Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious “Fiercely Good Award” by BlueTriton Brands Inc., a prominent player in the beverage industry. The award was presented to Trinity Logistics during BlueTriton’s Annual Carrier Meeting, which saw the attendance of over 150 carrier and 3PL companies.

“The BlueTriton Brands, Inc. 2023 ‘Fiercely Good Award’ is to recognize our colleagues that embrace being fearless business owners, boldly innovative, deeply committed, and fiercely good,” said Tilde Zimmerman, Transportation Procurement Director at BlueTriton Brands, Inc. “In 2023, Trinity Logistics went above and beyond what was asked or expected of them. We like to appreciate and recognize the efforts of those who collectively make us better. Thank you for being FIERCELY GOOD, Trinity Logistics Team!”

Zimmerman specifically recognized Trinity Logistics for its exceptional commitment to service and its invaluable contribution to a community initiative spearheaded by BlueTriton Brands, Inc. Trinity Logistics played a pivotal role in facilitating the delivery of a much-needed donation of water by BlueTriton to support a local high school football showcase in Broward County, Florida, demonstrating its dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realm of logistics.

Delivering the donation posed unique challenges, including the absence of a loading dock at the school premises and the logistical intricacies of offloading the shipment directly onto the football field. Despite these obstacles, Trinity Logistics executed the task with precision and efficiency, ensuring the timely and seamless delivery of the water donation. 

Representing Trinity Logistics at the event were Fatima Adams, Director of Operations at Trinity’s Florida Regional Service Center (RSC), and Jared Lineweaver, Senior Sales Executive. Their presence underscored Trinity’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships and delivering exceptional service.

“We are deeply honored to receive the ‘Fiercely Good Award’ from BlueTriton,” said Adams. “This recognition stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment in providing exceptional service to our customer relationships. We are immensely proud of the solution our Team assembled and their dedication and resourcefulness in overcoming this challenging task.”

Trinity Logistics is grateful to BlueTriton Brands, Inc. for the recognition and remains steadfast in its mission to provide innovative logistics solutions while positively impacting the communities it serves.

About Trinity Logistics

Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve. 

For the past 40 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions.

We are currently recognized on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

Trinity Logistics, a leading logistics solutions provider, is proud to announce Bree Severn as the winner of the Ivy Sales Forum’s sales competition held in collaboration with Iowa State University. This competition is an integral part of Trinity’s commitment to fostering talent and contributing to the real-world education of future sales professionals. 

Throughout the semester, Trinity Logistics actively participated in shaping the Ivy Sales Forum’s curriculum, ensuring that it provides students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical sales experience. The 50 students enrolled in the courses benefited from Trinity’s guidance, gaining insights that will shape their careers in sales. 

The sales competition, a two-part challenge designed to provide hands-on experience, involved students engaging with members of Trinity’s Leadership in simulated scenarios. The first part required students to pitch the value of Trinity Logistics to a hypothetical “shipper” and secure a follow-up meeting. In the second part of the competition, students showcased their negotiation skills to close a deal during the follow-up. Students were judged by Trinity Logistics and Professor Raj Agnihotri.

“It has been such an amazing experience working with Dr. Raj and his students,” said Kelsey Brown, Director of Sales at Trinity Logistics’s Iowa Regional Service Center. “The commitment to excellence and excitement they bring to both the class and competition has helped me see our industry through new eyes again. A top-notch sales program!”

Bree Severn was chosen as the winner of the sales competition for her tenacious sales disposition, warm and genuine approach, as well as overall preparedness. Bree is a junior pursuing a double major in Marketing and Management at Iowa State. Bree was awarded a prestigious trophy by Trinity Logistics to recognize her outstanding achievement and growth. Additionally, she was offered a summer internship with Trinity, however she has plans to study abroad in Greece during her break. 

“I am beyond grateful for this experience with the Ivy Sales Forum and Trinity Logistics,” said Bree. “Through this sales competition, I learned more about the logistics industry, the sales process, and the value of relationship building. I want to thank Kelsey Brown, Raj Agnihotri, the Trinity Logistics Team, and my classmates for pushing me out of my comfort zone and believing in me along the way.”

Trinity Logistics continues to be an active participant in the Ivy Sales Forum, contributing to the development of future business professionals through experiential learning opportunities.

About Trinity Logistics

Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve. 

For the past 40 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions.

We are currently recognized on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

Trinity Logistics, a leading logistics solutions provider, is proud to share its corporate partnership with Iowa State University and active participation in the Ivy Sales Forum at the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business. This strategic collaboration exemplifies Trinity Logistics’s dedication to fostering talent development and nurturing future professionals. 

The Ivy Sales Forum, a dynamic educational initiative at Iowa State University, brings together students from various majors to engage in a unique and comprehensive sales curriculum, giving students the opportunity to pursue a Professional Sales Certificate. The sales certificate is comprised of seven courses and all required sales classes involve a semester-long experiential sales competition hosted by corporate partners, including Trinity Logistics.

