The food and beverage industry is enormous, including subindustries like grocery, restaurants, bars, catering, and more. The industry continues to evolve and adapt despite frequently changing consumer preferences and new, complex challenges. So, what’s currently affecting those in food and beverage? In this blog, we’re going to dive into some of the latest trends in the food and beverage industry.

TRENDS IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

CONTINUED COLD CHAIN GROWTH

SUSTAINABILITY

LABOR SHORTAGES IN FOODSERVICE

CONSUMERS ARE MORE COMPLEX

SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & AUTOMATION

GROWING COLD STORAGE DEMAND

CONTINUED COLD CHAIN GROWTH

One of the well-known trends in the food and beverage industry is the continued growth of cold chains. Recently, a Grand View Research study shows that the cold chain market was estimated at USD $330,680 billion in 2023. Furthermore, it’s estimated to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.8 percent from 2024 to 2030.

Recently, there’s been an increased demand for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical logistics (think vaccines and biologics), rising demand for better food quality, including more fresh and frozen foods, and a surging need to reduce food waste. All this is anticipated to drive the market’s growth. 

In light of the pandemic, the risks of COVID-19 have made consumers more interested in healthier, less processed foods that will boost their immune systems. However, less processed foods mean more food products that will need temperature control.

Additionally, the frozen food sector looks to be growing. Besides filling home freezers, frozen foods are growing in restaurants. Restaurants are also providing new menu items for the frozen grocery aisle. In an American Frozen Food Institute report, 72 percent of frozen food consumers said they combine frozen and fresh ingredients in their meals.

Comparatively, shippers are also using more cold chain services to preserve the shelf life of their products, even when temperature-controlled transportation isn’t needed.

SUSTAINABILITY

Growing climate issues are making sustainability a common trend in almost all industries. Consumers are taking notice of the sustainable practices of companies. From ethical sourcing, carbon neutrality, to eco-friendly packaging, consumers want the brands they buy from to be sustainable. Additionally, food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally, contributing to cold chain issues. This makes sustainability one of the top trends in the food and beverage industry.

Consumers Care About Sustainability

One way consumers can show their support for the environment is by choosing to purchase from sustainable brands. Consumers have shown they’re willing to pay more and be loyal to brands that invest in their sustainability efforts. In a survey by YouGov, more than half of consumers said they would be willing to pay up to 10 percent more on sustainable versions of regular packaged food and drinks. In another consumer survey, 78 percent of respondents agree that sustainability is import, with 63 percent stating they have adopted greener buying habits.

Food Waste Prevention

In fact, an S&P Global Ratings report says food waste contributes to 10 percent of emissions and that $1 trillion of food is wasted each year. Similarly, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), between 73 to 152 million metric tons of food get wasted each year in the U.S. The most wasted foods are fruits and vegetables, followed by dairy and eggs, with over half of all waste occurring in households and restaurants. In addition, the food processing sector generates 34 million metric tons of food waste per year. And over the past decade, the total U.S. food waste has increased by 12 percent to 14 percent.

To put it differently, the EPA said halving food waste in the U.S. would save 3.2 trillion gallons of water, 640 million pounds of fertilizer, 262 billion kilowatt-hours of energy, and 92 million metric ton equivalents of carbon dioxide. According to the Agency, reducing the waste of meats, cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables would have the most significant impact.

Due to this growing issue, governments and businesses have been working hard to improve sustainability efforts. In July 2021, the Zero Food Waste Act was introduced to provide grants to businesses that significantly reduce their food waste. Additionally, in November 2021, the Food Donation Improvement Act was introduced to lower food waste by making it easier for companies to donate food instead of throwing it out.

Cold chain improvements have seen growing importance even outside the food and beverage industry. One example is UPS Healthcare developing a system and opening facilities to move medicines safely. Part of their plan includes using reusable cold chain packaging. In addition, Amazon is working on insulation packaging to reduce material waste and replace 735,000 pounds of plastic film, 3.15 million pounds of cotton fiber, and 15 million pounds of non-recyclable plastic.

LABOR SHORTAGES In Foodservice

Labor shortages are common among other industries, making this another relatable trend in the food and beverage industry. As a result, hiring workers in the U.S. is becoming near impossible. According to a recent market report, labor shortages are a top concern for 23 percent of food and beverage businesses. The most difficult positions to fill look to be those in the restaurant and foodservice sectors. It’s not just the hiring of new workers, but retaining them as well.

Workers are leaving the industry due to a combination of burnout, low wages, and a desire for better work-life balance. Because of this, restaurants and foodservice companies have had to reduce their hours or limit their menu, while consumers have felt it in longer wait times and less personalized service. With good customer experiences being paramount to a company’s success, resolving this issue is critical.

For this reason, advanced technology can help remove some redundant tasks and help supplement amidst labor shortages. For example, those in the bar sector are being introduced to self-pour technology, which uses RFID tracking and allows customers to pour their own beverages. .

CONSUMERS ARE MORE COMPLEX

Over the years, consumers and their choices in food and beverage and their preferred shopping habits, have become more complex. Because of this, there is a greater assortment of products than ever, with more items requiring temperature control as consumers move away from processed foods and look for fresher, healthier items. Consequently, the supply chain for grocery continues to evolve as the message from consumers is clear. They want what they want, when they want it, where they want it, and expect businesses to respond to their demands.

