“It’s Just How It’s Always Been” – Why Finance Needs to Speak Freight

When I first took over as Controller, I joined a finance team that had very little understanding of freight forwarding. And when I started asking questions—why do we not understand our core business?—I was met with the dreaded words:“It’s just how it’s always been.” The reasoning?You don’t need to understand how a widget moves fromContinue reading ““It’s Just How It’s Always Been” – Why Finance Needs to Speak Freight”

📉 “Those Numbers Aren’t Right!”

Why Your Leadership Team Can’t Agree on the Numbers—and How to Fix It Many of us have been there… You’re in a leadership meeting. Finance presents the month-end results and kicks off the conversation about shrinking margins and declining shipments. Finance is clear: “Costs are trending up. Margins are tightening. Shipment volumes have dropped month-over-month.”Continue reading “📉 “Those Numbers Aren’t Right!””

💡 The Hidden ROI of Tech Investment: A Tale of Two CFOs

Technology investments are steep—in more ways than one. The licensing fee or software subscription may be the most visible part of the bill, but it’s far from the whole story. Let’s explore this through the lens of AP automation, a space that’s transformed dramatically in recent years. 🧾 The Trigger Event: When a Mistake ForcesContinue reading “💡 The Hidden ROI of Tech Investment: A Tale of Two CFOs”

💡 Can Small Freight Forwarders Band Together to Win Bigger?

The Case for Buying Consortia—and What You Need to Get It Right When freight costs spike and capacity tightens, small freight forwarders face an uphill battle. Lacking the volume of larger players, they’re often stuck with higher rates and fewer space guarantees. But what if smaller forwarders collaborated? Across global trade lanes, buying consortia—groups ofContinue reading “💡 Can Small Freight Forwarders Band Together to Win Bigger?”

A CFO’s Guide to Incoterms: Why Liability = Money in Logistics

When most finance leaders hear “Incoterms,” they think: That’s for the logistics team. But overlooking these international shipping terms can quietly erode your margins, expose your company to risk, or even leave you paying for costs you didn’t agree to. Let’s break down why every CFO in logistics, freight forwarding, or global trade needs aContinue reading “A CFO’s Guide to Incoterms: Why Liability = Money in Logistics”

The Hidden Financial Risks in Logistics Operations (And How to Fix Them Before They Hurt You)

You can have all your containers moving and trucks rolling — and still be losing money. Logistics isn’t just about movement — it’s about margin. And some of the biggest threats to margin are hidden in plain sight. 🚨 1. Hidden Risks Live in the Gaps Between Systems and Teams Most companies know to checkContinue reading “The Hidden Financial Risks in Logistics Operations (And How to Fix Them Before They Hurt You)”

AP Automation Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All — Ask the Right Questions

Buzzwords like AI and ML are everywhere — and if you’re not deep in the tech world, it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be. In my world — specifically CargoWise and RAFT — AP automation follows a fairly standard process. While tools may differ in bells and whistles,Continue reading “AP Automation Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All — Ask the Right Questions”

Spring Cleaning Isn’t Just for Closets—It’s for Business, Too

🌀 It’s the beginning of the year. Volumes are down. Sales are sluggish.Chinese New Year has slowed imports… and money feels tight. That’s when many companies instinctively say:“Let’s tighten the belt—no special projects right now.” But what if I told you…👉 This is actually the perfect time for projects. Why? 🌸 Because springtime is springContinue reading “Spring Cleaning Isn’t Just for Closets—It’s for Business, Too”

Workshop Guide: Defining Your Ideal Customer in Freight Forwarding

Objective: To align sales, operations, and finance on the ideal customer profile (ICP) for your freight forwarding business. This workshop will help your team focus on profitable, long-term relationships instead of chasing low-value leads. Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours Facilitator: Recommended: Sales Director, VP of Sales, or an External Consultant (e.g., ALL2S Consulting) Participants: ✅Continue reading “Workshop Guide: Defining Your Ideal Customer in Freight Forwarding”

🔹 Customers: The Lifeblood of Business – But Not All Customers Are Created Equal 🔹

I’ve spent a lot of time talking about expenses, efficiencies, and risk management, but today, let’s talk about something just as critical—CUSTOMERS. We all know it costs money to get customers—a lot of money. You need sales teams, commission structures, operational support, and a whole infrastructure just to onboard and retain them. The reality is:Continue reading “🔹 Customers: The Lifeblood of Business – But Not All Customers Are Created Equal 🔹”