Joining me on this week's podcast is Pieter Kinds from TenderTool. TenderTool is a freight sourcing platform with a difference. Pieter claims that both buyers and freight forwarders alike see the benefits of using such a tool. If you've tried to source freight using a traditional provider of e-sourcing software (like I have), you'll soon realise that these tools are not well equipped for transportation tenders. Below are some of the highlights from the podcast. Note: Since recording this episode, TenderTool rebranded as Freightender. I have retained TenderTool in the notes just for consistency. The website link at the bottom, however, links to the Freightender website.   Series 1, Episode 1: TenderTool - The specialist digital platform that makes freight sourcing easier 1:59 Pieter explains how his sales background in the freight industry inspired him to create TenderTool. 4:19 Combatting the scourge of Excel-based tenders and how TenderTool can do the spade work for you, alleviating the common frustrations with using spreadsheets. 5:04 Why is sourcing transportation different from regular e-tenders for other categories? What makes it exceptional? Pieter explains some of the complexities of sourcing freight and why it's difficult to get good RFP data from using a more traditional "one-size-fits-all" e-sourcing tool. 9:00 I ask Pieter to explain some of the most common mistakes he comes across when Procurement departments conduct freight tenders. His answer wasn't what I expected...! 10:05 A useful insight into how forwarders react to tenders, and some of the criteria they use when making the decisions around which buyers to respond do. (Clue - if your data is poor or vague, you'll get fewer responses!) 11:37 Handling spot rates vs. fixed rate cards 13:39 Dealing with driver shortages. Pieter gives his insights on the changing dynamics of the road freight industry in Europe and how, after a long period of it being very much a buyer's market, this may now be coming to an end. 15:10 Why regardless of the category of spend, people want to do business with other people, even in a relatively commoditised service such as transportation vendors. 16:57 Can buyers and vendors ever reach the point where they both enjoy using the same e-sourcing platform? 18:50 Why technology helps BOTH parties to be more efficient and productive, and why it shouldn't just be seen as a tool that's unequivocally biased towards the benefit of the buyer. 21:15 I ask Pieter finally about his plans to grow TenderTool and their immediate next developments. Want to connect with Pieter to learn more? FreighTender website (TenderTool underwent a rebranding after we recorded the show and is now called Freightender!) Pieter's LinkedIn profile Contact Pieter by email How to connect with James: Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for...