Continued Decline of In-Person Shopping

In speaking to consumer shopping preferences, it looks like online grocery shopping, food delivery, and food subscription boxes are here to stay. Many consumers prefer the option to receive food and beverage products at their door. For instance, in recent a study by Drive Research, the use of grocery delivery services in 2024 have risen 56 percent compared to 2022. Additionally, the use of grocery curbside or pickup in 2024 have risen 100 percent compared to 2022, further showing the decline of in-person shopping for food and beverage items.

Cost of Food and Beverage Products a Large Concern

Additionally, inflation and rising costs for everyday items, including food and beverages, have consumers rethinking how much and what brands they buy. For example, a recent study showed 54 percent of respondents stating they’ve reduced how much, and unfortunately, 20 percent said they were skipping meals to save money on food. Data from another survey found that 43 percent of consumers are cooking dishes with less meat to save on grocery costs. Others are choosing to purchase cheaper cuts of meat.

Private label brands continue to see growth as shoppers look to save money whenever possible. In fact, according to Numerator, private label brands hold almost a quarter of sales in the grocery sector. The Private Label Manufacturers Association shows that private label sales saw 2.5 percent growth compared to a decline of 0.8 percent by national brands in 2024.

Taste and Experience is a Must

Consumers want to feel good about what they eat. They want nutritious options that alight with their dietary preferences or health goals. In a survey but the International Food Information Council, 54 percent of consumers consider the healthfulness of food in their purchasing decision. Yet, even with the health benefits, they still want their products to taste good, as Datassential shared 35 percent of them purchase items that sound both delicious and healthy.

Consumers are interested in trends like unprocessed foods, natural ingredients, anti-inflammatory, and hydration. Alcohol-free and non-alcoholic beverages are also a rapidly growing trend, with 2 in 5 consumers abstaining from drinking alcohol.

Consumers generally want a positive experience with food and beverage products. While it’s fuel for the body, it can also serve as a source of community, entertainment, and more. In one study, 53 percent of consumers see experiences as essential to their personal lives, especially among the younger generations since the pandemic. They’re interested in trying to tastes and spices, products that bring a sense of nostalgia, or food and beverages that tie in with a story, as shown by the recent increase in pop-up restaurants and bars.

supply chain Challenges

Since the pandemic, supply chains have been seen more of the limelight. As shown by rising costs faced by consumers, food and beverage supply chains have been challenged by shortages of raw materials, disruptions like strikes or a bridge collapse, and a growing demand by consumers for transparency and speed.

Consumers are also becoming more interested in knowing where the products they buy come from. According to a study by IBM, nearly 70 percent of consumers want to see a brand’s sourcing practices. They want to know how the products they buy were manufactured. They’re looking for companies who show concern to how their manufacturing affects the planet’s life span and how their product is raised or grown. Consumers want to feel like the products they choose to buy will make a difference.

According to a Mckinsey report, food and beverage supply chains see supply chain disruption roughly once every three years. A 2023 risk report shows that supply chain executives are concerned about disruptions from climate change, environmental factors, and geopolitical conflicts. Another risk report shows that 73 percent of companies experienced higher supply chain losses within that past two years. Because of this, building supply chain resiliency is a huge trend for food and beverage companies.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & AUTOMATION

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a buzzword across all industries, but how could it affect food and beverage? One way is through providing clearer insights into shopper preferences, helping companies better market to them to grow brand loyalty. It can help with supply chain optimization, helping businesses better understand consumer demand and optimize production planning and management, reduce overstocking, and minimize waste. Some companies, like Campbell Soup Co., are using AI to help with product development, tracking data and discovering what its customers want next.

According to WifiTalents, 62 percent of food and beverage executives believe AI will have a significant impact on their industry within the next five years. With the uses for AI in the food and beverage industry being so extensive, it will be interesting to see how companies make use of it.

There’s also a lot to be talked about in AI and automation for the customer experience. Companies are looking into AI-driven customer service opportunities and ways to streamline customer interactions. You see a lot of this in the restaurant industry with the use of table side tablets, interactive menus, and mobile ordering and payment. AI is used in mobile apps to personalize menus and promotions based on customer preferences.

Growing Cold Storage Demand

The demand for refrigerated warehouses is continuing to soar to new heights. A report from Skyquest forecasts the U.S. cold storage market to increase with a compound annual growth rate of 13.5 percent through 2031, expecting to reach a value of $118.8 billion.

Temperature-controlled storage is critical to many sectors, from grocery to pharmaceutical companies. The growing demand for cold storage facilities comes the adoption of automation and technology, the popularity of ecommerce and demand for faster delivery, as well as online grocery platforms. There’s also a thriving demand for convenience foods – those that are usually chilled but ready to eat with little to no preparation.

STAY AHEAD OF TRENDS IN THE FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

No matter the trends in the food and beverage industry, having a logistics resource, consultant, or expert is one way to stay ahead. Whatever phrase you want to use but ultimately, have support on your side for any complex situation. This is where a third-party logistics company (3PL), such as Trinity Logistics, can come in. We can help you find creative solutions to your logistics challenges.

Now, you’re likely wondering, “why work with Trinity Logistics?” For one, we’ve been serving cold chains for over 45 years! Whether you have a complex challenge or just need help with one shipment, we have the experience and quality carrier relationships to meet your needs.

You can also count on us to stay knowledgeable on what’s going on in your industry so you can stay updated too. We know that even in times of supply chain disruption, your industry doesn’t stop, so neither do we.

And lastly, 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.

If you’re ready to have Trinity Logistics on your side for logistics support and expertise, no matter the industry trends, then let’s get connected.

Severe weather events are the new normal. Can the logistics industry handle more supply chain disruption?

