Latest news with #FourKites
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Former Nestlé Global Supply Chain Leader Vineet Khanna Joins FourKites' Strategic Advisory Council
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FourKites ®, the global leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation, today announced that Vineet Khanna, former Senior Vice President and Global Head of Supply Chain at Nestlé, has joined its Strategic Advisory Council. Vineet brings 37 years of multi-cultural experience across strategy, supply chain, procurement, and digital transformation to FourKites' advisory council, where he will provide strategic guidance on global expansion and sustainable supply chain innovation. By combining order and inventory twins with AI-powered automation, FourKites is helping teams prevent problems and overcome the constant fire-fighting that can erode those already-thin margins. Share At Nestlé, Vineet managed end-to-end supply chain operations and transformation projects encompassing demand and supply planning, physical logistics and sustainability, digital transformations, customer service, and materials management. His leadership spanned 25 years in senior roles at country, regional, and global levels, including serving as a board member of Nestlé Enterprises SA. "The reality of fast-moving consumer goods is that you're dealing with razor-thin margins and the ongoing risk of spoilage," said Vineet. "Traditional supply chain technology platforms just can't keep up when you're managing thousands of SKUs. But by combining order and inventory twins with AI-powered automation, FourKites is helping teams prevent problems and overcome the constant fire-fighting of problems that can erode those already-thin margins." FourKites' Strategic Advisory Council brings together accomplished supply chain executives with decades of hands-on experience. The Council represents FourKites' commitment to understanding the practical realities supply chain leaders face, ensuring the company's solutions address genuine market needs. "Vineet understands that supply chain excellence directly drives market share and profitability," said Mathew Elenjickal, Founder and CEO of FourKites. "He's operated at the intersection of supply chain and business strategy, where information gaps translate into lost revenue and customer defections. His guidance will help ensure our AI platform delivers what C-suites actually care about: protecting service levels during disruptions, reducing working capital tied up in safety stock, and automating workflows that can impact the bottom line." Beyond his corporate achievements, Vineet co-chaired the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) at the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), advancing social and environmental sustainability across the industry. He remains active in Catalyst 2030, collaborating with social entrepreneurs globally to accelerate progress toward SDG 2030. Currently, he serves as an advisor to corporates, private equity firms, VCs, and startups across the strategy-transformation-execution spectrum. Vineet's appointment follows FourKites' evolution beyond real-time visibility to offer the industry's only Intelligent Control Tower ™. This platform combines supply chain network data with digital twins and a Digital Workforce of AI agents that autonomously act on visibility data, preventing disruptions before they occur and orchestrating complex supply chain operations. Recognized as a thought leader in business, leadership, supply chain, and ESG, Vineet is a sought-after keynote speaker who brings transformative insights to organizations worldwide. He holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad (India) and has pursued advanced studies at IMD Lausanne and London Business School. About FourKites FourKites®, the leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation for global enterprises and pioneer of real-time visibility, turns supply chain data into automated action. FourKites' Intelligent Control Tower™ breaks down enterprise silos by creating a real-time digital twin of orders, shipments, inventory and assets. This comprehensive view, combined with AI-powered digital workers, enables companies to prevent disruptions, automate routine tasks, and optimize performance across their supply chain. FourKites processes over 3.2 million supply chain events daily — from purchase orders to final delivery — helping 1,600+ global brands prevent disruptions, make faster decisions and move from reactive tracking to proactive supply chain orchestration.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What Shippers Want from Small Fleets That Brokers Can't Deliver
Let's set the record straight—brokers aren't the enemy. They serve a purpose. They connect capacity to freight when a shipper doesn't have time to build direct relationships. But if you're a small fleet trying to grow your business and secure long-term, profitable freight, depending on brokers will keep you running in circles. Shippers want more than just a truck and a rate. What they really want is trust, consistency, and visibility. And here's the good news: that's where small fleets shine. You just have to know how to position your business to deliver what brokers never can. If you're serious about breaking free from the spot market and building direct relationships with shippers that actually last, you need to understand what those shippers value—and how your fleet can step up and deliver. Because once you do, you stop chasing loads and start building lanes. And that's how you win in this business. Most carriers think all shippers want the lowest rate. That's broker thinking. That's a race to the bottom. And if that's your mindset, you'll always be replaceable. Here's what real shippers want: Reliability Visibility Communication Service consistency Problem-solving Speed Trust And here's the kicker: they're not getting most of that from brokers. Why? Because brokers deal in transactions. You deal in execution. And that's where your leverage comes in. Brokers act as a middleman. Every message gets filtered through someone who's not even behind the wheel. That delay in communication? That's a problem for shippers. Small fleets can offer what brokers can't—direct, fast, accurate updates. When your team controls the truck, the