HOW CAN SHIPPERS AND CARRIERS PREPARE FOR A BUSIER MARKET AHEAD?

While freight markets may feel subdued today, history shows that demand always returns. Whether driven by seasonal surges, economic recovery or global trade shifts, tighter capacity and rising rates tend to follow periods of softness. For both shippers and carriers, now is the time to build resilience so you’re ready to move efficiently and competitively when the market shifts.

Monitor Trends but Focus on Fundamentals

Spot rates may flatten or dip in the short term, but contract rates typically adjust more slowly. That delay creates a critical window for shippers to reassess procurement strategies and for carriers to improve operational performance. Rate forecasting tools, transportation management systems and freight indices provide helpful insight, but decisions should also be rooted in consistent performance metrics.

Focus on key indicators like tender acceptance, on-time delivery and cost per mile. By monitoring these metrics closely, supply chain teams can make informed decisions and prepare for tighter conditions ahead.

Strengthen Carrier Relationships Now

In a loose market, it is easy to chase the lowest rate or rely heavily on the spot market. But long-term success depends on stable partnerships. Shippers who commit to key carriers now are more likely to secure capacity and service when the market tightens.

Consistency in volume, transparency in communication and fairness in payment all contribute to becoming a preferred shipper. Likewise, carriers who go beyond transactional service and deliver on expectations position themselves as strategic partners.

Prioritize Mode Flexibility and Network Diversity

Volatile markets reward companies that can shift quickly between strategies. That includes combining contract and spot freight and moving goods across multiple transportation modes. Mode flexibility and a broad carrier network give shippers leverage when capacity tightens or lanes become constrained.

For carriers, a diverse freight portfolio helps reduce risk. Balancing different routes, industries and customer types can smooth fluctuations and create more stable revenue.

Use Soft Markets to Improve Technology and Processes

When demand slows, operations leaders have space to refine their systems and workflows. Shippers can use this time to implement routing automation, streamline procurement or improve carrier scorecarding. Carriers can invest in route optimization, load visibility and digital booking tools to improve service and scalability.

Technology should support human relationships. Data-driven decisions are only valuable when backed by insight and collaboration. The best operations combine automation with responsiveness to stay competitive in every market cycle.

Prepare for Disruption Before It Hits

Freight markets are rarely stable for long. Disruptions can come from labor issues, regulatory changes or seasonal congestion. The best way to manage disruption is to plan for it in advance.

Shippers should identify alternate suppliers and lanes while building relationships with secondary carriers. Carriers can establish flexible capacity strategies and improve coordination with both customers and drivers. A well-designed network and clear playbook for disruption create supply chain stability even when external factors shift suddenly.

Build Today for the Market Ahead

The next market cycle is always forming. Whether it’s driven by economic growth, new consumer behavior or global sourcing shifts, demand will rise. Those who prepare now by investing in relationships, operations and technology will be positioned to succeed.

Shippers and carriers that act early create momentum. They protect service, secure better rates and move confidently when the market gets busy again. No matter what the future holds, planning makes freight easier to manage and less expensive to move.

Want to stay ahead of the next market shift?

NTG supports shippers and carriers with scalable strategies, real-time visibility and unmatched logistics expertise. Request a freight quote today or learn how to become a carrier with NTG.

NTG

Nolan Transportation Group (NTG) is a leading logistics provider, offering a wide range of services including truckload brokerage, third-party logistics and specialized transportation like LTL, expedited and drayage. With an extensive network of over 80,000 carriers serving 14,000+ customers, NTG experts leverage the advanced technology of the Beon Digital Logistics Platform, with a customer-centric approach, to deliver efficient, scalable solutions.