Kristi Porter
Kristi Porter is Chief Impact Officer at Vector Global Logistics, an award-winning logistics company that is changing the world through supply chain. In her role, she oversees all social and environmental impact efforts including: the Logistics With Purpose® podcast and community, Vector’s B Corp certification, and the company’s charitable initiatives.
In addition to this role, she is the Chief Do-Gooder at Signify, which offers Fractional Chief Impact Officer services to non-profits and value-aligned companies. She has over 25 years of professional experience and loves every opportunity to help people do more good.
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October 26, 2020
Acknowledging Supply Chain Reality
Greg White was interviewed by Kim Winter for Logistics Executive Group on October 26th for their Business Insights Series: “Acknowledging Supply Chain Reality, but Refusing to be Bound by it.” WATCH INTERVIEW HERE.
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…