Brian Fugate, Ph.D.

Special Guest Blog Post written by Bart A. De Muynck   The past few years have exposed just how fragile our supply chains can be. From tariff shocks to pandemic disruptions, from inflationary pressures to mounting parcel surcharges, the landscape has shifted beneath our feet. Companies that once managed logistics as a back-office function are now grappling with its role as a front-line business risk.   What’s often missed in this conversation is the role of freight audit and payment (FAP). Long considered a tactical necessity, FAP has quietly become a strategic imperative. And as I explored in the Better Supply Chains Market Radar: Freight Audit & Payment, the companies that treat it that way are the ones best equipped to weather today’s volatility.   Why FAP Has Become Mission-Critical   When tariffs can add 15–20% to input costs almost overnight, or when the elimination of the U.S. de minimis exemption threatens to reshape cross-border e-commerce, companies need more than visibility. They need real-time intelligence and agility.   Traditional FAP approaches—manual audits, siloed spreadsheets, reactive error correction—are no longer sufficient. Modern FAP platforms, powered by AI and advanced analytics, enable shippers to:   Audit with precision at scale, uncovering hidden…

In today’s volatile shipping environment, balancing cost, speed, and customer expectations is no easy task. In this case study, discover how Kase, a leading omnichannel 3PL, partnered with EasyPost and leveraged Amazon Shipping to deliver faster, more reliable service, without sacrificing margins or customer experience. By integrating a flexible, scalable shipping solution in minutes, Kase unlocked new efficiencies for itself and its clients, including premium brands like Hiyo, all while navigating rising costs and shifting carrier dynamics. What You’ll Learn: How Kase achieved a 10% reduction in shipping costs without compromising service The strategy behind enabling 7-day delivery coverage and faster transit times How improved tracking transparency enhanced the customer experience Why flexible, API-driven integrations are critical for modern 3PLs How to balance cost, speed, and reliability in a rapidly changing logistics landscape The role of Amazon Shipping in expanding delivery options and scalability If you’re a 3PL, ecommerce brand, or supply chain leader navigating rising costs and increasing customer expectations, this case study offers a real-world example of how to stay competitive. Learn how to simplify operations, improve delivery performance, and create a premium post-purchase experience, without adding complexity to your tech stack. Click here to download