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.

 

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.