Using Internet negotiation technology developed by eBreviate, the transportation auction tool automates the process by allowing a company’s core transportation carriers to bid online for the shipment by competing on price. Initially designed for TL-based shipments, the transportation auction tool will be expanded to support LTL, air, rail and ocean container shipments as well.
Mike Lipman, principal of A.T. Kearney, said the reverse auction capability will reduce transportation costs for last-minute shipments from 8- to 10% while improving the carrier’s access to available shipments. Shippers also are spared the time and expense needed to match available capacity with available shipments at the last minute, the companies said.
Additionally, A.T. Kearney and eBreviate will utilize this transportation auction tool for online downward auctions to support the development of long-term carrier service and pricing programs through the request for proposal and subsequent negotiation process.