Trinity Logistics, a leading logistics solutions provider, is proud to announce Bree Severn as the winner of the Ivy Sales Forum’s sales competition held in collaboration with Iowa State University. This competition is an integral part of Trinity’s commitment to fostering talent and contributing to the real-world education of future sales professionals. 

Throughout the semester, Trinity Logistics actively participated in shaping the Ivy Sales Forum’s curriculum, ensuring that it provides students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical sales experience. The 50 students enrolled in the courses benefited from Trinity’s guidance, gaining insights that will shape their careers in sales. 

The sales competition, a two-part challenge designed to provide hands-on experience, involved students engaging with members of Trinity’s Leadership in simulated scenarios. The first part required students to pitch the value of Trinity Logistics to a hypothetical “shipper” and secure a follow-up meeting. In the second part of the competition, students showcased their negotiation skills to close a deal during the follow-up. Students were judged by Trinity Logistics and Professor Raj Agnihotri.

“It has been such an amazing experience working with Dr. Raj and his students,” said Kelsey Brown, Director of Sales at Trinity Logistics’s Iowa Regional Service Center. “The commitment to excellence and excitement they bring to both the class and competition has helped me see our industry through new eyes again. A top-notch sales program!”

Bree Severn was chosen as the winner of the sales competition for her tenacious sales disposition, warm and genuine approach, as well as overall preparedness. Bree is a junior pursuing a double major in Marketing and Management at Iowa State. Bree was awarded a prestigious trophy by Trinity Logistics to recognize her outstanding achievement and growth. Additionally, she was offered a summer internship with Trinity, however she has plans to study abroad in Greece during her break. 

“I am beyond grateful for this experience with the Ivy Sales Forum and Trinity Logistics,” said Bree. “Through this sales competition, I learned more about the logistics industry, the sales process, and the value of relationship building. I want to thank Kelsey Brown, Raj Agnihotri, the Trinity Logistics Team, and my classmates for pushing me out of my comfort zone and believing in me along the way.”

Trinity Logistics continues to be an active participant in the Ivy Sales Forum, contributing to the development of future business professionals through experiential learning opportunities.

About Trinity Logistics

Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve. 

For the past 40 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions.

We are currently recognized on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

As the industry pivots from Logistics 3.0 to Logistics 4.0, the role of Generative AI, a subset of artificial intelligence that can generate data like what it’s trained on, is becoming significant. 

What could and should you do with this technology?  Let’s follow, Alex, a seasoned logistics manager, into his journey with Generative AI in logistics. Hopefully, it will help you determine how to best apply this to your business.

Logistics 3.0 vs Logistics 4.0

Amid the hustle of daily logistics operations, Alex has found himself standing at a crossroads. The days of Logistics 3.0, with its familiar integration of technology and automation, were beginning to fade. A new era, Logistics 4.0, was dawning, bringing with it the promise of Generative AI.

In Logistics 3.0, Alex had seen the wonders of electronic data interchange, warehouse management systems, and transportation management systems. These tools paved the way for efficiency, streamlining operations, and data storage. Yet, something was missing. While data accumulated, its full potential remained untapped, and decisions largely depended on human insight.

Enter Logistics 4.0, a realm where technology is integrated and intertwined with every aspect of operations. Generative AI became Alex’s trusted advisor, offering capabilities that went beyond conventional wisdom. Here, data was stored and analyzed in real-time, creating predictive models, forecasting demand, and even simulating myriad scenarios.

Generative AI: A Helping Hand

With the introduction of Generative AI, decision-making saw a paradigm shift. No longer were decisions merely human-driven. Now, vast datasets could be processed with unparalleled speed and insights delivered directly to the team. 

Alex marveled as the AI suggested new routing strategies that outperformed traditional methods. When it came to risk management, AI could paint potential risk scenarios from existing data, enabling further preparedness against unforeseen challenges.

A New Era

Where Generative AI truly shone was in its influence on hyper-personalization and customer experience. 

Alex recalled a customer who had faced delivery delays in the past. Now before the customer could express any concerns, Generative AI analyzed previous interactions, preemptively providing solutions to identify and allow proactive mitigation of any delays. Such predictive customer service seemed like magic!

Customers were no longer treated with one-size-fits-all solutions either. Analyzing their preferences and behaviors, Generative AI tailored communications to fit an individual’s needs, background, and details. Natural Language Processing, powered by the same AI, equipped teams with accurate and individualized customer information. Moreover, dynamic pricing models consider each customer’s history, offering personalized pricing and discounts.

