Preamble
FretCom was built on a simple conviction: B2B logistics needs a neutral, transparent and independent infrastructure. Not another intermediary seeking to capture value on every transaction, but an operational tool serving everyone in the chain: shippers, carriers, warehouse operators and customs brokers.
This Neutrality Charter sets out our public commitments. It is binding on FretCom and a fundamental part of our value proposition.
1. Structural independence
FretCom is an independent business. It is not owned or controlled by, nor affiliated with, any carrier, group of carriers, shipper, logistics provider, freight forwarder, warehouse operator or customs broker.
FretCom holds no stake in transport or logistics companies that use or could use the Platform. If a change in ownership could affect this independence, FretCom undertakes to inform its Users 60 days in advance and offer them the option to cancel free of charge.
FretCom does not itself provide transport, storage or forwarding services. It has no vehicles, warehouses or carrier licence.
2. Equal treatment
2.1 For shippers
Every shipper subscribed to FretCom has identical access to all carriers and capacity available on the Platform. No favouritism is granted on the basis of volume, length of relationship or any other undisclosed consideration. Offers received are ranked solely on disclosed objective criteria (price, lead time, rating, geographical proximity).
2.2 For carriers
Every verified, subscribed carrier has access to available shipments on the same terms as its peers. The matching algorithm does not arbitrarily favour any carrier. The only criteria for prominence are: availability, geographical and technical fit, aggregated rating and past responsiveness.
2.3 For warehouse operators
Storage capacity published on the FretCom exchange is shown according to its geographical and technical relevance to the request. No paid promotion distorts the order of search results.
2.4 For customs brokers
Customs brokers access the platform on the same terms as other players. FretCom does not favour any customs procedure, customs office or particular customs service provider.
3. Algorithm transparency
FretCom undertakes to be transparent about the criteria used in its matching and scoring algorithms. These criteria are:
- Geographical fit: distance and compatibility of routes with the shipment.
- Technical fit: vehicle type, certifications, required equipment.
- Aggregated rating: ratings accumulated from Platform users.
- Real-time availability: capacity declared available at the time of the shipment.
- Past responsiveness: average response time to requests.
- Price offered: compared with market benchmarks.
No payment can improve the algorithmic ranking.
4. No conflict of interest
FretCom earns no revenue from transactions between Users. Its business model relies solely on SaaS subscriptions. There is therefore no financial incentive to favour particular transactions, players or volumes.
FretCom receives no commission, retrocession, kickback or commercial advantage from carriers, warehouses or customs brokers on the Platform in exchange for preferential treatment.
5. Fairness in ratings and disputes
The rating system works both ways: shippers and carriers can rate each other. Ratings are verified (only parties who have completed a shipment together can rate each other). FretCom does not delete or alter ratings at the unilateral request of a User, except in cases of manifest breach of the Terms or unlawful content.
In a dispute between Users, FretCom may be asked to help reach an amicable solution, without taking sides. FretCom receives no payment linked to the outcome of the dispute.
6. Data and confidentiality of commercial information
FretCom guarantees the confidentiality of each User’s commercial data. A User’s pricing information, volumes, customers and routes are never disclosed to competitors on the Platform.
If FretCom publishes aggregated data (market statistics, price indices), it is irreversibly anonymised and does not allow any individual User to be identified.
7. Governance and updating of the Charter
This Charter may be revised annually or in the event of a significant change in FretCom’s model. Any revision is published 30 days in advance and sent by email to all active Users.
Users can report any practice they consider contrary to this Charter to: info@fretcom.ch. FretCom undertakes to examine every report and respond as quickly as possible.
8. Legal scope
This Charter is a public commitment by FretCom, enforceable in its contractual relations with Users. Any established breach of a neutrality commitment may be invoked by a User through the dispute resolution mechanisms set out in the Terms.
The Charter is governed by Swiss law. The place of jurisdiction is Lausanne, Switzerland.