How a 3PL Saved $2.6M by Renegotiating their Parcel Contract

A multi-site 3PL was spending over $7M annually on shipping. 

Their operations were strong, spanning three well-run facilities across the US, but their parcel contract was holding them back.

They thought they’d negotiated well. But after a fresh audit, it became clear they were leaving over $2.5M on the table. They had strong base discounts - but missed out on key levers like surcharges, minimums, and packaging optimization.

That’s when they brought in Gilder Group.

Founder Chris Mehlfelder helped the client audit their current parcel contract, model alternative scenarios, and negotiate a new agreement with their primary carrier. 

Within six weeks, they signed a new deal - and brought parcel costs down by 33%.

I spoke with Chris to understand exactly how the project unfolded.

Here are the top lessons from that conversation - and how you can apply them if you’re evaluating your own shipping contract.