While many of us are soaking up the last of summer’s sun and fun, food manufacturing supply chains are readying for the upcoming holiday food rush.

Have you ever noticed a lot of our favorite memories are surrounded by food? When we go to celebrate something like a birthday, anniversary, or special achievement, it usually involves food. It’s no surprise then that over the holiday season, nearly 165 million consumers across the U.S. purchase food and beverages to celebrate, according to a study from Cornell. As the holidays soon approach, food consumption surges, with the average American indulging up to an extra 440 calories per serving!

The increased demand and tight holiday deadlines can present challenges for many food and beverage companies with their logistics. This is in addition to already facing a competitive peak shipping season! However, by understanding the dynamics of this unique period of time, shippers can ensure success is ahead of them. First, let’s dive into some fascinating facts and insights about food during the holiday season. Then, we’ll follow that with some essential tips so your company can be prepared for the holiday food rush!

Holiday Food Supply Timeline & Stats

The Holiday Food Surge Begins with Fall

The holiday food rush first begins with the arrival of fall flavors. Pumpkin spice, now seen as the quintessential flavor of fall, has seen a 47 percent increase in sales, as reported by The Guardian, within the past five years. In 2023 alone, Datassential reported 144 new limited-time offers that featured pumpkin on major restaurant menus. From the infamous Pumpkin Spice Lattes (PSLs) to pumpkin soups and ravioli, this flavor dominates the season. But we can’t forget another fall favorite – apple. Food and beverage items with caramel apple were one of the highest-indexing flavors last fall.

Halloween Signals Significant Holiday Food Consumption Increase

Halloween is a major milestone in the holiday food timeline, with 65 percent of consumers participating in the festivities. In fact, of all 172 million that celebrate the spooky season, 95 percent of them purchase candy. Even more staggering is that a quarter of all the candy sold annually comes from Halloween sales. It’s not all about the sweets, though! Pizza is the most popular dinner staple on All Hallow’s Eve, according to Grubhub. There’s also the annual tradition of carving a pumpkin, with Statista reporting roughly 154 million Americans partaking in the activity in 2023.

Dia de Los Muertos Celebrations Begin to Trend

Datassential reports that 10 percent of consumers in the U.S. report celebrating Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This holiday is gaining popularity, which means so are the celebratory foods associated with it! Pan de Muerto is one traditional sweet bread that’s essential to the celebration.

Thanksgiving Continues to Drive Food Supply Chain Demand

Thanksgiving remains the most popular fall holiday, with 83 percent of Americans celebrating the tradition. A whopping 46 million turkeys are consumed each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Other top holiday staples include cranberry sauce, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin and apple pies. That’s a lot of food to prepare for a meal, so 23 percent of consumers will buy a full, ready-made meal from a restaurant. Another 22 percent will supplement with some food from restaurants for part of their feasts.

Sweets, Candy & Chocolate Build Holiday Food Demand at Christmas & New Year’s

Leading up to Christmas, many enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and other treats. 1.76 billion candy canes, a holiday staple, are made annually for this joyous time of the year. 70 percent of Americans make Christmas desserts, with frosted sugar cookies being the top ones consumed annually. Don’t forget the eggnog! 122 million pounds of it is poured and drunk each year.

When it comes to Christmas dinner, pork dishes are the most popular globally, but turkey still trumps all for the U.S. Other winter feast staples include roasted or mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, gravy, stuffing, shrimp, and lots of Christmas pudding, cookies, and pies. Sweet tooths rejoice as 83 percent of consumers fill stockings with treats like candy and chocolate.

Christmas and New Year’s are among the busiest holidays for restaurants. Both holidays also see a spike in alcohol consumption, with New Year’s Eve being the second most alcohol-associated holiday behind Mardi Gras. Champagne is the fan favorite for those ringing in the New Year.

Logistics & SHipping Tips for Holiday Food Shipping

The holiday season often brings those in logistics the gift of increased demand and decreased capacity. Like most Americans, truck drivers aim to be home for the holidays, trimming the number of available carriers down. Freight of all kinds can increase during the period, further cutting the number of trucks available. Shippers with more specialized requirements, like temperature control, can find even less capacity. Shippers also have tighter deadlines to meet at this time to make the most of the seasonal business.

Overall, the holiday season can be a time of heightened stress and disruption. Given these unique challenges, it’s crucial for food and beverage shippers to prepare thoroughly to appease customers.

Five Tips for the Best Holiday Food Shipping Logistics Outcomes

Tip 1: Keep Inventory Stocked

Running out of stock during the holiday season is a surefire way to lose customers. Track your inventory levels closely and replenish supplies early to ensure you’re well-stocked. By keeping orders moving consistently, you’ll be able to meet consumer demand and avoid causing any disappointment.

Tip 2: Have Backup Shipping Plans Ready

The chances of any disruptions or delays happening during this season are increased. Having backup shipping plans already prepared is essential to keep your goods moving.

Build relationships with multiple carriers and suppliers, or even a third-party logistics provider (3PL). This way, you’ll have known contacts ready in case you need any help. 

Look at alternate modes of transportation and be prepared to quickly shift plans should something happen. Exploring multimodal options can be a great way to diversify risk, add capacity, and protect your freight budget. Having this flexibility available and ready can help you stay on track and your supply chain running smoothly.

Tip 3: Real-Time Visibility is Needed for Success

In today’s supply chains, having access to the visibility you need is crucial. You should either work with a provider that offers it or invest in your own technology, like a Transportation Management System (TMS).

