How to build a durable transportation routing guide: 6 best practices

Be transparent about rates

Rates are only as good as the information put into creating them. Ensure your rates accurately reflect your needs by being upfront about operational characteristics and requirements.

Don’t forget about spot freight

When lanes are sporadic and unpredictable, locked-in carrier rates are less likely to move your freight when the market shifts. Expect to cover low-density traffic flows with spot prices. Schneider offers two options for your spot freight:

• Schneider FreightPower allows you to quote and book your freight online.
• Market Index Pricing is a simple model where Schneider accepts 100% of your freight.

Maintain your provider relationships

Mutually beneficial relationships are worth investing in. When there is a solid shipper-carrier relationship, carriers will deliver better service through market fluctuations. Buying solely on price today may cause issues in your routing guide tomorrow.

Connect to your carriers digitally

Safeguard your business by working with carriers who provide options to connect digitally. API quoting can accelerate recovery time when your routing guide goes awry.

Keep geography structures simple

Don’t overcomplicate your geography structures. Carriers struggle to get it right when you create large geographical areas for pricing and capacity commitments. The more finite the origin/destination definitions are, the more accurate and competitive your prices will be.

Adjust your strategy when necessary

Remember, a request for proposal (RFP) is a tool, not a strategy. If you’re concerned your original routing guide strategy was a bit short-sighted, it’s not too late. Talk to your carriers about their plans for the coming months and don’t be afraid to pivot if it makes sense for your business.