4WL Consulting

DECEMBER 2, 2019

With regulations putting ever-growing burdens on the modern trucker, logistics is moving sideways instead of pushing back. While self-driving cars are a frequent subject of debate in the news, consumer demand for faster shipping and lower prices have made self-driving trucks a very appealing solution for moving goods across the country and, eventually, across the world.

Sourcing Strategies 130

Sourcing Strategies Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Demand Planning Software 130

4WL Consulting

APRIL 10, 2020

Welcome to the Manufacturing Success Podcast. Each week, we interview leaders in manufacturing on topics from the latest industry trends, to leadership, to advice for building a strong business. Subscribe to the podcast, so you never miss another episode. Listen now… The post Connect with Manufacturing Leaders first appeared on 4WL Consulting.

Manufacturing 100

Manufacturing Trends Industrial Industry 100

4WL Consulting

APRIL 30, 2020

In today’s episode of Manufacturing Success, we have a guest who is out of the norm for this show, but has equally valuable information to share! Joining us today is Stacey Huddleston— sales director of Prestige Capital in Kansas City. Stacey is responsible for overseeing the firm’s growth throughout the Midwest and Western regions of the US. Not only does Stacey devote his time to Prestige Capital, but he is also a member of the Association for Corporate Growth and supports several non-profit e

Kansas City 130

Kansas City Just-in-Time Kansas Policies 130

4WL Consulting

MAY 4, 2020

C3Nano is a material technology company developing and manufacturing transparent conductive films, the main component in all touch sensors used in phones, tablets, and more. As founding CEO Cliff Morris explains, they’re seeking to disrupt the market and replace the current go-to with their own solution-coated material that can be used in flexible devices that are becoming more commonplace.

Manufacturing 130

Manufacturing Material Savings Just-in-Time Detroit 130

4WL Consulting

MAY 4, 2020

C3Nano is a material technology company developing and manufacturing transparent conductive films, the main component in all touch sensors used in phones, tablets, and more. As founding CEO Cliff Morris explains, they’re seeking to disrupt the market and replace the current go-to with their own solution-coated material that can be used in flexible devices that are becoming more commonplace.

Manufacturing 130

Manufacturing Material Savings Just-in-Time Detroit 130

4WL Consulting

APRIL 30, 2020

In today’s episode of Manufacturing Success, we have a guest who is out of the norm for this show, but has equally valuable information to share! Joining us today is Stacey Huddleston— sales director of Prestige Capital in Kansas City. Stacey is responsible for overseeing the firm’s growth throughout the Midwest and Western regions of the US. Not only does Stacey devote his time to Prestige Capital, but he is also a member of the Association for Corporate Growth and supports several non-profit e

Kansas City 130

Kansas City Just-in-Time Kansas Policies 130

4WL Consulting

APRIL 10, 2020

Welcome to the Manufacturing Success Podcast. Each week, we interview leaders in manufacturing on topics from the latest industry trends, to leadership, to advice for building a strong business. Subscribe to the podcast, so you never miss another episode.

Manufacturing 180

Manufacturing Trends Industrial Industry 180

4WL Consulting

DECEMBER 2, 2019

With regulations putting ever-growing burdens on the modern trucker, logistics is moving sideways instead of pushing back. While self-driving cars are a frequent subject of debate in the news, consumer demand for faster shipping and lower prices have made self-driving trucks a very appealing solution for moving goods across the country and, eventually, across the world.

Sourcing Strategies 195

Sourcing Strategies Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Demand Planning Software 195

4WL Consulting

JULY 26, 2016

Operating any company requires a lot of strategic decision making, especially when it comes to hiring talent for specialized job roles like those in logistics and the supply chain. Talented employees are hard to find in the logistics space. Each new hire a company makes is a risk – one that is magnified for an SMB enterprise. What manager hasn’t felt the sting of a bad hire?

