Matthew Brown

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…

Rolling right through mid-September with more great interviews, conversations, livestreams, and episodes!   For a bonus episode on Saturday, Jamin welcomed Jeff Lerner to the podcast on the new program, Logistics & Beyond, for a discussion about the power of relationships in professional growth.   Supply Chain Now · “Logistics & Beyond: The Power of Relationships in Professional Growth”   On Monday, Scott dug back into the archives for This Week in Business History, and discussed JC Penney, Karsten Solheim, & more.   Supply Chain Now · “This Week in Business History for September 14th: JC Penney, Karsten Solheim, & More”   On Tuesday, Scott and Greg welcomed Eric Rempel with Redwood Logistics and talked about Next-Generation Third Party Logistics.   Supply Chain Now · “Next Generation Third-Party Logistics: Eric Rempel with Redwood Logistics”   On Wednesday, Scott and Greg welcomed Patrick Kelly with The Produce Industry Podcast and Michael Chavez with Golden Star Citrus for a great podcast-crossover collaboration!   Supply Chain Now · “Pioneering Leaders in the Produce Industry: Patrick Kelly & Michael Chavez”   On Thursday, we published Greg’s TECHquila Sunrise, with special guest, Benjamin Gordon, with Cambridge Capital.   Supply Chain Now · “Scrappy Underdog to…