Customodal, Inc.

06/04/2026

Some deliveries require scheduled appointments, and carriers may charge extra for that service. Manufacturers shipping to customers with strict receiving windows or routing guide requirements may see these charges more often than expected.

Appointment fees are common, but they still need to be tracked. If certain customers or shipment types always require appointments, those costs should be built into transportation planning and customer profitability analysis.

Ignoring them can make freight budgets look better on paper than they are in practice.

Learn more on the blog here: https://bit.ly/4czd4YB

05/28/2026

Limited access fees apply when pickup or delivery locations are considered difficult for standard truck operations. While manufacturers often think of their facilities as normal commercial locations, carriers may assess limited access charges for certain site conditions, dock limitations, restricted hours, or unusual property layouts.

This can become a recurring hidden cost if carriers interpret the same site the same way on repeated shipments. It is worth reviewing invoices to see whether certain locations generate limited access charges more often than others.

If they do, the issue may not be pricing alone. It may be how the site is communicated, scheduled, or handled operationally.

Learn more on the blog here: https://bit.ly/4czd4YB

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Wishing you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day! 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

For manufacturers, choosing between LTL and truckload is not just about finding the lowest quoted rate. The more important question is which option delivers the lowest total cost for the shipment, the lane, and the business as a whole.

In many cases, LTL is the right fit for smaller freight. In other situations, truckload becomes more cost-effective once shipment size, handling risk, service needs, and lane consistency are taken into account.

Learn if LTL or truckload makes more sense for your manufacturing business - and how Customodal can help provide a solution that makes sense for you!

05/18/2026

Fuel surcharges are not technically hidden, but they are often underestimated. Many manufacturers focus on the linehaul rate and forget how much fuel can affect total freight spend over time.

Because fuel surcharges fluctuate with the market, they can create budget pressure even when base rates stay relatively stable. This is especially important for companies moving freight on a regular basis across longer lanes or volatile regions.

Manufacturers that want better freight budgeting should review fuel trends as part of their broader transportation cost analysis rather than treating them as a minor line item.

Learn more on the blog here: https://bit.ly/4czd4YB

05/14/2026

Reclassification charges are especially common in LTL shipping. These happen when the carrier determines that the freight class listed on the shipment was incorrect and adjusts the billing accordingly.

For manufacturers, reclass fees often come from incorrect dimensions, inaccurate descriptions, density issues, or outdated freight classifications. These charges can be frustrating because they are not always obvious at the time of quoting.

Repeated reclassifications usually point to a need for better shipment documentation, clearer packaging standards, or a review of how products are being classified before pickup.

Learn more on the blog here: https://bit.ly/4czd4YB

05/10/2026

🌷 Happy Mother's Day from all of us at Customodal! 💐

Today, we celebrate the incredible moms who keep everything moving forward, both at home and in the world of logistics. Your strength, dedication, and ability to handle it all never go unnoticed.

To the mothers on our team, our partners, and our clients, thank you for everything you do every single day. We appreciate you more than words can say.

Wishing you a day filled with appreciation, joy, and a little well-deserved rest

05/04/2026

Freight costs rarely climb because of one obvious mistake. More often, they rise because small issues go unchecked.

Duplicate invoices, avoidable accessorials, poor mode selection, weak lane discipline, and limited shipment visibility can all quietly push transportation spend higher over time.

A structured freight audit helps manufacturers find those leaks and fix them before they become part of the budget.

Read more!:
https://bit.ly/4eXx0Ga

How to audit your freight spend in 30 days if you are a manufacturing business. Customodal helps you determine what makes sense for your business!

05/01/2026

For manufacturers, freight pricing decisions affect far more than the transportation line item. Choosing between contract freight and spot freight can influence budget stability, service consistency, capacity access, and even production planning. While both approaches have a place in a strong transportation strategy, the right mix depends on your shipping patterns, lane consistency, urgency, and tolerance for rate volatility.

If you are working to reduce transportation waste and improve planning, this is for you:

https://bit.ly/42ix38h

04/29/2026

Happy Work Annivesary, Sierra! Thanks for all you do!