10 TIPS 1 PROVIDE CLEAR AND TIMELY UPDATES.
In an era of constant disruption, businesses face unprecedented logistics challenges. To navigate these complexities, companies must strengthen collaboration with carriers. Improving Carrier Collaboration
8 LEVERAGE CARRIER TECHNOLOGY. This is the pillar of successful carrier/shipper collaboration in a digital world. Carriers today are savvy, with significant investments and a strategic focus on simplifying processes. Taking advantage of their capabilities benefits both parties in an ever- changing, complex business environment. 9 SHARE FUTURE SHIPPING PLANS. Keeping carriers informed about upcoming shipping needs can help them plan their capacity and resources more effectively, especially during times of disruption. This approach enables the logistics provider to deliver better service while allowing both parties to navigate fuel costs, demand, capacity, and more.
Last-minute changes to shipping details occasionally occur. Does it happen regularly? Are carrier updates sent out as quickly as they should be, or are there unannounced changes when they show up at the dock? If so, shippers should ensure these are rare occurrences and focus on delivering necessary information to carriers as quickly as possible.
2 KNOW YOUR CARRIERS. Every carrier offers
delivery windows can help them optimize their routes and schedules, leading to more efficient operations. 5 PAY CARRIERS PROMPTLY. Timely payment is crucial for carriers to maintain their cash flow and operations. Adhering to the agreed payment terms can help build a strong, long- term relationship. Likewise, carriers should be prompt when disclosing any disputes or invoicing so they can be resolved quickly. 6 STANDARDIZE PROCESSES. Shippers should be focused on standardizing processes wherever possible. The
benefits? Once these processes are mapped, carriers have an easier pathway to connect quickly. Costs will be reduced for both parties while also accelerating the timeline to transact, a key pathway to quickly realizing value. 7 STANDARDIZE WITH FLEXIBILITY. Carriers want documentation and clarity on the processes shippers support
something unique to your organization, and they want shippers to know what they do best. Understanding the uniqueness each carrier offers your organization—such as technology, specific routes or types of freight—can help you make better decisions and set realistic expectations. 3 DISCUSS AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT. Regularly engaging in conversations about potential improvements is good for any working relationship. Carriers may identify tactics to make operations more efficient, and shippers might have insights that help a carrier match or exceed their competition. Setting up a formal process for these discussions is a must. 4 OFFER FLEXIBLE PICKUP AND DELIVERY WINDOWS. Carriers juggle multiple shipments simultaneously. Offering flexible pickup and
and how they expect to transact. Speeding up
through standardization is undoubtedly important, but shippers also need to be flexible and open to engaging the expertise of their carriers, because their knowledge is a valuable resource.
10 BUILD LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS.
Treating carriers as partners rather than just service providers is an effective strategy for success. The potential benefits include better service, preferential treatment, and more stable rates. Both parties should work toward shared KPIs and joint planning for the long haul.
SOURCE: DANILO ANGELINETTA, DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC LOGISTICS TRADING PARTNER EXECUTIVES AND TIM SHORT, SENIOR STRATEGIC LOGISTICS TRADING PARTNER EXECUTIVE, SAP
6 Inbound Logistics • November 2025
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