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April 17, 2025
Navigating Hidden Freight Costs: Taking Control of Unexpected Charges
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…
November 20, 2020
This Week on Supply Chain Now: November 16th – November 20th
Supply Chain Now has been full of great conversations, key takeaways, and inspiring stories from some amazing business leaders this week. Make sure you catch all the latest episodes, interviews, conversations, and livestreams right here for all the hottest supply chain news! On Saturday, Steve Britt, senior manager for customs at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, joins us in partnership with AIAG – Automotive Industry Action Group’s 2020 Supply Chain Summit to talk about his role and thepartnership between industry and US Customs and Border Protection. On Monday, Scott and the Vector Global Logistics team sat down with Steven Stirling from MAP International for an episode of our Logistics with Purpose series to hear Steven’s inspiring story that made him dedicate his life to bringing critical medicines and health supplies to some of the world’s poorest people. On Tuesday, TEK TOK Digital Supply Chain Podcast with host Karin Bursa welcomed industry trailblazer Lora Cecere, CEO of Supply Chain Insights, to hear about Lora’s career path On Wednesday, Scott and Greg sit down with Bob Bova from AccuSpeechMobile to the Supply Chain Buzz to talk about how voice automation in the warehouse is increasing producitivity and announcing na…