In brief
Carriers and shippers are driven to be profitable and efficient as they agree on volumes, pricing, and service levels. Yet, the lack of commitment in many contractual relationships—combined with market forces, lost customers, and other factors that may be out of the carrier’s control—can suddenly make these agreements unsustainable. Shippers who
understand the dynamics behind these agreements— and the ways their own behaviors and operations can affect them—will be better positioned to have more productive relationships, positive carrier service levels, and access to better rates and capacity.