Shownotes
Joining me on this week's podcast is Pieter Kinds from TenderTool.
TenderTool is a freight sourcing platform with a difference. Pieter claims that both buyers and freight forwarders alike see the benefits of using such a tool.
If you've tried to source freight using a traditional provider of e-sourcing software (like I have), you'll soon realise that these tools are not well equipped for transportation tenders.
Below are some of the highlights from the podcast.
Note: Since recording this episode, TenderTool rebranded as Freightender. I have retained TenderTool in the notes just for consistency. The website link at the bottom, however, links to the Freightender website.
Series 1, Episode 1: TenderTool - The specialist digital platform that makes freight sourcing easier
1:59
Pieter explains how his sales background in the freight industry inspired him to create TenderTool.
4:19
Combatting the scourge of Excel-based tenders and how TenderTool can do the spade work for you, alleviating the common frustrations with using spreadsheets.
5:04
Why is sourcing transportation different from regular e-tenders for other categories? What makes it exceptional? Pieter explains some of the complexities of sourcing freight and why it's difficult to get good RFP data from using a more traditional "one-size-fits-all" e-sourcing tool.
9:00
I ask Pieter to explain some of the most common mistakes he comes across when Procurement departments conduct freight tenders. His answer wasn't what I expected...!
10:05
A useful insight into how forwarders react to tenders, and some of the criteria they use when making the decisions around which buyers to respond do. (Clue - if your data is poor or vague, you'll get fewer responses!)
11:37
Handling spot rates vs. fixed rate cards
13:39
Dealing with driver shortages. Pieter gives his insights on the changing dynamics of the road freight industry in Europe and how, after a long period of it being very much a buyer's market, this may now be coming to an end.
15:10
Why regardless of the category of spend, people want to do business with other people, even in a relatively commoditised service such as transportation vendors.
16:57
Can buyers and vendors ever reach the point where they both enjoy using the same e-sourcing platform?
18:50
Why technology helps BOTH parties to be more efficient and productive, and why it shouldn't just be seen as a tool that's unequivocally biased towards the benefit of the buyer.
21:15
I ask Pieter finally about his plans to grow TenderTool and their immediate next developments.
Want to connect with Pieter to learn more?
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