- March 21, 2023
The analytics and communication from a TMS strongly benefit your business. As does its ability to lower your transportation costs.
- March 14, 2023
Many companies could easily improve their supply chains by utilizing a transportation management system (TMS). Some companies chose not to use a TMS, and other companies may just not have a good understanding of what exactly a TMS is. It is important to know exactly what a TMS is and how it can help your company save money and time.
- March 7, 2023
Is your TMS getting the job done? TMS software is critical to supply chain visibility so read more about whether you should switch systems.
- February 28, 2023
Learn how a TMS can facilitate daily logistics operations and complex tasks and improve industrial supply chain.
- February 21, 2023
With increasing competition in the retail market, it has become very challenging for retailers to manage their supply chains efficiently.
- February 14, 2023
Cargo in and cargo out. That is drayage truck turnaround in its simplest form. It is the total time a truck spends in the dock area picking up or dropping off a container.
- February 7, 2023
Your company needs to control its freight management to reduce costs. Find out how you can identify optimization opportunities and fill gaps.
- January 31, 2023
Having a solid supply chain starts with a well-thought-out procurement strategy. A procurement strategy is meant to make this process cheaper without compromising quality or service.
- January 24, 2023
Correctly optimizing your freight lanes takes planning and strategy. You want to eliminate waste while serving every customer, everywhere. How do you do it?
- January 3, 2023
Are you reviewing your inventory practices from 2022? Read about what costs to track and mistakes to avoid in 2023.
- December 27, 2022
The supply chain and transportation industries spent most of 2022 trying to rebalance themselves following the COVID-19 pandemic, only to deal with inflation, higher interest rates, a decrease in consumer spending, and rising fuel costs.
- December 20, 2022
Fridged winter weather can stress a company's supply chain like no other. Read about tips to protect your truck and freight this winter.
- December 13, 2022
The journey your Christmas tree takes from the farm to your living room takes some logistics. Learn more about the process.
- December 6, 2022
As 2022 comes to a close, news affecting the transportation industry continues to dominate headlines.
- November 29, 2022
The modern logistics market requires all its members to develop their flexibility and look for ways of responding to a challenge. While seeking new opportunities and implementing industry innovations, shippers also massively rely on the last-minute shipment practice.
- November 22, 2022
The numbers do not lie; gone are the days when consumers buy most of their holiday gifts by traveling to the store. Online retail shopping is tremendously convenient for customers but, conversely, can make an already busy holiday shipping even more stressful.
- November 15, 2022
Adopting advanced supply chain stock management can increase the timeliness of the supply of materials and the production quality, streamline order fulfillment, and optimize the duration of shipping operations.
- November 8, 2022
Is your business seeing an increase in loading and unloading wait times? Read about how switching to drop and hook trucking could be the solution.
- November 1, 2022
Green logistics has become an attainable, essential, and lucrative business strategy. Read how the benefits might help your business.
- October 25, 2022
Rising diesel rates continue to take a toll on the transportation industry and other industries.
- October 18, 2022
A company's supply chain is a complex of inbound and outbound logistics operations. We know these processes as "inbound logistics" and "outbound logistics." Knowing the difference between the two is essential for understanding logistics flow and managing your supply chain activities.
- October 12, 2022
The choice between air and sea freight can be challenging because of the variables in each shipment. Given your shipments' complexity, you should consider multiple shipping modes. To pick the most suitable way of delivery, it is worth analyzing complex factors influencing your supply chain operations.
- October 4, 2022
Food and Beverage logistics is very complex. Learn more about it from PLS Board Director Fred Boehler.
- September 20, 2022
There are plenty of definitions for visibility, and multiple ways to achieve it. In terms of technology, it all comes down to the key solution: a transportation management system (TMS).
- September 13, 2022
To provide necessary materials like oil and gas, companies must ensure they transport materials conveniently, safely, and safely. Along with a potent strategy, choosing a suitable transportation mode is crucial for efficient oil and gas shipping.
