The 5 Most Common Supply Chain Myths Busted by Data

In the world of logistics, there’s a lot of talk. Some of it’s true. A lot of it... isn’t.

As a freight brokerage helping B2B businesses streamline their supply chains, we hear the same myths over and over again. And let’s be honest some of them sound logical. But once you look at the numbers, the truth tells a very different story.

So, let’s set the record straight. Here are five of the most common supply chain myths and the real data that shuts them down.

Myth 1: “Cheapest Freight Rate = Best Deal”

We get it. Everyone wants to save money. But the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the best deal.

In fact, choosing a carrier based solely on price can cost you more in the long run. How? Missed pickups. Delays. Damaged goods. Angry customers

The data says: According to industry benchmarks, shipments that go with the lowest bidder have a 27% higher chance of a service failure. That’s lost time and reputation

The truth: A reliable carrier with a solid track record may charge more but they save you in the long run. The real deal is finding a freight broker that helps you balance cost with carrier performance and service consistency.

Myth 2: “Faster Shipping Is Always Better”

Amazon made “fast” the default. But not every shipment needs to arrive at lightning speed.

If you’re moving pallets of raw materials to a plant, or restocking slow-turning items at a distribution center, speed might not be the goal

The data says: A report from Supply Chain Dive found that over 40% of businesses overpay for speed they don’t need. That’s money you could be using elsewhere

The truth: Speed matters when it counts. But what matters more is matching the shipping method to the business goal. An experienced B2B freight brokerage can help you optimize for cost, not just speed.

Myth 3: “Technology Will Solve Everything”

There are thousands of logistics platforms out there. From TMS to real-time tracking apps to AI-driven routing software. It’s tempting to think that tech can fix all your supply chain headaches

The data says: Only 24% of supply chain tech investments deliver a measurable ROI within the first year, according to Gartner

The truth: Tech helps but it’s not magic. You still need smart people behind the screens. A freight brokerage that blends technology with experienced logistics pros can turn software into real results.

Myth 4: “Once a Carrier Works, Stick With Them Forever”

It’s tempting to stay loyal. If a carrier has delivered for you in the past, why switch it up?

But the freight market shifts constantly. Rates change. Coverage evolves. Capacity disappears. What worked last year might not work this quarter

The data says: Businesses that review carrier performance quarterly see up to 20% savings in annual transportation costs without sacrificing reliability

The truth: A flexible approach wins. The best freight brokers help you build a diverse carrier network and adjust it over time based on data, not loyalty.

Myth 5: “Supply Chains Are Too Complex to Control”

We’ve heard this one a lot: “It’s just too messy.” Too many vendors. Too many lanes. Too many systems. The assumption is, chaos is part of the deal

The data says: Companies that work with a dedicated freight broker to clean up their routing guides and consolidate vendors see a 15–30% boost in efficiency within six months

The truth: Complexity can be simplified with the right partner. You don’t have to do it alone. A freight brokerage that specializes in custom logistics solutions for B2B companies can bring clarity to the chaos.

Final Thoughts: The Truth Sets Your Freight Free

The freight world is full of outdated beliefs. But when you replace gut feelings with real data, everything changes.

Your supply chain becomes smoother. Your costs become clearer. Your customers become happier.

And you? You get to stop firefighting and start scaling.

So next time you hear a "rule" about how logistics work, take a breath. Ask for the data. And partner with people who know how to read it.

If you're looking for a freight brokerage that understands the numbers and the nuances, let's talk.

We're not just about trucks. We’re about results that drive your B2B business forward.