Almost all transportation and supply chain professionals  will agree that a well executed Freight RFP is both time consuming and analytically challenging.  With everyone’s resources stretched to the max, freight tenders are often delayed, or not completed at all.  So when you bite the bullet and invest in an RFP project, it pays to make sure you are getting the best result possible.

Based on our experience conducting numerous carrier sourcing engagements, we have discovered some key tactics that will ensure your next Carrier RFP generates the best results possible. Please join us on Thursday January 19th, 2012 at 12 noon, when we will reveal value tips, strategies and practical lessons learned as a result of our experience in this area.

Our special guest for this webinar will be Aaron Lalvani who is a leading industry expert on Freight RFP’s. A member of the Nulogx organization, he has over 15 years of experience and brings a fresh insightful approach to freight cost management strategies.

Click Here to Register

The Base Rate Index, which excludes the impact of Fuel Surcharges assessed by carriers, has increased for 6 consecutive months including a .6% increase in August. However, Base Rates remain 4.8% below the same period a year ago.

Average Fuel Surcharges assessed by carriers increased from 19.0% of Base Rates in July to 20.1% in August.

“The trend toward marginal increases in Base Rates we observed last month has continued,” said Doug Payne, President  & COO, Nulogx. “although it is interesting to note that they are still significantly below prior year levels” continued Payne.

Nulogx’s President Doug Payne credits the ability of its service and technology solutions to improve transportation processes and reduce costs with the company’s substantial revenue growth.  Payne said, “The ability of our team members to understand client needs and rapidly deploy technology-enabled solutions has resulted in significant improvements in supply chain efficiency for our customers and growth opportunities for Nulogx.”

“Nulogx and all the Technology Fast 500™ winners in 2011 have shown a remarkable drive for creativity and innovation, and of course growth, particularly when you look at their accomplishments in the context of current economic challenges” said Richard Lee, National Leader, Technology Media & Telecommunications Industry Group, Deloitte Canada. “Deloitte congratulates Nulogx for this significant achievement.”

“We are pleased to honor Nulogx as one of the 2011 Technology Fast 500,” said Mark Jensen, managing partner, technology and venture capital services, Deloitte & Touche LLP. “As one of the fastest growing tech companies in North America, Nulogx has demonstrated technological innovation, entrepreneurship and rapid growth.”

For additional detail on the Technology Fast 500™ including selection and qualifying criteria, visit www.fast500.com

“Canadian technology companies have demonstrated some very impressive growth numbers over the past year, amid the challenges of an uncertain global economic recovery,” said Richard Lee, National Leader, Technology, Media & Telecommunications Industry Group, Deloitte. “Nulogx is an example of the determination, drive and skill that will serve to position them for further growth and success in the years to come.”

Nulogx’s President Doug Payne, credits the ability of its service and technology solutions to improve transportation processes and reduce costs with the company’s substantial revenue growth. Payne said, “Our ability to understand client needs and rapidly deploy technology-enabled solutions has resulted in significant improvements in supply chain efficiency for our customers and growth opportunities for Nulogx.”

To qualify for the Deloitte Technology Fast 50^TM ranking, companies must have been in business for at least five years, have revenues of at least $5 million, be headquartered in Canada, own proprietary technology, and conduct research and development activities in Canada. A panel of industry experts evaluate and judge companies based on four key criteria: competitive advantage; size, growth, and market attractiveness; management effectiveness and organization; and financial performance.

