Flexport turns non-engineers into AI builders

Alex Nederlof, vice president of engineering at the San Francisco-based freight forwarder, launched the initiative to automate repetitive tasks like processing customs forms and managing internal inquiries. Rather than writing traditional code, participants use "vibe coding"—prompting AI models like ChatGPT and Claude to generate functional applications. This shift allows staff to bypass external software-as-a-service providers, cutting costs while increasing internal efficiency.

Employees must secure manager approval to join the program, where they learn to design, test, and monitor automated systems with a focus on security. Successful projects have included automated customs checks and HR chatbots. Nederlof notes that the program is constantly updated to incorporate new tools like n8n and GitHub, ensuring the curriculum keeps pace with the rapid evolution of AI capabilities.

Beyond immediate productivity, the program serves as a career hedge. By fostering a product-engineering mindset, Nederlof argues that workers become significantly more valuable to the labor market, capable of performing the work of four traditional operators. As the logistics sector faces pressure to modernize, experts like Boston Consulting Group’s Anastasia Kouvela suggest that such internal upskilling is becoming a critical competitive advantage for companies aiming to eliminate inefficiencies and retain talent.