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.

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, is proud to share that the company’s President, Sarah Ruffcorn, is a recipient of the 2023 Women in Supply Chain award. 

Selected to receive the award by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, this recognition honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship, and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network. This year, there were over 400 submissions, the highest number of applications ever submitted. 

“I am both honored and humbled to receive the 2023 Women in Supply Chain award,” said Sarah. “I have immense gratitude for all the coaching and support I’ve received throughout my years at Trinity. Thank you to the leaders and mentors I’ve worked with who have challenged and empowered me, to my Team who have trusted and supported me, and to my husband and family who have given me unwavering support and encouragement to live out my God-given gifts. Thank you all!”

Sarah has a 20-year tenure at Trinity Logistics, having started as a dispatcher in Carrier Sales and holding several leadership roles before being named President in 2019. Within her current role, Sarah works to ensure all Trinity Team Members, regardless of gender, have access to both leadership training and opportunities. Sarah also makes waves within the industry by serving on the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Board of Directors, as well as a co-chair of its Women in Logistics Committee, helping engage and promote women within the logistics industry. 

“I’ve had the privilege to work alongside Sarah Ruffcorn for the past seventeen years and would describe her as a visionary and strategic leader with a gracious, compassionate, and humble heart,” said Doug Potvin, Chief Financial Officer at Trinity Logistics. “With these qualities, she’s excelled as a dynamic leader, not only for Trinity Logistics but in the logistics industry as well, leaving a legacy for future women in the industry to model. Sarah, in all that she does, embodies all the company’s core values and is a worthy recipient of the 2023 Women in Supply Chain Award.”

While the supply chain industry is excelling at incorporating more women in the supply chain, there’s still more work to be done. That’s why four years ago, Supply & Demand Chain Executive launched this award to champion women who are making a difference and thank them for their inspiration to possible leaders.

“Sarah is a servant leader through and through,” said Anne Reinke, President and CEO of TIA. “She focuses on her team, and how to help them succeed, while still steering the ship of a large and complex logistics company.  We at TIA are lucky to have her on our Board of Directors, and this recognition of her excellence is well-deserved.”

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.  

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

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, is proud to share that the company has received a bronze sustainability rating by EcoVadis. 

EcoVadis is a trusted and globally recognized provider of business sustainability ratings and insights. Over 1,000 enterprises rely on EcoVadis to assess and manage sustainability practices within their supply chain. EcoVadis measures the sustainability management system of a company through 21 criteria focused on its four key performance areas of Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainability Procurement.

The assessment includes a questionnaire completed by the company assessed and an expert analysis by EcoVadis. A bronze rating is given to companies that place within the top 50 percent of all companies assessed. In addition, the company must meet the following requirements:

• Cannot operate in the manufacturing of tobacco products, weapons, ammunition, or the mining of coal and lignite
• Cannot have any severe findings
• Cannot have one or more major findings in two or more performance areas
• Cannot have five major findings in any single performance area
• Cannot have 25 minor findings in any single performance area
• Cannot have two or more performance areas with at least five minor findings in each

“The rigorous EcoVadis assessment called for documented proof of processes, actions taken, and additional forms of backup to score Trinity Logistics’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles,” said Kristin Deno, Director of Operation Risk at Trinity Logistics. “EcoVadis allows us to maintain a strict level of accountability to our Team Members, stakeholders, and the world at large. The scorecard shows where we sit currently, but more importantly, it provides an opportunity to highlight areas where we can continue and even expand efforts on our path to sustainability.”

Sustainability is something Trinity has always taken very seriously. Since 2008, Trinity Logistics has participated in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Smartway Program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution that is caused by freight transportation. Trinity has also been partners with the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® since 2009, which involves staying committed to improving company performance through community awareness, security, distribution, and pollution prevention. Additionally, Trinity recently became a Carbonfree Partner® with Carbon Fund to become “carbon-neutral” by donating funds to offset emissions. 

“We are honored to be awarded a bronze medal and be ranked among the top 50 percent of companies in sustainability by EcoVadis,” said Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “Doing the right thing has always been foundational to Trinity’s culture, and that includes our part in sustainability. We know it is a never-ending journey of continuous improvement and we look forward to making even more progress as we work towards next year’s assessment.”

