Finding and selecting a cold chain logistics provider can be a tough and lengthy process. You want to make sure you find the right one. The one who you can trust in understanding your freight’s regulations and has the quality of the transportation you need for your temperature-controlled freight. Here at Trinity, we consider ourselves uniquely qualified within the cold chain. We’ve worked with thousands of shippers with temperature-controlled products, making us well-versed in the requirements and regulations. 

Don’t just take our (written) word for it. Join us and our parent company, Burris Logistics, for an educational webinar to discuss our Fully Connected Cold Chain. In this webinar, you’ll hear from three experts in the industry: Mark Peterson and Mo Shearer of Trinity Logistics and Nick Falk of Burris Logistics. They’ll all speak to the intricacies you can experience in cold chain distribution and their personal stories of expertise with commodities like seafood, produce, and more.  

Find out why Burris Logistics has become a well-known cold storage provider and how they have further grown within the cold chain industry by finding support in other areas of logistics, such as freight management with Trinity Logistics. Learn from our panelists why cold chain logistics is often best left to the experts.

If you’re in the cold chain space and have any questions or concerns about your logistics, this is the webinar to attend. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn more about our people-centric and servant approach, together with Burris, straight from some of our top members of the company. 

Join us for “A Fully Connected Cold Chain”

February 2, 2021 at 1:00pm EST. 

The Distinguished Providers of the Year Award Program offers Trinity the chance to recognize top providers within all of their transportation modes, something that had not been done previously. Award winners are carriers within the Trinity network that continued to support our customers and provide exceptional service, even throughout a global pandemic. They are well known amongst the company as providers that Trinity could not have been successful without. Trinity Logistics thanks these carriers who have been an integral part of the day-to-day operations for their continued commitment and service to Trinity Logistics.

The categories and winners are:

Additional to the top providers recognized by mode, there was a separate category created, “The Trinity Titan Award”. This award was set to recognize very small operators within Trinity’s network who have regularly dedicated their capacity and demonstrated uncommon value, or “grit” as we like to call it, to Trinity during the specified year. This award is determined by a person of exceptional importance and reputation that stands out for greatness of achievement that reflects Trinity’s values. 

Those winners are:

“We are honored to recognize these Service Providers which were selected among Trinity’s deep book of relationship partners demonstrating consistent value to our Shipper Customers during a historically difficult year. When interviewed for feedback from the more than 70 nominations by our Operations teams across the country, each one of these Service Providers stood out within their core service offering among their peers,” said Bradley Palmer, Director of Carrier Development and Pricing at Trinity Logistics. “Distinctly, this is the first year Trinity Logistics has presented its “Trinity Titan” awards. After listening to stories from our teams about these small fleets, our Leadership was compelled to honor these partners that demonstrated grit throughout a challenging year.”

Each Distinguished Provider will be presented with a crystal award to commemorate their success and achievement with Trinity Logistics. 

“Trinity Logistics wants to thank our 2020 Distinguished Providers of the Year for being key to our continued success. We greatly value the essential delivery they provide our most important customers alongside our Operations Teams. We are truly honored to work with these Providers day in and day out,” said Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity.

Trinity appreciates our contracted carriers with several other unique benefits and awards. As a select carrier Trinity offers a 1.5% QuickPay rate through TriumphPay.

To find out more about our great customer service and benefits to carriers,

Author: Christine Morris

Every year Trinity Logistics hosts a conference for their Authorized Agents. Part networking, part education, and with a little fun thrown in; this conference develops relationships within the Agent Network. They learn from one another and help each other grow, as well as hearing from industry experts.

Like everything else, 2020 changed this year’s conference. Due to the pandemic, the conference, which was planned to take place in New Orleans’s French Quarter, had to be cancelled. But Trinity never looks at situations with one lens. We’re always looking for creative ways to increase the level of success for our Agents. With this in mind,  We knew we had to find another way to get in front of our Agents, even if it couldn’t be our traditional conference.

“The relationships that our Corporate Team Members have with our Authorized Agents and that our Authorized Agents have with each other is what makes this company and our Agent Team so strong. After not being able to travel for the last 10 months and visit our Agent Offices as we usually do, having to cancel the conference, and the thought of not seeing some of our Agents this year wasn’t acceptable. We had to find another way,” said Trinity’s Director of Agent Services Jennifer Hoffman. 

With that in mind, the Agent Support Team came up with a plan to host our first ever Virtual Agent Conference. 

