Trinity Logistics is proud to announce its earned recognition as a Top Workplace for Women by Women In Trucking (WIT) for a third year. Every year, the Women In Trucking association looks for companies with a 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’s known for its culture, where women can experience career growth and excellence. 

Trinity Team Members are offered flexibility in hours, quality benefits for their families, many continued education opportunities to help support career growth, and a company culture that is positive and family-friendly. 

To date, 54 percent of Trinity’s Team Members are women and 23 percent of those women hold a management or leadership role, including our current President, Sarah Ruffcorn.

“Whenever I’m asked to describe my career with Trinity, I always think of the word opportunity,” said Jennifer Hoffman, Director of Agent Services. “This company has provided an opportunity for growth beyond my wildest imagination. By awarding achievement and being truly understanding and compassionate, our leadership team encourages growth from all Team Members, regardless of gender. I’ve seen it and benefited from the mindset in so many ways. Because of this, as a woman at Trinity, it could be easy to momentarily forget that this type of equal opportunity isn’t the norm in some industries or companies. I am forever grateful for the work I get to be a part of with this company – not just in the day-to-day movement of freight – but in the overall showcasing of a consistently successful company that’s equal in its promotion and celebration of diversity and inclusion among team members!”

“Trinity Logistics supports individuals who have servant leadership attributes regardless of their gender,” said Amanda Lloyd, Director of Sales in Delaware. “During my tenure at Trinity, I’ve always felt that my voice is heard and my opinions are valued throughout our entire organization.” 

One of Trinity’s strongest attributes is our company culture. We’re proud of our efforts to be diverse and offer everyone an opportunity to grow their career here, no matter their gender.  

Learn more about Trinity’s People-Centric culture and see what job openings we have currently available.

Shipping freight is often a large and crucial part of a company. To make a profit, you need to get your customers the right product at the right time, and for the best cost. If not managed properly, your transportation can cost you substantial money. With costs rising recently, it’s easy to see why the challenge for many companies has been to reduce their transportation costs. Are you taking the proper steps to do so?

WHY COSTS ARE RISING

Before we jump into how to reduce your transportation costs, it’s essential to understand what factors are causing them to rise. 

CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS CONTINUE TO INCREASE

Consumers’ demand for faster delivery times is affecting everything from food and more. It’s forcing shippers to try to keep up to retain their customers. The so-called “Amazon effect” is alive and well as the world of e-commerce and faster shipping times grows. 

HIGHER DEMAND

As noted, e-commerce was growing steadily before, but the pandemic only accelerated it. Consumers are ordering and demanding more, delivered right to their doors. Demand is far exceeding supply, and this trend is expected to continue through the rest of 2021. 

TIGHTER CAPACITY

With such overwhelming demand, there are not enough drivers or labor to keep up. These shortages are impacting every mode of transportation, causing delays, and raising rates higher. 

RISING COSTS FOR DRIVERS

Drivers are also experiencing rising costs. Fuel prices have been increasing, and tolls have risen; truck costs and insurance prices have gone up. All these costs roll over to their trucking rates. 

STEPS TO REDUCE TRANSPORTATION COSTS

There are several ways to reduce transportation costs while also improving your logistics.

CUT YOUR MANUAL PROCESSES

Chances are, you’ve been doing things the same way for so long, you don’t even recognize there’s a better way to do them. We’ve all been there, and while change can be challenging, noticing you have room for improvement is the first step towards growth.

Automating your manual processes will help reduce your transportation costs. With automation, you’ll streamline your operations, allowing for better management while creating and improving your efficiencies. As a result, you’ll end up saving time and becoming available for your more important tasks.

USE ANALYTICS TO IMPROVE OPERATIONS

Reviewing historical records and analyzing trends can help uncover any slow processes and extra costs. For example, you may discover that one carrier consistently adds accessorial charges while another compatible carrier does not.

TRY DIFFERENT MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

Trying different modes of transportation could help you offset your costs. Shipping freight by sea could be less expensive than by air. Intermodal transportation is another option that you may not have considered. Shipping intermodal is usually less expensive than trucking. Even using a combination of the two could reduce your cost. Keep an eye on the transportation costs for different modes and don’t be afraid to make the switch. Being more flexible with your freight shipping could give you some financial benefits. 

SEE IF YOU CAN CONSOLIDATE

Are you making the most of every truck moving your freight? Your shipment planning team should analyze current and future orders to build your shipments in the most cost-effective manner possible. Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments are cost-effective for smaller weights. Yet, consolidating your shipments into one full truckload could have you seeing savings. With consolidation, there will be fewer trips, meaning you’ll see lower rates on one bulk shipment versus many small ones. 

BID MORE OFTEN 

To offset tight capacity and rising shipping costs, shippers should go out to bid for new transportation contracts more than annually. This allows you to find the best rates and avoid potential disruptions from transportation shortages.

GAIN CONTROL OF YOUR VENDOR-ROUTED OR CUSTOMER-ROUTED SHIPMENTS 

Depending on your customer, sometimes you have your hands tied when it comes to logistics. For example, you may be required to use their specific providers as a condition of doing business with them. However, there are instances where you may be able to gain control of these opportunities for savings. Don’t you wonder about the potential for savings if you controlled this section of your business? 

By leveraging ALL of your volume, you could qualify for some decent savings with LTL and truckload providers. Additionally, you’ll gain control of your shipments, which equals control of the quality of the provider, saving you money by retaining happy returning customers. You can better measure service performance and rates to ensure your best interests are being cared for when the ball is in your court.

