As companies struggle through tough economic times, most could save considerable money in shipping costs for both the products they sell and the purchases they make, a transportation consultant told Wisconsin manufacturers this week.

“Most companies overspend by 20 percent due to poor transportation decisions,” said Geoff Comrie, founder and CEO of Raleigh, N.C.-based Transite Technology. “It’s probably the biggest area people bleed dollars in a manufacturing environment. “

If, as Comrie says, the hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential savings is “incredibly low-hanging fruit” why don’t more companies grab it?