MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
2024 Mud Hens Opening Day Party in Toledo, Ohio – Polaris Logistics Group
Every year, Polaris Logistics Group hosts a Mud Hens Opening Day party to connect with our team, friends, family, and customers.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for an incredible Mud Hens Opening Day Party on March 29th, 2024! 🎉 Your presence made it special.
From sitting outside on the balcony a beautiful sunny day, to enjoying a glass of wine by the charming balloon arch crafted by our team, we meticulously planned every detail to ensure another unforgettable experience!
Guests were greeted with Polaris-branded shot glass party favors and delectable Costco cookies—because who can resist a classic chocolate chip treat?!
We listened to music, enjoying each other’s company and had an incredible, panoramic view of Fifth Third Field as the Mud Hens prepared for their Opening Day ahead!
Of course we also provided tickets for the season’s inaugural pitch at 4:00pm.
Our raffle added an extra layer of fun at our party, with two lucky winners each receiving:
A bottle of fine wine
Buckeyes or chocolate-covered Oreos made by Maumee Valley Chocolate & Candy
Exclusive Polaris swag
The food was top notch! We had the ultimate catered spread from TJ’s Cookout & Catering. Opening day landed on Good Friday, so we arranged for delicious Lenten and vegetarian food options.
*Special shout-out & a big thank you to TJ’s for going above and beyond for accommodating our Lenten and vegetarian requests!!
From savory Cod Bites to indulgent Mac & Cheese, our menu had a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy!
Cod Bites Pasta Salad Potato Salad Mac & Cheese Baked Beans Veggies and cheese cubes
Burgers Brats Candied Bacon
And let’s not forget the drink bar and, of course, those heavenly chocolate chip cookies!
We couldn’t have asked for better company. From the laughter shared to the delicious food enjoyed, every moment was a highlight!
We had an absolute blast, and we sincerely hope you did too! We can’t wait to do it again with you all next year!
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
Few industries are as essential to the nation’s economy and infrastructure as over-the-road (OTR) trucking. These massive vehicles, traversing highways from coast to coast, form the backbone of the country’s transportation and logistics network. The efficiency and reliability of the OTR trucking industry are vital for ensuring that products reach their destinations promptly, maintaining the continuity of supply chains and meeting consumer demand.
To meet the manufacturing requirements of this crucial industry, companies are increasingly turning to automation equipment and custom workholding solutions. Ahaus has recently partnered with a number of OTR trucking manufacturers to determine how manufacturing processes can be improved, whether by safety implications or efficiency enhancements.
Joe Becknell, Ahaus Sales Engineer, is one of the first points of contact with new Ahaus customers. “In the past year and a half, we’ve been able to do a lot more projects with the over the road trucking companies,” said Becknell. “We help these companies improve their manual assembly process with more automation on their lines to improve efficiency and quality of their product. We can help with simple workholding fixtures all the way up to full automation lines that assemble the whole final component which goes on the trucks.”
Becknell highlighted the recent trend of OTR trucking companies transitioning from manual assembly processes to automation. Many manufacturing companies across the U.S. are facing labor shortages, and automating certain processes can help alleviate staffing needs, not to mention improve the efficiency and safety of other employees. The large size of and weight of OTR trucking components means safety requirements have to be as stringent as possible.
There is a lot of consideration into the safety requirements of handling big parts, whether they’re in the automation or not,” said Brian Keiser, Ahaus Director of Sales. “There are always pinch points with automation, but obviously if an operator has access to a large heavy part that’s moving within a system, that pinch point has a greater risk of severe injury versus a small component. The bigger the parts and the larger the equipment, the higher risk there is for severe injury.”
Ahaus is in a select group of automation companies that have the technology, expertise, and experience to handle the complexity and risks inherent to this type of manufacturing. Ahaus’s comprehensive approach to quality underscores the company’s commitment to providing end-to-end solutions that meet the safety needs of their clients in the OTR trucking manufacturing sector. Aside from pinch points and the size and weight concerns, there are a number of key challenges in addressing facility concerns and limitations when implementing automation systems. Issues such as uneven floors, inadequate lighting, and electrical challenges are among the factors considered during the initial consultation with clients.
Brent Gard, Ahaus lead toolmaker, elaborates on safety: “We’ll actually look at the design itself and see where safety can be addressed, it’s not an afterthought. The automation lines we produce always have safety features, whether it’s a mesh or metal guarding that goes around the machine itself, or a light curtain. If the operator or someone else breaks the light curtain, the machine will not move. It’s instantaneous.”
When discussing the ideal customer for automation solutions in the OTR trucking manufacturing space, Keiser emphasizes the importance of clients who understand the value of automation in improving their processes, with products in a 5 to 10-year rotation cycle. However, Keiser acknowledges that not all companies may be ready for the switch to automation. Understanding capital investments in equipment and planning for ongoing maintenance and service agreements are important considerations in determining readiness. For companies new to automation, managing expectations and understanding long-term responsibilities are essential aspects of the transition process.
“Nothing stands still, no matter what industry you’re in,” added Keiser. “Everything is improving and the companies that have an appetite or stronger desire to improve over time or are going to look at automation for continuous improvement at all times. OTR trucks and trailers haven’t changed as much as cars over the last 20 years, but there are some companies that are innovating, providing new technologies. They are leading the way.”
Embracing automation means companies can streamline their production processes, enhance product quality, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. And as automation continues to evolve, its integration into OTR trucking manufacturing processes will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry.
Enter Ahaus, which has been designing and building automation equipment for more than 30 years. We research and integrate the best components, including feeder bowls, servo presses, laser markers, and conveyors to deliver an optimal automation solution.
Workholding plays a critical role in automation, even if it’s not obvious at the start. This is where Ahaus stands apart from the competition: many automation companies don’t do their own in-house workholding, but Ahaus’s workholding department makes up half its business – they are, in fact, workholding experts.
“You’re always going have to have fixtures out there in the industry because of the different machines, and it’s a rare instance that we get involved in machines where workholding isn’t a part of the project,” Gard added. “We integrate our machines with custom workholding and utilize robotic interfaces to efficiently manage large volume projects routinely.”
Ahaus’s commitment to quality and safety, our years of automation experience, and our in-house engineering, machining, and workholding capabilities make us a uniquely qualified partner for OTR trucking manufacturers.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
This past week at Majestic has been a testament to our commitment to excellence and precision in logistics. Tasked with a significant project by one of our valued customers, our team successfully moved six large electrical buildings within Houston, destined for storage at our client’s secondary yard until their final installation.
These buildings, crucial for supporting oil and gas (O&G) pipeline operations in West Texas, presented a unique set of challenges due to their size and weight. The heaviest of these structures tipped the scales at 67,000 lbs., underscoring the need for meticulous planning and execution in their transportation.
Understanding the complexities involved, certain buildings necessitated the accompaniment of two escorts to navigate through Houston’s bustling streets safely. This requirement highlighted our team’s ability to adapt to varying logistical demands, ensuring the safe and timely relocation of each building.
A key factor in the smooth execution of this project was the exceptional communication and coordination with our partner carrier. Their expertise allowed for an efficient use of resources, managing to transport two buildings per day using a single truck and driver. This efficiency not only maximized productivity but also minimized the potential for disruption in and around Houston.
We are immensely grateful for the trust our customer has placed in us to handle such critical components of their operations. Additionally, our thanks extend to our partner carrier, whose collaboration was instrumental in the seamless execution of this project.
At Majestic, we pride ourselves on our ability to tackle the most challenging logistics projects with unwavering professionalism and precision. This recent achievement is a further demonstration of our capabilities and our dedication to supporting the vital industries we serve.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
We recently shared that three TA Services team members were recognized by Food Logistics as recipients of 2024 Rock Star of the Supply Chain awards. The Rock Stars of the Supply Chain awards recognize influential individuals in the global supply chain and this year, the award was broken down into four categories:
Rising Stars – recognizes young or newer professionals (39 and under) whose achievements, hard work, and vision have shaped the supply chain network.
Top Warehousing Stars – recognizes professionals in the storage and warehousing space.
Top Shippers – Recognizes professionals in the transportation space, including freight, trucking, rail, air cargo, ship/ports, etc.
Lifetime Achievement – Honors company leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to the supply chain space with at least 10 years’ documented experience in supply chain and logistics.
With hundreds of exceptional nominees to choose from, each category in the Rock Stars of the Supply Chain awards consisted of several honorees who have gone above and beyond to improve supply chain operations. In a recent Q&A, we introduced you to Tyler S., Director of Brokerage Operations for TA’s Leeds, AL brokerage office and recipient of the Rising Stars category. Today, we’ll meet yet another supply chain Rock Star as we sit down with Murali V., a winner in the Top Warehousing Stars category.