This approach to the Conference was a new project that had to be planned from scratch! We not only had to line up presenters and find great content but figure out the technology to put it all together.   

After a lot of hard work and learning, the conference launched to an active and engaged Authorized Agent Team on December 3rd! We had speakers from the industry such as renowned transportation economist Noel Perry, TIA’s Vice President of Government Affairs Chris Burroughs, Trinity President Sarah Ruffcorn, other Trinity leaders, and even Platinum Level Agents who shared their stories and approach with other Agents. The conference was able to bring insight into today’s market, what to expect, and how to make the best of this ever-changing and growing industry. 

During the day agents interacted with one another, deepening relationships that were already in place and virtually meeting new people across three countries! There were celebrations throughout the conference as well. We awarded our annual Platinum Agent Awards, the highest honor for a Trinity Authorized Agent. This year was even more special because 2020 celebrated the 30th anniversary of Trinity’s Agent Division! 

While nothing replaces getting to see our Authorized Agents in person, this virtual approach allowed us to continue sharing the Guiding Values that make Trinity one of the best in the business. “I’m so proud that Trinity consistently looks for new and innovative ways to support our Agents,”…said Hoffman. 

If you would like to learn more about Trinity’s Agent program or how you can be a part of next year’s conference,

The economic and operational effects of COVID-19 on the trucking industry have been challenging and devastating. Many have warned the true storm for the trucking sector has yet to arrive, and the effects witnessed to date have been warning signs of what’s yet to come.

Not all operations have been equally affected, but tough times are on the horizon for some trucking companies. The early impacts of the pandemic were at ports, as containers shipped in from China were affected there first.

As lockdowns happened and with events canceled, companies that specialize in moving concert and trade show exhibit items were affected the most. Some fleets dedicated to hauling equipment for events have noted that economic hardship. Others in similar sectors have reported equal occurrences.

THE HARDEST-HIT SECTORS

The food industry has been especially hit hard. Many restaurants and bars have had to close, except for takeout outlets that have stayed afloat. This has left food-service trucks with dwindling sources of income. The International Foodservice Distributors Association predicts the industry will lose $24 billion during the last three months of 2020as the pandemic closes eateries, hotels, and schools.

Another group affected are those who service the automotive industry. Many manufacturers have enacted temporary shutdowns, which affects fleets in more than just their shipments. This limits their supply of new parts for trucks when they need repairs.

Those servicing some of the retail sectors may also struggle. Malls and retail stores are closing at an astounding rate worldwide, slashing demand for the transportation of various goods. While online shopping and delivery could offset the losses faced by trucking companies to a degree, it will take a while for the playing field to level.

THE SECTORS BENEFITING FROM THE PANDEMIC

Of course, fleets who haul sanitizer, toilet paper, groceries, and home office supplies are staying exceptionally busy. Some fleets are even adding more freight to their rosters to keep their trucks running, while others are expanding their operations to keep up with demand.

DAT Solutions has noted that urgent retail orders continue to drive up spot rates for reefer and van equipment. The company says nervous shoppers buy as much as they can for every trip, and retailers are relying more on spot market providers to restock shelves rapidly when other truckers face delays.

Now that a significant part of the world’s population is home, families are also cooking more often. This means that freight demand for grocery and food-related truckers will continue to soar, creating a new market trend many can capitalize on if they’re quick on the uptake.

As retail takes a downward turn, an increasing number of people are shopping online and relying on curbside pickups. Amazon has reportedly been so busy that it’s hired another 100,000 staff members to keep up, while Walmart has enlisted the help of another 150,000 employees.

PREPARING FOR THE UPCOMING RECESSION

While many experts are hailing these changes as a ‘new normal’, it’s important to remember that a recession is looming. If countries put in place secondary lockdowns as the second wave of COVID-19 hits, freight won’t be flowing at the same time. The trucking industry will eventually recover if this proves to be the case, but the time frame for this recovery will depend on how long the virus takes to peak, and how long the recession will last. 

WHAT TRUCKING COMPANIES CAN DO

What can fleets do to counteract the potential effects of a second wave? That will depend on the sectors they operate in. Trucking industry professionals have warned some companies may struggle to keep their drivers busy while others will be rushed off their feet in the face of an upswing in demand.

Those in the grocery and refrigerated goods sectors aren’t likely to feel the pinch, even once the recession has arrived. Those in the general freight space may have fewer tons, fewer route miles, and fewer loads to haul. It’s realistic to expect that some carriers will not survive.

