The LTL market continues to defy expectations. Even as shipment volumes decline, rates are rising. Incumbent carriers are pushing for increases, while non-incumbents are actively seeking new opportunities. This unusual market dynamic creates an opening for shippers to rethink their freight strategies — and gain a competitive edge.

By strategically swapping lanes between carriers, shippers can capitalize on carrier competition, control shipping costs and improve service levels. When executed with the right insights, this approach can lead to stronger partnerships and measurable savings.

Why Strategic Lane Swaps Work

In many organizations, LTL freight is managed by a fixed carrier guide or long-standing agreements. But with the market in flux, these static arrangements often fail to reflect current realities. That’s where lane-level analysis becomes a powerful tool.

Rather than renegotiating an entire carrier contract, shippers can selectively shift volume on specific lanes — especially those where performance has slipped or rates have increased disproportionately. This gives you the flexibility to respond to market pressures without disrupting your entire supply chain.

Strategic lane swaps in your LTL shipping strategy allow you to:

  • Take advantage of carrier strengths
  • Reduce your average cost per shipment
  • Improve delivery performance on underperforming lanes
  • Diversify your carrier base to mitigate risk

What Shippers Should Look For

Not every lane is a candidate for a swap — and not every carrier is the right fit. Before moving freight to a new partner, shippers should assess:

1. Lane-Level Service Performance

Analyze metrics like on-time delivery, claims frequency and missed pickups by lane. This granular view reveals where your network is underperforming.

2. Rate Trends and Accessorial Charges

Rates may look stable, but added fees — such as appointment or high-cost delivery — can drive up total costs. Compare landed cost per lane, not just base rates.

3. Carrier Capabilities

Ensure new carriers have the coverage and service to handle your shipments reliably. A lower rate is no help if service falters.

4. Technology and Visibility Integration

The best carriers support modern shipping workflows — including API/EDI integrations, real-time tracking and seamless invoicing.

5. Strategic Fit and Scalability

Choose partners that align with your long-term shipping goals. Whether that’s speed, flexibility, sustainability or cost control, make sure your carrier supports your direction.

Applying Insights to Optimize LTL Freight Shipping Strategy

Consider a manufacturer shipping outbound LTL from multiple Midwest locations. Their incumbent LTL carriers have introduced higher rates on several high-volume lanes — but haven’t improved service in return. Working with Transportation Insight, they benchmark their rates, evaluate lane-level performance and pilot a shift to a regional carrier with stronger transit times and better service in target markets.

The result?

  • Significant cost savings across the shifted lanes
  • Noticeable improvement in on-time pickup and delivery of LTL shipments
  • A more balanced carrier portfolio ready for seasonal shifts

That’s the power of smarter LTL shipping: using insight, not instinct, to drive better outcomes.

Make Lane-Level Intelligence Your Advantage

At Transportation Insight, we help companies unlock smarter LTL shipping through data-driven procurement strategies. Our services are designed to help you:

  • Identify underperforming lanes
  • Benchmark rates and service levels
  • Execute lane swaps with minimal disruption
  • Strengthen your freight network for long-term success

Talk to an Expert

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team works as an extension of yours — helping you find and act on opportunities hidden in your existing network.

Speak with a Transportation Insight expert and start turning your lanes into a strategic advantage.