Freight Strategy Management

Ideal for

CEOs and COOs frustrated by freight volatility, unpredictable landed costs, and rate negotiations that never stick.

Companies scaling volume without scaling leverage.

‍Perfect for shippers ready to turn freight from a cost center into a performance asset.

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ROI Metrics

Avg. client results:
💰 4–7× ROI
📉 8–15% reduction in total freight spend
⏱️ 20–30 hours saved per month in rate and carrier management
🚚 15–25% improvement in on-time performance
💵 $150K–$700K in working capital unlocked through better rate control

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Freight strategy is not procurement. It is leverage.

Most shippers negotiate rates without visibility into their true landed cost or the long-term impact of carrier mix decisions.
They rely on past rate sheets and assumptions instead of data, and the result is predictable: higher cost, slower service, and less flexibility when markets shift.

Pendel’s Freight Strategy Management rebuilds your carrier and forwarder relationships around total landed cost, service level, and scalability.
We design and implement a freight strategy that protects your margins in volatile markets, aligns your service tiers with customer priorities, and delivers control instead of chaos.

This is not about chasing the lowest bid. It is about building the right network for your growth, grounded in financial and operational precision.

Common freight challenges solved:

• Unbalanced carrier mix and rate dependency
• Hidden accessorials and unverified surcharges
• Reactive rate negotiations driven by spot market volatility
• Lack of visibility into performance versus cost trade-offs
• Inconsistent routing and poor data feedback loops

Methodology

1. Baseline Analysis
We collect and normalize 12 months of shipment data across modes to reveal the true cost-to-serve by lane, carrier, and customer.

2. Network Modeling
We simulate multiple carrier and mode scenarios to quantify cost and service outcomes. This creates the financial foundation for a smarter rate and routing strategy.

3. Carrier & Forwarder Strategy
We develop and negotiate an optimized carrier portfolio, leveraging both contract and spot strategies while ensuring performance and scalability.

4. Implementation & Training
Our team deploys new routing guides, SOPs, and rate management tools into your current systems. We train staff to sustain control without consultant dependency.

5. Continuous Improvement
We review market indices and performance data quarterly, ensuring your network stays competitive and resilient against rate swings or capacity shocks.

Typical Engagement Scope

Duration: 6–8 weeks
Format: Hybrid (on-site and/or remote)

Deliverables:

• 12-month freight and carrier optimization strategy
• Mode and lane cost model with ROI benchmarks
• Negotiation and implementation support package
• Quarterly freight performance dashboard and playbook

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