News Summary
Chattanooga startup Shappi is revolutionizing international shipping by connecting U.S. products to consumers in Latin America through a network of verified travelers. Founded by Carla Valdieso in 2018, Shappi has experienced rapid growth and recorded over $5 million in deliveries in the past year. The company emphasizes compliance and logistics efficiency while creating job opportunities in the local community, positioning Chattanooga as a hub for logistics innovation and international trade.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Chattanooga-based startup Shappi is revolutionizing international shipping solutions by connecting American products to consumers in Latin America. The company, whose name merges “shipping” and “happy,” has developed an innovative platform that utilizes a network of verified travelers to facilitate package delivery directly to recipients in Latin American countries.
Shappi’s model is reminiscent of popular food delivery services like DoorDash, but it focuses on international freight logistics. This approach allows travelers to transport packages across borders while adhering to customs regulations, effectively streamlining the shipping process. The company aims to help more than 7 million South Americans access a wide range of U.S. goods.
Founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Carla Valdieso, Shappi has achieved remarkable growth within just a few years. The startup has recorded over $5 million in deliveries in the past year, marking significant progress in its operational footprint. The success of Shappi has attracted attention from local banks, enhancing the company’s ability to expand its services and infrastructure.
Shappi operates from its headquarters in Chattanooga, where it employs a team of logistics professionals, including Operations Manager Justin Kulick. Kulick emphasizes the importance of understanding shipment processes and logistics to navigate the complexities of international shipping. The company’s infrastructure incorporates advanced in-house technology that tracks and manages shipments, ensuring that all packages remain compliant with customs requirements.
This focus on compliance and efficiency is crucial as Shappi handles each shipment meticulously. Upon arrival at the company’s warehouse, products are categorized systematically, enabling swift processing and timely deliveries. This organized approach not only supports Shappi’s operational efficiency but also enhances the overall customer experience, ensuring products reach their destinations smoothly.
The impact of Shappi extends beyond logistics as it plays a vital role in the local community. The startup has created numerous job opportunities, contributing to the economic development of Chattanooga. Additionally, the company is actively involved in local initiatives, with notable participation from community leaders, including the city’s mayor, amplifying the support for the startup and its mission.
Shappi’s growth trajectory indicates its ambition to position Chattanooga as a hub for logistics innovation and international trade. The company is dedicated to finding new ways to improve its service offerings while maintaining a strong community presence. By leveraging both its technology and human resources, Shappi seeks to enhance the accessibility of U.S. products for consumers in Latin America, fostering a direct connection between the two regions.
In conclusion, Shappi is set on evolving the landscape of international shipping through its unique model that combines technology and travel. With an eye towards future expansion and community involvement, the Chattanooga-based company is leading the way in facilitating access to global goods, while fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the fabric of its local area.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Startup Shappi’s Travelogistics
- Wikipedia: Logistics
- WDEF: Driving Our Economy Forward – Shappi
- Google Search: International Shipping Technology
- New York Times: AI and the Economy
- Google Scholar: International Shipping
- Hypepotamus: Chattanooga Brickyard International Founders
- Encyclopedia Britannica: International Trade
- Hypepotamus: 9 Startups Land Funding from InvestTN Program
- Google News: Chattanooga Startups
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