The power of Generative AI didn’t stop there. It sifted through mountains of customer feedback, highlighting sentiment and crafting actionable insights. This dynamic tool kept the team agile and evolving customer needs stay met.

In this new era of Logistics 4.0, Alex realized that the industry was undergoing more than just a technological shift. It was a transformation of values and priorities. Every customer interaction was now an opportunity to offer a more tailored, predictive experience that exceeded expectations.

Generative AI Concerns

Yet, as these capabilities expand, so do ethical concerns. Alex understood the importance of utilizing AI ethically, ensuring that it complements human skills rather than replacing them. He was also aware of the apprehensions among his team members.  They feared that AI might render their roles obsolete.

To address these concerns, Alex led training programs, emphasizing the useful relationship between AI and people. He shared how Generative AI could handle vast datasets, leaving the strategic and empathetic decisions to people, who were irreplaceable in these capacities. This synergy would ensure efficient logistics while preserving job roles, emphasizing the value of human touch in an AI-driven world.

Customer interactions presented another challenge. With Generative AI’s potential to personalize experiences, there was the risk of infringing on individual privacy. Alex championed transparent communication. He educated customers about how their data was used and the measures in place to protect their privacy. Training sessions were organized to equip team members with knowledge about ethical data usage, ensuring customers felt safe and valued.

Alex also recognized the importance of avoiding the misuse of AI. Though AI could suggest new routing strategies or predict potential challenges, the decision-making power remained with people. Alex believed that AI should inform decisions, not make them autonomously, especially when people’s livelihoods were at stake.

A Whole New World of Logistics

As he looked ahead, Alex felt optimistic. In this age, where brand loyalty was deeply rooted in personalized experiences, he knew that with Generative AI by his side, they were poised to lead, innovate, and set new standards in the world of logistics.

The leap from Logistics 3.0 to 4.0 marks a significant shift from manual and reactive operations to automated, intelligent, and proactive systems. Generative AI stands at the forefront of this revolution, providing the tools necessary for logistics companies to harness the power of their data, make informed decisions, and stay ahead in the competitive market.

In recent years, the transportation industry has seen a concerning rise in cargo theft and fraud, and the culprits behind it are becoming increasingly sophisticated with their tactics. According to Land Line, cargo theft increased by 49 percent in the first quarter of 2020, with an average cargo loss value exceeding $105,000 per incident. In a recent report in July 2023 by CargoNet, it was found that supply chain risk events increased 57 percent year-over-year (YoY), accounting for 44 million in stolen shipments in quarter two of the calendar year.  

With such alarming statistics, it’s essential to be proactive against cargo theft and freight fraud. So that you can be fully prepared, here are some of the most common methods used by criminals in cargo theft and fraud, along with proven strategies to prevent these issues from happening in the first place.

Common Cargo Theft and Fraud Scenarios

Dealing with cargo theft or fraud when shipping freight is far from ideal. It’s even more frustrating when you realize there are many ways for individuals to commit those crimes.

1.    Identity Theft

Identity theft is currently one of the top methods scammers use to carry out fraudulent activities in the transportation industry. Scammers will impersonate legitimate trucking companies by using their stolen identities. Once they’ve acquired a stolen identity, scammers have several ways in which they use it. Some will pose as the trucking companies, show up to pick up the freight, and then disappear with the cargo. Others will request fuel advances, take the money, and vanish. Then you have others that will take it a step further and double broker.

2.    Double Brokering

Double brokering is the unethical practice when a shipper or broker books a carrier for a shipment, and the carrier then brokers or tenders the shipment to a third party without the shipper’s or broker’s knowledge or approval. Double brokering not only raises liability concerns, such as a potential lack of insurance or approved contract with the actual carrier handling your freight, but it also results in a loss of control. If double brokering occurs, it can lead to billing and liability issues for you as the shipper or the freight broker.

3.    Hook-Up-And-Go

This method of theft is precisely what it sounds like. Thieves connect tractors to trailers and simply drive away with them. These incidents typically occur at truck stops or drop yards when drivers are distracted. Although this method is less common today thanks to advanced technology and tracking systems in trailers, it’s still crucial to remain vigilant.

Combatting Cargo Theft and Fraud

When it comes to combating cargo theft and fraud, it can be challenging to know where to start. While securing trustworthy carriers is a solid initial step, several proven methods can help prevent fraud.

1.    Communicate with the Drivers

Truck drivers are your first line of defense against cargo theft. Whenever possible, ensure that the drivers you work with have undergone proper screening to minimize the risk of fraud. It’s also important to keep your driver relationships informed about any cargo theft activities so they can stay vigilant against potential threats. Keep them aware of any hijacking hotspots and encourage them to report any suspicious incidents promptly. Additionally, if you employ drivers, ensure that they have received adequate training.

