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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…
October 8, 2021
This Week In Supply Chain Now: October 4th – 8th
Stay up to date on all the latest conversations, interviews, and episodes we released this week here at Supply Chain Now! Kelly Barner and Scott Luton brought in the week with an episode of Dial P for Procurement on Supply Chain Now. For this episode, the P in Dial P is for payments. Kelly and Scott welcome Kris Lance with Una and Jim Luff with Chosen Payments, to the show. For Monday’s This Week In Business History, Scott covers the many hats that Ray Kroc wore as he built the Mcdonald’s global brand. On Tuesday, we released another episode of TEKTOK with Karin Bursa and special host Kevin L. Jackson. This episode is all about BLOCKCHAIN, from the basics to process improvements. On Wednesday’s episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott and Greg welcomed Tim Holland, Contingent Workforce and Talent Acquisition Leader and Barb Sexton Vice President, Partner Development for Corporate Services with OMNIA Partners, LIVE to the show as they broadcast from the OMNIA Partners 2021 Connections Event in Miami. Scott and Greg had another opportunity to chat with OMNIA Partners leaders at the 2021 Connections Event as they welcomed Stephen Laratta, Vice President of Partner Development, MRO and Facilities…