INCREASE VISIBILITY 

Without visibility, costs can begin to sneak in like stealth monsters that eat away at your bottom line. True visibility is using a best-in-class TMS that enables you to see all your transportation network. You can track and manage control over your products, see service disruptions or shipment delays in real-time, find optimized routes, and work with the best carriers. You’ll not only reduce your costs but increase your service levels and improve your relationships with all stakeholders. 

PREPARE AHEAD

The more time you have before your shipment gives you more options in carrier selections and the chance to find a decent rate. Or look into another mode, as mentioned earlier. It also gives your provider more time to prepare themselves and let you know of any upcoming circumstances that may increase your logistics costs, giving you more time to consider making any changes. It also helps you alleviate delays and missed deadlines. 

CONSIDER WAREHOUSING SERVICES

If you do a lot of shipping to and from the same lane, especially if it’s over a long distance, it may be a good idea to warehouse your goods closer to your customers so you can reduce those long-haul transportation costs. 

BECOME A SHIPPER OF CHOICE

It’s never a bad thing to be a shipper of choice. Carriers are in the position of choosing which shippers they want to work with. Those shippers who provide better experiences for them can not only reap the benefits of better rates but higher service levels and fewer claims. To become a shipper that carriers will want to work with, it’s important that you run efficient and friendly dock operations, reduce driver wait times, provide comfortable breakroom and restroom accommodations, and pay your carriers quickly. 

GET DATA-DRIVEN INSIGHTS

Data has quickly become one of the world’s most valuable resources. With a best-in-class TMS and proper reporting that you can analyze, you’ll be able to better manage disruptions, reduce downtimes, and effectively plan and budget your logistics spend. By using data analytics, you’ll be able to recognize which carriers are the most likely to have the capacity and ensure proper rates for shipments. 

CONSIDER OUTSOURCING

In business, any activity that isn’t directly tied to securing more business deflects attention away from your goal of making a profit. That means the hours you can spend sourcing transportation providers and managing your logistics are not considered a profitable way to spend your time. By outsourcing your logistics and partnering with a third-party logistics company (3PL), like Trinity Logistics, you gain back all those hours to focus on what you do best – make a profit! 

According to the 2020 Annual Third-party Logistics Study, 67 percent of shippers stated that using a 3PL contributed to reducing their overall logistics cost, while 83 percent said using a 3PL has improved their service. By utilizing Trinity Logistics, you won’t have to worry about any of the steps above because we’ll take care of them for you.

We’re listed as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and through our People-Centric service, we can help you find one or more customized solutions to meet your business needs. The first step to finding out exactly how we can help you reduce your transportation costs and improve your service is by having that initial conversation. 

Will you choose to take that step today? 

Updated September 16, 2021 by Christine Morris.

How does the cold chain process differ from your typical supply chain? The cold chain is a variation of your standard supply chain. It involves the movement of refrigerated or frozen products from temperatures of two degrees Celsius (35 degrees Fahrenheit) all the way down to negative 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit). The cold chain involves industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

WHAT IS THE COLD CHAIN PROCESS?

The cold chain process is a logistics management process for perishable products that need refrigerated temperatures to maintain quality and safety from end to end. It involves performing a chain of tasks to prepare, store, and transport products in the cold supply chain. 

Logistical planning and management protect the integrity of cold chain shipments. This involves using proper packaging, proper transportation equipment, carefully chosen transportation routes, perfect timing, and visibility throughout to ensure that what’s expected is what happens. The cold chain process is best done by using technology and data at every point of the process.

WHY IS THE COLD CHAIN IMPORTANT?

The cold chain ensures perishable products are safe, of high quality, or potency at the point of consumption or use. Failure to keep those products at correct temperatures results in degradation, discoloring, bruising, or microbial growth. When you have quality cold chain products, you’ll have satisfied customers, meaning greater demand, and the protection of public health. 

Additionally, cold chain providers contribute a great deal to the economy and workforce. According to GCCA, approximately $6.1 billion is generated by the refrigerated warehousing industry annually. Not to mention, the North American refrigerated warehousing industry employs more than 62,774 people annually on a full-time basis, with 92 percent being permanent employees versus contract or temporary.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN ELEMENTS IN THE COLD CHAIN?

Storage

The cold chain starts with the storage of the product at a refrigerated facility. If manufacturers of cold chain products don’t have storage equipment needed to keep their products regulated, they’ll have to outsource their cold chain operations to a partner who can provide the proper equipment. 

Common cold storage equipment and facilities include refrigerated containers, cold rooms, chillers, cold boxes, blast freezers, and vaccine carriers.

Packaging

Temperature-controlled products need correct packaging to maintain their quality. Proper packaging helps reduce the risk of product contamination and ensures energy-efficient storage along the cold chain. 

The most common refrigerants used in packaging are dry ice, gel packs, gel bricks, phase change material (PCM), and EPS panels (expanded polystyrene or Styrofoam).

Monitoring

Tracking certain information for specific cold chain products is a necessity. This includes temperatures and other environmental parameters, like humidity levels. Without monitoring, suboptimal conditions can happen and damage the quality of the product. 

Cold chain monitoring often refers to the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) or other sensor software. These monitoring systems can detect temperature problems, keep track of all cold chain products on one platform, and improve predictive maintenance through the integration of sensor data with supply chain management software, like a transportation management system (TMS). 

Delivery

Cold chain management also involves the delivery of shipments. Delivery is based upon the end-user consumers’ preferred methods for receiving cold deliveries. 

WHY IS AN EFFICIENT COLD CHAIN PROCESS IMPORTANT?

Unlike shipping non-perishable products such as furniture, interruptions in the cold chain can result in damage to the quality of the product, making it unusable. An efficient cold chain process uses monitoring and reduces the amount of handling from end to end. 