While Trinity Logistics has been a corporate partner of the Ivy Sales Forum for over a year, the company plays an integral role in shaping this semester’s curriculum under the guidance of Professor Raj Agnihotri, ensuring it aligns with the rapidly evolving sales landscape. This involvement highlights Trinity’s commitment to real-world sales education and its willingness to share its industry expertise with the next generation of professionals. 

“The Ivy Sales Forum is an amazing program that Trinity is thrilled to be a part of,” said Carlie Crouch, Director of Talent Management at Trinity Logistics. “Our Leadership Team genuinely enjoys interacting with the students, especially during their cumulative sales competition. We see great value in the real-world experience the students gain, which ultimately gives our Talent Acquisition Team a robust pipeline of potential future Trinity Team Members.”

The courses feature 50 students benefiting from Trinity Logistics’s guidance, shaping their sales careers and offering a unique blend of textbook knowledge and real-life application. 

The sales competition, required for course completion, is a two-part challenge that provides students with hands-on sales experience. The first part entails an initial meeting, where students interact with a hypothetical “shipper”, played by members of Trinity’s Leadership. In this meeting, the students must identify the shipper’s needs and pitch the value of Trinity Logistics, with success earned by securing a follow-up meeting with the shipper. 

The second part involves the students showcasing their pricing and negotiation skills to close a deal in their follow-up meeting. This immersive experience equips students with valuable experience and insights into a sales profession. Upon successful completion of the sales curriculum, students earn a prestigious sales certificate, comparable to a professional degree. 

“We value our relationship with a great organization such as Trinity Logistics,” said Professor Raj Agnihotri. “Their support in providing future business professionals with experiential learning opportunities is much appreciated.” 

The sales competition is currently underway with students having completed part one and currently undergoing part two of the process. The sales competition winners will be judged and determined by members of Trinity Logistics and Professor Agnihotri. Trinity Logistics will recognize those winners who demonstrate excellent sales skills, creativity, and ingenuity with an award in December.  

About Trinity Logistics

Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve. 

For the past 40 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions.

We are currently recognized on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics, and as a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

Trinity Logistics is proud to announce its recognition as a Top Freight Broker by Transport Topics for the 21^st consecutive year, ranked 17. This honor serves as a testament to the company’s continued commitment to delivering outstanding People-Centric service in the logistics industry.

Transport Topics is a leading publication in the transportation business and is well-known for its annual comprehensive rankings of freight brokerage firms. Companies are ranked based on gross revenue and services offered. 

Trinity Logistics is thrilled to have made spot #17 on the Top Freight Brokers List for 2023 as this accolade reflects Trinity’s commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers and helping them meet their unique logistics needs. With a core focus on exceeding expectations, the company has built a reputation for its integrity, reliability, and customer service.

“This recognition continues to showcase our ability to serve our shippers and carriers with People-Centric Freight Solutions®,” says Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “Team Trinity works hard to continually strengthen our shipper and carrier relationships, providing value to them in simplifying their processes and providing an excellent Trinity experience. Earning this recognition continues to show we are rising to the ongoing supply chain challenges and are serving our customers well. Thank you, Transport Topics, for the recognition. We’re honored to have made it another year in the top 20’s – #17!”  

Trinity’s parent company, Burris Logistics, has ranked number 35 on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Logistics Companies List and number 4 on their Top Refrigerated Warehousing List. 

To see the complete list, visit Transport Topics.  

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 as an Inbound Logistics Top 100 3PL.  

The chemical industry faces challenges such as volatile raw material prices, shortages, supply chain disruption, and more.

The chemicals industry is one of the most important sectors, with 96 percent of all manufactured goods depending on them. With many moving parts and various stakeholders involved in the chemical supply chain, there are several challenges this industry faces. Here are some of the biggest challenges affecting the chemical industry.

CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

• Managing Raw Materials
• Transportation Disruptions
• Regulations
• Large Amounts of Data
• Complex Supply Chains
• Lack of Visibility
• Climate Change Pressure

MANAGING RAW MATERIALS

The chemical industry, specifically chemical manufacturing, relies heavily on raw materials. Raw material prices, such as those for crude oil, are volatile and can fluctuate at any given time. This can make it difficult to forecast costs and budget and, keep prices competitive.

Keeping an adequate supply of these materials can be an additional challenge. Having too much inventory can potentially lead to chemical waste or spoilage while too little can make it difficult to meet customer demand.

TRANSPORTATION DISRUPTIONS

Chemical industry supply chains can be long and complex. They have many moving parts, making the transportation of chemical products a challenge. If you add in transportation disruptions, it makes it even more problematic.

While transportation disruptions usually occur at some point, in recent years, there’s been a lot of supply chain disruption caused by the onset of Covid-19.

According to a survey by the American Chemistry Council, 97 percent of companies reported having to change to their operations due to supply chain issues in recent years. Because of this, the chemical industry must stay on the tip of its toes and be able to adapt quickly whenever disruption may happen.