2.    Verify Employment

Before finalizing any arrangements, always verify that the person you’re talking to is authorized from the logistics company they claim to work for. Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to obtain the company’s contact information and speak to them directly to confirm their identity. If the company has no knowledge of the individual, it’s a red flag, and you’ve successfully avoided a potential scam.

3.    Check Truck Identification

Legally, every motor carrier must display their company name and USDOT or MC number on the side of their truck, found on the door of the cab. If the name on the side of the truck doesn’t match the name of the company you’ve hired or that your freight broker has arranged on your behalf, it should raise immediate concerns with your dock workers. We strongly recommend implementing a procedure that requires your loaders to inspect the door and confirm a match. If there’s any discrepancy, the truck shouldn’t be loaded until the issue is resolved. 

4.    Leverage Technology

Technology can be a powerful ally when it comes to combatting cargo theft and fraud. GPS tracking can help locate a stolen vehicle, while geofencing applications can notify you if your freight deviates from its intended route. Making use of these kinds of technology can significantly reduce the risk of any cargo theft.

“Recently, Trinity Logistics had the opportunity to attend TIA’s Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. where we met with some of our elected state officials and staff,” said Kristin Deno, Director of Operational Risk. “We discussed the spike in fraud and impacts of cargo theft to the economy, which is estimated to have a cost of 800 million per year. Ultimately, these unsightly costs trickle down to the consumer, increasing the cost of goods for all. Because many double brokered or stolen loads begin with fake identity, verifying that you are communicating with the entity you think you are, is crucial. Newly created web domains and email addresses are being used to impersonate established carriers and even shipper businesses.”

Trust Trinity Logistics to Safeguard Your Shipments

Taking a proactive stance in fighting cargo theft and freight fraud is essential to ensure the safety of your shipments.

However, handling this task on your own can be burdensome. By partnering with a reliable 3PL like Trinity Logistics, you can save valuable time that would otherwise be spent on vetting carriers.

At Trinity, we meticulously verify all carrier relationships that we work with, not just during the initial setup, but for every shipment. Additionally, our strong relationships built with trusted carriers can further strengthen your confidence that your freight will arrive safe. Our Carrier Compliance and Carrier Development Teams are testaments to our focus on carrier verification and relationship building. We also offer cutting-edge tracking technology upon request, so you’ll know exactly where your freight is located at every step of the way.

Further, we take cases of cargo theft or fraud seriously. Situations where carriers are caught engaging in double brokering or identity theft are researched and offenders may be immediately placed on our Do-Not-Load (DNL) list.

Now, we understand that no matter what you do, things still sometimes happen. Even so, we’re proud to share that less than one percent of all shipments coordinated with Trinity Logistics end up in a claim. When that does happen, we’re just as prepared to tackle it. We have a Cargo Claims Department at the ready to assist you in navigating issues that may arise from your shipment with an average rate of 60 days in resolving cargo claims.

If the possibility of cargo theft and freight fraud is keeping you up at night, then consider working with Trinity Logistics so you can gain peace of mind over your freight shipments.

Stay up to date on the latest information on conditions impacting the freight market, curated by Trinity Logistics through our Freightwaves Sonar subscription.

FLAT RATES, EXCEPT FOR LTL

Much of what we have seen this year has been around carrier rates remaining relatively flat. Apart from a few seasonal or holiday peaks, and a slight up or down influence due to fuel costs, spot rates and contract have been stagnant. As you can see in Figure 1.1, the green line has hovered between $1.70 and $1.80 for the past six months.  

Less-than-truckload (LTL) rates, one would reason, would follow a similar pattern as they typically follow truckload rate movement with a few months lag. In the past few months, as indicated by the blue line in Figure 1.1, there has been an acceleration in LTL contract rates. As you probably recall, one of the larger LTL carriers, Yellow Corporation, filed for bankruptcy in August and ceased operations. 

One may ask, “Well, why would rates elevate when the LTL industry was operating at less than capacity and nothing has caused an influx of new LTL freight?”  

Yes, the remaining national and regional carriers were, based on available capacity on the books, able to absorb the freight Yellow was moving with no additional investment in equipment or labor. But just because the available resources are there, does not mean they are positioned in the places where service was needed.  

This has necessitated LTL carriers realigning their network to move the freight that Yellow was doing prior. The more prevailing reason for rates to increase is the aggressive nature in which Yellow competed for the freight they were servicing. Typically, Yellow’s rates were far more discounted than most.  

So, while the remaining LTL carriers in the network were able to position their fleets to handle the volume, they did not offer the same discounted rates that Yellow did. When you bundle all these factors together, you get rates increasing by about 10 percent in the last several months and I would not anticipate that 10 percent increase being reversed anytime soon.  If anything, look for those annual general rate increases to happen as we embark on a new calendar year. 

SUPPLY & DEMAND BALANCE IN 2025?

In prior monthly updates, we have highlighted the current freight environment being one of more supply than demand. Suffice to say that truckload freight volumes have been relatively unchanged over the last 12 months and carriers are saying “yes” to almost every shipment offered to them on the contract side.  

This has resulted in less freight hitting the spot market and has helped to keep rates at levels that are $0.70-$0.80 less than contract rates. When will there be better balance?  A great illustration of this from FTR in Figure 1.2 tells the story.  

As you can see, the driver labor index sits well above the truck loadings index and has been for the past two years. When you factor in prospects for freight volumes to accelerate, economic conditions, and the pace at which carriers are exiting the market, it will most likely be 2025 before balance returns.  

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Trinity Logistics, a leading logistics solutions provider, is proud to share its corporate partnership with Iowa State University and active participation in the Ivy Sales Forum at the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business. This strategic collaboration exemplifies Trinity Logistics’s dedication to fostering talent development and nurturing future professionals. 

The Ivy Sales Forum, a dynamic educational initiative at Iowa State University, brings together students from various majors to engage in a unique and comprehensive sales curriculum, giving students the opportunity to pursue a Professional Sales Certificate. The sales certificate is comprised of seven courses and all required sales classes involve a semester-long experiential sales competition hosted by corporate partners, including Trinity Logistics.

While Trinity Logistics has been a corporate partner of the Ivy Sales Forum for over a year, the company plays an integral role in shaping this semester’s curriculum under the guidance of Professor Raj Agnihotri, ensuring it aligns with the rapidly evolving sales landscape. This involvement highlights Trinity’s commitment to real-world sales education and its willingness to share its industry expertise with the next generation of professionals. 

“The Ivy Sales Forum is an amazing program that Trinity is thrilled to be a part of,” said Carlie Crouch, Director of Talent Management at Trinity Logistics. “Our Leadership Team genuinely enjoys interacting with the students, especially during their cumulative sales competition. We see great value in the real-world experience the students gain, which ultimately gives our Talent Acquisition Team a robust pipeline of potential future Trinity Team Members.”

The courses feature 50 students benefiting from Trinity Logistics’s guidance, shaping their sales careers and offering a unique blend of textbook knowledge and real-life application. 

The sales competition, required for course completion, is a two-part challenge that provides students with hands-on sales experience. The first part entails an initial meeting, where students interact with a hypothetical “shipper”, played by members of Trinity’s Leadership. In this meeting, the students must identify the shipper’s needs and pitch the value of Trinity Logistics, with success earned by securing a follow-up meeting with the shipper. 

The second part involves the students showcasing their pricing and negotiation skills to close a deal in their follow-up meeting. This immersive experience equips students with valuable experience and insights into a sales profession. Upon successful completion of the sales curriculum, students earn a prestigious sales certificate, comparable to a professional degree. 

“We value our relationship with a great organization such as Trinity Logistics,” said Professor Raj Agnihotri. “Their support in providing future business professionals with experiential learning opportunities is much appreciated.” 

The sales competition is currently underway with students having completed part one and currently undergoing part two of the process. The sales competition winners will be judged and determined by members of Trinity Logistics and Professor Agnihotri. Trinity Logistics will recognize those winners who demonstrate excellent sales skills, creativity, and ingenuity with an award in December.  

About Trinity Logistics

Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve. 

For the past 40 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions.

We are currently recognized on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

Many of today’s manufacturing trends are in line with the industry’s goals to improve processes, create more efficiency, and meet consumer demand.

The manufacturing industry has seen challenges, from changes in the way people work to the rapid growth in demand, with many of these challenges accelerated by the recent covid-19 pandemic.

So, what evolutions and challenges are the manufacturing industry currently facing? Let’s dive into the latest manufacturing trends.

WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN MANUFACTURING?

• DIFFICULTY FINDING LABOR
• DIVERSIFYING WORKFORCE
• TECHNOLOGY IS TAKING OVER
• INCREASING CYBERSECURITY
• CARBON NEUTRALITY
• BUILDING RESILIENT SUPPLY CHAINS

DIFFICULTY FINDING LABOR

Manufacturers are still struggling to find labor, with a recent Deloitte survey estimating that the manufacturing sector will be short 2.1 million skilled workers by 2030. It’s difficult for manufacturers to fill open positions, with respondents claiming it is 36 percent more difficult to recruit than in 2018.