- September 7, 2022
As summer has transitioned to fall, a noticeable trend has emerged as fuel prices and spot rates continue to decrease. Along with the celebration of Nation Truck Driver Appreciation Week, spot rate news made for a busy month of September.
- September 7, 2022
A hostage freight scenario is stressful and unpleasant for all the parties involved. As a result, the resolution might be very time- and energy-consuming. Being prepared and aware of the potential risks is the best way to try and avoid these situations as much as possible.
- August 30, 2022
In August, we saw FMCSA take on a request to allow hair testing for carriers, shifts in how consumers shop, and moderating shipping begins to trend.
- August 23, 2022
Shippers must pay attention to their freight’s weight and dimensions, especially if it gets shipped on an over-dimensional flatbed trailer. It is also essential to know the rules and regulations for each state when transporting over-dimensional flatbed shipments.
- August 16, 2022
The transportation season never ends, so it’s important to know what each season entails. Read here to see what to expect for the whole year!
- August 9, 2022
Freight brokers act as liaisons between your business and the carrier to ensure all your shipments arrive at their destination.
- August 2, 2022
Shipping across the United States / Canadian border is easy when your business partners with an experienced logistics team.
- July 26, 2022
In July 2022, we saw the supply chains inching back to normal, and the potential new normal for container shipping spot rates.
- July 25, 2022
The standard shipping container was invented in 1956 and revolutionized the shipping industry. Read this blog to see how the container has evolved in the years since.
- July 19, 2022
Supply chain disruptions come in many ways, so any business should know how to overcome and prepare for them.
- July 18, 2022
Logistics technology can reduce LTL costs in many ways. Read this blog to see how technology can help your business, shipping partners, and LTL shipping!
- July 12, 2022
Diesel rates keep rising, and so are freight rates. Read this blog to see how the transportation industry is handling this.
- July 8, 2022
Supply chain benchmarking is necessary to measure performance and improve productivity but can seem like a daunting task. Learn how to start with this guide.
- July 7, 2022
Are you ready to ship freight but worry about added fees? Learn how to avoid demurrage charges for smooth shipping.
- July 6, 2022
A flatbed truck is an open trailer with no sides or roof, often used for over-dimensional freight shipments. Read more about flatbed shipping in this blog.
- June 30, 2022
Are you looking to improve your freight for carriers? This blog dives into how you can do that and what carriers look for in shippers.
- June 29, 2022
Air freight is the shipment of goods via an air carrier. It is the ideal solution to move your freight via charter or commercial air carrier quickly.
- June 28, 2022
This month, we saw House transportation leaders pressing for freight rail safety and trends move towards higher transportation rates.
- June 27, 2022
Delivering on time is extremely important to the success of your small business. Learn more ways to ensure on-time deliveries in this blog!
- June 24, 2022
Peak shipping season starts in mid-August and stretches to the end of fall. During these months, there is increased shipping demand across many markets.
- June 23, 2022
Drop trailer programs are a solution for many supply chain issues. They can reduce costs, increase carrier productivity, and improve efficiency.
- June 22, 2022
Multimodal transport combines different types of transport to ship your goods in the most effective way.
- June 21, 2022
Specialized shipping includes any large shipment size, weight, or dimensions and demands special handling services during transit.
- June 17, 2022
Tired of damaged or lost freight? Read this blog to find out what proper steps to take when the time does come.
- June 16, 2022
Read about what challenges logistics managers are facing in the industry and the best ways to overcome them.
- June 15, 2022
Find the best trailer type for you by reading the pros and cons of the most popular options for your shipments.
- June 14, 2022
Supply chain management is the flow of activities in the production process that moves a good or service from raw materials to finished products for consumers. Learn more about Supply Chain Management.
- June 13, 2022
Cross-docking is a logistics strategy when carriers unload cargo from an incoming container and immediately load it directly to an outbound carrier.
- June 10, 2022
Customer service is significant to building your business. Since they are on the receiving end of your products and get the opportunity to use them, customers always come first. From that experience, customers determine the company’s reputation and how it stands out against the competition.
