---
title: Transportation Cost Optimization Services | Trans-Solutions
description: Freight and parcel rate negotiation, carrier sourcing, audit, network design, or vendor selection. Transportation is the only expense category we work in.
image: https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/Transportation%20Cost%20Optimization%20Services%20%7C%20Trans-Solutions.png
---

[![Trans-Solutions](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/ts-logo-white.svg)](https://trans-solutions.com/?hsLang=en)

[Services](https://trans-solutions.com/services)

- [Freight Rate Negotiation](https://trans-solutions.com/services-freight-rate-negotiation?hsLang=en)
- [Parcel Rate Negotiation](https://trans-solutions.com/services-parcel-rate-negotiation?hsLang=en)
- [Carrier Sourcing & RFP](https://trans-solutions.com/services-carrier-sourcing-rfp?hsLang=en)
- [Vendor & TMS Selection](https://trans-solutions.com/services-vendor-tms-selection?hsLang=en)
- [Cold Chain Logistics](https://trans-solutions.com/services-cold-chain-logistics?hsLang=en)
- [Transportation Operations Audit](https://trans-solutions.com/services-transportation-audit?hsLang=en)
- [Freight Bills & Recovery](https://trans-solutions.com/services-freight-bill-audit-claims-recovery?hsLang=en)
- [Network Design](https://trans-solutions.com/services-network-design?hsLang=en)

[Case studies](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies?hsLang=en)

How we work

- [About Paul](https://trans-solutions.com/paul-brinkman?hsLang=en)

[Contact](https://trans-solutions.com/contact?hsLang=en) [Savings Calculator](https://trans-solutions.com/savings-calculator?hsLang=en#step1) [Book a call](https://trans-solutions.com/contact?hsLang=en)

![Transportation Cost Optimization Services | Trans-Solutions](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/f27e9f749d2f0d129958037e0144bb221c52042a.webp)

# Transportation consulting services for every mode

One expense area, supply chain logistics & transportation. That's all we do, and we dig deep.

[Book a call](https://trans-solutions.com/contact?hsLang=en)

30+

YEARS IN BUSINESS

600+

SHIPPERS SERVED

$800M+

Saved for THE SHIPPERS

Parcel, LTL, truckload, air,  
ocean, intermodal

NEGOTIATION & SOURCING

- [Freight Rates](https://trans-solutions.com/services#freight-rate-negotiation)
- [Parcel Rates](https://trans-solutions.com/services#parcel-rates)
- [Carrier Sourcing & RFP](https://trans-solutions.com/services#carrier-sourcing-rfp)

AUDITS & SYSTEMS

- [Transportation Ops](https://trans-solutions.com/services#transportation-ops)
- [Freight Bills & Recovery](https://trans-solutions.com/services#freight-bills-recovery)
- [Network Design](https://trans-solutions.com/services#network-design)
- [Vendor & TMS](https://trans-solutions.com/services#vendor-tms)
- [Cold Chain](https://trans-solutions.com/services#cold-chain)

What we do

## Rate negotiation and sourcing

Get better rates from the carriers you have. Optimize modes and delivery options that match or improve your service metrics, or add new carriers when it makes sense.

### [Freight Rate Negotiation](https://trans-solutions.com/services-freight-rate-negotiation?hsLang=en)

Goal

Cut your multi-mode rates by 15 to 25%

Fit for

When service is fine but current rates are the problem.

The work

LTL, truckload, air, ocean, and intermodal. Base rates, fuel, accessorials, minimums, and the terms buried in the service guide.

Sample results

Seven figures cut from international air and ocean freight for a multi-billion-dollar equipment manufacturer, on lanes too specialized to bid competitively.

![freight rate negotiation](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/6278157800e0c0c9f82bfd5d643bbc7066fdcc63-1.webp) 

[See how we negotiate freight](https://trans-solutions.com/services-freight-rate-negotiation?hsLang=en)

### [Parcel Rate Negotiation](https://trans-solutions.com/services-parcel-rate-negotiation?hsLang=en)

Goal

Cut parcel rates by 10 to 35%

Fit for

When your parcel bills grow faster than your volume does.

The work

We negotiate with DHL, Amazon, and other “regional carriers” on your behalf. For FedEx & UPS, we coach your team. We rebuild the rate structure, then negotiate base discounts, accessorials, DIM and cubic pricing, minimums, or how fuel gets applied.

Sample results

$21M saved for a top pharmaceutical company that could not run a competitive bid. We benchmarked their pricing against other large pharma shippers, and the incumbent carrier accepted that number.

![parcel rate negotiation](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/Visual.webp) 

[See how we negotiate parcel](https://trans-solutions.com/services-parcel-rate-negotiation?hsLang=en)

### [Carrier Sourcing & Competitive RFP](https://trans-solutions.com/services-carrier-sourcing-rfp?hsLang=en)

Goal

Optimize the network, picking the carriers and services that best fit

Fit for

When simply renegotiating with incumbents will not get you there, or when service is the real problem.

The work

We run your RFP from start to finish. Carriers get matched to your lanes and freight type, we shift modes where a cheaper one still delivers, and we fill empty return trips on the lanes where that lowers your rate.

Sample results

$2M+/yr saved for a US pizza franchise chain. We moved its inbound freight off supplier-managed rates and onto contracted common carriers, which also locked pricing for twelve months at a time.

![carrier sourcing & rfp](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/b13bbcb09e50841f7d7d924233ac449e2bf582ca.webp) 

[How we run RFP & Carrier sourcing](https://trans-solutions.com/services-carrier-sourcing-rfp?hsLang=en)

What we do

## Transportation Audit & Systems Selection

From freight bill recovery to TMS selection, we help you find leakage, fix process gaps, and choose technology that actually fits how your team ships.