Also, global supply chains see the most impact from transportation disruptions. The chemical industry has more global supply chains than other industries, making this challenge more difficult.

REGULATIONS

Chemical products are often specialized and need specific storage and handling. In addition, they face strict regulations on the transport of their products, especially hazardous materials. These regulations are necessary to have in place to protect the environment and people.

In recent years, several high-profile incidents have involved the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment. This has caused governments to introduce more strict regulations. As a result, this has increased the costs for chemical companies to operate. It’s been estimated that chemical companies will have to spend more than $300 billion over the next few years to meet regulations.

The chemical industry must be more vigilant than ever to remain compliant. These increased regulations put more pressure on chemical companies already trying to meet global standards.

The chemical industry has to work with many different regulations and agencies, such as;

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP),
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
• and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

LARGE AMOUNTS OF DATA

The chemical industry handles a lot of data. All manufacturing and operational data must be recorded, categorized, and processed. It’s estimated that chemical companies handle up to;

• 50,000 data points per raw material,
• 100 samples per test,
• 10,000 pieces of equipment per plant,
• 150 data points per customer!

This massive amount of data can be a challenge, especially with supply chain management.

COMPLEX SUPPLY CHAINS

The chemical industry is a complex one. It can include various kinds of chemical processes with products in all forms, from raw to intermediate, to finished goods. There are also many stakeholders involved, from chemical manufacturers to distributors.

Additionally, chemical products are often required to have very specific characteristics with little to no room for variations. Chemical companies also handle more complex items, like hazmat or temperature-controlled. Chemical supply chains are often worldwide, making them much more complex than other industries.

LACK OF VISIBILITY

Due to its complexity, lack of visibility can be a challenge for chemical supply chains. It can be difficult for chemical suppliers to know their inventory levels or how products are being used. Therefore, it’s important for chemical companies to have an accurate picture of their inventory and supply chain. Improved visibility can provide insight into opportunities to reduce costs without sacrificing quality.

CLIMATE CHANGE

The chemical industry is one of the top contributors to global carbon emissions. As the world becomes more concerned about climate change and sustainability, there’s more pressure added onto chemical companies that already face strict regulations.

There’s also a growing demand from consumers for more green and ethical products. For example, many companies are having to find alternative solutions for plastic or use recycled materials.

To keep up with the ever-changing market and demand, chemical companies need to change their processes. They must find ways to create less waste and more products that help reduce their environmental impact.

Also, as the planet warms, more severe weather is taking place. This is causing more disruptions to chemical industry processes. Whether causing a halt in transportation or a shortage of oil, climate change presents several challenges for the chemical industry.

OVERCOMING CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

The chemical industry can be a tough market to compete in. To overcome these challenges, chemical companies need to remain resilient and competitive. As the world and market continue to change, they need to be able to adapt.

Finding like-minded, expert partners with applicable technology is ideal to overcome these challenges. A third-party logistics (3PL) company, like Trinity Logistics, is one such resource.

Trinity Logistics has been in business for over 40 years and has worked with chemical companies of all sizes. Trinity is a trusted partner to help chemical companies better navigate their complex supply chains. We’re well-versed in the chemical industry and can help find a quality carrier for your shipment or offer improved visibility through our customized technology solutions.

When choosing to work with Trinity, our Team Member experts keep you up to date on industry news, upcoming regulation changes, or any other relevant information your business needs to stay successful.

Additionally, we’re a Responsible Care certified partner, meaning we’re committed to providing you with the best service for your logistics and transportation management while staying committed to sustainability practices.

At Trinity Logistics, we’re not your typical 3PL. We’re invested in your business and are here to help your business succeed. If you’re looking for a like-minded logistics partner to help you overcome some of your industry’s challenges, we’re here and ready to help.

We often will hear from a Freight Agency on how their business has become stagnant while partnered with either small or start-up brokerages. This could be for several reasons. For one, no business will grow unless the main driving force – which is YOU – is 100 percent committed to its success.

In fact, many of the single-person Freight Agents we have seen with great success in the past five years have a focused passion that affords them no “Plan B”. They are so determined to make their small freight agency work that they don’t even consider failure as a potential option. Having that hunger is essential but finding a partner to support your growth is vital. When considering who that partner should be, it’s important to consider several things, such as;

WILL CARRIER PARTNERS EVEN TAKE MY FREIGHT?

The days of only being a point A to point B truckload-only Freight Agency are fading. Customers have unique shipping challenges that need unique shipping solutions. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your Freight Agency’s partner has a vast network of carrier partners.

As important, is their reputation among the carrier community. It must be strong enough to foster relationships that promote carriers consistently working with them versus having to always rely on “one and done” carriers. Find out how often carriers seek repeat business with the partner company you’re considering. If it happens a third of the time or less, that could be a warning sign that carriers may give your company a shot, but the relationship doesn’t progress for whatever reason.