The cold chain industry has standardized temperature zones classified to maintain the quality of products. These classifications are: 

Banana

Bananas and other tropical fruits like oranges, pineapples, or even potatoes have a temperature range of 12 degrees to 14 degrees Celsius (53 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit). This helps control ripening during transport. 

Pharmaceutical

Most pharmaceutical products need temperatures between two and eight degrees Celsius (35 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit).

Chill

This classification is between two and four degrees Celsius (35 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit) for many other fruits, vegetables, and fresh meat.

Frozen

This temperature range is between minus 10 to minus 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) for frozen meat, cakes, and bread.

Deep Frozen

Seafood, ice cream, and other frozen foods need colder temperatures at minus 25 to minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 77 to minus 86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Ultra-Low

This is a new and growing temperature range often for pharmaceutical products that need temperatures reaching minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 158 degrees Fahrenheit), like certain vaccines. 

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

WHAT ARE SOME INDUSTRIES THAT USE COLD CHAIN?

Food and Beverage

Controlled temperatures are needed for transporting food and beverage products such as milk, produce, or meat. Interruptions in the cold chain can lead to spoilage or bacteria or mold growth. As mentioned above, many fruits like bananas ripen during their shipment.

Pharmaceutical

Many pharmaceutical products need temperature control. This includes products like vaccines, medication, or biologicals, like blood or plasma. Spoilage of these products can mean a loss in efficacy and can become a public health hazard if not caught.

Chemical

Temperature control is critical when it comes to some hazardous chemicals. Specifically, ones that can be susceptible to reactions due to heat release. If heat escapes from a chemical good that requires it to remain at a certain temperature, it can cause a spark, flame, or explosion to occur, not only damaging the product but potentially harming others.

Oil and Gas

This sector uses explosion-proof refrigerated containers on oil rigs, oil tankers, and offshore locations.

Military

The U.S. military must control the temperature of its medical supplies, which often travel long, hard-to-reach areas. Because of this, the cold chain process can become more complicated when handling products for the military.

WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED PROVIDER

Not all temperature-controlled products are the same. Each product is unique and requires specialized solutions throughout the cold chain. Many cold chain manufacturers are turning to third-party logistics companies (3PLs) to handle their complex challenges in the cold chain process. For your cold chain to be successful, you need to be sure to work with a provider who understands your industry, regulations, and product requirements.

Luckily, you don’t have to look very far to find one. Here at Trinity, we have more than 40 years of experience in specialized industries such as cold chain. 

Contact us today to find your customized logistics solution for your cold chain process.

Author: Christine Morris

When it comes to planning for success, taking that first step is always the hardest. This is where building habits come into play. Building habits of growth and success into your day will position your business to see results. A research study by Duke University found that 40 percent of the actions people performed each day weren’t actual decisions but habits. That data is pretty staggering! From our seats, we’ve noticed that our most successful freight agents have developed certain habits that propel them to success.

So, what ARE the habits of successful Freight Agents? While there are so many ways to build positive, growth-driven habits into your business, the key is to start with one. Find one habit below that you can start doing to help lead your business towards the path of success.

BE PROACTIVE

The key to continued growth and success is being proactive. If you don’t focus on growing your business, then your business is most likely shrinking. No matter how you choose to sell, it would help if you proactively surround yourself with potential customers and carriers, looking for opportunities to provide them value. 

BE A GOOD LISTENER

Being a good listener is a vital habit for an independent Freight Agent’s success. Listening well to the specific details around any shipment is essential and can make a huge difference. Making sure you fully understand what is going on and what is needed will allow you to better serve your clients. And when problems happen, fully listening to the issues with the intent of understanding will promote an environment of mutual respect and take your customer service even further 

PLAN EVERY DAY

One of the best habits is to have a plan made every day. It may sound simple (most habits are), but many can end up getting stuck in a routine of going through the motions, and lose sight of what they are trying to accomplish. Instead, start every day by planning what goals you’re crushing today and how they fit into your long-term picture. 

NEVER STOP LEARNING

The best Freight Agents never stop learning. If there is one thing that successful Freight Agents know it is that they don’t know everything! Habitually find time to listen to podcasts, read, take a class or webinar. Subscribe to industry newsletters or take advantage of any Freight Agent opportunities provided by your brokerage. The freight industry is constantly changing. From new regulations to new technology, you need to stay educated to be successful.

BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

Successful Freight Agents understand that their relationships are what keeps their businesses thriving. Strong relationships will have your shippers, carriers, and brokerage support members looking forward to working with you. Logistics is truly a Team effort, so make sure you put effort into those relationships. By building natural relationships, you’ll have mutual trust and always be top of mind. Psst..you’re good listening habit will help a lot here! 

NEVER STOP NETWORKING

You may have an excellent book of business, with great repeat customers, but you should never get too comfortable. No company is immune to the ebbs and flows of the logistics industry and you never know when some of your current business slows due to shutdowns, new personnel, or other reasons out of your control. Because of this, it’s important never to stop networking and looking for new customers. Ask your current customers for any referrals, be present at tradeshows or keep memberships with certain trade organizations to help connect with others in your industry. 

BE A STRONG AND QUICK COMMUNICATOR

Most successful Freight Agents take time each day to communicate progress on any loads and speak to any current or upcoming changes. Make sure you always communicate both the good and bad news as it will continue to build trust. When bad news comes along, make sure you proactively communicate it and come ready with solutions. Most people appreciate the effort in communicating versus being left in the dark. 

