Build strong relationships with carriers. Show your long-term commitment to them. Use data to explain your rate requests. Highlight your consistent business with them. Be open to flexible terms like volume or time. Offer win-win solutions to benefit both sides.

Negotiating discounts with carriers on freight rates can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some effective strategies: Data Preparation: Gather and analyze shipping data to understand your shipping volumes, patterns, and historical rates. Use this data to justify your requests. Build Relationships: Establish and maintain strong relationships with carriers. A good rapport can lead to more flexible negotiations. Understand Market Trends: Stay informed about current market conditions, including demand and supply trends in the freight industry. Leverage this information to support your negotiation position. Benchmarking: Compare your current rates with industry benchmarks.

In order to negotiate well with your carriers it's very nessecary to keep a BATNA ready for them . For those who are not aware of what's a BATNA is it's better alternative than no agreement . Have more and more carriers for each of your destination and negotiate hard with them . Having long term association and rate contracts will also help .