In the meantime, trucking companies should work to keep their drivers busy in any way they can. They should remain financially prudent and cut costs where necessary without compromising on safety or service quality. On the other end of the pandemic, there will be many companies that will need to restock their supply chains and they’ll need partners to help them achieve this. 

If you’re a trucking company owner or associated professional, get out there, network, talk to your customers and determine what their needs will be once the outbreak has died down. Even if business is not booming right now, you need to find a way to keep drivers in the short term so that your company does not emerge with under-used equipment and a lack of drivers.

Keep your business alive and kicking and be prepared for a decline in business and revenues. We are sitting on the precipice of some major changes in both the world’s economy and the trucking sector. It will be possible to survive, but only with the right approach and strategic partnerships.

Guest Author: Lori Dodson

Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only magazine in the supply chain industry covering the entire global supply chain, has selected Trinity Logistics as a recipient of the SDCE Green Supply Chain Award for 2020.  

The Green Supply Chain Award recognizes companies making green or sustainability a core part of their supply chain strategy and are working to achieve measurable sustainability goals within their own operations and supply chains. The award also recognizes providers of supply chain solutions and services assisting their customers in achieving measurable sustainability goals.

“This year’s 13th-annual award recognizes small, mid-size and large enterprises that leveraged green practices and solutions to further drive sustainable improvements in their supply chain,” says Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics. 

“From software solutions to transportation management systems to several other initiatives designed to reduce carbon footprint and improve the re-use of materials, sustainability continues to rank as a key component to a stronger, safer and more efficient supply chain.”

Some of the initiatives that landed Trinity’s award are our SmartWay partnership program, Responsible Care Partnership, and offering intermodal as a mode for freight transportation. 

Since 2008, Trinity has proudly participated in the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program, a federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution that is created by freight transportation. 

Since 2009, Trinity has been a part of the Responsible Care Partnership with a commitment to not only ensure the safe arrangement of chemical shipments, but improve company performance through community awareness, security, distribution, employee health and safety, pollution prevention, and process and product safety. 

At Trinity, we have an entire Team dedicated to arranging intermodal or rail shipments. We often encourage our customers this alternative and more eco-friendly mode of freight transportation whenever possible.

Trinity Logistics is honored to receive the Green Supply Chain Award for 2020, making it another reason we are proud to be a part of Team Trinity. We realize the transportation industry holds a heavy responsibility in our planet’s health and look forward to continuing our commitment to our sustainability initiatives while keeping our company’s carbon footprint low.

Does the COVID-19 vaccine have your cold chain logistics worried? If not, you should be taking it into consideration. 

Everyone’s over the pandemic. We’re ready to be back attending public events, traveling to popular destinations, have our kids in school full time, and more. So much of 2020 has had to cancel or make the move to virtual and it’s not the same. Additionally, here at Trinity, the health and wellbeing of our Team Members, Authorized Agents, Carriers, and Customers is our number one priority.

Pfizer, Moderna, and others have quickly turned around vaccine solutions, making the light at the end of the tunnel seem in reach. With everyone looking to gain some sense of normal back into their lives, it means all hands will be on deck for the upcoming vaccine distribution. That means other cold chain commodities, will fall lower in priority. How will this affect your cold chain logistics?

THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS FOR A COVID-19 VACCINE

Vaccines are fragile. Most have to store at specific colder temperatures to protect them from deterioration. If left out too long or exposed to fluctuating temperatures, vaccines can lose their effectiveness. According to the World Health Organization, one in four vaccines loses its integrity during transit. Due to their fragility and the extensive attention to detail that the logistics sector has to maintain, roughly 80 percent of a vaccine’s cost comes from its storage and transport. 

Usually vaccines transport in temperature ranges of two to eight degrees Celsius. Currently, nine COVID-19 vaccines are in their Phase 3 trials, with two, Pfizer and Moderna, being very close to distribution. Because of the quick turnaround the world is seeking, these vaccines are containing higher protein bases which need ultracold temperatures, as low as minus 80 degree Celsius. Those receiving vaccines will need to get two doses, each about three to four weeks apart. Over time, vaccines will be developedrequiring more typical refrigeration temperatures and single doses. Regardless, cold chain logistics will continue to play a vital role in the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine and for now, the specifications will be strict. 

ALL COLD CHAIN HANDS ON DECK

Currently, Pfizer expects to produce and distribute up to 50 million doses of their vaccine in 2020 and 1.3 billion in 2021; Moderna expects 20 million in 2020 and anywhere from 500 million to one billion in 2021. Not to mention the other vaccines that will make their way as well. It is estimated that to immunize 7.8 billion people worldwide, 10 billion doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be needed.

