Globalization Efforts are on the Rise and it Could be Beneficial
Whether you agree with the globalization of the logistics industry or are opposed to it for whatever reason, one thing is certain; there has been a larger than normal push for it in the past few years. So we figured what better time to bring this topic up once again than when efforts to increase […]
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What Is DIM Pricing And How Does It Work?
Dimensional weight pricing, known simply as DIM is a relatively new pricing model that has taken the shipping industry by storm in the last few years. Some companies absolutely despise this new pricing system, while others tout it as being something akin to a “saving grace” for the shipping industry as a whole. But what […]
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Tips for Navigating the National Carrier Hiring Standard
With the new year comes the activation of new Federal Regulations. While most carriers have been focused on the integration of the ELD Mandate, another government regulation is the creation of the National Carrier Hiring Standard. Although it’s still awaiting official approval by the US Senate, it is expected to pass quickly as the new […]
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How to Choose the Best Route Planning System
Having a solid route planning system and software to back it up can make all the difference in the world in terms of how quickly and efficiently you are able to get packages out the warehouse door and well on their way to your customer’s doorstep. A good routing system can greatly benefit your business […]
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Could the LTL Industry Be Headed for a 2019 Recession?
Coming off a record-setting year, 2019 could see a significant downturn for the LTL industry. The final weeks of 2018 saw rising economic tension on Wall Street, followed by tariff-related uncertainty, and a truck driver shortage that simply won’t go away, many trucking industry experts suggest that a freight industry slow-down is a foregone conclusion. […]
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Could a Phased Autonomous Trucking Solution Be on the Horizon for 2019?
As the calendar extends to 2019, a recently published report indicates that the integration of autonomous or self-driving trucks could be closer than expected. A new report published by logistics industry consultants McKinsey & Co. postulated a concept of a four-wave, phased-in solution that could possibly reduce operating costs for carriers, help to resolve the […]
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2019 New Year’s Resolutions for Manufacturers with Shipping
New Year’s resolutions are fine and dandy – but without an effective plan and realistic expectations, most of them fall short. Such is the case with navigating the complex LTL industry for many manufacturers. Whether your manufacturing company serves a global market or those in the same city or state as you, there are a […]
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5 Ways Distribution Centers Can Kick Off 2019 on the Right Foot
The modern supply chain would look much different without distribution centers. Whether they fulfill for single companies or for multiple retailers, a distribution center faces multiple challenges that can impact their operations. Staffing issues, inventory control, and shipping and receiving are just a few of the daily tasks that can determine whether a distribution center […]
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These are the Biggest Issues the LTL Industry Will Face in 2019
The trucking industry is certainly no stranger to strict regulations and challenging requirements. These things get implemented every year… and every year the industry seems to bounce back with relative ease. But 2019 is not looking like it will be one of those years where we just spring back into action like nothing ever happened. […]
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Top 3 Things To Consider When Choosing An LTL Freight Carrier
Less Than Truckload or LTL freight shipping can be a very viable and cost-effective way for smaller companies to ship out their products or other goods quickly when they don’t have a full truckload to send out. But LTL shipping is a bit different than what you may have come to grow accustomed to with […]
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What is the Difference Between Cold Supply Chain and Normal Supply Chain?
Did you know that less than 100 years ago moving cold-storage freight more than 50 miles was a calculated risk? The cold supply chain in the past was comprised of cargo containers filled with blocks of ice, that would hopefully last the journey before melting. Times sure have changed. Today’s cold supply chain utilizes advanced […]
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LTL vs Parcel – How Manufacturers Determine Which is Best
There was a time when shipping was determined simply by the size of the package. If it was above 150 pounds, a manufacturer would send via LTL carriers and if it was under that threshold, parcel was the preferred method. However, as technology and customer-demand have changed, manufacturers these days are forced to pick the […]
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LTL Carrier Data Points that Make All the Difference
Each year, shippers in North America alone spend more than $20 billion annually on less than truckload shipments. Whether it’s shipping a single pallet to one customer, or multiple stops with lighter loads, LTL is a convenient way to move products when you don’t have the volume to justify a complete truckload. While there are […]
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How the LTL Industry Can Deal with Cyber Threats
Cyber-crime is quickly finding its way into the LTL industry. Carriers across the globe are reporting being hacked through email scams, ransomware, phishing attempts and more. In some instances, the hackers are able to gain control of their customer database, bank account information, credit cards, and even embed tracking software inside of servers – which […]
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How the Largest LTL Carriers Handle AI Integration
Contrary to popular belief, LTL carriers are not cash cows who grow money inside their cargo containers. Even larger transportation companies have budgets that they must adhere to in order to operate in the green. When it comes to the integration of artificial intelligence in the supply chain, money and cost is arguably the biggest […]
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How the General Rate Increase Impacts Shippers
