Kelly Cobb

It’s been a great week on Supply Chain Now! Make sure you’re up to date on all the latest episodes, interviews, conversations, and livestreams right here. On Saturday, Kelly Barner with Buyers Meeting Point joined Scott and Greg on the podcast to share her thoughts on the priorities & challenges within procurement as well as key takeaways involving GPO & Mastermind Live 2020.   On Monday, Scott and Greg welcome Diego Martinez with Coca-Cola and Mike Lackey with SAP to dive into the critical role supply chain plays in Atlanta, full of key takeaways that relate back to business regardless of where you live.   On Tuesday, Phil Rich, SVP & CSCO with Sweetwater, shares his perspective with Supply Chain Now Co-hosts Greg White and Scott Luton on how to guarantee quality customer experiences.   On Wednesday, Scott and Greg hosted the Supply Chain Buzz where they welcomed HR Expert & Consultant John Holly, who shared everything you need to know when it comes to supply chain talent right now.   On TECHquila Sunrise this Thursday, Greg White reflected on the best moments from the podcast since August with featured technology founders, investors, and visionaries.   We ended the week…

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…