The FMCSA recently announced their most recent extension of the Hours-of-Service waiver to February 28^th and included carriers transporting COVID-19 vaccines. This effort is expected to be the biggest challenge the logistics sector has ever faced. Currently, logistics experts are struggling to plan ahead because of the lack of very specific information that they need to know about, such as the packaging, amount of dry ice needed to maintain temperatures, warehousing, equipment needed, and more. 

Shipping temperature-sensitive items? Check out our Temperature Shipping Guide.

AREAS TO WATCH

Through Operation Warp Speed, Moderna and other upcoming vaccines will deliver to the Mckesson distribution center in Irving, Texas, and then arranged deliveries to hospitals, nursing homes, and other determined points. Moderna will manufacture its vaccine in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. 

Pfizer, however, has chosen to not distribute through Operation Warp Speed. They manufacture their vaccine in Michigan and plan to ship with transportation providers such as UPS and FedEx to locations around the country. They’ve chosen to directly ship to gain greater control and real-time insights into the status of their frozen vials. 

HOW IT AFFECTS CAPACITY

Obviously, reefer capacity is going to be needed for vaccine distribution. But, it’s already tight. If you’re in the cold chain, shipping temperature-controlled items, prepare to continue paying premiums for this service.

Recently, reefer rejection rates have been at almost 50 percent. That means almost one out of every two reefer shipments are being turned down by carriers. When the rejection rates are higher, the tighter capacity is, and the higher cost for you to get your cold freight moved. Reefer rates are already 20 percent higher year-over-year due to increased consumer demand while spending more time at home. 

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

If you ship temperature-controlled goods, the upcoming vaccine distribution efforts should be a concern for your business and logistics, especially if you regularly ship through less-than-truckload (LTL). Many top tier transportation companies such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL are ready to help Operation Warp Speed in the vaccine distribution. Everyone knows the vaccine distribution is the highest priority, but transportation providers also know they will be well compensated for their service of transporting it. This means other cold chain commodities will be pushed further down in priority. This will only continue on as more COVID vaccines become available to be distributed and until risk of COVID is greatly reduced. In the form of some ultracold transportation logistics, winter is coming and the demand for reefers will continue to rise. 

SHIPPING COLD CHAIN? WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE

Communicate.

Get ready now. Start talking to your relationships and providers to make sure you will have trucks to move your freight. Talk to your customers. Let them know now that things may slow down or get behind with the upcoming and expected vaccine distribution efforts.

Things may be getting tougher for you, but I think we all know this is good. We’re one step closer to returning to some sense of normalcy. Hold on, because the light at the end of the tunnel is there. It’s now in reach. We’re just in for a few more bumps in the road, but we’ll make it. 

Looking for an expert in cold chain logistics? 

Author: Christine Morris

When asked about the key to the success of the Authorized Freight Agent Team at Trinity, our answer is always the same. Relationships. The Agent Support Team at the Corporate office is dedicated to building strong relationships with all of our Authorized Freight Agents, whether their office is in the next town over or across the country. These relationships have built friendships that can feel more like family, and bring a heavy investment in the success of our Freight Agent offices. 

However, it’s easy for us to say that we have great relationships with our Freight Agents, but why not hear directly from one of them? Get to know one of our Authorized Freight Agents – maybe you’ve seen her picture on the Authorized Freight Agent page of the Trinity Logistics website – Lyn Hollingsworth! By getting to know Lyn, you’ll gain some insight into the life of an Independent Freight Agent, what it takes to be a success in the industry, and a little about what it means to be an Authorized Freight Agent with Trinity Logistics. See how Lyn answered a few questions from our Director of Agent Services, Jen Hoffman. 

Conversation with Lyn Hollingsworth, Trinity Authorized Freight Agent

Jen: How long have you been in the industry?

Lyn: I started in the industry right out of college where I went to school for logistics, when I went to work for Preston Trucking. I started as a cost analyst, worked multiple roles, and was with them for 17 years until they closed their doors. Then I joined a small 3PL down in Florida for a few years. There were two men that ran the company and an office manager. When talking with them about the opportunity, they said I could work four or 12 hours a day, but the more business I brought in, the more money we’d all make. I thought, well, there’s a challenge and joined them! I was able to utilize a lot of my LTL contact from Preston Trucking and transitioned that to the truckload business. I was with them for about 15 years until the owners decided to retire and then my husband told me about a company he had heard of, Trinity Logistics, and I called them. I talked to Billy Banning, who was willing to take me and my customers on and it’s been great. I’ve only grown from there!

