Understanding your most expensive lanes can reveal valuable opportunities to save money. While some costly lanes may be expected, others might surprise you, offering a chance to refine your strategy. Here’s how you can use Benchmark Analytics to uncover insights and take action.

  1. From Benchmark Analytics click on the YTD (Year-to-Date) filter at the top of the screen.
  2. Scroll down to the Lane Details table and click on VIEW ALL LANES to see more than just the top 5 lanes.
  3. Sort the Delta Cost to show the lanes you are overspending on by the most at the top of the table.
  4. Now we’ll select the Flatbed filter from the list of filters on the right side of the screen.
  5. You can now see your most expensive lanes this year specifically for flatbed equipment.

  6. In this example, the two most expensive flatbed lanes both originate from Canada. These lanes account for an additional $35,000 in costs above the benchmark.

    With this information, consider these strategies to reduce costs:

    • Switch equipment types: Explore whether the shipper would accept Conestogas, which are often more cost-effective.
    • Expand your carrier network: Strengthen your Canadian carrier network to increase competition and find more affordable options.
    • Evaluate the market: Assess whether Canadian loads are worth the extra cost or if you should focus on more profitable markets.
    • Leverage LaneMakers: Use the LaneMakers tool to identify cheaper carriers for these lanes.