Did you know you can reduce your shipping costs by up to 30% just by using the right tools? In the B2B world, every dollar counts, and freight costs can make the difference between a profitable year and a tough one.
The good news is that today you have access to tools that were once only available to large corporations. I’m going to show you how to master the art of saving on shipments.
Use Online Freight Calculators
Forget calling carriers one by one. Online freight calculators give you instant quotes and factor in variables like market conditions, equipment availability, and fuel prices.
This Platform allows you to:
- Enter shipment details in seconds
- View quotes from multiple carriers
- Compare prices in real-time
- Understand exactly what each quote includes
- Get complete cost breakdowns (line-haul, fuel surcharge, etc.)
Modern tools let you experiment with different parameters. Changing freight class, adjusting delivery dates, or modifying service type can show significant differences in the final price.
Tip: Play around with delivery dates. Changing the date by a few days can save you hundreds of dollars. These platforms also let you quote and book both LTL and FTL shipments from one place.
Always Compare Prices
Prices can vary up to 40% between carriers for the same route. The freight market constantly fluctuates due to factors like supply, demand, and fuel costs.
That’s why you should:
- Get at least 3 quotes
- Update your comparisons quarterly (not just once a year)
- Use platforms that aggregate multiple carriers like Freightos or GoShip
- Issue RFQs (Request for Quote) more frequently to take advantage of soft market conditions
The key is frequency: don’t assume last year’s contract rate is still competitive. Markets change and what was yesterday’s cheapest carrier may not be today’s.
Digital platforms simplify this continuous comparison by showing you real-time quotes from various carriers, which can reveal significant savings for the same route.
Optimize Your Shipping Mode: FTL vs LTL
This decision can make or break your budget. As a general rule, smaller shipments are cheaper via LTL because you only pay for the space you use, sharing the truck with other shippers.
Use LTL when:
- Shipping less than 6 pallets
- Your load weighs less than 12,000 lbs
- You’re not in extreme hurry
- You want lower financial risk per individual shipment
Switch to FTL when:
- You have more than 6 pallets or over 12,000 lbs
- You can consolidate several small shipments into one
- You need faster deliveries (direct route)
- You want less cargo handling (reduces damage risk)
The break-even point: Even if your load doesn’t completely fill a trailer, FTL can be cheaper if it avoids multiple terminal handlings or if LTL rates for your freight class are high.
Trick: Use estimators to simulate both scenarios. Sometimes FTL is cheaper even if you don’t fill the entire truck. Also consider that FTL offers faster transit times and lower damage risk from handling.
Timing Is Everything
Small changes in when and where you ship can generate big savings. Strategic planning gives you access to lower-cost time slots and helps carriers optimize their loads.
Timing strategies:
- Ship on lower-demand days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheaper)
- Plan ahead – urgent shipments cost 2-3 times more
- Use commercial addresses – avoid residential surcharges ($50-100 extra)
- Deliver during business hours – avoid weekend and extended hour fees
Route optimization: Choose carriers that have strong networks in your shipping lanes. If a carrier already has trucks frequently going to your destination region, they may offer better pricing due to network efficiencies.
Also consider secondary terminals or less congested ports that can reduce fees, and regional carriers for short hauls instead of national carriers.
Real example: Changing a delivery from Friday to Tuesday can save you 15-20% on the rate. Delivering to a commercial dock vs. a residential address can save $75-150 in liftgate fees.
Avoid Hidden Charges
Nothing hurts more than a bill with surprise charges. Base rates assume standard conditions, and any deviation can generate additional charges. The most common ones are:
- Liftgate: $75-150 if there’s no loading dock
- Residential delivery: $50-100 extra
- Detention: $25-50 per hour if loading/unloading is delayed
- LTL reclassification: Up to 200% more if you mis-declare weight, dimensions, or freight class
- Fuel surcharges: Fluctuate with diesel prices
- Redelivery: If the first delivery attempt fails
- Hazardous or high-value merchandise charges
Prevention strategies:
- Always measure and weigh your shipments accurately
- Classify merchandise correctly (especially important for LTL)
- Pack densely to improve freight class and avoid dimensional charges
- Confirm if there are special surcharges during holiday periods
- Arrange drop-trailer services if unloading will be slow
Solution: Always include these services in your initial quote. It’s better to know the real price from the beginning. Use platforms that clearly break down included fees.
Technology and Tools That Make a Difference
Take advantage of these technological benefits to continuously optimize your freight strategy:
Transportation Management Systems (TMS):
- Automatic audits of invoices to detect billing errors
- Price alerts when rates drop on your main routes
- Data analysis to identify savings patterns and improvement areas
- Shipment history tracking for freight audits
Real-time comparison platforms:
- Access to updated market rates (which can fluctuate weekly)
- Index-based pricing that protects you from overpaying when the market softens
- Ability to adjust parameters instantly to see cost impact
Smart automation:
- More efficient route suggestions
- Automatic load consolidation optimization
- Cost anomaly alerts
These tools not only streamline the quoting and booking process, but keep you informed about current market rates and help you make data-driven decisions.
Implementing these strategies isn’t just about saving money. It’s about creating an efficient shipping system that gives you competitive advantage.Start today: Choose an online quoting tool, get 3 quotes for your next shipment, and apply at least 2 of these strategies.Your cash flow will thank you.