Most of us over the age of 25 can remember when the World Wide Web made its debut. We remember the “beep-boop” sound of dial-up and the big chunky computers that were as wide as a television set in the 1990’s. It’s been almost 30 years since the dawn of the Internet. It’s mystifying to look at the impact it still has on our everyday lives. Because of the Internet, e-commerce was born, and the need for flatbed shipping has increased. 

The Beginning of ECommerce

Over time, ecommerce has taken the baton from traditional brick-and-mortar stores, leaving many big-box store retailers high and dry. Since Amazon Prime’s arrival in 2005, online shopping has exploded in the marketplace. The ease and convenience of it have forced many retailers to develop a strong online presence or risk closing their doors for good.

COVID-19 Creates Rapid Growth

Due to health concerns and social distancing practices, COVID-19 rapidly escalated the use of ecommerce. Total online spending in May 2020 was up 77 percent year-over-year (YOY), according to a report on online spending released in June by Adobe. In that report, Vivek Pandya, Adobe’s Digital Insights Manager, states that it would have typically taken 4-6 years to see the level of growth in online shopping that was seen then. Contactless online ordering helped individuals attempt to limit their exposure to the virus by shopping from home, so it’s easy to see why those reported numbers were so high. 

Since the pandemic, the changes in the ways consumers shop have remained. While in-person shopping has increased compared to then, it still lacks in the amount of foot traffic that was received previously. Consumers continue to like the ease of online shopping, and with fewer in-person shoppers, companies are investing less in their brick-and-mortar locations, which has only made people less likely to want to shop in person. In fact, it’s estimated that 40,000 to 50,000 retail stores will close in the next five years, according to the UBS investment bank.

Ecommerce continues to experience growth, with 22 percent of retail sales being online in 2023, the largest U.S. ecommerce sales percentage to date, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. As e-commerce growth carries on, it’s created a growing need for companies to expand their inventory and improve their ability to distribute their products. What used to be a problem of “too much” storage space for companies before the pandemic has quickly turned into a necessity in today’s time. 

The Need for Storage Space

As online distributors continue to see growth, their need for storage space has grown as well. Prior to Covid-19, one or two warehouses could keep a medium-sized company running efficiently. Now, more space is needed to keep up with the increasing demand of companies. Having more than one distribution center can be a huge benefit to a company’s ability to stay successful these days.

This all trickles down to the construction industry. As demand grows for new or renovated warehousing, the need for building materials to meet that demand has also increased.

How ECommerce Growth Affects Flatbed Shipping

Flatbed shipping has always been a leading mode of transportation for industrial freight. Lumber, stone, racking, and other building materials travel best on an open trailer due to their odd dimensions and additional weight requirements.

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Usually, flatbed shipping sees an increase in volume in the summer months. Construction companies take advantage of the warmer weather, which is most suitable for outdoor construction work. During this peak shipping flatbed season, it’s not unusual to see tightened capacity and higher freight rates, but any added demand for warehousing can add to that, making securing a flatbed carrier more difficult.

Strong Relationships Help

Having a relationship with a third-party logistics company (3PL can be a benefit to those who coordinate freight to be delivered to a job site. Typically, job site freight is very hands-on and has a perpetual knack for being time-sensitive. Installation crews are on-site to receive and install the material scheduled to be delivered. Even the slightest delay can cause significant ramifications to the completion of the construction project. Having a strong relationship with a 3PL can help companies mitigate risk, reduce costs, and provide peace of mind to those who are coordinating the freight.

Be Ready for Anything

It appears online shopping is here for the long-haul and whether it’s causing you to expand your warehousing or not a 3PL like Trinity Logistics can help you be prepared for any changes that may come your way. With Trinity, you’ll gain a Team of experts that can help you optimize your supply chain and arrange shipping for various of transportation modes, including flatbed, while offering end-to-end visibility of your shipments. No matter what changes the future brings, you can stay one step ahead when you choose to have Trinity Logistics by your side.

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently turning the world upside down. With the changes caused by it, the logistics industry has been evolving with it. Many brokerages have been struggling to keep up with the changing freight patterns. However, this week it was announced that Trinity Logistics ranked three spots higher in the Transport Topics Top Brokerage Firms listing, from #18 to #15. Trinity has continued to grow despite any industry disruptions last year and will continue to move forward amidst this pandemic.

Technology

Trinity has invested in technology over the years to maintain the resources needed by customers, carriers, and Team Members. Due to this forward-thinking, all Team Members were prepared to transition to a remote work environment before shelter in place orders were issued by the governments. The entire company was remote within days and without skipping a beat. This focus on technology preparedness ensured that the service level never faltered. Trinity’s goal is to keep our Team Members safe while continuing to serve the needs of our customers and carriers.

It is because of the Technology Team that Trinity has also been able to continue to grow our technology services and offerings during this time. This week, Trinity launched the new Book Now option as one of a handful of brokers given early access to partner with DAT in this new venture! This feature will continue to enhance our ability to handle increased freight needs and strengthen the tools Team Members and Authorized Agents have to grow.

Financial Stability

Trinity Logistics has a long history as a financially stable company. From being able to pay Authorized Agent commissions weekly upon delivery, extending credit to all sized companies, and offering quick payment options for carriers. Trinity’s solid foundation of 40 years in business has prepared our company to continue these practices even in times of crisis. During this time, it has been reassuring for our carrier network that Trinity has been able to keep up their quick payments. Our Authorized Agents are a huge asset. The foundation that we have established allowing Trinity to continue to pay commissions to this team without change has been a great way to serve these small businesses.

Legacy

In 2019, Trinity Logistics celebrated their 40^th Anniversary and in 2020, are celebrating the 30^th Anniversary of the Authorized Agent Division. Now a Burris Logistics company, Trinity Logistics has a long history of thriving in both growing and challenging markets. The continued success and growth of Trinity doesn’t depend on the challenging times, but on the Guiding Values that every Team Member and Authorized Agent live every day: Integrity, Legacy, Determination, Teamwork, Continuous Improvement, Excellence, Leaders, and Fun! These values were instilled in the company 40 years ago by the founders Ed and Deanna Banning, and continue to drive the company forward today.

The one foundation and most valuable asset that continues to drive Trinity Logistics forward are the Team Members. Trinity’s Team Members and Authorized Agents live the Guiding Values every day and put the needs of others first. Developing customized solutions, delivering excellent service, and constantly striving to be their best is what will drive Trinity Logistics through any challenging time.

AUTHOR: Jennifer Hoffman

The Trinity Foundation partnered with the Salvation Army to provide meals for Seaford, Del. area children that are out of school during shutdowns associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Foundation was able to provide $3000 towards purchasing meals to feed 800 children daily in the Seaford and Woodbridge school districts. Foundation volunteers spent evenings at the Salvation Army’s location in Seaford, Del. packing the meals for distribution.

For many children in our community, school is the only place they are able to get breakfast and lunch. The school food trucks are now set up and running. The Salvation Army will service additional locations in the Seaford and Woodbridge school district throughout school closures.