load, and the dispatch, you can give the shipper exactly what they need: real-time status without the fluff. How to capitalize on this: Assign a dedicated dispatcher or point of contact for every shipper. Use real-time tracking tools (MacroPoint, Project44, FourKites) that they already recognize. Provide proactive communication: don't wait for the shipper to ask for an update—send one before they do. You're not just a carrier—you're an extension of their supply chain. Own it. A broker's relationship with a shipper is only as strong as their last load. When things go south, that relationship gets tested—and often replaced. As a small fleet, you have the chance to build a real, human relationship with the shipper. You can learn their preferences, understand their rhythms, and become part of how they move freight—not just someone who moves freight for them. Example: One of our members had a 3-truck fleet. He started picking up a weekly lane from a small packaging company. Every Friday, he brought the receiving manager a cold drink and always showed up 30 minutes early. A year later, that one lane turned into three weekly loads and a contract renewal—all without a broker in sight. You don't need 100 trucks to build trust. You just need to show up, solve problems, and communicate like a partner. Brokers are working across dozens or hundreds of carriers. They don't have the capacity—or time—to customize service. You do. Whether that means: Using specialized equipment (liftgate, reefer, hazmat) Running odd hours or short lead times Helping with on-site loading or drop trailers Shippers remember the carrier who went above and beyond. That kind of service flexibility is a major reason they'll ditch brokers for a direct relationship. Your advantage: You can say yes to what brokers can't even offer. But here's the catch—you have to let them know. If your capabilities aren't clearly outlined in your outreach, your website, or your initial conversations, they won't know what you can do. And they'll go right back to the brokerage that plays it safe. Brokers pull from the spot market. That means the shipper never knows who's going to show up. One day it's a pro, next day it's a rookie. That inconsistency adds risk. Small fleets can provide predictable capacity with familiar drivers who know the shipper's facilities and routines. That familiarity creates confidence. And confidence turns into longer-term freight commitments. Tactical move: Assign the same drivers to recurring lanes. Teach them the shipper's dock rules, preferred routes, and loading habits. Then communicate that to the shipper: 'Our lead driver Mike handles this lane weekly—he knows your team and how you like things done.' You just became the 'easy button' they've been looking for. Here's a reality: Freight doesn't always go as planned. Things break. Traffic happens. Misloads occur. The question is—how fast can you respond? With brokers, problems bounce between layers of communication. One issue could take hours to get resolved. That's where small fleets beat the system. You have speed. You have control. You can fix problems in real-time. When a shipper sees you step in and solve something on the spot—without finger pointing or delay—they'll remember that. That's the kind of reliability you can't fake. And it's why they'll call you before ever calling that broker again. Brokers need to make a margin. And most times, that's coming out of your rate or the shipper's rate. When you eliminate the middleman, both sides win: You can charge more than a spot rate but less than what the broker quoted. The shipper gets cost savings and better service. You increase your margins and your load consistency. It's a win-win—and it's the biggest financial reason why direct relationships matter. But don't lead with price. Lead with value. Show them the math after they've experienced your consistency and communication. That's how you build a long-term partnership—not just a load. Let's not ignore this—shippers care about how your truck shows up. It's not about being brand new. It's about being clean, professional, and reliable. If your driver looks sloppy and your trailer looks like it hasn't been washed in months, that reflects directly on the shipper's brand. Small fleets have the ability to control their presentation. And shippers notice. Simple standards to enforce: Clean equipment inside and out Uniform or professional appearance Courteous drivers who follow on-site rules Those details matter more than you think. A polished, dependable fleet tells the shipper you care about the work—and that care transfers into long-term freight. Brokers can't give shippers a look under the hood. They can't explain driver behavior, trailer conditions, or route challenges—because they don't control the assets. But you can. If you have even basic fleet management tools—ELDs, GPS, telematics, maintenance logs—you can offer the shipper real visibility into how you run your fleet. Shippers love data. When you show them trends like on-time performance, average loading time, detention history, and safety scores, you speak their language. You don't need a TMS to do start by tracking and sharing: On-time delivery % Number of loads hauled Equipment type and condition Maintenance record Insurance compliance You'll come across more like a logistics partner than a carrier. That positioning opens doors brokers can't even knock on. Shippers aren't just looking for capacity. They're looking for partners who can give them consistency, trust, communication, and control. That's exactly what small fleets can deliver—when they step up and run like a business. Brokers aren't going away. But that doesn't mean you need to keep competing in their world. Build relationships based on execution, not rate. Lead with your value, not your truck count. And most importantly, show shippers what they've been missing from brokers all along. Because once you become the carrier they can count on, you'll never have to fight for their freight again. That's how small fleets play big—and win. The post What Shippers Want from Small Fleets That Brokers Can't Deliver appeared first on FreightWaves. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
FourKites Unveils Premier AI Conference for the Supply Chain Community