WHAT OPERATIONAL SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE TO MY FREIGHT AGENCY BUSINESS?

Typically, most Freight Agents are well-versed in truckload operations as that is where most get their start in the industry. But shipping customers have needs that don’t just require a full truckload of a product being moved.

Does your partner company have a strong relationship with less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers that will provide competitive service and rates? Will you have a team of experts to assist you with those non-traditional freight moves, like expedited, drayage, or international? What about a shipper customer with more complex needs, like a transportation management system to help manage their business?

As you look to grow with your shipper customers, the last thing you want to do is tell that customer, “Sorry, we can’t support that type of move.”

WHAT ONGOING EDUCATION IS AVAILABLE TO ME?

People that are successful in any business typically have a thirst for knowledge. It’s not just about learning something new, it’s also about refining and sharpening the saw on things they have known for years. Does the company you’re looking to partner with offer education and training sessions to assist in that endeavor?

And if so, are they just focused on mode education? Or operational or technical education? What about things that are not directly tied to the day-to-day but are important – like succession planning? Find out how the company you consider partnering with will support your Freight Agency and you as a person.

HOW INVOLVED WILL I NEED TO BE IN NON-REVENUE GENERATING ACTIVITIES?

The sale does not end when the shipment delivers. That sale needs to continue all the way through the administrative support side of the freight transaction. But how much of your time will that gobble up?

If the partner company you’re considering indicates they will do those things on your behalf, what are their processes for those support measures? It’s great when they help get a carrier set up, but at the speed at which the freight industry moves, you know how valuable minutes are, let alone hours of waiting.

And not just normal processes, but not every shipping customer or freight move fits neatly in a box. So how will those needs be met when exceptions occur? Let’s face it, giving a partner company a percentage of the gross margin, you make on a shipment should absolutely come with a clear picture of how they will support your Freight Agency, your shipping customers, and those relationship carriers you have worked hard with to gain their trust.

Ask those tough questions about what happens when this occurs or how quickly a dispute or special need be managed. Remember, the company you partner with needs to be an extension of you and the freight agency you have created.

CHOOSE TRINITY LOGISTICS FOR YOUR FREIGHT AGENCY

We realize you have a choice in who you’d like as your freight agency’s partner. However, Trinity Logistics can help your business grow and remain successful regardless of your freight agency size.

Trinity Logistics has over 30 years of experience aiding in the success of our Authorized Freight Agent offices, as well as offering many extras for our Authorized Agent network. So, if you’re looking for a long-term partnership that is supportive of your growth and offers you continued education to stay competitive, we’re more than happy to get connected.

If you’d like to talk more about how Trinity can support your journey in growing a successful business, feel free to contact our Agent Team by phone at 800-846-3400 x 1908 or click the button below.

Trinity Logistics is excited to announce that the company has been recognized as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics in 2022.  

Every year, hundreds of third-party providers submit their credentials to Inbound Logistics to be considered for their Top 100 list. Among the applicants considered, Trinity’s recognition further highlights the company’s growing brand of People-Centric Freight Solutions® among shippers and carriers. 

“This year’s theme for our annual 3PL edition: pizza. But think about it. Whether companies need to outsource just a slice or the full pie, there’s a 3PL to meet their needs. And outsourcing supply chain, logistics and transportation solutions to a trusted partner was never more important than during the disruptions of the past few years” said Felecia Stratton of Inbound Logistics. 

“We are honored to be named as one of the top 3PLs in the industry,” said Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics. “Our focus on People-Centric Freight Solutions ® continues to make us a trusted partner for both shippers and carriers. I am proud of our team and how they continue to serve those around them with excellence.” 

Trinity consistently strives to be the best by offering its audiences customized logistics solutions through its People-Centric approach.  Trinity is honored to receive this recognition as it continues positively representing the company’s legacy by providing excellent service to the logistics industry. 

About Trinity Logistics 
 
Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve.  

For the past 40 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions. 

We are currently recognized on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, a Top 3PL and Cold Storage Provider by Food Logistics, and a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking. 

How do we get supply chains back on track after years of constant disruption and setbacks? The supply chain backlogs came largely from the shock at the start of the pandemic, but even before then, there have been many supply chain vulnerabilities.

Supply Chain Resiliency: Alleviating Backlogs and Strengthening Long-Term Security

Recently, Congress met to discuss our national and global supply chains, current supply chain issues that we need to focus on now, and how to build supply chain resiliency for the long term. Congress invited individuals and organizations to come to testify, to present their views for inclusion on the topic. U.S. Senator for Delaware, Tom Carper, asked Doug Potvin, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Trinity Logistics to testify.

With 16 years of service at Trinity and over 30 years of industry experience, Doug sees first-hand the problems plaguing supply chains. Doug’s testimony gave the Members of this panel valuable insight into the continued problems in supply chains and how members of the Transportation Intermediary Association (TIA), like Trinity Logistics, continue to serve the nation amidst these difficult times.

