Reducing Freight Costs Through Smarter Transportation Strategy

The Challenge

A premium baby care brand was preparing to transition to two new bi-coastal 3PL fulfillment centers as part of a national distribution redesign. To stay on schedule for go-live, the team needed to move 900 pallets from their upstate New York co-packer—split 60:40 between East and West Coast sites.

But national trucking rates were surging, driving up long-haul costs and threatening to blow the transition budget. The brand needed a lower-cost, lower-risk way to execute the move without delaying 3PL startup.

Our Approach

Izba conducted a comparative analysis across modes and carriers to evaluate time, cost, and service trade-offs. While full truckload had been their default, we identified a strategic opportunity to move West Coast inventory via intermodal rail—a reliable, cost-efficient option often overlooked in fast-moving fulfillment transitions.

By partnering with a leading rail provider, Izba coordinated routing, scheduling, and on-site transfers to ensure inventory arrived on time for both 3PL startups.

The Outcome

• 63% reduction in long-haul transportation costs
• On-time delivery and smooth 3PL go-live on both coasts
• 75% lower greenhouse gas emissions, creating a more sustainable network
• Operational stability during a high-stakes transition

Their move to intermodal set a new standard for balancing cost, sustainability, and precision during network transitions.