Jen: What was different about joining Trinity from your previous company?

Lyn: Well, it was funny because everything I had done with my previous company was through phone and fax. When I came to Trinity with their online system and all of their resources, my head just exploded! Before all I did was find the business and then the office manager moved the shipments. There was very little communication and I never knew when shipments were delivered! When I think about how we operated for those 15 years, it was much less professional than here at Trinity. I was so happy to come. Here and take o ownership of the entire job – sales and operations. I talk to dispatchers and drivers, track the shipments, and tell my customers exactly when their freight has been safely delivered. That constant communication builds trust with the customers and prevents problems.

Jen: So, did you always want to go into logistics? Was that always the plan?

Lyn: When I was in school, I had no idea that I would go into logistics. One of the required classes for Business Administration was a transportation class. I walked into this auditorium of 500 noisy people. The professor walked up to the microphone and started talking. Every eye in that auditorium turned to him and you could have heard a pin drop. That man was one of the most dynamic speakers that I have ever heard in my life. He took some of the driest material and made it extremely interesting. He taught us how to look up pricing using complicated tariff matrices. It was dry, but he made it fun. He was interested in what he taught and made it interesting for us. I ended up signing up for another class he taught, then another, and another, and ended up majoring in Transportation and Logistics because of this professor. At that time, Penn State was one of only a handful of schools that even offered that degree. It was brand new. I always wanted to send him a letter after I graduated telling him that he changed the course of my life with just how dynamic and enthusiastic he was about what he taught. 

Jen: You have worked as an employee for a transportation company and now as an Independent Freight Agent? What do you like, or don’t like, about being an Independent Freight Agent?

Lyn: Sometimes you can miss being around other people and sharing experiences when you work on your own. But there is nothing like not having interruptions when you are busy. You can get things done! I like being available 24/7 to my customers and carriers, they always have access to me. Coming from a company where I was only involved in sales, I prefer having control over both sales and operations.

Jen: How do you manage your business knowing that things can be very cyclical – even COVID aside – it can seem like all or nothing some days and hard to keep things consistent. How do you manage that with your customers?

Lyn: Well, pricing certainly has been cyclical over the past eight months. I’m lucky that most of the customers I have are not terribly price-sensitive. They understand when rates go up and hopefully come back down. I keep them informed about what’s going on and they understand.

Jen: Has it always been that way? That sounds like a relationship that is gained over time.

Lyn: I have worked with most of my customers for a long time. I give them dedicated service and I’m honest with them about rate trends, both up and down. Trust has been built up and they don’t shop around. That’s the only way I’ve been successful. Over the years there have been customers that I couldn’t offer competitive pricing to and they have matriculated away. But service and trust are the biggest factors with the customers that I work with.

Jen: What would you say is your favorite thing about working in this industry? Working with Trinity?

Lyn: I’d have to say the positivity of both. It’s absolutely rewarding to talk with my customers, Trinity Team members, and to talk with drivers because I always have a good time. I’m really glad when drivers pick up my shipments. I’m really glad when they call me for check calls and delivery. I tell them how awesome they are and it’s contagious. When I talk with my customers, I thank them for their shipments. Even if they are only giving me one or two shipments a week, I tell them how much I appreciate them. Then when they call me, they are in that same mood – just that same generous, hopeful, and positive spirit. All, okay, most of my customers are really fun to work with and I think they appreciate that they can call me on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and get a truck within an hour. I would definitely say that the positivity is my favorite part. I don’t have a bad day. 

Jen: What does a typical day look like for you in business?

Lyn: There are no typical days. Some are slow and some days are so busy that I don’t leave my desk at all until 8:00 at night. Probably the hardest part of the job is having no idea what tomorrow is going to look like, so it’s hard to plan. Can I relax or am I going to be glued to my desk? It’s a tough question to answer.

Jen: If you weren’t a Freight Agent, what would you be?

Lyn: I don’t really know. I like to think that I’d be teaching somewhere.

Jen: And from what I know about you Lyn, you would be that professor to change someone’s life!

Interested in becoming an Authorized Freight Agent with Trinity?

By definition, logistics is the management of the transportation of materials or equipment from where they are to where they need to be. For everyone, materials or equipment need to arrive on time and with no damage, and this lies especially true for those coordinating construction projects. Construction sites require heavy-duty and valuable equipment and materials that must be delivered on schedule. The absence of a logistics plan and tracking for your freight to your construction sites can lead to several problems. Here are some reasons why you don’t want your logistics in construction projects to be an afterthought. 

