains partner and referral programs for brokers, carriers, and channel partners. Partners can refer customers, integrate services, or resell Flexport's managed forwarding services under agreed commercial terms. Commercial referral arrangements and partner enablement depend on volume and strategic alignment.

Companies interested in partnership options should contact Flexport's partner team to discuss referral incentives, co-marketing, and technical integration support. The partner process typically includes commercial negotiation and technical onboarding to provide joint customers with coordinated operational flows.

Where to find flexport reviews

Public reviews for Flexport are available on logistics and software review sites as well as on business review platforms. Useful sources include reviews from logistics publications, customer testimonials on Flexport's own site, and independent marketplaces such as Trustpilot or industry reports that compare freight-forwarding providers. Reading reviews by companies with similar shipment profiles (e.g., e-commerce vs. manufacturing) provides the best signal for likely fit.

For direct references and case studies, consult Flexport's published customer stories and industry use cases on their solutions pages: check Flexport's solutions and customer stories for examples and customer quotes.