FreightWise Taps New CTO to Lead AI Advancement
Logistics tech firm FreightWise has appointed Chris Haarmeyer as its new Chief Technology Officer. The move is part of a multi-year strategy to expand the company's AI capabilities within its transportation management system (TMS) platforms.
Chris Haarmeyer brings over 16 years of focused experience in Enterprise Transportation Management systems to the role, having previously held development and management positions at Oracle, Manugistics, and 3Gtms. His work has spanned everything from Fortune 100 companies to startups, concentrating on software for dispatch, warehouse management, and supply chain logistics. Founded in 2015, FreightWise has been on a rapid growth trajectory, landing the #2 spot on the Inc. 5000 list in 2019. The company expanded its market footprint in 2023 by acquiring Kuebix, a pioneer in SaaS-based TMS platforms, from Trimble. The appointment comes as the global transportation management system (TMS) market is projected to expand from $21.30 billion in 2026 to $44.84 billion by 2034. The integration of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics for functions like demand forecasting and route optimization is a key trend driving this market growth. Companies that adopt AI for supply chain management have seen logistics costs improve by 15% and service levels increase by 65% compared to competitors. The technology is used to automate tasks, reduce fuel consumption, and provide real-time visibility into shipments, which can lower transportation expenses. The AI in transportation market itself was valued at $4.0 billion in 2023 and is forecast to reach $35.6 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by the increasing demand for efficiency and safety, with deep learning technology playing a major role in advancements. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, FreightWise is a venture-backed private company that has raised $25 million in funding. The firm provides its in-house developed TMS platform and managed services to small and mid-sized shippers across manufacturing, retail, and distribution industries.