To combat the shortage, manufacturers are looking for ways to recruit and retain skilled talent, by raising wages and reskilling current talent to meet company needs. According to the Manufacturing Institute, young employees are attracted to companies that look to train and invest in them. 70 percent of manufacturing workers under 25 said they will stick with an employer because of these opportunities to grow.

Additionally, technology is advancing and should help manufacturers combat their labor challenges. With tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) becoming more accessible, companies should be able to become more efficient and able to produce more with fewer people.

DIVERSIFYING WORKFORCE

Diversifying the workforce is one of the growing manufacturing trends because the industry has held a reputation for being a male-dominated industry. According to a study by the Manufacturing Institute, less than 30 percent of manufacturing workers are women. So, in 2021, the Building Economic Strength Through Manufacturing Act was passed. This bill seeks to double the number of women-owned and minority-owned manufacturers.

According to Glassdoor, when applying for jobs, 76 percent of applicants look for company diversity. Diversifying the workforce is a trend that goes in hand with employee recruiting. It creates opportunities for new talent and can help make operations more resilient.

TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE INDUSTRY

Technology changing the industry has been and will be a manufacturing trend for some time. Technology is improving, becoming more accessible, and showing its benefits, so many manufacturers are investing in it more. Manufacturers need technology to keep up with the challenges of increased demand while facing a labor shortage.

Some technology tools companies are using include AI, automation, sensors, IoT, robotics, predictive maintenance, and remote monitoring. These tools help manufacturers with the manual and repetitive tasks that they struggle to find the labor for. In addition, companies are evaluating their operations to make the best use of technology and people.

Frontline workers will likely expand their roles to take on new responsibilities. As technology automates processes, workers will need to use more communication, collaboration, and analytical skills. Technology will also offer more flexibility and safety for frontline workers, further helping with employee recruiting and retention.

Some manufacturers are even pushing the limit and testing our “dark factories”. These are fully automated factories without any human workers on site.

Industry 4.0 is what many refer to as this trend of technology. It’s a shortened term for what is being called the fourth industrial revolution. Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the above examples, can raise productivity by 40 percent.

INCREASING CYBERSECURITY

As technology use increases and manufacturing processes get more connected and complex, a growing challenge is cybersecurity. In 2021, manufacturing was the industry that suffered the most cyberattacks, according to IBM’s X-Force Threat Intelligence Index. In fact, according to a survey by Omdia, the increasing risk of cyber attacks are one of the main challenges slowing down the implementation of more analytics, automation, and AI in manufacturing.

Because of its increased risk for cyber attacks compared to any other industry, manufacturing companies are investing more in the cybersecurity strategies and monitoring, implementing the use of multi-factor authentication, issuing employee training on cybersecurity, and building recovery plans to be prepared should any attacks take place.

CARBON NEUTRALITY

Combatting climate change is a priority on everyone’s mind and the manufacturing industry is no exception. The manufacturing industry produces almost a quarter of global greenhouse emissions. However, with the government pushing industries towards sustainability, manufacturing companies are rethinking their operations.

One manufacturing trend is carbon neutrality. Carbon neutral is when a company removes the same amount of carbon dioxide it emits into the atmosphere.

Manufacturing companies can become carbon neutral by purchasing carbon offsets. An example of this would be a company sponsoring a solar energy farm or a project for reforestation.

BUILDING SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE

Since the start of the covid-19 pandemic and the supply chain bottlenecks we continue to face, supply chain resilience remains a top manufacturing trend.

Supply chain bottlenecks like the covid-19 pandemic, high container costs and delays, severe weather, protests, and new regulations are a few of the disruptions that have shed light on manufacturers’ fragile supply chains.

Manufacturers continue to look for more resilience to keep up with consumer demand despite these challenges.

Improving communications with supply chain partners, onshoring or reshoring, and investing in supply chain technology are some of the ways manufacturers are making their supply chains more stable.

STAY AHEAD OF MANUFACTURING TRENDS

Whether you know the latest manufacturing trends are or not, having an expert on your side is one easy way to stay ahead. And that’s just what Trinity Logistics aims to be.

Yes, our primary focus is as your logistics partner, but our People-Centric culture means we’re more than that. As a business relationship, we’re invested in your company’s success. We stay knowledgeable on what’s going on in your industry to help keep you updated. And we stand at the ready to offer your business any logistics support and expertise that you need.

