An innovative Nigerian company, Haul247, has made its mark in the rapidly evolving logistics industry with the introduction of a revolutionary concept sometimes referred to as the “Airbnb-for-trucks.”
This revolutionary system streamlines how companies connect to crucial transportation and storage facilities.
Haul247 took its moniker, “247,” from the well-known slang term for consistency and availability, emphasising the importance of speed, productivity, and effectiveness.
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Haul247’s CEO, Sehinde Afolayan, places a premium on these qualities and claims that the logistics industry never sleeps.
In an interview, Afolayan reveals some of Haul247’s inner workings, explaining how he plans to make the company into Nigeria’s answer to Airbnb for the trucking sector.
There has been remarkable growth in Nigeria’s logistics startup scene in recent years. Successfully addressing issues like inadequate road infrastructure, traffic congestion, and limited warehousing capacity, these startups have created everything from food delivery services like Jumiafoods to last-mile delivery solutions like Gokada, and now Haul247.
The company is now helping firms streamline their logistics and boosting productivity across the sector.
Haul247 is a time-saving platform that lets big businesses reserve trucks and storage spaces across Nigeria. Haul247 creates strategic agreements with big FMCG giants that possess a global vendor registration licence, such as Unilever and PZ, in order to gain a substantial market presence and expand globally.
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The Haul247 Secondary Distribution
Haul247’s secondary distribution capability, which provides extensive warehousing solutions for enterprises, is a fundamental differentiator between it and industry forerunners like Lori and Kobo360. Haul247’s CEO, Sehinde Afolayan, criticises the current approach used by many FMCG manufacturers, which is centred on a single manufacturing hub based in Lagos. Problems arise when trying to ship items across vast distances using this method, as the timing of deliveries is then subject to the vagaries of weather and other external factors. Haul247’s approach is the planned placement of distribution centres across the country and their careful management, allowing businesses to ship goods to these hubs more efficiently.
Haul247’s unique software is the backbone of the business, enabling logistics and warehousing services to be booked by individuals, businesses, manufacturers, and FMCG companies. This cutting-edge programme takes care of order requests, includes accurate quotations, and efficiently pairs them with available vehicles and storage facilities.
Additionally, the software equips carriers by letting them monitor their shipments in real-time all the way to their final destination.
Haul247 makes money through commissions on the lease of warehouse space to businesses. Afolayan reveals that Haul247 has big aspirations to expand into Ghana and Uganda after receiving a $3 million seed investment.
Afolayan adds that Haul247’s sensitization programmes are another way the company helps warehouse owners maximise space utilisation. The company also offers incentives for drivers, routinely checks in with drivers by phone, and strictly enforces driving time limits in an effort to ensure the safety of its drivers.
Haul247 is confident in its ability to succeed despite operating in a market dominated by powerful rivals.
“Expect the development of a unicorn in the next few years’, Haul247’s CEO said. You may count on a company run by successful business people with extensive management experience. Our expansion will be steady and centred, not all over the place. We are dedicated to making constant improvements and expanding our operations.”