A TMS can be very helpful during the holiday season. It can help you with routing decisions by matching your freight with the best carriers, lanes, and rates. In addition, it will allow you to optimize the in-house processes of your transportation network – which can be helpful during busy and slow seasons. By selecting the best carriers and optimizing your routes, you’ll not only increase your service but reduce your risk.

Using a TMS also gives you data-driven insights to better manage disruptions, reduce downtime, and budget your logistics spend. Data analytics can help you recognize which carriers are most likely to have the capacity, saving you time arranging your shipments.

Tip 4: Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication is key to a successful holiday season. Regularly communicate with all stakeholders, including suppliers, carriers, and customers. Collaborating with your partners during the seasonal planning phase can provide valuable insights and help you identify potential issues before they arise.

Tip 5: Partner with a 3PL

Working with a 3PL can be a game-changer during the holiday season. A 3PL offers access to a larger network of carriers, advanced technology, and expertise in managing complex logistics challenges. With their support, you can ensure your supply chain remains resilient, even in the face of unexpected disruptions.

Treat Yourself with Easier Logistics This Holiday Season

Navigating the holiday food rush can be overwhelming, and that’s why Trinity Logistics is here to be your guide. Like Santa, we’ve been around a while, with 45 years of experience handling logistics during holiday seasons.

Right away, you’ll gain access to our large network of vetted, quality carrier relationships to cover your shipments. But that’s just the start! There are many more benefits to working with Trinity, including:

• Multiple modes of transportation to find the best bang for your buck, support your business growth, or just have a backup plan ready
• Best-in-class technology and customized Managed Transportation solutions available, giving you the exact visibility and data you want
• 24/7/365 support, so no matter what day or time it is, you’ll have the help you need

One benefit that tends to shine above all else? Our exceptional People-Centric service. It’s the trait that makes Trinity different from other 3PLs and keeps our customers returning time and time again. It’s truly our care, compassion, and communication that you’ll notice and appreciate.

Everyone wants to enjoy the holiday season. Why not let Trinity focus on the logistics for your business, so you can go back to doing what you enjoy – helping consumers savor holiday treats and create memorable moments with your product.

Are you a Freight Agent that stumbled across this article?

If you’ve worked in the LTL industry for any bit of time, then you know that it’s always changing. Yes, sometimes that means it gets a bit more complicated. Rates adjust. Rules and processes are modified. Despite all this, there is usually one constant – the core LTL carriers we work with. Yet, in 2023, that changed; we saw the departure of the legacy LTL carrier known as Yellow Corporation. 

The closing of such a large and well-established LTL carrier is very rare. The industry hadn’t felt the void of such a large company since Consolidated Freightways closed 20 years prior. So, what happened? Considering Yellow Corporation was the third largest LTL carrier, what happened to all the freight they handled? 

As someone with a career in LTL, I saw this happen in real-time and have directly seen its ripple effects. I can answer some of those questions and share with you my thoughts, experiences, and observations of this impactful event in LTL history. 

The Fall of Yellow Corporation

Yellow Corporation (commonly referred to as YRC) was no stranger to financial turmoil. The company was laden with debt that was worsened with the Great Recession. It almost put them into filing for bankruptcy in 2009. 

A stint of other factors after that didn’t put them in a better position when COVID-19 rolled around in 2020. YRC was granted a $700 million COVID-relief loan by the U.S. government, which it used nearly half of to cover past due payments to healthcare and pensions, payments on equipment and properties, and interest accrued by its other debts. Fast forward to 2023, and that’s where their final chapter began. 

A few months into 2023, YRC and the Teamsters Union engaged in back-and-forth negotiations. YRC wanted to change operational procedures and sought extra funding to help it pay off its debts. Teamsters disagreed with the proposed changes. We saw news articles and hit pieces about the conflict, week after week. It was nearly impossible for the industry to ignore it. 

In July, whispers began of a possible union strike that would effectively halt YRC’s freight network. This was the writing on the wall for many shippers and third-party logistics (3PL) companies. At this point, the hull had been punctured, and water pouring in. Do you stay or do you go? 

YRC and its subsidiaries were promptly disabled from countless TMS platforms. No customer wanted their freight stuck in limbo if Teamsters were to go on strike against YRC. Because of this, YRC saw a sharp decline in freight volume and tonnage. A company that was in financial disarray was now losing its primary source of revenue. 

On July 30^th, Yellow Corporation ceased all operations. The Teamsters had not agreed to the negotiations, and the 11^th hour came and went. So, what now? 

The Aftermath of YRC’s Closing

YRC’s exit affected two parties: shippers using LTL and other LTL carriers. 

For shippers using LTL, they were two buckets: those who had already begun shifting their freight to other carriers in their pricing roster and those unfortunate enough to still have most or all freight with YRC. The latter had a more difficult situation to overcome as they now had to find an LTL carrier to move their freight without paying an arm and a leg. 

For LTL carriers, YRC’s existing freight had to go somewhere, so they had to figure out how to absorb it. Carriers such as Estes, FedEx, and XPO and their capabilities were pushed to their limit, now drinking from a firehose of incoming freight. Volumes increased drastically, and with such a rapid rise came decreased capacity. 

LTL carriers were making the difficult decision to exclude certain shippers in favor of others just to service accounts and keep their networks moving without bottlenecking. This left many smaller shippers stranded with a shorter list of available LTL carriers. 