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.  

On August 24, 2023, Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, held its Grand Opening event to celebrate its new and improved office location in Orlando, Florida. One of seven locations nationwide, the Orlando office is uniquely positioned to help local businesses expand and create efficiencies within their supply chain. 

More than 120 people attended, including local state and industry representatives such as Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Bo Outlaw and Jessica Lima of Orlando Magic, Jenny Fall of Women in Trucking, Bob Depouw, Amber Argenziano, and MaryAnn Lawsom of Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), and several other Orlando agency heads, businesses, and legislators. 

“We’re really proud of the turnout we saw from this event,” said Tony Austin, Vice President of Trinity’s Orlando Regional Service Center. “It was a great chance for our office to get to know our local community and allow them the opportunity to learn who we are. We’re very proud of our new location in Orlando and look forward to serving and getting more involved with our local communities within this region.”

The event included a ribbon cutting, comments by Trinity Logistics leadership, tours of the new office, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, chances to win Orlando Magic tickets, as well as refreshments, music, and time for attendees to network amongst themselves. 

For further information about the event or to learn more about Trinity Logistics, contact Tony Austin, Vice President of the Orlando Regional Service Center, at (800)778-8773 ext. 3739 or [email protected], or visit 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 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.  

Partner with Trinity Logistics and easily expand the shipping services offered by your Freight Agency.

There are so many benefits to being an Independent Freight Agent. You have the flexibility to run your business in a way that works for you while having the support of a large brokerage behind you, you’re able to work from anywhere that has Wi-Fi, you have the potential for unlimited income, and more! The benefits of being a Freight Agent are too many to list!

There can also be challenges. One of these challenges is the feeling that you must know it all when it comes to moving freight. Perhaps you’re a truckload shipping expert that has a customer with less-than-truckload (LTL) or drayage freight to move. Maybe you know LTL like the back of your hand, but you see warehousing opportunities with one of your shipping customers.

Now, how can you learn all you need to know to serve each of your unique customer’s shipping needs while still maintaining a thriving business? One option is to hire people for your office that have expertise in all the different modes of transportation. Or, an easier and less costly option, you can partner with a freight broker that has subject matter experts in all modes at your disposal!

Expand Your Shipping Solutions with Trinity Logistics

Trinity Freight Agents have access to supportive Operations Teams that specialize in all the modes and specialized shipping services we offer:

• LTL
• Drayage
• Expedited
• Air
• Ocean
• International
• Intermodal
• Warehousing

If it’s transportation-related, Trinity has experts ready to help support and grow a Freight Agent’s business. It doesn’t stop at just educating our Freight Agents. These Operations Teams can both educate you and manage the freight! 

Our Teams Are Ready to Support Your Freight Agent Business

Less Than Truckload (LTL)

Trinity has a fully trained and equipped Operations Team to handle your customer’s LTL needs. The Team handles quoting through delivery including tracking and tracing and delivery notifications. You, as the Freight Agent, maintain your customer relationship while this Team takes care of the rest! You can even give your customer direct access to our LTL operating system to quote and track shipments.   

Expedited/Drayage/Intermodal/International/Warehousing

Trinity’s Advanced Services Team is a one-stop shop for quoting any of these services. With established carrier relationships in these complex modes, this Team can quote, dispatch, and manage the cargo through transit.

Managed Services/TMS

Is your customer interested in a transportation management system (TMS)? With Trinity, you can offer just a TMS, a fully outsourced Managed Transportation solution, or anything in-between. We can fully customize a Managed Transportation solution to meet your customer’s unique needs. Now you can take your customer from solely working with you for truckload shipments to fully outsourcing their logistics to you!

Wait, Don’t Forget Our Education Team

Trinity’s internal education department, Trinity University, offers classes so you can learn all modes offered as well as sales, negotiation, technology training, and more! Virtual classes are held every month, giving you the opportunity to increase your sales skills and introduce you to any new Trinity Technology. Most importantly, we offer our Freight Agents the same opportunities as our Team Members. In addition, there are many virtual courses offered outside our monthly classes through our learning management platform. That means you can take these courses in your own time, and they cover various topics, such as leadership, cybersecurity, and customer service.

