CharterConnect: How to get more control over the quality of equipment, scale smart without risk

As industries evolve and sustainability takes center stage, many businesses are discovering smarter ways to manage their equipment and operations. Moving away from traditional ownership models opens the door to a range of benefits, like having more control over equipment quality, building stronger ties with subcontractors, and avoiding large, unpredictable investments. It also makes it easier to stay up to date with the latest innovations and plays a key role in speeding up the shift to cleaner energy. In this article, we take a closer look at how new contracting solutions are helping companies manage their fleet smarter and more sustainably. 

What is the CharterConnect model? 

“With CharterConnect, shippers not only accelerate their CO2 goals but finally gain real control over their transport chain” Rogier Laan, Vice President Global Sales & Marketing at TIP Group 

At its core, CharterConnect is a new way for shippers, carriers, and subcontractors to collaborate on equipment investments without shifting ownership or adding complexity.  

Companies looking to distribute their goods, what we at TIP Group call shippers, often rely on carriers under short-term contracts, typically around two years. But transport equipment like trailers or electric refrigeration units require long-term investment with a payback horizon of 9 to 10 years. That mismatch means carriers are unlikely to invest in modern, sustainable equipment without long-term certainty. 

That’s where CharterConnect comes in. 

This model lets shippers retain full control over which carrier they work with, while TIP Group provides those carriers access to the latest equipment without them carrying the full investment risk. 

TIP owns and manages the equipment. The shipper sets the specs. The selected carrier operates the assets. If the contract ends, the equipment returns to the CharterConnect pool, ready for the next assignment. The result? More flexibility, less risk, and better service for everyone involved. 

This model is already in use across key European logistics networks and is unlocking scale, stability, and control for major shippers without requiring them to own or manage a single truck or trailer. 

Why CharterConnect 

"In essence, it’s about managing risk. The market is transitioning, and the key is securing future-ready assets without becoming their owner." Explains Rogier Laan. 

1. Redistribute risk, not responsibility 

Investing in new technology, like electric reefers , requires significant CAPEX. Many carriers hesitate to upgrade based on short 1–2-year contracts. With CharterConnect, you unlock long-term investment benefits without carrying the capital load. The assets are deployed across your subcontractors with clear agreements and return conditions. 

2. Control fleet specs across carriers 

Traditionally, the spec of trailers and trucks is set by carriers. But when you have sustainability goals or want to reduce operational variance, this lack of control becomes a bottleneck. CharterConnect lets you define and scale your carriers and preferred equipment type across your carrier base – from electric trucks to safety systems and temperature control. 

3. Gain operational consistency, reduce switching costs 

Instead of inheriting whatever equipment your carriers can provide, you help define the standard. If a contract ends, the assets move to the next qualified partner, and we onboard the new joiners with minimal disruption. That flexibility lowers operational risk, expands your pool of carriers, and ensures you’re not locked in with limited options. 

4. Support sustainability without slowing down 

CO2 reduction is also part of the equation. Many shippers struggle to make progress in subcontracted transport because they don’t control the assets. CharterConnect helps you turn your sustainability targets into tangible results, by encouraging carriers to use cleaner equipment at no additional financial risk to them. 

So, what does this mean for you? 

Instead of ten fragmented carrier investments, you consolidate into one strategic contract. This brings economies of scale, reduces admin, and spreads innovation risk. A more efficient way to modernise your transport base.  

In short: more control, more flexibility, and less risk. CharterConnect is for shippers who want to future-proof their transport setup by leading the change, not reacting to it. 

Discover how CharterConnect can work for your organization 

Talk to one of our specialists to discover the financial benefits for your company and calculate the CO2 reduction you can achieve with CharterConnect. Together, we will build a financial model based on a Total Cost of Usage (TCU) analyse that we can subsequently challenge. This conversation aims to identify the optimal solution that aligns with your company's needs and long-term aspirations. 

👉 Click here to contact out team of experts