Our team led the freight forwarder RFP (request for price) for a US based furniture retailer, operating both in B2B and B2C segments. The company sought to identify a reliable and cost-effective carrier for the collection of made to order furniture products from 50 disparate European manufacturers located in 10 countries (both EU and Non-EU member states), consolidation for container loading, and ocean transport to the United States. In this case study, we outline the steps taken and the results we provided to complete the carrier RFP successfully.
Understanding the main requirements: The first challenge we encountered was identifying the key requirements. We worked closely with stakeholders to gather detailed information about the current supply chain operations, including the volume, frequency, and origin points of shipments, the types of furniture being transported, and the desired transit times. It was important to also understand the current pain points to ensure that the deliverable eliminated as many of those as possible.
Identifying potential carriers: With a clear understanding of the requirements, we researched and identified potential carriers. We evaluated each carrier's service offerings, pricing, reliability, and transit times to ensure they met the requirements while also offering improvements over the current forwarder.
Evaluating proposals: We received proposals from multiple carriers, and our team evaluated each proposal thoroughly. We considered several factors, including the carrier's reputation, experience, cost, and service levels.
We successfully completed the carrier RFP, identifying a reliable and cost-effective carrier to transport furniture from Europe to the United States. Our team's detailed analysis and comprehensive research allowed us to identify carriers that met the client's requirements, and our collaborative approach ensured that our recommendations aligned with the needs. As a result, we were able to streamline their supply chain operations and reduce costs associated with transportation. This improved their delivery lead times, providing better customer experience for both B2B and B2C segments.