Could your company reduce freight costs by 10–15% in 2027—even if rates and fuel costs rise?
I know, I know. That may sound like a stretch. But depending on how your company buys and manages transportation, there may be opportunities to offset those increases—and potentially lower your total freight costs.
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been giving presentations about what’s happening in the freight markets. But what has really grabbed people’s attention is when I share the savings opportunities that are hiding in plain sight for many shippers.
After I explained that even in a challenging market, companies can take steps to lower their transportation costs, one CEO asked me, “Well, really, how do you do that?”
It’s a fair question. My answer focused on three things companies could—and should—be doing to gain greater control over their freight budgets.
1. Find the carriers that want your freight.
Even when carriers are raising rates, they’re still looking for freight. But they don’t necessarily want every shipment you have. They want freight that fits their networks.
That distinction matters. Are you asking carriers for better rates, or are you showing the right carriers why your freight is attractive to them?
TranzAct’s targeted sourcing methodology starts with understanding your shipping patterns, lanes, volumes, and service requirements. We combine that information with market intelligence developed through billions of dollars in transportation sourcing events to identify carriers whose networks fit your freight.
When you help a carrier operate more efficiently, you create a stronger basis for negotiating competitive rates and better service.
2. Challenge “We’ve always done it that way.”
Here’s a question every CEO, CFO, and supply chain executive should ask: Are our transportation and supply chain decisions based on current facts or outdated assumptions?
Over the years, I’ve asked companies why they ship a certain way, use particular carriers, or follow specific procedures. Whenever the answer is, “That’s the way we’ve always done it,” I’m confident there are opportunities worth investigating to lower costs and improve margins.
Look, freight markets have changed. Have your shipping practices changed with them?
Could you consolidate shipments, improve scheduling, reduce accessorial charges, or change service levels without compromising what your customers need? Those are the kinds of questions that can uncover savings hiding in plain sight.
3. Make better use of your information.
Last week, we talked about why accurate data matters when using AI. This week, consider how digitizing your supply chain can help your company make better decisions that drive lower costs.
Consider what happens when carriers know in advance what you need them to move, when shipments will be ready, and what service you expect. They can plan more effectively, reduce surprises, and use their resources more efficiently.
For your company, that same information can reveal costly shipping patterns, unnecessary expedited shipments, and opportunities to consolidate freight. Accurate data becomes valuable when you use it to change decisions—and improve results.
Let’s put these ideas to work on your freight budget.
You can’t control the freight market, but you can take greater control of how your company buys and manages transportation.
Before you submit your 2027 freight budget, let’s discuss where targeted sourcing, better shipping practices, and better use of your data could help offset increases—or lower your total costs.
Simply send us an email and say, “I’d like help finding opportunities to reduce our freight costs.” Or give us a call.
Don’t wait until you’re explaining unfavorable budget variances and discussing what you could have done differently.
As always, we’re on your team, here to help, and passionate about seeing you be successful.
Here's how to get in touch:
☎️ Give us a call at 630-833-0890
✉️ Send us an email at solutions@tranzact.com
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🕑 Schedule a conversation with a member of the TranzAct team