Logistics cost control
Reduce logistics costs with a clearer view of your supply chain
Freight rates are only part of the cost of moving goods. Timing, storage, documentation and delivery arrangements can all affect what your business pays.
TSI Central Station helps South African importers, exporters and businesses review these connected costs and coordinate logistics through one point of contact.
The full picture
Look at the whole journey
A lower transport quote can still lead to a higher overall cost if it creates extra handling, storage or urgent deliveries. Start by comparing the same scope of work, understanding exclusions and checking whether the service meets your delivery requirements.
As a fourth-party logistics (4PL) partner, TSI coordinates logistics planning and service providers across your supply chain. This brings transport, warehousing and delivery decisions together, with one team managing communication and follow-up.
The aim is to identify avoidable costs while protecting the service your customers need. Opportunities depend on your cargo, routes, volumes, timing and existing arrangements.
Where to start
Six areas to review for potential savings
Start with the decisions and handovers that influence the total cost of each movement.
Compare the full scope of each quote
Check what is included, excluded and subject to change. Review collection, freight, handling, storage and final delivery together so that you compare equivalent services.
Match transport to the delivery need
Review shipment size, urgency and delivery windows before choosing a mode or route. Consolidation may suit some consignments; others may justify a dedicated or faster service.
Prepare documentation and handovers earlier
Incomplete information and missed handovers can lead to delays and additional charges. Coordinate document readiness, collection arrangements and responsibilities before cargo moves.
Plan storage and delivery together
Align warehouse capacity, stock release and receiving times. This can help reduce unnecessary handling, extended storage and repeat delivery attempts.
Manage exceptions before costs build up
Use shipment updates and agreed escalation points to respond to changes. Where relevant, monitor release requirements and free-time deadlines to reduce exposure to avoidable storage, detention or demurrage charges.
Review recurring patterns
Compare quoted and invoiced charges, delivery outcomes and recurring exceptions. Use that information to decide where a change in process, supplier arrangement or shipment planning may help.
Next steps
How to start a logistics cost review
Share your current requirements
Tell us what you move, where it travels, how often it moves and when it needs to arrive. Include any recurring delays or unexpected charges.
Review the options with TSI
We discuss the scope, service requirements and possible changes with you. Cost comparisons should use equivalent assumptions and make exclusions clear.
Agree the next steps
Confirm the proposed scope and commercial terms before proceeding. Review outcomes against the agreed requirements as the work progresses.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about logistics savings
Can TSI guarantee a saving?
Savings cannot be assumed before your requirements and current costs are reviewed. Any potential reduction depends on the shipment, service scope, market conditions and changes agreed with you.
Does the cheapest freight rate give the lowest total cost?
Not necessarily. Handling, storage, delivery arrangements and the effect of delays can change the overall cost. Compare the complete scope alongside your service requirements.
What information should I provide?
Start with the origin and destination, cargo type, weight or dimensions, shipment frequency and required delivery dates. A summary of recurring charges or operational problems will also help frame the discussion.
What does a 4PL partner do?
A 4PL partner coordinates logistics activities and service providers across the supply chain. TSI's role is to bring planning, communication and operational follow-up together, rather than treating each movement in isolation.
Get started
Ready to review your logistics costs?
Send TSI the details of your freight, warehousing or distribution requirements. Tell us where costs or delays are creating pressure, and we can discuss the next steps with you.