The Challenge

A mid-sized biopharmaceutical company engaged AIM following transformative business changes that had reshaped their logistics landscape. Following a strategic acquisition and major product portfolio expansion, they realized their existing carrier network was no longer optimized for their evolving needs. Quality and compliance standards had grown more rigorous, their geographical footprint had extended into new markets, and transport costs were rising without commensurate service improvements.

Having gone more than six years without a comprehensive carrier review – beyond the industry best practice of calibrating transportation spend every 3-5 years – the company sought a consulting partner with practical biopharma logistics expertise to deliver meaningful improvements in both service quality and cost efficiency.

Our Approach

AIM’s team drew on their direct biopharma logistics experience to identify both apparent optimization opportunities and underlying inefficiencies. This dual focus enabled simultaneous service enhancement, adoption of resilience strategies and cost reduction.

Key Elements:

  • Strategic Project Scoping: We analyzed historical performance, current operational challenges, and 1–3 year forward requirements to ensure the solution would meet both immediate and future needs.
  • Comprehensive Baseline Assessment: Together with the client, we established clear service and cost benchmarks.
  • Structured Documentation Package: We developed a thorough RFP documentation package incorporating existing and projected transactional data, product specifications, geographic requirements, key account profiles, and technical and service parameters. Standardized quotation templates ensured consistent, comparable, and timely proposals from all candidates.
  • Candidate Selection and RFI/RFP/RFQ Process: Leveraging our extensive experience and use case references, we guided the client through candidate longlist and shortlist development. We encouraged a diverse mix of established carriers, regional specialists, market newcomers and niche providers to broaden available solutions.
  • Proven Project Management Framework: We implemented clear governance structures, reporting mechanisms, and established templates for RFx processes, bid tracking, and analysis and recommendations.
  • Data-Driven Assumptions: Where data gaps existed, we applied insights from comparable engagements and our team’s operational experience.
  • Process-Based Evaluation: Beyond technical capabilities, candidates were assessed on responsiveness, engagement quality, strategic thinking, process adherence, proposal completeness, interpersonal dynamics, sustainability approach, operational flexibility, and relevance of bid content. These indicators helped gauge long-term partnership potential.
  • End-to-end Management: We managed the process from the User Requirements Specification (URS) through to the contract award, providing constructive feedback to unsuccessful candidates to maintain positive industry relationships.

Results & Impact

  • Network Optimization: Established an optimized carrier network, securing greater resilience for the mid- and long term.
  • Cost Performance: Achieved double-digit cost reduction through an optimized carrier network and a smarter lane allocation process.
  • Sustainability: Identified opportunities to convert at least 5% of lanes from air to ocean freight, reducing carbon footprint while projecting additional savings.
  • Operational Improvements: Identified opportunities to harmonize and govern transport management across internal sites and articulated the importance of maintaining a detailed lane repository and granular shipment data.
  • Implementation Roadmap: Developed a deployment roadmap to deliver quick wins while ensuring controlled, gradual changes to prevent service disruptions, providing a base for broader distribution planning efficiencies.

Client Perspective

The client highlighted that the structured evaluation process itself provided immediate value. Recognizing the significant improvements delivered across both service and cost performance, the client extended the engagement, asking AIM to drive the transition, implementation process, and a full operating model revamp.

The AIM Difference

Our approach combined practical industry experience with specialized expertise and agile execution:

  • Industry Fluency: Subject matter experts with former biopharma roles who understand client challenges firsthand.
  • Carrier Intelligence: Deep knowledge of carrier landscapes and capabilities across geographies and transport modes.
  • Proven Methodologies: Reference cases and established frameworks enabling tailored, efficient outcomes.
  • Boutique Agility: As a boutique consultancy focused on life sciences supply chains, we move quickly, adapt easily, and deliver efficient, targeted solutions.
  • Quality Oversight: Senior delivery oversight ensuring consistent quality throughout the project.

Is Your Logistics Network Keeping Pace?

If you haven’t reviewed your carrier network in recent years, or if business changes have outpaced your logistics infrastructure, AIM can help you achieve significant improvements in service quality, cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.

Contact us to explore optimization strategies for your transport network.