As carriers became inundated with freight, their operating ratios took a hit, and something had to be done to regain control. A season of atypical general rate increases (GRI) began. LTL carriers needed to remain profitable lest they succumb to a fate like Yellow. 

3PLs and shippers alike started getting notifications from their carrier representatives about rates going up. Shipping LTL got more expensive now that the carriers had to pick and choose who they serviced with their finite capacity. The increased rate structures also priced out shippers that were used to YRC’s competitively priced tariffs or couldn’t stomach the increases.

For many shippers and 3PLs, the immediate aftermath of the Yellow Corporation bankruptcy was unlike any they had previously experienced. 

Now, that’s the long and short of it, but how are things today? Surely, the disappearance of a significant LTL carrier like that would have lasting, irreversible affects. 

Well, yes, but also no. 

The Current Impact of YRC’s Closing

Today the LTL industry has mostly stabilized. YRC’s freight volume has dispersed, and the dust has settled. The LTL carriers have course-corrected their capacity concerns. 

After the YRC bankruptcy, there were also new questions to answer, one of which was “What happens to their assets?” Those went through the bankruptcy courts, but the LTL carriers were eager to get a piece of it. 

The purchased terminals and trailers meant increased footprint and capacity, which can be the difference between being the best and the biggest for LTL carriers. Several carriers bid to acquire the terminals left behind by Yellow Corporation.

Estes Express, a prominent national LTL carrier, was one of the larger victors in the bidding war. As one of Trinity’s carrier relationships, I asked Estes if they could share the impact YRC’s exit had on their company. Here’s what President and COO Webb Estes had to say: 

While LTL carriers, larger shippers, and 3PLs came out in the black or relatively unscathed, others did not. Smaller shippers with all their freight lanes with YRC had no backup plans except to pay increased, non-discounted LTL rates with other carriers or risk their business operations. 

How Did Trinity Logistics Fare?

At Trinity, those first few months after the bankruptcy were interesting! We saw many new shippers start a relationship with us and saw some complications in LTL carrier transit lanes that bottlenecked. Don’t worry, they were quickly resolved. Since Trinity has a broad roster of national and regional LTL carrier contracts in place, our shipper relationships were able to use our rates to course correct from the YRC closure and effectively avoid any critical disruption. 

Is the last time we’ll see an industry-shaking event in the LTL space? Likely not. For now, the industry is stable, and many LTL carriers are growing and reporting profitable earnings. 

In my 10+ years working in the LTL industry at a 3PL, the Yellow Corporation was always a top LTL carrier for us. Seeing them fade into the wind after decades of LTL service was surreal, and I felt sad for the many YRC employees I’ve grown to know. 

Despite such an impactful event, now written in the history books, it’s a year later, and the LTL landscape is still thriving (and volatile), even with one less player at the table. 

Final Thoughts

Considering the size of Yellow and the steady decline until evaporation from the industry, I actually expected more disarray from it. Sure, the first weeks after the bankruptcy had the GRIs, shipment delays, and new shipper partnerships for Trinity to handle, but after a month or two, it was relatively smooth sailing back to normal. 

I think that speaks volumes to the age we live in. The amount of technology and time-saving efficiencies that LTL carriers invest in year after year. It allowed the industry to absorb the freight volume of one of the largest LTL carriers in the world and it did so in less than 60 days! It’s kind of crazy and a testament to the LTL industry and its controlled chaos. 

Working with Yellow for so many years, I grew familiar with some of the names worked there. People we would see at conferences, have calls with or see on emails. People who had been in the industry much longer than I have, had extensive backgrounds, and grew their roots at Yellow. 

The bankruptcy landed them in the middle of it all, but many of them went on to other LTL carriers and took their experience, adding value there. I think that’s a silver lining here. Despite the financial decision of Yellow as a company, it had people on its roster that brought purpose to LTL and now these people are creating an impact for other carriers and customers alike. For how vast it is, the LTL industry can be closeknit, so to see those former Yellow employees succeed at other LTL carriers is a bright spot in this saga. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Curt Kouts holds the Director of LTL position at Trinity Logistics. Kouts has been with Trinity and in the logistics industry for 14 years, having held several titles among carrier vetting, account management, and within the LTL Team itself. His main responsibilities as Director focus on elevating Trinity’s LTL customers’ experience, helping the LTL Team support in operations and billing, and aiding the company in overall LTL sales and success. Kouts finds the LTL industry incredibly challenging, presenting him and his Team a ton of problems that they have a passion for solving. He enjoys learning more about LTL whenever possible and overall, making LTL an experience that keeps all his customers, both internal and external, coming back.

Do you feel like you could be spending less on your less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping rates? Most likely, you’re right. LTL shipping rates are affected by many different factors, so it can be pretty easy to make these simple changes and see your shipping costs decrease. While these tips may not be possible for everyone or every shipment, hopefully, you’ll find one you can start implementing to reduce your freight costs.

HOW LTL SHIPPING RATES ARE CALCULATED

Compared to truckload rates, LTL shipping rates can be very confusing. To make it simpler, here’s what goes into your LTL costs.

Absolute Minimum Charge

This is the lowest rate a carrier will charge.

Accessorials

These are extra charges for any services provided by the carrier that are beyond simply shipping from one point to another. Examples of common accessorials include:

• Inside pickup or delivery
• Lift gate service
• Residential delivery
• Detention storage

Base Rates

Each LTL carrier sets its own base rate, often quoted per 100 lbs., and based on the freight classification, weight of the shipment, distance traveled, and the origin and destination zip codes.

