Manifest 2025 recap: the cost of transactional relationships

Another year, another incredible Manifest in the books!

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Manifest: The Future of Logistics is where supply chain and logistics leaders come together to shape the future of freight. Industry innovators, investors, and technology providers gather to discuss emerging trends, connect with decision-makers, and discover solutions that drive efficiency and profitability. It’s not just about where the industry is today—it’s about where it’s headed next.

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For the past two years, we’ve taken the stage to challenge the status quo.  In 2023, we talked about why SmartBrokers will win the future of freight. Last year, we reimagined factoring as the strategic advantage for SmartBrokers. This year, we took the Innovation Stage to spotlight a critical issue in freight: how transactional relationships quietly drain profits and efficiency.

SmartBrokers know that prioritizing carrier relationships isn’t just about service—it’s a competitive advantage. The best brokers are turning their carrier partnerships into profit centers, creating sustainable revenue streams while strengthening their networks.

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If you missed our session at Manifest: Future of Logistics 2025, here’s a recap of the key takeaways to keep you ahead of the curve.

Why one-and-done carrier relationships cost you

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Focusing only on the next load keeps you in a costly cycle. Constantly chasing new carriers means more churn, more risk, and less stability—all eating into your margins.

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Denim’s data shows the average carrier relationship lasts just five loads. If you move 6,000 loads a year, that means working with 800 different carriers annually. Every time you start over, you spend valuable time and money vetting, onboarding, and ensuring compliance—resources that could go toward strengthening customer relationships and securing better freight.

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Long-term carrier partnerships change the game. Reliable carriers book more loads, prioritize your freight, and communicate proactively—reducing uncertainty and improving service. Strong relationships don’t just boost your margins; they make your business more resilient.

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Your carriers are more than a resource—they're your competitive edge. When they thrive, so do you.

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New revenue streams that strengthen carrier loyalty

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The freight market may be stabilizing, but carriers are feeling the squeeze. Operating costs have hit a 16-year high of $2.270 per mile—putting immense pressure on their bottom line. In this environment, great carriers aren’t just looking for loads. They’re looking for brokers who help them stay profitable.

Shifting from a transactional model to a partnership-driven approach isn’t just good for your carriers—it’s good for your business. Here’s how you can help carriers while adding new revenue streams:

• QuickPay Programs: Paying carriers faster keeps their cash flow strong and creates a steady revenue stream for you. A 15% adoption rate at a 3% fee could bring in $108,000 annually.
• Fuel Card Programs: Fuel is one of the biggest expenses carriers face. Offering a fuel card program with cost savings and profit-sharing could add $17,000 per year to your bottom line.
• Factoring Support: Connecting carriers with factoring options gives them financial flexibility while earning you $5,000 annually in referral bonuses or rate savings adding up to $60,000.

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By offering these solutions, you create loyalty, improve service, and increase your revenue by up to 25%—all while helping carriers navigate rising costs and stay in business. A stronger carrier network means a stronger brokerage.

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How Denim helps you succeed

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Denim is built for the freight industry, giving you the flexibility and financial tools to increase profits, reduce admin work, and build stronger carrier relationships. With automated solutions and seamless cash flow management, you can focus on growing your brokerage while keeping carriers happy and loyal.

Here’s how Denim makes it happen:

• Stronger Carrier Partnerships – Our network program rewards brokers and carriers who factor together, offering reduced rates on every load they move. More consistency, lower costs.
• Truly Free QuickPay – Unlike other programs with hidden fees, Denim lets you design your own QuickPay program and keep 100% of the revenue.
• Automated Carrier Vetting – With integrations like Highway and MyCarrierPortal, carrier preferences are automatically applied, saving you time and eliminating guesswork.
• Flexible Factoring – Carriers stay in control of their cash flow. Choose when to get paid and even earn rate discounts for delaying advances—giving you more flexibility and savings when you need it. 
• Fuel Card Savings – Help your carriers save up to $2 / per gallon with Denim's Fuel Card while adding another revenue stream to your brokerage with profit sharing.

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By simplifying payments, cutting administrative work, and strengthening carrier relationships, Denim helps you run a more profitable, efficient brokerage—without the extra hassle.

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The choice is yours

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You can keep operating in the transactional model—constant churn, shrinking margins, and high sourcing costs—or shift to a relationship-driven approach with stronger partnerships, diversified revenue streams, and long-term profitability.

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This isn’t about expensive technology—it’s about rethinking how you work with carriers. A sustainable, profitable brokerage is built on relationships, not transactions.

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It’s time to move beyond business as usual. The future belongs to brokers who invest in relationships. If you’re ready to turn your carrier relationships into a profit center, sign up for the SmartBroker Masterclass.

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Heading to TIA Capital Ideas? Let’s connect! Or check out where else you can find Denim next.