With more pain at the pumps this month(1), one company is set to challenge the cost of transport across the supply chain. In a bid to help businesses manage their transportation more cost effectively Barloworld Logistics is today launching ‘Transport as a Managed Service’ to the UK and European markets. Based on the knowledge acquired from managing over 500 000 loads per annum in this manner the Barloworld Logistics offering will enable businesses to save up to 20 per cent of their overall transportation costs. For companies with large transportation systems, multiple sources and multiple destinations for their products, Barloworld Logistics’ managed service accurately establishes when, or not, transportation assets are required. This enables companies to manage their transportation needs and improve how assets, whether their own or the available industry fleet, are better utilised – typically reducing capital requirements, cutting costs while increasing reliability and services levels. Transport as a managed service combines network optimisation, procurement and a tailored management system to bring together transportation suppliers to fulfil their client’s ongoing operational needs. The offering is designed and delivered by Barloworld Logistics, an asset-independent organisation with substantial practical transport management experience. Barloworld Logistics CEO, John van Wyk explains, “I describe this solution as the clear route for complicated journeys. We analyse, design, implement and manage solutions to transportation issues; from ensuring that transporters are legally compliant, through to acting as a single supplier from management to invoice. In addition to helping our customers reduce their transportation cost, we also provide a wider view of operations, and with our proven tools can highlight further cost saving opportunities within the supply chain.” Alan Dunne, National Manager, Business Operations at Barloworld Handling, a client who has recently implemented transport as a managed service, adds, “Barloworld Logistics was able to offer us a managed transportation service platform that was entirely customised to Barloworld Handling’s specific needs. “The combination of operational expertise, best of breed technologies, and bespoke management methodology, resulted in improvements in measured logistics performance, enhanced visibility and as a result a much clearer view of cost saving opportunities for Barloworld Handling.”