Karin Bursa 

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…

Zebra Robotics Automation is revitalizing AMR-assisted picking to optimize fulfillment efficiency and productivity with up to 30% fewer robots need in comparison to legacy systems. Their innovative approach can help significantly lower your cost per unit by combining workers and robots into a streamlined partnership that increases throughput without sacrificing performance rates, accuracy or reliability. Maximize AMR-assisted picking efficiency with Zebra’s three-fold strategy: Balanced Utilization: Use low-cost carts for buffering instead of extra robots or labor, reducing costs. Increased Capacity: Carts boost pick density and eliminate AMR wait times, handling 150-300% more items while cutting robot needs by up to 30%. Optimized Workflows: Seamless coordination ensures every picker and robot stays productive—no idle time, no wasted effort.   Download the “Unlocking Fulfillment Potential” eBook here to learn more