- June 9, 2022
Proper palletization of your freight shipment can help you prevent costly freight damage and optimize your shipping process. Learn more in this blog!
- June 9, 2022
Supply chains are multifaceted and can be a significant source of competitive advantage. To improve supply chain management efficiency and effectiveness, companies must improve predictability, optimize costs, minimize working capital, mitigate risk, and analyze data.
- June 7, 2022
The pandemic, inflation, surging product demand, and driver shortages have challenged logistics managers to discover innovative solutions. We will outline some common full truckload (FTL) issues and how to avoid them.
- June 6, 2022
International shipping can be complex, but with an experienced logistics partner to assist with planning and execution, you can move products anywhere in the world.
- June 6, 2022
Dry van trailers are the most common for shipping and have many benefits. Read more to see if it’s the right one for you!
- May 31, 2022
This month, we saw the national diesel average drop 4.2 cents, the House Panel approved the water bill, and truck tonnage levels trend down. In addition, the truck manufacturers group files a lawsuit to seek more time for new CARB regulations and more. Check out April's trending transportation update on the shipping industry if you missed it.
- May 24, 2022
Business owners often overlook the process of moving products from point A to point B. However, inexpensive, and all customers demand timely delivery. If your business is not actively searching for the best transportation methods, you are falling behind the competition - especially competitors who can offer free shipping.
- May 18, 2022
Logistics management involves the control and supervision of moving products and is a key aspect of any business that cannot be overlooked.
- May 17, 2022
The oil and gas supply chain is an irreplaceable part of people’s lives: it warms houses and offices, fuels vehicles, and makes the world go around. Unlike any other industry, oil and gas supply chains are incredibly complex.
- May 10, 2022
Supply chain disruptions have become commonplace in a perfect storm of events. Fewer workers, overwhelmed warehouses, and the pandemic have contributed to the current issues. With over 30 years of experience, PLS Logistics Services has seen it all, and we are here to share what we know to help you navigate supply chain disruptions.
- May 3, 2022
There is a shift in how consumers approach grocery shopping, using more channels. Annual supermarket and grocery store sales in the U.S. are over $765 billion, but there is a new, trendy way to purchase groceries- online.
- April 26, 2022
We saw rejection rates continue their rapid descent in April, pulling rates down with them. In addition, Thermo King rolls out a new trailer refrigeration unit, Transport Topics announces their top 100 brokerage firms and more. Check out March's trending transportation update on the shipping industry if you missed it.
- April 19, 2022
Whether it is GPS tracking, mobile apps, or autonomous trucks, technology is significantly impacting the way we ship. There are constantly new technological developments changing the shipping industry each day. One of the latest developments in drone delivery.
- April 12, 2022
This past month fuel prices have been a significant discussion among all U.S. citizens. But unfortunately, many industries have felt the pressure on their bottom line due to these increased prices, and the freight industry is no exception.
- April 8, 2022
A third-party logistics provider, or 3PL provider, coordinates and manages functions for better transportation and supply chain efficiency.
- April 6, 2022
Outsourced logistics services considerably impact business performance and provide significant benefits for large and small businesses.
- April 5, 2022
Understanding market trends is one of the best strategies to keep you ahead of your competitors and help you gain and retain customers.
- April 1, 2022
IoT is merging our physical and digital worlds to create powerful operative value in every industry, especially freight and logistics.
- March 31, 2022
Shipping oversized loads are not the same as shipping your typical LTL or FTL freight. Learn about heavy haul shipping to ensure successful transportation.
- March 29, 2022
We saw the Biden-Harris Administration plan for FLOW, truck tonnage increase, truckers see little benefits with the diesel tax relief plans, and more. Check out February's transportation updates for the shipping industry if you missed them.
- March 15, 2022
A digital supply chain uses digital processes for logistics management. It is vital to understand because it could save your company money and time.
- March 11, 2022
The bill of lading (BOL) is a legal document that shippers and carriers alike must understand how to accurately complete for a successful shipment.
- March 9, 2022
A Bill of Lading is one of the most important documents in the world of freight shipping. However, it’s still confusing for many companies and shippers to understand a BOL meaning and what role it plays in the transportation process.
- March 9, 2022
A bill of lading (BOL) is a legal document between a shipper of a particular commodity and the carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods. The carrier issues the BOL to a shipper of the goods. Additionally, it is essential that the information on the BOL is accurate.
- March 8, 2022
Omnichannel defines how customers use several different platforms to buy products. It aims to satisfy consumers’ needs immediately, regardless of which shopping channel the consumer uses. But how does omnichannel fulfillment work?
- March 5, 2022
Intermodal freight transportation provides companies with flexible shipping options. It can lower costs and solve capacity issues in your supply chain.
- March 4, 2022
Freight insurance protects your cargo throughout the freight transportation process. Learn about several types of insurance to protect your bottom line.
- February 22, 2022
We saw how vaccine mandates affected truck rates, airline transportation purchases, future supply chain predictions, and more. Check out January’s transportation updates for the shipping industry if you missed them.
- February 15, 2022
As the supply chain industry is constantly evolving, it can be challenging for business leaders and supply chain managers to stay on top. So, this year, instead of reacting, companies will be proactive and stay in front of the global supply chain disruption with these top supply chain trends to look for in 2022.
- February 8, 2022
Hazardous materials require extra care when shipping and can result in danger and damage along with hefty fines if done incorrectly.
- February 1, 2022
While Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is straightforward, the LTL freight class may seem confusing for many. This Freight Classification plays a prominent role in calculating how much the carrier will charge you for transporting your shipment. Choosing the wrong Freight Class could waste money, time, resources, and delay shipments. Therefore, it is important to classify a shipment correctly.
- January 25, 2022
Check out last month's new transportation updates in the shipping industry.
- January 18, 2022
Less than truckload (LTL) freight means transporting products or goods that do not require a full truckload. These freight loads are smaller and result in multiple shipments on one truck. These shipments usually range from 150 pounds – 10,000 pounds.
- January 11, 2022
While operating in a progressively complex logistics world, companies currently need all the help they can get to help them work smarter, easier, and more efficiently. As a result, technology like Transportation Management Systems is now more critical than ever.
- December 21, 2021
Check out last month's new transportation updates in the shipping industry.
- December 21, 2021
When a truck is loaded and driving to its destination, truck drivers earn money in the trucking industry. This is because the more cargo you haul, the more you make. However, what is it called when a truck is empty and driving on the road? These are considered deadhead miles and are what truck drivers try to avoid the most.
- December 7, 2021
With Christmas right around the corner, thousands of boys and girls are preparing their letters to Santa all over the world, patiently waiting for Christmas day. Each year, children wake up and spring out of bed, with the realization that Santa has finally come. Running to their Christmas trees, only to be amazed each year by the gifts underneath. This expectation must be satisfied on time for each kid worldwide because the delivery of happiness can't wait on Christmas, right?
- November 30, 2021
Check out last month's new transportation updates in the shipping industry.
- November 23, 2021
Many terms are confused in the logistics and transportation industry, especially if you don't have years of industry experience. Examples of words that might be confused are '3PL Provider' and 'freight broker.' Many shippers consider these terms interchangeable; however, there is a significant difference between a 3PL and a freight broker.
- November 16, 2021
Trust and Respect are the two things needed to build a successful relationship with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. Often, these terms become the exception, not the rule. As a result, many shippers that use 3PL providers believe that micromanagement and persistent price pressure will prove the best result. In reality, the opposite is true.
- November 9, 2021
The shipping industry has noticed that most of the companies use preloaded containers. So, this makes us assume that drop and hook would be a hit with shippers and carriers? But what is drop and hook, and what are the advantages?
- November 2, 2021
Check out last month's new transportation updates in the shipping industry.
- October 26, 2021
A company’s logistics is turning materials into products and delivering the products to the customers. We know these processes as “inbound logistics” and “outbound logistics.” Knowing the difference between the two is essential for understanding the flow of logistics.
- October 12, 2021
If you are ordering a heavy load for your business, you will need to consider how it will be delivered. Usually, heavy equipment is shipped on a pallet and arrives on either an FTL (full-truckload) or LTL (less-than-truckload). If your facility has access to a loading dock, then you're set. However, what happens if you don't have access to a loading dock? How will you get the products off the truck? Considering a liftgate service could be your best option.
- October 5, 2021
Learn how to calculate your freight shipping costs in minutes.
- September 28, 2021
Check out last month’s new transportation updates in the shipping industry.
- September 21, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has irrevocably altered the e-commerce environment. As a result, new market demands are straining retail supply chains worldwide due to strong digitalization and the exponential expansion of internet shopping.
- September 14, 2021
The prolonged global port congestion, caused by the inability of the biggest ports to handle all arriving ships, is expected to last at least until the first half of 2022.
- September 7, 2021
Engaging your suppliers in a vendor compliance program is an effective way to foster a trusted relationship with them and ensure superior performance from their side.
- August 31, 2021
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates of August 2021!
- August 25, 2021
FTR’s Intermodal Competitive Index (ICI) rose in October 2016, reflecting a moderately favorable environment for intermodal transportation. The ICI looks at a variety of factors including truck capacity, fuel prices, rail service, intermodal rates, and more.
- August 24, 2021
Backorders occur when a product is unavailable for immediate purchase, but there is an upcoming restock date for it making it available in the future.
- August 17, 2021
For every business, inbound freight is a vital component of their supply chain. If companies neglect their inbound freight strategy, the transportation process can become obscured and lead to overspending.
- August 10, 2021
There are plenty of definitions for visibility, and multiple ways to achieve it. In terms of technology, it all comes down to the key solution: a transportation management system (TMS).
- August 3, 2021
Shippers often are not aware of how they can reduce shipping costs with their own efforts. Before diving into the shipment booking process, here are some tips on how to get the best LTL freight rates.
- July 27, 2021
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates of July 2021!
- July 20, 2021
There are several recommended practices that can improve your truckload freight performance if you're looking to optimize your FTL strategy and freight management.
- July 6, 2021
There are several ways to improve LTL transit times that we will explore in this blog. With this information, you will see your on-time delivery, a crucial LTL key performance indicator, begin to improve.
- June 29, 2021
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates of June 2021!
- June 22, 2021
Cargo theft is an unpredictable year-round occurrence, but the holiday season is a prime time for freight thefts. With the 4th of July quickly approaching, it’s a great time to learn what you can do to help prevent theft.
- June 15, 2021
For businesses who want to start working with a third-party logistics company, a request for proposal (RFP) is probably one of the first terms they will come across.
- June 8, 2021
When it comes to supply chain integration, there are two known technologies that provide it: APIs and EDIs. Learn more in this PLS blog.
- June 1, 2021
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates of May 2021!
- May 25, 2021
Sustainable logistics is no longer just a buzzword. It has taken over as an attainable, essential, and lucrative business strategy. Learn why in this PLS blog!
- May 18, 2021
A reputable 3PL will provide the supply chain visibility, technology, and excellent customer service needed to exceed your customers’ expectations.
- May 11, 2021
More companies outsource their logistics operations or even the entire supply chain to logistics companies. Once you’ve decided to use logistics services for your business transportation needs, the next step is to choose a freight shipping company.
- April 27, 2021
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates of April 2021!
- April 20, 2021
As logistics management is a crucial part of supply chain management, the way companies handle it required changing, too. Logistics management is a controlled and optimized flow of goods on a local, regional or global level.
- April 13, 2021
The year 2020 was anything but ordinary, and the imbalance caused by shutdowns and business restrictions continues to affect supply chains across the world in 2021. Such ripple effects impacted consumer spending patterns and exacerbated pricing, leading to spikes in truck freight rates.
- March 30, 2021
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates of March 2021!
