Sure the latest initiatives from the Teslas, Apples and Googles of the industry tend to dominate the tech news space — and with good reason. Still, the tech titans aren’t the only ones bringing innovation to the sector.
In an effort to highlight up-and-coming startups, Built In has launched The Future 5 across 11 major U.S. tech hubs. Each quarter, we will feature five tech startups, nonprofits or entrepreneurs in each of these hubs who just might be working on the next big thing. You can check out last quarter’s Seattle round-up here.
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Freight shipping is a tough industry for both drivers and shippers. Transporting cargo by trailer is a common form of freight transport but factors such as weather, traffic and driving regulations can cause hiccups in supply chains, which can then cost companies thousands of dollars to remedy. For drivers, the industry is laden with strict deadlines and negotiations with brokerages for the best rates.
Rollzi, a Seattle-based shipping company founded in 2020, is fixing both issues with its unique solution.
The company was co-founded by CEO Damien Hutchins and CFO Jonathan Epstein and utilizes a single-lane relay method to move freight along the West Coast. Single-lane relay means that Rollzi transports freight along one route, currently Interstate 5 which runs from Seattle to L.A., and exchanges loads with other drivers going in the opposite direction to make the process more efficient in terms of time and fuel.
“Shippers are always looking for more efficient and effective ways to transport their goods, while potential drivers are looking to have meaningful career paths,” Hutchins told Built In over email. “We built our single-lane relay strategy to address these challenges and so far, the feedback from both shippers and drivers has been great.”
According to Hutchins, this method allows the company to make deliveries on time and with lower operational costs but requires more planning. Rollzi’s currency tech also allows it to analyze fuel prices, traffic and delivery destinations. In the future, the company hopes to automate load planning and driver assignments.
Drivers are looking to have meaningful career paths. Potential drivers have a lot of great job options, so evolving the job of [a] truck driver to be an attractive opportunity is important.”
To make deliveries on a relay, Rollzi has a network of company-owned trucks and employed drivers. Having its own equipment has allowed the company to run trucks at capacity and train drivers in the relay method. The single-lane relay system also allows drivers to stay closer to home since they travel shorter distances.
“Drivers are looking to have meaningful career paths. Potential drivers have a lot of great job options, so evolving the job of [a] truck driver to be an attractive opportunity is important,” said Hutchins. “Rollzi is a values-based company that treats drivers like all employees should be treated. Our drivers are paid by the hour, including any on-duty time.”
So far Rollzi has been a hit with several companies that need freight moved. According to Hutchins, customers have been satisfied with their load deliveries, and as a result, investors have flocked to the Seattle startup. In July, Rollzi closed an $8 million seed round and credit financing.
Going forward Rollzi will use the money raised to expand its network of trucks and drivers. It also plans to make tech hires to automate certain features of its process.