There are several constants in shipping – the weather will always delay freight, volume is heavier during the holidays, and carriers will drop general rate increases on shippers at the most inopportune time. For shippers who have been involved in logistics for more than a year, the GRI or General Rate Increase is nothing new. […]
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How Shippers Can Reduce or Eliminate Accessorial Charges
Regardless of the size of your company, how much you ship, or the relationship you have with an LTL company, one constant all shippers can rely on are accessorial charges. These freight charges can unexpectedly show up on your freight invoice – and quite often will raise some eyebrows as to why the extra fee […]
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How National LTL Carriers Use Blockchain Technology
Did you know that 90% of the US LTL marketplace is operated by only 25 National LTL carriers? It’s true – companies like YRC, UPS Freight, Fed Ex Freight, and others dominate this industry, featuring fleets in the thousands, with multiple hubs, terminals, and routes that travel from sea to shining sea. With this much […]
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Food Supply Chain Protection Best Practices
If there is one consumer segment that is constant in logistics, it’s the food supply chain. People and livestock require a constant intake of food to survive. However, getting this food to the billions of people and animals on this planet depends on a smooth and efficient food supply chain operation. While it’s often assumed […]
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Five Ways Retailers Can Reduce Freight Damage
Shrink is the 6-letter word that no retailer loves to discuss. While most damage and loss of retail products can vary from theft, employee errors, or customers breaking products as they shop, a leading source of retail damage occurs before or shortly after it arrives on the receiving dock. Transporting freight is part of a […]
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3 Reasons Shippers and Top LTL Carriers Use TMS Automation
One of the most frustrating and time-consuming tasks a shipper undertakes is finding the right LTL carrier for their light shipments. Shippers from retailers, suppliers, manufacturers and more are dependent on less than truckload carriers to move cargo and freight efficiently to their customers. However, with so many fish in the sea, how can a […]
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Why LTL Cost is Impacted by Dimension-Based Technology
Those who ship via LTL carriers may have noticed an uptick in pricing on their shipping invoices. While the driver shortage and rising fuel costs are a major contributing factor, the inclusion of dimension-based equipment is showing up on many shipper’s invoices. But, it’s not because of the LTL carriers need to recoup their investment […]
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Why the Reefer LTL Market will Grow in 2019
The recent signing of the revised NAFTA agreement by President Donald Trump was a hidden gem for the reefer LTL industry. While there are several specifics that need to be fine-tuned and adjusted, the new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico will increase the export of US-based products that require temperature control. Beyond this new […]
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3 Certain Freight Labeling Best Practices
There is nothing worse than receiving a phone call from an upset customer – because their delivery was delayed because of faulty labeling. While many shippers rush to blame the carriers for damaging their packaging and labeling issues, the truth is, label damage is something that is 100% controllable. Missed deliveries or delays in delivery […]
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3 Tips for Hiring the Best Third Party Shipping Companies
Navigating the complex supply chain is a difficult task – even for experienced operators. The changes in shipping regulations, increasing costs, and complexity of international logistics procedures often inspire shippers to search for the best third party shipping companies to help them with their logistics programs. There are several good 3PL’s out there – but […]
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3 Hurdles that Self Driving Trucks Need to Climb to Become a Reality
It has been estimated that companies including Otto, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, and others have invested more than $2 Billion in the development of self-driving or autonomous semi-trucks – just for long-haul logistics. While the transportation industry has come a long way in a short period of time, the reality of self-driving trucks entering the supply chain’s […]
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How to Avoid Mistakes with Less Than Truckload (LTL) Shipping
When it comes to setting up freight shipment, most shippers dread the Less than Truckload option. Whether it’s the excessive charges that some carriers rate, or the inability to get a direct delivery estimate, it’s quite common for shippers to get frustrated with LTL shipping. However, in most cases, the frustration is due to the […]
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What is Causing the Truck Driver Shortage And How Can It Be Resolved?
The truck driver has been a staple in the American supply chain for more than a century. From transporting livestock across the country to delivering gasoline to service stations, the efficient movement of freight is only possible when an ample supply of qualified truck drivers exists. Unfortunately, the United States, in fact, the global logistics […]
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The Impact Of Amazon Planning To Hire Thousands Of Seasonal Delivery Drivers
Amazon has rolled out a new shipping program for the 2018 holiday season. In anticipation of an influx of orders, especially with their implementation of holiday free standard shipping for all customers, Amazon is putting an emphasis on last-mile logistics. To meet the demand of nearly 9 million daily packages, Amazon has announced they are […]
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What is the Cubic Capacity Rule – and How Does It Impact Shippers?
If you’ve recently reviewed an LTL shipping invoice, and noticed a surcharge classified as “minimum cubic capacity rule” – don’t worry; you’re not alone. While shipping less than truckload (LTL) is convenient and can save money under certain situations, there are some rules that must be complied with to ensure accurate billing. One of them […]
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