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.

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].

Whether your product is coming straight from the farm, is moving between processing, or heading off to the consumer, the dairy industry needs first-rate cold chain solutions to meet their complex supply chains.

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter are household staples and essential in many people’s diets. It’s no surprise that the dairy industry is considered one of the fastest-growing industries, almost doubling in value every five years. To keep up with consumer demand, the dairy industry needs exceptional cold chain solutions to keep their products cold and safe for consumption.

Why the Dairy Industry Needs Cold Chain Solutions

Dairy products all start with milk, and it has a short shelf life. After the cows have been milked, it immediately transports to cooling storage tanks or a chilled trailer. To ensure the milk doesn’t spoil, it must be stored at a temperature no higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s then transported to a processing facility, pasteurized, and transported again to consumers.

Usually, this process alone, from cow to store, takes place in about two days. Now, milk is often a starting point for the many diverse dairy products available. Depending on the final product, dairy supply chains have more steps and complexities added.

Common Issues Requiring Cold Chain Solutions

• Temperature Control Needed for Most Dairy Products
• Capacity During Peak Shipping Seasons
• Managing Milk Production with Dairy Demand
• Supply Chain Disruptions
• Dairy is Highly Regulated 
• Supply Chain Visibility 
• Potential High Value Dairy Products

Temperature Control Needed for Most Dairy Products

Most dairy products need storage at specific temperatures to keep from spoiling. Dairy products need strict attention because of the risk posed to consumers if the cold chain is broken. If not consistently kept cold and free of humidity, bacteria in the dairy can cultivate and dairy products can become harmful.

Capacity During Peak Shipping Seasons

While some dairy products can seek out alternative transportation modes, most find shipping truckload is the most viable option. It’s usually the fastest and cheapest way to move the product because of its weight. It’s also the most viable due to freight security and nature of the product, and because it reduces the risk of claims due to temperature fluctuations or shifting. Since most dairy products need refrigerated trucks for their shipments this can make capacity an issue at times, such as produce season, when reefer capacity can be tighter. It can not only be more difficult to secure a refrigerated truck, but more expensive to do so.

Managing Milk Production with Dairy Demand

Dairy product demand can fluctuate. Yet, even when consumers want fewer dairy products, the cows don’t stop making milk. They can’t be turned on and off like machines, giving the dairy industry a unique balancing act to handle.

Additionally, when it comes to shipping milk, most of that is kept regional given the short shelf life and cost to ship, making dairy demand management even trickier.

Supply Chain Disruptions

As we’ve learned in recent years, there’s always the chance for supply chain disruption to happen. Whether that’s a truck breaking down, a roadblock, or some other instance that would cause delays. With several dairy products (like milk) having a short shelf life, any delays can risk product spoiling and going to waste. Companies in the dairy industry need to be able to act quickly if any disruption happens. 

Dairy is Highly Regulated 

Dairy products are associated with foodborne illnesses, so it’s no surprise that they’re highly regulated. Right from the start, milk is tested to ensure it’s of safe quality to consume and make other products from. There’s also the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which places strict requirements on sanitary transportation and the handling of dairy products.

Supply Chain Visibility 

Because of so many factors mentioned above, it’s important for dairy companies to have full, real-time visibility of their supply chains. Additionally, many wholesale food distributors and grocery warehouses hold very strict requirements for appointments with very strict product quality inspections to be accepted into their inventory. Without it, dairy companies are at risk of losing products and money due to spoilage, disruptions, delays, or regulation requirements. 

Potential High Value Products

Certain dairy products can be high value, like some cheeses for example. This can make the overall value of the load to be costly should there be any potential claims. It’s best for shippers to work with expert providers who have the experience and knowledge to handle any high value dairy products.

Leading Cold Chain Solutions from Trinity Logistics

Shippers in the dairy industry looking for first-rate cold chain solutions can find all they need with Trinity Logistics. We’re a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider with over 40 years of experience serving logistics solutions to some of the top-known brands in the food and beverage sector.

Standard Operating Procedures for Temperature-Controlled Shipments

One of the reasons we excel in cold chain solutions is our standard operating procedures in place for every temperature-controlled shipment we arrange. This includes:

• Only working with carrier relationships that have downloadable reefer units
• Requiring carriers to pre-cool trailers a minimum of one to two hours before pickup
• Requiring carriers to run their reefer units on continuous
• If necessary, requiring carriers to pulp product before loading
• Requiring carriers to use one of our tracking and tracing partners for real-time shipment visibility
• Only using carriers that have refrigerated trailers that are 2015 or newer

We understand just how critical it is that your product stays at its required temperature. That’s why we work with our trusted, experienced carrier relationships to ensure your product arrives fresh.

Multi-Modal Cold Chain Solutions

No matter what transportation mode you need your product to ship, we have the logistics solutions to support your business now and in the future, including;

• Truckload
• Expedited
• International
• Cross-broder
• Air or ocean shipping
• Drayage
• Less-than-truckload 
• Managed Transportation

This enables your business to seamlessly run regardless of what change or growth you experience.

In-Depth Transportation Management

Whether you need a transportation management system (TMS), to fully outsource your logistics, or your own customized managed transportation solution, we can help. We know each business is unique, which is why our system is highly configurable so we can meet your exact needs. Our Trinity experts will work as part of your business, offering in-depth reporting and data to help get you ahead of your competitors.

No Need to Worry About Disruptions

Did I mention that Trinity has been serving cold chains for over 40 years? We’ve seen it all when it comes to supply chain disruptions and delays. We know how to quickly adapt plans to keep your freight moving. While you’ll have your sole Trinity relationship to lean on for updates, we also have a 24/7 Team in case we need any additional support. You can learn to rest easy whenever your shipment is in our care.