BEHIND SCHEDULE

It only takes one delayed shipment for a construction project to cause the schedule to fall behind days, weeks, or even months. According to the Electrical Contractor, in 2017, 61 percent of construction projects were shown to be behind schedule. Obviously, this is a big problem in the industry. Even worse, being behind schedule raises costs. Over half of those 61 percent of construction projects that were behind schedule were also over budget. 

EXTRA COSTS

When materials or needed equipment aren’t delivered on time and on-site when the crew members are scheduled, then they are sitting ducks with nothing to do. Since scheduled, they will still need to be paid for those days that they are on-site, whether they are working or not. Additionally, you’ll have to pay them for any extra days that they will need to complete their work, which may come with extra costs due to pushing back their work schedule. When the material or equipment needed is not on the job, you’re simply not making money. 

You’ll also need to consider theft. According to the National Crime Information Center, nearly 1,000 pieces of commercial construction equipment are reported stolen each month. Thieves often target valuable construction equipment like bulldozers, forklifts, or generators, and even materials with a high resale value. Theft can be costly as you not only have to replace the stolen equipment but face the possibility of increased insurance costs due to the claim. 

Choosing a provider to support your logistics in construction projects can give you the potential to avoid, or at least be better prepared should something happen. 

REDUCED TRUST

The worst issue caused by improper logistics planning is reduced trust in your customers and partners. Falling behind on schedule and incurring extra costs that have to go somewhere makes you seem less reliable. You could lose customers and gain a poor reputation. Nobody wants that for their business. 

BE BETTER THAN THE REST

Having effective transportation and logistics in construction projects ensures that your materials and equipment will be delivered on time, keep you on budget, and keep your reputation among customers. Yet, becoming effective with your logistics can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider partnering with a third-party logistics company (3PL) to help you can gain a competitive advantage by better managing your logistics. 

CONSIDER A 3PL TO HELP WITH LOGISTICS IN CONSTRUCTION

Focus on what you do best and let a 3PL do the rest. Working with a 3PL can eliminate the headache of handling your logistics in construction projects by offering you access to :

A VAST CARRIER NETWORK

You need experienced, qualified carriers, and 3PLs, such as Trinity, to have those much-needed relationships with them. A 3PLs service is to both shippers and carriers, allowing us to build solid relationships with carriers all over. Each motor carrier is vetted through our Compliance Team, so you’ll never have to stress over your freight arriving on time and safely.

MANY MODES

Since we work with so many carriers, we have access to many modes of transportation. Whether you need air, ocean, rail, truckload, or anything else, you’ll no longer have to work with several companies for your logistics needs. 

AUTOMATED PROCESSES

Whether you choose to outsource your freight transportation or all your logistics, you’ll see efficiency in the automation we offer. From carrier vetting, freight tracking, invoicing, and more, you can reduce your time on many manual logistics processes.

ACCESS TECHNOLOGY

No need to pay for (costly) technology when you can gain access to state-of-the-art technology when working with a 3PL. At Trinity, we offer tracking through FourKites, MacroPoint, Trucker Tools. View all your shipments and their statuses, pay your invoices online, or request a quote on a new shipment in our Customer Portal. Or work with our Managed Services team and see if a TMS solution is what you need.

GAIN MORE CONTROL OVER YOUR LOGISTICS COSTS

Through all the benefits mentioned above, you gain control over your logistics costs. When working with Trinity, you’ll have an expert on your side to help you make informed decisions so you can choose what works best for you and your budget.

KEEP YOUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ON TRACK

The main benefit you gain from using a 3PL for your logistics in construction projects is that it helps you simplify your challenges and find your own customized solutions. 3PLs, like Trinity, work with complex situations and variations frequently, and better yet, we thrive in them. In construction, we know your supply chain is always changing. When you choose to streamline your logistics, you can lower your costs and know your construction project will be completed on time. 

Trinity has supported construction and manufacturing companies of all sizes. We’ve aided in logistics projects like office buildings, roadways, housing developments, and more. We know that in your industry you need your materials and equipment exactly when and where you need them. Let Trinity help keep your construction project on track. 

Onshoring, nearshoring, reshoring – these are terms that we keep hearing in growing popularity lately. Even before Covid-19, many companies have considered onshoring their operations due to concerns about quality and supply chain disruptions. Political tensions and rising tariffs also triggered the growing considerations. 

