Clark: Data is the key to unlocking dedicated contract carriage success
When the economy gets unpredictable, companies are often left trying to do more with less. It’s a balancing act—cutting costs without sacrificing service, efficiency, or overall stability. For businesses that rely on trucking to move their products, this can be a real challenge. One increasingly popular solution? Dedicated contract carriage, or DCC.
Whether you’re a national company searching for a more regional setup or a regional business with highly specific shipping needs, the end goal is the same: reliable transportation that works for your bottom line. That’s where DCC—and data—comes in.
What exactly is dedicated contract carriage?
In plain terms, dedicated contract carriage is a transportation solution where a company outsources the trucks, equipment, drivers, and logistics support to a third-party provider for a fixed term. It’s like leasing a fully staffed fleet. You still get consistency and control but without the headaches of managing a private fleet yourself.
It’s a smart choice for companies that need dependable shipping without wanting to take on the cost and complexity of ownership. But for a DCC setup to really work, there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook: your data.
Data isn’t just important—it’s everything
If you ask a DCC provider what they need to get started, their answer might surprise you.
- Data
- Data
- More data
Seriously. Before a provider can design an effective transportation strategy, they need to see the full picture—and that starts with your current and historical delivery data, i.e., details like what a typical week of shipments looks like, what kinds of deliveries you make (truckload, LTL, small parcel), and where everything is going.
That data is what allows your DCC partner to design efficient routes, assign the right number of drivers, and make sure everything aligns with both your business needs and Department of Transportation regulations.
See also: Clark: Strategic decisions for fleets in uncertain times
It’s not just a vendor—it’s a partnership
A DCC relationship should feel more like a partnership than just a business transaction. It’s a collaboration—one that’s fueled by data. Your provider uses all that information to build out solutions, monitor performance, and tweak the approach over time to make sure it keeps delivering. The more data you share up front, the better equipped they are to recommend solutions that really move the needle. And it doesn’t stop there.
Good DCC partners keep analyzing as they go—comparing results, identifying new opportunities, and constantly looking for ways to improve the program throughout the life of your agreement.
Don’t forget the full freight picture
It’s easy to think of DCC as just a way to handle outbound shipments, but that’s only part of the story. When your provider looks at your transportation needs, they should be taking everything into account—outbound, inbound, even those handled by third-party logistics partners.
The more complete the picture, the better the strategy. You might uncover ways to consolidate shipments, reduce waste, or make better use of your drivers and equipment. That’s the kind of insight that drives real savings.
Optimize more than just routes
Most people think route planning is the name of the game—and it’s a big part—but there’s more to a smart DCC strategy than just mapping efficient paths.
It’s just as important to take a close look at how drivers are being utilized, how equipment is used, and whether your fleet is the right size and setup for your business. Are your drivers getting consistent work throughout the week? Are trucks sitting idle when they could be moving freight? Good DCC providers can assist you with answering these questions, backed by data.
Keep the conversation going
Once your DCC program is in place, the work isn’t over. Regular check-ins with your provider help ensure your goals, service levels, and performance metrics stay aligned, not just with your business but with the customers you serve.
It’s also a chance to make sure your transportation strategy is evolving alongside your company. Maybe your shipping volume shifts seasonally, or you’re expanding into new regions. Whatever the case, an open line of communication makes it easier to adapt and stay efficient.
Let data drive your success
At the end of the day, data isn’t just a tool; it’s the foundation of a successful DCC strategy. When you treat your provider as a partner, share your transportation data openly, and commit to continuous improvement, you get more than just a fleet. You get a flexible, responsive, and cost-effective transportation solution that grows with you. So, if you're considering dedicated contract carriage, make sure you're also ready to dig into your data.