Join Trinity’s Freight Agent Network and Start Growing

We realize you have a choice of who you’d like as your Freight Agency’s partner. So now is the time to ask yourself – is your current 3PL partner offering you the support and education you need to expand your shipping services and grow your business?

If that answer is no, then perhaps Trinity Logistics may be able to help. Trinity has over 30 years of experience aiding in the success of our 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 our Freight Agent network to offer our relationships the opportunity to grow to their fullest potential.

So, if you’re looking for a long-term 3PL partnership that is supportive of your growth, offers you continued education and operations support to keep you competitive, and most of all, is made up of a Team of people who are passionate, dedicated, and striving for excellence, then Trinity Logistics may be the Freight Agent program for your business.

If you feel like you’re leaving opportunities on the table because you can’t handle it all yourself, reach out to a Freight Agent representative to learn more about how Trinity’s Operations Teams can help support your business.

Call Trinity’s Agent Support Team at 800-846-3400 ext. 1908.

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

SEAFORD, DE, July 18th, 2023 – Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, is proud to share that the company has been named a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics.

Every year, Inbound Logistics publishes its annual 3PL edition including its Top 100 3PL list. The theme of this year’s edition surrounds growth. Outsourcing supply chain, logistics, and transportation solutions to a trusted partner is important to prepare or position companies for times of growth. Hundreds of 3PL companies submitted credentials to be considered this year and IL selected the top 100 3PLs to help companies manage growth, efficiently meet demand, and improve service while holding down costs, with Trinity Logistics selected in that list. 

Trinity Logistics has a long history of providing innovative and customer-focused solutions, offering a wide range of services, including warehousing, multiple modes of transportation, technology, and transportation management. 

“Trinity is committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience to help them grow and succeed,” said Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “This award is a wonderful recognition of the commitment our Team makes to our shipper and carrier relationships. We are honored to be known as a 3PL partner that companies can depend on to support their growth.”

This is the third year Trinity Logistics has earned recognition as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics. The recognition is a testament to the company’s growing brand of People-Centric service and customized logistics solutions available to businesses of all sizes and growth goals. 

Learn how Trinity Logistics helped these companies grow their business.

Thinking Trinity Logistics might be the 3PL partner to support your company’s growth?

There are some common misconceptions out there about less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. If you fall victim to any of these LTL shipping myths, you could end up thinking this mode isn’t for your freight. Or worse, spending extra time or money that you could have saved with your LTL shipping.

Here are some of the most popular misunderstandings about LTL shipping and why they’re simply not true.

LTL SHIPPING IS DIFFICULT

Many companies actually find this mode of shipping to be the most flexible and easy to book. As long as you’re working with a quality LTL carrier or third-party logistics (3PL) provider, you’ll find that LTL shipping can be one of the easier modes of transportation to work with.

LTL SHIPPING RATES ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE

Some believe that there’s no room for negotiation when it comes to rates for this mode. In reality, you can negotiate your LTL shipping rates but you’ll need a solid relationship with your carrier to see any benefit. You can also negotiate outside of peak shipping season when companies are more likely to offer lower rates. When you choose to work with Trinity for your LTL, you can trust that our experts negotiate on your behalf to get you the best rate for your specific shipping needs.

ALL LTL ACCESSORIAL FEES ARE THE SAME

In reality, accessorial charges in LTL shipping can fluctuate between carriers by as much as 50 percent.

To determine the accessorial fees charged by a specific carrier, you can look at their rules tariff. This will give you a breakdown of all the accessorials they charge. Some of the most common accessorial charges include liftgates, residential delivery, hazardous material fees, and limited access charges.

One reason these charges vary between carriers is whether they calculate the fee based on cents-per-hundred-pounds or by a flat rate. They can also vary based on different pricing agreements or contracts already in place. 

“I’VE BEEN SHIPPING THE SAME FREIGHT FOR YEARS, AND MY CLASS HAS NEVER CHANGED, SO I DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT CHANGING IN THE FUTURE.”

It’s important to always double-check to confirm your freight class hasn’t changed. The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) board meets twice a year and revises the freight classes for dozens of different commodities, so there’s always a chance that your freight class could change without warning.

