5 ways to cut freight costs without compromising service

1. Consolidate LCL into FCL when volumes justify it — even 60% utilization usually beats LCL rates door-to-door. 2. Lock annual or quarterly contracts on stable lanes — spot market volatility costs more than rate fluctuations. 3. Audit accessorial charges — chassis fees, demurrage, detention, and document fees often have negotiation room. 4. Optimize Incoterm selection — sometimes shifting from EXW to FCA shifts cost more efficiently to the carrier-managed side. 5. Use bonded warehousing strategically — defers duty payment and consolidates shipments for downstream efficiencies.