August 27, 2015

A request for proposal (RFP) for a transportation management system (TMS) typically includes probing questions about providers’ capabilities and the technical specifications of the systems they offer.
But there is one area that tends to escape scrutiny in RFPs, even though it is vital to the success of every TMS project: Strategies for implementation and change management.
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December 18, 2014
In Search of the Rarest of Birds: The Market Freight Rate

Logistics departments spend a significant portion of their time negotiating rates for moving their cargo in particular lanes, yet one of the most elusive values in the supply chain domain is the market freight rate. Read More…
September 18, 2014
6 Best Practices Used by Winning Procurement Teams

One of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time was John Wooden. In a 12-year period he coached UCLA men’s basketball team to 10 national championships. Such a level of success took a great deal of hard work, and this is reflected in one of my favorite John Wooden quotes: “If you don’t have time to do something right, when will you have time to do it over?”
Just like in basketball, following best practices in procurement and doing things right can help your organization create a routing guide that succeeds in a tight market. Many shippers are achieving this success by adhering to the following best practices in truckload procurement. Read More…
September 19, 2013

Striking the right balance between cost and service is an enduring supply chain challenge. But this balancing act has become trickier over recent years as the volume of cross-border movements has increased.
How do today’s supply chain practitioners keep costs down and service levels up in the global marketplace?
A recent Analyst Insight from research firm Aberdeen Group[i] provides some pointers for freight transportation managers. There are many moving parts to consider, but the analysis underscores two key areas: collaboration and automation. Read More…