TLI holds the highest Google review rating in the transportation industry, a distinction earned through decades of delivering measurable results in FTL contract management, LTL contract optimization, and comprehensive transportation contract management.
What sets TLI apart in managed freight contracts:
Proven track record: Since 1994, TLI has helped shippers across 50+ industries optimize transportation spend through strategic freight rate contracting and performance-driven carrier management.
Advanced technology: ViewPoint TMS provides the routing automation, invoice auditing, and performance analytics that turn contracted freight rates into realized savings.
Transparent partnership: Unlike freight brokers who profit from margin opacity, TLI’s managed transportation model aligns transparently offering success with your cost reduction targets and service improvement goals.
Market expertise: Deep carrier relationships across 30,000+ vetted providers give you access to capacity and rates individual shippers can’t negotiate alone.
Continuous optimization: Freight contract negotiation isn’t a once-per-year event—it’s an ongoing process of data analysis, market monitoring, and relationship management that TLI handles daily.
Measurable results: Freight invoice audit recoveries, rate benchmarking reports, and quarterly business reviews ensure you always know where you stand against market conditions and contracted terms.
Why launch a carrier sourcing event?
The difference between good and great freight contract management is execution. You can have the best contracted freight rates in your market, but without proper technology, carrier relationships, and ongoing optimization, those contracts won’t deliver their full potential.
Whether you’re struggling with rate volatility, capacity challenges, or simply want to elevate your current freight contract optimization program, TLI has the expertise and technology to help you succeed.
Contact TLI today to discuss:
- Custom transportation RFP development for your network
- Comprehensive freight contract negotiation and carrier sourcing
- Managed freight contracts with transparent pricing and performance tracking
- Technology integration for routing optimization and invoice audit
- Strategic consulting on FTL contract management and LTL contract optimization
Get started with a free freight spend analysis:
- Email: leads@shiptli.com
- Phone: 610-280-3210
- Web: shiptli.com
Join hundreds of shippers who have discovered that professional freight contract management doesn’t just reduce costs—it transforms transportation from a cost center into a competitive advantage.
Freight Contract Management FAQs
Q: How often should we conduct transportation RFPs?
A: Most shippers benefit from TLI’s comprehensive RFPs every 12 months, with quarterly mini-bids for underperforming lanes, special projects, and annual rate adjustments tied to market indices. The key is continuous management between bid events rather than set-and-forget contracting.
Q: What’s the difference between FTL contract management and LTL contract management?
A: FTL contracts typically focus on lane-specific pricing, volume commitments, and dedicated capacity agreements. LTL contracts emphasize discount structures, accessorial terms, service level tiers, and geographic coverage. Both require active management, but LTL contracts have more variables including density, accessorials, and zones affecting final delivered cost.
Q: Should we use single-carrier or multi-carrier awards per lane?
A: Most shippers benefit from dual-carrier awards on high-volume lanes—a primary carrier receiving 70-80% of volume and a secondary carrier providing competitive pressure and backup capacity. Low-volume lanes may warrant single-carrier awards to concentrate volume.
Q: How do we know if our contracted freight rates are competitive?
A: Benchmark against DAT/Freightwaves indices for spot market comparison, participate in peer shipper councils for anonymized rate sharing, and conduct annual mini-RFPs on representative lanes. So we are a 3PL that also participates in providing market rate intelligence through managing hundreds of shipper programs.
Q: What ROI should we expect from professional freight contract management?
A: Most shippers see 8-15% total transportation spend reduction in year one through optimized routing, rate validation, and accessorial control. Ongoing benefits include capacity reliability, budget predictability, and reduced administrative burden. Full ROI typically achieves 3-6x return on 3PL management fees.
Q: How long does a comprehensive freight RFP process take?
A: Plan 8-12 weeks from data collection through contract award. Implementation adds another 2-4 weeks. Rushing the process leads to poor carrier participation and missed optimization opportunities. Professional 3PLs can compress timelines through established carrier relationships and proven RFP templates.
Q: What technology is required for effective freight contract management?
A: At minimum, you need ViewPoint TMS capabilities for routing guide management, load tendering, tracking visibility, and invoice audit. Advanced TLI freight contract management services include rate benchmarking, scenario modeling, carrier scorecarding, and API integration with motor carrier systems. Many shippers partner with 3PLs to access enterprise-grade technology without capital investment.
