We are now moving into the time when most domestic shippers are busy preparing for the coming year in full-truckload transportation. Variables such as global trade, GDP, the retail landscape, domestic trucking capacity and intermodal rates have industry analysts and economists forecasting an upcoming ‘bumpy ride.’ With the possibility of unstable markets ahead, here are… Read more »
Finding the right 3PL for your business is crucial for your company growth. Most shippers look to find effective ways to be both cost effective and reliable, but many are hesitant to give up control. Shippers have a difficult time trusting that a 3PL is equally as invested in their success as they are. Those… Read more »
The improvement and development of technology has impacted all facets of business and our personal lives. Today we are accustomed to everything being available immediately with the click of the mouse. Improved technology has greatly improved the productivity of supply chain and reduced the associated costs and errors. The benefits of these advances have greatly… Read more »
According to domestic intermodal statistics provided by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), the surface transportation shipping community has increased consumption of domestic intermodal services over the last 15 years. The railroads and Intermodal Marketing Company (IMC) continue to fine-tune their service networks, transit schedules and capacity offerings to meet the needs of evolving… Read more »
The shifting full truckload market conditions throughout the last year has led many shippers to perform a stronger, more meaningful assessment of their carrier routing guide assignments. Here are key elements to maintain reliable lane assignments as conditions continue to evolve. Committed vs. Spot Load Placement It can be tempting to swing more volume… Read more »
As temperatures rise and days get longer, shippers begin gearing up for a busy produce season. Spring through early summer marks a time of tightened capacity, increased rates and scheduling constraints even if you aren’t in the produce industry. This is especially the case for companies shipping refrigerated products. Produce Season Produce season in… Read more »
There is an age-old question that every organization wants an answer to: Is there a secret formula to building top notch customer relationships? The answer to this question is, unfortunately, “No.” However, there are certain areas that we can focus on to enhance our customer relationships. Implementing each of the following practices will allow you… Read more »
“Do unto others as they would want done to them,” is the Platinum Rule shared by Dave Kerpen, New York Times best-selling author and founder and chairman of Likeable Local. The Platinum Rule is also the foundation of premier customer service. Assuming what the customer wants may lead to a successful professional relationship. However, it… Read more »
To gain insight on the transportation marketplace in 2019, it would be useful to have a crystal ball. Unfortunately, we’ll have to go into the new year without this tool. Although we don’t have this tool, we will use experience and data from previous years to guide us. Let’s review potential opportunities and obstacles that… Read more »
2018 is quickly coming to a conclusion, and it would be easy at this point to simply close the books and move into the New Year with a clean slate. However, much like the 2017 conclusion, there is much baggage carrying over into 2019 that must be factored into preparations, planning and execution. Let’s take… Read more »
