Name: Michael Van Hagen
Company: Laufer Group International
What’s the number one question you get from your clients now that was never really a consideration before?
Why was my booking rejected when I agreed to pay the carrier’s premium?
What is the main thing brands and retailers could do (or stop doing) right now that would immediately improve logistics?
Build a centralized control tower ecosystem where all vendor partners are connected to your strategy, each knows their role, each is working collectively for you, and all are participating with you on monthly review calls to ascertain market conditions and make adjustments. Your vendors cannot be competitors in this environment. Working with each individually on a one-to-one relationship basis will not help you.
Shippers weigh contract negotiation strategies after year of failed deals, record-high spot rates
After a year of soaring container rates and plunging availability, shippers are now trying to find the right strategy to approach long-term contract negotiations. Some are opting to go for early deals while others wait to see if spot rates cool off, leaving them in a better position to negotiate.
Some carriers are even offering early-bird contracts, which may be signed at a higher price but will be inclusive of general rate increases (GRIs), peak season surcharges (PSSs) and space and equipment guaranteed, according to Peter Sundara, vice president of global freight management at LF Logistics.