Supply Chain Software 100

Supply Chain Software Buyer Training Purchasing Training Supply Chain 100

4WL Consulting

AUGUST 15, 2016

With the introduction of countless online shipping websites and ‘Uber-style’ apps, shopping for freight rates is easier than ever for companies of all sizes. These new technologies clearly provide some benefits. With a fast online search anyone can find both capacity and low rates to get loads covered. But, there are downsides to the convenience. Like anything else, you get what you pay for when buying transportation services.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 100

Logistics Network Optimization Software Price Reduction Expense Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 100

4WL Consulting

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

There are few objective ways a shipper can really know how well their logistics operations is doing on its own. Since every company’s products and distribution requirements are unique, there’s no standard scorecard that says if your logistics costs are under $X, then you are doing a good job – or your delivery performance is less than Y%, so that’s bad.

Benchmarking 100

Benchmarking Logistics Network Optimization Software Logistics Freight 100

4WL Consulting

NOVEMBER 2, 2016

Retailing has changed a lot in the past 10 years, and there is pressure for companies to constantly be looking for ways to do better, sell more, and cut costs. Not surprisingly, some of this focus on performance and cost savings gets placed squarely onto suppliers and their carriers. The result is retailers being tougher than ever on their vendors when it comes to delivery compliance and charge-backs.

Vendor Strategies 100

Vendor Strategies Retail Cost Reduction Strategies 3PL 100

4WL Consulting

NOVEMBER 8, 2016

Today, more than ever, having a Logistics Strategy is important, not only for the bottom line but for your customer’s experience when dealing with your company. Recently I spoke with, Ron, an executive at a midsize electronics manufacturing company and he asked me a few questions that I hear from a lot of Presidents who are under constant pressure to cut costs to increase margins while extending a high quality customer experience.

Vendor Strategies 186

Vendor Strategies Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Price Mitigation Strategies 186

4WL Consulting

NOVEMBER 29, 2016

The complaint I hear most often when I sit down with folks involved with shipping (and those in a higher level too) is how annoyed they get when the invoice comes and the amount is higher than the quote they received. Why does this happen and how can we stop it! Recently, I met with Robert, a VP of Operations and Mel, the Operations Manager of a restaurant equipment and supply company.

Freight 100

Freight Shipping System Company 100

4WL Consulting

DECEMBER 18, 2016

Having invoices hit your desk that don’t jive with the quote you received can not only be frustrating, but waste your time and cost you money. In Part 1 of this post , I mentioned what I see as the 3 most common reasons for quotes not matching the final invoice you receive. In this post, I will address one of the biggest causes. Shipment is Re-Weighed and found to be more that on the Bill of Lading.

Waste Reduction 100

Waste Reduction Expense Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Just-in-Time 100

4WL Consulting

JULY 24, 2017

Until a few years ago, inventory was a labor-intensive process that typically required either stopping operations for several days or bringing in a large crew to painstakingly count products overnight. These methods were heavily susceptible to human error, with end counts that didn’t necessarily reflect full accuracy. With buyers demanding transparency – particularly in eCommerce – the need for something better was clear.

Supply Chain Planning Software 100

Supply Chain Planning Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Logistics Vendor Strategies 100

4WL Consulting

AUGUST 8, 2017

Any company that shares a name with one of the world’s largest rivers is bound to be a contender. Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos – briefly the world’s richest man – has done everything he can to ensure his company lives up to its lofty moniker. That means breaking new ground constantly behind the scenes, whether it’s using robots in warehouses or looking into airborne drone deliveries.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 100

Logistics Network Optimization Software Logistics Third Party Logistics Resource Reduction 100

4WL Consulting

AUGUST 31, 2017

Logistics is no longer a conversation between a 3PL and their client; the end consumer has a permanent eavesdropping position that needs to be respected and catered to. Rather than functioning as a point of positive difference, customers in eCommerce spheres now expect reasonably straightforward access to their tracking information on product shipments.

Customer Service 113

Customer Service Logistics Network Optimization Software Cost Reduction Strategies 3PL 113

4WL Consulting

NOVEMBER 8, 2016

Today, more than ever, having a Logistics Strategy is important, not only for the bottom line but for your customer’s experience when dealing with your company. Recently I spoke with, Ron, an executive at a midsize electronics manufacturing company and he asked me a few questions that I hear from a lot of Presidents who are under constant pressure to cut costs to increase margins while extending a high quality customer experience.

