Why Every Supply Chain Needs a Fresh Look at Its Freight Activity

Rising transport costs, delivery issues, or broader operational pressure often trigger freight audits. By the time these challenges become noticeable, the underlying issues have usually been present for some time. A well-structured freight audit can reveal where performance has slipped, where costs have crept, and where the transport network is no longer aligned to the current needs of the business.

What a Freight Audit Involves

A freight audit is a structured review of the transport processes, carrier mix, and operational practices that shape how freight moves through the network. It is designed to determine whether current arrangements are suitable for the freight profile and whether performance and cost outcomes can be improved.

A comprehensive audit typically covers:

• freight costs and cost drivers
• carrier suitability by lane, region, and freight type
• transport methodologies and service alignment
• exception management practices
• opportunities for automation and reduced manual handling
• possibilities for broader process improvement

The aim is to gain a fact-based understanding of how freight is operating and where meaningful improvements can be made.

Why Freight Audits Matter Today

The transport landscape has shifted significantly in recent years. Following the disruptions of the COVID period, Australia has experienced sustained high inflation, increased operating costs, and rapid changes across the freight sector. Many businesses are still operating with transport arrangements that were competitive several years ago but no longer reflect current market conditions.

Carrier pricing also moves in cycles. Transport providers vary in how aggressively they quote new business, often shifting their approach depending on network capacity, operational priorities, and broader market pressures. An arrangement that was well-priced two or three years ago may now sit outside current benchmarks. Without regular reviews, it is easy for rates and service levels to stray from those of the wider market.

New transport companies have entered the industry, and established players have expanded or rebalanced their networks. These changes can create new opportunities for businesses to align with carriers that better suit specific freight profiles, lane requirements, or delivery expectations.

Shifts in freight volume can also change what is possible. Businesses that have grown, consolidated sites, diversified their customer base, or altered their product mix may now qualify for different transportation methodologies that offer both cost advantages and an improved last-mile experience.

Technology has advanced immensely. Modern tools provide deeper visibility, richer analytics, and higher-quality data to help businesses understand how freight performs across lanes and carriers. Many organisations are still relying on outdated information when making transport decisions.

A freight audit helps organisations understand how these changes affect their network. A well-structured audit enables businesses to:

• reassess whether the carrier mix is aligned to current volumes, freight types, and service expectations
• benchmark existing arrangements against today’s market rather than historical pricing
• identify opportunities to adopt more suitable or cost-effective transport methodologies
• uncover inefficiencies that have developed as processes and volumes have changed
• introduce consistent and scalable practices that support future growth

For many organisations, a freight audit is the most effective way to reset their transport strategy, eliminate outdated cost structures, and ensure their freight activity reflects today’s realities rather than those of previous years.

How to Conduct a Freight Audit

Below are the key components that form a strong freight audit.

1. Begin with a practical and well-defined scope:
   The perceived size of an audit is often the most significant barrier to starting one.
   A defined scope brings clarity and allows the review to progress with focus.Common starting points include:
   • key carriers
   • priority freight lanes
   • specific customer segments
   • a set period of historic activity
2. Use clean, consistent, high-quality data:
   A strong freight audit relies on existing transport data and accurate historical records.Typical data sources include:
   • consignment records
   • sender and receiver details
   • service selections
   • weights and dimensions
   • transit timings

   This ensures analysis is based on real operational behaviour rather than assumptions.

3. Assess carrier suitability through lane-level analysis:
   Freight performance varies significantly at the lane level.A lane-by-lane analysis helps identify:
   • where carriers perform strongly
   • where regional coverage is limited
   • where pickup or delivery density impacts outcomes
   • where alternative carriers may be better suited

   This evaluation provides a clear picture of whether the current mix still aligns with the freight profile.

4. Review transport methodologies against today’s expectations:
   Transport methodologies often remain unchanged even as volumes, products, and customer expectations evolve.An audit can reveal when a business:
   • is using premium services unnecessarily
   • could benefit from alternative last-mile delivery options
   • is missing opportunities to consolidate freight
   • is routing freight inefficiently due to outdated rules
   • is dispatching freight from higher-cost locations when alternatives are available

   Transport methodologies often remain unchanged even as volumes, products, and customer
   These insights help align transport activity with current needs and cost expectations.

5. Identify hidden operational bottlenecks:
   Inefficiencies often develop slowly and are difficult to spot from within the business.A freight audit can uncover:
   • inconsistencies in service selection
   • delays tied to non-standard internal processes
   • manual steps that create unnecessary workload
   • variations in internal workflows that affect performance

   These findings often translate into simple, high-impact improvements.

6. Highlight opportunities for automation and system improvement: Many organisations underuse tools or workflows that could simplify their operation.A freight audit can identify:
   • where automation can replace routine manual tasks
   • how rules-based service selection can reduce errors
   • ways to improve internal data accuracy and reduce rework
   • opportunities to enhance visibility and exception awareness for teams

   These improvements strengthen reliability and support more predictable outcomes.

Why Many Businesses Choose a Third Party for Their Audit

Freight audits benefit from specialised knowledge and access to broader industry insights. Many organisations prefer an external partner who can evaluate the network objectively and identify options they may not be aware of.

Myfreight supports this through:

• a free freight audit for eligible businesses
• access to more than 100 transport providers
• over 30 years of freight management experience
• proven capability in building bespoke transport solutions for complex networks

This combination allows businesses to understand their freight performance clearly without additional internal workload.

The Value of a Well-Executed Audit

A freight audit provides a clear understanding of where improvements can be made in cost, efficiency, and delivery performance. When conducted by an experienced partner, it becomes a practical and efficient way to strengthen reliability and build a more resilient supply chain.