CargoSphere
CargoSphere is a cloud-based, neutral ocean freight rate management platform serving freight forwarders, NVOs, ocean carriers, and BCOs. Its patented SUDS technology, eSUDS API, and Rate Mesh network automate ingestion and confidential real-time distribution of contract and spot rates across global trade lanes. Now a wholly-owned subsidiary of WiseTech Global.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersChapel Hill, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What CargoSphere does
CargoSphere is a cloud-based ocean freight rate management platform founded in 1999 and headquartered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC) following the September 2017 acquisition, operating under the legal entity WiseTech Global (US) Inc. It serves three core customer segments: freight forwarders and NVOs (non-vessel operating common carriers), ocean carriers and consolidators, and shippers/BCOs (beneficial cargo owners), all of whom need to manage large volumes of confidential contract rates, amendments, tariffs, and surcharges across global trade lanes.
The platform is built on three core technology components. SUDS (Smart Upload and Diagnostic Solution) is a patented engine that ingests static carrier rate files (xls, doc, PDF) and converts them into a queryable cloud database; eSUDS extends SUDS into an electronic, API-driven data stream that carriers can use to push contract and surcharge rates in real time; and Rate Mesh is an interconnected online network that enables confidential one-to-one and one-to-many rate distribution among carriers, forwarders, and shippers. Supporting features include Floodgate (quotation updates), FMC tariff self-publishing, and NRA compliance tooling, plus the eSUDS Connector universal API released in November 2019. Two U.S. patents (#6,064,981 and #6,920,429) protect the underlying rate-management and rate-negotiation technology.
CargoSphere operates a hybrid SaaS revenue model. The primary stream is annual subscription-based access to the rate management platform and the Rate Mesh network, with pricing quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Adjacent professional services revenue includes specialist-led rate management (contract loading, data entry, amendment handling), on-site and web-based training, and consulting on contract and quotation best practices. Distribution is primarily direct to enterprise customers, but is materially amplified by two channels: the single sign-on integration with WiseTech Global's CargoWise One platform, which exposes CargoSphere to 12,000+ logistics companies, and the major carriers (Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, Safmarine, Hamburg Süd) who distribute their own rates through CargoSphere to their downstream forwarder and shipper customers. Named customers include Kuehne+Nagel, Dachser, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, NNR Global Logistics, M+R Spedag, Livingston International, SEKO Logistics, CaroTrans, and Blu Logistics, with over 100 enterprise customers and over 100 million rate connections on the network.
CargoSphere firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CargoSphere
- Legal name
- CargoSphere
- Website
- https://cargosphere.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- CargoSphere is a cloud-based, neutral ocean freight rate management platform serving freight forwarders, NVOs, ocean carriers, and BCOs. Its patented SUDS technology, eSUDS API, and Rate Mesh network automate ingestion and confidential real-time distribution of contract and spot rates across global trade lanes. Now a wholly-owned subsidiary of WiseTech Global.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CargoSphere industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Shipping Rate Management Software
- NAICS
- Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510), Freight Transportation Arrangement (48851)
- SIC
- Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Ocean Export Forwarding (Booking/VGM/SI/BL) (TLACABAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Ocean Import Forwarding (Destination Handling/DO/ISF) (TLACABAE)
Keywords
Where CargoSphere is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chapel Hill
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
CargoSphere business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Subscription: Subscription-based access to CargoSphere rate management platform and Rate Mesh network. Platform enables frictionless rate distribution, networking, and cloud-based rate management for ocean freight.
- Rate Management Services: Specialists provide ongoing rate management (data entry, contract loading, amendment management) and interim rate management support for companies that don't want to manage contracts themselves.
- Training Services: On-site training, web-based training, project management and coordination for implementation. Also offers an extensive library of on-demand videos.
- Consulting Services: Comprehensive consulting services to help customers learn and apply best practices for contract, rate, and quotation management.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Standard Platform Access |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
CargoSphere product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CargoSphere provides a cloud-based, neutral ocean freight rate management platform for the global shipping industry. Its core offerings include the SUDS (Smart Upload and Diagnostic Solution) technology that converts static carrier-rate files (xls, doc, pdf) into structured database records, the eSUDS electronic rate streaming capability, and the Rate Mesh network that enables confidential real-time rate distribution among carriers, forwarders, and shippers. The platform serves freight forwarders, NVOs, ocean carriers, and beneficial cargo owners by automating rate ingestion, distribution, and quote generation.