Vendor Strategies 100

Vendor Strategies Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Price Mitigation Strategies 100

4WL Consulting

AUGUST 8, 2017

Any company that shares a name with one of the world’s largest rivers is bound to be a contender. Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos – briefly the world’s richest man – has done everything he can to ensure his company lives up to its lofty moniker. That means breaking new ground constantly behind the scenes, whether it’s using robots in warehouses or looking into airborne drone deliveries.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 100

Logistics Network Optimization Software Logistics Third Party Logistics Resource Reduction 100

4WL Consulting

JULY 24, 2017

Until a few years ago, inventory was a labor-intensive process that typically required either stopping operations for several days or bringing in a large crew to painstakingly count products overnight. These methods were heavily susceptible to human error, with end counts that didn’t necessarily reflect full accuracy. With buyers demanding transparency – particularly in eCommerce – the need for something better was clear.

Supply Chain Planning Software 133

Supply Chain Planning Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Logistics Vendor Strategies 133

4WL Consulting

DECEMBER 18, 2016

Having invoices hit your desk that don’t jive with the quote you received can not only be frustrating, but waste your time and cost you money. In Part 1 of this post , I mentioned what I see as the 3 most common reasons for quotes not matching the final invoice you receive. In this post, I will address one of the biggest causes. Shipment is Re-Weighed and found to be more that on the Bill of Lading.

Waste Reduction 100

Waste Reduction Expense Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Just-in-Time 100

4WL Consulting

NOVEMBER 2, 2016

Retailing has changed a lot in the past 10 years, and there is pressure for companies to constantly be looking for ways to do better, sell more, and cut costs. Not surprisingly, some of this focus on performance and cost savings gets placed squarely onto suppliers and their carriers. The result is retailers being tougher than ever on their vendors when it comes to delivery compliance and charge-backs.

Vendor Strategies 100

Vendor Strategies Retail Cost Reduction Strategies 3PL 100

4WL Consulting

NOVEMBER 29, 2016

The complaint I hear most often when I sit down with folks involved with shipping (and those in a higher level too) is how annoyed they get when the invoice comes and the amount is higher than the quote they received. Why does this happen and how can we stop it! Recently, I met with Robert, a VP of Operations and Mel, the Operations Manager of a restaurant equipment and supply company.

Freight 100

Freight Shipping System Company 100

4WL Consulting

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

There are few objective ways a shipper can really know how well their logistics operations is doing on its own. Since every company’s products and distribution requirements are unique, there’s no standard scorecard that says if your logistics costs are under $X, then you are doing a good job – or your delivery performance is less than Y%, so that’s bad.

Benchmarking 100

Benchmarking Logistics Network Optimization Software Logistics Freight 100

4WL Consulting

AUGUST 15, 2016

With the introduction of countless online shipping websites and ‘Uber-style’ apps, shopping for freight rates is easier than ever for companies of all sizes. These new technologies clearly provide some benefits. With a fast online search anyone can find both capacity and low rates to get loads covered. But, there are downsides to the convenience. Like anything else, you get what you pay for when buying transportation services.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 100

Logistics Network Optimization Software Price Reduction Expense Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 100

4WL Consulting

JUNE 17, 2016

Most companies strive to build a brand based on providing quality products and great service. So why do some companies risk compromising their brand with poor performance related to logistics? This is not to suggest that companies should over-spend, or not pay attention to their logistics costs. Responsible logistics management is always about finding the best carrier to get the job done for the best rate.

Cost Reduction Strategies 100

Cost Reduction Strategies Price Mitigation Strategies Strategy Logistics Network Optimization Software 100

4WL Consulting

JULY 26, 2016

Operating any company requires a lot of strategic decision making, especially when it comes to hiring talent for specialized job roles like those in logistics and the supply chain. Talented employees are hard to find in the logistics space. Each new hire a company makes is a risk – one that is magnified for an SMB enterprise. What manager hasn’t felt the sting of a bad hire?

