Even the most sophisticated freight strategy delivers limited value if it cannot be executed effectively. Proper implementation ensures that the organization achieves its objectives for cost efficiency, service performance, capacity assurance, and network resilience. Establishing the right approach to, and controls over, transportation operations is critical.
SCT Advisory helps organizations build transportation strategies that are resilient, cost-effective, and aligned to long-term business goals. We differentiate ourselves through deep process expertise and an ability to guide clients through a full end-to-end transformation—moving seamlessly from strategy to execution and ongoing performance governance. Our approach to this transformation includes the following steps:
The process begins by clarifying the organization’s service goals, cost expectations, growth plans, and risk profile – across channels. This establishes the strategic foundation needed to determine how distribution networks, fleet decisions, carrier partnerships, and technology investments must evolve. The aim is to create a transportation vision that aligns with commercial priorities and long-term operational needs, and is reflective of the very different realities required in eCommerce vs retail distribution and store replenishment channels, vs international supply chains with variability in lead times and customs clearance.
Once the strategic intent is established, network modeling and optimization are used to analyze alternative distribution footprints and transportation flows. This includes evaluating the optimal location and role of distribution facilities, determining whether private fleet assets and drivers should be part of the operating model, considering alternative characteristics of automation retrofit and greenfield construction opportunities, and assessing the cost and service trade-offs of using logistics service providers or contract carriers. Scenario modeling allows SCT Advisory to quantify impacts and identify the design that best supports the customer’s strategy.
With a preferred network design and operating model in place, the next step is to articulate the IT capabilities required to enable it. This includes identifying transportation management functions, global trade compliance needs, freight audit and payment capabilities, and the integrations necessary to support visibility and decision-making. SCT Advisory develops a technology blueprint that guides system upgrades, selections, or integrations.
The advisory team then leads structured RFPs to secure transportation providers that align with the network design and service objectives. This phase ensures competitive pricing, reliable service levels, and commercial terms that support flexibility. Carrier evaluations consider capacity, operational fit, financial stability, and long-term partnership potential.
For more information see our Transportation Procurement Advisory section of our Freight Optimization services.
Once contracts are in place, the methodology shifts to governance and performance management. SCT Advisory establishes analytics and monitoring tools to track spot market activity, evaluate contract rate competitiveness, and manage volatility as freight markets evolve. This ensures the transportation strategy remains calibrated to real-time conditions.
Finally, SCT Advisory designs processes for ongoing spend optimization. This includes guidance on when to execute targeted mini-bids, how to leverage secondary carriers, and when to utilize spot markets to manage surges or market dislocations. These practices ensure the transportation network remains both adaptive and efficient, delivering sustained value over time.
