resolution and identify and correct root causes for billing errors, GL coding issues, and business rule failures.
from its transportation costs. This tool requires the company’s vendors or suppliers to process all shipments via the ARTC portal, which generates the routing selection, load tender, and other paperwork. The buyers and warehouses are notified of pending receipts and can track the progress of the loads. Finally, the costs are accrued for future freight bill reconciliation. In addition to its state-of-the-art technology, ARTC uses its expertise to conduct “what-if” studies that help shippers better manage their freight expense. For example, through an inventory supply point analysis, ARTC can simultaneously assess multiple warehouse locations to determine the most cost-effective sourcing locations. Batch rating analytics identify the freight spend impact of changes in a carrier’s contracted rates. The modular structure of ARTC’s products allows shippers to choose only the solutions/services that best fit their needs. Through its focus on technology investments over the past several years, ARTC has boosted its own ability to be productive, as well as that of its customers, Fisher says. It will continue to invest and innovate, ensuring it remains strong for the next six decades. CT Logistics: Since 1923, CT Logistics’ core business has been providing freight bill audit and payment services. As the FBAP business has changed dramatically over the past century, CT Logistics has advanced, as well. Because the thrust of the FBAP More than a Century of Leading Services business today is real-time information shippers can use to boost performance, CT Logistics’ sophisticated reporting tools allow clients to easily create and view graphics, pivot tables, and other reports when they need them, says CEO Allan J. Miner.
In its partnership with a large manufacturer, A3 systematically
validated that shipments complied with the company’s routing guide, and when not compliant, calculated the impact of these operational errors. By identifying non-compliant shipments, A3 helped the company achieve seven-figure savings, says Brian Geibel, vice president of IT operations. Looking ahead, the team at A3 is particularly excited about its further application of predictive and prescriptive artificial intelligence. “We continue to expand beyond classical historians to become partners in our clients’ management of their transportation spend,” says CEO Ross Harris. ARTC Logistics: Real Solutions for Lower Costs ARTC Logistics focuses on three main service areas as it helps shippers streamline processes, lower freight costs, and operate more efficiently, says Nick Fisher, director of sales and partnerships. One is freight audit. For nearly 60 years, ARTC has been auditing freight bills as an independent third party. Each year, it audits invoices totaling about $450 million and has about 20 million packages under management. The detailed reporting ARTC offers captures every element of freight cost, such as accessorials, fuel, net charges, and any discounts, Fisher says. This information can be allocated across shipments down to the SKU level, enabling shippers to identify transportation costs per product or item number. Through its dashboard reporting portal, clients can create heat maps to better understand and manage transportation costs. On average, clients recover between 2% and 4% of freight spending through the audit. In addition, ARTC helps its customers more effectively negotiate freight rates
Because ARTC is independent and not a broker, our finances don’t depend on the carrier a customer uses.
NICK FISHER Director of Sales and Partnerships ARTC Logistics
and determine which carrier is the best fit. “Because ARTC is independent and not a broker, our finances don’t depend on the carrier a customer uses,” Fisher says. ARTC benchmarks its client’s carrier rates against those of similar shippers, to determine if they’re in line with the market. ARTC also offers a comprehensive transportation management software suite, which encompasses rating, routing, and analytics. CalcRate , ARTC’s flagship software, stores carrier rates to streamline shipping processes and lower freight costs. It also provides rating, freight audit/payment, and tracking functions. These tools allow the customer to audit and process its own freight bills, among other information. A leading national plumbing supply manufacturer, with domestic inbound freight expense exceeding $1 million annually, recently implemented ARTC’s Vendor Routing Program. As a result, it has cut more than 30%
62 Inbound Logistics • September 2024
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