MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Free Press announced its annual Michigan Top Workplaces list for 2022 on November 20th. Fifth Wheel Freight (FWF) was honored on the list for a third year for its innovative, culture-focused workplace.
Ashley Sanders, HR & Payroll Manager at FWF says, “Our focus at FWF has always been to develop our team members and create opportunities for them to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. Initiatives such as our DE&I program provides team members space to gain an understanding of the people and community around them. Our advanced training and paid time off structure allow team members to put their knowledge to practice inside and outside of FWF.”
The Top Workplaces award is centered around employee feedback and recognizes organizations that consistently embody characteristics, including confidence in leadership, employee engagement, work flexibility, and benefits.
As a company, FWF is committed to cultivating an inclusive culture. In congruence with the DE&I initiatives, FWF focuses on developing each individual’s skillsets to enable personal and professional growth while providing opportunities to engage in culture-focused events and community impact initiatives. FWF believes in making team members feel valued and trusted in the workplace by providing opportunities to engage in meaningful initiatives.
“Cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company culture is a commitment and evolving mission of ours,” says COO Josh Brawley of FWF. “Being named a Top Workplace honors our team and the foundation we continue to build upon together.”
Methodology
The Free Press partners with Philadelphia-based Energage, an employee research and culture technology firm, to determine this year’s Top Workplaces in Michigan. The rankings are based solely on employee survey feedback that is then analyzed based on Energage’s objective criteria. Top Workplaces requires companies to achieve a minimum response rate to be considered for the award and are grouped based on the size of the organization.
About FWF
FWF is a third-party logistics and transportation provider (3PL) that offers full-service logistics solutions across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. As a 3PL, FWF has the unique ability to deliver less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (TL) shipping, intermodal, drayage, domestic, and international ground/air freight services. For more information about FWF, visit fwf.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
China is the U.S.’s biggest trading partner and the largest exporter of goods internationally. Because of China’s ability to manufacture products on a large scale, importing from the country can present many opportunities. Not only is growth possible for a business, but reduced costs, large quantities of imports, and other benefits are also possible. While importing may seem attractive to first-time shippers, understanding what’s necessary is essential for the shipment’s success. This article will explain how to prepare the required documents and what to expect during your cargo’s shipping journey.
Before deciding what to import, it is also essential to understand that certain goods may have restrictions and specific regulations. For example, any product from China’s “Xinjing” region cannot enter the U.S. The ban is due to human rights issues such as the forced labor of Uyghur Muslims. While you do not need a permit to import from China, certain commodities require an import license. Government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) request that imports such as cheese have an import license. Speak to a customs broker if you are uncertain if your shipment needs a permit.
While you do not need a permit to import from China, certain commodities require an import license.
What Are the Necessary Documents
Documentation is a component of the shipping process that must be taken with care to prevent your shipment’s delay. While the documents depend on the imported commodity, specific papers are needed for every import. Certain imports require additional documents like inspection certificates for meat and egg products and energy-efficient labels like air conditioners. The documents may also vary by country, but we will mainly focus on bringing cargo into the U.S. from China. Some of the standard documents include:
Importer Security Filing (ISF)
Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Proof of Insurance
Certificate of Origin (when Applicable)
Arrival Notice
Shipments valued at $2,500 or above require a customs bond; an insurance policy to ensure the payment of taxes. A shipper can get a single-entry or continuous bond, depending on their shipment.
The Journey Begins
Once the freight is ready, it will be sent to a designated port in China for transportation to the U.S. Speak to a freight forwarder to arrange the transportation of the shipment. The main methods of conveyance for shipping internationally are by air or sea. Both ways have their benefits, like pricing and time. When your goods reach the U.S., they must pass through customs. Customs’ objective is the security of the people in the U.S. by preventing anything illegal or harmful into the country. While customs clearance usually takes less than 24 hours, it may take longer if the goods are “Held at Customs.” This happens when customs does not release your goods for various reasons, including unpaid duties and incomplete documents.
While the importation process is perplexing for first-time shippers, it is doable with the proper guidance. Contact A1 Worldwide Logistics at (305) 425-9513 or [email protected] to begin your import journey. We guide you through each shipping process step to provide transparency with our services. Whether you need to speak to a customs broker or a freight forwarder, A1WWL has you covered.
Because of China’s ability to manufacture products on a large scale, importing from the country can present many opportunities.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
DMT Transport is now hiring!!!
DMT is a flatbed carrier servicing the construction industry delivering steel beams, joists, girders, and deck. We also do precast, steel stairs and many other supplies related to the construction of new buildings.
We are an on-time delivery company with a lot of 7am crane appointments in and around Chicagoland. Early mornings are a must, but this is a home daily position.
Applicants need to have two years of experience driving a manual transmission tractor trailer combination vehicle.
This is an hourly paid position. Hourly rate depends on experience.
DMT offers:
Paid holidays
Paid vacation and sick time
401K
Short term/long-term disability/and life insurance (paid by DMT).