Lane

The lane plays a role in the base rate. The further the distance traveled in the lane, the more costly the LTL shipping rate can be.

Freight Classification

The product you ship has its own classification based on the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). Freight that is dense and difficult to break is in a lower class, making it the least expensive. Lighter and more fragile freight is at a higher freight class and thus, costs more.

Weight

LTL shipping rates are based on the total weight and number of pallets. The heavier a shipment, the less it costs per hundred pounds, as factored by the base rate calculation.

HOW TO SAVE ON YOUR LTL SHIPPING RATES

Maximize Density

LTL carriers make a profit by fitting as many different LTL shipments into their trailers as safely as possible. So, which do you think they prefer – a shipment that takes up 25 percent of their trailer or a shipment that takes up 10 percent? The less space your shipment can take up, the less it could cost to ship it.

While the weight of your shipment may be out of your control, the density is not. Increasing density starts with how you pack your LTL freight. Experienced shippers know that doing everything they can to compactly pack their freight on pallets will reduce their LTL shipping rates.

So, do everything you can to make your shipment take up less space. If your current pallets are not stackable, find a way to make them, if possible. Reduce any empty space between cases or products on the pallet. If possible, stack an extra row on top of each pallet to eliminate using an extra pallet. Brainstorm all the ways to make your shipment take up less space, and you’ll likely see savings.

*It’s important to note that you should never negate safety or product quality to reduce your shipping rates! 

Aim to Avoid Peak Shipping When Possible

While this may not always be possible, avoiding peak shipping times is an easy way to reduce your LTL shipping costs. When you can, plan and ship early or after peak times.

Evaluate Packaging and Product Design for Logistics

Now this tip is more of a hefty task, but it’s certainly one to consider. When in the early stages of product and packaging design, or even when re-evaluating, it’s ideal to get one of your logistics professionals involved. This will help your product and package designers consider details that can make your product easy to ship, stack, and organize. There’s nothing worse than having a great product only to end up with it being too cost-prohibitive to transport.

Consider “Economy Class” LTL Carriers

If your shipment isn’t time-sensitive, using “economy class” LTL carriers is an easy way to reduce your LTL shipping rates. Their rates are often cheaper but their transit times are longer, so you’re trading off higher costs for more time. If you have time to spare, this is a great option for savings. 

Ship Larger Loads Less Often

As you likely know, it’s cheaper to ship several pallets at once than one at a time over a few weeks. However, to use this strategy, you’ll have to convince your customers to take on larger orders. You can offer them a price break or agree to share some of the savings you see in shipping to do so.

Consolidate to One Truckload

Eliminating a shipment altogether is a surefire way to reduce your freight costs.

Have you ever considered consolidating your LTL shipments into a multi-stop truckload shipment? Shipping a full truckload of freight is often far less expensive than shipping multiple LTL shipments.

Of course, it depends on where your shipments are delivering. For example, a multi-stop truckload picking up in Maine and delivering in Florida, Minnesota, and California might not make financial sense compared to shipping LTL. But if your delivery points are close to each other, or if they form a line across the country (at least vaguely), getting a quote on a consolidated truckload shipment would be very wise

If you don’t have enough for a full truckload, you could still consolidate and combine two or more LTL shipments into one. It’s worth it to see if any sort of consolidation can reduce your LTL shipping rates.

Negotiate with LTL Carriers

It never hurts to ask or negotiate for a discounted rate with your LTL carrier. Perhaps you can have an accessorial fee waived or reduced based on shipment frequency.

If you ship all kinds of freight, you may be able to negotiate freight of all kinds (FAK) for reduced LTL shipping rates. Rather than getting a rate for different classes of freight (which can be time-consuming and complicated), you negotiate to have all your LTL freight rated in the same class, with FAK, which not only saves you time but money.

You could also negotiate for Customer Specific Pricing (CSP). This is contracted pricing, which could include a FAK structure if needed. LTL CSP allows carriers to have a better picture of your freight which not only results in more efficient, but often cheaper, pricing since the rate contracts are ONLY based on your shipments. 

Interested in LTL CSP? Let Trinity negotiate with LTL carriers on your behalf.

Avoid Accessorials When Possible

Accessorials in LTL shipping are common and some may be unavoidable, but many can be avoided when planning ahead. To avoid these extra charges, make sure to educate yourself on your LTL carrier’s guidelines and accessorial fees, aim to avoid weight, dimension, and oversizing adjustments, and ensure your bill of lading (BOL) is accurate. Taking these extra steps will ensure you don’t get hit with unexpected charges and keep your LTL shipping rates low. 

Provide Accurate Information

 Most shippers are aware that the rate for shipping their LTL freight is highly dependent on the size and weight. For this reason, some people are tempted to slightly underestimate the dimensions or weight of their shipment in the hopes it will result in a slightly lower shipping cost and the LTL carrier will be none the wiser.

Whatever you do, don’t do this! Rather than saving money, you may be opening yourself up to extra charges. Most carriers will double-check that the dimensions and weight of your shipment match what’s on the BOL. If it doesn’t match, you’ll be faced with extra, unexpected charges. Your shipment cost will be raised accordingly, but you’ll also be charged with an inspection or reweigh fee, and it’s possible the carrier will red flag your freight to be inspected every single time you ship with them, meaning you just caused increased LTL shipping rates for the future – the opposite of what you wanted.

