Blythe Milligan, founder of CargoRex, is on a mission to make logistics research faster and more focused. After running into countless dead ends with scattered resources and irrelevant search results, she built a platform tailored specifically for the supply chain industry. In this interview, Milligan shares the story behind CargoRex and her vision for its future.
Supply Chain 24/7: What inspired you to create CargoRex?
Blythe Milligan: I was frustrated with how fragmented and generic logistics information is today. I saw that traditional search engines and directories offered broad, unfocused results that missed the nuances of our industry—such as the differences between freight brokers, 3PLs, tech vendors, and industry associations. Drawing inspiration from the Age of Exploration—and particularly from stories like Shackleton’s Endurance expedition, where a trusty compass guided explorers through unknown territory—I envisioned CargoRex as the “Google search of logistics” that would break down these silos. I wanted to create a centralized, industry-tailored platform that empowers researchers, leaders, and creators alike to discover precise, actionable insights and ultimately help companies “avoid extinction” in a rapidly evolving market.
SC247: You’ve described CargoRex as “the Google of logistics.” How does it differ from traditional search engines?
BM: Unlike broad search engines that retrieve a wide array of irrelevant results, CargoRex is built exclusively for the freight and logistics ecosystem. Our platform aggregates a curated directory of verified logistics providers, tech vendors, industry associations, and events—all enriched with privacy-focused analytics and actionable insights. By integrating real creator content (podcasts, videos, articles) and detailed business profiles, CargoRex goes deep rather than wide. It understands the unique terminology and nuances of logistics—differentiating, for example, between freight brokers and freight agents—and delivers results that are directly relevant to the industry’s challenges.
SC247: Can you give an example of a specific scenario where CargoRex outperforms a typical Google search?
BM: Imagine you’re a logistics manager in need of a new Transportation Management System (TMS). A Google search only pulls up the companies that either have internal SEO knowledge or that have hired a marketing agency that has an idea about SEO. Every other company is lost in the internet abyss. These searches pull up content largely written by inexperienced writers who lack the nuance to provide the content the audience needs to make a research or buying decision.
In contrast, CargoRex offers a dedicated, curated list of TMS providers—many with complete, verified profiles that include integration details, association memberships, and even links to creator content like in-depth explainer videos or podcasts. This means you can quickly compare providers and save the creator videos/podcasts to hear from other experts who have either built the product or a customer who has used the product. I like to think of CargoRex as leading the horses to where the water is, and then the users can decide where and when to drink.
“Data and numbers are critical, but they often lack context. By blending in-depth analytics with real-world insights from industry creators—whether through podcasts, blogs, or video content—we provide a richer, multidimensional view of the logistics landscape.”
SC247: CargoRex combines industry insights with creator content. Why is this mix so important for logistics decision-making?
BM: Data and numbers are critical, but they often lack context. By blending in-depth analytics with real-world insights from industry creators—whether through podcasts, blogs, or video content—we provide a richer, multidimensional view of the logistics landscape. This combination not only validates raw data but also offers practical, narrative-driven perspectives that help professionals understand trends, assess risks, and uncover opportunities. It’s about transforming isolated data points into a comprehensive story that drives smarter, more confident decisions.
SC247: You’ve built a platform where businesses can list themselves for free but also offer premium features. What are some of the biggest benefits for companies using CargoRex?
BM: For businesses, CargoRex is a targeted, cost-effective solution that dramatically increases their visibility among logistics decision-makers. A free listing means you’re instantly discoverable in a highly curated directory, while premium features offer advanced, privacy-first analytics, enhanced profile customization, and higher search rankings. These tools not only boost your digital footprint and brand credibility but also provide actionable insights—allowing you to track engagement, fine-tune your marketing strategies, and ultimately generate more qualified leads.
SC247: You mentioned that CargoRex launched with around 300 businesses and 1,000 users. What kind of feedback have you received so far?
BM: I’ve been an advocate of RSS feeds since my early Blogspot and Google Reader days (RIP) and I was surprised to learn hardly anyone A) knows what an RSS feed is or B) knows how to submit one. So that’s been a learning curve for me to remember that with all the talk about AI and technology improvements, some of the most basic internet technology that is 20+ years old is still a relatively unknown solution. It’s also really eye opening for me to be a builder of websites for 10+ years, seeing how I interact with a website, how I want others to interact with a website, and realizing how many gaps there are between what you assume a user will do and what they actually do on a website–-I obsess over these things and love to find those little pockets of improvement that crushes or changes what my previous assumptions were.
Other feedback has also helped us fine-tune features like our custom search and profile verification process, reinforcing that we can always find little ways to improve the user experience site-wide.
“I obsess over these things and love to find those little pockets of improvement that crushes or changes what my previous assumptions were.”
SC247: How do you see CargoRex evolving over the next 3-5 years? Are there features or expansions you’re particularly excited about?
BM: I envision CargoRex growing into a fully integrated logistics ecosystem that not only serves as a comprehensive directory but also acts as an AI-powered research assistant. Over the next few years, we plan to expand our categories to include more detailed sections on events, associations, and emerging technologies. Expect enhanced analytics as well as more advanced search capabilities that evolve with industry needs. We’re also exploring additional personalization features to ensure that every user, from a seasoned executive to an emerging creator, finds exactly what they need to explore, discover, and evolve.
SC247: You launched CargoRex while also planning a wedding. What did you learn from juggling two massive projects at once?
BM: Planning a wedding is so much easier than launching a business. One is a party with your favorite people and the other is a constant evaluation of your own imposter syndrome. I had originally planned to have the MVP ready to launch by August so we could work on user testing/suggestions during September and ideally launch before Thanksgiving. When that timeline became unrealistic, late January became the target month. But with Manifest conference approaching, and the ability to launch to the global logistics audience presented itself, it became a true game-time moment.
SC247: What’s been the most rewarding moment for you since launching CargoRex?
BM: Hearing the words “I’ve wanted something like this for YEARS” is a phrase I heard consistently at Manifest (a conference that just happened in Vegas and also where we officially launched the new venture) and hearing that validation was a huge sigh of relief. I’ve been thinking about this project for years and after 7-months of development and then launching to a small group before we went public, knowing we’re filling a need in the logistics community felt like years of anxiety leaving my body. We h…
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.