Analyst Insight: Procurement has made steady progress in playing a more important role in the preparation and solicitation of transportation RFQs and carrier negotiations. This trend is good in those instances where transportation is viewed and managed as a commodity. However, in companies where transportation has a more strategic role and thus greater impact on the organization, procurement peers often do not have the depth of understanding needed to navigate the economics and operational distinctions found in transportation. - Karl B. Manrodt, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Georgia College & State University