Use a TMS for Efficiencies

Controlling your shipping costs can be difficult without having full visibility of your freight spend. So, if you’re really looking to take control of your freight costs, a transportation management system (TMS) is what you need. A TMS can give you clear insight into your logistics with comprehensive reporting so you can find more ways to save on your LTL shipping rates while also finding efficiencies in your operations.  

WORK WITH A 3PL

Probably the quickest and easiest way to save on your LTL shipping rates and your time is working with a third-party logistics company (3PL), like Trinity Logistics.

Because of the high volume of freight that 3PLs arrange for all their customers, means we have lower contracted rates (aka deeper discounts) available that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to access. This will result in significant cost savings, especially over time.

Working with Trinity Logistics also gives you the benefit of working with logistics experts who can help you not only with your LTL shipping but any other modes you may need or be interested in. We’ll help you determine what other modes make sense and what other benefits or savings they could offer your business. We also have a dedicated Team to assist you with Managed Transportation or implementing a TMS if that’s something you may need now, or in the future as you grow.

Whether you simply need help saving on your LTL shipping rates or would like a valuable logistics partner on your side for all your logistics needs, our Team is ready to help you and your business succeed.

Consumers want more fruits and vegetables in their diets but produce shippers must face these common logistics challenges to keep up with their demand.

It’s hard to deny the nutritional value fruits and vegetables bring to our diets. It’s likely why there’s been substantial growth in consumer demand for produce over the past decade. While that’s great for businesses based in produce, there’s also greater pressure for produce shippers to deliver.

The journey from farm to table can be surprisingly complex for fruits and vegetables. Produce shippers face several hurdles that they need to overcome for their products to deliver fresh and meet the growing consumer demand. Let’s explore the intricacies of these difficulties and how they all can be taken care of by working with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, like Trinity Logistics. 

CHALLENGE 1: CHOOSING BEST TRANSPORTATION MODE

Produce shippers first face the challenge of determining what transportation mode to use for their shipments. With produce, half of its shelf life is spent in transit. It’s also reported that roughly 33 percent of produce is lost or wasted during its journey, according to the Logistics Bureau.

This is why produce shippers must ask themselves these questions to help determine the right transportation mode for their shipment.

What’s best for your product?

What can you afford?

How much time does your produce have?

Air is great for foods that have a very short shelf life and may need expedited shipping. However, air is often the most expensive of your options. Rail can offer you cost savings but requires more travel time, often two to three days. This option is often saved for produce with a longer shelf life. Lastly, there’s truckload shipping, which offers several shipping options and costs, depending on factors like whether you need a full truck, expedited shipping, or freight consolidation.

CHALLENGE 2: SELECTING THE RIGHT CARRIER PARTNER

The next challenge produce shippers need to tackle is choosing the right carrier to pick up and deliver their shipment. This may be the most crucial task of all because the carrier you choose can make or break your shipment. You need to trust the carrier you choose has experience in handling your specific cargo and meeting food safety regulations, especially for those that need temperature control.

CHALLENGE 3: MAINTAINING FRESHNESS/QUALITY

Maintaining freshness is one of the primary logistics challenges for produce shippers. Millions of dollars are wasted each year on produce that didn’t maintain freshness by delivery.

Produce begins to deteriorate the moment it’s harvested, so the risk of decomposition is equal to, or perhaps even greater, to produce shippers than those of theft or delay. Fresh or frozen produce needs to be stored and transported at specific temperatures to ensure its quality when bought and eaten by the consumer. Even the amount of humidity, light, or kind of packaging can affect a produce product, so produce shippers face this challenge in every segment of their shipping.

Every kind of produce also has different needs. Some need very specific environments to maintain freshness. Others can stay at room temperature or take on more handling. Shelf life is also something to consider. Produce with short shelf lives will need quick transit from farm to store. This also means several kinds of produce often can’t ship together. Since there is no one-size-fits-all process for produce, it’s important for produce shippers and their logistics partners to understand what’s needed for the specific product to deliver at peak quality.

CHALLENGE 4: SHIPMENT VISIBILITY

Tracking and shipment visibility is essential for produce shippers to be able to reduce risk. Without a clear look into your shipments, you’re left in the dark and uncertain whether your product will arrive on time or in acceptable condition.

This can challenge more than just produce shippers, but all stakeholders in a company’s supply chain. Miscommunication can happen between retailers and sellers as well, causing miscalculations in capacity planning or undependable forecasts. Real-time visibility and data are absolutely needed for produce shippers to enhance transparency with their business partners and gain more control over their supply chains.

CHALLENGE 5: REGULATIONS

Navigating regulations is a huge challenge for produce shippers. Failure to meet those regulations can lead to severe and often costly consequences. For example, in the U.S., produce shippers must comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which entails specific guidelines for food safety.

There are also quality standards and labeling requirements to be met. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a strict grading system to determine the quality of produce, considering its size, shape, color, and defects.

CHALLENGE 6: HANDLING ANY CLAIMS

There’s always a risk for claims in shipping, but claims can happen more often for produce shippers compared to other industries, due to its shorter shelf life. The majority of claims we see in produce shipping are the result of spoilage, which can happen for many different reasons. 

Handling claims for produce is slightly more difficult due to the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). When handling produce claims, it’s important you and your transportation provider understand and follow PACA. 