SPEND TIME USING SOCIAL MEDIA

While this may not sound like a good habit to develop, social media is quickly becoming a great way to market yourself as an expert in the industry and network for new business. LinkedIn is a great place to get started if you haven’t already. You can use your brokerage’s marketing content and brand to help grow your presence as an industry expert online. Be sure to post regularly and engage in conversations online. Keep your online content and engagement professional, just as you would if you were in person.

SET SOME GOALS

You know you want to be successful, but what is it that defines that success for you? Determine what that is for your long-term goal and then make smaller goals to help you reach your end goal. Make sure your goals are SMART and follow through. And most importantly, continue to re-evaluate your goals so you can continue to grow. 

DO WHAT SCARES YOU

Growth cannot happen without being uncomfortable. Take small steps towards something that makes you uncomfortable. The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll grow to be, as well as more successful. Do you hate cold calling? Maybe start with a small goal of two per day. Do you want to do more face-to-face client visits? Start with the one closest to you. Take one small step towards something that is daunting in your business. The momentum from one small step leads to another and another!

FIND YOUR PURPOSE

Most successful people have a higher purpose than just the need to be successful. Knowing your purpose helps you push through the more challenging times and motivates you to accomplish your goal. Having a clear sight of what you want to do and why will only make your habits more positive and purposeful. 

LEAN ON YOUR TEAM

Even though your role may be as an “independent Freight Agent”, it doesn’t mean you have to go at it alone. Make sure you find a brokerage that offers you the support you need so you can grow and be successful.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU SUCCEED

As independent Freight Agents, the fires of the day can sometimes take away from your personal and professional development. It’s important to us at Trinity to help our freight agents find ways to keep their business growing, while still having the ability to handle the operations of the typical “day in logistics”.

Here at Trinity, we understand that running your business is hard work, so we have an entire Team here to help you. We have over 30 years of experience aiding the success of our Authorized Agents, with many seeing a 25 to 45 percent increase in their business over a two-year period from joining our network. 

Let us help you get back to doing what you do best, serving your customers while receiving world-class support that puts you ahead of the competition. After joining, you’ll have access to a dedicated Agent Support Team to help you with your goals, business efficiency, development, growth, and encouragement. You’ll have full administrative support, many educational opportunities, and best-in-class technology available to serve you, your customers, and carriers. 

We’re also ready to help you build the habits mentioned in this article into your daily routine. If you’re ready to be a successful Freight Agent with Trinity, join our Authorized Agent network today and get ready to see some growth.  

All industries are currently facing challenges with their logistics and the supply chain. Challenges that include overwhelming demand, tight capacity, rising freight rates, and shortages in materials, products, labor, and drivers. However, industries facing high flatbed demand, like construction and manufacturing, are seeing more difficulty than others. 

These industries have been dealing with capacity challenges throughout the pandemic as they have remained in high-demand. As it continues to rise, the needs for their supplies have increased, creating a surge of flatbed demand that’s weighing on the supply chain. Let’s take a deeper look into these challenges and present some considerations for how those in the industry can overcome them. 

FLATBED DEMAND VS. VAN AND REEFER

Finding truck capacity of any type is proving to be difficult. Flatbed capacity seems even more challenging because of the continued demand in construction and manufacturing. As a result, flatbed spot rates are reaching new highs and convincing more shippers to look for solutions. 

According to DAT, the flatbed load-to-truck ratio is up 169.3 percent year-over-year (YOY) from June 2020 to June 2021. In comparison, reefer’s load-to-truck ratio is up 111.7 percent YOY. Van load-to-truck ratio is up 57.8 percent YOY. 

The monthly national average flatbed spot rates have risen for eight consecutive months, reaching $3.15 per mile in June. There’s not looking to be any fall soon, as the industries pushing the flatbed demand are cranking it into the next gear. 

FACING DISRUPTION AFTER DISRUPTION

The return to normal may be farther away than you think. With demand, there are still projects waiting in the wings until materials can be properly sourced and shipped. And demand already has construction projects beyond their pre-pandemic heights. Just look at the Associated Builders and Contractors’ Confidence Index, which is now positive for sales, profit, and staffing level expectations for the next six months. 

Covid-19 Hit First..

When the pandemic hit, people had found they had nothing to do while staying home. And so, we saw a rapid uptick in those wanting to buy a new house or remodel. Demand quickly exceeded supply. Supply shortages and delays have put pressure on contractors as the demand rose despite a lack of supply.

..Then There was the Texas Freeze..

In February and March 2021, Texas saw their lowest temperatures in years and were not prepared for the intense weather conditions that they experienced. Many manufacturing plants in the area had to shut down, which created more disruption in the supply chain. 

..Then the Suez Canal Blockage..

The ship that blocked the Suez Canal for several days caused severe delays in the imports of many products needed. This created many shipping bottlenecks that we’re still experiencing the aftermath of today. 

..Now the Wildfires.

Currently, the raging wildfires on the west coast are causing further disruption and delays to an already stressed supply chain.

Issues such as these are causing supply chain disruption after disruption, resulting in increased costs and delays. Many companies rely on materials that come from delayed or now-unavailable, global manufacturers. This has shifted companies to search for regionally based suppliers, creating higher demand on smaller supply chains. After over a year of continuous supply chain disruptions, there’s been an industry-wide realization that building resilience into supply chains is vital. 

RISING FUEL PRICES

One of the areas affecting logistics cost are the continuing rise in the costs of fuel. The latest Energy Information Administration data shows the national average diesel price is at $3.34 per gallon, a $.05 increase from one month ago. Regional diesel prices range from $3.08 in the gulf coast states to $3.48 in the central Atlantic region. California diesel prices are averaging $4.19 per gallon.

