DropTrip, a crowdsourced shipping platform, launches its web-based, mobile friendly platform
DropTrip, a crowdsourced shipping platform, launches its web-based, mobile friendly platform. The startup seeks to fill the void not currently being met by traditional shipping methods. Similar to Airbnb and Uber, DropTrip uses a business model that revolves around the monetization of underused resources like time, labor, and space.
The DropTrip platform is a safe, reliable, and extremely efficient shipping infrastructure based on utilizing excess capacity in vehicles already on the road. DropTrip Shippers and Travelers work together to solve complex and expensive shipping challenges. Shippers can count on a trusted DropTrip Traveler to pick up and hand-deliver their goods. All eligible shipments are insured, and both parties control the schedule and confirm delivery before the Traveler is paid. The Travelers make money for trips they are already taking by offering up cargo space to help Shippers transport their goods from point A to point B. To date, the DropTrip network has shipped over $25,000 in goods for individuals and businesses.
DropTrip is led by CEO Doug Warner, one of the first employees at software company RightNow Technologies, which was acquired by Oracle Corp. in 2012 for $1.5 billion. “The DropTrip platform solves the often costly and time-prohibitive challenges associated with intrastate and tri-state shipping,” said Warner. “Starting in Montana is strategic because the population is heavily dispersed. If you think about it, everyone has done a DropTrip before; that is, carried or picked up something for someone when they’ve taken a trip. We’re helping businesses and individuals streamline that process.”
DropTrip takes safety seriously, and they have gone to great lengths to create the most secure and reliable network. Every member is highly vetted, and peace of mind comes in the form of up to $5,000 of insurance for each eligible shipment and a $1 million liability insurance policy for the Traveler. “Businesses and consumers are adopting the DropTrip platform as an alternative shipping method, particularly for harder-to-ship items. It saves Shippers considerable time and money, and the Travelers love making extra cash for a trip they are already taking. Our platform is being used for everything from art or food to computers, baby strollers, and everything in between,” said Nathan Williams, VP of Marketing.
DropTrip’s mission is to empower and connect communities, starting in Montana, and growing into a global platform that everyone, everywhere can use directly from their mobile device.
Currently, the DropTrip platform is web-based and usable on any smart phone with web access. A DropTrip app for iOS and Android is in development, slated for release in the near future.
About DropTrip
DropTrip is the first crowdsourced shipping solution born out of the need to strengthen the connection between rural and urban communities. DropTrip is a safe, reliable, and extremely efficient shipping platform based on monetizing excess capacity in vehicles already on the road. Shippers and Travelers work together to solve complex and expensive shipping challenges for both businesses and consumers. DropTrip is changing the way people, businesses, and communities around the world ship and receive the stuff they want.
Save money shipping. Make money traveling.