Kobo360, an African logistics and supply chain company, has introduced HaulSight, a subscription-based fleet management software designed to enhance how businesses manage their vehicle fleets.
Developed in 2024, HaulSight is a strategic shift for Kobo360, stimulating the company’s move from a truck-hailing platform to a pure software solution aimed at helping large enterprises optimise their fleets without the complexities of truck sourcing, driver management, or handling in-transit cargo liabilities.
Unlike its original platform, which connects cargo owners with truck operators, HaulSight focuses solely on providing businesses with tools to track fleets, plan routes, and access invoice discounting.
This innovative service targets companies with extensive in-house fleets, such as Flour Mills, Dangote, and Unilever, which have long relied on Kobo360’s logistics arm for efficient transportation solutions.
The launch of HaulSight comes when truck drivers in Kobo360’s network are facing shrinking profit margins due to rising fuel prices. The company has been forced to adjust its commission structure in response to these financial issues.
Unlike the consumer-oriented taxi-hailing sector, where companies like Uber have increased their commissions over time, Kobo360 has seen a reduction in its commission from 20% in 2019 to 8% in 2021.
This adjustment reiterates the challenge for logistics startups in negotiating favourable terms with corporate clients who need to balance cost-efficiency with service quality.
Kobo360’s services are powered by over 50,000 truck owners and delivery partners, enabling it to move over 9 billion kilograms of goods across Africa.
The company operates in 7 countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire, and serves over 700 businesses.
These businesses span a range of industries, including FMCG, oil and gas, chemicals, and agriculture, among others.
Fleet management software like HaulSight brings an opportunity for Kobo360 to tap into a new revenue stream. In focusing on corporate clients and micro-fleet operators, the company can bypass some of the challenges faced in its truck-hailing model.
Experts in the industry, including Alex Adenuga, CEO of Movam, note that such software can lead to cost savings for companies, especially those managing expensive fleet assets like trucks.
However, the market for such solutions is not large enough to generate the rapid growth typically expected by venture-backed firms, making long sales cycles and client retention key challenges.
Kobo360’s established relationships within the B2B logistics sector, having been active in the field since 2017, give it an edge over newer competitors in fleet management software.
The company’s deep ties with large enterprises may help accelerate HaulSight’s adoption, although some companies may be hesitant to switch from their current fleet management providers due to the high switching costs involved.
In a competitive market, HaulSight faces competition from both local and international software providers who charge varying rates per vehicle.
However, Kobo360’s long-standing reputation and proven track record in the logistics space offer a unique selling point for HaulSight in the fleet management sector.
Kobo360 has created over 150,000 jobs and continues to grow its reach in the African logistics space. With HaulSight, Kobo360 aims to help businesses simplify their fleet operations, reduce inefficiencies, and ultimately drive cost savings.
