Toys, Tech & TMS: How A & A Global Plays to Win

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton talks with Brett Johnson, IT Director at A&A Global, and Shannon Vaillancourt, President and Founder of RateLinx, about A&A Global’s journey to transform their shipping operations. Brett details how they addressed inefficiencies in their old TMS, implementing RateLinx’s flexible toolkit to streamline processes, reduce costs, and scale operations without adding staff.

The conversation explores how A&A Global overcame challenges like manual data entry, slow carrier onboarding, and inaccurate rate quoting through powerful integrations like ScanForce, Cubiscan, and mobile printing. Brett and Shannon also highlight the role of Lean Six Sigma practices in driving continuous improvement and achieving significant cost savings, faster shipping, and enhanced efficiency.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:39) Meet the industry leaders

(02:46) Challenges faced by A&A Global

(05:56) Issues with previous TMS

(08:30) The need for speed and efficiency

(13:42) Selection process for a new TMS

(18:03) Integration and implementation

(27:55) The new car vs. new software analogy

(29:42) Challenges with previous TMS

(30:44) Choosing RateLinx and ShipLinx TMS

(32:29) Implementation philosophy

(37:29) Automation and labor cost savings

(45:42) Advice for IT and operations leaders

Resources:

• Learn more about A&A Global: http://www.aaglobal.com
• Connect with Shannon Vaillancourt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/
• INSIGHT 2025 Conference: https://www.ratelinx.com/ratelinx-insight-conference/
• Learn more about RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.com/
• Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
• Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
• WEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EW
• WEBINAR- Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUm
• WEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: