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Cooperative Purchasing Explained: A Guide for School Transportation Pros

Stop bidding everything and consider a simpler way. Learn how cooperative purchasing can streamline purchases while maintaining compliance. Sourcewell breaks down the process in this episode of The Route, sponsored by IC Bus.

March 16, 2026
Sponsored by

If you’re a transportation director tired of bidding everything year after year or wondering whether your district is leaving opportunities on the table, we’ve got just the conversation for you.

In this episode of The Route, Amanda Huggett sits down with Andy Campbell and Steph Eckes from Sourcewell to talk about all things cooperative purchasing. We cover how group purchasing power can help school transportation departments save time, reduce administrative burden, and protect limited budgets.

What will you learn in this episode?

  • What cooperative purchasing actually means and what product categories it includes
  • How it compares to traditional bids and state contracts
  • Why “low bid” isn’t always the best value
  • How districts can maintain compliance while gaining flexibility
  • Common misconceptions about cooperative contracts and how to get started

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About The Route

The Route is a monthly video and podcast series hosted by School Bus Fleet and sponsored by IC Bus, proudly offering vehicles and solutions that are ahead of their class.

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