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FourKites®, the leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation and pioneer of advanced supply chain visibility, today announced FourKites Summit 2025. Taking place Aug. 26-27 at the Swissôtel Chicago, this flagship event will focus on the future of supply chains and how AI-powered autonomous systems are transforming global operations. FourKites Summit will feature keynote presentations from industry leaders alongside accomplished supply chain executives from organizations including Henkel, Michelin, Grocery Outlet, Dollar Tree, McCain, Niagara Bottling, Bayer, Brown Forman and more. The Summit will feature keynote presentations from industry leaders alongside accomplished supply chain executives from organizations including Henkel, Michelin, Grocery Outlet, Dollar Tree, McCain, Kimberly-Clark, Niagara Bottling, Bayer, Brown Forman and Coca-Cola Bottling. "Fortune 2000 companies are hungry for practical AI solutions that deliver immediate value without waiting for massive ERP upgrades," said Mathew Elenjickal, founder and CEO of FourKites. "Summit 2025 is where supply chain leaders will learn how companies are already changing that paradigm, moving their teams from reactive firefighting to autonomous supply chain orchestration that tackles their biggest execution challenges." The two-day conference will feature more than 20 sessions covering next-generation supply chain technologies, with particular emphasis on agentic AI systems that operate autonomously across complex logistics operations. Key topics include eliminating supply chain silos, leveraging real-time intelligence for proactive operations, navigating geopolitical uncertainty and applying AI from purchase order to delivery. Sessions will address change management and implementation strategies, ROI measurements and value analysis, providing attendees with both strategic frameworks and practical applications for AI-driven transformation. The event also offers networking opportunities with FourKites executives, solution experts and members of the company's extensive partner ecosystem. FourKites' customer co-innovation approach has helped define the company's roadmap since its founding. More than half of FourKites' features originate from customer suggestions, and this collaborative development model continues to drive breakthrough solutions. "My favorite thing about FourKites is that they're constantly innovating, they're listening to customer ideas and suggestions, and always improving it to make sure it's a win-win situation for FourKites, the customer, and of course the customers that we're servicing," shared a FourKites customer at a Fortune 100 food and beverage company. FourKites Summit 2025 is for chief supply chain officers, vice presidents and directors driving strategic transformation; FourKites users overseeing transportation, warehousing and fulfillment; chief information officers and technical leaders implementing supply chain technologies; and professionals focused on delivery performance optimization. To learn more about FourKites Summit 2025 and to register, visit About FourKites FourKites®, the leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation for global enterprises and pioneer of advanced supply chain visibility, turns supply chain data into automated action. FourKites' Intelligent Control Tower™ breaks down enterprise silos by creating a real-time digital twin of orders, shipments, inventory and assets. This comprehensive view, combined with AI-powered digital workers, enables companies to prevent disruptions, automate routine tasks, and optimize performance across their supply chain. FourKites processes over 3.2 million supply chain events daily — from purchase orders to final delivery — helping 1,600+ global brands prevent disruptions, make faster decisions and move from reactive tracking to proactive supply chain orchestration. For more information about FourKites, visit .
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Supply Chain Technology Expert Luis Solana Joins FourKites' Strategic Advisory Council
Global supply chain leader brings cross-industry expertise to platform's advisory council CHICAGO, May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FourKites, the global leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation, today announced that Luis Solana, an experienced supply chain executive with expertise across diverse industries and regions, has joined its Strategic Advisory Council. Solana brings extensive experience in end-to-end supply chain management to FourKites' advisory council, where he will provide strategic guidance on product innovation and market expansion. Throughout his career, Solana has led large-scale physical and digital initiatives across best-in-class brands including Henkel, Bridgestone, Coty, Colgate-Palmolive and DHL. His expertise lies in identifying, developing, and scaling supply chain technology platforms to drive EBITDA growth. Fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, Solana has lived across the United States, Mexico and Brazil, bringing valuable multi-cultural perspective to his leadership roles. "Supply chain automation represents the next wave of competitive advantage for global enterprises," said Solana. "FourKites has built an AI platform that transforms traditional operations into intelligent, self-orchestrating systems. Companies that embrace these autonomous capabilities will significantly outperform those still relying on manual coordination and reactive management approaches." FourKites' Strategic Advisory Council brings together accomplished supply chain executives with decades of hands-on experience. The Council represents FourKites' commitment to understanding the practical realities supply chain leaders face, ensuring the company's solutions address genuine market needs. "Luis's cross-industry experience and global perspective bring valuable insights to our Council," said Mathew Elenjickal, Founder and CEO of FourKites. "His expertise in scaling supply chain technology initiatives across diverse organizations aligns perfectly with our mission to transform how enterprises manage complex global operations." Solana's appointment follows FourKites' evolution beyond real-time visibility to offer the industry's only Intelligent Control Tower™. This platform combines supply chain network data with digital twins and a Digital