Summary: Flexport is a prominent digital freight forwarder and logistics platform that streamlines the shipping process for businesses globally. Despite its significant market impact, Flexport is still a privately held company, which means direct investments are impossible for retailer investors. However, investors can explore alternatives in the logistics and shipping industry available on online investment platforms such as eToro.
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What is Flexport?
Flexport is an American multinational corporation specializing in supply chain management and logistics. Its services include order management, delivery, trade financing, insurance, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage. As of 2024, Flexport handles billions of dollars in freight, serving thousands of clients worldwide.
Flexport Stock IPO
The initial public offering (IPO) occurs when a privately owned company starts offering its stock to the public.
While Flexport has yet to go public, founder Ryan Peterson has expressed his desire to make the company public. No official date has been set, but many investors are hopeful for a near-future IPO, especially in light of recently disclosed plans to focus on profits by 2025. Note, though, that the company reported significant losses in 2023.
For now, investors can look at alternatives within the logistics and e-commerce sectors.
How to buy Flexport stock
Currently, direct investment in Flexport is not possible, as the company is not yet publicly traded. However, those interested in the logistics and shipping industry can explore investment opportunities in similar publicly traded companies.
How to buy Flexport stock alternatives
To invest in companies similar to Flexport, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Research the market and choose a Flexport alternative;
- Step 2: Set up a brokerage account;
- Step 3: Deposit funds into your account;
- Step 4: Place a trade.
Step 1: Research the market and choose a Flexport alternative
Logistics and e-commerce are fast-growing sectors with several promising companies. Here are three notable alternatives to Flexport:
- Shopify (NYSE: SHOP): Founded in 2006 and based in Ottawa, Canada, Shopify supports online operations for businesses in over 175 countries. Prominent brands like Allbirds, Kylie Cosmetics, Gymshark, Staples, Heinz, Red Bull, and PepsiCo utilize its platform. The company claims to handle 10% of US e-commerce and manages $444 billion in assets globally. Shopify’s stock is also part of the S&P/TSX 60 index;
- UPS (NYSE: UPS): United Parcel Service (UPS) is a multinational package delivery and supply chain management company headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1907, UPS has grown into one of the world’s largest and most recognizable delivery companies, serving millions of customers daily with its extensive network and efficient operations;
- DHL Group (FWB: DHL): Deutsche Post AG, operating as DHL Group, is a German multinational package delivery and supply chain management company headquartered in Bonn. It ranks among the world’s largest courier companies, delivering over 61 million letters daily in Germany alone, which makes it the largest European postal company. The DHL division operates in over 220 countries and territories, and in 2022, DHL Group was the largest logistics company worldwide.
Step 2: Set up a brokerage account
To invest in a Flexport alternative, you’ll need a brokerage account. When choosing a broker, consider factors such as:
- Reputation: Look for brokers with licenses from reputable authorities like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA);
- Fees and commissions: Choose brokers with low fees and no commissions, such as eToro. However, be sure that low fees do not come at the expense of other, equally as important features;
- Range of offerings: Ensure the broker provides access to a wide range of financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, in case you want to expand your training endeavors;
- Withdrawal and deposit options: Diverse funding options are always a plus;
- Account minimums: Avoid brokers with high account minimums.
Our recommended broker is eToro, known for its user-friendly platform and robust features, including:
- Commission-free stock trading;
- Access to over 2,000 stocks from 17 different exchanges;
- Charting tools;
- The option to purchase fractional shares.
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Step 3: Deposit funds into your account
Once you’ve set up your brokerage account, deposit funds using your preferred method, such as linking your bank account or transferring from services like PayPal.
Step 4: Place a trade
With your account funded, you can start trading. To do so, simply:
- Log in to your brokerage account;
- Use the search bar to find your desired stock (e.g., type SHOP for Shopify, UPS for UPS, or DHL for DHL Group);
- Enter the number of shares you want to buy or specify the dollar amount you wish to invest;
- Select order type (i.e., market, limit, stop-loss, etc.);
- Submit the trade.
Bonus step: Monitor your investment
Investing doesn’t end with purchasing stocks. You will have to continuously monitor your investments and stay updated on market trends and company performance to make sure your portfolio is performing well. After all, the logistics and e-commerce sectors are dynamic, requiring active management to maximize returns.
Pros and cons of investing in logistics and e-commerce stocks
Pros
- Growth potential: The e-commerce sector continues to grow as more people shift to online shopping;
- Global markets: E-commerce platforms and logistics companies operate on a global scale, providing investors access to international markets;
- Diversification: Investors have a lot of companies in the sector to choose from.
Cons
- Supply chain issues: Supply chain disruptions can lead to increased costs and negatively impact profitability;
- Operational costs: Logistics companies require substantial investments in things like infrastructure;
- Market competition: The e-commerce and logistics sectors are highly competitive.
Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.
FAQs about how to buy Flexport stock
Is Flexport publicly traded?
No, Flexport is a privately held company.
Can I invest in Flexport directly?
No, direct investment in Flexport is not possible as it is a private company.
What are good alternatives to Flexport?
Shopify (SHOP), UPS (UPS), and DHL Group (DPW) are some alternatives in the logistics and e-commerce sectors.
What is the Flexport stock symbol?
Flexport is a private company, meaning it does not have a stock symbol.
Who is Flexport’s biggest competitor?
Flexport’s biggest competitors include NEXT Trucking, Freightos, and Nuvocargo.
How much is Flexport valued at?
In 2022, the company was valued at around $8 billion but reported losses in 2023, so its valuation could have dropped by 70% according to some sources. As of 2024, it is difficult to gauge the company’s valuation, but the company has recently raised $260 million from Shopify to build a global logistics platform, meaning its valuation might go up.
Who owns Flexport?
Flexport is owned by Ryan Petersen, the company CEO.
Highly Rated Stock Trading & Investing Platform
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Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.
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0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
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Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.
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eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.
