Freight costs are rising – but most shippers aren’t capturing the savings hiding in their own data. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Kimberly Reuter talk with Shannon Vaillancourt, President of RateLinx, about how companies can uncover 5–15% in transportation savings in weeks, not months, without running a full RFP. They discuss common overspending traps, the power of clean, unified data, optimizing carrier mix, and making smarter, data-driven decisions to reduce costs while improving operational efficiency. The episode unpacks key strategies for optimizing transportation spend without launching a full RFP, including identifying hidden costs across carriers, modes, and accessories, optimizing carrier mix with clean, unified data, and realizing anywhere from 5 to 15% in transportation savings in weeks rather than months. Listeners also get insights on managing LTL versus parcel shipments, evaluating carrier performance beyond on-time delivery, and understanding how poor master data can quietly inflate costs across networks. Together, they explore why real-time, integrated freight data is critical for decision-making, how companies can quickly act on actionable insights, and why relying solely on contracts or historical assumptions can leave money on the table. They share real-world examples where minor operational adjustments yielded millions in savings,…

In this episode of Logistics with Purpose, co-hosts Enrique Alvarez and Nuria Sierra shine a spotlight on organizations dedicated to making a positive impact. Their guest, Christina Aleixendri, shares her journey with bound4blue, a company developing automated wind-assisted propulsion systems for ships. Christina’s story encompasses her transition from wanting to pursue medicine to becoming an engineer, driven by her passion for problem-solving. She delves into the challenges of starting a company and the technological innovations behind bound4blue’s solutions. Listen in and learn more about the importance of purpose-driven work, the impact of regulations on the maritime industry, and the future of sustainable shipping. Learn why Cristina emphasizes the significance of finding purpose in every job, and how you can apply it to your own journey.