HOW TRINITY LOGISTICS HELPS PRODUCE SHIPPERS OVERCOME THEIR CHALLENGES

All those challenges listed above that you may face – we know how and are prepared to handle them.

After 45 years of serving shippers in the food and beverage industry, we’re experts in its logistics requirements and regulations. We also take part in industry organizations, like the International Fresh Produce Association, so we stay knowledgeable about what may affect produce shippers. 

When it comes to choosing your transportation mode, we have a multitude of options available to support you, whether you’re looking for help with one shipment or a fully outsourced logistics solution.

Additionally, we work with trusted carrier relationships that have been fully vetted to ensure your product travels safely and delivers on time. This includes vetting that reefer equipment is not older than 2012 and a temp-reading or download can be made readily available for any refrigerated or frozen produce shipments.

No matter where your freight is in its journey, we provide you with several real-time tracking options to stay fully informed. Through our Managed Transportation service and the use of a transportation management system (TMS), you can find more visibility and data to improve your supply chain processes and communication.

And then there are claims. While we wish every situation could go smoothly, there can still be mishaps. Even so, we’re proud to share that less than one percent of all shipments coordinated with Trinity Logistics end up in a claim. That’s likely because we work with shippers and receivers to monitor load and unload times, checking to ensure trailer doors are not left open, causing temperatures to fluctuate outside of any required ranges.

Now, fear not, because if something does happen, we’re able to help with that too. We have an in-house expert Claims Team to help negotiate any produce claims on your behalf, with an average rate of 60 days in resolving cargo claims.

By working with Trinity Logistics for your produce shipments, you’ll also gain an extra benefit – experiencing our acclaimed People-Centric service. It’s what our customers praise the most about our services and keeps them returning to Trinity Logistics for their logistics needs.

If you’re tired of tackling these produce shipping challenges alone, it may be time to get connected and join the thousands of shippers that choose to make their logistics easy with Trinity Logistics. You won’t be-leaf our exceptional service until you try it!  

Get Out of Your Produce Shipping Pickle

In recent years, the transportation industry has seen a concerning rise in cargo theft and fraud, and the culprits behind it are becoming increasingly sophisticated with their tactics. According to Land Line, cargo theft increased by 49 percent in the first quarter of 2020, with an average cargo loss value exceeding $105,000 per incident. In a recent report in July 2023 by CargoNet, it was found that supply chain risk events increased 57 percent year-over-year (YoY), accounting for 44 million in stolen shipments in quarter two of the calendar year.  

With such alarming statistics, it’s essential to be proactive against cargo theft and freight fraud. So that you can be fully prepared, here are some of the most common methods used by criminals in cargo theft and fraud, along with proven strategies to prevent these issues from happening in the first place.

Common Cargo Theft and Fraud Scenarios

Dealing with cargo theft or fraud when shipping freight is far from ideal. It’s even more frustrating when you realize there are many ways for individuals to commit those crimes.

1.    Identity Theft

Identity theft is currently one of the top methods scammers use to carry out fraudulent activities in the transportation industry. Scammers will impersonate legitimate trucking companies by using their stolen identities. Once they’ve acquired a stolen identity, scammers have several ways in which they use it. Some will pose as the trucking companies, show up to pick up the freight, and then disappear with the cargo. Others will request fuel advances, take the money, and vanish. Then you have others that will take it a step further and double broker.

2.    Double Brokering

Double brokering is the unethical practice when a shipper or broker books a carrier for a shipment, and the carrier then brokers or tenders the shipment to a third party without the shipper’s or broker’s knowledge or approval. Double brokering not only raises liability concerns, such as a potential lack of insurance or approved contract with the actual carrier handling your freight, but it also results in a loss of control. If double brokering occurs, it can lead to billing and liability issues for you as the shipper or the freight broker.

3.    Hook-Up-And-Go

This method of theft is precisely what it sounds like. Thieves connect tractors to trailers and simply drive away with them. These incidents typically occur at truck stops or drop yards when drivers are distracted. Although this method is less common today thanks to advanced technology and tracking systems in trailers, it’s still crucial to remain vigilant.

Combatting Cargo Theft and Fraud

When it comes to combating cargo theft and fraud, it can be challenging to know where to start. While securing trustworthy carriers is a solid initial step, several proven methods can help prevent fraud.

1.    Communicate with the Drivers

Truck drivers are your first line of defense against cargo theft. Whenever possible, ensure that the drivers you work with have undergone proper screening to minimize the risk of fraud. It’s also important to keep your driver relationships informed about any cargo theft activities so they can stay vigilant against potential threats. Keep them aware of any hijacking hotspots and encourage them to report any suspicious incidents promptly. Additionally, if you employ drivers, ensure that they have received adequate training.

2.    Verify Employment

Before finalizing any arrangements, always verify that the person you’re talking to is authorized from the logistics company they claim to work for. Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to obtain the company’s contact information and speak to them directly to confirm their identity. If the company has no knowledge of the individual, it’s a red flag, and you’ve successfully avoided a potential scam.

3.    Check Truck Identification

Legally, every motor carrier must display their company name and USDOT or MC number on the side of their truck, found on the door of the cab. If the name on the side of the truck doesn’t match the name of the company you’ve hired or that your freight broker has arranged on your behalf, it should raise immediate concerns with your dock workers. We strongly recommend implementing a procedure that requires your loaders to inspect the door and confirm a match. If there’s any discrepancy, the truck shouldn’t be loaded until the issue is resolved. 