Doug’s Testimony Before Congress

“ I want to introduce myself as the CFO, Chief Fun Officer at Trinity Logistics because we like to have fun when we’re working hard. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today regarding how policymakers and business leaders are addressing the existing backlogs in the supply chain in the short term and building more resilient supply chains in the long term. My name is Doug Potvin. I’m the CFO of Trinity, a third-party logistics company (3PL) headquartered in Seaford. I’m privileged, honored, and humbled here today representing Trinity, our association, Transportation Intermediary Association, and the entire third-party logistics industry that we serve.

We serve as an intermediary in solving the logistical needs of our shipper customers by sourcing capacity from motor carriers and vendor partners. We are proud to report today that this past year we’ve generated over 1 billion dollars in revenue, arranged over half a million shipments, and offered 350 individuals full and part-time jobs. We truly are a proud Delaware company.

From Charles Dickens, the novel, The Tale of Two Cities; It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Season of light is the season of darkness, a spring of hope is a winter of despair. Over the last two years, the same could be said of the international supply chain and from our perspective, closer to home, the domestic transportation industry.

In March of 2020 as both domestic and international countries shut our businesses including the shutting of the port cities and operations in China and the fact most consumers were at home facing an uncertain future, freight volumes plummeted. Motor carrier capacity increased dramatically due to the steep drop in goods moving and the transportation market saw prices for motor carriers fall. In fact, Trinity Logistics was mentioned on a Facebook post that we were earning an average gross margin of 60 percent, which was simply wrong.

In addition, a small number of motor carriers came to Washington D.C. and demanded rate transparency. Interesting after the businesses, ports, and countries opened up freight volumes began to skyrocket, available motor carrier capacity tightened up, and rates paid to motor carriers increased due to reflecting the change in market conditions. Demand for rate transparency went silent.

The pricing in our industry is driven by market conditions, supply and demand. Large scale, no entity on either side of the equation has enough market share to drive rates. In addition, each shipment has its own variable considerations to take into account including everything from available to capacity in various regional markets, lead time for products, dwell time at shippers and consignees, commodities needing move, and type of equipment needed. All this happens in real-time to ensure goods get to market, keeping our economy moving forward.

Now more than ever, the role of third-party logistics professionals has become more valuable. Companies like Trinity and the other 28,000 licensed property brokers are working overtime to ensure that essential goods continue to be delivered in an efficient manner to meet our customer and consumer needs. Our industry along with motor carriers are the main component as the why during the crisis and disruption, the supply chain bent but never broke.

Trinity Logistics applauds the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives’ Bipartisan passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act, a historic investment into transportation and infrastructure. We’re very pleased to see how quickly the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) established the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program. Trinity hopes this three-year pilot program will be successful and made permanent so individuals ages 18 to 20 will explore interstate transport careers. Trinity also believes that as the spending on the Investment Act ramps up in the near future it will provide enough support to the economy to keep the motor carriers employed as we are starting to see freight volumes pull back over the last 30 to 60 days.

Trinity would also like to thank Chairman Carper, John Cornyn, Senator Menendez, and Senator Tim Scott for the support in offering legislation and getting the Senate to act unanimously in passing the Custom Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Act (CTPAT).

Currently, the vaccine mandate for truck drivers coming to the country to deliver freight from Canada and Mexico continues, these professional drivers spend most of their professional time alone in the truck cab, presenting a zero percent risk of spreading Covid-19. This should be lifted immediately to open up capacity and shorten the amount of time it takes to move goods across borders.

Another issue that greatly impacts not only the efficient movement of goods, but highway safety, is the lack of a federal motor carrier safety selection standard. Currently, because of broken safety rating systems from the FMCSA, almost 90 percent of trucking companies are considered unrated. There are no requirements in place before selecting a trucking company, that drastically impacts the overall safety of our nation’s highways. The latest report from the national highway traffic safety administration noted that the number of accidents involving commercial motor vehicles increased 13 percent in 2021. The status quo is not working, and highway safety needs to be improved. Trinity Logistics and our trade association, TIA, fully support legislation to create a motor carrier safety selection and mend the safety rating process.

The U.S. trucking spot market conditions have reflected towards weaker and more normal conditions, though we still will see what the future holds and how that trend continues. Hopefully as a result of this meeting and coordinated actions taken by the United States, our trading partners, manufacturers, supply chain vendors, our nations become resilient when facing similar conditions and uncertainty.”

Trinity Logistics would like to thank Chairman Tom Carper and the TIA for inviting Doug to testify before the Committee. He is a very valuable leader in the industry and Trinity Logistics appreciates all he does for our company, our industry, and our nation.

If you would like to watch the full hearing:

https://www.finance.senate.gov/hearings/supply-chain-resiliency-alleviating-backlogs-and-strengthening-long-term-security

If you’re a large-scale manufacturer, getting liquid freight transported in bulk is a non-negotiable complexity. Bulk transportation, especially liquid freight, has its challenges and may seem daunting. But, with the right information and provider, it doesn’t have to be. So, whether you’re new to bulk transportation for your liquid freight or a seasoned vet, this article breaks it all down so you can safely and efficiently have your liquid bulk product transported.