- March 23, 2021
With all the great success and efficiency of the approved vaccine providers, there are still challenges with the vaccine supply chain, distribution, and transportation.
- March 16, 2021
Companies can't stay away from using supply chain technology to enhance their digital supply chain management and business performance.
- March 9, 2021
Due to the ongoing demand for trucks after winter storms over the last few weeks, the national average for mid-haul outbound tender rejection rates has increased to 31.76%. There were some significant shifts in the following three carrier lanes: Los Angeles - Dallas, Houston - Dallas, and St. Louis - Columbus.
- March 2, 2021
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates of February 2021!
- February 16, 2021
Sustainable logistics and green supply chain management practices are becoming increasingly common across the industry due to the rise in consumer expectations for businesses to be environmentally friendly.
- February 9, 2021
Reverse logistics management became increasingly difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn 3 ways to manage your reverse logistics in the age of returns.
- February 2, 2021
Logistics cybersecurity has been an industry concern for a long time. With more technology and devices being integrated into supply chains, the massively connected system was emerging instead of linear physical and old-wired supply chains.
- January 26, 2021
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates in January 2021!
- January 19, 2021
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) released the final updates of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) on December 19, 2020. This update includes changes mainly regarding such commodities as electronics, building materials, automotive, and apparel. It is crucial for retailers to keep track of the NMFC updates, as inaccurate freight classification can increase shipment costs and disrupt operations.
- December 22, 2020
Not too long ago, 2018 was heralded as an extremely successful year for the trucking industry, with the overall industry revenue up $96 billion. Increased customer demand, tremendous freight volumes, and advancements in logistics technology raised the bar on expectations. Unfortunately, 2019 couldn’t keep up. By the end of 2019, there was a 27% dip in freight rates with many companies suffering as a result.
- December 15, 2020
Many supply chains were shaken due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenging economic situation has shed light on the key gaps in many companies’ transportation systems. While every supply chain executive is looking for ways to build resilience, inventory, and warehouse management become another top priority for businesses in 2021.
- December 8, 2020
It’s been a few weeks since the official victory of Joe Biden in the US presidential elections. While the win of a Democratic party representative over the Republican Donald Trump has resulted in lots of discussions, many now try to forecast how it will change the US economy. Experts anticipate changes in many industries, and we are particularly interested in how Biden’s presidency will affect logistics and transportation. Here are some key things to know.
- December 1, 2020
With 2020 in the rearview, what will 2021 look like for the logistics and transportation industries? See what might lie ahead and how you can prepare for this year's challenges.
- November 24, 2020
Take a look at how November 2020 helped shape this year's trends in supply chain management and how your organization can grow as 2020 comes to a close.
- November 17, 2020
COVID-19 has upended everything, but with vaccines now available, supply chains are about to be tested. See how you can prepare your supply chain amidst this turmoil.
- November 10, 2020
With new HOS rules coming into effect, freight carriers and their drivers need to adjust to a new normal. Take a look at what the new rules are and how you can adapt to them.
- November 3, 2020
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has changed nearly every industry. From supply chains to store shelves, the way businesses manage their infrastructure and customers has fundamentally changed. Retail has been particularly challenged by the virus in the way consumers shop, search, and spend. Organizations have fought to catch up in these uncertain times.
- October 27, 2020
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates of October 2020!
- October 20, 2020
Peak shipping season is just around the corner and there’s no better time for companies to start preparing for cold weather and a more active market. But like everything else this year, 2020 presents new challenges in the face of COVID-19 including market challenges and unpredictable consumer trends. It’s never been more important for organizations to be ready for this year’s shipping surge.
- October 13, 2020
The oil and gas industry has historically been resilient, weathering crises, disruptions, and economic downturns. But just like everything else in 2020, the disruptions caused by COVID-19 have exposed weaknesses throughout this sector.
- October 6, 2020
2020 has proven it’s impossible to be prepared for everything. Not only transportation budgeting but global strategies were interrupted by recent events. Although the global market has been frequently interrupted in recent months, there are still many things within your control when it comes to your organization’s shipping strategy. It’s important to take advantage of the things that will save you money.
