Logistics as Code: How Flexport, Maersk, and Startups Rewire Trade

Global logistics is often seen as bulky, slow, and reactive. But a wave of innovation is turning supply chains into programmable systems—where shipping lanes, customs data, and inventory flows behave like software. Led by platforms like Flexport, incumbents like Maersk, and a wave of startups, a movement toward “logistics as code” is transforming how goods move, scale, and adapt.

This article explores the digitalization of trade, the rise of programmable logistics, and what happens when shipping joins the software era.

1. What Does “Logistics as Code” Mean?

It refers to:

• Real-time APIs that control physical movement
• Event-driven workflows for shipments and customs
• Infrastructure described in code (like containers, but not just digital)
• Platforms that treat supply chains as modular, orchestrated services

It’s the opposite of spreadsheets and email—it’s machine-readable trade coordination.

2. Flexport: Platform-First Logistics

Flexport pioneered logistics as a software product:

• Unified dashboard for freight, customs, insurance, and documents
• API endpoints for scheduling, tracking, and pricing
• Predictive modeling for transit time and risk
• Collaboration between shippers, carriers, and brokers

It turns shipping into a real-time programmable layer, not a back-office function.

3. Maersk’s Reinvention as a Tech Operator

Maersk, one of the world’s largest carriers, shifted from containers to code:

• Launched Maersk Flow and Twill for SME shipping interfaces
• Acquired logistics tech firms to expand digital stack
• Invested in AI-powered routing and capacity optimization
• Built tools for end-to-end visibility across sea, air, and land

Old shipping giants now behave like platform companies.

4. Startups Fueling the Transformation

Key players include:

• Project44 and FourKites for real-time visibility
• Stord and ShipBob for cloud logistics and fulfillment
• Everstream Analytics for supply chain risk forecasting
• Flock Freight for shared truckload optimization via algorithmic routing

These startups treat supply chains as computational puzzles, not manual coordination.

5. Infrastructure as Data

Modern logistics platforms digitize:

• Port, warehouse, and customs data streams
• Container status and temperature sensors
• Delay forecasting based on external events (weather, strikes)
• Inventory flow mapped against pricing, demand, and lead time

Supply chains gain situational awareness—and decision speed.

6. Integration with Commerce and ERP

Logistics-as-code connects directly to:

• Shopify, Salesforce, SAP, and Oracle platforms
• Automated order fulfillment and route planning
• Dynamic inventory allocation based on expected delivery
• Predictive restocking and demand shaping

Shipping becomes part of the application layer, not separate ops.

7. Resilience through Simulation

Companies simulate trade flows like code:

• Create virtual twins of supply networks
• Model disruption scenarios for proactive mitigation
• Run optimization cycles for cost, speed, and sustainability
• Auto-generate routes and contingency plans

In this world, logistics isn’t guesswork—it’s software-managed adaptation.

8. Environmental Intelligence and ESG

Logistics platforms now track:

• Carbon footprint of shipments
• Route efficiency and fuel usage
• Compliance with climate reporting standards
• Supplier sourcing for ethical transparency

Sustainability becomes quantifiable—and programmable.

9. Expert Perspectives

Ryan Petersen, founder of Flexport, said:

“Trade has always been global. Now it’s becoming real-time and intelligent.”

Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk, added:

“We are building not just services—but platforms for global orchestration.”

These leaders see shipping not as movement—but as digital coordination at scale.

10. What Comes Next

Expect to see:

• AI agents managing global routing
• Voice-based customs assistants and trade chatbots
• Git-style version control for supply chain flows
• Blockchain-backed document systems and verification

When logistics runs like code, trade becomes as dynamic as the internet itself.

Conclusion

The transformation of logistics from manual operations to intelligent systems marks a profound shift. Platforms now treat containers like packets, routes like algorithms, and disruption like bugs to fix—not disasters to react to. In this new era, goods don’t just ship—they compute across global networks.