Choosing the right freight solution drives better business outcomes
What if the key to controlling rising transportation costs and avoiding delays isn’t negotiating harder or adding more carriers, but rethinking how your freight moves? This is where shipment mode optimization comes in.
Mode optimization isn’t about choosing the right carrier for one shipment. It’s a supply chain strategy that helps you build a more resilient, cost-effective and flexible operation.
What is shipment mode optimization?
Mode optimization is a strategy for matching your freight to the transportation method (FTL, LTL, expedite, etc.) that makes the most sense.
It starts with understanding your freight, your business goals, and your customers’ expectations. Every shipment has unique characteristics like weight, size, handling needs and delivery timelines. But the true value comes from looking at those patterns across your network.
Using shipment details, performance data, cost trends and carrier capabilities, you can build a repeatable playbook for choosing the best mode. That way, decisions aren’t reactive. They’re guided by a strategy that already accounts for cost, service, seasonality and risk.
Why choosing the best mode matters
Businesses that don’t actively evaluate their transportation modes often pay more or miss targets without realizing that alternative options exist.
Here’s why freight optimization should be a priority:
Controls transportation costs
When you’re intentional about mode selection, you avoid paying for speed or services you don’t actually need. For example, smaller, denser shipments may move more efficiently using LTL, while high-volume freight often benefits from TL or intermodal. International freight may shift between ocean and air depending on urgency and capacity. Shipping numerous LTL shipments to the same state/region may be more optimally shipped on a consolidated TL that can reduce costs and transit.
Smart shipping optimization finds the lowest-cost option that still meets your service requirements.
Explore the tradeoffs of different capacity options.
Balances speed and reliability
Faster isn’t always better. While expedite or air freight can reduce transit time, they also increase costs. Mode optimization helps to match speed with demand, ensuring products arrive on time without unnecessarily increasing transportation costs.
Improves service flexibility
Different modes offer different service options. Temperature control, added security, appointment delivery and tracking visibility can all influence the best mode choice. Optimizing shipment modes ensures your freight arrives in the right condition and in a timely manner.
Helps meet your customers’ expectations
Customers don’t care how complex shipping decisions are. They care that their products arrive on time, intact and at a consistent price. Mode optimization supports this by creating a more predictable supply chain, which helps to strengthen customer relationships and protect your overall brand.
Partnering with the right provider
Evaluating every shipment, mode and market condition internally can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential to rely on a trusted logistics partner that can:
Analyze shipment data to identify optimization opportunities
Compare transportation modes based on cost, transit and service level
Build contingency plans for peak seasons or potential disruptions
Seamlessly shift modes without interrupting operations
At ArcBest, our managed solutions team takes a holistic approach to freight optimization. We’ll work closely with you to understand your business goals, shipping patterns and service requirements. Then we’ll design flexible and scalable strategies that support your company’s long-term success.
Optimize your strategy with ArcBest
Choosing the right transportation mode is a strategic decision. Businesses that prioritize shipping optimization gain better cost control, improved service and the flexibility needed to navigate an unpredictable market.
Contact us today if you’re ready to evaluate your current shipment modes and discover new efficiencies in your transportation plan.
Explore our supply chain optimization solution to learn more.
