Contract season is approaching at a time when traditional freight pricing cycles are becoming less predictable.
J.B. Hunt recently described a “summer of many minibids,” as shippers revisited pricing more frequently in response to changing market conditions.
For companies preparing to issue a new dedicated contract request for proposal (RFP), that raises a major question: Is it enough to compare carrier rates, or is it time to reconsider the transportation model itself?
CPC Logistics helps shippers evaluate whether their current approach still provides the cost visibility, driver availability, safety and operational control they need. In some cases, a successful private fleet may offer greater control in each of those areas. Before issuing the next dedicated RFP, shippers should consider the four questions below.
How predictable will our transportation costs really be?
A competitive rate today does not necessarily guarantee predictable transportation costs for the year ahead.
Dedicated carriers must account for changes in fuel, insurance, equipment and labor costs. When those expenses shift significantly, shippers may face higher rates, surcharges or another pricing event before the original contract cycle ends.
A private fleet can give companies better visibility into the factors influencing transportation costs. With CPC Fleet Solutions, customers can tap into CPC’s established relationships with vetted vendors, including technology and telematics providers, to pursue better pricing and give customers more options than they may have on their own.
Beyond telematics, CPC’s preferred vendor network extends to help customers navigate other private fleet needs, including equipment, fuel programs and additional services, without having to identify and vet every provider independently.
How exposed are we to driver availability?
Price is only part of a dedicated transportation agreement. Shippers also need confidence that qualified professional drivers will be available to move their freight.
Industry reports continue to point to a tightening driver market, adding pressure to transportation capacity and costs. Before issuing an RFP, shippers should understand how a provider recruits, retains and manages drivers in a competitive labor market.
CPC brings more than 50 years of driver recruiting and fleet management experience and employs thousands of drivers across North America, managing day-to-day driver support so shippers do not have to build those capabilities internally.
Are we treating safety as a cost-management issue?
Safety should be evaluated as more than a compliance requirement. Accidents can create claims, liability exposure, service disruptions and higher insurance-related costs.
CPC’s performance demonstrates the value of professionally managed private fleet safety. From 2022 through 2025:
- CPC maintained lower accident and preventable accident rates than its peers in the private fleet industry.
- Over those four years, CPC’s preventable accident rate averaged 70% below the private fleet industry benchmark.
By emphasizing driver quality, training, accountability and operational oversight, CPC helps customers proactively manage safety-related risk.
How much control and flexibility does our operation need?
Transportation requirements rarely remain static for an entire year. Volumes change, customer needs shift, new routes emerge and capacity requirements fluctuate.
Shippers should consider not only whether a transportation solution works today, but how quickly it can adapt tomorrow.
CPC Fleet Solutions works with shippers to identify the problem they are trying to solve, build a customized private fleet pilot around those needs and, if the model proves successful, scale it to additional routes, regions or product lines.
“Customers don’t have to start from scratch with CPC,” CPC Director of Operations Landon Reef said. “We already have those contacts and relationships in place, which helps prevent some of the time traps that can come with building a successful private fleet.”
Look Beyond the Next Rate
Contract season should be an opportunity to evaluate more than the next rate on a spreadsheet.
“Lower doesn’t mean better,” Landon said. “My advice to shippers: Do your homework. Look at the pros and cons and talk with current customers about why they do business with CPC.”
For some companies, greater cost visibility, driver control, safety oversight and operational flexibility may make a private fleet worth evaluating before the next dedicated contract is signed.
To learn more about CPC’s private fleet solutions, contact National Sales Director Adam Putzer at 262-389-7971 or a.putzer@cpclogistics.com.