Tune Up? Alignment?
Or, Both?

by Mike Starling

We all know that no matter how well our car runs, a periodic tune up is necessary to keep it running smoothly. Likewise, to ensure that our car does not drift as we drive down the road, a periodic check and adjustment of the alignment is necessary.

Think about it. Could you apply this analogy to your day-to-day transportation operations? How smoothly do your day-to-day transportation operations run? Do they hum along or sputter down the road? Does your operational execution drift from desired service level and expected expense? Or does it steer straight and stay true to your documented processes and procedures and within budgetary guidelines?

What is the point here? That even the best-running machines and operations require periodic checks and adjustments, AND that it is up to the person in charge to ensure that the checks and adjustments are done regularly to ensure optimum performance. Failure to do so results in unexpected service interruptions and unbudgeted expenses. Can you afford such an outcome?

WHAT IS MISSING (Is Anyone Out There LISTENING?) FROM TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONAL EXECUTION IN MOST ORGANIZATIONS TODAY IS ALIGNMENT!!!

WHY? BECAUSE Alignment of transportation strategy supports and contributes to the achievement of specific corporate strategic objectives. All too often, it is a common management misconception that transportation is not a strategic function. Specifically, transportation is viewed as just another operating expense to be manipulated and minimized wherever and whenever possible, rather than utilized as an integral part of a strategy to improve operating cash flow.

Best-in-class companies view transportation as a strategic function. Tactical goals and objectives are designed to directly contribute to the achievement of corporate objectives, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Do you know what your current corporate strategic objectives are?

Which ones directly affect or depend upon transportation?

Is it time to check your transportation function’s alignment?

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