GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

Carrier Selection Process

A shipment is ready to move and no carrier is under contract – that is precisely when the carrier selection process takes effect.

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Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://cscmp.org/CSCMP/Educate/SCM_Glossary/CSCMP/Educate/SCM_Glossary.aspx

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Definition & Explanation

A shipment is ready to move and no carrier is under contract – that is precisely when the carrier selection process takes effect. Shippers or freight forwarders evaluate potential transport providers against weighted criteria such as freight rates, transit times, equipment availability, service track record, and regulatory compliance. The outcome feeds into either a spot booking or a longer-term framework agreement. In practice, procurement teams use structured scorecards or RFQ responses to compare offers systematically. The selection process should not be confused with the tender itself, which is typically one formal step within the broader evaluation.

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P50/P80 transit times for sea, air and road — sourced and confidence-rated, not a carrier quote.

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Carrier Selection Process

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Related Terms

Carton Packing Optimization

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Cost-Efficient Freight Procurement

Online Freight Reefer Marketplace Sustainability Solutions

SCO-enabled Tendering

Cross-border logistics

Check transit time: city-to-city index

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