Tommy Townsend

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…

Stay up to date on all the latest conversations, interviews, and episodes we released this week here at Supply Chain Now. On Monday we released a Supply Chain Now episode with special guest, VP of UPS Ocean Freight, Steve McMichael. During this episode, Steve gives some insightful information on how companies can manage more effectively so that their operations can run in a more timely manner. On This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner talks about the difficulties that came along with Laying the First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable across the Atlantic Ocean. On Monday we also re-released a classic Supply Chain Now en Español episode with Erique Alverez and special guest, Josue Vasquez. In this episode of Logistics With Purpose hosts Enriquez Alvarez and Kristi Porter have a conversation with MAP International Vice President of Global Giving, Jodi Allison. She talks about the global impact that the company has had when it comes to the necessary efforts needed for a crisis such as COVID-19. On Wednesday’s episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Greg White welcome Walmart truck driver, April Coolidge, to the show. During this episode, she gives insight into her being a woman in a male-dominated field…