Freight Spot Rates Explained: A Practical Guide for Shippers
Freight spot rates aren’t unpredictable; they’re responsive. Those that plan for the inevitable shifts can adapt faster.
Multimodal TMS
Take command of multimodal transportation
Orchestrate Truckload (TL), Less Than Truckload (LTL), parcel, and intermodal freight within one system that strengthens decision-making across shipments.
Eliminate friction between modes
Centralize orders, optimization, sourcing, and collaboration so shipments can seamlessly reach their destination.
%
greater efficiency
%+
reduction in freight spend
Modernize your operation
Design mode-optimized shipments using real-time network intelligence for stronger cost control and faster delivery.
Keep freight secure and controlled across modes with live status updates, exception alerts, and real-time visibility.
Turn completed shipments into clean settlement and performance insight with automated audit and analytics.
Deliver freight with confidence
Keep planning, execution, and settlement connected so shipment decisions and outcomes stay intact.
One system for every mode
Automatically create and optimize multi-stop TL, direct, LTL, pool-point, cross-dock, and round-trip shipments to maximize capacity and fuel efficiency
Better cost control
Compare rates across modes and carriers to choose the most cost-effective option for every shipment, not just the fastest or most familiar
Increased flexibility
Easily shift between transportation modes when capacity, pricing, or service conditions change, without disrupting operations.
End-to-end visibility
Track and monitor shipments across all modes in one view, eliminating blind spots, reducing risk, and improving on-time performance
Proven real-world results
%
transportation cost savings
%
fewer miles
At PSA BDP, agility is our competitive advantage. With Descartes 3G TMS, we’ve harnessed a fully comprehensive solution to deliver innovative and sustainable supply chain solutions, including drayage, resulting in tangible cost savings. Consolidating all modes on one TMS platform has driven efficiencies and direct cost savings.
We’d been manually routing our freight and the number of iterations to accomplish pool consolidation, but we knew we were leaving money on the table. We needed transportation management software to help us automate the planning, plus take into account data points like fuel surcharges and intermodal rates, which have become extremely important in recent years. Descartes 3G TMS knew our operations and we liked the fact that the TMS was oriented toward pool consolidations, it’s the core, principled system that moves us every day.
I liked the scope of Descartes 3G TMS capabilities and the fact that it can grow as we grow the business. I was also very intrigued when I learned that Descartes does a few major releases every year. It shows they’re working to constantly update the system and make it better for the users. Prior to Green Circle, I worked for a company for nine years and I don’t think that TMS was upgraded once.
Expand your transportation capabilities
Align every customer, carrier, and stakeholder to close operational gaps and keep your business steady through shifting demands
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Freight Spot Rates Explained: A Practical Guide for Shippers
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