Demand for dry vans fluctuates depending on the time of year and regional location, causing rate changes on the spot market. National rate increases for dry vans typically occur at three different times throughout the year and are largely driven by how the produce industry was positively or negatively affected by the weather. These increases typically occur from March to April, June to July, and September to October.

Have you realized that shipping costs have increased 20 to 30 percent? That’s because as of January 2015, carriers like FedEx and UPS Ground began using the dimensional weight pricing method, which affects over 70% of all shipments.

As one can assume, the strength of the economy and the current market conditions are closely related. In order to get a feel of the current state of the economy, one would take a look at several different macroeconomic factors. Some of these factors include interest rate announcements, Gross Domestic Product, Consumer Price Index, housing starts, jobless claims, and government fiscal and monetary policy. With an understanding of each indicator, you would be able to get an idea of the strength of the economy.

There are more than 700,000 active carriers in the US. Most of them are small; 90.2% operate 6 or fewer trucks and 97.2% operate less than 20 trucks. All these carriers can be classified as local, regional and national.

Tracking inbound transportation is often under-prioritized in a company’s supply chain management because it is difficult given the operational and economic challenges. No matter a company’s size, it should devise a strategy to measure inbound shipments.

A national fuel surcharge is an extra fee that trucking companies (or third parties) charge to cover the fluctuating cost of fuel. It is calculated as a percentage of the base rate and is usually added to a shipper’s freight bill to cover the cost of operations.

The trucking capacity crunch is a major concern for shippers in need of transportation services. With less trucks, less drivers, an aging workforce and HOS rule changes, carriers’ capacity is limited. Shippers are demanding more capacity than carriers can supply.

Transportation is one of the most important elements in determining an organization’s overall logistics costs. Companies are constantly trying to figure out the most efficient and cost-effective way to get their products from Point A to Point B. What factors and trends determine the best way to deliver your products? What factors influence freight demands?

Carriers apply a General Rate Increase (GRI) to all or specific trade routes in order to balance the costs of their business. The rate increase is deemed necessary by carriers in order to provide paramount services, compensate labor, improve equipment and advance operations. A handful of carriers have recently raised their rates and it is expected that more carriers will announce a GRI soon.

How Does My Tree Get to Me?

Even if you’re not familiar with the term omnichannel, I’m sure you have enjoyed the perks of it. Just remember the last time you saw a product online, scanned its barcode for online price-comparison and then ordered it from a website for a substantial discount. Or when you have chosen an item online and then stopped at a nearby store to buy it so that you can ask questions and receive support. This is all part of the omnichannel game that most retailers are playing.

Third Party Logistics (3PL) companies started to spring up in the 1980s as a viable method of outsourcing logistics needs. 3PLs make it easy for large companies to get rid of various functions and assets. This is made in order to focus more heavily on their core business objectives. A 3PL can save your company millions of dollars and time, allowing you to dedicate more resources to your essential initiatives.

Holiday shopping is in full swing! Consumers spend $12.3 billion at brick-and-mortar stores on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, plus billions of dollars throughout the holiday season online and in stores. Manufacturers and retailers have to optimize planning strategies all year long for their supply chain in order to effectively meet holiday demand.