Space exploration has long symbolized the pinnacle of human ambition, and freight tech company Convoy channels this spirit through their annual Moonshot event – a week-long innovation initiative where employees collaborate across departments to generate transformative ideas.

"We called it Moonshot because one of our values is to think big," explains Rylan Hawkins, Director of Engineering. "We might know how to get to the top of the mountain, but if you push for the stars you can end up on the moon."

Since its 2018 inception, Moonshot has produced over 600 projects, 40 award winners, and 110 finalists. Many innovations have become core business features, including QuickPay Expansion, Convoy for Brokers, and Carrier Web 2.0.

The event evolved from humble beginnings with sticky notes on whiteboards to a structured program that encourages cross-functional collaboration. Teams are given complete creative freedom, with projects ranging from workflow improvements to ambitious marketing initiatives.

Success stories include the development of TLDR, an internal communication tool, and pioneering cross-border shipments between the US and Canada. The event also serves as a career development opportunity, allowing employees to explore different roles and departments.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Moonshot successfully transitioned to a hybrid model, maintaining its role as a crucial innovation driver. The event features various activities throughout the week, including themed movies and collaborative presentations.

"It proved that you can materially change an entire business," notes co-founder and CXO Grant Goodale. "If you give people a week to scratch their own itch and make their lives – and the lives of people around them – better, they'll take you up on it."

The Moonshot initiative demonstrates how structured innovation programs can drive business growth while fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration. By giving employees the freedom to explore ambitious ideas, companies can unlock unexpected opportunities and maintain their competitive edge in rapidly evolving industries.

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