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Maritime · head to head

Bearing AI vs Flexport

Bearing AI logo

Bearing AI

Maritime

Machine learning vessel performance models for voyage and commercial decisions, embedded in partner platforms

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Flexport logo

Flexport

Maritime

Global freight forwarding and supply chain platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Bearing AI bearing increasingly reaches customers embedded in partner platforms such as StormGeo, so the contract, support path and commercial relationship may be with the partner rather than with Bearing.; Flexport $5,000 monthly minimum fulfillment spend requirement excludes small and medium businesses
  • They diverge on capability: Bearing AI covers Vessel-specific consumption models, Flexport covers Freight forwarding.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bearing AI and Flexport actually diverge.

Attributes where Bearing AI and Flexport differ
AttributeBearing AIFlexport
Pricing modelquoteusage-based
PlatformsWeb, Cloud, APIWeb
FoundedUnknown2013

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maritime).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Bearing AI

  • Vessel-specific consumption models
  • Speed optimisation
  • Emissions forecasting
  • Voyage evaluation
  • AIS-derived data
  • Weather-aware routing inputs
  • Fleet benchmarking
  • Partner platform embedding

Only in Flexport

  • Freight forwarding
  • Supply chain visibility
  • Customs brokerage
  • Inventory management
  • NetSuite
  • SAP
  • QuickBooks
  • Shopify

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bearing AI

  • A chartering desk evaluating fixtures against learned consumption rather than a delivery-era speed and consumption tablenot Flexport
  • Projecting a vessel CII rating for a planned trading pattern before committing to itnot Flexport
  • Identifying which sister ship in a series is underperforming because of hull condition rather than routingnot Flexport
  • Feeding realistic consumption predictions into an existing voyage optimisation platform through an APInot Flexport

Flexport

  • International shippingnot Bearing AI
  • Customs clearancenot Bearing AI
  • Supply chain visibilitynot Bearing AI
  • Freight managementnot Bearing AI

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Bearing AI

  • Bearing increasingly reaches customers embedded in partner platforms such as StormGeo, so the contract, support path and commercial relationship may be with the partner rather than with Bearing.
  • Model accuracy depends on the volume and honesty of historical voyage data, and fleets with sparse or inaccurate noon reporting get materially weaker vessel-specific models.
  • It is a modelling layer rather than a voyage management system of record, so it must be bought alongside a platform that handles the operational workflow.
  • As a venture-funded specialist with a small headcount, its long-term independence is uncertain, and a modelling layer inside someone else product is a fragile position if a partnership lapses.
  • Nothing is published on pricing or fleet size thresholds, so small owners cannot tell whether they are a viable customer without entering a sales process.

Flexport

  • $5,000 monthly minimum fulfillment spend requirement excludes small and medium businesses
  • Inconsistent customer service with reports of slow quote responses that delayed orders by up to two months
  • Hidden fees and additional charges beyond quoted prices reported by multiple customers
  • Quote-only pricing model makes budgeting difficult compared to published rate cards from competitors

Pricing, plan by plan

Bearing AI

On request
  • Bearing AI$undefined/year
    • Priced per vessel per year on annual agreements
    • Often purchased indirectly as a component of a partner voyage optimisation service
    • Model onboarding requires historical voyage data supplied by the customer

Flexport

On request
  • StandardFree
    • Freight services
    • Basic visibility
    • Standard support
  • ProfessionalFree
    • Full visibility
    • Analytics
    • Priority support
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Custom solutions
    • API access
    • Dedicated team

Which should you pick?

Choose Bearing AI if

  • You need vessel-specific consumption models.
  • You work on Web, Cloud, API.
  • You also want speed optimisation.
Bearing AI review

Choose Flexport if

  • You need freight forwarding.
  • You also want supply chain visibility.
Flexport review

Questions people ask

Is Bearing AI or Flexport better?
Neither clearly leads. Bearing AI starts at On request and Flexport at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bearing AI or Flexport?
Bearing AI starts at On request and Flexport at On request.
Does Bearing AI or Flexport run on more platforms?
Bearing AI runs on Web, Cloud, API. Flexport runs on Web.
What is Bearing AI best used for?
Bearing AI is most often used for a chartering desk evaluating fixtures against learned consumption rather than a delivery-era speed and consumption table, projecting a vessel cii rating for a planned trading pattern before committing to it, identifying which sister ship in a series is underperforming because of hull condition rather than routing, feeding realistic consumption predictions into an existing voyage optimisation platform through an api. Of those, a chartering desk evaluating fixtures against learned consumption rather than a delivery-era speed and consumption table and projecting a vessel cii rating for a planned trading pattern before committing to it are not what Flexport is typically brought in for.
What can Bearing AI do that Flexport cannot?
Bearing AI covers Vessel-specific consumption models, Speed optimisation, Emissions forecasting, Voyage evaluation. Flexport covers Freight forwarding, Supply chain visibility, Customs brokerage, Inventory management.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Bearing AI: Can I buy Bearing AI directly?

Yes, but a growing share of its distribution is through partners such as StormGeo, where the models are embedded in that vendor voyage optimisation service.

Flexport: What is Flexport's minimum spend requirement?

As of January 2026, Flexport requires a $5,000 minimum monthly fulfillment spend, positioning the service toward mid-market and enterprise sellers.

Source
Bearing AI: Does it replace a voyage management system?

No. It is a performance modelling layer that feeds commercial and operational decisions made in another system.

Flexport: What shipping modes does Flexport support?

Flexport supports all modes of transport including air freight, ocean freight (FCL and LCL), truck, and rail. Services include ocean and air freight forwarding, customs brokerage, Amazon FBA prep, and omnichannel fulfillment.

Source
Bearing AI: What data does it need?

Historical voyage data, noon reports and AIS positions, plus weather history. Data quality drives model quality directly.

Flexport: Does Flexport offer fulfillment services?

Yes. Flexport provides omnichannel fulfillment services for Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify, plus Amazon FBA preparation at Flexport warehouses.

Source
Bearing AI: Does it cover CII?

Yes, it projects CII ratings from the learned vessel model rather than from nominal consumption figures.

Flexport: How does Flexport pricing work?

Flexport uses quote-only pricing based on shipment lanes, volume commitments, and service tier. Pricing varies by route and service level, requiring direct consultation with sales for specific quotes.

Source
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