What Is A Bulk Product?

What Kinds Of Bulk Liquid Products Are There?

What Is Bulk Transportation For Liquid Freight?

Complexities Of Bulk Transportation For Liquid Freight

What Can Go Wrong With Shipping Bulk Liquid Freight?

What Kind Of Equipment Is Needed For Bulk Liquid Transportation?

How Do You Transport Bulk Liquids?

Bulk Transportation: Liquid Freight Regulations

WHAT IS A BULK PRODUCT?

Before we dive into bulk liquid freight, let’s go over what bulk products are. The term “bulk” is used in transportation to describe goods that are not in containers and loose, transported in mass quantities or volumes. Bulk products are usually packed in one large container to be moved, such as a tanker trailer. Bulk products are often not intended for general consumers but are useful to manufacturers. Examples of bulk products are raw materials, ingredients for food manufacturing, materials for landscaping, gravel, dried beans, oil, or grains.

Another term to be aware of when working with bulk products is “break bulk”. Breakbulk is when a bulk shipment is broken down into smaller containers. This is important to know because bulk shipments are handled as loose goods whereas breakbulk shipments are loaded individually in some sort of container. Therefore, when you have a product to ship, it’s very important to properly communicate whether your shipment is bulk or breakbulk.

WHAT KINDS OF BULK LIQUID PRODUCTS ARE THERE?

There are many sorts of liquid products that ship via bulk transportation. These types of liquids are often used in manufacturing, food processing, agriculture, and more. Some examples of bulk liquid freight are:

• Vegetable oil
• Alcohol
• Milk
• Juice
• Syrup
• Sugar alcohols
• Vinegar
• Essential oils
• Mineral oils
• Artificial colors or dyes
• Chemicals
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Sulphuric acid
  • Nitric acid
  • Mining chemicals
  • Solvents
  • resins
• All types of water

WHAT IS BULK TRANSPORTATION FOR LIQUID FREIGHT?

Bulk transportation for liquid freight involves using a tanker trailer instead of smaller drums or tanks. Bulk liquid transportation usually refers to the act of moving liquid freight by truck over long distances.

COMPLEXITIES OF BULK TRANSPORTATION FOR LIQUID FREIGHT

Bulk liquid freight, especially when it’s hazardous, can carry more risk than other types of freight. For example, an accident involving a tanker truck can cause the shutdown of roadways, manufacturing production lines, and ultimately, the loss of raw material needed for many products.

The first complexity of bulk liquid freight is the way it’s packaged and stored. Unlike other freight, it’s not packaged in totes or smaller containers. Instead, bulk liquid freight is stored and transported in large containers and tankers, and because of their liquid state, they can slosh around and spill.

Since bulk liquid freight shipments transport differently than dry van shipments, you’ll find complexity in its logistics like:

Longer Lead Times

Tanker transportation is considered more of a specialty compared to dry vans, so you’ll notice fewer tankers available. This can make finding an available tanker longer to find.

Higher Rates

Being a specialty type of transportation, it’s easy to see why rates will be higher for this type of shipping. First, carriers pay more for this kind of special equipment. On average a tanker trailer can cost $100,000 to $125,000 compared to the cost of a dry van around $35,000 to $40,000.

Also, your shipping costs will include deadhead miles every time as each delivery requires a trip to wash the tanker. And unlike other types of transportation, you’ll have the same rate regardless of how full the tanker trailer is since different liquid freight cannot be combined for motor carriers to create a “full tank load” shipment.

Different Driver Requirments

No matter the product, tanker drivers are required to have a tanker endorsement, and if the liquid freight is hazardous, they’ll also be required to have a hazmat certification as well.

More Insurance

Carriers hauling hazardous liquid freight in bulk must carry a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance.

WHAT CAN GO WRONG WITH SHIPPING BULK LIQUID FREIGHT?

A lot can go wrong when shipping bulk liquids, so working with an experienced provider is very important. Drivers must be extra careful when pulling a bulk tanker trailer of liquid freight. Just as you must be careful when carrying a glass of water, liquid freight in a bulk tanker sloshes around with movement. If a driver brakes too hard or turns too fast, the weight of the liquid freight can surge to one side and topple the trailer. And if the freight is hazardous, then massive environmental damage can also happen.

Outside of concerns about a toppled trailer, drivers must be mindful of other issues. For example, what happens when you shake or stir liquid? It agitates and causes foam. This also happens with liquid freight during bulk transport. While foam can be annoying when later unloading the trailer, at worst, too much aeration can ruin a shipment depending on the kind of liquid.

Another thing that can go wrong when transporting liquid freight is contamination. Therefore, tank washing is a requirement for every shipment. If a tank isn’t properly cleaned before the next shipment is loaded, residue from the previous shipment can contaminate it.