It’s a hot, sunny day, and you’ve found the perfect spot on the beach to sit back, relax, and enjoy the cool breeze of the ocean waves. As you’ve sat down and unpacked your snacks, a thunderstorm rolls in, causing the lifeguards to hop off their chairs, stating the beach is closing. Plans = ruined.

We’ve all been there – when poor weather makes an inconvenient appearance. But severe weather is more than just rain on your wedding day. It’s more extreme, like high winds, flooding from heavy rain, wildfires, or droughts. Severe weather events are becoming more intense and commonplace, causing supply chains to struggle. Logistics professionals often face challenges like disrupted deliveries, product shortages, and skyrocketing costs.

From intense hurricanes to wildfires, the growing effects of climate change on supply chains are becoming impossible to ignore. In a report by Breakthrough, 39 percent of transportation professionals note severe weather as the biggest challenge to their networks, having primary concerns surrounding climate change and sustainability. With severe weather and its effect of supply chain disruption being a challenge for companies for the foreseeable future, they must take proactive measures to maintain resiliency. Is your supply chain prepared?

CASES OF SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION FROM RECENT SEVERE WEATHER

Climate change has led to an increase in severe weather events. If you’re uncertain as to how much of an increase we’ve seen, let me share an eye-opening fact with you. The U.S. National Climate Assessment estimates that in the 1980’s, a billion-dollar extreme weather event would take place once every four months. Now, they occur once every three weeks! That’s not a lot of downtime in between events for affected supply chains to regroup.

Supply chain disruption from severe weather like the ones mentioned below is no longer a distant worry but a constant concern.

Droughts

In recent years, droughts have been impacting vital waterways. The Panama Canal, a critical path for global shipments, has experienced its worst drought since records began in 1950. Due to low water levels, restrictions were imposed, limiting heights and the number of daily vessels. Similarly, the Mississippi River has faced periods of drought and low water levels, making it difficult to transport goods.

Elevated heat and droughts affect not only waterways for transportation but also the production of goods. For example, coffee, cocoa beans, and olives have all recently faced drought conditions, resulting in a lower output of their respective products.

Wildfires

Often fueled by extreme heat and droughts, wildfires are now an expected annual danger to many parts of the world, like the Western U.S. and parts of Canada. Fire seasons start earlier and last longer while growing in intensity and size. Though the wildfires themselves are one problem, the spread of the smoke coming off them greatly expands their impact. The smoke reduces not only our air quality but also visibility, such as with the wildfires in Canada in 2023, which created widespread smoky conditions and delayed several shipments in populated locations such as Chicago and New York.

Hurricanes

Hurricane Season continues to bring more hurricanes and stronger storms each year. In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) forecasts that the 2024 season will see 17 – 25 named storms, with four to seven being a Category 3 or greater. On average, there are 14 named storms with three being a Category 3 storm or greater.

Hurricane Ian was one severe weather event to cause supply chain disruption in the Southeast in 2022. Ian was a Category 4 storm when it made landfall in Florida and resulted in a 75 percent drop in shipments during its course. More than $416 million of citrus crops, a major good grown in the area, were destroyed by Ian.

Another Category 4, Hurricane Harvey, struck Texas in 2017. More than 50 inches of rain fell, breaking previous U.S. records and causing massive flooding, which closed roadways and many facilities. Several ports along the Gulf Coast were closed for nearly a week.

Even a Category 1 hurricane can impact supply chains. In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl hit South Texas, causing major flooding, power outages, and port closures.

Deep Freezes

Several locations have seen unusual deep freezes in recent years. In 2021, Texas saw a widespread freeze that their electric grid was unplanned for, causing a blackout for over two weeks. Many manufacturing businesses had to shut down, and railroads did, too. This caused significant supply chain disruption for transportation between Texas and the Pacific Northwest.

In 2022, New York experienced Winter Storm Elliott, which lasted roughly a week. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold temperatures caused power outages, resulting in a 40 percent decrease in shipment volume.

These are just a few examples of the impact severe weather has had on supply chains in recent years. Scientists believe that supply chain disruption from severe weather events will only intensify in the coming years as extreme temperatures and sea levels continue to rise.

HOW SEVERE WEATHER CAUSES SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION

Severe weather events can wreak havoc on supply chains in many ways!

Infrastructure Damage

Roads, bridges, or ports can become damaged and make routes unavailable.

Shipping and Transportation Delays

The effects of severe weather, such as flooding or wind gusts, can slow or stop transit, causing delays and increased shipping times.

Shortages and Increased Costs

Damages and delays from severe weather can impact production, reducing inventory and capacity. Increased demand then increases the cost of materials, products, or shipping.

HOW SUPPLY CHAINS CAN STAY PROACTIVE

While you can’t control the weather, you can control whether your supply chain is prepared. Now is the time to be proactive and plan so your supply chain survives and thrives when severe weather strikes.

Assess Your Risk

Map out your entire supply chain to find gaps and vulnerabilities. Identify which companies and suppliers are involved and what severe weather events might impact them. If capable, look at previous data on supply chain disruption to learn from it. Are there certain sites that experience frequent disruption? How could you have been better prepared?

Have a Contingency Plan

Now that your supply chain is mapped and risks identified, it’s time to build plans for when disruption hits. Confirm that your supply chain partners have their own plan in place. Determine backup suppliers and partners for when current ones are affected. Find and select alternative transportation methods and routes. Once established, regularly assess this plan to ensure it will operate effectively.