SHORTAGES AND DELAYS

Lumber shortages continue to be a significant problem nationwide. Both steel and electrical supplies have faced steep price increases in the past year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Small Business Pulse Survey, 59.7 percent of respondents reported domestic supplier delays which is a huge jump over the national average of 36.3 percent. These aren’t domestic only issues as 19.1 percent of respondents are also dealing with foreign supplier delays. 

MATERIALS THAT HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SHORTAGES

• Timber
• Steel
• Roof tiles
• Cement
• Electrical components
• Paints and sealants
• Plaster and plasterboard
• Concrete
• PIR insulation
• Bricks and blocks
• Aggregates
• PE and PP plastics
• Screws
• Plumbing items

THE RAW MATERIAL SHORTAGE

There is currently a global shortage of raw materials. This comes from factory slowdowns and, in some instances, factory closures due to many reasons. The shortage of raw materials continues to put a strain on the production of products, like insulation, paints and adhesives, and packaging.

THE LABOR & DRIVER SHORTAGE

Another cause of rising costs and delays is the shortage of labor and drivers. Labor rates have skyrocketed in recent months. This is due to the high labor demand and trades raising their rates because of the overwhelming amount of work. The big challenge these industries face is finding qualified labor to perform work, whether that be driving a truck to deliver materials and products, painting a house, or installing plumbing. In logistics, driving a flatbed truck, especially one hauling an oversized load, requires a different skill set than your typical van trailer trucking.

HIGH PRICES KEEP HEADING HIGHER

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) released a survey recently showing 93 percent of more than 1,400 respondents reported higher costs for materials, parts, and supplies. Construction material prices have increased so much in 2021 that the AGC issued a rare Construction Inflation Alert. This hasn’t taken since place 2008, citing a 12.8 percent jump of input costs for projects since the pandemic began. While that number is notable, some materials have risen even more. Lumber and plywood jumped 62 percent and steel recorded a 20 percent rise since April 2020. Diesel fuel, the lifeblood of the heavy equipment and transportation haulers needed to build major projects, has surged 114 percent. Even when materials are ready to be shipped, the transportation market is trying to play catch up. As mentioned earlier, there is currently more demand than there are trucks available. 

Rising costs and supply chain disruptions have pushed more hardships on the construction and manufacturing industries, slowing down their projects and business progress. Data found that more than three-fourths of construction firms have indicated projects are being postponed or canceled due to unavailable materials or cost overruns. 

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Experts are estimating that the high demand in these industries and flatbed demand may continue through 2022. Not to mention, who knows what other possible disruptions we may see soon. Hurricane season is upon us and could cause some more delays. 

It’s never too late to find ways to improve your supply chain and keep costs budgeted. Here are some suggested solutions to facing this difficult time we’re in.

LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVE ITEMS

It might be worth checking into other materials to offer your customers. Many other companies are doing what they can to keep their projects moving forward and communicating this with their customers. For example, with rising lumber costs, you may find redwood or cedar to be more affordable alternatives. They may also be much easier to get your hands on. 

INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY

Integrating technology has become a necessity for all stakeholders to maintain real-time communication and visibility. Gain total visibility and trust from your stakeholders with logistics technology like a transportation management system (TMS). A TMS can help you with routing decisions by matching your freight with the best carriers, lanes, rates, and transit service. 

Having a best-in-class TMS also provides you with data-driven insight to better manage disruptions and budget your logistics spend. By using data analytics, you’ll be able to recognize which carriers are most likely to have capacity and have a full view of your transportation management and what’s happening across all markets. 

CONSIDER NEW OPTIONS

When possible, see if you can use van options for your transportation, considering the load-to-truck ratio shows less demand and lower freight rates. You may also be able to consider other modes, if possible, but any oversized freight must be hauledwith a flatbed trailer. 

PLAN IN ADVANCE

Many other companies are stocking up on available supplies or finding other ways to look far ahead. Consider doing the same. Stock up on what materials you use most often for your projects. Do keep in mind that the more you stock up on, reduces the overall supply, increases demand, and thus pushes prices higher. Don’t go overboard and hoard ALL of it but do try to keep some stock in supply. Try planning your projects far enough out, correlating with the longer lead times we’re experiencing. If the material you need says it will take nine to ten months, then plan your project around that time frame.

BUILD A STRONG NETWORK OF CARRIER RELATIONSHIPS

Due to the over-demand of freight, load boards don’t move shipments the way they once did. Strong relationships will get you the coverage you need, better pricing options, and often better service. If building a large enough network for you seems daunting, you can always partner with a third-party logistics company (3PL), whose main role is their relationships among shippers and carriers. Here at Trinity Logistics, we have over 70,000 qualified carrier relationships to help haul your freight. 

BUILD A RESILIENT SUPPLY CHAIN

At a time when your costs are a critical issue, reimagining your supply chain could be a way to build resilience and reduce costly disruptions before they happen. Now is the perfect time for companies to build resilience into their operations to be better prepared for future disruption we may see.

Opportunities to do so range from reevaluating your business models and building efficient industrial supply chains, to building new and more regional manufacturing and distribution facilities to help with the vulnerabilities the pandemic brought to light. You could put in place more flexible sourcing and distribution strategies, including shifting your suppliers closer to home.

WORK WITH A QUALITY 3PL, LIKE TRINITY

We do more than arrange your freight. Consider us your logistics consultants. As logistics experts, we keep a close eye on the market, keeping you educated so we can help you plan and forecast. 