Don’t miss your opportunity to gain a business relationship that stays on top of your industry’s trends and is people focused. Let’s get connected.

Sitting trucks cost your business money, so why not look into dedicated freight? 
 

Do you have times when your company’s trucks aren’t moving? Are you tired of working for different people, transporting different kinds of freight, and your drivers running different routes every day? 
 

For carriers looking for consistency in their schedules and stable revenue, dedicated freight is the key to keeping your trucks moving, developing strong business relationships, and steady earnings. 

What is Dedicated Freight? 

Dedicated freight is a contracted arrangement between a carrier and a shipper or freight broker. This differs from spot freight because the carrier agrees to haul consistent truckload shipments in the same lane and at a fixed rate for a specified amount of time – often three to six months or a year. Contract or primary freight are other names for it. 

In a dedicated contract, the carrier commits a certain amount of their driver capacity to the shipper and often must meet minimum service requirements, like on-time pickup or tender acceptance, to keep the lane. In turn, the shipper commits a certain amount of consistent freight to the carrier, with usually at least one load per week. Unlike fluctuating spot rates, contract rates stay the same, excluding any fuel changes. 

Is Dedicated Freight Pay Better? 

That depends on the market. 

If it’s a “carrier’s market”, one in which there is more freight available than carriers, the spot market often pays a higher rate than dedicated. 
 

If it’s a “shipper’s market”, one in which there are more carriers than freight available, then the spot market often pays a lower rate than dedicated since its pricing is locked in over the length of the contract. 
 

The biggest takeaway with dedicated freight is its consistency. Dedicated freight is steady freight with a locked-in rate, so you’ll have stable revenue, no matter the market conditions. Because of this, most carrier businesses aim to have a mix of spot and dedicated freight to get the best of both worlds. 

How Many Trucks Do I Need for Dedicated Freight? 
 

Many carriers think that you need to have a large fleet, but that’s simply not true. There are many companies with 50 or fewer trucks hauling contracted freight. 

While there’s no set limit to how many trucks you need to handle dedicated opportunities, most find that around 15 trailers or more is what’s needed to be able to manage a shipper’s needs. 
 

Benefits of Moving Dedicated Freight 

Consistent freight to haul and a stable payday aren’t the only benefits of running dedicated freight. 

Improved Driver Safety and Satisfaction 

Consistent freight in the same lanes means your drivers are going to get familiar with their routes, the facilities, and the staff. They will quickly learn how to better navigate their journey, reducing their risk of getting lost, and being less prone to accidents. On top of this, they’ll gain a more predictable schedule, meaning they know exactly when they should be getting home to their families. This also means it may be easier to keep current and recruit new drivers for your business. 

Happier Dispatchers 

Your dispatchers will be happier too! Having dedicated lanes frees up time for your dispatchers to focus on finding tougher backhauls, keeping your drivers happy, and getting reimbursed for any accessorials. 

No More Fighting Over Available Loads 

Have you ever seen a load that you were ready to book on a load board only to find another carrier snagged it first? With dedicated freight, there will be no more fighting over posted shipments since the tender goes right to you. 

Build Strong Customer Relationships 

Working with a consistent customer means you can build a strong relationship with them and possibly gain repeat business. 

More Efficient Business 

Since your drivers will become more familiar with their route and freight, your business will become more efficient in the process.  

Budget and Forecast Easier 

By having long-term agreements for steady shipments, you can budget and forecast your company finances more easily. 

Opportunities for Growth 

With dedicated freight, you don’t have to worry about the fluctuating freight market. You’ll have more time to manage the rest of your business and look into growing your fleet. 

How to Move Dedicated Freight with Trinity Logistics 

It can be difficult to find and win dedicated freight opportunities alone. That’s why it’s beneficial to work with a third-party logistics (3PL) company, like Trinity Logistics, to easily open the doors to them. 
 

Currently, carriers in the Trinity Logistics network move over 1,400 shipments each day. While most of what gets moved is on an as-needed basis, we constantly encourage our shipper relationships with consistent freight to try dedicated contracts. 

Now, you know your business best. That’s why we have a Carrier Development Team that works to better understand your company, your needs, and your business goals. This helps you out so that when we gain a dedicated freight opportunity or bidding opportunities on behalf of our shipper relationships, we know what carrier relationships to send them based on criteria such as location, equipment type, or visibility through tracking. 

So, if you’re already a carrier with Trinity Logistics, make sure your carrier profile is up to date. If you’re not sure whether yours is, send our Carrier Development Team a message at [email protected]. 
 