Murali V. – VP of Operations Excellence & Business Development, TA Services
Murali serves as the VP of Operations Excellence & Business Development in the warehousing division here at TA Services. In this role, Murali provides warehouse solutions that are tailored to each customer’s unique requirements and operations. From initial conversations to implementation, Murali works to curate long-term customer relationships and to understand each shipper’s pain points and objectives. By analyzing existing operations and goals, Murali is able to provide optimal solutions for customers who partner with TA Services, positioning them for success for years to come.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Q: Congratulations on being named a 2024 Rock Star of the Supply Chain in the Top Warehousing Stars category! How did it feel to be recognized with this award?
A: I feel honored and excited to have received this award. Being recognized in this capacity serves as a great reminder and motivation for me to further my work and continued learning in the warehousing and logistics space.
Q: You’ve been with TA since 2018, joining the team as a site leader for our largest warehouse facility. In that time, your widespread knowledge of the industry and passion for process improvement led to your promotion to director in 2021, and then ultimately to your current position as VP of Operations Excellence & Business Development in 2023. Can you tell us more about your background in logistics prior to joining TA? Why did you get into the industry and what was the journey like to get to where you are today?
A: I started my career in manufacturing as an Industrial Engineer. My early career involved many assembly-line production and in-plant logistics improvement projects. I quickly learned about the vital role logistics plays in running assembly lines all over the world. Inspired by that, I chose to move into the supply chain field for my next career move. Prior to joining TA Services, I joined a logistics company as a Continuous Improvement Engineer. My main responsibility there was to apply lean principles to warehouse operations and improve efficiency. The experience gained there helped me to better understand the transportation, warehousing, and logistics business from the inside, which ultimately helped me secure an industrial management role at TA Services. From there, I continued to learn and seek out opportunities for improvement – leading to my progression into my current role as VP of Operations Excellence and Business Development.
Q: In the press release for the award announcement, you mentioned that part of your plans for the 2024 year are to open additional multi-client and dedicated warehousing sites across the Midwest. Why the Midwest?
A: At TA, we pick our warehouse locations based on our customers’ requirements and needs. We have customers who are based in the Midwest region, and they need our help with product storage and logistics. The Midwest’s centralized location allows for lower cost storage options and movement of goods. We always have our customers’ costs in mind when we make suggestions and decisions that will benefit their supply chain operations. The Midwest region was a natural fit for an expansion.
Q: It’s no secret that data plays a huge role in successful warehousing operations. From accurate inventory details and mapping out warehouse layouts down to determining what software and programs are needed for improvements – data drives the majority of the decisions you make. What kinds of things do you and your team look at when evaluating a shipper’s supply chain process?
A: From a warehouse operations standpoint, we will evaluate warehouse employee safety, output quality of the processes, material flow, and efficiency to deliver expected outcomes. From a wholistic supply chain standpoint, we will analyze their supply chain network, transportation costs, inventory holding costs, and inventory visibility along with other relevant aspects for specific requirements of our customers.
Q: What advice do you have for shippers that are considering partnering with a 3PL for their warehousing needs?
A: Be picky – choose the right 3PL partner for your needs. A 3PL partner becomes an extension of your business and provides service to your end customers. It is imperative to evaluate and communicate your needs to prospective 3PL providers before committing to a partnership. Often, 3PLs are chosen based on the assets they bring to the supply chain. But companies must also consider the expertise a 3PL partner has to offer regarding industry best practices, continuous improvement initiatives, company culture, technology capabilities, and value-added services. A good 3PL will offer ideas and resolutions that will help businesses avoid common and sporadic mistakes in the supply chain industry.
Q: In your role—and in warehousing in general—data is king. But your role also requires you to have certain soft skills that allow you to seamlessly integrate into another business’s processes and implement strategic changes to drive efficiencies, all without causing disruption. What are some of the skillsets or personality traits you believe are beneficial to someone in a position like yours and do you have any advice you’d like to share with someone who is just getting started in their supply chain career?
A: To be successful in a role like mine, you have to focus on your people skills just as much as your analytical skills and knowledge of the industry. It’s an equal balance of knowing the industry inside out so you can offer the right solutions while being intentional about having a customer’s best interests in mind. I find that when I lead with the mindset of pursuing what is right for them rather than what is easiest for us, everything else tends to fall into place.
My advice for anyone starting their career in transportation logistics or supply chain management is to be intentional. Really listen to your customers and your teammates with the goal of understanding their pain points, needs, and ideas. When you do that, you can take a more wholistic approach with the bigger picture in mind – allowing you to make a larger impact. You may even be likely to find that someone already has the solution for the problems you are working on. Recently, supply chains around the globe have been very chaotic. Being clear in your communications and upfront in your expectations helps to reduce the everyday noise and allows you to create innovative solutions to just about any disruption that arises.
You can view the full list of Food Logistics’ 2024 Rock Stars of the Supply Chain here.
Need a rock star like Murali to help with your warehousing or logistics needs? Get in touch today!
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
MANSFIELD, TEXAS—March 8, 2024 — TA Services, a premier, full-service third-party logistics provider, announces Richard “Rick” Watson, Director of Cross-Border Operations, as a recipient of the 2024 Pros to Know award presented by Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain. The award recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments offer a roadmap for other leaders looking to leverage supply chains for competitive advantage. This award is for the Rising Stars category, which recognizes young or newer professionals (39 and under) whose achievements, hard work, and vision have shaped the supply chain network.
“I’m humbled to be a recipient of this year’s Pros to Know award,” Watson said. “Being a young person in the supply chain space is simultaneously challenging and exciting. I’m very thankful for my team, and I can’t wait to see what new adventures are on the horizon in 2024 for our cross-border operations. I truly believe that our cross-border growth ability has no bounds.”
Watson oversees operations across North America. In his day-to-day role, his primary focus is on less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping and cross-border services. Among the initiatives that earned Watson the honor of being recognized as one of Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s Rising Stars is his leading efforts in centralizing the line-haul planning team in TA’s Indianapolis, IN office, creating a strong nucleus of customer service for cross-border shippers. Thanks to Watson’s consistent, direct, and positive leadership style, TA Services will continue to excel in satisfying customers’ shipping needs across North America.
“Many of today’s supply chain pros are more than just leaders within their space; they’re innovators, decision makers, pioneers of change and growth. They’ve spent the last year (and more) creating safer, more efficient supply chains,” says Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “New this year, we broke the award down into four distinct categories: Top Warehousing Stars; Top Procurement Stars; Rising Stars; and Lifetime Achievement. These winners continue to go above and beyond to overcome challenges, advance supply chain management and make the impossible, possible.”
Recipients of this year’s award will be profiled in Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s March 2024 issue, which will be distributed at MODEX 2024 and at https://www.sdcexec.com/.
About TA Services Headquartered in Mansfield, Texas with offices located in strategic markets throughout North America, TA Services, Inc. has been operating for more than 37 years and provides a wide range of third-party logistics services including managed transportation, warehousing and fulfillment, multi-modal freight brokerage and cross-border logistics. TA Services is a division of Birmingham-based PS Logistics. For more information: www.taservices.com.
About Supply & Demand Chain Executive Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Supply & Demand Chain Executive and its sister publication, Food Logistics, also operate SCN Summit and the Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.SDCExec.com to learn more.
About IRONMARKETS IRONMARKETS, formerly known as AC Business Media, is a leading business-to-business media and buyer engagement platform with a portfolio of renowned brands in heavy construction, asphalt, concrete, paving, rental, sustainability, landscape, manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain markets. IRONMARKETS delivers relevant, cutting-edge content to its audiences through its industry-leading digital properties, trade shows, conferences, videos, magazines, webinars, and newsletters. It also provides advertisers the analytics, data, and ability to reach their target audience. Learn more at https://www.iron.markets.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
MANSFIELD, TEXAS—March 8, 2024 — TA Services, a premier, full-service third-party logistics provider, announces Chris Bahr, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, as an overall winner of the 2024 Pros to Know award presented by Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain. This prestigious recognition is for the overall winner in the Top Shippers category, honoring professionals who have made outstanding contributions in the transportation space.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized as the overall winner in the Top Shippers category in this year’s Pros to Know awards,” said Bahr. “It reinforces my passion for logistics and my obligation to share knowledge and resources with others in the supply chain industry. I feel privileged to be a part of such a fantastic team at TA Services where I am able to do just that.”
Last year was a busy one for Bahr. He and his team realized numerous successes including:
Mapping major operations systems integrations from acquisitions
Creating a new and improved brokerage operations model resulting in a 30% productivity increase
Creating a new Broker Dashboard
Implementing a new carrier onboarding and vetting system
Revamping major upgrades to organizational pricing tools
Producing data-driven reporting like trend line reports for significant increases in visibility
“Chris is a data-driven problem-solver who empowers self-sufficiency in his leadership style, one that has proven beyond exceptional this past year. I am thankful to have Chris on the TA team; his expertise and dedication to our shippers, carriers, and employees is nothing short of admirable. Chris is always learning something new and seeking out opportunities to put that knowledge to use and drive efficiencies within our organization. But what makes Chris an exceptional leader is his self-imposed duty to share that information with others, making him a truly valuable asset to the entire supply chain industry. I know that Chris is always up to the task to create the most comprehensive and customizable logistics solutions for shippers,” said Scott Schell, President and CEO at TA Services.