No matter the market, you can use your Trinity relationship and discuss your current and upcoming projects, even if they are in the planning stages. This helps us give you things to look out for to keep your transportation aspect of business more stable and reliable. When markets fluctuate, having a solid relationship with experts such as Trinity will prove to be your largest asset. 

Should issues arise, we at Trinity, work until they are resolved through and communicated. In the logistics industry, things will happen, and bad news doesn’t get better with time. We stay upfront with any challenges, and we bring solutions. When given the chance to prove our communication and service, we make sure to set the bar high. 

If you’re ready for a reliable provider to help you with your shipping needs and logistics management through People-Centric Freight Solutions®, then request your first quote to get started.

Author: Paul Nelson

Trinity Logistics is proud to announce our earned recognition on Inbound Logistics’ Top 100 Third-Party Logistics Provider list for 2021. Hundreds of companies submitted their credentials to Inbound Logistics to be considered, not only making the challenge for their selection team difficult but truly showcasing Trinity’s growing brand of People-Centric Freight Solutions® among our shipper and carrier audiences. 

“This year’s theme for our annual ‘3PL edition was 3PLs Have Your Back.’ After a year of hardships and disruptions, our audience continues to express increased interest in how 3PLs can help them improve their service, manage costs, and hone execution,” states Felecia Stratton, Editor of Inbound Logistics. “Outsourcing supply chain, logistics, and transportation solutions to a trusted partner have never been more important. The selected Top 100 3PLs exhibited trusted relationships with their partners, providing great service and solutions to the logistics industry.” 

“We are honored to be included as a 2021 Top 100 3PL Provider by Inbound Logistics!” says Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “This has been one of the most challenging years we’ve experienced as an industry, and we are incredibly proud of the way our Team responded. They showed daily determination and resilience, serving our shipper and carrier customers.”

Here at Trinity, we consistently strive to be our best by offering our audiences customized logistics solutions through our People-Centric approach. We are honored to receive this recognition as we continue positively representing our company’s legacy by providing excellent service to the logistics industry.

When you hear the word logistics, what jobs come to mind? Most people picture a truck driver over the road or someone stocking shelves in a warehouse. Because of this, many millennials don’t consider a career in logistics. But this field offers a lot more than the jobs you first picture and is not an industry to overlook. Read on to find out why millennials should be interested in logistics. 

LOGISTICS IS GROWING

Career paths in logistics are growing and becoming more common. Why is this? The median age for an employee in this industry is 55, thus making 30 percent of the workforce inching closer to retirement, leaving a shortage of workers. 

Many industries need the logistics field to operate, such as food, pharmaceutical, and medical fields. The need for logistics employees is crucial, making the new target audience for the supply chain industry Millennials and Generation “Z”. The struggle has been how to effectively attract, keep, and mold this specific age group that often turns their heads away from a logistics career path.

WHY MILLENNIALS DON’T CONSIDER LOGISTICS

Industry experts wonder why these generations aren’t attracted to this industry. One main reason is that young adults don’t see this field as a long-term career path. Trucking isn’t seen as an ideal career for them, nor does logistics carry the same connotation as other fields, like the medical industry which connotes prestige and excellence. Yet, Millennials don’t dive into the importance of logistics. This industry is an untapped pool of growth opportunities, well-paid jobs, and more. 

THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING MILLENNIALS IN LOGISTICS

Millennials and Gen “Z” have invaluable aspects that are a necessity in a business’s operations. One key factor is that Millennials grew up around technology. They grew up with a focus on the internet, social media, and cell phones. Because of their tech-driven lifestyles, they can quickly adapt to new technology. Whether that be running social media accounts, fixing minor IT issues, or improving business involvement online. The logistics field is becoming more technology-based and with these tech-savvy employees, running and operating a business becomes more efficient. 

Another advantage Millennials bring to the logistics force is highly educated, focused, and driven individuals. Millennials grew up with the expectation of going to college. That is why 45 percent of Millennials hold a bachelor’s degree compared to Baby Boomers at only 18 percent. With this in mind, Millennials offer businesses fresh perspective and a hard work ethic. 

One final advantage of Millennials in logistics is they are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Millennials are not afraid to speak out on inefficiencies or wrongdoings. They are very effective in pointing out weaknesses and finding a solution to the problems. 

HOW TO ATTRACT MILLENNIALS TO LOGISTICS CAREERS

It’s important to understand what Millennials and Generation “Z” look for in a workplace environment so you can attract and keep these talented individuals. One important value to this generation is having the opportunity to grow. People in this generation focus on where their profession can take them. When they see an opportunity, they often take action. Seeing opportunities can mean giving a job a deeper meaning, doing constant performance evaluations, and expressing what path they want their career to take them. Millennials are goal-oriented, so if they see targets for themselves, they will work hard and become more driven to meet those goals. 

Another area that holds value to Millennials is flexibility. This could be anything from having a casual dress code, flexible hours, or the option to work remotely. Millennials take everything into consideration when it comes to their careers. This generation looks not only at the wages for a position, but also the work environment, the benefits, and the company culture.

TRINITY LOGISTICS IS THE PERFECT FIT FOR MILLENNIALS

Trinity Logistics is a third-party logistics company (3PL), offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a dynamic mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve. To accomplish this, we must start by enriching the lives of our Team Members. 

We do this by working with the best-in-class technology, offering a casual dress code, and many benefits like career advancement opportunities, leadership training, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Perhaps you’re thinking, this isn’t enough. Well, we regularly hold fun team-building activities, an annual awards ceremony, monthly recognition and appreciation, and a wellness program. We believe happy Team Members lead to better business. And it’s proven true for 40 years and counting. 