Invest in Extra Insurance

This may seem like simple advice but invest in insurance to protect your business from losses. For example, flood or hurricane insurance will help you restore any damaged assets from a severe storm. Business interruption coverage can offer added protection, covering any lost sales during a disruption from severe weather.

Invest in Technology

There is a lot of technology available to help you be prepared for severe weather. Technology with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics can be useful to help you forecast and respond quickly when issues unfold. Leveraging AI and machine learning can help you reach a level of automation in which decisions can be made from data in a matter of seconds.

Create End-to-End Visibility

One of the most common weaknesses in supply chains is a lack of visibility. With the increase in severe weather and supply chain disruption, visibility is needed now more than ever. Having real-time access to tracking, carriers, suppliers, and inventory can help you identify any issues before disruption takes place.

A transportation management system (TMS) can provide the visibility you need. It provides critical data about your shipments and orders in real-time, giving you an advantage should a problem arise. This can help you make quick decisions to reroute shipments, avoid affected areas, and keep your customers informed.

Establish Open Communication

Establishing open communication among your supply chain partners now will benefit you when severe weather happens. Be transparent. Share details about when you receive orders, where they go, and when they are due.

Let partners know your backup plans and ensure they are prepared for any severe weather events. When there is a chance of supply chain disruption, send communications right away. The earlier you can make partners aware of the possibility, the more time they have to adjust their plans.

Collaborate with Resilient Partners

Are your supply chain partners prepared for potential disruption? Identify those who are ready to weather the storms and those who are vulnerable. Supply chain disruption isn’t going away, so you’ll want to raise your concerns and highlight your need for resiliency. If the risk is too great for your supply chain, you may consider looking into alternative partners to replace them.

WEATHER ANY STORM WITH TRINITY LOGISTICS

Working with a reliable logistics provider like Trinity Logistics is a great way to build supply chain resiliency and overcome severe weather threats.

Trinity Logistics has been supporting thousands of supply chains through all sorts of supply chain disruption for over 45 years. Severe weather events don’t scare us away, as we thrive on quickly solving issues like those that storms can bring. We also have a dedicated After-Hours Team to support your business at any time. Even if severe weather halts your shipping overnight, on a holiday, or weekend, we’re here to help. 

Our nationwide network of trusted carrier relationships will ensure your shipments arrive safely at their delivery locations. You can also count on our multiple transportation options to allow you to keep your goods moving through rain, hail, or snow. Lastly, our customizable Managed Transportation solutions can give you the real-time visibility you need to stay updated and make any changes in a matter of minutes.  

Don’t let supply chain disruption fog up your company’s goals. Try Trinity Logistics and see how our People-Centric service can light the way to success.  

Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is proud to announce its recognition as a Green Supply Chain Partner for 2024 by Inbound Logistics. This prestigious accolade highlights Trinity’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly logistics practices. 

Each year, Inbound Logistics editors select 75 Green Supply Chain Partners, otherwise known as the G75, that go above and beyond in their efforts to improve supply chain sustainability. These companies demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to environmental responsibility and are selected based on their initiatives to reduce their impact, improve efficiency, and overall promote a more sustainable future. 

Trinity has a long history of implementing innovative solutions to minimize its environmental footprint including:

• Reducing emissions with an Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership
• Practicing chemical safety as a member of Responsible CareⓇ
• Offsetting carbon emissions by collaborating with ClimeCo 
• Making sustainable choices in Trinity’s owned offices
• Offering environmentally friendly transportation options, like intermodal

“At Trinity, we’ve always believed in doing the right thing,” said Kristin Deno, Director of Operational Risk at Trinity Logistics. “Being so exclusively recognized for our sustainability efforts is a true testament to our focus in this area. This recognition provides additional drive for us to continue improving practices to support building a greener future.”

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 45 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 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

It’s a simple fact. People can’t survive without food. When times are tough, we can certainly make sacrifices in other parts of our lives, like our online shopping habits or a remodel we wanted, but not food. This makes food manufacturing a reliable and even diverse industry to run a business in. Yet, it doesn’t come without its own set of unique challenges, especially with its logistics. 

Today, the demand for fast and reliable shipping is higher than ever. Food and beverage companies need to meet the rising pressure to provide quicker turnarounds and deliver their products at optimal freshness to stay competitive. With already complex supply chains, how can a company keep up? Not to mention, what if there’s an issue found or a delay? Don’t stress. We’ll cover logistics challenges that commonly hurt food manufacturing businesses and how working with a third-party logistics (3PL) company, like Trinity Logistics, can solve and simplify your processes for shipping food.

Common Shipping Challenges Faced by Food Manufacturing

Diversity in Scheduling Applications Introduces Challenges

One of the biggest headaches for food manufacturers is self-imposed. Each shipper or distributor could be using a different scheduling portal or application. Some even just use Excel spreadsheets. Because of this, scheduling conflicts and communication gaps are often seen when shipping food. This can be very frustrating to the logistics departments arranging the shipments. 

Furthermore, the carriers they aim to work with may not know how to use the application or might not even have access to it. This inefficiency can cause issues with them scheduling their pickup or delivery appointments. It also can limit access to capacity, something that is truly needed for those requiring temperature control during peak produce season!  

Plenty of Time-Sensitive Freight in Food Manufacturing – Beat Must Arrive by Dates

As previously mentioned, food manufacturers face a growing demand for products that are at peak freshness, especially for those needing temperature control. It’s not unusual for these time-sensitive shipments to be last-minute orders requiring immediate action. Some of these can come in just the day before or even the day before and need shipping right away. Sometimes to help manage the influx of shipments, freight can be assigned with a “Must Arrive by Date” (MABD). This can put pressure on food manufacturers, and missed delivery windows can result in costly penalties. These fees, called chargebacks, usually get pushed back onto the customer and impact your bottom line and service.

