US transportation and logistics provider, Werner Enterprises, has announced its collaboration with the Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA) to ensure the standardisation of blockchain technology.
“We’re excited to work with BiTA to drive adoption of new technologies like blockchain that will improve security and service across the transportation and logistics industry,” said Werner Enterprises Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Nathan Johnson.
BiTA said in a statement that its first blockchain standards in freight will be developed and published in 2018, addressing smart contracts, freight payment, asset maintenance, transparency and chain of freight custody.
BiTA was formed to create a forum for the development of blockchain standards and education for the freight industry, with a goal to bring together leading companies in the freight and technology industries that have a stake in the development of blockchain technology. “A blockchain is a decentralised, digital, public ledger of transactions,” said BiTA. “Originally developed as the accounting method for virtual currency Bitcoin, a blockchain underlies a distributed ledger that has a wide variety of commercial applications.”
Werner Enterprises was founded in 1956, with coverage throughout North America, Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and Australia. Werner maintains its global headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska and maintains offices in the US, Canada, Mexico, China and Australia.
Werner is reportedly among the five largest truckload carriers in the US, with a diversified portfolio of transportation services. The Werner Logistics portfolio includes truck brokerage, freight management, intermodal, international and final mile services.
Other businesses that have joined BiTA include: Chinese e-commerce company, JD, US-based company, Penske Logistics and international package delivery service provider, UPS.