Walmart Canada launches blockchain-based freight and payment network

Walmart Canada, in partnership with DLT Labs, launched a blockchain-based freight and payment network in late 2019. The companies claim this to be the world’s largest full production blockchain solution for any industrial application. The system uses distributed ledger technology (DLT) for tracking deliveries, verifying transactions, and automating payments and reconciliation among Walmart Canada and its carriers. According to a press release, Walmart Canada moves more than 853 million cases of merchandise annually, which are transported by a combination of third-party fleet as well as the retail giant’s own fleet of 180 tractors, 2,000 trailers, and more than 350 drivers. Each third-party trailer tracks approximately 200 data points per shipment. The blockchain-based solution, accessible using a web portal and a mobile application, leverages DLT Labs’ supply chain platform DL Asset Track. It facilitates the Walmart Canada’s collaboration and information sharing with 70 third-party trucking companies that deliver its inventory across Canada annually.