Open Logistics Foundation
Open Logistics Foundation is a Dortmund-based non-profit that develops open source software for the logistics industry, including eCMR, eDeliveryNote, Track & Trace, and containerLib, serving 50+ member companies across 12+ countries via a membership-fee model.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersDortmund, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Open Logistics Foundation does
Open Logistics Foundation is a Dortmund, Germany-based non-profit foundation established in 2021 that develops open source software for the logistics industry. Its mission is to create vendor-neutral, interoperable digital building blocks that logistics operators, forwarders, customs authorities, and software vendors can jointly use to digitize physical freight workflows. The foundation is financed through membership fees paid by its member companies, which number more than 50 across at least 12 countries and span logistics service providers (DACHSER, Rhenus, Contargo), software vendors (Blue Yonder, adesso), and specialized consultancies (VIL, Zunarelli).
The foundation's technical portfolio consists of six documented open source projects: OLF-eCMR (electronic consignment notes), eDeliveryNote (digital delivery documentation), iLEAP (an integration layer connecting foundation modules to enterprise logistics stacks), Track & Trace (shipment visibility), Timeslot Management (yard/terminal appointment scheduling), and containerLib (standardized container data exchange). These projects share a common interoperability-oriented architecture aimed at exchanging logistics documents and events between heterogeneous parties without proprietary vendor lock-in.
Operationally, the foundation operates with a small core team (1-10 employees) plus a broader contributing community drawn from its member companies. Its leadership team has continuity dating back to 2010 in adjacent open source logistics efforts. The membership-fee go-to-market model positions the foundation as a shared standards body rather than a software vendor; revenue is not disclosed and the entity reinvests any surplus into further development of the open source codebase.
Open Logistics Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Open Logistics Foundation
- Legal name
- Open Logistics Foundation
- Website
- https://openlogisticsfoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Open Logistics Foundation is a Dortmund-based non-profit that develops open source software for the logistics industry, including eCMR, eDeliveryNote, Track & Trace, and containerLib, serving 50+ member companies across 12+ countries via a membership-fee model.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Open Logistics Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Open Source Logistics Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518210)
- SIC
- Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Real-Time Operational Visibility & Exception Management (TLAEAKAC)
Keywords
Where Open Logistics Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dortmund
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Open Logistics Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: The Foundation is financed by membership fees from member companies. The support association (Open Logistics Foundation e.V.) collects membership fees that fund the Foundation's operations, Working Groups, and project development activities.
- Community Contributions: Member companies contribute resources, personnel, and expertise to Working Groups and Projects. Companies like adesso act as implementation partners offering paid services to help integrate solutions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Open source software - free for all users |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels11 records
Open Logistics Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Open Logistics Foundation develops and publishes open source software for logistics digitalisation, including the OLF-eCMR electronic consignment note, eDeliveryNote, Track & Trace, Timeslot Management, and the iLEAP emissions data exchange protocol. Its software is freely available through the Open Logistics Repository under the Open Logistics License and is co-developed by more than 50 member companies in Working Groups and Projects. The Foundation is financed by membership fees and operates as a non-profit foundation under German law.
Product overview
The Open Logistics Foundation develops and publishes open source software components for logistics digitalisation. The core portfolio includes the OLF-eCMR (electronic consignment note) for international road freight, the eDeliveryNote project for domestic transport documentation, Track & Trace for supply chain visibility, Timeslot Management for appointment coordination, and the iLEAP protocol for emissions data exchange. Additional projects address GPID, BORDER, Digital Air Cargo, NE:ONE (ONE Record), and Tracking Event Model. All software is freely available in the Open Logistics Repository under the Open Logistics License 1.0, with contributions from over 50 member companies across Europe. The foundation is structured as a non-profit foundation under German law.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- OLF-eCMR (Electronic Consignment Note) Open source digital consignment note solution for international goods transport, providing interoperability and legal compliance with the 2008 CMR Convention through advanced electronic seals, enabling paperless freight documentation across federated platforms. Includes APIs for data import/export and user authentication.
