Understanding your bi-weekly rate emails

We email regular rate updates for the lanes you ship, so you always have current pricing without asking. One email can include two rate types: a contract rate (stable, fixed pricing best for regular volumes) and a spot rate (a one-time market price for a single shipment). We send both so you can choose what fits the shipment in front of you.

Freight prices move with the market. Sending rate updates on a regular cadence keeps you ahead of those shifts, so you can budget and book without waiting for a manual quote. The same rates power RateSearch in your portal.

A contract rate is stable, fixed pricing arranged with a carrier for regular cargo volumes. It's best suited to shippers who move steady, larger volumes.

Benefits:

• Predictable costs — a fixed price you pay consistently over time.

• Secured capacity — a better chance the space you need is there.

• Stable, consistent deliveries and easier performance tracking.

• Stronger carrier partnerships over time.

Because full loads are more efficient for carriers, higher-volume shippers have more negotiating power and tend to gain the most from contract pricing. These rates carry contractual commitments on both sides.

A spot rate (or spot quote) is a one-time price for delivering a single shipment within a set date range. It reflects real-time supply and demand.

Benefits:

• Flexibility for last-minute or unexpected shipments.

• Potential savings when overall shipping volumes are low or conditions are favorable.

• A useful option when you don't have the volume to negotiate a strong contract rate.

Spot rates are more volatile than contract rates and come with fewer guarantees — in a fast-moving market, availability can change. But when timing lines up, a spot rate can come in below a contract rate.

Each quote you receive notes which type it is at the bottom of the message.

We send both rate types so you have all your options in one place. When you're ready to move, book within the rate's validity window to lock the price — see How long is my quote valid? — or run a rate search in the portal for a live figure. To control which lanes you hear about, see Set up route alerts / subscriptions.

• What is RateSearch?

• How long is my quote valid?

• Run a rate search: inputs & why we ask

• Set up route alerts / subscriptions

• Freight & shipping glossary