In an effort to be flexible, many shippers have overcomplicated their freight operations — and it’s costing them. What started as a strategy to increase options has often led to more stress, less consistency, and higher costs. Here’s the truth: when it comes to your freight network, less is more. Freight network simplification is the key to achieving better results and optimizing your transportation management.
1. The Problem with Over-Diversification
Adding more carriers or 3PLs may seem like a way to gain flexibility, but in reality, it often creates more problems than it solves. Carrier diversification can lead to:
• Too many carriers = too many points of failure
• Service levels vary from load to load
• Time is wasted managing exceptions, updates, and finger-pointing • Visibility gets diluted across multiple systems
• No one takes full accountability for performance
A fractured freight strategy might feel safer — but it’s actually riskier. This approach can negatively impact customer satisfaction and lead to inconsistent delivery times.
2. What Simplification Looks Like
Simplification doesn’t mean putting all your eggs in one basket — it means building a smarter basket. Network simplification involves:
• A streamlined list of trusted providers
• Centralized, consistent communication
• Reliable execution across all transportation modes and shipping lanes • Unified reporting and analytics
• Scalable partnerships that flex with your business
When operations are simplified, efficiency becomes standard — not a lucky break. This approach to transportation management enhances operational efficiency and improves overall supply chain efficiency.
3. The Business Impact
When your freight network runs like a well-oiled machine through effective freight optimization, the results speak for themselves:
• Quicker, more confident decision-making
• Stronger, more accountable carrier relationships
• Fewer delays and reduced accessorial charges
• Better downstream service for your customers, leading to increased customer satisfaction
• Long-term cost reduction and operational resilience
In short, simplifying drives performance at every level of your transportation management system.
4. How to Know It’s Time to Simplify
Here are a few red flags indicating the need for freight network simplification:
• You’re juggling more than 3–5 providers for similar lanes
• You spend too much time chasing updates
• You feel like you’re constantly babysitting your freight
These aren’t just operational headaches — they’re signs that your network is working against you. It’s time to consider shipment optimization and reevaluate your network configuration.
5. How PLS Enables Simplicity Without Sacrificing Flexibility
At PLS, we help shippers streamline without sacrificing scale, control, or service. Our approach to transportation management includes:
• Our non-asset model gives you access to a vast, vetted network — without having to manage it yourself
• You get a single point of contact with end-to-end visibility and real-time tracking
• Our proprietary TMS and strict vetting process ensure consistent carrier performance
• As your business grows, we grow with you — so you’re never outgrowing your provider
We make it easier to run a tighter, smarter, and more agile freight network. Our services include data analysis for improved decision-making and freight auditing to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion
Simplifying your freight operations doesn’t mean giving up control — it means getting it back. The most efficient supply chains today didn’t just reduce complexity. They chose focus over fragmentation — and they’re reaping the benefits of freight network simplification.
By optimizing your transportation network, you can improve inventory management, reduce delivery times, and enhance overall customer satisfaction. Remember, in the world of freight optimization, less truly is more.