- eDeliveryNote (eLieferschein) Open source project developing a standardised digital data model and APIs for delivery notes in domestic freight transport. Led by Markant, the project builds on eCMR components to enable cross-sector interoperability.
- iLEAP Protocol (Emissions Data Exchange) Open source digital protocol for logistics emissions data exchange developed by Smart Freight Centre and SINE Foundation, aligned with ISO 14083 and the GLEC Framework. The Open Logistics Foundation's Working Group Enabling Logistics Decarbonisation pilots and contributes to its development.
- containerLib Java library contributed by Contargo that validates container numbers according to ISO 6346 and validates truck registration plates by country-specific requirements. Freely available in the Open Logistics Repository.
- Open Logistics Repository Central GitLab-based repository (git.openlogisticsfoundation.org) hosting all open source software components developed by the Foundation and its members. Freely accessible for download by any company, with groups for Working Groups and Standalone Projects.
- Open Logistics License 1.0 (OLFL) Open source license (Version 1.0, March 2022) governing the use, reproduction, and distribution of software components developed by the Open Logistics Foundation. Royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable license for commercial and non-commercial use.
Quantifiable outcome
- More than 28 logistics service providers, transport platforms, and IT providers collaborated on eCMR development
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Open Logistics Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Open Logistics Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Open Logistics Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Zunarelli Studio Legale AssociatocoreItalian law firm Zunarelli became the first legal member of the Foundation. Specialising in transport, logistics, and maritime law with 8 offices in Italy plus Shanghai, Zunarelli brings legal expertise to the community. They will serve as the Foundation's voice in Italian legal and transport sectors and address legal issues within topic clusters.
- ContargocoreContargo, a leading company in container hinterland logistics, contributed its internally developed containerLib as the first standalone open source project in the Foundation's Repository. The Java library validates container numbers (ISO 6346) and checks truck registration plates by country, demonstrating the Foundation as a hub for member-contributed components.
- adesso SEcoreadesso SE, one of the leading IT service providers in the German-speaking region with more than 11,300 employees across 65+ locations, joined as a member. As a solution provider and implementation partner, adesso helps make the Foundation's open source solutions accessible and usable for logistics companies. The partnership strengthens the open source ecosystem in logistics.
- VIL (Flanders Innovation Cluster for Logistics)coreThe Foundation and VIL signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration around open innovation and digital transformation in logistics. VIL is a non-profit organisation with over 700 members including logistics providers, manufacturers, retailers, ports, startups, and research institutions. The partnership expands the Foundation's network across the Flemish logistics ecosystem and strengthens collaboration between European logistics communities.
- Blue YondercoreBlue Yonder, a global supply chain software company, joined the Foundation as a member in 2025. The company invests in open standards such as eCMR and timeslot booking, contributing to reducing fragmentation and simplifying integration in logistics networks.
- Smart Freight Centre (SFC)coreSFC developed the iLEAP protocol as the digital counterpart to the GLEC Framework for logistics emissions accounting. The Foundation's Working Group Enabling Logistics Decarbonisation uses this open source approach and conducts pilot projects providing real-world feedback that influences iLEAP's evolution.
- SINE FoundationcoreSINE Foundation co-developed iLEAP with Smart Freight Centre, providing expertise in carbon transparency and solving data dilemmas. Together with SFC, they designed iLEAP as a structured digital protocol that can be implemented directly in company systems.
- Open Source Business Alliance (OSBA)coreOSBA is an official Network Partner of the Foundation with over 220 member companies in the open source industry in Germany. OSBA advocated for the Cyber Resilience Act to distinguish between proprietary and open source software, with the Foundation categorised as 'stewards' under the regulation.
- Fraunhofer IMLcoreFraunhofer IML is a strategic member and research partner, providing expertise in logistics research and contributing to Working Groups and Projects. The Foundation hosts events at LogistikCampus at Fraunhofer IML.
- Logistics in WalloniaminorExisting network partner within Belgium, complementing the VIL partnership to expand collaboration across regional logistics communities in Belgium.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Open Logistics Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Linux Foundation: Largest global open source foundation hosting industry projects under vendor-neutral governance. Comparable structurally to OLF, and a potential parent/incumbent if OLF projects (e.g., OLF-eCMR) were to scale and seek broader foundation-level stewardship.