- September 28, 2020
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates in September 2020!
- September 22, 2020
What is HVAC and what does it stand for?
HVAC is an acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The term encompasses all products and services related to the industry. Climate control systems and equipment are crucial for houses, facilities, and businesses around the world.
- September 8, 2020
There’s no surprise that the chemical industry is a complex one and requires high operational productivity. Now, with an unstable market, pressuring customer demands, digitalization, and industry consolidation, some chemical companies are crippled under the pressure.
- September 1, 2020
Even in well-prepared industrial branches of the global economy, there is a tight interdependence on external factors. The mining supply chain relies on many fluctuating factors, that are (or at least turned out to be in recent times) vulnerable to unpredictable economic conditions.
- August 25, 2020
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates in August 2020!
- August 24, 2020
Often, people have a preconceived notion that freight brokerage companies are over-priced scams when, in reality, they are often useful partners. Besides, the benefits of freight brokers are numerous.
- August 18, 2020
You might think that attending conferences can be expensive, or as an employee, you might think you don’t have much to do at the event. However, a supply chain conference can be incredibly rewarding, if you choose the right events to attend.
- August 11, 2020
What is LCL shipping?
LCL shipping is sea freight shipping that requires only partial use of shipping containers. This means your shipment will be located in the container with several other shipments, and the cost of transportation will be split between the shippers.
- August 4, 2020
A strategy is a crucial part of any business, and it is even more important when thinking about a complex system like a supply chain. The term ‘strategy’ is often confused with what it’s not, or is considered to be a vaguely-meaning fancy word. However, businesses with a well-thought-out, long-term strategy reach and exceed their goals and are better at surviving turbulent times, compared to short-sighted management techniques.
- July 28, 2020
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates in July 2020!
- July 21, 2020
For some shippers, time-critical transportation is a necessity. Time-sensitive or expedited freight shipments are mostly goods with a short shelf life, like produce and perishables or prescription drugs. Sometimes, urgent shipments like equipment or details can also require time-sensitive transportation. To get the best experience while using time-sensitive freight shipments, consider looking at a few tips.
- July 14, 2020
When it comes to shipping hazardous materials, safety is key. Hazardous freight is sensitive to external influences and can be very dangerous, so preparing and shipping hazardous materials requires thorough planning, careful approach, and responsible execution. It is your responsibility as a shipper to properly pack and classify the goods.
- July 7, 2020
Securing the lowest freight rate and finding the right price match for your freight has always been a challenge. In today’s uncertain market, it is even more difficult to find capacity and freight shipping rates. Despite some companies feeling pressure to offer lower freight rates, the market remains uncertain, and rates may jump higher than before the pandemic.
- June 30, 2020
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates in June 2020!
- June 23, 2020
The recent months were extremely transforming for many industries. For some, the effects were damaging. But some industries have flourished during the pandemic, like the e-commerce industry. Many small businesses that were inclined to locally selling their goods, or were focused on a physical store, experienced tough times. However, ones with wider customer coverage and a strong online presence seemed to grow their online sales even more.
- June 16, 2020
There are two options for the meaning of FOB: free on board and freight on board. Free on board is the preferred phrase for freight shippers. Learn more here!
- June 9, 2020
Meat supply chains in the U.S. have been severely affected by the coronavirus. In particular, the most hard-hit industry within the food supply chain was meat processing. Since numerous workers have tested positive for COVID-19 on multiple meat plants across the country, the entire supply chain was disrupted.
- June 2, 2020
The concept of making the shipping industry more environmentally friendly has been a priority for businesses for many years. During the current COVID-10 pandemic, this issue comes into the spotlight even more. Although the coronavirus has had horrible, devastating effects on the population and economy during the past few months, the impact on the environment was positive. With fewer commuters, hindered global travel and logistics, and generally decreased human activity, people have noticed a significant environmental impact.