Additionally, we offer several internships year-round. This gives young individuals the opportunity to gain meaningful career experience and insight into logistics to see if it’s the right fit for them. Through our internships, we help our community grow by helping to grow young leaders. If you’re interested in learning more about how Trinity Logistics is Different on Purpose and to see available opportunities, 

Author: Turner Lee

A frequently asked question among new Agents is, “How much money can I make as an Independent Freight Agent?” The good news is the earning potential for talented Freight Agents is truly unlimited. You have your own book of business, manage your own time and ultimately, control your own salary. 

It’s important to say working as an Independent Freight Agent is not an easy task. Many factors contribute to your business’s success and your income. The most important factor is how much effort you are willing to put in to build and grow your business. Other factors include your level of experience, gross revenues from your book of business, the profitability of those customers, your business structure, and the support and technology offered to you by your freight broker. 

How Does an Independent Freight Agent Get Paid?

You might be wondering; how does an Independent Freight Agent get paid? Independent Freight Agents are contract workers paid through commissions via 1099 from their licensed freight broker, based on the gross margin or net revenue they produce. 

Your commission rate will depend on the freight broker with whom you work. Industry standards range from around 50 to 70 percent of gross margins paid to you. Maintaining proper insurance coverage, covering back-office operating expenses, supporting necessary technology to run your business and providing administrative support to your agency all covered by the percentage of the gross margin retained by the freight broker.

What’s the Average Salary for an Independent Freight Agent?

It’s nearly impossible to give concrete numbers on exactly how much annual revenue you should expect. This figure depends on several factors such as your experience, the size of your book of business (your customers), and the amount of time and grit you are willing to devote to the success of your business. 

It’s estimated that Freight Agents newer to the industry earn an average of $30,000 to $50,000 per year in commissions. However, some more experienced Freight Agents have been known to earn anywhere from $100,000 to $400,000 or more per year. Ultimately, determining your business plan and how much effort you are willing to put into your business will decide how much earning potential you have. 

Let’s look at a scenario example for more insight into an Independent Freight Agent’s pay.

Let’s say we have an Independent Freight Agent generating two million annually in gross sales with an average margin per shipment of 15 percent. This would yield that Freight Agent an annual income of $180,000, assuming a 60 percent commission rate with their freight broker. Comparing to the most recent published median U.S. household income of $74,580, you can see how being an Independent Freight Agent can be quite a lucrative career!  

Don’t Forget About Your Other Benefits

Money certainly holds a big value, but we know it isn’t everything. Working as an Independent Freight Agent has many other benefits outside of pay. The biggest benefit may be flexibility. Since it’s your own business, you can work from home and choose how successful you’d like to be.

Not to mention the help your freight broker offers you. By working as an Independent Freight Agent, you don’t have to worry about operating costs, licensing fees, insurance, or anything else that you would otherwise need as a freight broker. Of course, every freight broker is different in what they offer you, so make sure you do your research before signing up to partner with any company.

Do I Have to Work with a Freight Broker?

Yes, this is an absolute requirement as an Independent Freight Agent. As an independent contractor, you are not licensed to be held liable for the transportation of any shipment. Therefore you need to work with a freight broker. They are registered and licensed through the FMCSA to arrange transportation and be held liable should any problem arises. 

Make It Easier to be Successful

In any business, your success or failure correlates to your skills, planning, resources, and hard work. Make sure you have the support and technology you need to make it easier to be successful. 

By becoming an Authorized Agent with Trinity Logistics, you can gain more time to focus on your customers and generate more revenue, while we take care of everything else. We have best-in-class technology available for you, your customers, and carriers, and a whole Team ready to serve you and your growing business. 

To learn more about how Trinity Logistics’s Authorized Agent Program:

Call at 800-846-3400 x1908, 

Email [email protected], or

Author: Holly Cooper

When was the last time you reviewed your logistics network and technology? If it’s been more than six months, then you’ve stumbled upon the right article. Now, you might be thinking, “I don’t feel like our process is necessarily broken. Is it really worth trying to fix it? Do I really need a transportation management system?” Yet, what if you could strategically reduce your overall spend while transforming your team from being reactive and task-oriented to proactive and customer-oriented. What kind of impact would that have on your company’s bottom line? 

If your business;

• has a freight spend of $1M or more,
• utilizes a mix of transportation modes,
• has multiple locations that utilize their own mix of broker and asset providers,
• procures a majority of freight via the spot market, or
• manages most of your data via Excel spreadsheets;

Then keep reading as we’re going to take a look at some common areas of improvement you could see with a Managed Transportation approach.

You’ll learn how Trinity’s unique solutions focus on finding the right mix of people, process, and technology. Through this, we can help leverage your supply chain into a competitive advantage for your organization.

Let’s dive in.

PAIN POINT 1: LACK OF EFFICIENCY

Lack of efficiency in your business is a direct result of a decentralized and very manual approach. Programs like Outlook and Excel were just never intended to handle a freight spend of $1M or more. If your freight spend is $1M or more, you’re probably working with a couple of hundred orders a month, with who knows how many stakeholders to help micromanage quotes, tenders, tracking, and tracing of shipments.

How much time is being wasted across your organization with overwhelming manual processes?

Does this process save you any money when it comes to freight spend?

Do you know if you are utilizing the right carriers?

Would contract pricing cost you less than the spot market in the long run? 

The bottom line is this is a reactive strategy focused on individuals’ tasks. To optimize your team and freight, you need a major shift towards being more proactive and customer-focused. This is where Trinity’s technology can help you. All of our Managed Transportation features a cloud-based TMS platform that creates a centralized freight command center, replacing your redundant manual processes with automation. Our TMS helps you manage the entire life cycle of an order and we can even integrate with your order management system to truly optimize your workflow. This means no more phone calls, typing out shipment details, or wondering where your freight is or when it’s going to deliver. Technology is one of the critical aspects of our solutions here at Trinity and also a major catalyst to transforming your supply chain.

