Consumer Goods Company Reduces Costs, Increases Transparency
Smarter Transport Sourcing Cuts Costs and Increases Transparency
From fragmented carrier management to aligned SLAs and 16% savings
A leading consumer goods company relied on multiple transport carriers under loosely managed rate agreements. While service levels were acceptable, the lack of strategic oversight resulted in inconsistent performance, hidden inefficiencies, and limited control over distribution outcomes. SPARQ360 was brought in to guide the organization through a comprehensive Road Transport RFQ with clear goals: reduce the number of carriers, lower costs, and improve transparency.
The Challenge
The company worked with several carriers, each with negotiated rates, but lacked a system for managing them effectively. There was no strategic oversight of transport performance or cost efficiency, and the internal logistics team lacked insight into how their choices impacted service and spend. Complicating matters, a proposal from their 3PL suggested consolidating everything under a single provider, raising concerns about cost and visibility.
SPARQ360’s experienced team deploys a boots-on-the-ground approach and mediate operations and customer’s leadership teams allowing us to make unbiased, objective decisions based purely on what is best for our customers. Our team provided hands on guidance to warehouse staff, documented process changes and enabled inter-departmental communication to maximize their 3PL engagement. This was the missing link for this client.
The Strategy
SPARQ360 proposed a focused RFQ process to rationalize the carrier base, enhance service quality, and achieve cost savings—while maintaining independence from the 3PL’s bundled offer. This strategy gave the client full control of the process, with SPARQ360 guiding their internal team step by step.
By involving client stakeholders directly, the project built awareness and understanding of how transport decisions impact costs and service. Rather than replace existing carriers, SPARQ360 optimized the network using only current providers.
❝They are my on-the-ground, get their fingers dirty, go-to team.❞
Simon Sterck
Serax
The Implementation
- Conducted a formal RFQ process, including data analysis and scenario modeling
- Facilitated alignment among stakeholders with guided decision-making sessions
- Evaluated the 3PL’s proposal as a benchmark, which was shown to increase cost
- Delivered a recommended carrier set with better pricing, aligned SLAs, and no onboarding delays
Related service: Supply Chain Optimization
The Results
- Reduced carrier count from 6 to 3
- 16% transport cost reduction
- Aligned SLAs, with no new carriers required
- Increased internal visibility and control over distribution spend
- Rejected costly 3PL bundle based on rigorous comparative analysis
SPARQ360’s independence and data-driven approach helped the client avoid being “blind to the opportunities.” By enabling smarter sourcing and hands-on engagement, the company achieved better service, lower cost, and stronger internal capability.
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