Strategic Rate Architecture & Automated Pricing for Semiconductor Airfreight

The Challenge Managing long-term airfreight pricing for a major semiconductor key account involves navigating massive datasets and volatile market conditions. The client required a stable long-term rate card, yet carrier base rates and fuel/security surcharges were fluctuating rapidly. Manual quoting was time-consuming and prone to margin erosion due to these undetected surcharge spikes.

The Solution I engineered a dynamic pricing template capable of processing high-volume carrier data across multiple global trade lanes.

Data Consolidation: Synthesized complex carrier charge structures into a standardized master dataset.

Volatility Mitigation: Decoupled base rates from volatile surcharges, creating a "floating" mechanism that protected margins while offering the client transparency.

Tool Development: Built a custom automated quoting tool (based in Excel/VBA) that allowed operators to input shipment parameters and generate instant, accurate quotes based on the new rate card.

The Impact The project resulted in the successful rollout of a standardized pricing structure. The quoting tool reduced quote turnaround time significantly and eliminated manual calculation errors, ensuring billing accuracy and securing the account’s long-term profitability.

Worked with Global Key Account Managers, Operations Key Account Manager, Business Development Manager (Air Freight Area Manager)