Experts in Temp-Controlled Logistics and Dairy

Trinity Logistics has been serving cold chains for 40-plus years, in addition to our parent company, Burris Logistics, that was built on its expertise of handling temperature-controlled commodities.

There’s also Honor Foods, another Burris Logistics company you can lean on for food redistribution if needed. Honor Foods is a leading foodservice redistributor with locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions of the U.S. They specialize in frozen, refrigerated, dairy, and dry products with over 3,000 stocked items from 300+ trusted suppliers.

Our People-Centric Service

What makes Trinity unique from other 3PLs and what our customers praise the most is our exceptional People-Centric service. We’re a company built on a culture of family and servant leadership, and that culture shines through in our service to you. It’s our care, compassion, and communication that you’ll notice and appreciate.

Find your Purpose to re-engage in your Freight Agent business. Then seek out Trinity Logistics to help you live your Purpose and grow to your fullest potential.

We recently held our Virtual Freight Agent Conference and had the pleasure of hosting Ken Coleman of the Ramsey Group as our featured keynote speaker. He customized his presentation specifically toward Trinity’s Freight Agents with great tips for small business owners on how to “Re-Engage In Your Freight Agent Business”.

His message focused on finding your passion and working within that area as much as possible. It’s all about fueling up on “the juice” – the enthusiasm that comes from doing what you were put on this planet to do!

In the spirit of development and continuous improvement, our Agent Support Team followed up by taking the “Get Clear! Career Assessment” by Ken Coleman to clarify our top talents, passions, and professional mission. From there we created a purpose statement to identify the work we most excel at and most enjoy.

Talent (what you do best) + Passions (work you love) + Mission (results you care about) = Your Purpose Statement

TALENT – WHAT YOU DO BEST

Every workplace skill is grouped into 12 categories of Talent. Those 12 are then segmented into three subgroups: Super Talents, Solid Talents, and Subpar Talents.

Super Talents

Think of your top three talents as high-performance tools. You want to spend the majority of your time on work that involves these talents!

Solid Talents 

Your six Solid Talents are valuable because they support your Super Talents and can be improved upon.

Subpar Talents 

Everybody has weaknesses! You want to be aware of your three Subpar Talents. These are talents that you can let someone else be super at so you don’t have to waste too much of your time trying to develop them.

PASSION – WORK YOU LOVE TO DO

All work can be grouped into 15 categories of Passion. This is work that excites you and makes two hours feel like 20 minutes.

I Love It!

You’ll be most fulfilled when you spend about 75 percent of your day working within your Top three passions. You’ll be engaged, enthusiastic, and effective!

I Like It!

Spending 20 percent of your day on this work is about the right mix. Too much of it will make you frustrated and unhappy.

I Could Take It or Leave It!

Let’s face it – there are some things you don’t like to do. No more than five percent of this work is the goal for the greatest satisfaction.

MISSION – RESULTS YOU CARE ABOUT

The results of work can be grouped into six categories of mission. Discover the contribution you want to make through your work and the “why” behind it. There are three possible feelings about the results of your work to consider.

I Care Deeply

It’s personal! You see the results of your work as a crusade that must be waged and won. Your work is providing a vital solution to a big problem that specific people have.

I Connect With It

It’s cool. You see the results of your work as an important and valuable solution to a problem some people have.

I Couldn’t Care Less

It’s whatever. You see the results of your work as the basic need to keep getting your paycheck.

TIME TO BRING IT ALL TOGETHER

The puzzle comes together when you align all these into your Purpose Statement.

Working with Talent only can make you successful.

Working with Talent and Passion can give you job satisfaction.

Working with Talent and Passion and Mission will lead you to your Purpose. This is where you can achieve success, experience satisfaction, and find significance in your work and in your life.

LET US TAKE THE HARD STUFF OFF YOUR PLATE

Once you know what these are, how can Trinity Logistics help you focus on what you’re best at and handle or help those subpar skills?

From our experience, we’ve found that most Freight Agents excel in skills like communication, building relationships, and managing many priorities. They love talking to others, learning about their needs, and finding solutions to meet those needs.

But what often slows them down or drains them are those non-revenue generating activities. These are the ones where they’re not really connecting with a person or fostering a relationship. Tasks like vetting carriers, handling invoices and bills of lading, or dealing with claims when they happen.

We understand that these tasks take you away from what you excel in and love and that’s why Trinity has full Teams ready to take those off your plate.

Now, what about those other skills that you want to grow in? Things like goal setting, prospecting, or strategy. Well, we take care of that too by giving you several opportunities to expand and grow your skills. Trinity has an in-house Education Team that provides you with many opportunities to continue your education and training in classes like sales skills, social media, industries, or modes. Virtual classes are held every month, giving you the same opportunities to learn and grow as our own Team Members receive. Additionally, we offer you access to our learning management platform offering classes that can be taken in your own time on an array of topics such as leadership, cybersecurity, and customer service.

You’ll also have the support of our Agent Support Team, who will work with you to learn about your goals, offer suggestions, encourage you, and help you stay on track. We also encourage you to spend time one-on-one for direct planning support and accountability reviews with our Agent Support Leadership Team Members.

So, if you’ve been looking for a 3PL partner that offers you more time to focus on what you love to do, take care of the rest, AND help you grow to be the best Freight Agent that you can be, then look no further. Trinity Logistics has over 30 years of experience aiding in the success of Freight Agent offices. We realize that Freight Agents are an integral part of Trinity’s business, which is why we aim to support and invest in them so they can grow their business to its fullest potential.

To start talking to one of our Freight Agent recruiters, call 800-846-3400 ext. 1908.

If you’d like to learn more about our Freight Agent Program, click the button below.