US railway network BNSF and Chinese retail giant JD.com have joined the Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA).

Muru Murugappan, BNSF vice president of technology services and chief information officer, said in a statement “Blockchain technology has the potential to change several aspects of the transportation industry and it is important that the industry comes together to align around a set of standards.”

The BNSF Railway company runs around 32,500 miles of track across 28 US states as well as three Canadian provinces.

Craig Fuller, managing director, BiTA, commented: “BNSF is one of the most important members of the North American transportation network, providing the backbone of American commerce. Their embracement of technology standards for the future of the industry will have a profound impact on the future of customer supply chains.”

The Chinese online retail giant JD.com has also jointed the BiTA, and has said that it plans to “use the technology to optimize supply-chain flow through advanced technology, enhancing cross-border logistics and communications, and to promote cooperation and collaboration in the industry”.

Founded in August 2017, BiTA says it is “the largest blockchain commercial alliance in the world, representing hundreds of global freight transportation companies that combined generate over one trillion dollars”. Its supporters include UPS, FedEx, Penske, Schneider National, YRCW, Echo, Globaltranz, CH Robinson, and SAP.