When asked about the outlook for 2024, Bahr said, “I have substantial goals for myself and TA Services. I’m dedicated to help in any way I can to grow our business organically and through M&A activity. I’m also focused on incorporating more technology and automation into some of our internal processes. Advancing our use of technology will help with process efficiency and provide a reliable, simplified work experience for our people. For example, I’m looking forward to automating some tasks for our Carrier Services team to make their jobs both easier and more conducive for a seamless onboarding carrier experience. The logistics industry has had a rough couple of years, but I’m excited to confront the challenges of 2024 head-on and I have an enthusiastic outlook because of the exceptional talent at TA Services.”
“Many of today’s supply chain pros are more than just leaders within their space; they’re innovators, decision makers, pioneers of change and growth. They’ve spent the last year (and more) creating safer, more efficient supply chains,” says Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “New this year, we broke the award down into four distinct categories: Top Warehousing Stars; Top Procurement Stars; Rising Stars; and Lifetime Achievement. These winners continue to go above and beyond to overcome challenges, advance supply chain management and make the impossible, possible.”
Recipients of this year’s award will be profiled in Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s March 2024 issue, which will be distributed at MODEX 2024 and at https://www.sdcexec.com/.
About TA Services Headquartered in Mansfield, Texas with offices located in strategic markets throughout North America, TA Services, Inc. has been operating for more than 37 years and provides a wide range of third-party logistics services including managed transportation, warehousing and fulfillment, multi-modal freight brokerage and cross-border logistics. TA Services is a division of Birmingham-based PS Logistics. For more information: www.taservices.com.
About Supply & Demand Chain Executive Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Supply & Demand Chain Executive and its sister publication, Food Logistics, also operate SCN Summit and the Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.SDCExec.com to learn more.
About IRONMARKETS IRONMARKETS, formerly known as AC Business Media, is a leading business-to-business media and buyer engagement platform with a portfolio of renowned brands in heavy construction, asphalt, concrete, paving, rental, sustainability, landscape, manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain markets. IRONMARKETS delivers relevant, cutting-edge content to its audiences through its industry-leading digital properties, trade shows, conferences, videos, magazines, webinars, and newsletters. It also provides advertisers the analytics, data, and ability to reach their target audience. Learn more at https://www.iron.markets.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
We are excited to introduce the newest addition to our leadership team at TA Services – Mike T. Mike will be taking on the role of VP of Managed Transportation, bringing over a decade of invaluable experience in the logistics industry with a substantial focus on managed transportation. His impressive background covers various aspects of logistics, including brokerage and enterprise sales.
Mike also honed his skills in cross-border operations while working with manufacturers, industrial suppliers, and automotive freight — a natural fit with his academic background in industrial and systems engineering. In his new role, Mike will be at the helm of TA’s Managed Transportation department, spearheading efforts to further enhance our scalable service offerings for shippers.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Mike and delve into his background, strategy for TA’s Managed Transportation team, and more.
Q: Can you tell us about your background in the logistics industry?
A: Most recently, I worked at Uber Freight. I was the first person hired to kick off their second North American headquarters in Dallas, Texas. We started that office from scratch/cold start, so I had an incredible opportunity and gained a lot of experience in that role. Before that, I spent time at different companies, including Echo Logistics and MIQ Logistics.
Throughout my career, I’ve expanded my skillset and gained experience across various channels of the logistics industry, including brokerage, enterprise sales, managed transportation, and cross-border.
Q: How did you first get into the logistics industry?
A: I started my career as a logistics engineer. In that role, I worked on proposals, worked directly with customers, and spent time on-site at warehouses and strip yards. That hands-on experience evaluating supply chains and loading freight gave me a good feel for how freight moves and how we can generate efficiencies and productivity.
Q: What attracted you to this role at TA?
A: Many things attracted me to TA, the first being TA’s people-first culture. Additionally, the brokerage and transportation industry has seen an increase in competition over the last several years, and I think TA not only has found its unique marketplace — especially within the industrial verticals and in flatbed services— but it also has a strong track record for being a carrier-focused brokerage. I also think TA’s leadership team is comprised of some of the best in the industry. I was able to walk in not only to a group of peers but also to people whom I look up to and value their input.
Q: What experience will you leverage from past roles when taking on your new role at TA?
Image of TA Services’ downtown Indianapolis brokerage office where our Managed Transportation department is headquartered.
A: I have had the opportunity to see multiple iterations of managed transportation at almost every company I’ve worked with. I understand the processes, skill sets, and people development needed to run a successful managed transportation program. And because of the duration of my career, I’ve seen how the market works, what the market is looking for, and how we’ve changed the market over the years – specifically the efforts we see with nearshoring and the ability to be carrier agnostic. I’ve witnessed the industry go through tough times like COVID-19, Hurricanes Katrina and Irma, and other natural disasters. All of this has shown me that there is an opportunity through managed transportation to be an advisor during tough times and to provide confidence in shippers, especially during uncertain conditions.
Q: What goals do you have for the managed transportation solution at TA?
A: The biggest goal is to continue to expand our service offering. Immediately, I noticed that the people were amazing, and a fundamental skillset was already there. My goal is to continue to develop those skills and scale our ability to drive solutions and provide consultative offerings. Some of the things I’m thinking about are how we can become more future-focused and providers in all areas of the supply chain. With that, I want to continue building the TA name and brand in the marketplace.
Q: What are the key opportunities in the current market, and how can TA address those opportunities?
A: In the last five years, we’ve seen a lot of well-funded providers enter the industry with new technology and tools. There are a lot of choices for shippers looking to “fix their transportation”. From TA’s perspective, we can be a partner that is carrier agnostic and open to the industry’s new technology and processes. Our ability to be nimble and flexible while taking a true partnership approach is going to be the thing that helps separate TA from other providers.
Q: What value does TA’s managed transportation solution offer to shippers?
A: The most important thing is taking the time to understand a shipper’s business. Based on where our solution is today, we can look at understanding their unique business and building processes that allow shippers to be more efficient and do more than they’ve ever done before.
Q: What would you say are the common misconceptions around managed transportation?
A: The greatest misconception is that you’re losing control in a managed transportation environment. In actuality, managed transportation gives you the requisite skills and skilled players to control, protect, and utilize your supply chain as market advantage while better addressing your business needs.
Q: How do you view and approach collaboration?
A: The ability to collaborate is beyond just checking in or sending an email. Collaboration is being able to drive value at each step. Specifically at TA, those value points are project management, technology systems, execution, understanding of the industry, and our capable people. The things that separate TA are our people and our shipper partners; they both allow us to create that culture of success.
Q: What advice do you have for shippers considering partnering with someone for managed transportation?
A: Approach everything with a mindset of collaboration and validation — that could be validating processes or data. Managed transportation isn’t a simple tool that will fix all that ails your supply chain. Managed transportation enables collaboration to ensure everyone in your organization pulls in the same direction and works toward a common goal. I also think many companies are looking for ways to introduce technology and remove human touchpoints, but it’s important to consider the value of some human interactions. Technology can help increase productivity, but the idea of all technology and no people is still far off. It’s important to find the balance, and that’s something TA can help with.
Q: And lastly, on a personal note, tell us a bit about who you are when you’re not at work.
A: I am incredibly family-focused and lucky enough to have an amazing wife and three children. On a fun note, I live in Texas, and barbecue is a big deal here — it’s very competitive. I can cook the pants off some barbecue. “You gotta risk it for the brisket.”
We are thrilled to welcome Mike as our new VP of Managed Transportation, positioning TA for growth and innovation. Mike’s unique experience in the logistics industry helps drive the evolution of our services. Together, we look forward to exploring new opportunities to enhance our managed transportation solution and deliver on our commitment to service.
Reach out today to learn more about our managed transportation solution and how TA can help drive your business forward.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
Volvo VNL Series – Redefines Trucking in 2024
The Volvo VNL series marks a big step forward for the trucking industry, mixing the latest technology, designs focused on the driver, and a commitment to save the environment. With a focus on fuel efficiency, safety, and making the driver’s experience better, Volvo has built a range of trucks that go beyond just meeting the needs of long-haul trips. In this blog, we’ll dive into the standout features and new ideas behind the Volvo VNL series.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The interior design of the Volvo VNL series prioritizes driver comfort and ergonomics, addressing the needs of truckers during long-haul trips. The seats are engineered for superior comfort, with adjustments for slide, height, recline, swivel, and tilt. These features allow drivers to personalize their seating position, reducing fatigue and enhancing focus. Heating and ventilation options are available, along with a unique Back Cycler feature to alleviate back pain.
