Cross-docking is a strategy that boosts speed and productivity for logistics companies. When executed correctly, it increases efficiency and expedites delivery so that clients achieve their goals more effectively. It’s how a good logistics company provides their customers with the ultimate in flexibility and reliable cargo delivery.
Good packaging is key to keeping cargo intact throughout its shipping journey. Using a pallet is one of the best ways to ensure your cargo arrives safely and securely at its destination. Pallets are stable transport plates made from wood, plastic or metal that are core components of modern logistical processes. Palletizing your cargo keeps it protected throughout loading, transport and unloading—and makes the entire process faster and more efficient. Pallets also make it easier to move everything from small packages to large bulky items with machinery like a forklift or pallet jack.
It’s essential to carefully prepare pallets and packages for shipping. Read on for tips on properly palletizing your freight.
A recent study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) found that truckers are waiting longer at customer docks than in previous years. The wait times associated with both pickup and delivery, known as “detention,” rose significantly since 2014, when more than 1,900 fleets and 1,600 drivers from various freight companies were originally polled. Drivers reported a 27.4% increase in delays of six hours or more when they were surveyed again in 2018.
This research conducted by the ATRI, which is the independent research arm of the American Trucking Associations, brings awareness to the full financial impact associated with detention times. As truckers spend longer time periods waiting at loading docks, this cuts into revenue and gross profits for freight companies and drivers, and ultimately, increases consumer costs. According to a 2018 report by the Department of Transportation, wait times are estimated to cost trucking companies and drivers over $1 billion per year in revenues lost.
One of the more commonly overlooked services in the shipping industry is called a liftgate service. It is required for many companies, especially those in residential-style buildings. A liftgate service is required in some instances, but it does come with an extra fee. Since shipping companies often must explain why it is required and why there is an extra fee, here are some common questions and answers.
Freight markets have seen some changes in 2019. The entire shipping industry is seeing changes from several critical points. While some carriers have had steady and reliable contract business, the more common transactional spot market is having a tougher time.
The two main areas of influence are the driver shortage and the issue of capacity storage. Each is slightly different but have a large impact on the current conditions of the freight market.
There are many potential hazards that cause damage to freight including bumps in the road, packaging fails, and even improper placement. Customers can help minimize potential damage to their freight if they package their freight correctly. This is an important step to not only keep freight safer but also to help minimize costs and save time overall.
Every industry is affected by the economy, but nowhere is this truer than the trucking and shipping industry. The highs and lows of the economy have direct correlations to the number of shipments processed, docked, warehoused, and trucked from every location.
Whether you’re on the sending or receiving end of a shipment, it’s important to pay attention to these shifts in the economy so you understand how it could impact your business.
The aspects of shipping that are most likely to change during economic highs and lows are the volume of loads on the road and the employment needs of trucking companies.
There are several factors that determine the cost of shipping. Effective freight shipping requires specific details and information regarding the freight before anything can begin the journey from point A to point B. This leads to a common customer question: what is included in shipping costs? Here is a quick break down of some of the factors that determine the final shipping price.
When you’re ready to start shipping product, chances are you will field many quotes from different trucking companies.
Obviously, as you go through these offers, one of the most important factors will be a price point that falls within your budget and increases the potential profitability.
However, it shouldn’t be the only factor you consider.
You need to know exactly what the trucking company provides at its price level. More than that, you need to know that it can be a reliable part of your supply chain and support your brand.
In other words, you need to look at more than the price when you hire a trucking company and consider how the following elements will improve this side of your business. Read more
For businesses in the on-demand and retail industry, the last and most critical step in their supply chain is the one with the most problems. This last step, universally known as last-mile delivery, involves the movement of products from their respective distribution centers to the final destination (end users). Although last mile delivery is at the tail end of the supply chain, it plays a decisive and crucial role in how customers view a business. In most cases, it is the benchmark used to evaluate the efficiency of a business’ supply chain. Read more