Supply Chain Software 100

Supply Chain Software Buyer Training Purchasing Training Supply Chain 100

4WL Consulting

JUNE 2, 2016

Companies across many industries have long known that Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) is an effective technique for aligning sales, marketing, supply chain, manufacturing and finance around a single plan. The result when it is done right is an improvement in companies’ business performance. Not as recognized within the process is the importance of logistics, especially the transportation function.

S&OP 100

S&OP Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning 100

4WL Consulting

MARCH 31, 2016

Do you understand LTL “Blanket” pricing and how it’s used by 3PL’s? If you contract with a 3PL to manage your LTL freight, or are just considering the idea, it’s an important term to understand. The concept of “Blanket” pricing provides valuable insight into the relationship between 3PLs and carriers. As a shipper, this knowledge can be the key to receiving better pricing and service – but more on these benefits later.

Price Reduction 100

Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Strategy Strategy 100

4WL Consulting

APRIL 14, 2016

In our last post we discussed the problems shippers face when they rely on 3PLs that settle for blanket pricing from their carriers. You can read that post here. In this article we’ll provide you with specific steps you can take when negotiating with 3PLs to ensure you are getting the best possible rates and service. It starts by making sure the 3PLs you are talking to have a very clear picture of your business and shipping needs.

Price Reduction 100

Price Reduction Negotiating Skills Supply Chain Strategy Strategy 100

4WL Consulting

MAY 3, 2016

Domestic and international shipping are very different. Managing transportation within the US can be complex and volatile – no one is saying it isn’t difficult – but the details of coordinating the average truckload or LTL shipment don’t compare to the complexities of shipping internationally. The main reason for the differences are that every cross-border shipment is subject to laws, regulations, duties, and paperwork requirements that take country and mode-specific expertise to understan

Shipping 100

Shipping How To Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 100

4WL Consulting

MAY 18, 2016

Intermodal and truckload are similar services, with each having their own strengths and disadvantages. Yet while truckload might seem like the faster and more reliable choice from a shipper’s perspective, it’s not always the best choice. Intermodal has changed over the past several years and there are often circumstances when it’s a better routing option compared to truckload.

Expense Reduction 100

Expense Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Capacity Just-in-Time 100

4WL Consulting

MARCH 17, 2016

Working with a managed transportation services provider (3PL) is an excellent way for shippers to improve their logistics operation and reduce costs. Choosing the right partner is an important decision – but not an easy one. To help, here are 5 questions to ask when talking to prospective logistics services providers. What’s the ROI? Any company outsourcing clearly expects the solution to be more cost effective than doing the work in-house.

3PL 100

3PL Negotiating Skills Logistics Network Optimization Software Eliminating Excel in Purchasing 100

4WL Consulting

MARCH 1, 2016

Managing logistics as a mid-sized shipper presents many unique challenges. On one hand the demands placed on your distribution operation are likely very complex – similar to a bigger company. Yet, your leverage when it comes to negotiating freight rates or having a budget for tools like logistics technology is often limited. Many medium sized shippers overcome these challenges by outsourcing to a third party logistics provider.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 100

Logistics Network Optimization Software 3PL Negotiating Skills Third Party Logistics 100

4WL Consulting

AUGUST 20, 2014

Transportation spend management — it sounds like a complicated topic. However, it is not one that you should ignore and hope goes away. By controlling your transportation spend (costs) you can save money and provide better service to your customers. There are three important steps in the process. The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to do it alone.

Transportation 100

Transportation Supply Chain Planning Software Cost Reduction Strategies Logistics Network Optimization Software 100

4WL Consulting

AUGUST 25, 2014

Freight shipping classifications are notations provided by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, or NMFTA, as a way of helping carriers and shippers understand the standards by which products are classified for rating purposes. Understanding these classifications will help you ensure that all of your packages are shipped safely, quickly, and at the most affordable price.

Course 100

Course Freight Shipping Negotiating Skills 100