3 Tips to Negotiate with Freight Management Companies and Get the Best Rates

Freight management companies can seem like an intimidating business to try and work with if you’re just starting out in freight logistics. However, it’s not as difficult as you may think. Freight management companies, also known as freight forwarders, are experts in handling logistics and can help you save money on transportation costs. Freight management companies are notorious for charging high rates, so it’s important to know the best ways to negotiate with these freight management companies and get the best rates possible for your business. Here are three tips to negotiate with central freight management services and get the best rates possible!

1) What are my options?

There are a few different ways you can approach negotiating with freight management companies. You can start by asking for a discount, see if there are any promotions or specials running that you can take advantage of, or try to negotiate a lower rate based on your volume of business. Keep in mind that it’s important to be clear about what you want and be prepared to walk away if you don’t get a favorable response. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, but this is unlikely because they will want to keep you as a customer. It also helps to find out how long the company has been in business, the size of their fleet, and how many years they have been providing freight management services so you know whether or not they have experience and expertise.

2) Negotiating is a skill you can learn

When it comes to negotiating with freight management companies, the most important thing is to be prepared. Know what you want, what you’re willing to give up, and have a clear understanding of the market rates. Start high and be willing to come down, but don’t give away too much. And finally, don’t be afraid to walk away if you can’t get what you want. Often times they’ll call back. In many cases, your shipper will already have an established relationship with one company or another. You need to know what that relationship entails before starting any negotiations. If you’re dealing with somebody who has more bargaining power than you, then all the better; use that information as leverage for your negotiation. Remember: It’s not always about who shouts the loudest!

3) Research your options before negotiating

When it comes to negotiating with freight management companies, it’s important to do your homework first. Research your options and get quotes from multiple companies before deciding who to work with. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you can start negotiating rates. Here are three tips to help you get the best rates possible

1) Wait until all your shipments have been booked: Many shipping providers offer discounts for booking early, so if you book all of your shipments at once, you might be able to save a lot of money on shipping costs.

2) Always send the same size package: If you always send out packages that are the same size and weight, then some carriers may give you discounted rates. It will also make it easier for them to process your shipment without needing additional packaging or materials in order to complete delivery.