JANUARY 27TH, 2025
Rethinking Your Banned Carrier List: Is It Hurting Your Supply Chain?
I’ve heard it 100 times – “don’t use X carrier…They’re a nightmare.” They’re on the “banned carrier list.” Damaged/lost goods? Banned. Late delivery? Banned. They ghosted me? Banned. Ooops that’s the Banned Hinge list, but you get it. But here’s the thing while banning Ex’s is totally valid, banning carriers could be a form of self-sabotaging to your supply chain.
The Problem with Holding Grudges against Carriers…
Let’s be honest: we’ve all banned someone out of frustration. Maybe it was deserved, or maybe they were just having an off day. The truth is, that carriers aren’t static. They grow, adapt, and (hopefully) learn from their mistakes – dare I say like people! By keeping a rigid “DO NOT LOAD” list, you might be missing out on a perfectly good partner who’s gotten their act together. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, everyone deserves a second chance no?
The Hidden Costs of Your Naughty List
Having a banned carrier list can create more problems than it solves. Here’s how:
- You’re paying more: Fewer options mean you’re stuck with whatever’s left, and they’re probably charging you top dollar.
- You’re less nimble: When the logistics world throws you curveballs—like port congestion or wild weather—a shorter list means fewer ways to pivot.
- You’re missing the glow-up: That carrier you banned might now have shiny new tech, better customer service, or a flawless on-time record. But you’ll never know.
Let’s Rethink This
Before you go all Taylor Swift ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’, try these alternatives:
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Put Them in Time-Out
Rather than an eternal ban, give underperforming carriers a probation period. Monitor their performance and reassess after a few months. Who knows? They might surprise you.
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Play Detective
Before hitting the ban hammer, dig into what went wrong. Was the issue really in their control? Maybe it was bad weather, a customs snafu, or Mercury in retrograde (again). Maybe they’re using a sub-agent network or the coverage area is not their forte. National carriers are like a restaurant – they may have a big menu, but they have “HITS” that they’re known for. Knowing the root cause can help you make fairer decisions.
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Track the Data
Set up a scorecard system with KPIs like on-time delivery, damage rate, and communication. This way, decisions are based on facts, not fleeting frustration.
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Have “The Talk”
If things go south, don’t ghost the carrier. Sit down, talk it out, and see if there’s a way to fix things. It’s cheaper than finding a new partner—and way less drama.
Flexibility Is Your Friend
In logistics, adaptability is the name of the game. Revisiting your banned carrier list and giving it a little flexibility could save you money, headaches, and maybe even a few gray hairs. Turning your list into a living document instead of a stone tablet, you’ll be better equipped to handle disruptions and build stronger partnerships.
So, before you reach for the metaphorical red marker, ask yourself: Could this carrier still be worth another shot? Because in the world of logistics, even the EX’s can have a comeback.
Let’s make the world smaller!
– Nunzio & Anthony
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