Pinpools collaborates with TCF

PLATFORM TO PLATFORM

COLLABORATION • THE OPPORTUNITIES OPENED UP BY DIGITISATION ARE ONLY GRADUALLY BECOMING APPARENT, EVEN TO THOSE WHO HAVE LED THE PROCESS OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS

The introduction of digital platforms to the chemical logistics supply chain over the past few years has opened up the potential for transformation, in ways that industry has perhaps not yet fully explored – and in ways that platform owners have perhaps not anticipated. Moreover, the collaborative mindset that is fostered by the possibilities that platforms have raised is having an impact on the platforms themselves.

By way of illustration, two leading platforms in the chemical space have recently announced a collaboration that promises to provide industry with a heightened level of functionality, particularly in the use of tank containers to move dangerous chemicals.

The two companies involved are Germanybased Pinpools, which developed a digital B2B marketplace for buyers and sellers of chemicals, and Netherlands-based TankContainerFinder.com (TCF) which, as its name suggests, operates as a logistical matchmaker for tank container operators and their customers. Both platforms, coincidentally, were created in 2017 and both were designed to bring greater visibility to business transactions through the use of neutral and transparent platforms. At the same time, it appears that both have been pushing at the limits of their capabilities – leading to the decision to team up to offer a seamless system for procuring chemicals and the necessary transport to move them.

SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP “The collaboration between Pinpools and TCF started from realising customer demand,” says Alexander Lakemeyer, CEO at Pinpools. “Pinpools’ customers had a lack of support in logistics; meanwhile, TCF’s customers were interested in finding good chemical suppliers. This collaboration will be very beneficial for both current and potential customers because it will improve the level of digital procurement and logistic opportunities, and therefore provide the customers with a complete user experience.”

Léon de Bruin, CEO of TCF, adds: “TCF and Pinpools are a perfect fit for collaboration as both companies empower digitisation within the industry with their neutral platforms. Customers will benefit from all digital services that the platforms currently offer, and the partnership will supercharge new digital solutions for the chemical industry in the future. It is great to see two companies with a customer-centric start-up mindset come closer together.”

The greatest attributes of both services have merged to give users a wide range of benefits, but the main positive for users is a saving of both time and money. TCF offers the platform for free for searchers, who can post a request with the necessary information and then compare the offers that are given in reply. The suppliers – either operator, forwarder or leasing companies – have an annual plan worth $600 including a 30-day trial for free.

Pinpools allows the use of the marketplace free of charge for purchasers to find chemical suppliers giving a quote to their product requests. Pinpools offers monthly fixed fees starting from €150, also including a one-month free trial. In addition to the financial and time benefits, sustainability is high on the agenda for both TCF and Pinpools. TCF seeks green and sustainable routes by offering its services in a way that allows users to reduce empty repositioning and optimise liquid bulk logistics. The Pinpools marketplace provides solutions for both suppliers and purchasers relating to hazardous chemicals and surplus chemical products in an environmentally sound way. HCB de.pinpools.com tankcontainerfinder.com