In episode 31 of The Freight Buyers' Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, we explore the strategies and insights shippers need to navigate the ever-changing world of freight procurement and supply chain management.

First, Alan Mctaggart, VP of Global Logistics at Techtronic Industries (TTI), shares invaluable lessons from his 35-year career, including his role in scaling TTI's supply chains as the company grew from $2 billion to over $13 billion in revenue.

Alan provides a behind-the-scenes look at managing complex global supply chains for major brands like Milwaukee Power Tools, AEG, RYOBI, and Hoover, and reveals how TTI tackled freight challenges during disruptions like the pandemic and trade wars. He explains how he balances freight tenders between forwarders and carriers, and how TTI uses long-term and short-term freight contracts.

He also gives freight buyers critical advice about the importance of personal relationships with vendors at all levels, how to benchmark practices against industry competitors to stay ahead, and how to ensure contracts are watertight, including critical success factors like fixed pricing, space allocation, and compensation clauses.

Later, Philip Damas, Managing Director at Drewry Shipping Consultants and head of Drewry Supply Chain Advisors, delivers an in-depth analysis of container shipping markets, current market trends, the supply-demand balance and what the possible reopening of the Suez Canal means for freight rates.

He also shares actionable advice for shippers: from negotiating freight contracts amid market volatility, to preparing for potential impacts of new tariffs and alliance realignments.

Guests

Alan Mctaggart, VP, global logistics, Techtronic Industries

Philip Damas, Drewry managing director and head of Drewry Supply Chain Advisors