Freight Management Services: How 3PLs Support Supply Chains

A growing distribution or manufacturing company needs many freight management services. They negotiate freight rates using sophisticated RFP launches and TMS technology, manage carrier contracts, and run freight audits. They also handle cargo claims and invoice corrections to recover money for shippers.

Next, using this TMS tech stack they optimize mode selection and routing. They evaluate less than truckload and full truckload options and provide the tracking information for your CS team. Likewise, through a vendor portal program they can give your procurement and purchasing teams visbility to the inbound freight. These freight management services save you money through consolidating shipments when it saves you freight cost and time. Their 3PL teams take care of tendering and motor carrier follow up.

Measure freight management services against clear KPIs. Track on time delivery, claims recovered, and cost per shipment. Track the cost/lb and cost/mile to ensure you are sourcing at fair market rates and then attributing it back properly via automated GL and cost center coding. Also measure invoice accuracy and days to resolve exceptions. Actionable KPIs let teams see where to improve.

Next, calculate direct savings and productivity gains. Freight invoice audits often produce immediate savings. Better routing and mode optimization cut average freight cost per unit. Service improvements reduce customer churn and back order risk.

Finally, review intangible benefits. Improved visibility reduces stress for operations teams. Faster claims resolution restores cash and trust. A strong 3PL partnership helps scale operations when demand grows.