Ryan Williams

Want to hear the latest supply chain trends and industry news? Make sure to catch up on all the latest episodes, interviews, conversations, and livestreams right here! On Saturday, Scott Luton and Vector Global Logistics’ Enrique Alvarez welcomed Patrick Nelson, a decorated combat veteran whose received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart Medal, to hear his thoughts on what makes an effective leader in a challenging year like this.   On Monday, Scott welcomed Rod Sherkin with ProPurchaser.com back to the podcast to discuss one of our most asked topics: how to optimize the job search and truly stand out amongst the crowd.   On Tuesday’s podcast, we welcomed Sandro Natale with AT&T and Thomas Carter with TNS – Total Network Service to discuss digital engagement and digital transformations plus its role and purpose with your customers, employees, and partners.   On Wednesday, special guest Zachary Ramirez with Ally Logistics joined Scott and Greg to talk all about simplifying logistics in an ever more complex world.   On Thursday, Dale Wilkinson, Founder of goodgigs, joined us to share the trends he’s seeing among mission driven companies as the workforce remains virtual in the foreseeable future, the other media channels…

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…