Identify Visibility Gaps When Shipping Food

With many time-sensitive and temperature-control requirements, it’s important for food manufacturers to have complete visibility into their shipments. Food shipments often involve multiple stops, so it’s critical to understand where your product is and when it’s expected to arrive. Even though it is valuable, many food manufacturers find they have limited visibility of their shipments. This creates a lot of uncertainty, causing additional gaps in communication and possible delays or disruptions. Most importantly, it can jeopardize the safety of your food product, an important piece to meet the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulation.

Keeping Food Shipping Logistics Budget in Control

Carrier selection for shipping food products can be a puzzle for food manufacturers to figure out. On one hand, you want to work with high-quality carriers to ensure your food products arrive at peak freshness. On the other hand, they cost more. One certainly wants to budget and find balance. Look to pay too little, and you may not find the quality service your products need. Finding that balance between the two can be difficult.

Market trends can also cause unexpected price fluctuations, further challenging their logistics budget. This can really hurt those needing to meet peak freshness as it’s not like they can’t ship their products as they may perish. Instead, they’ve got to adjust and pay the current price.

Food manufacturers must be creative and find solutions to keep their costs down but their quality up. They can consider other transportation modes as options to manage costs, but understanding which one makes the most sense for their product can be overwhelming.

Embracing Sustainability in Food Shipping

Sustainability is on everyone’s minds, including consumers. With global food and beverage production causing roughly 34 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, consumers are holding food manufacturing companies to higher standards. They’re researching more about the companies they purchase food products from. They want to know what positive practices they implement, such as sustainable fishing, the use of ecological pesticides, reforesting, fair trade, or the use of compostable packaging.

TRINITY Logistics SOLVEs Food Shipping PROBLEMS

With over 45 years of serving customized logistics solutions to thousands of food manufacturers, we’re fairly confident in our ability to help you overcome any of these challenges.

We Speak Your Food Shipping Scheduling Language

We’re in tune with most if not all, scheduling portals that food and beverage shippers use. You don’t have to worry about training us! Yes, we could even say we know how to navigate those scheduling apps “with our eyes closed.” Even if we have a newer Team Member who is unfamiliar with it, we can guarantee that at least one of our 400+ Team Members or 135+ Authorized Agents know it and can assist.

Time-Sensitive Titans: We Deliver Your Food Products When It Matters Most

At Trinity Logistics, we understand the urgency of time-sensitive food deliveries. Our Team excels in handling quick turnarounds, making us the “emergency room” for your time-critical freight. We are acutely aware of the potential repercussions of missed deliveries and leverage our strong carrier relationships to secure the capacity you need. These established partnerships allow for better planning and ensure that carriers are familiar with the specific needs of food commodities, pickup, and delivery locations.

Furthermore, in the unfortunate event that fees do arise due to carrier issues, Trinity acts as your advocate. We hold our carriers accountable and ensure that any associated charges are passed along to the responsible party. Our meticulous investigation process guarantees that only the root cause of the problem bears the financial burden.

Expand the View into Your Food Shipments

We’re champions of end-to-end visibility, great communication, and transparency because we know you deserve it. Our commitment to People-Centric service isn’t just our slogan; it’s our philosophy.

We leverage a combination of cutting-edge technology and a dedicated Team Member to keep you informed every step of the way. Use our Customer Portal to see real-time tracking of your shipments. If you’re looking for even more transparency, there’s our Managed Transportation service, offering you a customized Transportation Management System (TMS) solution that works for your business. Between our technology and our Team Members, you’ll find this proactive approach ensures you’re not left in the dark until delivery.

Find Balance in Your Logistics Budget

Starting out, our established carrier relationships not only gain you access to capacity but to leverage our competitive rates. Additionally, we have multiple modes to choose from and our Experts can help you explore which one suits your product and budget.

Now, we understand balance isn’t easy to obtain, so that’s why Trinity Logistics goes a step further in our service to help you find it. For those food manufacturers that build a shipping history with us, we’re able to review your data and conduct a comprehensive review of your logistics. This will give you a clearer insight into your logistics to find room for improvement. We won’t come empty-handed, either. We’ll make recommendations to add efficiencies and see if we’re on the right track for your company’s success.

Adding Sustainability into Your Logistics

We understand the importance of sustainability and are committed to helping you implement it throughout your supply chain. This includes connecting you with carriers that prioritize eco-friendly practices, finding sustainable shipping options, and exploring carbon offsetting programs. If you need further proof, Trinity currently holds a bronze medal rating by EcoVadis, the world’s largest and most trusted provider of sustainability ratings.

Bonus Benefit for Food Manufacturers! Trinity’s Relationship with Honor Foods

As a Burris Logistics Company, we have a direct relationship with Honor Foods. Honor Foods is a leading foodservice redistributor with locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions of the U.S. They have access to thousands of reputable brands and can simplify your purchasing process. Honor specializes in frozen, refrigerated, dairy, and dry products with over 3,000 stocked items from 300+ trusted suppliers. Speed up your lead times and increase profitability with no extra storage space needed. Working with Trinity and Honor, you can get the best of both Burris Logistics brands and gain additional success in your business.

Operating in food manufacturing can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be. Try Trinity Logistics for your shipping and see just how easy it can be.

