TOOLS AND METHODS FOR FREIGHT ANALYSIS

Trans-Solutions work largely involves the creation of practical models designed to examine exactly how changes to your current approach will impact your costs and service levels. Our modeling tools can examine any number of strategic and practical alternatives, including changing modes, services, carriers, freight shipping rates, and distribution locations.We use several proprietary tools to conduct our data gathering and analysis.

Network modeling tool

It all starts with the construction of an accurate baseline of your current operations. Our Xact Network Modeler © 2002 is a flexible software tool that captures all key components of your existing program, then calculates the impact of a change. The tool is not “one size fits all.” It can be modified to capture your own unique practices. This flexibility allows us to get an accurate read on your current methods and costs. Without this baseline, it is impossible to precisely predict the impact of a change.

Freight rate benchmarks

In most freight rate negotiations, shippers see only their rates, giving the carrier, who has visibility to everyone’s rates, a decided negotiation advantage. Because Trans-Solutions negotiates small parcel rates for many companies, we maintain an extensive, freight rate benchmarks database. This allows us to compare your rates with similar freight to get the best deal.

Freight rate negotiation tool

Xact Negotiator © 2002 is proprietary software developed by Trans-Solutions to determine specifically how a carrier’s proposal affects a shipper financially. It operates much like the model used by carriers to determine a shipper’s freight rates. Analyzing your freight like a carrier gives you a negotiating advantage. Xact Negotiator © 2002 avoids use of averages or aggregates when analyzing carrier proposals because this calculation shortcut can create a false read. For instance, a 10% rate discount doesn’t necessarily reduce the freight bill by 10%, as many shippers assume. Accessorial charges, minimum charge thresholds and other factors may eliminate or offset the discount. Xact Negotiator factors in these critical details to deliver an accurate result.

Reports

You should know more about your traffic patterns than your carriers. The more data and information you have about your freight, the better equipped you will be to make effective decisions. Trans-Solutions is a freight consultant that provides the tools, systems and services to capture information that can be used to recognize trends, flag trouble spots and plan for the future. Check out sample freight reports we can provide.

Need a freight consultant to help reduce your freight spend?

Contact us to discuss how we can put our tools and methodologies to work for you