2018 is already turning out to be the year of 3PL. Researching the logistics trends in 2018, I came across an article that stated that Third Party Logistics Providers (3PL
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Embark
They say the only thing constant is change and technology in the lead! There are several emerging technologies that may frighten brokers; however, if we change our perspective, we can use these new technologies to our advantage!
Drones are a concept that is being investigated for moving packages and have been tested in some instances; however, currently they are predominately used commercially for real estate and photography (Hollingsead, 2017). Companies are working towards using them to deliver to remote locations that cannot be reached by vehicle (Hollingsead, 2017).
Although drones will not be capable to deliver around the world, they can be used to deliver local and the final mile (Hollingsead, 2017). I understand many 3PLs do not work with the final mile; however, maybe they should if drones begin to make an appearance!
Transportation management systems are another transforming technology and they are a broker’s best friend due to them being hassle free, efficient, and producing important process documentation (Hollingsead, 2017). The more advanced TMS allow carriers to self invoice, self update brokers about arrivals, departures as well as status updates along the way in real time! Go123 Logistics offers clients a personalized portal and QUICK QUOTING system that enables customers to save, manage and even book their own shipments. This tool is not only a time saver, but a technological advancement for small companies looking to get a handle on today’s shipping market.
“Establish electronic relationships that lock you into your customers and carriers. The more you automate, the easier it will be to ensure a better future!” (Hollingsead, 2017). Shipping does not need to be so scary, and using tools like TMS can propel any company, small or large into the confidence level above and beyond waiting on a broker to send them a quote. Our TMS allows the customer freedom to have access to immediate rates, instant booking and bill of ladings.
Ready to try out TMS for your company? Contact me now to learn more.
Hollingsead, B. (2017). Opinion: Emerging evolution of freight brokerage. Transport Topics (November 3, 2017). Retrieved from http://www.ttnews.com/articles/opinion-emerging-evolution-freight-brokerage.
Truckers across the country are up in arms over the Federally Mandated Electronic Logging Devices. If I am honest, the first time this mandate was brought to my attention I thought
Happy New Year!
We hit an ALL TIME HIGH in the last week of 2017 in all facets – TL, LTL and Reefer…flatbeds leveled out, but vans & reefers were up. Most technical indicators lag a bit but the best indicator market is price.
Thanks to the ELD Mandate and frigid weather across the Northern region, we witnessed a frenzy of people urgent to get their LTL and TL shipping moved. We felt it on the phone and over our email orders watching longer transit times across the boards and higher prices.
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- Van Ratios Hit an All-Time High during the week of Dec 24 – 30 – This urgency to move freight before the end of the year, combined with the frigid weather and tight capacity due to both the holiday and the recently initiated ELD mandate meant that it cost more to move those loads last week.
- Load-to-truck ratios surged, setting a new all-time record-high of 12.2 loads per truck for vans.
- Spot rates also reached historic highs: The national average van rate rose 2
November Rates for Truckload Break a 3 year record high with an 18 month streak since June 2014!
The North American Freight Index showed the availability is 39% lower in truckloads. That means Vans & Flatbeds prices are all up with Reefer costs holding strong & steady..
We do our homework at Go123
- We use our GGI (God Given Intelligence) before rating our customers.
- We cross reference several markets which we pay heavy fees to be a member with to develop the best price for our customers.
- We study resources like Inbound Logistics for logistics and supply chain articles for news and tools to prepare for the long haul!
Several large carriers like Estes & YRC Freight are opening up opportunities across the Americas. We currently have a competitive advantage as more lanes open up going into Mexico & Canada markets.
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Predictions for La Ni
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Shipping Market Update & ELD Mandate
Van, Flatbed & Reefer loads are up 64% this week and month over last month. There are also 96% more loads this year this month compared to last year this month according to DAT. This creates a spike in the industry regarding supply and demand for truckloads across the USA.
LTL – It is December, so if you need a shipment within a certain time frame, order GUARANTEED DELIVERY. This is an extra service charge offered by the carriers and is especially important this time of year due to increased traffic in the regional terminals. ETAs are slower in December and if you need it there by a certain date, order GUARANTEED SERVICE.
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ELD Mandate – The Electronic Logging Device will go into effect this December and many truckers are expected to protest this new technology. Some truckers might not want to upgrade their rigs with this technology, so we might see another rate spike due to plain old supply & demand.
What is the ELD Mandate? Every trucker is required by law to take a 34 hour weekend reset every 5 days. They can take more of a break, but not less. The ELD is the device installed directly to the engine of any truck over 10,000 lbs and newer than 2000. For more information, read our article: ELD Mandate – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly or visit The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
December 22nd – January 1st are typically a very slow time in this business. Guaranteed Services are necessary to move your freight if at all.
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Reefers Hit a 3-year Hight and Vans to follow. Flatbeds have held steady. The West coast is cranking right now for all kinds of freight. NW & SW are up $1 per mile and IntraCalifornia is almost $.50 up from last year. TX rates are up as well. LA to Dallas held steady.
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Last quarter is showing steady annual gains in brokered 3PL shipments. Not only can the customer get better rates, it is combined with our superior services.
FEDEX is buying 100 new flying delivery trucks. They are buying 50 trucks initially adding roughly 1 per month for 4 years and holds options for 50 more. This is to support our accumulative nature and to be competitive to the Amazon drone market which is taking on more of the delivery availability in the market.
Experts say “By the year 2020, there will be 25 billion connected devices in use, representing a 30-fold increase over today” representing a 30-fold increase over today. With advancements in technology, more and more industries are embracing this change.
What can this technology offer in the freight shipping industry?
- Visibility – now consumers can shop for better quotes and hold their shipping agents accountable for high prices, they can utilize the internet to shop for better prices
- Tracking – with GPS enabled date and location services, the customer and dispatch team can track delivery times with precise details
- Multitasking – fuel cost would be cut since fleet routes can be optimized with monitored traffic status allowing more loads to be added along certain routes, with enhanced location data and last minute pick-up & add-on availability
- Speedier Service and Less Pit Stops – Sensor-equipped trucks and GPS technology enable further supply chain productivity. This technology alerts corporate maintenance facilities when trucks need service for their brakes, tires, oil or any other critical systems. When maintenance crews get this information in advance – truck companies can avoid the extra expense of road repairs and delays of freight due to unexpected break-downs
- Enhanced Data Accessibility – fleet managers and drivers alike can save fuel and drive more efficiently with more knowledge thanks to the superior visibility, tracking and maintenance free driving, ultimately delivering on time and keeping the end user happier, the client
- Better Rates Overall – with all these combined benefits, shippers can deliver with better rates, offering better rates to the consumer
Few industries can claim to have a level of technology to equal that found in the logistics industry, and future advancements are primed to reveal and generate some of the most significant technological changes in the industry throughout history. From the ability to automatically generate reports from Internet of Things (IoT), radio frequency identification (RFID), and Bluetooth-enabled devices to the increasing focus on an omni channel solution to acquiring new customers, technology in the logistics industry will continue to grow and improve in accuracy, function and efficiency.
Although some of these technologies have been around for a while, they are just now starting to be used to the best of their ability for the logistics industry in 2016, paving the road for even more advances in efficiency and safety for carriers and consumers.
We just read an awesome article about solar energy specifically for refrigerated trucks. This is a cool new alternative to maintain a green footprint while getting your clients their needs when dealing with temperature controlled environments for long hauls.
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| Carrier Transicold Thin Film Flexible Solar Panels are designed to maintain the refrigeration unit
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