At Trinity Logistics, we’ve always believed in doing the right thing. That concept is foundational and woven into the fabric of our company culture, from the services we provide to the impact we aim to make on the world around us. Being sustainable is an important focus for the company. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, so our sustainability initiatives are no afterthought.

Logistics Environmental Sustainability

The United Nations defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Our company takes that message to heart. We recognize the critical part we play in taking care of our communities, making a positive impact, and reducing our environmental footprint. We want to leave a positive legacy behind that extends beyond our logistics services. This includes our part in taking care of our environment and the communities we touch.

Here’s a glimpse into how we take action to be sustainable.

Paving the Way to Less Emissions with SmartWay

The SmartWay program by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) helps companies improve supply chain sustainability and reduce transportation emissions by providing a system to track fuel and emissions so companies can select more efficient carriers and logistics strategies.

Trinity invested in a SmartWay partnership in 2008, making this our earliest sustainability initiative. This partnership enables us to access and build relationships with SmartWay-certified carriers that commit to tracking and minimizing their emissions. We’re able to leverage that network, empowering our shipper relationships to make sustainable choices by using these SmartWay-certified carriers whenever possible.

Chemical Safety with Responsible CareⓇ

Responsible CareⓇ is the chemical industry’s environmental, health, safety, and security initiative, hosted by the American Chemical Council.

Since 2009, Trinity has been a proud member of Responsible CareⓇ. Some of the ways we take this sustainability initiative into action include;

• carrying pollution liability coverage to cover costs associated with pollution clean-up or other pollution-related liability claims;
• stringent carrier vetting to select the right carrier with the right requirements, like being hazmat-certified;
• ongoing required Team Member training to maintain knowledge of proper procedures, especially regarding chemical transportation.

Offsetting Carbon Footprint in Logistics with ClimeCo

ClimeCo is a non-profit organization that helps companies offset their emissions by donating funds towards sustainable projects.

Trinity Logistics understands that climate change is a pressing issue, so we’re committed to doing our part. In 2022, we began collaborating with Carbonfund, now known as ClimeCo. At the end of each fiscal year, we calculate the electricity usage of our owned facilities. With that calculation, ClimeCo helps us identify sustainable projects to donate to and offset the emissions we produced that year.

We’ve already made a difference by contributing to the Texas Capricorn Ridge Wind Project and N20 Abatement Project. In 2022 alone, we offset 143 tonnes of carbon emissions, and in 2023, we mitigated another offset of 90 tonnes. That’s a win for the environment and a win for future generations.  

Building Sustainability in Our Offices

Sustainability isn’t only about grand gestures; it’s about the everyday choices we make. That’s why we seek out sustainable practices within our own facilities.

We offer convenient battery recycling through a partnered vendor, ensuring they’re disposed of responsibly. We also ensure any used paint gets recycled instead of ending up in landfills.

We offer multi-stream recycling to our Team Members as well. Each Team Member has their own container to recycle any paper documents, while a large bin outside collects glass and recyclable plastics. Knowledge is power, so we educate our Team Members on proper recycling practices, too.

Our Facilities Team also aims to make sustainable purchases as often as possible. They’ve already converted any lighting in our owned offices to energy-efficient LEDs. They also focus on purchasing eco-friendly supplies that are compostable and certified sustainable. For example, they buy compostable paper plates and takeout containers for our weekly lunches.

Recognizing the Power of Remote Work for A Cleaner Environment

We recognize the many benefits of remote work. It fosters a vibrant company culture, empowers our Team Members with greater flexibility, and contributes to a greener future. By embracing remote and hybrid work positions, we help reduce emissions from daily commutes and cut our office space requirements.

Currently, around 50 percent of our positions offer remote or hybrid options, allowing our Team Members to focus on time with their families, contribute to their communities, and be part of this impactful sustainability initiative.  

Empowering Shippers with Sustainability

For Trinity, sustainability is about more than our own initiatives. It’s also about helping our relationships find sustainable options in their supply chains.

For each shipment, we’re able to offer guidance on the most efficient transportation modes available. We offer regular business reviews to analyze our shipper relationship’s unique logistics profiles to find and suggest efficiencies. Our Team also works closely with shippers and carriers to tackle deadheading, a large contributor to carbon in the trucking industry.

Additionally, we’re always looking to explore new ways to push the sustainability envelope for our relationships. Currently, we’re looking into platforms that can help us provide our shipper relationships an extra avenue to offset their carbon emissions, too, like Patch.io.

Ecovadis – Recognition of Trinity’s Commitment to Sustainability

EcoVadis, a trusted and globally recognized provider of business sustainability ratings, recognizes our dedication. In 2023, they awarded us a bronze medal, placing us within the top 50 percent of companies assessed. While we acknowledge this is a significant achievement, at Trinity, we aim to continuously improve. Our sights are set on achieving a silver rating in 2024, reflecting our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

The Trinity Logistics Difference

As our mission statement says, we’re dedicated to “improving lives and supply chains by solving tough problems.” Sustainability is undeniably a complicated challenge. The good news is that our passionate Team Members at Trinity Logistics thrive on tackling tough problems and overcoming obstacles. We’re relentless in our pursuit of solutions, and we won’t stop until we’re satisfied with the results.

We understand sustainability is a never-ending journey of improvement. That’s why you can count on Trinity Logistics to remain a leader in sustainable practices. We’re constantly expanding our sustainability initiatives and deepening our commitment to a greener future.

Our dedication to sustainability is just one facet of the Trinity difference. If this is how seriously we take environmental responsibility, imagine the level of commitment we bring to solving your logistics challenges.

The chemical industry is vital in producing goods and services that touch every aspect of our lives. It’s a competitive market to be in.