- May 26, 2020
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates in May 2020!
- May 19, 2020
What is multi-stop truckload shipping?
In truckload shipping, there are two points on the route: A and B. Your freight is picked up and then delivered to the final destination without any in-between locations. However, sometimes shippers need a few additional stops on the way, for various reasons. This is called multi-stop truckload shipping. The trouble with this type of shipping is that carriers often reject it, and it is usually more expensive. Although this method is slightly more complicated than regular truckload, if you require multiple stops, you can arrange it in a planned and cost-effective manner.
- May 5, 2020
Many shippers underestimate the value a freight broker can bring to their transportation strategy. These professionals can significantly increase the performance of your freight shipments and save you costs. While there are many benefits of using a good freight broker, you somehow have to assess their effectiveness for your company. To get the best out of the freight broker, you have to make sure you are receiving high-quality services from a legitimate specialist.
- April 14, 2020
Regardless of the circumstances, a company’s ability to survive disruptive processes and events is one of the key differentiators of a successful business strategy. The thing is, most companies start to realize its importance only when the storm already happens. In the majority of cases, risk management strategy sits far down the list of business priorities and often can be put on the backburner of business plans.
- April 14, 2020
The oil industry was one of the most severely hurt industries during the coronavirus pandemic. On April 20, oil prices went negative for the first time in the history of the oil market, peaking at -$37.60 per barrel. For comparison, at the start of the year, an oil barrel costs $60. Such a bizarre drop was caused by a huge discrepancy between oil supply and demand. Worldwide lock-downs, drastic air flight shortages, and fewer commuters resulted in a sharp fall in fuel demand.
- April 7, 2020
The impact of COVID-19 on human lives is the first thing everyone should worry about. Thousands of deaths around the world have made the virus a huge threat to humanity, in many ways. One of the other ways it impacts us is the impact on global economy. The spread of the disease and restricting measures to contain it have put many businesses in frustrating situations, and even cause people to lose their jobs. Many companies look for effective ways to avoid damage, layoffs, and shutdowns. There are several useful practices that can help midsize and larger businesses to survive the coronavirus crisis.
- March 31, 2020
There were many new transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates in March 2020!
- March 24, 2020
Logistics and transportation powers almost every single industry in the modern economy, including the healthcare system. Transporting medication, hospital equipment, medical supplies, and different vaccines play a crucial role in global health care. Today, medical supply chains and their proper, smooth operation define the success rate of delivered treatment. One crucial branch of health supply transportation is the vaccine supply chain.
- March 17, 2020
The highly contagious virus known as COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan, China, has now been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. With hundreds of thousands of people infected globally, the coronavirus revealed itself as a huge threat not just for the health industry, but also to the global economy. Supply chains, in particular, are being affected by coronavirus.
- March 10, 2020
Changing market demands and technological advancements are driving many transformative processes to the supply chains. There is a lot of noise and buzzwords when it comes to trends and technologies that will influence the way supply chains operate. Not all of them can make a huge impact, but there are a couple of supply chain management trends that will actually reshape modern supply chains.
- March 3, 2020
There were many new and exciting transportation updates in the shipping industry last month. Check out some of the top stories and transportation updates in February 2020!
- February 25, 2020
Less than truckload (LTL) is a beneficial and cost-efficient option for shipping goods. However, it’s often challenging for the shippers to manage it in the right way. It can be complicated to recognize the opportunities for better LTL freight performance. If you often face shipment delays, disruptions, or spend too much on LTL freight, you probably want to improve the effectiveness of the process. There are several useful practices you can implement to improve LTL efficiency.
- February 17, 2020
In truckload shipping, capacity for a fair price is what companies and logistics providers are searching for. Sometimes it can be easy to find, but most of the time it can be a challenge. Even with all the available trucks in the U.S., almost two-thirds of them are already driving, loading or unloading someone else’s freight, which can complicate finding a truck for a good price. There are several factors that define your success in getting the required capacity on-time, and one of them is truckload lead time in shipping.
- February 11, 2020