We have three BC/BS Medical Plans to choose from.
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
The Medical/Dental and Vision insurances are partially paid by DMT and the employee.
DMT Transport is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where an applicant’s qualifications are considered without regard to race / color / religion / sex / national origin / veteran / disability / age / sexual orientation / gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.
#hiring #aurorail #CDL
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/
There are a variety of ways to move items to and from Alaska. Most of the time, we are moving items from the lower 48 to Alaska which happens to be our specialty here at 49th Freight. What if you only have a few small items or just a pallet? That is where utilizing our less-than-truckload (“LTL”) and consolidation options might make sense.
LTL
What is LTL? LTL stands for less-than-truck load. This essentially describes a method for shipping freight that does not take up all the space on a truck or container, referred to as less-than-container load or LCL. This offers several benefits. You are only paying for the space that you need, thus reducing your overall shipping costs since you share the cost with the other shippers utilizing the space in the truck.
Consolidation and Freight Forwarding
When operating a business, you may order freight from a variety of vendors. Often, it would be more expensive to have each item shipped up to Alaska separately. Luckily, there is a better way to manage orders like this. Consolidation allows for 49th Freight to receive these shipments from the various venders and hold them and ship them all together on the next ocean sailing to Alaska. The shipment can then go LTL to its final destination. This can help your business in several ways. Businesses can receive all their freight in a bulk shipment instead of separately. Additionally, it allows businesses to save money on shipping expenses.
Tacoma to Anchorage Journey
Let’s use Tacoma to Anchorage as an example. Sandra has a commercial cleaning company that cleans office buildings here in Anchorage. Due to the high demand of her business, she orders all of her supplies in bulk so that she has a stockpile to pull from. Sandra orders her mops, rags, non-hazardous cleaning chemicals, gloves, bathroom supplies, and garbage bags from different vendors in the Tacoma area. Sandra likes to order from local Tacoma-based businesses, but unfortunately these businesses don’t handle the shipping due to their small size.
Sandra has all the supplies shipped to 49th Freight’s consolidation dock in Tacoma, Washington. As the supplies start to arrive at the dock, they are placed on a section of the dock and marked with Sandra’s name. Once all of the supplies arrive, they are put into a container and sent north to Alaska. Since it is only a couple pallets worth of supplies, we will use a less-than-truck or container load approach. Because this is a stock order (versus an urgent one), it will go over the water via container ship to the Anchorage port. Once it arrives at the port in Anchorage, it is then picked up by an LTL carrier in Anchorage and delivered to Sandra’s warehouse.
Conclusion
As Alaskans, we know that getting materials for businesses to Alaska can be a difficult and a potentially costly task. For businesses that aren’t shipping full truckloads of product, there is an alternative cost-effective option. LTL and Consolidation are ways that businesses can receive all their shipments in one delivery while saving money. 49th Freight has a dock in Tacoma, Washington that we use for consolidation and specialize in lower 48 to Alaska LTL.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
Why FWF Market Insights?
Stay up-to-date on industry trends with FWF’s market analysis. The logistics and transportation industry is constantly moving. Understanding the fundamentals of how rates are affected and staying relevant to trends begins with understanding supply and demand. It is vital for your business planning and market knowledge.
Using spot and contract data from DAT, FWF aggregated the monthly and quarterly linehaul rate-per-mile for reefers, flatbeds, and dry vans to determine the average for all three trailer types combined.
Quarterly Contract RPM Excluding Fuel
Quarterly Spot RPM Excluding Fuel
Quarter Average
RPM
% Change
Quarter Average
RPM
% Change
Q3 2021 Average
$2.62
Q3 2021 Average
$2.63
Q4 2021 Average
$2.68
+2.3%
Q4 2021 Average
$2.70
+2.7%
Q1 2022 Average
$2.75
+2.6%
Q1 2022 Average
$2.74
+1.4%
Q2 2022 Average
$2.79
+1.4%
Q2 2022 Average
$2.31
-15.8%
Q3 2022 Average
$2.71
-2.6%
Q3 2022 Average
$2.13
-7.9%
You can find the most up-to-date RPM data by trailer type on DAT.
Typically, contract rates lag behind spot rates by a few months as contracts are given at the beginning of every quarter or year. While spot rates began to fall during the second quarter and into the third quarter of 2022, contract rates held record highs. Carriers were more likely to accept contracted freight as the rates were higher, and in turn, shippers have not had to look to the spot market to secure load coverage as much as they did last year.
During this time of the year, shippers begin to look ahead to their next bids, allowing contract rates to move closer towards spot rate levels. According to FreightWaves, dry van contract rates fell around 5% in August, the first strong downward movement since 2020, followed by another 2.5% decline in early September. Contract rates are expected to continue to decline over the next quarter based on their elevation compared to the spot market, operating ~20% above spot rates. On average, contract rates fell 2.6% in Q3 from Q2.