Cabin controls are strategically placed to be within easy reach, minimizing the need for drivers to stretch or take their eyes off the road. This design philosophy extends to the sleeper area, where controls for lighting, climate, and entertainment systems are easily accessible, ensuring that drivers can relax and rejuvenate in a comfortable setting.
Driver-Centric Design & Performance
The Volvo VNL series introduces a significant redesign focused on performance and driver-centric features. A key highlight is the stalk-mounted shifting mechanism, designed to minimize driver distraction by placing control of gear selection and engine braking within easy reach. This ergonomic improvement enhances safety and operational comfort, ensuring that drivers can maintain focus on the road.
An industry-first feature in the series is the remote and push-button ignition system. This allows drivers to start the truck from inside the cab or remotely via a key fob, which also controls external lighting and climate settings. This innovation not only adds convenience but also enhances security and pre-drive comfort, especially in extreme weather conditions.
The Position Perfect Steering system in the VNL series is engineered for customizable comfort. It offers adjustable steering positions, including tilt and telescopic adjustments, ensuring that drivers of all sizes can find their optimal driving posture. Paired with Volvo Dynamic Steering, it reduces steering effort and enhances control, particularly during low-speed maneuvers and over long distances.
Technology & Connectivity
The Volvo VNL series is equipped with an advanced infotainment system that integrates critical vehicle monitoring functions such as suspension loading, axle interlock status, and I-Shift transmission oil levels. This system provides drivers with essential information for safe and efficient operation. Additionally, navigation and entertainment features are included, ensuring that drivers have access to both necessary operational data and comfort during long hauls.
The MyTruck App offers drivers complete remote access to their truck, allowing for pre-adjustment of cabin settings and monitoring of engine fluid levels. This app simplifies vehicle management by enabling drivers to interact with their truck’s systems from a distance, thereby improving convenience and operational efficiency.
Integrated controls within the VNL series allow for easy management of lighting, audio systems, door locks, alarms, and the climate control system directly from the sleeper area. This integration ensures that drivers can maintain a comfortable living and working environment without unnecessary idling, contributing to fuel efficiency and noise reduction.
The climate control system featured in the Volvo VNL series is designed for optimal energy use, providing a comfortable rest area for drivers without the need for the engine to be running. This system is part of Volvo’s commitment to improving the driver experience while also considering environmental impact and operational costs.
Rest & Space Optimization
In the Volvo VNL series, significant attention has been given to optimizing rest areas and maximizing space within the cab. The sleeper models feature a reclining mattress, an industry-first, ensuring that drivers can achieve restorative sleep between shifts. This focus on sleep quality is crucial for driver health and safety over long distances.
Space utilization is thoughtfully designed, with the inclusion of a versatile foldable bunk that secures against the back wall, similar to a Murphy bed. This design provides a large, flexible space for sitting or working, addressing the multifunctional needs of drivers during stops.
Storage solutions in the VNL series are both expansive and intelligently designed. The cabin offers secure, easy-to-access storage options, including an upper bunk with a load-protection lip and cargo net, maximizing space efficiency. These storage features are essential for long-haul truckers who spend extended periods on the road, requiring ample and organized storage for personal items and work essentials.
The telescopic ladder for upper bunk access in larger sleeper models represents a thoughtful addition, enhancing safety and convenience. Additionally, the all-new VNL introduces improved insulation and climate control options, including Volvo’s Integrated Parking Cooler, which allows for a comfortable sleeping environment without idling the engine.
Fuel Efficiency & Engine Power
The Volvo VNL series is engineered for exceptional fuel efficiency and high performance, reflecting Volvo’s commitment to environmental responsibility and operational cost reduction. The series features the D13 Turbo Compound engine, which is designed to offer significant fuel savings without compromising on power. This engine achieves up to 11% fuel savings compared to model-year 2015 trucks, making it a leading choice for fleets concerned with fuel economy and environmental impact.
Volvo’s I-Torque system plays a crucial role in optimizing fuel efficiency. It combines the benefits of direct-drive and overdrive configurations, allowing the truck to operate efficiently across a wide range of speeds. This system is particularly effective in achieving up to 8.5 mpg at 85 mph, showcasing Volvo’s innovation in creating more fuel-efficient trucks.
Additionally, the VNL series is equipped with advanced aerodynamic features that contribute to its fuel efficiency. These include redesigned body panels and fairings that reduce air resistance, further enhancing fuel economy and reducing emissions. Volvo’s focus on aerodynamics, combined with the D13 Turbo Compound engine and I-Torque system, positions the VNL series as a leader in fuel-efficient, powerful trucking solutions. By prioritizing fuel efficiency and engine power, Volvo addresses two of the most critical concerns in the trucking industry: operational costs and environmental impact.
Advanced Safety & Management:
The Volvo VNL series incorporates advanced safety features and management tools designed to protect drivers and optimize fleet operations. Safety is paramount in the design of the VNL series, with Volvo introducing systems that actively prevent accidents and enhance driver awareness.
Key safety features include:
Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts the truck’s speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Uses radar and camera technology to detect imminent collisions, alerting the driver and applying brakes if necessary.
Pedestrian Detection: Identifies pedestrians and cyclists in the truck’s path, issuing alerts to prevent accidents.
Blind Spot Detection: Monitors blind spots on both sides of the truck, providing visual and audible warnings to reduce side-swipe incidents.
Lane Departure Warning: Alerts drivers when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling, helping to maintain lane discipline.
In terms of fleet management and operational efficiency, the VNL series is supported by Volvo’s suite of connectivity tools, including:
Remote Diagnostics: Offers real-time monitoring of the truck’s health, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.
Remote Programming: Allows for over-the-air software updates and parameter changes, ensuring that trucks are always running the latest software without needing to visit a service center.
Volvo ASIST: A comprehensive service management platform that facilitates communication between drivers, fleet managers, and dealers for efficient service planning and execution.
By integrating these systems into the VNL series, Volvo not only enhances safety on the road but also offers tools that improve the operational aspects of trucking, making fleet management more streamlined and responsive.
Innovative Safety & Structural Integrity:
The Volvo VNL series integrates advanced safety features and structural integrity enhancements. The inclusion of the Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) system represents a comprehensive approach to collision avoidance and driver support. This system includes features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning, which work together to prevent accidents and improve driver reaction times.
Structural integrity is a cornerstone of the VNL series’ design. The cab is constructed with high-strength steel, providing superior protection in the event of a collision. This robust construction is complemented by Volvo’s innovative safety cage design, which further enhances occupant safety by distributing and absorbing impact forces, minimizing the risk of injury.
The VNL series also features passive safety elements designed to protect the driver and passengers. These include driver and passenger-side airbags, which deploy in milliseconds to provide cushioning and reduce the risk of severe injuries in a crash. Side curtain airbags are also available, offering additional protection against side-impact collisions and rollovers.
Moreover, the series is equipped with intelligent safety lighting, including automatic high beam control and cornering lights, which improve visibility and road awareness, especially during nighttime driving or in poor weather conditions. The flared frame rail design not only contributes to the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal but also enhances safety by allowing the engine and transmission to drop away in a frontal collision, reducing the risk of intrusion into the cab.
The bottom line
The Volvo VNL series is a top choice for truckers and fleet operators due to its advanced safety features, superior comfort, and commitment to sustainability. Its design prioritizes the driver’s needs, offering ergonomic seating and customizable steering for unparalleled comfort. The integration of cutting-edge technology, such as the MyTruck App and an advanced infotainment system, ensures connectivity and control.
Safety is at the top of the priority list in the VNL series, with the Volvo Active Driver Assist system providing comprehensive support to prevent accidents. Fuel efficiency is enhanced by the D13 Turbo Compound engine and aerodynamic design.
Choosing the Volvo VNL series means investing in a truck that balances operational efficiency, driver well-being, and sustainability. It’s a smart choice for those looking to advance in the evolving trucking industry with a reliable, innovative partner.
What do you think about the new Volvo VNL series? Would you consider them for your next truck? Let us know in the comments – your insight drives our community forward!
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
Recently, we had the honor of announcing three of TA Services’ logistics professionals who were named as recipients of the 2024 Rock Star of the Supply Chain award presented by Food Logistics. The Rock Stars of the Supply Chain awards recognize influential individuals in the global food supply chain who have been described as collaborative, passionate, innovative, forward-thinking, inspired, driven, and dependable.
This year, the Rock Stars of the Supply Chain award was broken down into four categories:
Top Warehousing Stars
Top Shippers
Rising Stars
Lifetime Achievement
Each category consists of a collection of supply chain professionals who go beyond their everyday responsibilities to improve supply chain operations through strategic vision and innovative measures.
