Choosing a single carrier for all your shipping might feel like the easiest route. But when that carrier experiences delays, pricing spikes, or service disruptions, your entire logistics chain takes a hit. That kind of dependency creates risk. Instead, companies are turning to multiple carriers’ strategies to stay flexible and ready.
Companies that shift from a single-carrier setup to a multi-carrier strategy often notice a clear financial upside. By customizing how they choose which carrier to use for each shipment, many save between 3% and 10% on shipping costs. Some even report savings as high as 12%. It’s a small change in strategy that can make a big difference to the bottom line.
This blog explores why expanding your carrier base by using multiple carriers improves shipping reliability, cuts down freight problems, and gives your team more control over shipment delays.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on One Carrier Base
Shipping services, especially for international and e-commerce businesses, vary widely in performance, pricing, and coverage. Relying on one provider means missing out on integration opportunities, rate negotiation, and fulfillment options that could better suit your marketplace or platform. What works for one merchant may not be suitable for another. Plus, shipping rates across regions can shift quickly based on demand or contract terms.
Putting all your shipping needs in the hands of one carrier limits your options. If something goes wrong—like a labor strike, weather delay, or equipment failure—you’re stuck. Here are four key reasons why that’s risky:
- No Backup Plan: If the carrier faces issues, you have no immediate alternative.
- Limited Routes or Schedules: One provider may not offer the reach or speed you need.
- No Pricing Leverage: With no competition, you can’t negotiate better rates.
- Higher Risk of Shipment Delays: A single delay can snowball into late deliveries across the board.
Using just one carrier may save time upfront, but it often leads to bigger freight problems later. When disruptions hit, you’re left scrambling—especially if freight problems overlap or multiply.
How Multiple Carriers Give You More Control
Working with multiple carriers unlocks new levels of flexibility in your shipping strategy. Instead of being locked into one schedule, one price, or one route, you gain the ability to adapt in real-time. A strong carrier base gives you options when you need them most.
By enabling integration between platforms, automation software, and warehouses, businesses can streamline handling and ensure the right label, charge, and return process is applied. With access to more options, you’re better equipped to remain competitive, elevate performance, and respond to customer preferences. A flexible carrier base also lets you adjust quickly when shipping conditions change or new fulfillment needs arise.
| Benefit | How It Helps |
| More Schedule Options | You can ship sooner or later, depending on business needs |
| Better Pricing | Compare rates and choose the most cost-effective option |
| Regional Strength | Use carriers that perform best in specific areas |
| Backup Support | If one carrier can’t deliver, another can step in |
Building a carrier base doesn’t just spread risk—it gives you control. Whether you’re choosing an order fulfillment company or evaluating a third-party logistics provider, the ability to switch between options can be a game-changer. You choose how and when to move your shipments, making it easier to avoid shipment delays and keep timelines on track.
The Risks of Relying on a Single Carrier During Peak Times
Freight problems rarely show up in isolation. In fact, trends show that without robust planning and integration, return issues, missed arrivals, and refund complications are more likely, especially in retail or cross-border fulfillment. One small disruption can start a chain reaction that grows worse by the hour, especially when your carrier base lacks depth or flexibility. It’s like a row of falling dominoes—and if you only have one carrier, there’s nothing to stop the momentum.
Let’s look at how quickly things can escalate when your shipping strategy lacks a backup plan—and why finding the right logistics partner matters more than ever:
- A weather delay holds your shipment.
- The delay causes your delivery to miss a connecting truck.
- Your customer is forced to wait or cancels the order.
- You pay penalty fees or lose business.
With no backup or access to multiple carriers, you have no way to recover quickly. The longer you wait, the worse the outcome. Freight problems left unresolved can snowball quickly. These shipment delays can damage relationships, hurt your reputation, and shrink profits.
Avoiding Shipment Delays Starts with Smart Planning
Avoiding shipment delays isn’t just about reacting to problems—it starts with proactive, strategic planning. A well-rounded carrier strategy gives your business more options when things don’t go as planned. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process—each step is designed to strengthen your carrier base and keep your shipping operations running smoothly:
Step 1: Assess Your Shipping Needs
Start by understanding what your shipments require. Review routes, delivery times, shipment frequency, and the types of goods you’re moving. This helps you spot any gaps and choose solutions that truly fit your needs.
Step 2: Build a Carrier Base
Choose multiple carriers that align with your goals. Look at their track records, regional strengths, and shipping rates. Building a well-rounded carrier base gives you flexibility when problems come up.
Step 3: Create a Contingency Plan
Think ahead about what might go wrong. Assign backup carriers and outline fallback procedures. With the right plan, you can respond quickly to delays without disrupting fulfillment.
Step 4: Monitor and Adjust
Don’t treat your shipping setup as static. Track how each carrier performs and update your carrier base as your needs evolve. This keeps your logistics strong and responsive.
With the right strategy and a network of multiple carriers, you can avoid shipment delays, reduce risk, and prevent freight problems from disrupting your supply chain.
We Understand the Challenges You Face in Shipping
We know how frustrating and costly it can be when freight problems or unexpected shipment delays slow down your operations. Delays, missed connections, and rising costs aren’t just logistics issues—they affect your entire business.
That’s why at Supply Chain Solutions, we help you take small, practical steps toward a more flexible shipping strategy. Our team supports you in building a carrier network that fits your needs and adapts to changes. Whether you’re updating your current approach or exploring new options, we offer guidance around software tools, automation, and integration. We also help you navigate international shipping, discounts, and platform setup, so your logistics operations run more efficiently.
Contact us today and find out how a flexible carrier base can save you time, reduce risk, and cut costs—before problems start.