Adapting to trends is crucial for chemical manufacturers to stay successful. The most profitable companies will be ones that work with business partners who keep them updated on these trends and embrace any changes that may come their way.

Trends Affecting the Chemical Industry

• Artificial intelligence
• Data analytics
• Specialty chemicals
• Sustainability
• Renewable and bio-based chemicals
• Safety and reducing risk
• Resilient supply chains 

Embracing Artificial Intelligence

The chemical industry has a history of embracing new technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no exception. AI offers many potential benefits for chemical manufacturers. It can help find savings, improve efficiency, and increase productivity. There are so many ways AI can help chemical companies get ahead.

For example, it can help automate manual tasks and analyze vast amounts of data faster. With AI, chemical companies can make more informed decisions and improve quality control. Adopting AI can also help chemical companies improve workplace safety and reduce the risk of human error.

The Growing Significance of Data Analytics

Examining data sets for insights to improve decision-making is becoming more commonplace among chemical companies. Chemical manufacturers can use data analytics in their decision-making to enhance their productivity, reduce costs, and predict critical events that may impact their business. Moreover, they feed AI algorithms this data to forecast better and optimize their operations.

Accessing data can provide insight into the quality control of products or visibility into bottlenecks affecting their chemical supply chain. This data can help them pivot and improve their customer’s experience. Using data analytics is a great opportunity for chemical manufacturers to drive growth and profits.

A Rising Demand for Specialty Chemicals

Many other industries use specialty chemicals, like personal care, electronics, packing, and pharmaceuticals. In fact, the pharmaceutical industry accounts for the largest segment using them as the need for more medication grows.

Additionally, agrochemicals are another significant user of specialty chemicals. The growing population means an increased need for food and food production. Agricultural land is dwindling, and increasing the crop yield per acre of land becomes more important, increasing the demand for specialty chemicals.

Sustainability

The pressure on chemical manufacturers to reduce the environmental impact of their operations and products has never been greater. Regulatory agencies have placed stringent regulations with ambitious emission reduction goals for 2030. While many in the chemical industry have prioritized sustainability in their business, there is still work to do.

Green chemistry is part of this trend that’s gaining momentum. Green chemistry focuses on the processes and products to reduce the effect of hazardous materials and negative environmental impact while conserving natural resources for future generations. Green chemistry embraces recycling technologies, alternative energy resources, and other sustainable practices. This pushes many chemical manufacturers to review their current business strategies.

A Greater Need for Renewable and Bio-based Chemicals

A growing demand for renewable and bio- or plant-based chemicals should be no surprise.

This trend aligns with sustainability goals and brings the chemical industry opportunities for savings and new market opportunities. Companies are exploring avenues like synthetic biology, bioremediation, and the production of bioplastic or biodegradable materials

Prioritizing Safety and Reducing Risk

Safety and mitigating risk are huge concerns for businesses in the chemical industry.

Cybersecurity is a rising trend and threat for many companies. We see it all over the news. Hackers and scammers are becoming more tactical in cyber-attacks and company breaches of private information. It’s crucial for chemical companies to put in place security measures and training to keep their businesses safe.

The transport of hazardous chemicals has also recently gained special attention in the news. Rail transport accounts for around 19 percent of chemical shipments. Recent derailments, like in East Palestine, Ohio, have raised concerns about transportation safety.

Many chemical companies are also investing more in developing safer chemicals and products. Their concerns are not only to be less harmful to the environment but to human health as well.

Improving workplace safety is another concern. Companies install new safety protocols, enhance employee training, and use technology to address this.

Building a Resilient Supply Chain

In the last few years, companies realized how vulnerable their supply chains were.

In a survey by the American Chemical Council, 97 percent reported modifying operations due to supply chain disruptions. Chemical companies are focusing on reducing supply chain risk and increasing flexibility. With 25 percent of the U.S. economy depending on the chemical industry, it’s important their supply chains keep moving.

Keep Your Chemical Supply Chain Ahead of the Trends

Keeping your chemical company ahead of evolving trends and the competition is important. Having business partners that stay tuned to what’s happening in the chemical industry can be invaluable.

Trinity Logistics can help you with many of these trends through our services. Whether you have sustainability goals, are looking to build supply chain resiliency, or need technology to improve visibility and offer data analytics, we have solutions.

We’re members of many industry-related associations like the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) and are Responsible CareⓇ Certified, so you don’t have to worry about falling behind in news or trends that may affect your business. When you work with Trinity Logistics, your designated expert will keep you so informed that you’ll likely know what’s affecting the chemical industry before any of your competitors do.  

That’s just part of Trinity’s People-Centric service you’ll get to experience when working with us. We understand that people are at the heart of all businesses, so that’s who you’ll talk to – a dedicated relationship at Trinity. It’s also who we truly serve – your people.

Our goal is to improve lives, and when you decide to work with Trinity Logistics, you’ll see just that – improved life satisfaction amongst your employees and customers.

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 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.  

Motor carriers aren’t the only ones affected by deadheading.

While every mile driven takes a toll on the environment, research shows that deadhead miles account for over a third of carbon emissions in trucking. In fact, 36 percent of trucks travel empty in the U.S. every day, averaging roughly 61 billion miles deadheading every year.

Simply put, deadheading is an inefficiency problem within the logistics industry, one that we all know we need to improve. According to a survey by Convoy, 69 percent of respondents said reducing deadhead miles is important to them. By reducing deadhead miles, both shippers and carriers can slash their supply chain costs while also making an environmental impact.

