Forefront Global Logistics (FGL) has replaced its previous transportation management system with Descartes Systems Group’s unified technology stack to build an AI-powered digital freight brokerage. The Chicago-based firm aims to automate freight execution, strengthen carrier security, and scale operations efficiently without proportionally increasing headcount. This strategic shift allows FGL to manage end-to-end brokerage workflows on a single platform, addressing industry pressures to grow shipment volume while reducing manual work and defending against sophisticated fraud schemes.

Platform Integration Details

FGL is leveraging four core components of the Descartes ecosystem to replace disconnected point systems:

Daniel Shirazi, FGL President and co-founder, stated that the company has expanded rapidly without proportionally increasing headcount by replacing its prior system. He noted that the new setup automates freight execution, shipment visibility, and carrier onboarding while reducing fraud exposure for customers.

What the Numbers Show

The operational impact of this integration is evident in the reduction of manual intervention. FGL reports nearly eliminating manual check calls through the use of Descartes’ AI agents for routine shipment engagement and exception handling. This automation has directly increased no-touch tracking rates and improved shipment data quality. By consolidating transportation execution, visibility, AI automation, and carrier trust onto a single platform, FGL is creating a more resilient operating model that frees up resources to focus on customer relationships rather than administrative tasks.

Andrew Wimer, Associate General Manager of Transportation Management at Descartes, emphasized that leading freight brokers are increasingly relying on AI-enabled operating platforms rather than collections of disconnected tools. This move aligns with broader industry trends toward unified logistics networks that leverage technology, data, and AI to manage domestic and international shipments more securely and sustainably.

Descartes Systems Group has acquired Drivin, a leading provider of last mile delivery management solutions across Latin America, for an upfront consideration of US $30 million. The acquisition was satisfied with cash on hand and includes a potential performance-based earn-out of US $5 million. The earn-out is contingent on the combined business achieving revenue-based targets in the first two years post-acquisition, with any payments expected in fiscal 2029.

Drivin's platform offers advanced route optimization, dispatch management, and real-time execution visibility, enhanced by machine learning and agentic AI capabilities. The solution is widely adopted in high-density urban environments, addressing logistics complexity and rising service expectations. The acquisition brings a significant volume of last mile logistics data and operational metadata from Latin America, which will improve AI training, predictive analytics, and optimization within Descartes' Global Logistics Network (GLN).

James Wee, General Manager of Fleet Performance Management solutions at Descartes, emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition. "Drivin brings a proven and highly adaptable solution for managing complex last mile operations," Wee said. "The combination enhances our ability to serve distribution-intensive businesses around the world as they modernize and scale to meet customer expectations for faster, more reliable delivery experiences."

Edward J. Ryan, CEO of Descartes, highlighted the growth potential in Latin America. "Latin America represents a growth market for Descartes and for the broader logistics technology industry," Ryan stated. "Drivin complements our existing fleet performance management offering, expands our reach in Latin America, and adds experienced leadership and deep domain expertise."

The acquisition aligns with Descartes' strategy to unite logistics-intensive businesses on its GLN, leveraging technology, data, and AI to manage last mile deliveries, domestic and international shipments, and regulatory processes. Drivin is headquartered in Santiago, Chile, and its integration is expected to accelerate innovation and customer success across the Descartes network.

Acquisition Details