5 Key Strategies For Freight Procurement In 2025

Christian Wilhelm

Article

Freight procurement is entering its most challenging era yet. As costs fluctuate, sustainability mandates tighten, and digital transformation accelerates, procurement leaders must rethink their strategies—or risk falling behind.

Built for Enterprise. Designed for Efficiency.

Leading global enterprises trust Procure to streamline their freight tendering and procurement. See why in a live demo.

In late 2021, I (together with the rest of the freight world) witnessed Trans-Pacific ocean freight rates skyrocket to $20,000 per FEU, up from $1,500 just 18 months earlier. This unprecedented volatility wasn’t an exception.

2021 didn’t invent volatility. But it did drive home the point that procurement professionals need to adapt quickly. It’s why supply chains were brought into the C-Suite and why top-tier companies (like Apple) continue to bring in CEOs with supply chain backgrounds. They can adapt.

Top Challenges Facing Freight Procurement in 2025

In 2025, procurement teams must embrace technology, improve flexibility, and strengthen supplier relationships to stay competitive.

Having spent years observing the rapid evolution of the logistics industry, I’ve witnessed just how swiftly the landscape can shift. In 2025, freight procurement will transform, driven by key trends and challenges, prompting companies to adapt strategically.

After taking time to reflect on the industry’s rapid changes, I wanted to share my thoughts and break down the most critical trends and provide actionable insights to help you stay ahead.

1. Geopolitical Disruptions: A Constant Threat

The Challenge:

Global supply chains have never been more fragile. The Red Sea crisis forced vessels to reroute, adding 30% longer transit times and significant cost increases. Meanwhile, U.S.-China trade tensions and regional conflicts continue to disrupt logistics networks.

How to Overcome It:

  • Diversify Suppliers & Shipping Routes – Don’t rely on a single supplier or trade lane. Build multi-region sourcing strategies to minimize disruptions.
  • Develop Contingency Plans – Have backup logistics providers, alternative routes, and flexible contracts in place to react quickly to unexpected events.
  • Use Predictive Analytics – Leverage AI-powered tools to track global trade disruptions and adjust procurement plans accordingly.

2. Freight Cost Volatility & Pricing Pressures

The Challenge:

The volatile freight market is here to stay. The past few years saw Trans-Pacific rates surge from $1,500 to $20,000 per FEU, proving that fixed contracts don’t always protect against extreme market shifts.

How to Overcome It:

  • Adopt Flexible Contract Models – Long-term fixed rates are risky. Use dynamic pricing models, such as index-linked contracts, to adjust rates based on real-time market conditions.
  • Benchmark Freight Rates Regularly – Use real-time rate benchmarking tools (like Freightos Terminal) to compare carrier pricing and secure competitive spot and contract rates.
  • Implement Rate Reviews & Mini-Bids – Negotiate quarterly or semi-annual rate adjustments instead of relying solely on annual contracts.

3. Sustainability Pressures & Regulatory Compliance

The Challenge:

Companies can no longer ignore sustainability in procurement. Regulations like the EU’s Fit for 55 initiative are forcing businesses to track CO₂ emissions, while customers and investors demand eco-friendly supply chains.

According to the 2024 CDP Supply Chain Report, 65% of global companies now consider sustainability a key procurement metric—as important as cost.

How to Overcome It:

  • Implement CO₂ Tracking in Procurement – Ensure real-time emissions tracking is integrated into freight procurement decision-making.
  • Partner with Sustainable Carriers – Choose logistics service providers (LSPs) that prioritize low-carbon fuels, electric fleets, and energy-efficient shipping.
  • Explore Alternative Transport ModesShift to rail or sea freight instead of air when possible to reduce carbon footprint.
SHIPSTA Platform Screenshot

4. Digital Transformation & AI in Procurement

The Challenge:

The freight procurement industry has been slow to digitize, but in 2025, manual processes will no longer cut it. A 2024 McKinsey report found that AI-driven procurement platforms reduce costs by up to 15% while improving supplier transparency and contract efficiency.

How to Overcome It:

  • Digitize Freight Rate Management – Centralize all rate data into a single procurement platform for easy benchmarking and contract management.
  • Use AI to Optimize Procurement – AI-driven tools analyze global freight trends, identify cost-saving opportunities, and automate rate negotiations.
  • Leverage Automation for RFQs & Tendering – Automate freight tenders and contract renewals to eliminate time-consuming manual processes.
  • Improve Communication & TransparencyUse digital platforms to share real-time shipping data, market updates, and performance metrics with suppliers.

5. The Rise of Strategic Supplier Relationships

The Challenge:

Procurement is no longer just about getting the lowest price. In highly volatile markets, companies that build strong relationships with carriers and LSPs secure priority capacity, better rates, and improved service levels.

How to Overcome It:

  • Look Beyond Price in Supplier Selection – Choose carriers based on service quality, sustainability initiatives, and strategic fit, not just cost.
  • Invest in Long-Term PartnershipsCollaborate closely with key suppliers to gain market insights, flexible contract terms, and early access to capacity.
  • Improve Communication & TransparencyUse digital platforms to share real-time shipping data, market updates, and performance metrics with suppliers.

How to Succeed in Freight Procurement in 2025

The future of freight procurement will be defined by volatility, digitalization, and sustainability. Companies that embrace technology, prioritize agility, and build resilient supply chains will come out on top.

As we approach 2025, stay curious, be willing to experiment, and collaborate across industries to stay ahead of the curve. That curiosity, together with what I mentioned above, should keep you well-equipped to thrive in the evolving freight procurement landscape of 2025 and beyond.

To succeed in 2025, procurement leaders must:
Use AI-driven analytics to optimize procurement decisions
Adopt flexible, dynamic contract models to manage cost volatility
Integrate sustainability into procurement to meet regulatory & stakeholder expectations
Strengthen supplier relationships for long-term strategic advantages

By implementing these key strategies, procurement teams can cut costs, navigate uncertainty, and drive supply chain excellence in 2025 and beyond.

What steps are you taking to prepare for the future of freight procurement? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Smarter Freight Procurement Starts Here

Discover how Procure helps you manage contracts, optimize costs, and book the best freight rates—all in one place.

Ready to elevate your freight procurement strategy? Get a demo of how SHIPSTA by Freightos can help or connect with me on LinkedIn to chat!

This post was first published by SHIPSTA on October 23, 2024. In August 2024, SHIPSTA was acquired by Freightos.

Christian Wilhelm

Founder of Shipsta by Freightos with 15+ years of expertise in logistics, eProcurement, and supply chain management. Former Global Logistics Partner Manager at Kuehne+Nagel, specializing in LSP sourcing, onboarding, and management. An industry leader, leveraging deep market insights to stay ahead of emerging trends and drive innovation in supply chain solutions.

Dive deeper into freight data that matters

Stay in the know in the now with instant freight data reporting for your ports and lanes.

Get a demo of Freightos.com’s Enterprise Shipper capabilities

Freightos.com helps you spend less time and money on each shipment, reducing spend with better:

  • Improved selection across price, mode, vendor, performance metrics on each shipment
  • Reduced management time with on-demand documentat management and tracking
  • Real-time service through automated services, real-time chat, and integrated messaging options
  • Powerful payment options, including credit, batch processing, reconcilations and more.

Complete this form to request a free demo

Back to top