Senator Sanders Introduces $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill

February 4, 2015

On January 3rd, Senator Bernie Sanders (I – Vt.) announced he’s creating a bill that allows $1 trillion in spending over several years for infrastructure funding.  This is much needed relief for the transportation industry as the Highway Trust Fund has been running on short-term fixes since 2008. The bill...

What to Know: Density Priced Shipping

February 3, 2015

In order to understand density priced shipping, start by understanding traditional freight rate classifications. These rates define how much a particular kind of load will cost, as defined by National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and made available through the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). Products are classified by specific...

Tackling the Super Bowl Supply Chain

January 29, 2015

  On Sunday, February 1, the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks will face off to determine who will be crowned Super Bowl XLIX champion. In 2014, 112.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the Super Bowl (and the ever popular and expensive commercials). So, how does one of...

Dry Van Peak Seasons and Rates

January 27, 2015

  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...

Why Carriers Apply Dimensional Weight Pricing

January 22, 2015

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. Delivery companies have switched to using this method in response to the...

The History of Containers

January 21, 2015

Last month, the British Council celebrated its 80th anniversary and created a list of 80 moments that shaped the world in the last 80 years. Included among the great and global events on the list, such as the invention of email and women’s equality movement, there is one that reshaped...

How the Economy Affects Transportation

January 20, 2015

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...

Understanding Local, Regional and National Carriers

January 15, 2015

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. It`s easy to conclude that most small carriers are local ones,...

Inbound Freight: Cut Costs and Gain Control

January 13, 2015

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. Most suppliers bundle shipping prices into the receiver’s final quote. Some supplier's up-charge shipping...

10 Tips for Driving in Winter Weather

January 8, 2015

              While most people dread their commute to work during inclement winter weather and try to avoid the roads if possible, truck drivers have no choice but to drive through these winter storms.  Obviously, safety is critical for these drivers and we’ve developed a...