Every January, many chemical and food-grade shippers kick off the year by issuing transportation RFQs (requests for quotation). The goal: lock in reliable carriers at competitive rates for the next 12 months.
But 2026 is shaping up to be another unpredictable year for bulk freight. Capacity pockets remain tight in certain regions, insurance and driver costs continue to climb, and global events are pushing diesel prices and supply-chain volatility higher. Against this backdrop, shippers are asking a valid question: Does the traditional RFQ still make sense — or is it time for a new approach?
The problem with traditional RFQs
For decades, bulk shippers have relied on the annual RFQ cycle to bring order and predictability to their transportation budgets. Yet today’s freight market often moves faster than those once-a-year bids can keep up.
When market rates shift dramatically — as they often do — bulk carriers that underbid in an RFQ may back away from commitments or prioritize higher-paying freight elsewhere. That’s especially problematic for shippers of bulk freight, where specialized equipment, wash requirements, and hazmat expertise make it hard to find substitutes on short notice.
Simply put, in 2026’s volatile environment, locking in rates too early can sometimes lock you out of capacity when you need it most.
The modern RFQ: shorter, smarter, more flexible
Rather than skipping RFQs entirely, forward-thinking bulk shippers are evolving them. The modern RFQ is about flexibility and real-time data, not rigid year-long contracts.
Here are a few ways to modernize your 2026 RFQ process:
- Run quarterly or bi-annual “mini-bids.” Shorter bid cycles reflect current market conditions and reduce the risk of outdated pricing.
- Evaluate performance, not just price. Build in scorecard metrics like safety record, on-time performance, communication quality, and equipment availability.
- Include flexibility clauses. Allow for fuel-surcharge adjustments or seasonal rate changes instead of forcing your bulk transportation providers into unrealistic fixed rates.
These updates make your RFQ process a strategic exercise rather than a purely transactional one — and they help preserve your transportation partner relationships.
The case for relationship-based procurement
While technology and data tools are changing how RFQs are run, the human element still matters most in bulk transportation. The most successful shippers in 2026 won’t be those who send out the most bid requests — they’re those who cultivate lasting partnerships with trusted carriers and brokers.
A reliable 3PL like Bulk Connection can act as an extension of your logistics team, matching every load to the right carrier from its extensive North American network. That means your loads get prioritized, even in tight markets. Bulk Connection also brings decades of experience in equipment selection, product compatibility, and tank wash compliance — details that can make or break a bulk shipment.
Instead of chasing the lowest RFQ bid, these relationship-based partnerships help shippers achieve long-term stability and reduce risk while still maintaining competitive rates.
Should you skip the RFQ altogether?
Not necessarily. The RFQ still has value as a benchmarking and discovery tool. It can reveal rate trends, highlight new carrier opportunities, and help you gauge where your pricing stands relative to the market.
But in 2026, the RFQ should be just one part of a broader procurement strategy that also includes strategic sourcing and ongoing 3PL collaboration.
In other words, use the RFQ to gather intelligence — and use your logistics partners to turn that intelligence into reliable, cost-effective service.
As 2026 begins, the question for bulk shippers isn’t “Should we skip the RFQ?” It’s “How can we make RFQs smarter, shorter, and more strategic?”
Partnering with an experienced bulk freight broker like Bulk Connection gives you access to an expansive carrier network, deep expertise in liquid and dry bulk freight, and professionals who can translate market volatility into practical transportation solutions.
By combining smarter RFQs with relationship-based procurement, you can turn a once-a-year bidding exercise into a continuous process that protects both your service levels and your transportation spend — all year long.
Contact Bulk Connection today to learn how we can support your liquid and dry bulk shipping needs in 2026 and beyond.