About the Deloitte Technology Fast 50^TM – The Deloitte Technology Fast 50^TM program is Canada’s pre-eminent technology awards program. Celebrating business growth, innovation and entrepreneurship, the program features four distinct categories including the Technology Fast 50^TM Ranking, Companies-to-Watch Awards (early-stage Canadian tech companies in business less than five years, with the potential to be a future Deloitte Technology Fast 50^TM candidate,) Leadership Awards (companies that demonstrate technological leadership in four industry subcategories: hardware/semiconductor, software, telecommunications and emerging technologies) and the Deloitte Technology Green 15^TM Awards (Canada’s leading GreenTech companies that promote a more efficient use and re-use of the earth’s resources in industrial production and consumption.) Program sponsors include Deloitte, Gowlings, Wellington Financial, TMX Group, HKMB Hub International, National Angel Capital Organization, CVCA, MaRS and IGLOO Software. For further information, visit www.fast50.ca

The CGFI Total Freight Cost Index rose by 1.7% in April when compared to March, the largest 1 month gain since July 2010. The Base Rate Index, which excludes the impact of Fuel Surcharges assessed by carriers, increased 1.1% during the same period. In addition, average fuel surcharges assessed by carriers increased from 18.8% of Base Rates to 19.9%, and contributed significantly to the rise in freight costs.

Of note is that fuel surcharges increased for the 7th consecutive month, and have reached their highest point since November 2008.

“Lately, increasing fuel prices have been the major factor affecting transportation costs”, commented Doug Payne, President & COO Nulogx. “However in April we saw a notable increase in Truckload Base Rates begin to contribute to this rise in freight costs” continued Payne.

BNN looks at recent trends in Canada’s goods transportation sector with Doug Payne, President & COO of Nulogx, which compiles the Canadian General Freight Index. View Interview Here

Nulogx will pursue activities that support the Partnership’s goal to reduce 33 to 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide per year by 2012 by improving the environmental performance of our freight operations.  Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas, and nitrogen oxide is an air pollutant that contributes to smog.  By joining SmartWay Transport Partnership, Nulogx demonstrates its strong environmental leadership and corporate responsibility.

“Nulogx is committed to working collaboratively with shippers and carriers to reduce green house gases and air pollution,” said Doug Payne, Nulogx President and COO. “Our world-class Transportation Management Systems and superior operating capabilities allow shippers to transport their goods more efficiently and optimize the use of Smartway carriers; which means a significant benefit to the environment,” continues Payne.

Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership brings together major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, logistics companies and trade/professional associations to pursue mutually beneficial strategies that result in emissions reductions and other environmental improvements, as well as cost savings to the companies.  The Partnership currently has over 2,600 Partners.

The CGFI Total Freight Cost Index decreased by .8% in October compared to September, while the Base Rate Index, which excludes the impact of Fuel Surcharges assessed by carriers, decreased .92%.  The CGFI is still 7.5% above the April low point and 5.3% above last year’s result for the same period.

Notably, average Fuel Surcharges increased by 6% to 13.77% of Base Rates when compared to September results.  Fuel surcharges increased for the first time in 5 months, and are beginning to reflect the higher cost of diesel fuel for trucking companies.

“We are just starting to see the impact that higher fuel prices will have on shippers and trucking companies, and we expect to monitor this trend through the winter months” comments Doug Payne, President & COO of Nulogx.  “As for the slight decline in Base Rates, this is not unexpected given the consecutive monthly increases we have seen since last April,” adds Payne.

For full details on the CGFI please visit: www.cgfi.ca

Overall Freight Costs increased by 1.5% in August compared to July, while Base Rates which exclude the impact of Fuel Surcharges assessed by carriers also increased by 1.7%. Average Fuel Surcharges remain unchanged after decreases in June and July.  This is the fourth consecutive monthly increase since the index reached a low point in April 2010.

“Increases in overall freight costs for Canadian shippers continue to be driven by the Domestic Truckload sector,” comments Doug Payne, President Nulogx.  “While Truckload is leading the way, we also now see a strengthening of the LTL and Transborder rates,” adds Payne.

The CGFI is sponsored by Nulogx, a leading Transportation Management Solutions provider, and is used by shippers and carriers to benchmark performance, develop business plans, and secure competitive agreements. It was developed with the assistance of Dr. Alan Saipe. The most recent results are available at the CGFI website: www.cgfi.ca.

Click Here to view key takeaways from Desjardin Trucking Industry Outlook featuring Nulogx and and the CGFI Report