When Covid-19 hit, it led to sky-high air and ocean freight rates. Any companies with operations in China saw their productions come to a halt. Offshoring your operations has never been riskier. You never know what could happen in another region and how that could affect your operations if offshored. So, the question is, should you be onshoring your operations?

A BRIEF LOOK BACK

Before the 1980’s manufacturing had a large presence in the United States. Technology improved communication and global transportation, so companies saw the opportunity to save on costs by offshoring their operations outside the United States. Offshoring grew and became the norm, until recently. Onshoring has become popular again due to politics, rising labor costs, and increased demand for higher quality products.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Onshoring, nearshoring, or reshoring; it all refers to the overall practice of moving manufacturing operations from foreign soil back to the United States. It may also refer to the practice of outsourcing to domestic contract manufacturers rather than overseas. Nearshoring can also refer to the moving manufacturing to outside the United States, but not across ocean waters. An example of nearshoring would be having operations moved to Mexico.

Offshoring involves outsourcing manufacturing assets far outside of the primary country of operations. American companies have traditionally offshored manufacturing to Asian or Southeast Asian regions. Offshoring has been used in situations where production, materials, and labor costs outweigh travel complexities and shipping costs. 

ONSHORING VS OFFSHORING WHEN IT COMES TO..

..YOUR CUSTOMERS

Poor customer service can have a huge impact to your company’s success. More than 50% of consumers said they would never do business with a company after just one negative experience. When choosing to onshore your processes, it gives you the benefit of serving and supporting your customers from “home”, which reduces your risk of your customers receiving poor service elsewhere. 

Customers nowadays like to support products made in their own country. They feel that it further benefits the local economy and they feel more confident in a products quality when its been made in the same country. Depending on your customer base, this could give you a huge advantage over your competitors. 

Due to the recent Amazon Effect, customers now expect their products delivered to them in days. Shorter travel times can make that expectation easier to meet. If suppliers are farther away, delivery times can sometimes be uncertain and take longer. Customers also want full transparency on their freight’s travel, and onshoring can make that more successful on your end. 

..YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN

Onshoring can offer you better supply chain management. It allows shorter lead times because companies can operate all within the same time zone (or at least closer to each other than if offshoring). Not to mention other processes that can take time, such as design and approval. All parties in the supply chain can have closer relationships because they won’t have to deal with the challenges of long distances and varying time zones. Nor do you have to worry about the risk of facing language or cultural barriers among locations. Onshoring is becoming very popular for those organizations that need a lot of communication to be successful.

..YOUR COSTS

With rising labor and shipping costs, many find savings are no longer there when it comes to offshoring. Time is money and offshoring can add weeks to delivery times. Shorter distances with onshoring mean reduced (and less complicated) transportation costs. This also means less fuel used, giving you the benefit of being greener (and customers like that). 

As time goes on, overseas economies are further developing, taxing is changing, labor, wages, and shipping costs are all on the rise; all making it less profitable to handle business offshore. Tariffs have risen in recent years, with some commodities up to a 25 percent charge. By choosing to even nearshore your operations rather than offshore, you can avoid those increased costs. 

There’s also the possibility of defected goods arriving to consider when offshoring. Recalled products have been a rising concern. The defect rates of shipments from other countries can be so high at times that entire batches must be inspected upon arrival. The time and expense to do this and rework or scrap products, can wipe out the savings offshoring promised and even exceed your original budget.

THINGS TO ASK WHEN CONSIDERING ONSHORING

Tariffs, customs, duties

• How many fees will you incur in transporting your finished goods to distributors? Could these fees be avoided if goods are produced elsewhere?

Transportation costs

• Transportation can sometimes be your largest expense. You can reduce costs by shortening travel distances or choosing to work with a logistics company, like Trinity Logistics.

Lead times

• How long will it take to get the finished product in hand? Lead times vary depending on how far away production takes place. Make sure to consider design and approval time. This is one part of the process where differences can slow down your production.

Political environments

• What is the political climate like in the region where your goods are produced? No country is immune to civil unrest. What is the political climate like between your primary company’s country and where the products are made? Consider any chance of future supply chain disruption, and those tariffs. 

BEFORE YOU DECIDE..

Before you make your decision on whether to onshore or offshore, make sure to consider all factors. Onshoring may seem like the answer right now, but will it still in the future? If transportation costs and delivery disruptions are your main concern in business, consider looking into outsourcing your logistics with third party-logistics (3PL), like Trinity. Choosing to work with a 3PL can offer you some of the same benefits as onshoring, but with less work on your part. 

