Carrier Relations

Carrier Relations Philosophy

Cerasis is a freight consulting company specializing in data and transportation management. We pride ourselves on being able to take a unique look at our customers’ overall needs and objectives, then tailor our programs to fit specific business strategies. We take the same approach when we work with our Core carrier partners. Our carrier relations department works diligently with our carrier base to ensure both the Carrier and the customer get their needs met effectively and efficiently.
All carriers in the Cerasis stable are under a Cerasis-driven contract and rules tariff. This allows us to successfully manage and maintain any type of rules and contract changes without the surprises on the back end. If changes are required by a carrier, they must first be submitted and approved prior to implementation with our customers.
Our carrier relations group works with carriers in many aspects of pricing points. What’s more, all our carriers in the Cerasis TMS System are lane-based rates. This means, we let carriers use their own rate base instead of making them use a foreign rate base, such as a CZAR tariff, which doesn’t necessarily model their needs or service points.

Lane Base Rates vs. Foreign rate base such as a CZAR: How and why a Neutral Rate Base does NOT achieve the best rates.

The irony behind a neutral rate base is while it “levels the playing field between the carriers,” it completely removes any opportunity to utilize the carriers’ lower rates in lanes more attractive to shippers. Among the many parameters that go into rates is the need to distribute assets appropriately throughout the carriers’ system. When carriers get an imbalance of equipment, they adjust their rate bases to stimulate movement of the equipment into the areas of the country they desire. This strategy cannot be implemented effectively with a neutral base.

That’s why Cerasis works closely with carriers to help with these imbalances. One of the most effective tools is letting the carriers put Backhaul Line Rates into the Cerasis TMS system. The savings to the customers is substantial, plus it helps move equipment with some revenue on the trailer instead of going down the road empty.

If you are using a “Neutral Rate Base,” you stand to lose upwards of 18 – 20% in savings.

Specialized pricing points

Cerasis is committed to offering the best pricing possible to meet both customer and carrier needs alike. With many different types of pricing structures available, Cerasis can customize a program suited specifically for your company. Pricing structures include:

FAK (Freight All Kinds) tiered or blanket
Pallet pricing structure
Commodity exceptions
Dedicated truckload pricing, with or without multiple transit points (consolidation)
Pool Point distribution needs

Cerasis will conduct a thorough analysis and model so your product gets to market in the most effective manner possible.