Today, we’ll get to know one of those Rock Stars a bit better as we talk with Tyler S., recipient of the Rising Star category which recognizes young or newer professionals (age 39 and under) whose achievements, hard work, and vision are reshaping the supply chain network.
Tyler S., Director of Brokerage Operations, and recipient of the 2024 Rock Stars of the Supply Chain award presented by Food Logistics
Tyler began his career in logistics with TA Services five years ago as a logistics coordinator and has been climbing the supply chain ladder ever since. Join us as we sit down with him for a Q&A on his recent supply chain industry recognition.
Q: First, congratulations on receiving such an incredible recognition! Can you tell us a little bit about your role and responsibilities at TA Services?
A: The responsibilities of my role include servicing a diverse book of business with various types of commodities—each with unique needs and challenges—and creating valuable transportation solutions for these challenges. This can be an intricate process that is more effectively achieved by asking the right questions, listening intently, having a deep understanding of the industry and current market conditions, and my favorite – thinking outside of the box. The process includes collaboration with the shipper, and I’ve found the best approach is to present multiple solutions allowing them to choose the best fit for their needs.
Q: In the press release for the award announcement, you mentioned how fortunate you are to have a great team by your side and how lucky you are to consider yourself their leader. Can you tell us more about your leadership style and how you keep your team running smoothly?
A: My preferred leadership style is to lead by example. I perform to the best of my ability day in and day out. My team routinely performs at the highest level also, but I feel as the leader I need to set the standard. I emphasize the need for us all to operate with high expectations for ourselves to ensure we will exceed our customers’ expectations every time. I also understand that everyone learns differently, so as a leader I tailor one-on-one interactions with each of my team members to help guide them along their professional journey.
Q: What made you interested in working in transportation logistics?
A: My route to logistics was by no means planned. To help pay for college expenses, I worked for a moving company while attending classes. Upon graduating, I accepted an Operations Manager position with that same company. One of the lead drivers who worked for me at this moving company ended up coming to work for TA and later contacted me to see if I would be interested in joining him. It seemed like a good fit for me, so I interviewed with TA and have been here learning and developing my skills in the transportation logistics industry ever since. Guess you could call it fate!
Q: When you started your career with TA Services five years ago, you were brought on as a logistics coordinator. Since then, you have risen the ranks and now act as a Director of Brokerage Operations for TA’s Leeds, AL brokerage office. What do you attribute to your quick ascent into leadership?
A: My professional ascent can be contributed to my previous work experiences and the knowledge and skillsets I’ve gained from them. I’m big on learning from previous successes and failures which in my opinion are all learning opportunities. Moreover, my progression in the time I’ve been with the company has been a direct result of the exceptional leaders I have been fortunate enough to learn from while at TA. I am constantly learning from my peers, absorbing as much knowledge as possible while deepening my cross-departmental relationships. I’ve learned that there is always a technique or new way of fulfilling customers’ needs that one can learn from another person in the industry that can be added to your repertoire.
Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge currently plaguing shippers?
A: The current market is more favorable for shippers than it previously was as there is more supply than there is demand. Because of this, shippers are homing in on differentiating their core service providers from the rest of the competition and choosing the best partners that will provide the most value when the market shifts. One of the main differentiating factors in today’s market is that disruptions in the supply chain are creating delays in getting products to their desired destinations, and ultimately the end consumers.
Q: How do you and your team help combat those challenges?
A: One of the many ways TA Services is continuously combating disruptions in the supply chain is through transparent solution offerings. As the market continues to fluctuate and evolve, we have found that when shippers have access to 24/7 live updates and shipment statuses, they are more trusting and comfortable with their third-party logistics provider. Visibility and exceptional communication are key to providing superior customer service and contribute to exceeding the service level norms in our industry.
Q: Being named a 2024 Rock Star of the Supply Chain in the Rising Star category is an incredible achievement! In your own words, could you tell us how it felt to receive this recognition?
A: Receiving this recognition is a huge honor, but it’s also a true testament to the foundation and atmosphere that we have created at TA Services. Just like in sports, individual acknowledgments are great, but the reasons for individual recognition can be attributed to the efforts of the entire team. My individual success would not be possible without the support from others as well as their hard work and dedication to achieving the mission that we are all focused on together. I am fortunate to have such a highly capable and performance-oriented team on my side.
Q: A supply chain rising star is just that – rising! What are some of the more long-term goals you have for your supply chain career?
A: My long-term goals are to continue to live out our company values – People First, Service, Safety, Results, and Innovation – which I think are the core of our success as an organization. The main thing I am focused on is developing the people around me and elevating them to a higher standard of performance while seeking out opportunities to provide positive impacts in the supply chain from start to finish.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is looking to get started in the transportation logistics industry?
A: There are so many tidbits that I would give to someone new to the industry, but there is one key piece of advice that I believe drives success in transportation logistics – focusing on the interests of all parties invested and affected when making decisions. This includes colleagues, shippers, venders, and carrier partners. It’s simple to go with the easiest option available to you, but the key to reaching that next level of success in supply chain management is leveraging the inventory of solutions you have to offer and supporting and servicing a customer including all key players based on their needs. Not every quick fix is the right choice. It’s about finding a way to synchronize the needs of all the players involved.
Looking for a logistics partner who has your back like Tyler? Get in touch with us today!
Welcome to our Drayage News Updates blog, your go-to source for weekly bullet points on the latest events in the dynamic world of drayage shipping. Get the latest news and industry updates for drayage, container shipping and imports for the U.S. Stay informed about current happenings and gain valuable insights into the industry’s trends, regulations, and innovations. Our concise and straightforward summaries will keep you up to date with the ever-changing landscape of container shipping, making us your trusted destination for all things Drayage.
September 30: U.S. Dockworkers Launch Massive Strike Over Wages and Automation, Threatening Ports and Supply Chain Disruption
45,000 U.S. dockworkers began a strike over wages and automation, potentially disrupting ports and supply chains. The strike could reignite inflation and cause shortages, especially during the holiday season. (AP News)
JP Morgan projects that such a strike could cost the U.S. economy up to $4.5 billion per day, with industries like manufacturing and food and beverage particularly vulnerable due to their inability to stockpile goods months in advance. (Inc.)
September 23th: Anticipation Increases as Potential ILA Strike Grows Near
As we anticipate the ILA strike on October 1st, which could affect nearly 50% of US imports from Maine to Houston, shippers have several options to mitigate disruptions. These include exploring alternative shipping routes, redirecting cargo to different ports, or using warehousing space to store rerouted freight until inland capacity becomes available. Delaying these adjustments could become costly.
September 16th: Impending ILA Strike Threatens Shutdown of Key US Ports and Imports
If the ILA goes on strike, all ports from Maine to Houston, TX will be closed on October 1, affecting nearly 50% of US imports and creating approximately 6 days of backlog for each day they are closed. No further negotiations between the ILA and USMX are scheduled before the contract expires on September 30th.
September 9th: Impending ILA Port Strikes Risk Severe Delays
We anticipate the ILA port strikes occurring on October 1st, if a new contract isn’t finalized. (Freight Waves)
A one-day strike could cause a six-day backlog, while a week-long strike might delay clearance until mid-November, potentially costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars daily.
September 2nd: ILA Contract Expiry Looms as Union Pushes for Pay Raises and Automation Ban
The International Longshoremen’s Association’s contract is set to expire on Sept. 30, with negotiations between the union and the United States Maritime Alliance stalled since June. The ILA has called for a delegates meeting on Sept. 4-5 to discuss demands, which may include significant pay increases and a ban on incremental automation. (Freight Waves)
The ILA filed for federal mediation on August 19, after previously rejecting any mediation from the Biden Administration. There is conflicting information but locally, in Savannah, the belief is that the parties will resolve based on the impact to the economy.
August 26th: Maersk & Hapag Lloyd Gear Up for Potential ILA Strike as Contract Expiry Nears
Maersk & Hapag Lloyd are preparing for an ILA strike, as the contract ends September 30th. This would be the first strike between ILA & USMX in 50 years. If a strike occurred, one day of a strike would cause 6 days of backlog to the east coast ports.
August 19th: Potential ILA Strike Could Prompt Shift of Freight from East Coast to West Coast
Maersk & Hapag Lloyd are preparing for ILA strike, as the contract ends September 30th. This would be the first strike between ILA & USMX in 50 years. If a strike occurred, freight may need to move from the East Coast ports to the West Coast.
US Imports continue to surge as peak approaches. Importers are front-loading cargo across the country to avoid strikes, with the West Coast seeing most of the gain, nearly a 20% increase YoY.
August 5th: Growth and Readiness: West Coast Ports Prepare for Peak Season
US Imports continue to surge as peak approaches. Importers are front-loading cargo across the country to avoid strikes, with the West Coast seeing most of the gain, nearly a 20% increase YoY.
The Panama Canal is projected to return to full capacity by September. However, we expect shippers to remain cautious as they navigate.
