--- title: Distribution Network Design & Optimization | Trans-Solutions description: Shipment-level network modeling precise enough to budget against, including a second opinion when another firm's model does not add up. image: https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/Network%20design.webp --- [![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?hsLang=en) - [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) [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) # Distribution Network Design & Optimization We optimize your number and location of distribution points. Modeled on your own data, not averages. [Talk to us about your network](https://trans-solutions.com/contact?hsLang=en) ![Transportation network optimization](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/Network%20design.webp) 0+ Years in business 0+ Shipping clients $0M+ Freight under contract Parcel, LTL, truckload, air, ocean, intermodal WHAT YOU GET ## Number and location of distribution points proven against your shipment, warehouse, and inventory data What we model: ### Distribution Center locations Opening, closing, relocating or consolidating, with the cost and service impact of each. ### Mode and carrier mix With real freight rates, including what happens to expedited volume. ### Inventory positioning The part most network decisions leave out, and the one that carries the holding cost. ### Service levels Fill rate and time in transit, modeled alongside cost rather than after it. ### Someone else's model We will validate another team's study when the numbers look too good. ## Where we go deep for you We model a budget that mirrors your current operation, your practices and requirements, then change one variable at a time. With our internal software Xact Network Modeler, we capture every key component of your existing program, and calculate the impact of a change. Modeling tools  used without in-depth expertise are good at estimating locations and costs from inputs. They are not good at factoring actual carrier service and the real dollar impact. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Averages and aggregates What makes most network studies directionally right and financially wrong. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Expedited freight The cost that appears after consolidation, and the one that theoretical models leave out. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Center of gravity Against your inbound supplier lanes and your outbound customer footprint, not just the map. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Fill rate and time in transit Modeled, not assumed to hold. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Inventory holding cost Often decided by people outside the supply chain team. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) 3PL fit Where a provider's competitive advantage actually sits, before you hand over the keys. - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-deep-arrow.png?width=30&height=30&name=sd-deep-arrow.png) Whether the study you were handed is real Many modelers have never run a warehouse or managed freight ## What the service has produced for our clients ![transportation operations](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/transportation%20operations.webp) Network Design Ground and expedited Medical devices ### [A $24M model disproved — Multi-billion-dollar medical device manufacturer](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-network-model-second-opinion?hsLang=en) A consultant recommended closing four DCs and consolidating into one. Built on real shipment data, the savings were not there once expedited freight was priced in. [Read the full case study](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-network-model-second-opinion?hsLang=en) ![DC consolidation](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/da19232f3797a5f3b8d71cf9cd86aae42956bada-1.webp) Network Design Multi-mode Entertainment ### [$2.2M saved per year, fill rate up 15 points — Manufacturer of recorded music and DVDs](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-warehouse-network-consolidation?hsLang=en) Two distribution centers with overlapping coverage consolidated into one, with service modeled alongside cost rather than after it. [Read the full case study](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-warehouse-network-consolidation?hsLang=en) ![Network design consulting](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/66fe0fdc60edb365e37894bf42aae3859d4e657f.webp) Network Design European spares distribution Semiconductor ### [Costs down 15%, service restored — Multi-billion-dollar semiconductor equipment manufacturer](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-european-spare-parts-network-optimization?hsLang=en) The European spares network was the right structure. The partner running it was not. All depots relocated over two months. [Read the full case study](https://trans-solutions.com/case-studies-european-spare-parts-network-optimization?hsLang=en) ## Defined scope of work, priced up front What we charge Network design is analysis, so it runs on a project fee. After input from you we define a clear scope of work and timeline, along with our costs to complete it. ## Is this the service for you? - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-foryou-check.png?width=28&height=28&name=sd-foryou-check.png) You spend $1M or more a year on transportation - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-foryou-check.png?width=28&height=28&name=sd-foryou-check.png) You are opening, closing or consolidating a facility - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-foryou-check.png?width=28&height=28&name=sd-foryou-check.png) You have grown by acquisition and the network overlaps - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-foryou-check.png?width=28&height=28&name=sd-foryou-check.png) A model you were handed recommends a large investment and you want it checked - ![](https://trans-solutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/sd-foryou-check.png?width=28&height=28&name=sd-foryou-check.png) You need a number precise enough to build a budget on, not a direction RELATED SERVICES - [Network is right, rates are not? Freight Rate Negotiation](https://trans-solutions.com/services-freight-rate-negotiation?hsLang=en) - [Network is right, the partner running it is not? Vendor & TMS Selection](https://trans-solutions.com/services-vendor-tms-selection?hsLang=en) - [Not sure where the cost sits? Transportation Operations Audit](https://trans-solutions.com/services-transportation-audit?hsLang=en) ## 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. Meet the Team ![Paul Brinkman, President of Trans-Solutions](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. [![](https://trans-solutions.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/trans-solutions-2026/assets/linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/trans-solutions-consulting/) © 2026 Trans-Solutions, Inc., Ladera Ranch HQ