Executive Perspective: Carrier Consolidation Creates Risk

By Gaston Curk, CEO
Aug. 1, 2025

In today’s fast-changing shipping environment, relying on a single carrier is more than just a logistical risk—it’s a threat to your margins, customer experience and operational resilience. Sudden rate hikes, shifting service commitments, labor disruptions and structural changes at major carriers are exposing shippers to circumstances they can’t control and costs they can’t always absorb. 

A Vulnerability You Shouldn’t Overlook 

I’ve seen it play out repeatedly. Shippers have felt the impact of decisions made far beyond their warehouses. Whether it’s fuel surcharge increases, sudden delivery delays due to unpredictable world events, or changes in leadership, disruptions are becoming more common—and more unpredictable. 

When your entire volume is tied to one national carrier, even a minor service interruption can turn into a major customer experience failure. And when rates increase unexpectedly, you’re left with few options but to absorb the added expense or pass it on to your customers. Neither option is acceptable. 

The Benefits of a Diversified Shipping Strategy 

Smart brands now approach shipping the way they manage supply chains: with built-in flexibility. By leveraging multiple carriers across their network, they gain leverage and open the door to better rates, faster transit times and expanded capacity. 

This strategy allows you to: 

  • Mitigate service disruptions by rerouting through alternate partners 
  • Negotiate better rates through competitive benchmarking 
  • Match service level to package profile for more cost-efficient fulfillment 
  • Secure capacity ahead of peak periods or promotional events 

How We Fit In 

At OSM Worldwide, we offer reliable services that enhance your shipping operations. 

Our national parcel delivery network helps you efficiently move packages to every U.S. address, with 2- to 5-day transit times and full tracking visibility. We manage and optimize each stage of the shipping process—from the middle mile through final delivery—using our advanced infrastructure and business intelligence. The result: greater reliability, fewer exceptions and lower total shipping costs driven by network efficiency. 

Whether you’re looking to reduce rates for certain package types, add capacity for peak season, or gain leverage in rate negotiations, OSM can serve as a powerful addition to your carrier portfolio. 

Looking Ahead 

Resilience is the name of the game. Brands that diversify their shipping strategy now will be better positioned to manage risk, reduce costs and scale with confidence.  

Let’s talk. We’ll help you adapt with confidence, protect what you’ve built and grow without compromise.