Lastly, leaky tanks are another serious issue with bulk liquid shipping. If a leak goes unnoticed, even a small one, a significant amount of product can be lost during transport.

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED FOR BULK LIQUID TRANSPORTATION?

Bulk liquid freight cannot be transported without the proper equipment. Most often, a bulk tanker trailer is needed to haul liquid freight. A bulk tanker is a large, cylindrical metal tank pulled by a standard freight truck.

But there are several different kinds of tankers that can be used for the bulk transportation of liquid freight. For example, there are tankers designed to keep a product’s temperature regulated or tankers with hoppers on the bottom to make unloading easier. In addition, some tankers include pressurized tanks or acid-resistant tanks. Which type of tanker you’ll need is determined by the liquid freight you need to transport.

Some questions to ask yourself, or that your provider may ask of you, to determine what kind of equipment is needed are:

• What bulk liquid do you intend to transport?
• Is the freight hazmat?
• Is the freight temperature sensitive?
• What volume are you transporting?
• From what kind of container(s) will you be loading it?
• Can the loading facility accept a center or rear unload trailer?
• Does the tanker truck need special connectors?
• Is a pump or compressor required for unloading?
• Can the customer accept air compressor offload?
• At what pressure can the tanker unload?
• Does the product need a rubber-lined trailer?
• Are there any prior content restrictions we need to be aware of?
• Will you need a dropped trailer?
• Do you need any extra hoses for loading or unloading?
• What are the pre and post-wash requirements?
  

Types of Tanker Trailers for Liquid Freight

Tanker trailers can be categorized into two categories, depending on the content they transport or their structures.

Tankers by Structure

General Purpose Tanker

These tankers are used to transport bulk liquid freight that doesn’t require special care or procedures. They are usually made of steel.

General Purpose w/ Heat Coils

These tankers are the same except for the addition of heat coils to help raise or maintain the temperature of the product.

Pneumatic Tanker

These tankers have a series of hoppers on their underbellies to help with unloading. Although pneumatic tank trailers are mostly used to transport dry bulk freight. They are also effective for liquid bulk.

Vacuum Tanker

This is simply a tanker with a pump to help load bulk liquid from underground or any other location into the tank. These tankers are most used to transport septage, industrial liquids, sewage, or animal waste.

Rubber Lined Tanker

These tankers are commonly used to transport corrosive chemicals.

Aluminum Tanker

These lightweight tankers can carry more volumes before reaching their weight limit and have lower operating costs. They are typically used to transport petroleum and petrochemicals.

Compartmentalized Tanker

These tankers have compartments built into them that allow tanker carriers to ship different chemicals.

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Tanker

These tankers are most used for food-grade bulk liquids, corrosive chemicals, and other hazardous liquid freight.

ISO Tankers

These tankers are built according to the standards of the International Standard Organization (ISO) for the shipping of most bulk liquid freight.

Tankers by Liquid Content

Fuel/Petroleum

These carry gasoline, fuel, oil, or propane. Most often these tankers are required to carry a hazmat certification, also making this a more dangerous job.

Food Grade

These tankers carry liquid freight like water, milk, or juice. These tankers can be equipped with heating or cooling systems for temperature control.

Chemical/Acid

These are used to transport many types of industrial chemicals. Some are designed to carry corrosive chemicals.

But Wait, There’s More…

Before we move on to the next section, two things you might want to know about are baffles and tanker weight limits.

Baffles

What are baffles? Remember when we spoke on liquid agitation earlier? That’s where baffles come in. Most tankers have baffles on the inside to help reduce the movement of the liquid. They act as different chambers to help divide the liquid up into smaller compartments, so the entire weight of the liquid is prevented from surging up against the side of the tank.

Tanker Weight Limits

Tankers are not limited by the amount of liquid they can contain, but by their weight. The U.S. Department of Transportation mandates that the maximum weight limit for trucks on public roads cannot exceed 80,000 pounds. So, if the liquid you need to transport is dense, like syrup or paint, you might not be able to fill an entire tanker truck. This is essential to keep in mind when arranging your bulk liquid shipments.

HOW DO YOU TRANSPORT BULK LIQUIDS?

Now that we know what kinds of equipment are used in transporting bulk liquid freight, let’s talk loading and unloading. These proper handling procedures ensure your liquid freight is transported safely.

Loading and Unloading

Before loading, the carrier must have the tanker cleaned so that it is without any residue or odor. The only time a tank washing may not be required is if the tanker is transporting the exact type of chemical it most recently unloaded.

They must also thoroughly inspect that nothing is out of place and there are no leaks. If there is any concern, the entire tank can be filled with water to test for leaks. Not only is a leaking tank inconvenient and expensive, but it’s also illegal.

There are two major methods for loading and unloading liquid freight from a bulk tanker: compressors and pumps. Pumps suck the liquid out of the tank while air compressors rely on pressure to force liquid out. It’s important to know that you cannot use air compressors for any flammable liquids as static electricity could build up and cause a spark.