July 29th: Impending Canadian Teamsters Strike Leads to Major Container Diversions to US, CN Reports
Canadian National (CN) reported significant international container diversions to the US due to impending Canadian Teamsters strike. Canadian government expects to decide on strike authorization by August 9. (CN)
USMX reporting “forward movement” with ILA, as master contract expires September 30.
US Imports from Asia were up 7.8% YoY in the second quarter, while trans-pacific spot rates have stalled.
Port of Houston expected to become primary refrigerated container port in Gulf Coast after new USDA approvals.
July 22th: Early Projections Point to an Extended Peak Season in Shipping Industry
U.S. Customs & Border Protection approved a proposal from Ports of Indian-Burns Harbor to establish the first international sea cargo container terminal on Lake Michigan. (Northwest Indiana Business Magazine)
Port of Baltimore is open averaging 700-1000 gate transactions daily last week.
Projections show an early push toward & extended peak season.
Concerns surrounding congestion/capacity continue to rise with Red Sea delays and labor negotiations in US East & Gulf Coasts.
July 15th: Record-Breaking Import Volumes, Container Imports Surge 7.5% YoY
Monthly container imports rose 3% in May and 7.5% year-over-year, marking the highest volume since August 2022.
Challenges include unresolved port labor negotiations and capacity issues due to disruptions in the Red Sea.
Despite these challenges, retailers expect strong sales ahead, with import volumes projected to continue increasing through 2024. (JOC)
July 8th: Union Authorization Brings Potential Strike to CPKC and CN Railroads
No major updates on ILA & US East, Gulf Coast port negotiations.
Members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference have voted to reauthorize strikes at CPKC and CN, the union announced Saturday.
Volume and fixed price commitments made to NVO’s/Forwarders are not being honored by steamship lines, which is causing vessel capacity to be bumped and US importers scrambling to import inventory.
July 1st: Shippers Rush to Advance Cargo Amid Fears of Stronger Peak Season
ILA & SC Ports reach an agreement which reopens Hugh Leatherman terminal and will help alleviate vessel congestion. (JOC)
Red Sea crisis ripple effects beginning to increase congestion in Asian ports and straining global capacity. Equipment (container availability) is the key contributor – containers remaining in transit longer.
Shippers are advancing their cargo due to panic in the market of a stronger peak season and getting ahead of rate increases, especially on transpacific lane.
US retailers have raised their import forecasts through September, anticipating a 2.5% to 3.5% increase in consumer spending over 2023, with an extended peak season expected due to sustained consumer demand and strategic inventory buildup.
June 24th: International Port Congestion Leads to Anticipated Delivery Delays
Dali, the cargo ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge will be leaving the Port of Baltimore for Norfolk, Virgina to get repaired. (NPR)
We are starting to see a slow in incoming inventory from distributors to alleviate excess inventory during this soft market. In addition, we are also seeing an increase in international port congestion, so prepare to expect delivery delays as issues with the Red Sea continue to cause congestion.
June 17th: Shippers Seek Alternate Strategies Amid Container Rate Volatility and Capacity Constraints
The Panama Canal Authority announced the increase in the current number of daily transits from 32 to 33, effective July 11, as a result of the wetter than expected dry season and projected levels of Lake Gatun.
Extended trade disruptions in the Red Sea have led shippers to seek alternative shipping strategies. Due to container rate volatility and capacity constraints, logistics teams are considering using multipurpose vessels for container transport in busy trade lanes, while some cargoes are moving from containers to breakbulk shipping modes.
June 10th: Global Trade Impacted by Container Shortage, Leading to Increased Freight Rates
The main shipping channel to the Port of Baltimore has been reopened after the cleanup of debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The channel will be open to its original 700-foot width by June 8-10, allowing all pre-collapse, deep-draft commercial vessels to transit to the Port of Baltimore.
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance(USMX) are expected to complete their local contract bargaining by Friday at all Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports. Once the local contracts are completed, both parties expect master contract negotiations to resume, with the goal of reaching an agreement on a new pact before the current contract expires on September 30, 2024.
US dockworkers are poised to strike unless a new contract with the ports is secured by September 30, when the current agreement expires. An October strike could introduce further complexity to this year’s presidential election and exacerbate shipping constraints during the holiday season. (WSJ)
A sudden container shortage has hit global trade, causing ocean freight rates to increase. Factors such as bad weather, longer ocean transits, and vessels skipping ports are exacerbating supply chain issues. (CNBC)
June 3rd: Supply Constraints and High Freight Rates in Global Shipping Container Market
The global shipping container market faces supply constraints due to diversions in the Red Sea, Asian port congestion, and unpredictable demand surges. Freight rates are rising significantly.
Lessons from the pandemic era emphasize data-driven decision-making, technology adoption, and sustainability focus. Shippers must adapt to volatile market dynamics and invest in innovation.
While spot rates remain high, overcapacity concerns persist due to record deliveries of new ships. Negotiation power and changing alliances add complexity to the market.
May 27th: Global Container Shipping Market Struggles with Equipment and Vessel Space Shortages
We have started to see the ramifications of the Red Sea vessel diversions manifest as the global container shipping market struggles to cope with shortages of equipment and vessel space.
According to Linerlytica, in its latest report, “The global port congestion indicator hit the 2m TEU mark, accounting for 6.8% of the global fleet with Singapore becoming the new congestion hotspot. The SCFI [Shanghai Containerized Freight Index] has jumped by 42% in the past month, with further gains to follow in June as carriers are adding new surcharges and rate hikes.” (Linerlytica)
In just the past week, growing port congestion has removed over 400,000 TEU of vessel capacity from circulation. As the peak season approaches, these significant delays are anticipated to worsen in the coming weeks.
May 20th: South Carolina Ports Authority Shuts Down Due to Software Malfunction
The South Carolina Ports Authority closed on Monday and into Tuesday after a software malfunction occurred on their systems.
As of 11am on 5/21, the ports remain closed for cargo pick up and drop off. For updates, please visit the SC Ports Authority website. They will update every 2 hours.
While vessel operations continued yesterday, the disruption affects 6,000 to 8,000 daily truck transactions and raises concerns about potential backlog and overflow at rail terminals operated by CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway near the ports.
May 6th: Rail container dwell times rise at LA/LB terminals, up 67% since January
According to the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, rail container dwell times at the Los Angeles and Long Beach terminals have been steadily on the rise since January. March’s dwell time was up 67% from January to 7.02 days. April’s figures will be out later this month.
This uptick in dwell time correlates with imports from Asia arriving at LA/LB increasing by 29.7% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, reaching 1.96 million TEUs.
April 29th: Ports of LA, Long Beach, and Savannah Show Resilience Despite Lunar New Year Dip in Volumes
While the ports of LA, Long Beach and Savannah reported a dip in volumes from February to March due to the timing of the Lunar New Year, they demonstrated resilience with substantial YoY increases in both imports and exports, highlighting varying degrees of recovery and growth across different regions.
Port of Los Angeles: Handled 743,417 TEUs in March, a MoM decrease of 4.9% but a YoY increase of 19.3%. It experienced significant growth in exports, with a 47.3% increase compared to March 2023.
Port of Long Beach: Saw a more modest growth in imports and a decrease in exports YoY, handling 654,082 TEUs in March, an 8.3% increase from March 2023.
Port of Savannah: Continued to grow, handling 435,997 TEUs in March, up 18.5% from the previous year, with a notable 23.9% increase in loaded import TEUs.
April 22nd: Port of Baltimore Prepares for Increased Maritime Traffic with Temporary Channel Opening
A third temporary channel has been opened northeast of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, allowing “commercially essential vessels” to enter and depart the Port of Baltimore. This expansion aims to increase shipping access while the bridge is being reconstructed.
The new channel provides a controlling depth of 20 feet, a horizontal clearance of 300 feet, and a vertical clearance of 135 feet, enabling a wider variety of vessels to access the port.
Approximately 15% of the port’s pre-collapse commercial activity is expected to resume with this opening.
Officials are working towards opening the full channel by the end of May to restore most maritime traffic to one of the East Coast’s busiest ports.
In other news, the Port of Portland will be halting container service at Terminal 6 as of October 1.
April 15th: Port of Oakland Closes Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests
On Monday, 4/15, the Port of Oakland’s four container terminals closed for the day shift as a precaution due to pro-Palestinian protests in the area. The port reopened in the afternoon.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators also targeted the Port of New York and New Jersey, particularly focusing on Zim Integrated Shipping Services. The port remained open. (JOC)
April 8th: FMCSA Waiver Provides Relief for Baltimore Drayage Companies Amid Port Closure
Drayage transportation companies face the dilemma of relocating resources or hiring temporary help amidst the Baltimore port closure, as most dray drivers are used to going home each night.