![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/truck.svg) Transportation Operations Audit

Fit for

When you suspect the operation is costing you money but cannot point at where.

The work

We benchmark rates, carriers, technology, staffing, and process over 8 to 12 weeks, then hand you the data and support implementation.

Case

Uncovering the system and staffing gaps that blocked a 3PL's expansion into new modes.

[Operations audit service detail](https://trans-solutions.com/services-transportation-audit?hsLang=en)

![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/file-text.svg) Freight Bill Audit & Recovery

Fit for

When you negotiate rates and want to ensure you are billed properly.

The work

We audit parcel, truckload, air, and ocean invoices against your contract, then file and pursue the claims.

Case

Novavax recovered over 60% of claims we filed.

[Freight bill audit service detail](https://trans-solutions.com//services-freight-bill-audit-claims-recovery/?hsLang=en)

![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/network.svg) Network Design

Fit for

When you are opening, closing, or consolidating a facility, or when a model you were handed does not add up.

The work

We model your network on your actual shipment, warehouse, and inventory data.

Case

$24M savings model disproved for a medical device maker.

[Network design service detail](https://trans-solutions.com/services-network-design/?hsLang=en)

![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/mouse-pointer.svg) Vendor & TMS Selection

Fit for

When you need to justify a TMS, a 3PL, or an audit firm.

The work

We run a gap analysis on what you actually need, then select the vendor that meets it.

Case

Logistics costs cut by 15% with new 3PL and better service.

[Vendor and TMS selection service detail](https://trans-solutions.com/services-vendor-tms-selection?hsLang=en)

![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/snowflake.svg) Cold Chain Logistics

Fit for

When your product ships temperature-controlled and cost is not the only priority.

The work

We qualify carriers and lanes, negotiate the rates, and settle the active versus passive pallet decision.

Case

Hoffman La Roche saves $1M/year on PDMA sample distribution.

[Cold chain logistics service detail](https://trans-solutions.com/services-cold-chain-logistics?hsLang=en)

## Why a specialist

|  | Trans-Solutions | Parcel Rate Software | Large Consulting Firm | Expense Reduction Firm | Your 3PL or Freight Forwarder | Your Own Team |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Covers every mode | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Parcel only | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Most modes | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes |
| Negotiates on your behalf | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes, with coaching | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No, flags only | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Rarely | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes |
| Paid from your savings | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes, contingency | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No, subscription fee | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No, fixed fee | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No, built into margin | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No |
| Depth of expertise | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes, since 1997 | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No, more breadth | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No, more breadth | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes, among many |
| Proprietary pricing & negotiation tool | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Yes, Xact Negotiator | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No, flags only | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No, not specialized | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No, not specialized | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No, not specialized | ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) No |

## Who we work with

We partner with companies that have complex logistics operations and a clear mandate for cost reduction. Here is how we determine if we are a good fit.

### We are a fit when:

- ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) You spend $1M or more a year moving freight and/or parcel.
- ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) You ship across more than one mode, or parcel is a large share of your cost.
- ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Someone inside your company owns the outcome and can act on what we find.
- ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) You are integrating two transportation programs after an acquisition, or preparing for one.
- ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-check-outline.svg) Your board or sponsor has asked for cost out this year.

### We may not be a fit when:

- ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) You spend under $1M a year. Gainshare may not be the best option.
- ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) You want a firm that pays your freight bills after audits. We do not hold client money.
- ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/icon-x-outline.svg) You want software to license. Ours is not for sale as of today.

### We guarantee the same or better service, or we will fix it for free.

 The cost reduction you'll achieve with us will not mean slower or reduced service levels. We model service alongside cost on every engagement, not after. We have walked away from savings that only looked good on paper, including a $24M network model that would have required pushing client’s ground shipments onto expedited service.

![“](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/%E2%80%9C.svg)

> Their expert carrier sourcing and freight negotiations cut costs significantly, wildly exceeding our expectations. Their tailored solutions freed up millions in budget capital.

![Sr. Director of Logistics at a semiconductor equipment manufacturer](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/313e97a5e5710eb156d97f2bd83e3b965e7772c9.webp)

Katie Wright Sr. Director of Logistics, semiconductor equipment manufacturer 

[![OBJECTS](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/OBJECTS.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenwrightus/)

## Who does the work

**Paul Brinkman**, the President, participates in every engagement himself. He reviews every analysis, sits in the negotiations, and stays through implementation.



No junior consultant individually inherits your account after the sale.



Behind Paul is a bench of analysts and engineers who build the data and the models, plus founder Giles Taylor, who started the firm in 1997 and still weighs in.

[More about Paul](https://trans-solutions.com/paul-brinkman?hsLang=en)

![159884cbbf32b02a7030c6ec1c41ab39d676dad1](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/159884cbbf32b02a7030c6ec1c41ab39d676dad1.webp)

![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/cta-bg.jpg)

## How much are you leaving on the table?

Instant estimate based on data from 600+ clients we have helped

Calculate your savings potential

### Ready to get started?

[Book a call with Paul](https://trans-solutions.com/contact?hsLang=en)

![Trans-Solutions](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/ts-logo-white.svg)

 Trans-Solutions, Inc. Independent transportation consultants since 1997.  
 We are not affiliated with, compensated by, or acting as an agent for any carrier.

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© 2026 Trans-Solutions, Inc., Ladera Ranch HQ