4.    Leverage Technology

Technology can be a powerful ally when it comes to combatting cargo theft and fraud. GPS tracking can help locate a stolen vehicle, while geofencing applications can notify you if your freight deviates from its intended route. Making use of these kinds of technology can significantly reduce the risk of any cargo theft.

“Recently, Trinity Logistics had the opportunity to attend TIA’s Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. where we met with some of our elected state officials and staff,” said Kristin Deno, Director of Operational Risk. “We discussed the spike in fraud and impacts of cargo theft to the economy, which is estimated to have a cost of 800 million per year. Ultimately, these unsightly costs trickle down to the consumer, increasing the cost of goods for all. Because many double brokered or stolen loads begin with fake identity, verifying that you are communicating with the entity you think you are, is crucial. Newly created web domains and email addresses are being used to impersonate established carriers and even shipper businesses.”

Trust Trinity Logistics to Safeguard Your Shipments

Taking a proactive stance in fighting cargo theft and freight fraud is essential to ensure the safety of your shipments.

However, handling this task on your own can be burdensome. By partnering with a reliable 3PL like Trinity Logistics, you can save valuable time that would otherwise be spent on vetting carriers.

At Trinity, we meticulously verify all carrier relationships that we work with, not just during the initial setup, but for every shipment. Additionally, our strong relationships built with trusted carriers can further strengthen your confidence that your freight will arrive safe. Our Carrier Compliance and Carrier Development Teams are testaments to our focus on carrier verification and relationship building. We also offer cutting-edge tracking technology upon request, so you’ll know exactly where your freight is located at every step of the way.

Further, we take cases of cargo theft or fraud seriously. Situations where carriers are caught engaging in double brokering or identity theft are researched and offenders may be immediately placed on our Do-Not-Load (DNL) list.

Now, we understand that no matter what you do, things still sometimes happen. Even so, we’re proud to share that less than one percent of all shipments coordinated with Trinity Logistics end up in a claim. When that does happen, we’re just as prepared to tackle it. We have a Cargo Claims Department at the ready to assist you in navigating issues that may arise from your shipment with an average rate of 60 days in resolving cargo claims.

If the possibility of cargo theft and freight fraud is keeping you up at night, then consider working with Trinity Logistics so you can gain peace of mind over your freight shipments.

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.

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, 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?

HVAC contractors and plumbers continue to face supply chain woes like material shortages and rising costs. 

Battling these issues is making it tougher for HVAC contractors and plumbers to meet their customer’s demands in the short term and perhaps even longer. Here’s what HVAC contractors and plumbers can do to rise above. 

WORK WITH MANY SUPPLIERS 

If current suppliers can’t meet your needs, then it’s a good time to explore other ones. Many suppliers are ready to strike up new relationships and may be willing to be more flexible with contracts. Shopping with multiple suppliers will not only gain you access to more resources but can offer you more varied pricing options to consider. 

CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS 

It might be worth checking into other materials as they may be easier to get your hands on. Considering other brands of materials or equipment can keep your projects from staying stagnant. 

COMMUNICATION IS KING 

In difficult times like these, communication can be something that gives your company a competitive edge. Not only is it a vital aspect of a successful business, but it helps build trust and long-lasting relationships. While no one likes delivering bad news about backorders or delays, keeping your customers informed will go far, as they’ll appreciate your honesty and transparency. 

IMPROVING CUSTOMER SERVICE 

While material shortages and delays are out of your hands, great customer service will keep your current customers and help you gain new ones. In addition, extra attention to customer service can help address any frustrations among your customers. While these challenges may not last forever, your reputation will, so make sure yours remains good, if not great. 

PRE-ORDER MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT 

Many HVAC contractors and plumbers often only order the materials and equipment as needed. Instead, plan and stock up on the materials you most often use for your projects. This way, you’ll have what you need ready instead of waiting for materials to deliver. 

CONSIDER MODE DIVERSIFICATION 

Trying different modes of transportation could help you offset your increased costs. Keep an eye on transportation costs across the different modes available. Being more flexible with your freight shipping can give you some financial benefits. 

INVEST IN TECHNOLOGY 

Logistics technology, like a transportation management system (TMS), has tools available to help you stay on top of your supply chain and plan efficiently. One example is helping you with your routing decisions by matching your freight with the best carriers, lanes, rates, and transit service. It will also enable you to better track and manage any service disruptions or shipment delays in real-time, thus increasing your service levels and improving your customer relationships. 

THINK ABOUT ONSHORING 

Onshoring is a strategy that HVAC contractors and plumbers can use to mitigate supply chain woes and improve competitiveness. Onshoring strategy can ensure resilience in your supply chain and give your company a competitive edge. 

Onshoring refers to the overall practice of moving manufacturing operations from foreign soil back to the United States or outsourcing to domestic contract manufacturers rather than overseas. An example of onshoring would be having operations moved to Mexico versus China.

Onshoring allows your supply chain shorter travel times since materials and products are much closer than if they were overseas. This not only keeps your projects moving that much quicker but reduces your transportation costs. Additionally, you’ll also have the benefit of being greener due to less fuel being used. 

CONSIDER OUTSOURCING YOUR LOGISTICS 

According to the 2020 Annual Third-Party Logistics Study, 67 percent of shippers stating using a 3PL contributed to reducing their logistics cost, while 83 percent said it improved their service. By outsourcing to a 3PL, like Trinity Logistics, you won’t have to spend hours worrying about your logistics and get the help you may need to be more flexible with your shipping options. 