Not yet registered as a carrier with Trinity Logistics? 

Trinity Logistics, a leading provider of logistics and supply chain solutions, shares earned recognition as a Top Company for Women in Transportation by the Women In Trucking Association for its fifth consecutive year. 

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry. 

Every year, WIT looks for companies with several characteristics that distinguish the companies featured on the list. These characteristics include company cultures that support gender diversity, flexible hours and work requirements, competitive compensation and benefits, training and continued education opportunities, career advancement, and other factors. 

 “We are honored to be recognized by WIT as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation for a fifth year,” said Megan Morgan, VP of People Operations. “We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued, regardless of their gender. This award is a testament to that, and we are proud to be a workplace where women can thrive.”

Trinity is proud to be a company that’s known for its culture and a place where Team Members can feel valued and supported. Trinity has several initiatives in place to support women in the workplace, including:

• Quality benefits for themselves and their families
• Continued education opportunities to help support career growth
• Ample paid time off and remote/hybrid positions available to encourage work-life balance
• Competitive compensation
• A company culture that is positive and family-friendly

To date, Trinity employs over 400 Team Members across seven Regional Service Centers, with 49.5 percent of them women, and 19.6 percent of those women holding a management or leadership role, including our current President, Sarah Ruffcorn. Ruffcorn also serves as co-chair on the Women in Logistics Committee with the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and recently received the 2023 Women in Supply Chain Award by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive.

Trinity would like to extend their congratulations to all companies that earned recognition on the list. 

“Working for a company like Trinity Logistics has been the best decision I’ve made in my professional career,” said Ashley Lindsey, Director of Sales at the Kansas City Trinity Logistics location. “Several companies talk about having a positive culture, but the Team Members of Trinity LIVE it day in and day out, from the top, all the way to the bottom. Starting out at Trinity in an entry role, there was never a day that I didn’t receive support from our amazing leadership Team and multiple departments when a need arose. They listen, offer feedback, and want to see all Team Members succeed. Seeing the women holding leadership positions is so empowering and pushes me to be the best I can be.”

Interested in working with an organization that is committed to you and your career growth?

About Trinity Logistics

Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve.   

For the past 40 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions.  

We are currently recognized as a Top 3PL and Cold Storage Provider by Food Logistics, a Top Freight Brokerage Firm by Transport Topics, and a Green Supply Chain Partner of 2023 by Inbound Logistics.  

Trinity Logistics, a leading nationwide logistics provider, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Aaron Lansink to the position of Vice President of its Iowa Regional Service Center. With his dedication, extensive experience, and proven leadership, Lansink’s promotion reflects Trinity Logistics’ commitment to fostering internal talent. 

Prior to joining Trinity Logistics, Lansink owned and operated his own trucking company for five years. His journey with Trinity began over ten years ago at the Denison, Iowa location as a Logistics Specialist. Since then, he’s consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the company, a deep understanding of the logistics industry, and a passion for achieving the highest standards of excellence. Lansink represents the core values and people-centric service that Trinity Logistics is known for, making him an ideal choice for this key leadership position. 

“I look forward to working with Aaron in the Vice President role,” said Hayley Dobson, Senior Vice President of Regional Service Centers. “He’s shown his commitment to Trinity for over ten years at the Denison, Iowa office and recently relocated last year to work as the Director of Operations at the Urbandale office. He continues to push for excellence, having recently completed the Aspire Leadership Experience in 2022. With his history of excellence and continuous improvement, I’m confident Aaron will have many great accomplishments in this new position.”

In this new role as Vice President of the Iowa Regional Service Center, Lansink will play a pivotal part in expanding Trinity Logistics’ reach of businesses seeking exceptional logistics solutions, while strengthening existing relationships with shippers and carriers. 

“I’m thrilled and honored for this opportunity to lead the Iowa Regional Service Center, a place I’ve proudly called home for the past decade,” said Lansink. “The exceptional and hardworking Team Members within this office and fellow Leaders that have helped guide my way are core ingredients to our recipe for success, and I’m confident that together, we’ll make the future shine even brighter.”

Trinity is confident that Lansink will excel in this new position and looks forward to the impact he will have on the Team and Company. 

Interested in working with an organization that is committed to you and your career growth? Visit https://trinitylogistics.com/join-us/become-a-team-member.

To learn more about Trinity Logistics, visit https://trinitylogistics.com. 

About Trinity Logistics

Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve. 

For the past 40 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions.

We are currently recognized on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

We have learned that anything can happen in the last three-plus years when it comes to transportation. Currently, we are seeing interest rates above seven percent, and the future freight market is not clear. Being uncertain about what the future brings can make people afraid of it, but being engulfed in that fear is bad for everyone.

