Trinity Logistics is proud to announce that we have earned recognition as a Top Workplace for Women by Women In Trucking (WIT) for a second year. Criteria to be considered for this list surrounds a company culture that supports gender diversity, flexibility in hours, competitive compensation, quality benefits, training and continued education opportunities, career advancement, and other factors. Trinity is proud to be a company that checks so many boxes to create a space for women to experience growth and excellence. 

Trinity offers flexibility in hours, quality benefits for families, many continued education opportunities to help support career growth, and an overall company culture that is both positive and family-friendly. Many of our leadership roles are held by women Team Members, including our current President, Sarah Ruffcorn. 

To date, Trinity’s employees are 55% are women, with 23% of those women holding a management or leadership role. 

“In the 12 years I have worked for Trinity the leadership team has supported me through many stages of life. I started right out of college and since then have had a child, married, experienced life-altering health issues, and so much more,” said Ashley McAvoy, Business Analyst II at Trinity. “Through it all, I’ve been offered opportunities to advance my career with employer-funded certifications and training, as well as education opportunities with tuition reimbursement for my MBA. Trinity’s deeply-rooted family culture provides me time off, flexibility, benefits, and a support system of Team Members and leaders beyond what anyone could expect from an organization.”

“Trinity recognizes those who have the desire to succeed and assists those team members on their journey, no matter their gender,” said Tanya Vanderheul, Director of Operations in Kansas City. “It is through Trinity’s strong Culture and our Guiding Values; specifically, Determination – and in combination with my desire to grow; that I was empowered to work my way into a leadership position. Not a day goes by where I regret my decision of entering into a leadership role and being on board with the diverse and fantastic team members at Trinity Logistics!”

Trinity is proud of its company culture and inclusion of all, no matter their gender. We strive to continue to be diverse and offer everyone an opportunity to grow their career and the business. 

Interested in working somewhere “Different On Purpose”?  

Learn more about our company culture and see our current job openings

CLICK HERE

Author: Christine Griffith

Oversized loads haul many types of materials and products that keep us everyday consumers moving forward. From tree trunks that turn into lumber for our homes, manufactured homes that give us shelter, and solar panels that create energy for those homes; oversized shipments are needed to keep society running. But they can have some of the most complex shipments. Oversized loads may need safety equipment, escorts and permits for their travel alone. Additionally, regulations vary in every state. That is more than enough to give anyone a headache. That’s why we wanted to write up this blog; to simplify what you need to know when shipping oversized loads and offer you one place to find all oversize load regulations by state.

Shipping heavy haul or an oversize load? This type of freight shipping can be complicated. We’re here to help you understand the regulations that go into these shipments so you can navigate them with ease.
What is considered an oversized load?

An oversized load can be any load that exceeds the maximum legal weight or dimensions. Each state has different legal limits, however federal guidelines are as follows:

*It is important to know the exact dimensions of an oversize load to be able to determine if a permit and/or support services are required.

Proper equipment

Besides meeting legal regulations, oversized freight needs the right equipment to move it. You want to make sure know your equipment limits and to not overload it. Overloading can have bad effects on steering, braking, and speed control, not to mention causing damage to the truck itself. Your freight should be positioned correctly on the flatbed for even weight distribution. Poor positioning and being too top heavy can mean a higher possibility for a rollover. 

Oversized freight can cause big problems if not secured properly. Loose cargo that falls off can cause traffic problems and has the potential to hurt someone or worse. Make sure the right materials are used to tiedown the freight or equipment to keep it from moving during transport.

*Finding the right equipment and experienced driver can be challenging with oversized loads. Thankfully, Trinity Logistics has a carrier network of over 70,000 and strong relationships with experienced heavy haul carriers.

Escorts

The rule of escort vehicles also differ by state. Depending on the type and size of the load, there may need to be one or two escort vehicles required. Additionally, if the load is extra wide, some states demand that there be law enforcement escorts, with their time usually paid for by the hauling company.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment includes warning signs, flags, and lights to give visibility to drivers of the oversized load and its edges. Most states call for a yellow and black sign or banner that states “WIDE LOAD” or “OVERSIZED LOAD” on the back and/or front of the vehicle. If the load is permitted to move at night, amber or red lights are required, as well as whenever there may be reduced visibility, such as fog or rain. 

*All safety equipment is required to be removed or turned off when the truck is not hauling the load.

Permits

Even though oversize load regulations vary by state, any load that exceeds legal limits in weight or size MUST get a permit for the state being traveled through. For an oversized shipment traveling through multiple states, that may mean multiple permits. Permit fees can range to as little as $15 or over $70, depending on the state and size of the load. Some states charge $15 application processing fess, but if you frequently move oversized loads, they may offer you to set up an account to reduce or drop future application fees. Permits can be purchased for one-time moves, multiple moves of similar hauls, or even an annual permit for the movement of similar hauls.

*Exact routes need to be specified on the state permit for oversized loads. Penalties for not adhering to the conditions of the permit, or for not having the permit can result in significant fines.

Looking for an extensive guide to keep on hand for your over-dimensional shipping? Check out our Over-Dimensional Shipping guide here.

Oversize load regulations by state

The most important takeaway, and most challenging aspect of oversized loads, is that every state has different regulations. The operator must be aware of the requirements in each state and be prepared to honor those when moving through multiple states. Find out what you need to know about a certain state’s requirements by clicking on its link below:

Alaska  Alabama  Arizona  Arkansas  California  Colorado  Connecticut  Delaware  Florida Georgia  Hawaii  Idaho  Illinois  Indiana 

 Iowa  Kansas  Kentucky  Louisiana Maine  Maryland  Massachusetts  Michigan  Minnesota  Mississippi  Missouri  Montana  Nebraska 

 Nevada  Nebraska New Hampshire  New Jersey  New Mexico  New York  North Carolina  North Dakota  Ohio  Oklahoma  

Oregon Pennsylvania  Rhode Island South Carolina  South Dakota  Tennessee  Texas  Utah  Vermont  Virginia 

 Washington  West Virginia  Wisconsin  Wyoming

It’s easy to see the complicated aspects of an oversized shipment is. You can simplify your oversized shipments by finding a reliable and experienced logistics provider, such as Trinity Logistics. Complex shipments are what we excel in, and oversized shipments are one of those niches that we have developed a skill for. We have the knowledge you’re looking for and the reliable carriers you need to keep your business moving. 

Why not simplify your logistics today?
Request a quote

Author: Christine Griffith

On August 29th, The Trinity Foundation held its 10th Annual Heart and Sole 5K. Money raised from this event goes back to the local community through the Tidal Health’s Cardiology Unit. This year’s event raised over $10,000 to support this area of focus for the Trinity Foundation.

Photo of runners during the annual Heart & Sole 5K

Even in the midst of Covid-19, the event was able to be held live and in-person with sanitation and social distancing measures. Though the date had to be pushed back from the original event date in April, 79 runners/walkers were able to participate. This year’s 5K race winners can be found here.

This annual event was made successful by our sponsors and our participants. Thank you to Trinity Logistics, Burris Logistics, Dianne’s Travel, Banyan Technologies, Internet Truckstop, Quantum Edge, Sussex County Council, X-Squad, Legacy Vesting LLC, and Tidal Health, who helped the Trinity Foundation make this event happen. 

The Trinity Foundation would like to say thank you to all who sponsored and attended the race. Events are a huge part of how we raise funds to support our communities. We are grateful to have been able to keep this one in action as many other events had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. We are hopeful that many of our in-person events will be brought back in 2021 and look forward to seeing everyone then. Until then, be sure to keep a look out for some new virtual events the Trinity Foundation will be holding. This pandemic will not hold us back from continuing to strengthen our communities, nor having some fun while doing so!

If you would like learn more about the Trinity Foundation, see upcoming events, or make a donation online,

click here

Author: Christine Griffith

Cold chain warehousing solutions are mostly used by bigger companies that are dealing with perishable items. For example, manufacturers in the food industry use them to warehouse their products until they make their way to end-users. This kind of warehousing is used for storing items that need cool surroundings to prolong their life and keep them from spoiling. There are many more benefits that come with cold chain warehousing solutions, thus, if this is something that may interest you, keep on reading.

Different Types of Cold Warehousing Solutions

One of the benefits of cold chain warehousing solutions is that there are many different types to choose from. For example:

These are just some of the many different types of cold chain warehousing solutions. You, as an individual or a company, should choose one that best suits your needs and budget. 

Versatile Use

It is important to mention that cold chain warehousing solutions are rather versatile. For example, you can use them when storing or transporting perishable foods, as mentioned before. Those can be fruits, vegetables, all types of meat and seafood, as well as all types of dairy products. You can also use them for plants and flowers if you are their manufacturer, distributor, or seller. Finally, you can use them for biopharmaceutical products should you own a clinic or a lab. Many different businesses can benefit from their use.

Whether you are starting your business that deals with perishable products or relocating a business operation that deals with perishable items, choose a warehousing solution that suits your needs. 

Customized To Fit Your Needs

Another thing that makes cold chain warehouse operations great is that they also vary in features they provide to their users. Depending on your needs, the warehousing you choose can be either fixed or portable, or even both if that is what you need. 

Moreover, if you need to store and ship frozen food, you’re not the one who will be shivering.  But the temperature inside them is not the only thing you can control. You can control its humidity and the circulation of air. We all know how important those two are for keeping perishable items fresh and of good quality. Thus, it does not matter what kind of items you are working with. If you get custom cold storage, you can easily adjust its features to suit your needs.