“In this market where it’s difficult to meet demand and project deadlines due to material and product shortages, it may not be the best option to send it via LTL as you may save a few dollars on the front end but pay for it with extended estimated transit times, and the possibility of the parts being damaged as they go from terminal to terminal throughout transit. Working with a 3PL, like Trinity Logistics, can bring you other possibilities on how to move your freight efficiently, such as dedicated full truck options, expedited (straight trucks/sprinter vans), partial, and hot shot options to keep your freight moving to arrive on time so you can achieve your project deadlines.”

– Michael Whitaker, Business Development Representative at Trinity Logistics 

If you’re looking for a reliable 3PL provider to help with your HVAC supply chain, consider Trinity Logistics. With Trinity, you gain a Team of experts to help optimize your supply chain, help arrange shipping using other modes, and end-to-end visibility through our available technology.

Optimized load planning is fundamental to improving your service and revenue.

Could your company be wasting money on a logistics strategy that doesn’t work? Efficient load planning is more critical than ever and a key performance area for any supply chain. Ideally, you want to be able to move your product to your customers while maintaining desired service levels in the most efficient way. Logistics optimization strategies such as improving your load planning processes can be an effective way to reduce freight costs by as much as 10 to 40 percent.

While this sounds great, load planning can be a very manual and time-consuming process. A transportation management system (TMS), specifically one that includes a freight optimization tool, is one way to analyze and take your load planning process from hours of manual work to minutes through automation and technology.

COMMON LOAD PLANNING TMS MISCONCEPTIONS

Before we dive into how a TMS can help you with your load planning, perhaps you’ve thought of one of these common misconceptions.

A TMS Optimizes on Its Own

First off, not all TMS platforms are the same. Some may not even offer load planning tools. It’s also important to see what kind of support is offered, as having an expert available can help provide you with more insight than the software alone.

The Optimized Load Plan Will Be Perfect Every Time

Technology is a great tool to make your logistics processes more efficient. The word to remember here is “tool”. Even a TMS with a freight optimization tool can overlook certain opportunities for freight consolidation, so it’s important to always treat your transportation technology as an aid to your load planning process and not as a full replacement for it.  

BENEFITS OF OPTIMIZED LOAD PLANNING

• Cost Savings
• Higher profitability
• Improved logistics performance
• Improved logistics collaboration
• Improved customer service

HOW A TMS HELPS OPTIMIZE YOUR LOAD PLANNING

A TMS is a powerful tool for optimizing your load planning. A TMS provides you visibility into your entire logistics process. This allows you to monitor performance and create efficient plans. It helps you with your forecasting and planning so you can find cost-saving options. A TMS can help give you a clearer picture of your entire freight network by housing all your transportation information in one system.

Now, there is a lot of transportation management software out there. To gain the most benefit for your load planning process, you’ll want to make sure you select one with a freight optimization tool.

WHY WOULD I NEED A FREIGHT OPTIMIZATION TOOL?

Anyone who has gone through the process of figuring out how to reduce shipping costs for each of their loads knows how much of a pain it can truly be. The process starts with tracking down all your open shipments, deciding what loads should be moved together, and then building, rating, and tendering those loads manually. For those who have not implemented a TMS, this is usually done with paper and pencil or an Excel spreadsheet.

Many factors go into optimizing shipments, including the number of pallets and weight of each shipment (taking trailer size into consideration), delivery availability for locations, and special services needed.

Perhaps one of the most important dynamics of building a shipment is delivery deadlines. It’s imperative to take note of whether a truck can deliver to single or multiple locations and arrive on time, factoring in the drivers’ hours of service (HOS) and loading and unloading times.

In sum, it’s a like a complex jigsaw puzzle made up of your freight, and trying to figure it out alone can be difficult.

HOW CAN A FREIGHT OPTIMIZATION TOOL HELP ME?

The freight optimization tool in a TMS will take your list of open shipments and consolidate them into loads based on the criteria specified by you. The software’s criteria encompass ship and delivery date flexibility, maximum weight per shipment, the maximum number of pieces, the number of picks and drops, driver hours, and more.

You’re also able to choose which carriers you want to include for consideration. Once these parameters are set and the optimizer has been run, you also have the capability to auto-create loads in the TMS based on the optimizer’s results.

The optimizer tool accomplishes in minutes what usually takes a person hours to calculate and configure, with the likelihood of saving money in the meantime. The top benefits here translate to both time and money saved. Gone are the days of sitting at your desk for hours with a calculator and a headache.

In summary, our TMS (and other similar products) allow you to enter all your shipments, whether it’s 20 or 1000, and will automatically calculate the most efficient way to route your shipments by combining smaller shipments into multi-drop truckloads, keeping other shipments separate, and configuring the way it all gets routed across the country. The results of the freight optimization tool include the reported cost savings and a detailed report of the loads proposed.

START OPTIMIZING YOUR LOAD PLANNING WITH TRINITY’S TMS

Logistics optimization never ends. It is a continuous process only limited by your time, technology, and commitment to improvement. And ensuring your company has access to a best-in-class TMS is the key to starting that process and finding efficiencies.

Discover how Trinity’s TMS, including its freight optimization tool, can improve your logistics processes, like load planning, helping you offer better customer service and reduce costs while increasing revenue.