Katie Lewis

What’s been happening at Supply Chain Now? This week, our program hosts welcomed many special guests this week to talk about startup growth, manufacturing, procurement, and, of course, supply chain! Check out the latest interviews, conversations, and podcast episodes right here! On Monday, we released 2 new episodes! In this episode of Dial P for Procurement, hosts Kelly Barner, Scott Luton, and Kim Winter welcome special guest Sam Achampong to talk about why it’s absolutely crucial for procurement to be aligned with your overall business strategy. On This Week in Business History, host Scott Luton delves into the story of Dr. Lillian Gilbreth, whom many refer to as “the Mother of Modern Management” and “America’s First Lady of Engineering”. On Tuesday, we released 2 new episodes! On this episode of Supply Chain Now, Lora Cecere, Founder of Supply Chain Insights, sat down with Scott Luton and Greg White to discuss COVID-19’s impact on software development, chip shortages, supply chain performance metrics, and more! On TECHquila Sunrise, host Greg White welcomed Jack Freeman of PeakSpan Capital to hear his path from startup to the investor seat, including what he’s learned, what he’s still learning and some new areas that he’s getting…

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…