Workforce of AI agents that autonomously act on visibility data, preventing disruptions before they occur and orchestrating complex supply chain operations. Solana holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an industrial engineering degree from Universidad Panamericana. He is accredited by Harvard Business School Executive Education in Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital, and in Competing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. His professional affiliations include membership in the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA), Private Directors Association (PDA), Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), and Blackmore Connects (BMC). He is also affiliated with Tompkins Ventures as Business Partner and Coach, and with Ceiba Capital Partners and Cambridge Capital as a Private Equity Operating Advisor. Luis is also an Investor in Latino entrepreneurial ventures, as a Limited Partner in Angeles Ventures fund, and as an independent investor in Angeles Investors. FourKites' customer co-innovation approach has defined the company since its founding. Through initiatives like the FourKites IdeaExchange, customer challenges directly shape the company's product roadmap, with more than 60% of features originating from customer suggestions. This collaborative approach has produced breakthrough solutions, enabling FourKites to transform how enterprises manage their supply chains. About FourKites FourKites®, the leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation for global enterprises and pioneer of real-time visibility, turns supply chain data into automated action. FourKites' Intelligent Control Tower™ breaks down enterprise silos by creating a real-time digital twin of orders, shipments, inventory and assets. This comprehensive view, combined with AI-powered digital workers, enables companies to prevent disruptions, automate routine tasks, and optimize performance across their supply chain. FourKites processes over 3.2 million supply chain events daily — from purchase orders to final delivery — helping 1,600+ global brands prevent disruptions, make faster decisions and move from reactive tracking to proactive supply chain orchestration. View source version on Contacts Media Relationspress@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Former Coca-Cola Transportation Leader Rob Haddock Joins FourKites' Strategic Advisory Council
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FourKites, the global leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation, today announced that Rob Haddock, Transportation Advisor at Albedo Logistics Solutions, has joined its Strategic Advisory Council. Haddock brings extensive experience from his career at The Coca-Cola Company to FourKites' advisory council, where he will provide strategic guidance on product innovation and market expansion. Haddock brings extensive experience from his career at The Coca-Cola Company to FourKites' advisory council, where he will provide strategic guidance on product innovation and market expansion. Share During his tenure at Coca-Cola, Haddock led North America's transportation and On Time In Full (OTIF) performance initiatives. His career at the beverage giant spanned roles in plant management, customer service, vendor managed inventories, operational excellence, Sales & Operations Planning, and integrated business planning. "The supply chain industry faces unprecedented challenges that require innovative solutions," said Haddock. "FourKites has developed technology that addresses real-world logistics problems. I look forward to contributing to their continued growth and helping shape solutions that deliver measurable value." FourKites' Strategic Advisory Council brings together accomplished supply chain executives with decades of hands-on experience. The Council represents FourKites' commitment to understanding the practical realities supply chain leaders face, ensuring the company's solutions address genuine market needs. "Rob's extensive operational leadership across transportation, plant management, customer service, and integrated business planning at Coca-Cola provides him with a holistic understanding of supply chain excellence," said Mathew Elenjickal, Founder and CEO of FourKites. "His experience driving OTIF performance initiatives and his active industry leadership through CSCMP make him an invaluable addition to our Strategic Advisory Council. Rob's insights into persistent logistics challenges, including appointment scheduling inefficiencies that continue to plague our industry, will be crucial as we evolve our Digital Workforce to autonomously manage complex supply networks and help recapture billions in trapped capacity across the global supply chain ecosystem." Haddock's appointment follows FourKites' evolution beyond real-time visibility to offer the industry's only Intelligent Control Tower TM. This platform combines supply chain network data with digital twins and a Digital Workforce of AI agents that autonomously act on visibility data, preventing disruptions before they occur and orchestrating complex supply chain operations. FourKites' customer co-innovation approach has defined the company since its founding. Through initiatives like the FourKites IdeaExchange, customer challenges directly shape the company's product roadmap, with more than 60% of features originating from customer suggestions. This collaborative approach has produced breakthrough solutions, enabling FourKites to transform how enterprises manage their supply chains. About FourKites FourKites®, the leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation for global enterprises and pioneer of real-time visibility, turns supply chain data into automated action. FourKites' Intelligent Control Tower™ breaks down enterprise silos by creating a real-time digital twin of orders, shipments, inventory and assets. This comprehensive view, combined with AI-powered digital workers, enables companies to prevent disruptions, automate routine tasks, and optimize performance across their supply chain. FourKites processes over 3.2 million supply chain events daily — from purchase orders to final delivery — helping 1,600+ global brands prevent disruptions, make faster decisions and move from reactive tracking to proactive supply chain orchestration.
