Negotiate Better Freight Rates with Expert Logistics Strategies

Joe McDevitt • September 18, 2025

Aligning Your Freight Strategy Like Building a House

Managing freight costs is like building a house. You need the right people in place to avoid mistakes. The construction company lays the foundation, the budget guides the build, and the blueprint keeps everyone aligned. In logistics, motor carriers act as the construction team, the finance team ensures budget compliance, and 3PLs function like blueprint developers.


A general contractor in construction launches the project plan to coordinate every piece. Similarly, TLI acts as your freight management partner, running the equivalent of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to align carriers, pricing, and service expectations. This ensures every piece works together efficiently.



When all stakeholders are aligned, you can negotiate better freight rates with confidence. You reduce hidden costs and streamline operations. The result is a plan that works smoothly from shipment planning to delivery.

how to negotiate better freight rates and the TMS technology to do so

Using Historical Data to Build a Custom Plan

using supply chain data to get better negotiated motor carrier pricing

To negotiate better freight rates, you need data-driven insights. Historical freight invoices provide the data to build a customized strategy. TLI analyzes shipping patterns, lanes, and carrier performance. This gives a clear picture of where savings opportunities exist.


Once data is analyzed, we design a program tailored to your business. You don’t have to guess which carriers or lanes will save money. Our system evaluates multiple scenarios and recommends the most cost-effective approach.


This approach empowers your team to make informed decisions. You get more leverage during RFPs and negotiations because you know where costs can be optimized. The result is a custom freight strategy built for both efficiency and savings perfectly tailored to your supply chain needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Historical freight data reveals hidden savings opportunities.
  • Custom programs target cost-effective lanes and carriers.
  • Data-driven strategies increase leverage in negotiations.
  • Align carriers, budget, and logistics like a construction project.
  • Use a 3PL to coordinate and launch a custom RFP.
  • Proper alignment improves efficiency and cost savings.

Launching a Custom RFP to Secure Competitive Freight Rates

An RFP is more than a document—it’s a tool to negotiate better freight rates. TLI manages the process from start to finish. We have the tools to get the carriers the data they need to avoid having to hedge into the unknowns. Similarly we have the rating engine to compare the actual tariffs and discounts against each other to construct optimized transportation scenarios. We distribute the RFP to trusted motor carriers that you approve of and ensure compliance with your service requirements.


Each response is carefully reviewed. Our team compares pricing, service levels, and carrier reliability. Then we negotiate terms that maximize value for your business. This method ensures you get competitive rates without compromising service.


A well-executed RFP also strengthens long-term partnerships. Carriers appreciate clear expectations and transparent processes. These relationships create better pricing opportunities over time and reduce operational risk.

how to negotiate better freight rates

Delegating freight management allows your team to focus on core business. TLI offers fully managed logistics services, handling everything from invoice analysis to RFP execution. You provide the historical data, and we execute a plan built for maximum efficiency and savings.


We apply multiple strategies to negotiate better freight rates. Volume leveraging, lane optimization, and carrier-specific pricing techniques all work together to improve your program. By centralizing management, you reduce friction and minimize errors.


The outcome is a simplified process with measurable results. You gain lower costs, improved service, and peace of mind knowing experts handle all logistics details.

Why Partnering With TLI Makes the Difference

Custom freight management program reducing costs and improving service

When you work with TLI, you outsource logistics execution, combine transportation expertise, technology, and supply chain strategy. We integrate historical data, run RFPs, and negotiate rates using advanced methods. This allows businesses to secure better pricing while maintaining service quality.


Our team ensures all moving parts are coordinated. Carriers, pricing, and service expectations align just like a well-built house. This structured approach eliminates surprises and keeps operations smooth.


Partnering with TLI transforms freight management. You save time, lower costs, and gain a scalable logistics program designed for growth. Contact us today to launch your custom RFP and negotiate better freight rates.
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