A recent FMCSA waiver granting two extra hours of service time could enable Baltimore-based drayage drivers to serve Norfolk while still being home at night. (Freight Waves)
April 1st: Port of Baltimore Closure Spurs Increased Costs and Challenges in Drayage Operations
The closure of the Port of Baltimore is causing challenges in drayage operations, leading to increased trucking and warehousing costs as importers scramble to adjust distribution strategies.
Shippers are facing the need to reconnect Baltimore-bound freight with alternative distribution channels, potentially involving longer drayage distances and additional warehousing needs.
The diversion of freight among ports is prompting the need for new distribution centers and more drayage drivers, resulting in increased complexities and costs in the transportation network. (JOC)
March 25th: What you should know about the Port of Baltimore
The Port of Baltimore is the busiest US port for car shipments and the largest by volume for handling farm & construction machinery, as well as agricultural products. Other top imports are paper and plywood.
It is also the second busiest US port for coal exports. Other key commodities exported from the port are LNG, wastepaper, ferrous scrap and light trucks.
The port handles nearly $800bn in cargo and services nearly 1,800 vessels yearly according to Maryland State Archives.
March 18th: Container Spot Rates Dip After Lunar New Year Celebrations Despite Market Strength
Container spot rates from Asia to the United States are experiencing a seasonal dip post-Lunar New Year celebrations, despite market strength, attributed to increased carrier capacity and slow negotiations by major US retailers on annual service contracts.
While container spot rates have dropped significantly, they remain higher than the previous year’s lows, suggesting a resilient market. Platts reports Asia-US rates of $3,000 per FEU to the West Coast and $4,500 to the East Coast, down from recent highs but not reaching last year’s levels, which sunk down to $1,050 and $2,050 for the West and East coast respectively.
US retailers anticipate growth in imports from Asia, leading to increased projections for the second quarter and beyond, signaling positive signs for market expansion. (JOC)
March 11th: YoY February Imports Up 22.9%, Boosting Freight Demand
While February imports are down 6% from January (normal seasonality), it’s important to note that YoY February imports are up 22.9%, which is a good sign for freight demand. While other factors are headwinds for freight, imports are providing a solid tailwind for the industry.
March 5th: Red Sea Disruptions Impact Ocean Carrier On-Time Reliability in January
In January, ocean carrier on-time reliability decreased in January as a result of the disruptions in the Red Sea to 51.6%. This indicator is typically in the 70-80% range. (JOC)
However, February experienced a bit of a rebound, at least in terms of shorter delays. The average delay for a ship from Asia to the East Coast, dropped from 11 days down to 8.5 days.
February 26th: Delay and Cost Increase in Cargo Shipments Due to Red Sea Attacks
The attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea have led to delays in cargo shipments and increased shipping costs. However, the impact on inflation is expected to be muted due to soft demand and ample availability of ships.
According to Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence Maritime Intelligence, “The present situation therefore does not present any reason to believe we will see a resumption of the Suez-routing anytime soon from the global carriers…Consequently, shippers should clearly plan for round- Africa as the new normal.” (JOC)
February 21st: Backlog at Oakland Terminal to be cleared in 2 weeks with added shift
As reported by the JOC: A backlog of nine vessels at Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT), should be cleared within two weeks as OICT has temporarily added a third shift each day to reduce congestion at the facility. (JOC)
February 5th: Shipping Costs Surge as Container Spot Rates Reach New Heights
Elevated container spot rates that have been increasing dramatically since the start of the new year.
As of January 29th, spot rates from Asia to the West Coast are $4,421 or up 115% over this same time last year.
East Coast spot rates from Asia are $6,165 or up 90.9% year over year.
January 29th: Shippers Advised To Plan Wisely to Tackle Rate Hike Challenges
Importers, especially those constrained by contractual restrictions on surcharges, may face challenges in absorbing additional rate hikes.
To navigate these issues, shippers are advised to understand their supply chain needs, utilize data for inventory planning, consider splitting shipments, collaborate with trusted logistics partners, explore different shipping modes and ports, diversify container types, and budget for potential delays during this critical period.
January 23th: Import Volume from Asia to US Set to Decline During Lunar New Year Period
We spoke above about some of the impacts of Lunar New Year on imports from Asia to the US.
Looking back to 2018 and the subsequent years, every year, less the COVID era, accounted for a 19-38% drop in import volume (TEUs) from Asia to the US from January to March.
This year’s decline in import volume is expected to be more in-line with 2018-2019 levels.
January 15th: Descartes Reveals 2023 Imports Surpass Pre-COVID Years, With a 4.6% Increase Over 2019
According to Descartes, 2023’s full-year imports came in at 24,959,664 TEUs. Compared to pre-COVID years, 2023 topped 2019 by 4.6%, 2018 by 3.8% and 2017 by 11.5%.
Imports ended the year strong on the Gulf and East Coasts with jumps of 29.5% (Houston), 5.1% (NY/NJ), 6.3% (Charleston), 2.6% (Savannah), and 11.3% (Baltimore) from November into December.
Numbers on the West Coast dropped month over month with Long Beach down 8.5%, LA down 5.3% and Tacoma down 26%.
January 8th: Freight Surge Expected at LA-Long Beach Ports Amidst Panama Canal and Suez Canal Threats
Increased freight is expected at Los Angeles-Long Beach Ports given drought headwinds at the Panama Canal. This being paired with the Suez Canal/Red Sea shipping threats are sure to raise shipping prices from Asia to North America. The Shanghai – LA spot rate has already jumped 30% since December 21st.(FreightWaves)
There are looming threats of a potential strike on the East Coast from the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). The ILA is seeking higher wages and pushing back against automation. The current contract is set to expire in October 2024.
December 18th: US Retailer Express Optimism for Import Forecasts for Early 2024 After Strong Holiday Sales
In November, the West Coast’s market share of imports from Asia increased by five percentage points, reaching 58.6%. Ongoing challenges in the Panama and Suez canals, including missile attacks, may further drive cargo to the West Coast. (JOC)
The full impact of canal disruptions is yet to be experienced, and diversions to the West Coast may become more discernible in January.
US retailers are optimistic about early 2024, increasing import forecasts due to strong end-of-year holiday sales. December imports are expected to jump 11.5% over December 2022, with January imports projected to climb 6.6% year over year. (JOC)
December 11th: Port of Los Angeles Aims to Enhance Efficiency with New 80-Acre Near-Dock Storage and Maintenance Site
The Port of Los Angeles intends to improve fluidity at its six container terminals by developing an 80-acre near-dock site that will be used for container storage and chassis maintenance and repair. (JOC)
December 4th: Panama Canal Restrictions Prompt THE Alliance to Seek Alternative Routes via Suez Canal
The Alliance’s ocean carriers have decided to suspend Panama Canal transits until February for three of their weekly container services between the US and Asia. In response to the ongoing drought in the region, leading to increased delays for vessels, the Panama Canal Authority has imposed significant restrictions on ship transits. These restrictions are expected to become even more stringent in the upcoming months. Consequently, the carriers have opted for longer sea routes through the Suez Canal to navigate these challenges. (JOC)
November 27th: Efficient Terminal Operations as Container Dwell Time Reaches Yearly Low in Ports of NY/NJ
Container Dwell Time, the time a container sits at the port after being discharged from the vessel, at the Ports of NY/NJ is at one of the lowest levels of the year at 2.17 days, indicating that terminal operations, on average, are flowing relatively smoothly.
November 20th: US Retailers Anticipate Record Holiday Sales Despite Lower Import Volumes Throughout the Year
In October, US imports from Asia reached the highest point in 2023, with containerized imports increasing by 5.9% from September and 12.4% from October 2022, as retailers rushed to stock up ahead of the holiday sales season. (JOC)
Despite the October surge, year-to-date imports were down by 16.6% YoY, attributed to softer import volumes throughout the year due to factors such as inflation and high-interest rates.
However, US retailers are still anticipating record holiday sales this year of $966.6bn, up 3% to 4% over last year, and the Global Port Tracker forecasts continued year-over-year growth in imports at least through March 2024.
November 13th: Port of Houston Experiences Growing Congestion
Over the past 2 weeks, ocean container dwell time at the Port of Houston increased by a full day, to 4 days wait time, for picking up a container once discharged, indicating increased congestion.
