Managed transportation is an arrangement in which a logistics provider runs a shipper's freight as an ongoing program rather than one load at a time: choosing the mode and carrier for each shipment, tracking it, handling exceptions, auditing invoices and reporting on cost and service. Shippers usually move to it when freight volume outgrows the people and tools they have in house.
What a managed program includes
- Mode and carrier selection for each shipment against agreed rules
- Tendering, booking and appointment scheduling
- Shipment visibility and proactive exception handling
- Carrier invoice audit and dispute handling
- Claims support for lost or damaged freight
- Reporting on spend, volume and on-time performance
- Regular reviews of cost and service
How it differs from transactional freight
In a transactional relationship the shipper asks for a price, picks one and moves on to the next load. The provider's job ends at delivery. In a managed program the provider is accountable for the result across all of the freight: total cost, service to the shipper's customers and the administrative work around each shipment.
Signs you have outgrown load-by-load freight
- Your team spends more time chasing status than planning
- Each mode has a different vendor, login and report
- You cannot say what you spend by lane or by carrier without building a spreadsheet
- Invoices regularly differ from quotes and nobody has time to dispute them
- Service problems are discovered by your customers before you
What to expect in onboarding
A sound onboarding starts with your shipment history and receiver requirements, sets the rules for how freight should be routed, loads your locations and products into the platform, and moves freight over in stages so the first loads can be watched closely.
Common questions
Is managed transportation the same as a 3PL?
A 3PL, or third-party logistics provider, is the company. Managed transportation is one of the services a 3PL can provide, focused on running the shipper's freight program.
Do I lose control of my freight?
No. You set the rules, such as preferred carriers, service requirements and approval limits, and you see every shipment in the platform. The provider does the daily work inside those rules.
How is success measured?
Most programs track total freight cost, on-time pickup and delivery, claims, and invoice accuracy, reviewed with the shipper on a regular schedule.
Written by the MeritSpan Logistics team. Last reviewed November 10, 2026. Figures are typical values; equipment and carrier rules vary.