Freight cost optimization · Lever 1 of 10
The same order can cost very different amounts depending on how it ships. We look at every shipment's size, weight, distance, timing and temperature, then move it to the mode that does the job for less.
Mode optimization means choosing the right way to ship each order: parcel, LTL, volume LTL, shared or partial truckload, full truckload, intermodal or refrigerated equipment. Most shippers pick a mode once and stick with it. Order sizes, lanes and carrier pricing change, so the mode that made sense two years ago may be costing you today.
For a plain-English comparison of each mode, see our freight modes guide.
Lever 1 of 10. From your 12 months of invoices and rate files, we look at:
Public research
EPA's SmartWay® intermodal bulletin says using multiple modes "can dramatically reduce emissions while lowering transportation costs", and that intermodal service is improving on regional truckload lanes of 500 to 1,500 miles. Kimberly-Clark grew intermodal loads 120% and estimates $355 million in transportation savings, and Constellation Brands estimates 40–50% savings on non-expedited intermodal compared with truck (EPA-420-F-19-013, 2019, pp.1–2).
In 2024, EPA recognized Ocean Spray and TJX for revising their freight networks "to take advantage of the efficiency of intermodal rail for long hauls" (EPA news release, Sept. 2024).
Source: U.S. EPA SmartWay publications (2019, 2024). The examples and figures are EPA's, not Maximizer Team results. Maximizer Team is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. EPA.
We compare cost per case and cost per pound by lane and mode before and after the change, using your paid invoices. If a mode change also reduces accessorials or damage, those savings are tracked under their own lever so nothing is counted twice.
Why us
Benchmark · Implement · Verify
It's choosing the lowest-cost mode that still meets each shipment's delivery needs: parcel, LTL, partial or full truckload, intermodal or refrigerated. We review it shipment by shipment and lane by lane.
It shouldn't. We match each mode to your actual delivery dates and retailer appointment windows, and we track on-time performance after the change.
Yes. We review parcel invoices, dimensional weight and surcharges, and move shipments between parcel and LTL when the other mode costs less.
On the right lanes, yes. It fits long-haul lanes with steady volume and enough lead time. Drayage costs and ramp distance decide whether it saves money on a given lane.
The 14-day freight savings review is free. There's no upfront fee. If you go ahead, we're paid only from savings verified on your invoices. Recovered deductions are tracked and reported as their own category of verified savings.
No. Maximizer Team is an independent freight savings advisor. We don't haul freight, sell capacity or take carrier commissions, so our advice isn't tied to any carrier.
We look at weight, pallet count, density, distance and delivery windows for each lane, then price the options side by side. Larger LTL shipments are often cheaper as volume LTL or shared truckload, and steady full loads on long lanes may fit intermodal.
Yes. Appointment rules, dock limits, retailer routing guides and lead times all affect which modes work for each customer. We only recommend a mode change that fits those rules, and you approve every change.
Start with a short intro call. Then send us 12 months of freight invoices. In 14 days you'll get a free written review of your biggest freight savings opportunities across all 10 levers, including this one.
Get my free freight reviewNo upfront fees. Paid only from savings verified on your invoices. NDA available.