Product overview
CargoSphere is a cloud-based, neutral ocean freight rate management platform acquired by WiseTech Global in 2017. The platform consists of a unified set of products: the core SUDS (Smart Upload and Diagnostic Solution) technology for converting static carrier rate files into structured, queryable database records; eSUDS (electronic SUDS) for automated carrier-to-platform data streaming via a universal API; and the Rate Mesh platform for real-time, confidential rate collaboration among carriers, forwarders, and shippers. CargoSphere also offers adjacent services including Freight Rate Management (specialist-led contract and rate management), Training and Implementation, and Consulting Services. Key features include Floodgate (for rapid quotation updates), FMC tariff self-publishing, and NRA compliance tools. The platform integrates with WiseTech Global's CargoWise One via single sign-on.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Rate Mesh: CargoSphere's intertwined online network that enables carriers, forwarders, and shippers to confidentially distribute rates to one another in real-time.
- SUDS (Smart Upload and Diagnostic Solution)
- eSUDS (electronic Smart Upload and Diagnostics Solution)
Products and services
- SUDS (Smart Upload and Diagnostic Solution) Proprietary technology that intelligently reads static carrier-rate files (xls, doc, PDF) and enters rate data directly into the CargoSphere cloud database, enabling self-management of ocean, air, and land transport contracts without outsourcing. Used by freight forwarders, NVOs, ocean carriers, and BCOs.
- eSUDS (electronic Smart Upload and Diagnostics Solution) Electronic version of SUDS that enables a fully automated transfer of carrier contract rates via integrated data streams, allowing ocean carriers to push updated rates to CargoSphere for processing and distribution to customers. Replaces email-based distribution of spreadsheets and PDFs with a 100% digital rate ecosystem.
- Rate Mesh CargoSphere's interconnected online network of carriers, forwarders, and shippers that confidentially distributes rates to one another in real-time, allowing shipping partners to share, compare, and quote rates seamlessly using cloud-based technology.
- eSUDS Connector Universal API and data structure that enables any ocean carrier to stream rate and surcharge data to CargoSphere's neutral rate network using a common data format, designed in collaboration with ocean carriers.
- Freight Rate Management Services
- Training and Implementation On-site and web-based training services with a dedicated project manager for larger implementations, plus an extensive library of on-demand videos for ongoing training and feature adoption.
- Consulting Services Consulting services to help customers apply best practices for contract, rate, and quotation management, leveraging deep industry experience and the CargoSphere platform.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduces processing time from days to 2-6 hours
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use CargoSphere
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
CargoSphere technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
CargoSphere partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.
- CaroTransmajorDigital integration enables global NVOCC and ocean freight consolidator to distribute digital LCL import and export rates on CargoSphere. Fully automated API connection removes manual rate management processes.
- Hamburg SüdmajorHamburg Süd first to adopt CargoSphere eSUDS Connector. Universal rate structure and API enables ocean carriers to stream rate and surcharge data to CargoSphere's neutral rate network.
- SafmarinemajorSafmarine Spot rates available on CargoSphere platform. Provides loading guarantee at fixed price at booking. Integration enables customers to access Safmarine Spot with confidential contract rates in single view.
- Maersk SpotmajorMaersk Spot rate product launched on CargoSphere. Offers loading guarantee and fixed price at booking. Customers can access Maersk Spot rates together with confidential contract rates in single rate search.
- CargoWise OnecoreCargoSphere integrated with CargoWise One, WiseTech Global's flagship product. Integration provides seamless rate data transmission and single sign-on access to CargoSphere's rate ecosystem for CargoWise One users. Enables more efficient and accurate rate management workflow.
- MaerskcoreMaersk Line, world's largest container shipping company, adopted CargoSphere ecosystem for ocean rates. Provides digital and fully-automated method of sending contract rates, amendments, tariffs and surcharges to shipper, freight forwarder and NVOCC customers.
- Hapag-LloydcoreHapag-Lloyd, the 5th largest container shipping line, implemented CargoSphere for digital rate distribution. First carrier to offer customers automatic access to all contract rates using CargoSphere's eSUDS. Dramatic improvement over email distribution of spreadsheets and PDFs.
- WiseTech GlobalcoreWiseTech Global, a leading developer and provider of software solutions to the logistics execution industry, acquired CargoSphere in September 2017. The acquisition enables CargoSphere's rate management capability to be integrated with CargoWise One platform, benefiting freight forwarders and logistics customers worldwide. WiseTech Global serves over 12,000 logistics companies across 130 countries.
