Dynamic Truckload Capacity Procurement

At a Glance

Waterfall, Bid Now, or Buy Now? When it comes to dynamically procuring truckload capacity, there's no one-size-fits-all answer....and that's the problem. While the method for running RFPs to secure contracts is well established, dynamic or spot procurement is evolving rapidly.  And, just as MIT was the first to introduce combinatorial optimization tools for transportation RFPs back in the 1990’s, the MIT FreightLab is leading the development of new methods for dynamic procurement today.  

This MIT FreightLab report presents findings from a survey of 50 supply chain and transportation executives representing over $1.5 trillion in combined annual revenue and an estimated $5–10 billion in annual TL transportation spend. Conducted during a period of historically elevated spot rates and tight carrier capacity, the research explores three dynamic procurement methods and how leading shippers are navigating today's challenging freight market.

The findings reveal that the optimal procurement approach depends on market conditions, lane characteristics, shipper sophistication, and available technology. While all three methods have distinct strengths and weaknesses, the survey uncovers critical challenges around technology integration, capacity reliability, and financial budgeting that are reshaping how companies execute freight procurement.

Whether you're struggling with stale rates, cost volatility, or coverage gaps, this white paper provides practical insights from industry leaders and identifies opportunities to improve both efficiency and effectiveness.  

Get the full report below.