- Apache Software Foundation: Long-running global open source foundation operating under merit-based, consensus-driven governance and a permissive license. Comparable in the structural model of volunteer-led, vendor-neutral open source production that the Open Logistics Foundation emulates.
- Eclipse Foundation: Large open source foundation operating industry-specific Working Groups (automotive, finance, etc.) under member-governed IP frameworks. Comparable in structure and operating model to the Open Logistics Foundation, but at much broader cross-industry scale.
- IATA (Cargo Industry Affairs): International air transport association that sets and publishes air cargo standards (including ONE Record, the basis for OLF's NE:ONE project). Comparable as a global logistics standards-setting body whose outputs OLF adapts for its open-source implementation.
Direct peers
- FIWARE Foundation: European non-profit that develops open source components and APIs for smart industries including mobility and logistics. Comparable in its European, EU-funded, multi-stakeholder open source foundation model applied to logistics-adjacent verticals.
- Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA): Industry-association publisher of open digital standards for container shipping. Highly comparable to OLF because both are non-profit consortia producing vendor-neutral interoperability standards for logistics under consensus governance.
- Smart Freight Centre: Global non-profit that owns the GLEC Framework for logistics emissions accounting and co-developed the iLEAP protocol with OLF. Directly comparable as a logistics-sector standards body whose outputs (iLEAP, GLEC) are now channelled through the Open Logistics Foundation.
- GS1: Global multi-sector standards body whose product-identification and supply-chain visibility standards (e.g., EPCIS) directly compete with OLF's GPID and Track & Trace projects. Comparable in its mission to enable interoperable cross-company logistics data exchange.
- Open Source Business Alliance (OSBA): German cross-industry association with 220+ member companies promoting open source software. Comparable to OLF as a Germany-based, non-profit open source advocacy body, and indeed a current OLF Network Partner.
- MACH Alliance: Industry alliance promoting open, composable, vendor-neutral technology architectures (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless). Comparable as a vendor-neutral, member-driven standards coalition pushing interoperability in commerce-adjacent software markets.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Open Logistics Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceOpen Logistics Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Open Logistics Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Open Logistics Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Open Logistics Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Open Logistics Foundation
What does Open Logistics Foundation do?
The Open Logistics Foundation develops and publishes open source software for logistics digitalisation, including the OLF-eCMR electronic consignment note, eDeliveryNote, Track & Trace, Timeslot Management, and the iLEAP emissions data exchange protocol. Its software is freely available through the Open Logistics Repository under the Open Logistics License and is co-developed by more than 50 member companies in Working Groups and Projects. The Foundation is financed by membership fees and operates as a non-profit foundation under German law.
Is Open Logistics Foundation a public or private company?
Open Logistics Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Open Logistics Foundation founded?
Open Logistics Foundation was founded in 2021. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Open Logistics Foundation based?
Open Logistics Foundation is headquartered in Dortmund, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Open Logistics Foundation make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are community Contributions.
Who are Open Logistics Foundation's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Linux Foundation, Apache Software Foundation, Eclipse Foundation and IATA (Cargo Industry Affairs). Direct peers are FIWARE Foundation, Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA), Smart Freight Centre, GS1, Open Source Business Alliance (OSBA) and MACH Alliance.
Does Open Logistics Foundation have an API?
Yes. The OLF-eCMR solution includes APIs for importing/exporting data and authenticating users. The software is available in a 'Full version' for logistics service providers and transport companies, and a 'Core version' for companies that already have their own eCMR instances but wish to use the interface. The use of a standardised eCMR data model enables the exchange of eCMR documents across federated platforms without a central instance or mediator. Developer documentation is at git.openlogisticsfoundation.org/wg-electronictransportdocuments/ecmr.
What industry is Open Logistics Foundation in?
Open Logistics Foundation's product category is Open Source Logistics Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAEAKAC, Real-Time Operational Visibility & Exception Management. Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 4731.