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Freight procurement isn’t Vegas, but some shippers treat it like a high-stakes gamble. Whether it’s relying on outdated rates, limiting their options by sticking to a small carrier pool, or not fully vetting asset-based options, plenty of companies are rolling the dice on their transportation budgets—often without even realizing it. Here’s where the biggest gambles happen and how to stack the odds in your favor.
1. Running with Outdated Contract Rates
If your contract rates aren’t benchmarked against real-time market conditions, you’re essentially playing a game of chance. Freight costs fluctuate constantly, and what looked like a great rate six months ago could now be wildly uncompetitive. The problem? Many shippers set their rates once and assume they’re still in the ballpark. Spoiler alert: they’re usually not.
Rather than guessing, modern shippers leverage technology to compare their contracted rates against live market data. With Emerge’s RFP software and real-time contract benchmarking tools, shippers can instantly assess whether their rates are competitive and make adjustments.
2. Relying Solely on Your Existing Network (and Risking Limited Options)
Having a strong carrier network is critical for your dedicated freight, but relying too heavily on the same group without expanding your options can leave you scrambling when capacity tightens. Market conditions shift, demand surges, and your go-to carriers might not always have the availability or pricing you need. Without additional qualified carriers in your pool, you’re left with fewer choices and potentially higher costs.
Shippers who introduce more competition into their network gain flexibility and cost efficiency. Emerge’s Dynamic Book it Now and Mini Bid tools make it easy to engage a broader pool of vetted carriers while maintaining strong relationships with incumbents—a win-win. Reliable coverage without unnecessary risk.
3. Ignoring Vetted, Asset-Based Solutions
Spot freight is a great way to stay nimble, but it often comes with drawbacks. Reliance on unvetted capacity is a high-risk bet. Without visibility into who’s actually hauling your loads, service quality, compliance, and performance become a roll of the dice.
A smarter approach? Working with a network of pre-vetted, asset-based carriers that you know by name before they show up at your loading dock. Instead of relying on brokers with little visibility into who hauls your freight, Emerge Marketplace connects shippers with a transparent network of vetted asset-based carriers, making it easier to secure the spot coverage you need from carriers you know and trust.
Flip the Odds in Your Favor
The best way to stop gambling on freight spend is to put data and strategy at the center of your procurement process. Logistics management software like ProcureOS make it easy to benchmark contract rates, introduce strategic competition, and connect with vetted carriers—so you’re making decisions based on insights, not blind bets.
When it comes to freight, the house doesn’t have to win. You do.
