Eric Beckwitt

Founder and CEO at Freightera

Eric Beckwitt is the Founder and CEO of Freightera, a Vancouver-based online freight marketplace that connects businesses with road and rail carriers across North America. He co-founded the company with his wife, Zhenya Beck, in May 2014.2

Professional Background

Eric has a diverse background that spans environmental conservation, GIS analysis, and software development:

Environmental Leadership: Before entering the business world, Beckwitt had extensive experience in environmental leadership and nature conservation. He co-founded and served as President of the Sierra Biodiversity Institute from 1991 to 1999, focusing on protecting biodiversity and forests in various regions.3
GIS Analysis: He worked as a Senior GIS Analyst at Jones & Stokes Associates and the Sierra Business Council, where he managed projects related to natural heritage and legacy planning.3
Software Development: Beckwitt transitioned into software development and business automation, successfully managing diverse IT projects for over 25 years.1

Freightera and Sustainability

Under Beckwitt's leadership, Freightera has become known for its focus on sustainability in the freight industry:

He created North America's First Low Emission Freight Marketplace in cooperation with SmartWay and Natural Resources Canada.1
Freightera aims to reduce emissions from freight transport by connecting shippers with more efficient carriers and promoting lower energy emission options.2

Awards and Recognition

Eric Beckwitt has received several awards for his work in sustainability and business:

2019 Clean50 Award for his contribution to advancing sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada.3 4
2016 Technology Impact Award.1
Freightera was selected for the HyperGrowth Revenue Accelerator by the BC Technology Industry Association in 2015.3
The company was also chosen for the Supply Chain & Logistics Accelerator at Plug and Play Tech Center in 2017.3

Publications and Speaking Engagements

Beckwitt is an internationally recognized author and speaker on emissions reduction in freight transport:

He wrote "A Green Future for Freight" for the 2016 and 2018 G7 Summit editions of Climate Change: The New Economy.1
He was a speaker at COP22, the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakesh.1

Eric Beckwitt's work with Freightera combines his passion for environmental conservation with innovative business solutions in the freight industry, aiming to create a more sustainable and efficient transportation sector.