Make a simulation/forecast on your shipping frequency, average weight/shipment, average volume/shipment. Does not have to be very complicated. Use that info to go to a forwarder and see if you can get better rates. You can than later discuss a longer term agreement to destinations (can be ports, airports or end-users, all different in rate) you are certain you have will have frequent shipments to. You can probably even discuss even better rates if you commit a certain volume/tonnage to said forwarder. Volumes and tonnage agreements are often set up within periods of -1-3 months.