E-commerce growth has transformed freight requirements for online retailers. What works at 10 orders per day breaks completely at 500. Here's how to build a freight program that scales.
Most e-commerce businesses start with parcel (UPS, FedEx, USPS) for small packages, then add LTL as order sizes grow, then FTL as they open fulfillment centers. Each transition requires different broker relationships. Planning ahead prevents crisis-mode freight scrambles that slow growth.
Inbound freight (product from manufacturer) typically moves in containers or FTL shipments to your warehouse. Outbound to customers is usually parcel or LTL for B2C, FTL for B2B wholesale orders. A freight broker primarily helps with inbound and B2B outbound.
E-commerce return rates average 15–30% depending on category. Managing reverse logistics — getting returned product back to your DC efficiently — is a freight challenge that high-growth e-commerce companies consistently underestimate.
Q4 e-commerce freight volumes surge sharply. Secure FTL capacity for your highest-volume inbound lanes by August. Build 5–7 days of extra transit time into your plan. Identify backup carriers for every key lane so a capacity problem with one carrier doesn't shut down fulfillment.
IZY Logistics is a licensed freight broker (MC #1615290) serving shippers across the United States. Get a competitive quote in under 30 seconds.
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