SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT FREIGHT PAYMENT SERVICES: BOOSTIING INVOICE IQ
is required, the shipper can click on the links to drill down into more detailed information. In addition to providing FBAP services like these, CTSI offers customers the ben- efits of a transportation management system (TMS), which helps select carriers, route shipments, plan loads, and han- dle delivery notices. “Companies won’t suffer if their freight payment provider doesn’t market a TMS, but it’s a sophisti- cated supply chain tool,” Lynch says. Somerville, N.J.-based The TransVantage Group also offers the power of TMS capabilities. For one customer looking to shift from a decentralized dis- tribution footprint to a centralized one, TransVantage was able to calculate the cost of making that move. “The customer initially thought the cost of a single location would increase spend, but the TMS showed the costs would decrease due to proximity to cus- tomers and more just-in-time shipments,” says Ken Pehanick, executive vice presi- dent of technology for TransVantage.
“Many companies are looking for more than a freight payment and audit provider,” he adds. “Technology such as EDI and TMS can move them in that direction.” FINDING A PROVIDER Choosing an FBAP company requires some research. Once you assemble a list of possible service providers, learn as much as you can about them. Some issues to consider include: Financial stability. ■ This factor is espe- cially important in today’s economy, as a lot of money will flow through the oper- ation. How long has the provider been in business? Does it have the resources to survive economic downturns? Business experience. ■ What is the pro- vider’s experience in the industry and with other clients? How many bills does it pay annually and for whom? Commitment to technology. ■ Is the pro- vider committed to offering the most current technology and maintaining systems that can be integrated with the clients’ solutions? Is the technol- ogy scalable? Does the company have the resources to continually invest in updated solutions? Reputation with other clients. ■ Ask for a client list of five names with contacts and telephone numbers. Also, don’t be afraid to request the names of former clients to find out why they no longer conduct business with the provider. Continuous improvement programs. ■ Is there a formal quality or performance enhancement program in place? Growth potential. ■ Is the payment company in a position to support growth through excess capacity or new services? Security. ■ Information systems must be fully protected from outsiders. If your company is publicly traded, it is bound by the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act. While the provider is not bound by the act (unless it is publicly traded), make sure it is SOX-compliant.
‘‘ We report
information that helps companies make appropriate business decisions. This is where true savings are generated.” John Mecchella, president and owner, Technical Traffic Consultants
A Total Transportation Data Management System
For 35 years, T echnica l T ra ffi c C onsu l tants has delivered to its customer the highest level of service with an uncompromising commitment to quality. Technical Traffic is a SAS7 0-comp l iant organization providing customized transportation data management solutions. Services include domestic and international freight bill pre-audit and payment, transportation database development, logistics support services, custom reporting, web reporting and more! Serving the Financial World of Transportation… With a World of Difference! 845-770-3510 | www.te c hni c a l traffi c . c om
35 YEARS 160 EMPLOYEES 300 CUSTOMERS
TTC Headquarters, Congers, NY
102 Inbound Logistics • September 2009
FACING LOGISTICS CHALLENGES? USE IL’S 3PL EXPERTS AND
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