OXEA taps Uber Freight to manage North American, European logistics

Chemical manufacturer OXEA has chosen Uber Freight as its principal logistics provider across North America, Canada, Mexico, and Europe as the firm seeks to integrate its regional transportation operations into a unified global network. OXEA, based in Houston, announced that Uber Freight will handle day-to-day transportation tasks, including truckload, rail, and ocean freight, employing technology, analytics, and logistics services to enhance visibility throughout the chemical manufacturer's supply chain.

This marks Uber Freight's inaugural managed transportation engagement spanning the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe, stated both companies.

OXEA manufactures oxo intermediates and performance chemicals utilized in products such as coatings, lubricants, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, flavors and fragrances, printing inks, and plastics. The company employs over 1,200 people and distributes chemicals in more than 60 countries. The partnership aims to replace a previously segmented transportation management strategy with a cohesive operation linking OXEA's facilities, carriers, and clients.

Scott Farmer, OXEA's Chief Supply Chain Officer, emphasized in a press release that the focus is on anticipating issues sooner, responding swiftly, and consistently delivering for businesses relying on the company. For Uber Freight, this engagement broadens its managed transportation business beyond regional operations by integrating freight movements across North America and Europe under a single operating model.

The cross-border aspect encompasses transportation across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, introducing additional complexity involving numerous modes, carriers, and regulatory environments.

Farmers noted that OXEA selected Uber Freight due to its synergistic combination of technology and logistics expertise, along with a dedication to continually refining transportation operations. Managing OXEA's freight network entails specialized equipment and handling, extensive documentation, safety and regulatory adherence, as well as coordination among manufacturing plants, carriers, and customers, according to Uber Freight.

The companies anticipate that a more interconnected view of OXEA's network will enable the early identification of potential disruptions while enhancing on-time performance and communication with clients. Additionally, more efficient routing and transportation choices could assist OXEA in decreasing carbon dioxide emissions and achieving its sustainability objectives.

D Andrae Larry, Chief Commercial Officer at Uber Freight, stated in a statement that the partnership provides Uber Freight responsibility for a multifaceted, multimodal chemical logistics network spanning two continents while OXEA transitions away from region-by-region transportation management.