There’s a lot shifting in freight right now. Flatbed and open-deck capacity is tightening. Costs are rising. And in moments like this, the difference between last-minute and planned-ahead could cost you some serious money.

What we know for sure is when shipments are submitted at the last minute, customers can end up paying 30% to 50% more, depending on the route and timing. We’re not saying that to scare you—it’s just the reality of how the freight market operates.

Let’s break it down:

  • Lead Time = the time from when you place an order to when you need it picked up
  • Transit Time = the time it takes to move from point A to point B

The more time we’re given for both, the more options we can offer, and the better rates we can secure.

 

Why Lead Time Matters

  • Booking a backhaul truck — the driver who’s already headed near your pickup and lives near your drop-off — can save you significant dollars. Because they’re already in the area, they’ll often do a better rate on that return leg.
  • Trucking is pure supply and demand. There are way more “Wednesday trucks” available on Monday than there are still open at 2 PM Wednesday. If you wait until that last-minute window, you end up buying the closest truck still available — and that’s rarely your most cost-effective option.

 

Why Transit Time Matters

  • If you don’t give us enough transit days, we have to book a team of drivers or pay for expedited movement to hit your delivery window.
  • As a rule of thumb, standard transit covers about 500–600 miles per 24 hours. Anything beyond that starts to bump your cost up for extra driver allowances, fuel, and handling.

Our team proactively manages everything from permits to route planning, and the earlier we’re looped in, the more strategic we can be.

Planning ahead puts the power back in your hands. It gives you flexibility, savings, and peace of mind. And in today’s climate, that’s a competitive edge you don’t want to miss.

Need help mapping out your next shipment window? We’re here. Let’s build a plan that works with your timeline and keeps you on budget.

 

Until next time, Liz Wayne