October 30th: NACPC Launches MPOC to Double Chassis Pool and Boost Interoperability in Memphis
The North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC) has launched the Memphis Pool of Choice (MPOC) in response to frustration among truckers and cargo owners with restrictions on chassis used for hauling ocean containers. The goal is to double the pool’s current 2,500 units within a year, with NACPC and Milestone Equipment Holdings as primary chassis suppliers. (JOC)
MPOC aims to promote interoperability, allowing any chassis to be used with any container. NACPC is competing with Consolidated Chassis Management (CCM) in the Memphis market, claiming to offer a better chassis pool, while CCM believes NACPC’s approach may further fragment interoperability and hinder efficiency. (JOC)
October 23rd: Trans-Pacific Carriers Turn to Lázaro Cárdenas Port to Overcome Draft Limitations at Panama Canal
Trans-Pacific ocean carriers are increasingly using Mexico’s Port of Lázaro Cárdenas as an alternative route to reach the US Midwest, bypassing the draft limitations of the Panama Canal. This shift is driven by the desire to tap into the port’s strategic advantages and growing intermodal opportunities. (JOC)
Although Lázaro Cárdenas is the second-busiest container port in Mexico, it was not a regular stop for trans-Pacific services. However, this is changing rapidly. Carriers like Zim Integrated Shipping are now adding it as a direct call, creating a gateway for US-bound cargo with an emphasis on selected US inland destinations.
October 16th: West Coast Ports Report Surge in Market Share for US-bound Freight from Asia
US Imports from Asia show a slight YoY gain in September at +1.4%, up from August’s -14.7% YoY. A significant portion of this freight has landed on the West Coast. Port and terminal sources are confident the uptick in West Coast market share will continue. (JOC)
Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, said retailers in September began to return an increasing share of their discretionary cargo to the West Coast following the ILWU contract ratification. Key items to watch for shippers looking to move freight back to the West Coast are the Panama Canal water levels and the East Coast ILA contract negotiations ahead in 2024. (The Business Journals)
October 9th: Port of Savannah Battling Backlog of Vessels Amid Recent Closures
The Port of Savannah is working its way through a backlog of 16 vessels that have been stacking up in recent weeks amid a string of closures. While shippers say the situation – which could linger through mid-November – is less than ideal, many noted there has been no significant impact yet. (JOC)
Savannah’s Container Discharge Dwell time is currently 2.37 days, which is in line with where it has been through the summer; it’s also the shortest of the major ports across the country.
October 2nd: PN2 Service Absorbs Calls as The Alliance Cancels PN3 Service Following Market Turmoil
The Alliance, a group of major ocean carriers, has suspended its Pacific Northwest 3 (PN3) service due to the current market situation, adding to a series of canceled sailings and service changes aimed at balancing ship supply with import demand. The Pacific Northwest 2 (PN2) service will absorb calls to the Asian ports previously served by PN3. (The Loadstar)
The trans-Pacific trade route is experiencing significant service cuts and blank sailings as Asian imports to the US decline. Drewry’s canceled sailings tracker indicates that the trans-Pacific will account for the majority of canceled sailings between mid-September and the end of October, potentially leading to schedule disruptions and delays for shippers and beneficial cargo owners.
September 26th: Container Shipping Industry Takes Bold Steps Towards Decarbonization with Green Corridor Announcement
A green shipping corridor was announced between the ports of LA, Long Beach, and Shanghai to combat the global climate crisis. These are accelerated decarbonization efforts steps in reducing the emissions of container ships, but that comes at a cost which would be pushed to down to the customer. Some analysts are expecting costs to be in the trillions over the next 2-3 decades.
Zim, one of the worlds largest shipping lines, is looking to take advantage of the Port of Savannah’s expanded refrigerated cargo infrastructure by creating a direct route to the West Coast of South America.
September 18: On-Time Performance for Trans-Pacific Vessels Set to Plummet as a Result of Mass Cancellations
Trans-Pacific lines are responding to the weak import volumes by blanking 200k+ TEUs of capacity in September and have announced an additional 370k+ TEUs in blanks for October, about 14% of trans-Pacific capacity, according to Sea-Intelligence.
To prevent freight rates from collapsing, trans-Pacific carriers will reduce effective capacity through a “massive number of blank sailings,” Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, said. Those canceled sailings will drag down vessel on-time performance, which is already at the dismal levels ~40% to the West Coast and ~39% to the East Coast.
Given the above, and less any major disruption or enormous surge in demand, shippers should expect low container rates and low service levels heading into 2024.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
This award recognizes influential individuals in the industry whose achievements, hard work and vision have shaped the global cold food supply chain.
MANSFIELD, TEXAS—Feb. 12, 2024 —TA Services, a premier, full-service third-party logistics provider, announces Reo Hatfield, Tyler Scogin, and Murali Venkatasamy as recipients of 2024 Rock Stars of the Supply Chain awards presented by Food Logistics, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the global cold food supply chain. The awards recognize influential individuals in the global food supply chain. The TA Services award winners are recognized in the following categories:
Rising Stars, presented to Scogin: Recognizes young or newer professionals (39 and under) whose achievements, hard work, and vision have shaped the supply chain network.
Top Warehousing Stars, presented to Venkatasamy: Recognizes professionals in the storage and warehousing space.
Lifetime Achievement, presented to Hatfield: Honors company leaders who’ve made outstanding contributions to the supply chain space. Must have at least 10 years’ documented experience in supply chain and logistics.
Scogin, Director of Brokerage Operations, Leeds, AL, TA Services, said, “It is really incredible to be honored as a young professional in the supply chain. I love what I do, and I am fortunate to have such an amazing team by my side. Creating customized solutions for shippers requires a strong team effort, and I consider myself lucky to be able to lead such a fantastic team of logistics professionals.”
Scogin displays a high commitment to TA Services’ shippers, providing them with flexibility and real-time insights while constantly growing the company’s shipping services. Loyal, driven, and proud, Scogin has ousted cookie cutter solutions in exchange for customizable, data-driven options for shippers. He is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of supply chain logistics.
Venkatasamy, Vice President – Warehouse Operations Excellence & Business Development, TA Services, said, “It’s an honor to be recognized in the warehousing space. I began as a site leader at TA in 2018, and now I help oversee 14 warehouses, three of which were added just last year. I am excited for 2024 and can’t wait to see what we’ll do next.”
Venkatasamy has big plans for TA Services’ warehousing operations in the upcoming year, including opening at least five new sites across the Midwest, offering both multi-client and dedicated sites, sure to be a point of growth for years to come. A proven, dedicated problem solver and innovator, Venkatasamy is motivated by data-backed solutions and introducing new technology in his operations – displaying his positive influence by looking toward the future of the industry.
Hatfield, recently retired from TA Services, is now pursuing other opportunities and passions outside of the logistics industry. Hatfield was in transportation logistics for over 50 years and has an unparalleled wealth of industry knowledge. During his time at TA, he facilitated the expansion of several of TA’s services like international shipping, LTL, and warehousing. Hatfield’s lifetime of experience in the transportation industry added unique value to TA’s team. He shared his vast knowledge with younger generations of supply chain and logistics professionals and educated them using his catalog of experiences in the industry. TA is grateful for the time and wisdom Hatfield dedicated to making the organization even more diverse in its service offerings.
“Supply chain rock stars are the backbone of the cold food chain. The words used to describe many of this year’s winners range from collaborative, passionate, innovative, and forward-thinking to inspired, driven and dependable,” says Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “New this year, we broke the award down into four distinct categories: Top Warehousing Stars; Top Shippers; Rising Stars; and Lifetime Achievement. These winners continue to go above and beyond to improve food safety, enhance efficiency and disrupt supply chain disruptions.”
Recipients of this year’s award will be profiled in Food Logistics’ Jan/Feb 2024 print issue and at http://www.FoodLogistics.com.
About Food Logistics Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Food Logistics also operates SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.FoodLogistics.com to learn more.
About IRONMARKETS IRONMARKETS, formerly known as AC Business Media, is a leading business-to-business media and buyer engagement platform with a portfolio of renowned brands in heavy construction, asphalt, concrete, paving, rental, sustainability, landscape, manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain markets. IRONMARKETS delivers relevant, cutting-edge content to its audiences through its industry-leading digital properties, trade shows, conferences, videos, magazines, webinars, and newsletters. It also provides advertisers the analytics, data, and ability to reach their target audience. Learn more at https://www.iron.markets.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
Majestic Transportation recently faced a challenging yet rewarding task: transporting vessels from Texas to Wyoming, with one measuring an impressive 11’7″ in height. This project was not without its hurdles, as our client encountered delays and had to navigate through freezing conditions at the shipping location, followed by harsh winter weather at the receiving end.
Despite these obstacles, our team’s expertise and experience in managing similar loads shone through. We ensured that all vessels were delivered in good order, without incident. This successful delivery is a testament to our ability to handle complex logistics, even under the most challenging weather conditions.
Regularly managing similar loads in this lane for our client, Majestic has demonstrated a consistent ability to adapt and overcome logistical challenges, ensuring safe and timely deliveries regardless of the circumstances.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
Ahaus is in a select group of automation companies that have the 
“Nothing stands still, no matter what industry you’re in,” added Keiser. “Everything is improving and the companies that have an appetite or stronger desire to improve over time or are going to look at automation for continuous improvement at all times. OTR trucks and trailers haven’t changed as much as cars over the last 20 years, but there are some companies that are innovating, providing new technologies. They are leading the way.”