- DachsermajorDachser Logistics, global third-party logistics provider, received real-time rate distribution from UASC via CargoSphere Rate Mesh. Asia-Europe and Asia-Mediterranean freight rates delivered directly into Dachser's rate database.
- UASCmajorUASC, leading global ocean carrier, implemented CargoSphere rate technology connection with SEKO Logistics. First vessel-owning ocean carrier to add real-time connectivity. 2-week implementation from contract signing to go-live.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
CargoSphere competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Xeneta: Norwegian ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and analytics platform serving shippers, forwarders, and carriers with contracted and spot rate intelligence. Most directly comparable to CargoSphere on the rate visibility/distribution side of the ocean freight stack.
- Freightos: Online freight marketplace and rate management platform covering ocean, air, and trucking. Comparable to CargoSphere as a digital freight rate distribution and quoting platform, with overlapping customers among forwarders and BCOs.
- Magaya: Logistics and freight forwarding software platform serving NVOs and forwarders with rate management, quoting, and operations modules. Direct overlap with CargoSphere's core freight forwarder/NVO customer segment and rate management use case.
- Aljex: Cloud-based freight rate management and quoting platform built for freight forwarders and 3PLs. Closest direct peer to CargoSphere on the forwarder-side rate management workflow with similar SaaS positioning.
Broad incumbents
- Descartes Systems Group: Public logistics technology vendor offering a broad portfolio including ocean rate management, customs, and forwarding software. Overlaps with CargoSphere on the ocean rate management workflow but sells a much wider product suite to similar enterprise forwarder and carrier customers.
- E2open (INTTRA): Supply chain network platform including the INTTRA container shipping network used by ocean carriers and BCOs. Competes on the carrier-to-shipper digital rate and booking distribution side that CargoSphere's Rate Mesh and eSUDS also address.
- Turvo: Cloud-based TMS for shippers, brokers, and 3PLs with rate management, quoting, and shipment visibility modules. Broader platform than CargoSphere but overlapping on the rate management and quoting workflow for logistics providers.
Emerging players
- GoComet: AI-driven freight management platform covering ocean, air, and road freight rate comparison, vendor management, and shipment visibility. Emerging competitor targeting similar forwarder and shipper customers with broader, AI-native workflows.
- Kontainers: Digital freight forwarding platform providing instant quoting, booking, and rate management for forwarders. Emerging competitor with overlapping forwarder customer base and rate-centric product positioning.
Others
- project44: Supply chain visibility platform with ocean, road, rail, and air tracking. Adjacent rather than directly competing, but increasingly expanding into rate and tendering workflows that overlap with CargoSphere's forwarder use cases.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
CargoSphere social profiles
Digital presenceCargoSphere financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CargoSphere leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
CargoSphere funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CargoSphere M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CargoSphere
What does CargoSphere do?
CargoSphere provides a cloud-based, neutral ocean freight rate management platform for the global shipping industry. Its core offerings include the SUDS (Smart Upload and Diagnostic Solution) technology that converts static carrier-rate files (xls, doc, pdf) into structured database records, the eSUDS electronic rate streaming capability, and the Rate Mesh network that enables confidential real-time rate distribution among carriers, forwarders, and shippers. The platform serves freight forwarders, NVOs, ocean carriers, and beneficial cargo owners by automating rate ingestion, distribution, and quote generation.
Is CargoSphere a public or private company?
CargoSphere is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was CargoSphere founded?
CargoSphere was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is CargoSphere based?
CargoSphere is headquartered in Chapel Hill, United States, in the North America region.
How does CargoSphere make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Software Subscription is the primary driver. The others are rate Management Services, training Services and consulting Services.
Who are CargoSphere's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Xeneta, Freightos, Magaya and Aljex. Broad incumbents are Descartes Systems Group, E2open (INTTRA) and Turvo. Emerging players are GoComet and Kontainers. project44 is listed as an others.
Does CargoSphere have an API?
Yes. CargoSphere offers the eSUDS Connector, a universal API and data structure (application programming interface) that enables any ocean carrier to stream rate and surcharge data to its global customers on the CargoSphere neutral rate network. The API was designed in collaboration with ocean carriers and provides a common data format and structure for carriers to transmit confidential customer contracts, amendments, and global surcharge tariffs to the CargoSphere platform.
What industry is CargoSphere in?
CargoSphere's product category is Shipping Rate Management Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLACABAF, Ocean Export Forwarding (Booking/VGM/SI/BL), with a secondary code of TLACABAE, Ocean Import Forwarding (Destination Handling/DO/ISF). Its NAICS code is 488510 and its SIC code is 4731.