Guest Author: Betty White

Environmental concerns are likely on everyone’s mind. Addressing global warming and reducing one’s carbon footprint are now primary concerns for many industries. The logistics industry, in particular, has a unique position in this context.

A brief word on the environment

Before delving deeper into the subject at hand, it is vital that we briefly touch on the current and estimated effects of emissions on the environment. It’s no secret that technological advancements often come at a cost. On the front of expanding industries and supply chains, fossil fuels’ predominant role correlates to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Industrialization has caused the global average temperature to rise by almost 2°F since 1880, according to NASA. 

Likewise, NOAA scientists have observed similar findings in the earth’s atmosphere. They recently detected the highest concentration since their records began in 1958. Scientists and researchers estimate that the average global temperature will increase by another 2.7°F before 2100, with worst-case scenarios suggesting an increase of almost 8°F.

Reducing one’s carbon footprint may not just a noble goal, but an essential one. That does not mean one should not continue to improve logistics, but only that one should entertain greener ideas on how to do so. 

Reducing the carbon footprint of the logistics sector

As logistics are an integral part of supply chains, they affect the global distribution of goods. E-commerce is increasing and customers have higher standards in terms of delivery speed. Yet, it is becoming clear that quick expansion is not sustainable, and each product’s carbon footprint needs to be reduced. Global regulations, such as those issued by the International Maritime Association (IMO), aim to do so.

Reducing carbon footprint in logistics is not without benefits. Many companies report savings after adopting greener courses of action. A commitment to sustainability also raises goodwill with your investors and stakeholders.

#1 Selecting greener suppliers

Selecting greener suppliers should be the first step towards reducing carbon footprint in logistics. The choice of raw materials on suppliers’ end often hinges on material viability towards the end product. It also affects the environment. Extracting and processing raw materials can have massively different carbon footprints. It depends on the materials and processes in question. Their energy consumption, waste, and emissions will vary, and it’s in your best interest to keep track of environmental metrics alongside performance.

#2 Centralizing supply networks

Global supply chains involve big supply networks, which need air or ocean transportation. Such means of transport can largely contribute to GHG emissions. Consolidating your supply networks across shorter distances can be one way to reduce your chain’s carbon footprint.

#3 Choosing greener means of transportation

It is vital to note that some means of transportation are less environmentally friendly than others. For example, ocean transportation is a notable contributor to global sulfur emissions. Or road transportation, which produces more emissions than rail transportation. Switching to greener means of transport across your supply chain can help reduce your carbon footprint.

#4 Optimizing energy consumption and waste production

It is a must to speak to energy consumption and waste production. One consumes energy and produces waste across all stages of a supply chain. From the refinement of raw materials to your warehouse management, you can strive to reduce both. Consider the following examples:

• Individual employee energy consumption
• Truck and forklift usage
• Handling and packaging
• Paperwork

To address the above, you might take individual measures. You may train employees to consume energy more efficiently, such as minimizing forklift use when possible. You can reduce double handling, reduce packaging, or recycle more. Finally, you can try to minimize paperwork and produce less waste.

#5 Recycle, reuse, repair

The measures we can take as individuals to reduce carbon footprint also apply across industries and supply chains. Especially given the recent effects of COVID-19, it may be time to consider greener practices as we recover and restructure operations.

Consider the following industry-specific examples:

The moving industry produces some GHG emissions by definition. In these challenging times, moving businesses are all too eager to see you get all the help you need with relocation. They also turn to greener practices as they restructure; from warehouse management practices to recycling packages.

Similarly, the cell phone industry sees many phones damaged within the first few weeks of purchase. As such, some businesses now provide incentives to recycle old devices, reduce the cost of repairs, or expand warranties. Some such changes may be harder to incorporate into one’s logistics operations, but they yield the benefits mentioned above. Depending on your industry’s unique needs, you may strive to strengthen your reverse logistics and repair operations and intensify your recycling efforts.

Conclusion

In light of the statistics mentioned above, it seems highly unlikely that we can afford to continue down a “business-as-usual” path. International laws and regulations continue to strive for greener alternatives as well, making the change to a more environmentally conscious business landscape a potential legal imperative, not merely an ethical one. However, this article hopefully demonstrated that future-proofing in this regard is both a viable and a potentially lucrative endeavor, in logistics or otherwise. 

Looking for a provider that can help you find ways to reduce your carbon footprint in logistics?