PAIN POINT 2: PERFORMANCE

Efficiency isn’t just about getting faster; it’s about getting better. Finding and creating better team performance, better carrier performance, and ultimately improving your bottom-line company performance. So, is there room for improvement in these areas for you? Are your current strategies effective? Can they be measured? You may have answers to these questions that vary from location to location. You’ll usually find some of your distribution centers are better at procuring freight than others.

While a siloed strategy may have made sense for you at one point, companies grow and change. Considering change is a constant, a more wholistic approach will typically yield a better overall cost and carrier performance for you. This is what we consider to be the process part of our solutions. Data is a key driver for the strategy on this one.

On the surface level, it will appear that you simply are spreading your freight too thin across too many carriers or brokers. At Trinity, our Team of Logistics Consultants can quickly diagnose if you are leveraging your overall volumes to the best of your ability. Through strategic sourcing and customer-specific pricing, you can yield savings of six to ten percent, sometimes even more. It can also have a significant effect on improving on-time performance. Best of all, with Trinity’s Managed Transportation, you’ll always be able to track these metrics. You’ll be able to know exactly how your teams compare to the market and are able to adapt quickly when things change. 

PAINT POINT 3: VISIBILITY

It’s hard to overstate the importance of real-time visibility in today’s supply chain. When a customer or sales rep asks for a delivery ETA or if the warehouse needs to know what trucks are scheduled to come in; that can all fall back on your outdated and manual processes. Things like picking up the phone, back and forth emails, creating and sharing spreadsheets, that’s just your day-to-day visibility. What about those overall performance metrics and being able to measure your team or your carriers? Unfortunately for many shippers, there can be too many roadblocks for effective communication and a lack of overall supply chain awareness. 

However, with the right strategy and technology, visibility can shift from a challenge to a strength. Having access to a TMS takes over a lot of the heavy lifting for you, acting as a virtual control tower for all logistics updates and communication. With Trinity’s solutions, we included unlimited users who can access updates and data 24/7 via the cloud. We can even create push notifications where your team, your warehouse, and your customers can receive updates for their specific tasks automatically. For most shippers, real-time visibility has fully transitioned from an optional benefit to a business necessity – which is why Trinity brings all of this valuable information right to your fingertips. 

PAIN POINT 4: BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

Data has quickly become one of the world’s most valuable resources. In order to make effective decisions, proper data and analysis are needed, especially for logistics strategy or more enterprise-level decisions that reach far beyond the supply chain.

Now let’s say you do have access to good, tangible data. Even still, most likely your data is spread out among various laptops, email accounts, and carrier portals. Trying to compile complete and accurate information is difficult in itself this way, but the greater challenge is what can you do with this data?

That’s where working with Trinity comes in hand. We help compile and present a key analysis in a way that is easy for you to understand and collaborate on action steps for your company’s continuous improvement. Our customers are able to successfully leverage their data to lower costs, improve performance, and drive their company forward. There are many types of helpful reports you can expect to see such as carrier scorecards, customer profitability reports, to network analysis, and distribution projects.

From Surviving to Thriving

Whether or not your challenges have already been identified, through a Managed Transportation Discovery Call with our people-centric approach, you can learn how to take your business from surviving to thriving. Your consultation is free and the only thing you have to learn is how your business can operate more efficiently and strategically. 

What do you have to lose?

Intrigued? 

Not quite ready for a consultation but still interested in learning more about Trinity’s TMS? Register for a brief presentation specifically focused on our TMS.

“Thank you for your service.”

The stewardess on my flight makes this appreciative statement to each of the uniformed soldiers as they work their way down the aisle. A few minutes later she says the same thing to me, which caught me off guard. It takes me a few minutes to realize my faded tattoo is showing beneath my shirt sleeve. That selfless moment from the kind stewardess made such an impact on me that day. I spent the rest of the flight thinking about the word ‘service’ and how it truly is one of the most important virtues.

The true definition of service is putting the needs of others, before the needs of yourself. I believe Mahatma Gandhi said it best,

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

This is why members of the armed forces are some of the best examples of this value. They prove that they are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and security of people that they will never know or meet. All are willing and yet some, unfortunately, have made that sacrifice.

The value of service is engrained in the culture of our organization, from its origins 40 years ago, and beginning even further beyond that. The first generation of trucking began with Trinity’s founder, Ed Banning, in the early 1930s. The name of the company he started with was Service Trucking, started by Ed’s Father, Gilbert. Service Trucking had a well-known reputation for its high-touch service to customers, servant leadership, and practicing the golden rule with both team members and anyone associated with the organization. In a sense, our culture of service began there. A flag was planted in the ground with only one way to do business and it has been practiced for three generations.

This tradition of service continues today being further strengthened by Trinity being a part of Burris Logistics. The Burris culture has values that are deeply rooted in integrity and service, which is why the synergy between our two organizations is so strong.

Being able to put the needs of others before the needs of yourself. What a powerful concept that is. One that has been a cornerstone of the success, growth, and prosperity of the United States of America. You don’t have to look hard to find someone who has dedicated their life to service or has even acted selflessly in a moment. These people, especially the ones whose selflessness caused them to make the ultimate sacrifice, are the people we salute on Memorial Day.

To the men and women of our armed forces, and to those who have dedicated their lives to service – thank you for giving back and expecting nothing in return.

Happy Memorial Day.

Author: Billy Banning.