It’s a brilliant strategy. They call themselves a “discussion agreement” and then set strategy around rate increases and surcharges. Unfortunately for them, the exercise if flawed. Carriers do not have the same cost structure and network, so they should not have the same rates, increases, or surcharges. Carriers customers have different lanes, volumes, service needs, etc. These carrier and customer differences make the attempted TSA pricing recommendations seem disingenuous.

Carriers should differentiate themselves based on product offering, service, etc. These are very savvy business people, not “neanderthals” like they’d hope you would believe. They understand their costs, capacity, and know the real fair market prices that will ensure their profitability.

The TSA should focus on transportation infrastructure, security, environmental initiatives, etc. Leave pricing alone.

Everyone wants carriers to be profitable. A competitive environment will allow this to happen, while continuing to drive efficiency and service.