I’ve always liked the saying, “Preparation leads to separation”. Maybe it is because it reminds me of my time at the University of Illinois when I was sitting in Professor Perry’s legendary CPA review course. He would constantly remind us, “The secret to success is being prepared. If you’re prepared you won’t be surprised. If you’re not surprised, you’ll do well.”
Years later Mike Singletary, the legendary hall of fame linebacker for the Chicago Bears, joined TranzAct’s Board and we cultivated a close friendship that remains today. By his own admission, he wasn’t the fastest, strongest, or the biggest player at his position – but he was the most prepared.
Mike had a legendary reputation for spending countless hours reviewing game films and looking at game plans so that he was ready for whatever the opponent threw at them. If he saw something coming that wasn’t originally what they anticipated, he would call an audible.
If you’re a transportation, logistics and supply chain professional, then you know that things can change rapidly– especially in light of what has happened over the past three years. Companies that think that they can remain in a “status quo” world and keep doing the same old things run the risk of being “sacked”. So if you want to avoid being “blindsided” by some unpleasant surprises, then consider whether you may need to call an audible and look at changing your transportation and supply chain strategies and/or processes to address what is happening in the transportation industry.
For example, in some recent Two Minute Warnings we’ve been sharing a list of five items that need to be on your supply chain radar screen if you want your transportation and supply chain to be prepared for the “blitzes” that may come your way in 2023. That is why it’s important, not only for you but also for your team to have a plan to address how your company will address things like potential disruptions at the West Coast ports, rapidly escalating fuel surcharges if diesel prices continue to go up in the first quarter or the possibility of a strike at UPS if the contract with the Teamsters expires.
If you want to be prepared for the things that are happening with TL or LTL freight, then we encourage you to check out our recent TranzAct and CSCMP webcast that featured Dr. Chris Caplice and Kevin Smith. They addressed how you can effectively communicate with your C-Suite executives about the things that are unique in procuring transportation services.
We know that you are super busy. We encourage you to watch the entire recording, but if your time is limited, here are some snippets, or a “Cliff Notes” version of some highlights from the webcast:
3 Things for the C Suite to Know Regarding Truckload Sourcing
Why Truckload Contracts are Not Binding
Using Standard Procurement Procedures Actually Hurts Truckload Sourcing
3 Transportation Budgeting Items for the C Suite Heading into 2023
Challenges with the Annual RFP for LTL Sourcing
BY MIKE REGAN, CO-FOUNDER OF TRANZACT
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