Use of Technology 

We live in the age of technology. Thanks to it, we are able to control almost anything with our phones, for example. You can turn the washing machine on, check whether everything is okay in your office, and even manage your cold chain warehousing. 

Yes, using your phone, you can monitor your warehousing. You can constantly check the condition of your perishable items inside, as well as adjust the features from your phone or computer, etc. The possibilities are endless.

What interests most companies when it comes to technology and warehousing is the data that can be analyzed. For example, you can monitor the condition and quality of your perishable items based on the effects they exhibit and which were obtained from traceability. What this does is improve the overall management of perishable products.

Have Backup

New technology and cold chain warehousing solutions save you time, energy, and money. They extend the life of your perishable products, keeping them at their best quality for your customers. Finding those warehousing solutions can be difficult, which is why working with a logistics provider, like Trinity Logistics, can make your work easier. With over 40 years of experience as logistics problem solvers and being a part of the Burris Logistics family, Trinity can help you find the warehousing solution you need.

Looking to get started with Trinity Logistics for your warehousing needs?
Request a quote

Chemical manufacturers collect and use a lot of data in their supply chain. They deal with data on their products, customers, transportation, storage, operations and more. Acquiring that data is not hard but managing and utilizing that information to be able to analyze your business is the challenge. Taking advantage of a Managed Services solution can assist in better managing and using your data in your chemical supply chain.

Managed Services

Managed Services is when you outsource your freight and logistics processes to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, such as Trinity Logistics. You can find ways to manage your data in one place using a 3PL’s Transportation Management System (TMS). By better managing, using, and analyzing your data, an organization can reduce costs, improve margins, generate revenue, and make smarter business decisions. How does a TMS offer you all this?

Supply Chain Visibility

A TMS can provide visibility into your supply chain data in many ways. Best-in-class TMS’s, such as Trinity Logistics’, can provide better insight into your logistics processes.

Executives can combine this improved visibility with robust reporting to help guide their decision making. You can also provide system access to your outside supply chain members such as suppliers, carriers, and vendors. Each partner can better plan for their part, having the potential to reduce expensive production costs, limit excessive accessorial charges, and improve customer service.

Freight spend visibility has many benefits within itself. By analyzing freight spend by lane, companies can learn which of their lanes are not profitable based on transportation costs. Identifying company-wide shipment volumes and rates can provide you leverage when negotiating your carrier contracts.

Reporting & Analyzing

Not all TMS’s can generate the reporting you may need. Most generate basic reports that summarize your transportation information. Examples of basic reports include freight spend totals, shipment statuses, and shipment volume reports. But a best-in-class TMS can generate advanced reports that go into specific logistics metrics. Advanced reports can include accountability, analyzed freight spend, lane analysis, and carrier performance to name a few. The reports are dynamic, and you can filter, summarize, or graph information based on what you want to see.

The above-mentioned offers:

Accountability Reports

Accountability reports offer companies the opportunity to hold core members of their supply chain accountable for controlling costs. For example, with carriers you can view costs of carriers used, late fees accrued, any unnecessary detention charges and more.

Analyzed Freight Spend Reports

Analyzed freight spend reports allow a company to track their freight spend based on parameters. Having the ability to track it in this way ensures that potential causes of lost profits are identified and addressed right away.

Lane Analysis Reports

Analyze changes in rates by lane and predict trends in your freight costs with a lane analysis report. You can prepare for changes up front or try to prevent them altogether through carrier rate negotiations.

Carrier Performance Reports

Carrier performance reports can help you identify which carriers are best meeting your transportation needs.

Reports are an important tool to use to find areas of successes and setbacks. Once identified, companies can take advantage of this information by adjusting their practices. They can find ways to create more successes and overcome shown setbacks. Yet, most companies don’t have the technology needed to analyze their processes in such a manner. Money is often wasted on unknown and unnecessary expenses.

Quarterly Business Reviews

When choosing to work with Trinity’s Managed Services team, you gain a relationship with a specialist. Our Team analyzes, produces, and presents Quarterly Business Reviews (QBR), making it easier for you to digest your data. We help you understand what is working, what is not, and what can be done to further escalate your company’s growth.

The importance of data doesn’t revolve around how much data you have, but what you do with it. Managing and analyzing your data effectively is what will take your chemical company even farther. Take it from one of our largest chemical customers, Albaugh;

““We have had tremendous growth over the last 3-4 years. This would not have been possible without the level of service and expertise Trinity Logistics provides. They are a true strategic partner in a very dynamic environment.”

Click here to read our case study on how Managed Services helped Albaugh with their growth.

When you combine your data with our Managed Services solutions, you can,

Do you want to see what you will find when you manage and analyze your data with Trinity Logistics?

Start your free consultation.