Shearer's Foods Achieves Transportation Savings and Strengthens Carrier Network through Strategic RFP Partnership

Shearer's Foods, a leading manufacturer and distributor of snack foods in the U.S. and Canada, sought to enhance their transportation network performance through their annual RFP event. With a network spanning five business units across North America, including over 500 lanes, 19,000 loads, and 50 carrier participants, Shearer's Foods needed a partner to help them streamline their process and provide detailed data analysis to unveil opportunities and devise solutions. Their primary objectives were to increase service levels, secure fair and accurate linehaul rates, and effectively source for a new business unit. After partnering with Breakthrough to execute their RFP, Shearer's Food was able to send bids a month before go-live, identify the most suitable carriers for specific routes, and lock in competitive linehaul rates below the industry benchmark.

Developing a strategic RFP approach

Shearer's Foods partnered with Breakthrough, a recognized innovator in transportation management, to develop and execute a clear and well-defined RFP strategy. From February to April, Breakthrough worked closely with Shearer's to provide subject matter expertise in project management and supply chain functions.

Breakthrough's data-driven approach was instrumental in refining the RFP process. They conducted detailed data analysis to improve the review of each award, examining each lane by origin and grouping them by business unit. This meticulous approach allowed for continued refinement of scenario outcomes across both rounds of the RFP, ensuring the most optimal carrier assignments.

Breakthrough also assisted in direct carrier negotiations, leveraging a range of data points, including historical data, bid rates, and Breakthrough's own benchmarks. These efforts resulted in an impressive 10% savings year over year for Shearer's Foods.

Shearer's Foods enhances RFP event outcomes

The strategic partnership between Shearer's Foods and Breakthrough yielded significant results:

• Right carriers on the right lanes: By leveraging data and industry expertise, Shearer's Foods reduced their carrier SCACs and awarded high-performing carriers, adjusting for poor performance and creating a strong, reliable carrier network.

• Expansion into new business unit: Breakthrough helped Shearer's Foods identify new carriers for their newly acquired business unit, enabling seamless integration and growth.

• Substantial savings: The RFP process resulted in a 10% savings for Shearer's Foods, a testament to the effectiveness of the strategic approach.

The partnership’s success was further highlighted by the positive feedback from Shearer’s Foods and carriers. Brynne Johnson, Senior Director, Supply Chain Logistics, praised the Breakthrough team for their focus, time spent onsite, and for making the RFP process "easy and successful in a short time." On the other side of the RFP, carriers commented on the process saying it was clean and efficient. They appreciated the clear communication and commitment to carrier relationships.

Post-RFP event results

In the transportation industry, maintaining efficiency and optimizing costs are paramount. Three weeks after the RFP event, compliance improved by 5% year-over-year. Since go-live, Shearer's increased their volume by 16% and added additional lanes to their network with the help of Breakthrough’s Capac-ID product, which provides carrier search and linehaul rate benchmarking capabilities.

Maximize transportation RFP efficiency with a straightforward and pragmatic approach

Shearer's Foods' partnership with Breakthrough demonstrates the power of strategic collaboration and data-driven decision-making in optimizing transportation networks. By leveraging Breakthrough's expertise and innovative approach, Shearer's Foods strengthened their carrier relationships, expanded their strategy to new business units, and achieved significant cost savings. This case study serves as a compelling example of how a well-executed RFP process can drive tangible results and position companies for long-term success in the dynamic transportation industry.