WHAT IS DEADHEADING IN TRUCKING?

Deadheading, deadhead miles, or empty miles – they all mean the same thing – that a truck is driving empty. Usually, this happens once a driver has made a delivery to the receiver, and they don’t have freight to pick up until their next destination. This means they drive empty back to the original shipping point or to their next pickup location. Empty miles waste time for a carrier by failing to generate revenue. It also causes them to incur extra operating costs and contribute more emissions into our atmosphere.

Ideally, the most efficient use of a carrier’s time is finding a backhaul shipment. This is a nearby shipment that needs to be picked up and delivered close to or at their next destination, so either their pickup origin or next pickup.

HOW DEADHEADING POSES PROBLEMS

We’ve already discussed how deadheading contributes to C02 emissions and how carriers lose money running deadhead miles, but what about shippers? How are they affected?

Well, those carriers need to make up the money and time they lost deadheading somehow. They’re likely to charge a higher rate on their following shipments to do so.

Also, driving empty miles can be dangerous when severe weather occurs. A truck can weigh about half its weight empty than when it’s full, making it more susceptible to accidents. While truck drivers are trained in managing high winds and road safety, that’s often with a full truck and not an empty one. The same winds that shake a passenger car have been known to flip an empty truck.

WHY IS DEADHEADING SO COMMON?

It’s often difficult for a carrier to find their own backhauls, nor do shippers have the time to focus and invest their time in them. They need the truck to pick up and deliver and return to pick up the next shipment, not thinking of the in-between. Other carrier relationships and contracted shipments can get in the way, making it difficult to arrange or find backhauls.

HOW TO REDUCE DEADHEADING

It’s possible for shippers to keep backhauls for carriers in mind to both help keep carrier relationships moving and make headway on sustainability initiatives.

Make Use of Technology

Technology makes it much easier to match a truck with an available shipment. You can make use of digital freight matching (DFM) tools like Trucker Tools or DAT, which give shippers and carriers an easier way to find each other and match up based on suitable capacity for a shipment. Automation and machine learning in those applications help quickly find and create those matches.

A transportation management system (TMS) can also be helpful here. A TMS brings together information on all shipments and digital freight networks to help make sure trailers are utilized fully and backhauls gain the coverage they need. A TMS also gives you the opportunity to optimize your routes to reduce any deadheading.

Consider Consolidating Your Freight

Combining your partial shipments into a full truckload to one distribution point to then be delivered by a regional carrier or vice versa can allow for fewer empty miles and trucks on the road, saving you money and reducing your emissions.

Consider Continuous Move Planning

This plan involves stringing loads together to make the most of fleet utilization and driver time by bundling low-volume and high-volume lanes together. Carriers will add lanes across many customers, creating closed-loop routes to keep freight moving constantly. As a benefit, shippers often receive per-mile rates since they are making use of a carrier’s empty miles. This can be a bit more complex, but with a TMS and proper communication, can be an effective way to reduce deadheading.

TRINITY CAN HELP YOU REDUCE DEADHEAD MILES

Deadheading is an industry-wide problem that we all need to work on together to resolve. Carriers need to dedicate time for searching and finding backhauls, just as shippers need to work with carriers to reduce their empty miles. That’s one way an intermediary, a 3PL like Trinity Logistics, can step in and help. We can work with both parties to arrange shipments so that each company has its unique needs met.

We have over 40 years of experience arranging shipments between shippers and carriers. Our Team of experts can help shippers plan and organize their shipments and recommend freight consolidation strategies when it’s suitable. We also have a Carrier Development Team dedicated to growing our carrier relationships by learning their wants and needs. We reach out and gather their preferred lanes and capacity to better match them to available shipments to keep them moving and generating revenue.

Trinity Logistics is also recognized as a Green Supply Chain partner for its sustainability initiatives and solutions available to offer shippers more options for their logistics that can reduce their carbon emissions.

If you’d like to talk to one of our experts about your shipping needs and find more sustainable options, click the button below so we can get started.

SEAFORD, DE, June 16, 2023 – Trinity Logistics, a leading 3PL provider of transportation and logistics solutions, is proud to share its selection as a Green Supply Chain Partner of 2023 by Inbound Logistics. This recognition showcases Trinity’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce its environmental impact. 

“We’re honored to be recognized by Inbound Logistics for our commitment to sustainability,” said Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “We believe that improving our sustainability is the right thing to do, so we’re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact in all aspects of our business.”

Each year, Inbound Logistics editors select 75 companies that go above and beyond to prioritize green initiatives and help global supply chains become more sustainable. Inbound Logistics recognizes these companies as dedicated to developing and implementing best practices to leave a positive footprint on the world. 

Trinity has a long history of sustainability initiatives. In 2008, the company became a member of EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership, a voluntary program that helps companies reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from freight transportation. Trinity has also been a member of the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible CareⓇ program since 2009. Responsible CareⓇ is a global initiative that promotes the responsible management of chemicals and their safe use. The program also helps companies improve their environmental performance in areas such as pollution prevention, employee health and safety, and security. 

Just last year, Trinity became a CarbonfreeⓇ Partner with CarbonFund, a non-profit that works with its partners to help them become “carbon-neutral” by donating funds to offset their emissions. This year, Trinity expanded its efforts to not only offset the corporate location in Delaware but included the Iowa and Florida offices as well. This year, the company offset 90 tonnes of carbon emissions by donating to the N20 Abatement Project. 

Trinity is proud to be named a leader in the green supply chain space and remains committed to making a positive impact on the environment in all ways possible.