Tender
Also known as: Load Tender, Freight Tender, Shipment Tender
Definition
Tendering is the process of offering a shipment to a carrier. The shipper “tenders” the load, and the carrier either accepts or rejects it. Modern systems automate this with electronic tender processes.
Tender Process
- Shipper creates shipment
- System selects carrier (per routing guide)
- Tender sent to carrier
- Carrier accepts or rejects
- If rejected, cascade to next carrier
- Accepted load gets scheduled
Tender Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary tender | First carrier offered the load |
| Backup tender | If primary rejects |
| Spot tender | Market rate request |
| Committed tender | Contracted volume |
Tender Acceptance Metrics
Tender acceptance rate: % of offered loads a carrier accepts
- Target: 90%+ for contract carriers
- Below 80% indicates capacity issues
Tender lead time: How far ahead loads are offered
- Longer lead time = higher acceptance
- Short lead time = more rejections
Electronic Tendering
EDI 204: Electronic tender transaction API/TMS: Automated tender workflows Load boards: Spot market tendering
Tender Rejection Reasons
- No capacity in lane
- Equipment not available
- Rate too low
- Lead time too short
- Outside service area
Best Practices
- Tender early (24-48 hours minimum)
- Maintain accurate shipment data
- Use waterfall routing
- Track acceptance metrics
- Address chronic rejectors
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