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Outrun the Bear ™ : Building a Smarter Response to Supply Chain Disruption
Q What concerns do shippers have in today’s climate of disruption and uncertainty? A The number one concern today is visibility. Whether it’s cost transparency, shipment tracking, or understanding service performance, companies are asking: “Where’s my freight, what’s it costing me, and is my provider being fair?” This concern is especially urgent in times of uncertainty. Delays, tariffs, and other disruptions now shape the everyday environment. That’s where the Outrun the Bear™ mindset comes in—a framework for staying ahead, not just surviving. Q What does it mean to Outrun the Bear—and how do you do it? A The name comes from an old adage: if you encounter a bear, you don’t need to be the fastest person in the woods—you just need to be faster than the next guy. In supply chain terms, the bear is disruption. The companies that stay ahead respond faster— with clarity, confidence, and agility. The Outrun the Bear™ mindset is built around four strategic reflexes: Know Your Cost Without visibility into true cost-to-serve, margin erosion often goes unnoticed. Gaining a detailed understanding of spend—by customer, lane, frequency—equips teams to make efficient decisions and avoid surprises. Use Insights that Trigger Action Insight without action is just observation. The value lies in turning data into direction— closing the gap between identifying issues and addressing them.
Cost-to-Serve Sequencing This is where Routing as a Service Plus™ (RaaS+™) comes in, NT Logistics’ people- powered model for route sequencing and delivery optimization. And let’s be clear: this isn’t about choosing carriers or building routing guides. RaaS+™ means delivery planning, sequencing, and refinement are managed by NT’s logistics experts—focused on geography, volume, time windows, urgency, and equipment. Build Adaptive Muscle Conditions change. Organizations with flexible processes—ones that allow for intentional adjustments and quick pivots—are better equipped to weather disruption and maintain performance. Q Can NT Logistics help companies put these reflexes into action? A Yes, through people-powered execution. Technology supports the process— but experienced teams, informed by data and grounded in operations, are what turn visibility into results. Bringing the Outrun the Bear™ mindset to life means applying that mix of insight and responsiveness where it matters most.
Lynn Gravley Founder and CEO NT Logistics www.ntlogistics.com 800-801-5970 info@ntlogistics.com
This includes: •
Actionable visibility to cost trends, tracking data, and performance gaps. Expert-driven route sequencing (RaaS+™) to reduce waste and improve asset use. Continuous refinement through network analysis and feedback loops. Proactive communication.
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The goal isn’t to eliminate disruption—it’s to stay ahead of it. The bear is always out there and the companies that outrun it are the ones who never stop moving.
July 2025 • Inbound Logistics 39
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