Transportation is one of the most complex and cost-sensitive parts of the supply chain. As shipment volume grows and delivery expectations tighten, many companies find that managing freight in-house becomes increasingly difficult. At that point, working with a transportation brokerage may be the strategic move that improves reliability, visibility, and cost control.
If you're wondering whether a transportation brokerage is right for your business, here are six key signs to look for.
- Freight costs are rising without clear explanation
One of the first indicators that it's time to consider a transportation brokerage is unpredictable or escalating freight spend. Without market visibility, carrier leverage, or lane optimization, companies often overpay for transportation, especially during peak periods or capacity disruptions.
Transportation brokerages monitor market conditions daily, leverage established carrier networks, and optimize loads across lanes and modes. This insight helps stabilize costs and reduce unnecessary premiums.
- Internal teams are spending too much time managing carriers
Coordinating carriers, negotiating rates, tracking shipments, resolving delays, and handling claims can consume a significant amount of time and internal resources. As shipping volume increases, transportation management can quickly become a full-time job for teams that were hired to focus on other priorities.
A transportation brokerage takes on these responsibilities, acting as a single point of contact for freight execution while freeing internal teams to focus on growth, planning, and customer service.
- Service levels are becoming inconsistent
Late deliveries, missed pickups, and poor communication are signs of strain in a transportation network. These service issues often increase when capacity tightens or when a business relies on a limited number of carriers.
Transportation brokerages maintain diversified carrier networks and actively manage performance. If one carrier fails, alternatives are already in place, reducing disruption and improving on-time delivery consistency.
- Limited visibility into shipments
If your team lacks real-time insight into where shipments are or when they'll arrive, decision-making becomes reactive. Delays are discovered after they occur, and customer communication suffers.
A strong transportation brokerage provides tracking, reporting, and proactive communication. Visibility allows companies to anticipate issues, adjust plans, and maintain confidence across the supply chain.
- Your shipping needs are becoming more complex
As businesses expand into new markets or ship a wider variety of products, transportation requirements often grow more complex. Multiple shipping modes, delivery windows, and compliance requirements can overwhelm internal processes.
A transportation brokerage brings expertise across modes and regions, helping businesses navigate complexity while maintaining efficiency and compliance.
- Transportation isn't integrated with distribution
When transportation operates in isolation from warehousing and packaging, inefficiencies multiply. Missed handoffs, delayed pickups, and excess dwell time increase costs and slow fulfillment.
An integrated logistics approach creates smoother workflows and better outcomes. This alignment is often difficult to achieve without an experienced brokerage partner coordinating execution.
A Smarter Approach to Transportation
Working with a transportation brokerage isn't just about moving freight; it's about improving reliability, reducing risk, and gaining control over one of the most dynamic parts of the supply chain.
Woods Distribution offers transportation brokerage services that work seamlessly with our warehousing and packaging operations. By combining carrier expertise, real-time visibility, and integrated execution, we help businesses move products efficiently while maintaining consistent service levels.
