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Practice paper

Innovating the RFP process: Forward-looking logistics sourcing strategies

Heather Mueller and Andrew Martinelli
Journal of Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Procurement, 5 (3), 246-253 (2023)
https://doi.org/10.69554/AOLL5999

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, transportation professionals have been challenged with managing intricate supply chains. Market volatility has become a major pain point, with unforeseen costs and capacity constraints creating transportation network disruption. This challenge provides the opportunity to re-evaluate existing procurement processes and carrier partnerships. While the typical time to negotiate contracts is during the request for proposal (RFP), the annual event remains costly and inefficient, often administered via e-mail and Excel spreadsheets. With no sign of a slowdown in the demand for goods, there is increased pressure on shippers and carriers to transform their transportation practices to become more efficient. Breakthrough analysed their ecosystem of over 21 million annual shipments and over US$22bn in annual transportation spend to quantify the value of selecting carriers that match network priorities and growing volume with the optimal carriers. Breakthrough found that selecting carriers that match network priorities can result in 14 per cent cost savings. Growing volume with carriers throughout rate cycles can also add additional cost savings of 2.75 per cent or US$0.08 per mile lower than other carriers. Data-driven logistics sourcing strategies that allow transportation professionals to broaden their carrier networks and secure reliable capacity are discussed in this paper.

Keywords: RFP; logistics sourcing strategies; growth relationship; carrier fit; transportation network efficiency

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Author's Biography

Heather Mueller leads product development and marketing strategy for Breakthrough’s products and services. Heather has been recognised as one of the first Women in Supply Chain Award recipients from Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine. She has also been featured in multiple publications including Forbes, SupplyChainBrain, FreightWaves and more. She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BSc from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Heather serves on the Board of Advisers for the Schneider School of Business & Economics at St. Norbert College.

Andrew Martinelli leads the data science team for Breakthrough. With over 16 years’ experience in forecasting, trend analysis, segmentation, market research and statistical modelling, Andrew is an economist by education and enjoys analysing how broader markets influence the industry and individual clients. Subsequently, he has led an exhaustive list of projects for clients to guide their business decisions that lead to million-dollar savings. Andrew graduated from Marquette University with a Master’s in Applied Economics and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from St. Norbert College.

Citation

Mueller, Heather and Martinelli, Andrew (2023, March 1). Innovating the RFP process: Forward-looking logistics sourcing strategies. In the Journal of Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Procurement, Volume 5, Issue 3. https://doi.org/10.69554/AOLL5999.

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cover image, Journal of Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Procurement
Journal of Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Procurement
Volume 5 / Issue 3
© Henry Stewart
Publications LLP

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