Dr. Karen Hannel

Blog Post written by Ohad Azgad, CEO of Cinch Logistics leaders must control costs while maintaining service quality, but hidden freight charges often erode profits due to poor visibility. Cinch analyzed over 7,000 line-item charges from 30+ freight forwarders, brokers, and carriers in FMCG and manufacturing, uncovering three major cost drivers: The Frequency-Impact Paradox Frequent charges like fuel surcharges appear in 14.4% of invoices but contribute just 4.2% of hidden costs. In contrast, customs duties—though present in only 5.8% of invoices—account for 52% of hidden costs. Identifying these patterns helps logistics teams focus on impactful cost reductions. Inconsistent Invoice Terminology Charge names like “Fuel Surcharge” vs. “Bunker Adjustment Factor” vary between carriers, reducing cost visibility and negotiation leverage. Standardizing terminology improves tracking, clarity, and vendor negotiations. Hidden Budget Risks: Customs, Duties & On-Carriage Fees Customs duties account for 46% of hidden costs, while on-carriage fees add 26%, despite appearing in only 4.3% of invoices. These charges are often underestimated during quoting, leading to budget overruns. Proactive management prevents unexpected expenses.   Strategies to Optimize Freight Costs Real-Time Data Analytics: Platforms like Cinch provide charge visibility during quoting, improving cost forecasting and negotiation leverage. Standardized Terminology: Consistent charge names enhance cost…

Stay up to date on all the latest conversations, interviews, and episodes we released this week here at Supply Chain Now. We started our week off with a Dial P for Procurement episode hosted by Kelly and Scott. They welcomed Member Services Manager at Una, Crystal Villareal and Philip Ideson, Founder and Managing Director, Art of Procurement. During the show, they discussed how to convert your vision for customer experiences into a set of tasks and priorities that guide your daily work and more. On This Week in Business History, Kelly has a very exciting lineup of stories! The topics in this episode ranged from the founder of the first African-American magazine to the introduction of the ATM. On Tuesday, Scott had the great opportunity of interviewing Dan Gingiss, Chief Experience Officer at The Experience Maker, LLC. In this episode, Scott talks with Dan about the secrets behind crafting remarkable customer interactions. On Wednesday, we published another episode of Logistics With Purpose with hosts Enrique Alverez, Matilda Ahrin, and Books for Africa’s Pat Plonski. The special guest for this episode was Madame Ambassador Hilda Suka Mafudze with the African Union. As you listen to this episode, look forward to learning…