As a Freight Agent, what should you be doing in this uncertain freight market? What do you need to offer the best support to your shipper and carrier relationships?

When the freight market is uncertain, when things are not clear, people look for certainty, for comfort that everything will come together alright. Like a warm blanket on a cold night.

For this article, I want to talk to you about how to bring that sense of comfort and confidence in your service for shipper relationships, your carrier relationships, and even for yourself.

1: Have Access to Data and Know It

The first part of this tip should be simple. The second part takes a little more work.  

When we’re unsure, it just means we don’t know enough. As a Freight Agent, this is where you can come in as a valuable resource for your shipper and carrier relationships. This is where they need you most.

You should be getting your freight market information from a reputable source. Ideally, your third-party logistics provider (3PL) should be providing this for you, but if not, some good resources to check out are FreightWaves, Transport Topics, or Supply Chain Dive.

Once you’ve found your source, a great tip is to make your own printable data slides or documents that you can have on hand to share as needed. Always keep these on you, either easily accessible via your phone or computer or printed and in a folder that you carry with you. Take these to every meeting or consultation you have. These can help you visually show your expertise and confidence, as being shown something always goes further in building credibility than just being told, especially in something as complex as logistics.

That’s only the beginning. You also need to know this information inside and out. You need to be able to explain the facts in the clearest and most effective way, so make sure you thoroughly study and understand the freight market information you are looking to share. Always be ready to answer any questions your relationships may have so you can share your confidence and build their trust.

2: Contact Your Prospective and Current Relationships

Do it. Do it now, as Arnold Schwarzenegger says. Contact your current relationships and your leads.

No matter what you do, this should be a constant in your business. Look at any successful Freight Agent, and they will tell you that keeping in contact with your relationships is a very important part of the process (if not the lifeblood), no matter how much you have going on. Plan in time to do this.

For example, we have a very successful Freight Agent in our network who makes an amazing living and has a lot of very predictable freight shipping every day. This person stays so focused on consistently contacting their relationships because they know you’re only as good as the last load that was delivered.

Your relationships will know that now is a good time to do business with you if they see you reaching out to them and trying to teach them about current freight market conditions versus pulling away and not being that trusted resource to them.

3: Build Up Your Confidence

Time to give yourself, your skills, and your work an honest look. What do you do well, and what do you need to work on?

The areas you should pay attention to and do well in as a Freight Agent should be generating new business, cold calling, maintaining your customer and carrier relationships, and keeping updated on the freight market. If you’re lacking in any of these, of course you won’t be as confident, so it’s time to get to work on improving your skills or knowledge. Seek out resources to help you. Our Freight Agent blog articles are a great starting point!

4: Take Responsibility

A great coach is more likely to be successful in carrying out the team’s plans when they hold themselves responsible for their players, especially when those players are holding them accountable for their game plan.

Set some business goals and tell your family and friends about them. Tell everyone about your big goals. Not only does this help you keep yourself accountable, but those you told will likely check in from time to time, helping you keep your goals front of mind and continuously check in on them.

If you end up reaching them, celebrate! Setting goals, working towards them, and eventually meeting them are great ways to build more confidence in yourself and see business success.

5: Partner with a Great 3PL

A great 3PL will help you stay confident regardless of freight market conditions. While the freight market may present challenges at times, the key to thriving lies in forging the right partnership. When you partner with a reliable and experienced 3PL like Trinity Logistics, you’re taking a significant step toward confidence and success.

Here’s briefly how Trinity can help you stay at the forefront of the industry and your business as a Freight Agent.

Continuous Education

We understand the importance of staying updated with the latest industry trends and knowledge. That’s why we provide a wealth of resources and training opportunities to keep our Freight Agent network well-informed and ahead of the curve.

Goal Setting and Achievement

Setting and achieving your business goals is easier when you have dedicated support. Our Agent Support Team works closely with Freight Agents to help them establish realistic goals and create a roadmap to success. We’re committed to seeing your business grow and prosper.

Team Support

At Trinity Logistics, we’re more than just your business partner. Our dedicated Team Members are here to support you, from compliance to technology to sales. Our Team is your Team, ready to provide you with the assistance and guidance you need.

If you’re looking to boost your confidence and lead your Freight Agent business to new heights, consider becoming a part of Trinity’s Freight Agent network. Together, we can navigate the challenges and seize opportunities that the freight market throws at us.

To learn more about the benefits of joining our Freight Agent network, call 800-846-1908 or email [email protected].