Collaboration Gain Sharing

Last updated: 29 April 2026. Effective from: 29 April 2026.

Where this document sits. This is one of several documents that govern your use of FLOX. The full hierarchy, in order of precedence, is: (1) Platform Terms (Parts A–D); (2) Part E of the Platform Terms; (3) the specific Provider Services Agreement entered into for an Order, including the Pricing Schedule and Order Data; (4) the applicable Service Terms (Standard Conditions of Warehousing or Standard Conditions of Carriage). The Acceptable Use Policy is incorporated into the Platform Terms and the Website Terms of Use. The Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy operate alongside and govern personal-data processing.

Logistics Collaboration

Status of this document. This page sets out the principles by which Collaboration Gain is calculated and distributed under the FLOX Platform Terms. It is incorporated by reference into the Platform Terms (Part A, clause 10.iv(d)) and forms part of the contractual framework binding registered users of FLOX. In the event of any conflict between this page and Parts A–E of the Platform Terms, the Platform Terms shall prevail. VCL Trading Europe Limited may amend the Collaboration Gain calculation methodology in accordance with Part A clause 21 of the Platform Terms.

Vertical Collaboration

Vertical collaboration involves partnership within the supply chain, such as between suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. This type of collaboration focuses on improving the end-to-end process, enhancing the efficiency of logistics assets by reducing lead times, improving inventory management, and optimising transport and warehousing. Vertical collaboration enhances the overall visibility across the supply chain, allowing for better coordination and utilisation of resources.

Horizontal Collaboration

Horizontal collaboration, on the other hand, occurs between companies operating at the same level in the supply chain, such as multiple manufacturers or retailers. This form of collaboration aims to consolidate logistics activities such as transportation and warehousing. By sharing resources like trucks, warehouses, and distribution centres, companies can reduce costs, improve asset utilisation, and decrease environmental impact through reduced emissions. Horizontal collaboration also enables businesses to handle peak demands more effectively and respond to market fluctuations with greater agility.

Gain Share Capture

The principle of shared economies is central to gain share capture in logistics collaboration. When companies collaborate, they achieve increased utilisation of logistics assets, which leads to significant economic, environmental, and reputational benefits. Economically, better asset utilisation translates to lower operational costs and higher profit margins. Environmentally, optimised logistics operations reduce fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to sustainability goals. Reputationally, companies that engage in collaborative practices are seen as industry leaders in innovation and sustainability.

Capturing these gains involves meticulously tracking and documenting the improvements resulting from collaboration. This includes measuring cost savings, efficiency improvements, and reductions in environmental impact. The tangible benefits captured from these efforts provide a clear picture of the value generated through collaboration, laying the groundwork for equitable gain sharing.

Gain Share Distribution

Equitable distribution of collaboration gains is essential to maintaining trust and encouraging ongoing cooperation among partners. The Shapley Values allocation methodology offers a fair and systematic approach to distributing gains. This methodology considers the contribution of each participant to the overall success of the collaboration, ensuring that each party receives an equitable and consistent share of the benefit.

The distribution process involves calculating the gains at an individual transaction level, ensuring transparency and accuracy. By applying the Shapley Values, each partner's contribution is fairly assessed, fostering a sense of equity and motivating continuous participation in collaborative efforts. This approach not only encourages partners to maximise their contributions but also to adhere to effective execution of the transaction agreements, leading to sustained improvements and long-term success.

The principles of collaboration gain sharing are built upon effective logistics collaboration, meticulous gain share capture, and fair distribution. The platform's automation algorithms will promote unbiased adherence to these principles, ensuring that all collaborating parties achieve significant economic, environmental, and reputational benefits.

Final determination. VCL’s determination of the Collaboration Gain in respect of any individual transaction or set of transactions is final, save for manifest error. The Shapley Values methodology described above will be applied algorithmically by the Platform; users acknowledge that small variations in inputs (such as actual delivery times, route adherence or post-delivery adjustments) may produce variations in the Collaboration Gain allocated to them. Disputes about the Collaboration Gain calculation are subject to the FLOX Dispute Resolution Mechanism set out in Part A clause 23 of the Platform Terms.