Fun fact: When you unload a tanker of liquid freight using a pump, you must vent it by opening the hatch on top. The trailer can implode if this step is missed, just like your pressurized cooker at home. However, if you’re unloading with a compressor, make sure the hatch is closed.

When a bulk liquid shipment arrives for unloading, the receiver should always first take a sample to confirm the right product was delivered and in good condition.

Hazardous Labeling

Regulations mandate that any trailer transporting hazardous materials must be labeled. This helps anyone recognize the kind of content the trailer is carrying so they know what precautions are required.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT?

It’s important to know your and other parties’ responsibilities to ensure a safely transported bulk liquid shipment.

Shipper Responsibilities

• Have knowledge of the properties of the liquid product you’re shipping
• Communication that information with the provider, along with any needed equipment or certifications
• Know which regulations apply
• Give the driver any placards, seals, or other items required
• Give the drive all paperwork for the shipment
• Provide personnel to load the tanker

Receiver Responsibilities

• Before unloading, verify that you’re receiving the correct commodity and in good condition
• Make sure there’s enough room for the delivered product
• Provide a clean and safe environment for unloading
• Assign someone to check unloading

Carrier Responsibilities

• Provide a clean tanker
• Have appropriate insurance
• Provide a driver who is well-trained and has all necessary licenses, certifications, or permits
• Provide any safety equipment required by the shipper to ensure safe loading
• Provide proper driver safety equipment, such as personal protection equipment (PPE), if the shipment is hazardous

BULK TRANSPORTATION: LIQUID FREIGHT REGULATIONS

Depending on what kind of liquid freight you’re transporting in bulk, regulations can vary. For instance, if you’re shipping liquid intended for human consumption, you’ll need to abide by any regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), like the Food and Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

If you’re shipping hazardous liquid freight, you’ll need to abide by any hazmat regulations.

Regardless of the kind of liquid freight you’re transporting, you’ll need to make sure the provider you work with has a tanker endorsement.

Trinity Logistics is proud to announce their 2021 Distinguished Providers of the Year. Trinity began their Distinguished Providers of the Year Award Program in 2020. The program was created to give Trinity Team Members a chance to recognize top providers within all the company’s transportation modes.

Distinguished Providers are selected carriers within the Trinity network that continue to support their customers and provide exceptional service, despite the continued challenges faced in supply chains set forth by the pandemic. Those awarded are well known amongst the company as providers that are highly valued partners for Trinity Logistics. 

Trinity Logistics thanks these carriers for their continued commitment and service, as they have become an integral part of the day-to-day operations.

2021 Distinguished Providers of the Year

“We are honored to recognize these Service Providers which were selected among Trinity’s deep book of relationship partners demonstrating consistent value to our Shipper Customers throughout 2021,” says Bradley Palmer, Director of Carrier Development and Pricing at Trinity. “Building upon years of experience with these partners, they each distinguished themselves among their peers when reviewing feedback from our Operations teams across the country. And with pride, Trinity Logistics presents its “Trinity Titan” award to three small fleets our Leadership was compelled to honor their dedication and grit hand in hand with our partnership.” 

In addition to the top providers recognized by mode, there is also the “Trinity Titan Award”. This specific award recognizes very small fleets within Trinity’s network who regularly dedicate their capacity and demonstrate uncommon value, or “grit” as we like to call it, throughout the year. This award is determined by a person of exceptional importance and reputation that stands out for greatness of achievement that reflects Trinity’s values. 

2021 Trinity Titan Winners

“I can’t believe we have closed another year and what a year it was,” says Hayley Dobson, Group Vice President at Trinity. “It will certainly be one not soon forgotten. We couldn’t have gotten through it with such success without the help of all our carrier partners. They are truly the lynchpin of the supply chain.   We had several amazing carriers to review and struggled to make final selections, but I believe the ones that rose to the top were a shining example of what a true partnership means. We are so thankful for the dedication and excellent service they provide day in and day out. 

Each of the winners will be presented with a crystal award to commemorate their success and achievement with Trinity Logistics. 

“Trinity’s Authorized Agents are grateful for the support and service of these Distinguished Providers,” says Greg Massey, VP of Agent Development. “Trinity’s Agent Team had the opportunity to work with several of these amazing providers and we are honored to have been given the opportunity to help nominate and select this year’s winners. Thank you for your commitment to Trinity and the exceptional service you provide us every day.” 

Trinity appreciates our contracted carriers with several other unique benefits and awards. Carriers within Trinity’s network can make use of a 1.5 percent QuickPay rate through TriumphPay, access to over 1,000 loads daily, and technology options that help make your job easier. To find out more about our great customer service and benefits to carriers, visit https://trinitylogistics.com.

About the Trinity Logistics

Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering people-centric freight solutionsâ. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a dynamic mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve. 

For more than 40 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and transportation management solutions.

Trinity is currently recognized in the Top 20 freight brokerages on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, in the Top 100 3PLs list by Inbound Logistics, and is named a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.