Even if you’ve never had issues with re-classifications in the past, LTL carriers remain strict about having accurate classifications on the bill-of-lading (BOL). Carriers often equip their drivers with tape measures and scanning devices to determine dimensions and double-check your freight’s class.

LTL SHIPPING TIMES ARE GUARANTEED

Unless specified as guaranteed, LTL shipping times are estimates. Due to LTL’s flexible service offerings, carriers cannot truly guarantee specific times.

This means both your pick-up and delivery times are never guaranteed (unless specified). Even with a specified guarantee, there can sometimes be a delay or missed window.

The good news is that you can receive tracking notifications from the carrier, so you know once they have picked up. The same goes for your delivery. You’ll receive an estimated delivery date but should be able to track and trace through your provider and receive any notifications if there’s a delay.

You can check with your LTL carrier or provider if they can offer guaranteed LTL shipping as an additional service – meaning there’s an extra charge for this. In this case, it’s imperative that you list the delivery time clearly on the BOL.

A guaranteed delivery time only takes effect once the shipment is picked up from the shipper’s address, and delays in pick-up will not be factored into that time. Transit time does not include the day of pickup or weekends and holidays. It’s also good to note that added requirements at the delivery location, like delivery appointments, can also void the guarantee. 

TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED SHIPMENTS CAN’T GO WITH LTL SHIPPING

Many businesses assume that freight like produce or ice cream can’t ship via LTL because of their need for temperature control. LTL’s flexibility often gets overlooked. With refrigerated LTL, your temperature-controlled freight will be on the same truck as another customer’s freight that needs a similar temperature range. While there are a limited number of LTL providers that can offer this service, it isn’t true that you can’t use LTL for your temperature-controlled shipments. Refrigerated LTL can be a great way to ship any temperature-controlled goods without having to pay full truckload prices. 

WORKING WITH A 3PL FOR LTL SHIPPING ISN’T WORTH IT

This is the common misconception we come across when it comes to LTL shipping. Many companies don’t realize all the benefits that come with using a 3PL for their LTL.

Working with a 3PL like Trinity Logistics gives you the competitive edge of working with an expert in LTL who has a network of strong and trustworthy carrier relationships. What does this mean for you?

Getting LTL shipping quotes and booking shipments with quality LTL carriers is even easier. Especially through Trinity’s Customer Portal, with our LTL Quick Quote feature available. You’ll also have full transparency over your shipment’s transit.

And if your freight is temperature-controlled? No problem. We can help you with any refrigerated LTL shipments. 

Additionally, through our relationships with both large and small LTL carriers, we’re able to negotiate accessorial charges and LTL shipping fees to get you the best service at an ideal rate.

Keep in mind, too, that LTL shipping is about more than just rates. If you experience any service failures or frequent lapses in communication with your current LTL provider, switching to a best-in-class 3PL with top-notch People-Centric service such as ours can save you time and money, even if the rates are the same as before.

See how Trinity Logistics can offer you a better LTL shipping solution.

Are you leading a team within your Freight Agent office and want to be a more effective leader? Do you often feel like you don’t have the time?

There may be issues with the way you’re running the team. I don’t mean to be harsh, and I certainly don’t mean to imply that you’re not doing enough. If you look at the bigger picture, the issue is probably the opposite: you’re probably doing too much.

For most leaders, their issues lie in the delegation. Delegation is one of the most crucial aspects of leadership. It can also be one of the most difficult because it’s tough to relinquish control when you oversee the bottom line.

What kind of habits do you have? What holds you back from delegating more?

There are three key reasons why you may struggle with delegating tasks:

You’re Not Sure That Your Team Members Are Up to It.

Leaders can struggle to believe that their Team Members are capable and willing to take on some of their tasks. However, your role is to push and uplift your Team Members to be and do more than they think they can do.

You’re Used to Doing Everything on Your Own.

Even if you’re used to doing everything yourself that doesn’t mean that’s the best avenue to take. If you don’t begin delegating tasks, you’re likely to burn out. Isn’t that why you hired your Team, to help support your business?

You Believe Your Skills are the Best for the Task.

While this may be true, you won’t know what your Team is capable of until you give them a chance. And even if they don’t quite have the same skills as you, skills can be learned. You want your Team to become experts at what they do, don’t you?

