The challenge is that FTL freight is more complex than ever. Fuel prices fluctuate weekly. Surcharges vary by carrier. Spot market rates can spike without warning. These variables make it difficult to maintain predictable budgets or consistent service levels. Relying on outdated contracts or one-size-fits-all strategies leads to missed KPIs and rising costs.

Many shippers still use fixed fuel surcharge tables that don’t reflect current diesel prices. This creates gaps between expected and actual freight spend. On top of that, different carriers apply surcharges in different ways, making it harder to compare rates accurately. These inconsistencies add up quickly.

Spot market dependence is another risk. While it can offer short-term relief, it often results in higher costs and lower service levels. When shippers overuse the spot market, they lose access to reliable capacity and damage long-term carrier relationships. This is why companies focused on maximizing efficiency are moving toward more agile procurement models.

Static Contracts Are No Longer Enough

Annual RFPs and long-term fixed pricing used to be the standard. But freight markets now shift too quickly for that model to hold up. A contract that made sense in January may be outdated by April. Shippers need the ability to adjust rates, lanes and carrier mix based on current performance and market data.

This shift requires better tools. A transportation management system (TMS) is essential. It centralizes rate data, tracks carrier performance and supports real-time decision-making. With a TMS, teams can compare contract and spot rates, identify underperforming lanes and forecast future needs more accurately.

Carrier Relationships Are a Competitive Edge

Rates alone no longer secure capacity. Carriers want to work with shippers who offer consistent volumes, clear expectations and operational efficiency. Transactional relationships—based only on price—often lead to missed pickups, poor communication and unreliable service.

Shippers who invest in long-term relationships with carriers gain access to better service and more consistent capacity. This is especially important during peak seasons or when the market tightens. A balanced carrier mix that includes both asset-based and brokered providers helps reduce risk and improve coverage.

Visibility and transparency are key. When both parties have access to the same performance data and shipment tracking, they can work together to resolve issues and improve outcomes. This level of collaboration is essential for improving full truckload shipping performance.

How to Streamline FTL Value

Even the best rates can’t overcome inefficient operations. Empty miles, underutilized trailers and excessive dwell time all increase cost-per-mile. Shippers need to optimize how freight is planned, routed and loaded.

Here are five actions to improve FTL performance:

• Use route planning tools to reduce deadhead miles and avoid delays
• Consolidate shipments to increase trailer utilization and reduce total trips
• Balance freight loads to minimize detention and improve carrier turnaround
• Implement real-time tracking to anticipate issues and adjust proactively
• Use TMS data to identify underperforming lanes and renegotiate rates

These steps help reduce waste and improve asset use. Companies that apply these practices as part of their maximizing efficiency strategy are seeing better cost control and more reliable service.

Don’t Overlook Visibility in Driving Success in Logistics 

Without visibility, freight operations become reactive. Late shipments, detention fees and customer complaints pile up when teams don’t have access to real-time data. Visibility tools—often built into a TMS—allow teams to track shipments, monitor performance and respond to issues before they escalate.

Real-time tracking also improves communication. Teams can provide accurate ETAs, adjust warehouse schedules and keep customers informed. This reduces friction across the supply chain and helps maintain service levels even when disruptions occur.

Tracking data also feeds into long-term planning. By analyzing historical trends, shippers can identify patterns, adjust procurement strategies and improve future outcomes. This is especially important for companies looking to improve full truckload shipping over time.

Find the Path Forward With PRIMO

FTL freight in 2024 demands a more flexible and data-driven approach. Static contracts, siloed systems and reactive workflows no longer meet the needs of today’s supply chains. Shippers must adopt better tools, build stronger carrier relationships and optimize operations to stay competitive.

Those who invest in visibility, operational efficiency and dynamic procurement will be better positioned to reduce costs and maintain service quality. This shift is not optional. It is the foundation for long-term freight success.

Connect with a PRIMO team member to begin building a more resilient and adaptive FTL strategy.