Take a moment for some self-reflection and see if any of these ring true for you. It could be one or a mixture of them all, but regardless of which specific reason is keeping you from delegating work, the overall theme is fear. You’re afraid of what might happen if you let go. But as Andrew Carnegie said, “No person will make a great business who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit.”

LEADING A TEAM POST-DELEGATION

Now that you understand why you should be delegating some of your work, let’s look at some strategies for supporting your Team after you’ve begun delegating tasks.

Prepare a Training Plan in Advance

Have you ever had a job where you had no idea what you were doing and all you ever heard from your supervisor was that you were doing things the wrong way? Most individuals have, and they usually don’t survive long in these occupations. Nobody likes to feel unsure and alone.

Typically, if you’re not recruiting someone who is an experienced professional, it’s always good to provide an initial training session for every new employee to shadow or watch you. Let them watch you and ask questions. They need to understand your expectations, work habits, and preferences.

This is something that doesn’t happen overnight. In most training situations, it’s recommended to devote two weeks to a month to this and allow your new employee to start doing their specific job when they are ready.

If you put in the time now, you’ll get a lot more later.

Allow Them to Own Their Responsibilities

We’ve already discussed your need to delegate work; now let’s talk about your role after giving a task. People are most devoted to and involved in something when they feel responsible for what they are doing. So, how can you make someone care about their job performance and feel accountable for it?

It all starts with trusting them. I’m not suggesting you won’t be available to help them when they need it, but you should be willing to give someone an assignment and let them see it through to completion.

This will result in three important outcomes:

1. Increasing your team’s self-confidence and helping them to continue progressing at a faster rate
2. Building trust with your Team
3. And most importantly, allow you to focus on your bottom line

Don’t Be High-and-Mighty

This one should be self-evident, shouldn’t it? But it may be difficult for you to see it. Again, we must consider many views and be very aware of our own actions. And, while I’m not suggesting you let your staff heavily criticize you, you should be open to input. As you gain their trust, your Team should feel comfortable enough to approach you with any concerns or feedback. If they’re not doing that, consider re-evaluating.

Show Appreciation and Celebrate Success

Morale is no laughing matter. One study says 69 percent of employees in an office said they would work harder and take their jobs more seriously if they felt more appreciated. Make employee appreciation a regular part of your weekly calendar. Think about it:

Feeling valued = confidence = working harder = learning faster = taking on more responsibility = leading an effective Freight Agent Team

Don’t Overwhelm Them

Delegation is a balancing act. You delegate jobs due to a heavy workload, but delegating too much work to others who are already overwhelmed puts vital items in danger of falling through the cracks or creating a burned-out team.

You must maintain track of each person’s workload, especially if you have numerous employees in your Freight Agent office, to ensure that everyone is working at their maximum potential. This necessitates first learning about each employee’s talents and capabilities.

If you aren’t already using task management software, I strongly advise you to do so. Task management software programs like Salesforce and Hubspot can show you how many tasks each team member has, their task timeline, and deadlines, so you’ll know how much you can assign them.

LEAD A SUCCESSFUL FREIGHT AGENT OFFICE WITH THE SUPPORT OF TRINITY LOGISTICS

Leading a team means going as a group rather than alone. As a team, you’re there to learn from each other and draw strength from one another. As a leader, it’s your sole responsibility to support your team, help them develop, set the direction, and remove obstacles.

“Delegating doesn’t mean passing off work you don’t enjoy, but letting your employees stretch their skills and judgment.” – Harvey Mackay

At Trinity Logistics, we know all the challenges there are for growing Freight Agent offices in leading a team efficiently and handling delegation. That’s why we have a whole Agent Support Team available to help. They’re a Team dedicated solely to the support of our Freight Agents to help you set and achieve your professional goals, provide constructive feedback to succeed in your business, offer learning opportunities to grow your skillset, and so much more.

Trinity Logistics has over 30 years of experience aiding in the success of our Freight Agent businesses, with many of our Freight Agents seeing a 50 percent increase over a two-year period from joining. If you’d like support and see a similar kind of growth within your Freight Agent business, then get connected with one of our Team Members to get started.