The flatbed market saw the most significant loosening of capacity in Q3, as flatbed spot linehaul rates declined $0.47/mile from the beginning of June through September. According to DAT, flatbed load posts were 64% lower year-over-year in September, and 10% lower when compared to September 2018. Dry van linehaul spot rates fell ~$0.06/mile and reefers ~$0.12/mile throughout the third quarter, though their spot rates were relatively flat throughout September as activity picked up.
While volume is down significantly compared to the last two years, SONAR’s Outbound Tender Rejection Index remains 15.6% and 22.7% above 2018 and 2019 levels, respectively. A large contributor to the fast decline in rates is less in freight volumes, and more in the number of trucks available in the market. According to DAT, equipment posts on their load board for all 3 trailer types held at historic highs for all three trailer types as new entrants entered the market at the beginning of the year when rates were extremely attractive. As spot rates deflate and operation costs reach record highs, carriers may eventually be forced to leave the market, though it may be delayed as they have extra cash following one of the best years for carriers.
This chart was created by FWF using aggregated RPM data from DAT.
Diesel Prices
The cost of diesel peaked during the second quarter of the year, reaching a record high in June at a monthly national average of $5.75 per gallon. Following June, the price of diesel eased in all 3 months of Q3, though relatively flat from August to September. According to the EIA, the most recent diesel cost measured $4.84/gallon, a 15.8% decrease from their peak.
According to the EIA’s September Short-Term Energy Outlook, retail diesel prices are forecasted to average $4.90 in the fourth quarter of 2022 and $4.28 in 2023. While the cost of fuel is expected to increase for the remainder of the year, both carriers and shippers can look forward to relief in the next year.
Inflation continued to put pressure on consumers throughout Q3, and although signs of easing have emerged, there is still a long way down. While September’s Consumer Price Indexreading has not been released, CPI rose 0.1% in August on a seasonally adjusted basis after being unchanged in July. Over the last 12 months, the index increased 8.3% (down from 8.5% in July) before seasonal adjustment, with increases in food, shelter, and medical care being the largest contributors. While these increases seem small, inflationary pressures persist for consumers, taking away from consumer demand just ahead of a typically busy holiday spending period.
Retail sales rose 0.3% in August, with a 2.8% increase in automotive, a 1.1% increase in food services, and a 0.9% increase in department stores, though these numbers are not adjusted for inflation and indicate more of a rise in costs as opposed to growing activity. Despite the cooling, consumers are still spending money and retail sales remain elevated far above pre-pandemic levels.
The tight labor market has been a large contributor to consumer strength despite high levels of inflation. Monthly job openings decreased 1.1 million in August, though it remains at a historically high level. Layoffs increased 5.0% while quit rates remained flat, though elevated above pre-covid levels.
Although this signals that the job market may be cooling, it’s far from ‘cool’. The number of unemployed individuals per job opening remains at 0.60, suggesting that workers still have a positive job market to rely on. Quit rates remaining elevated also suggest that workers continue to feel comfortable enough to leave their current employment to secure a better opportunity.
Imports
Imports remained strong through the first two months of Q3, though the busiest U.S. port reported a substantial slowdown in volumes. Imports to the Port of Los Angeles, the highest volume port in the country, fell 16.7% m/m and 16.8% y/y in August. Despite the drop on the West Coast, total U.S. container imports remain close to record highs, just 1.8% below August 2021, and are up 18% vs August 2019, highlighting the shift in imports to the other side of the country.
The Port of Savannah’s August imports were up 15.6% m/m, 18.5% y/y, and 34% versus August 2019. This change has also caused congestion to shift, with a reported backlog of ~100 ships waiting to be unloaded off of East Coast ports in September. A substantial amount of volume has also shifted from LA to Long beach, where imports were up 2.2% m/m, confirming import strength despite the port of LA reporting slowed activity.
In September, PIERS reports imports to all U.S. ports were up 1.5% y/y and 13.3% from September 2019. While imports to the West Coast continued to decrease 11.5% y/y and 3.6% compared to 2019, East Coast ports increased 10% y/y and 24% from 2019 and Gulf Coast imports increased 28.4% y/y and 59.3% compared to 2019. The Georgia Ports Authority also reported that Hurricane Ian had an impact on imports as operations were halted for three days. Year-over-year import numbers may weaken in Q4, but consumer demand has not slowed down as expected.
ISM Purchasing Manager’s Index
The Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) is a measure of the direction of economic trends in manufacturing. Covering 19 industries, including both upstream and downstream activity, this is a leading indicator of overall economic activity. In the United States, a PMI reading over 50 means the manufacturing economy is expanding, while a reading under 50 means the industry is contracting. When the PMI indicates an expansionary manufacturing economy, volume increases due to increased output.
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in September for the 28th consecutive month, measuring 50.9%, down 1.9 percentage points from August. Although this indicates that the U.S. manufacturing continued to expand, 50.9% is the lowest measure since the pandemic recovery began in May of 2020 and has been decreasing throughout 2022, inching towards a contractionary state.
Conclusion
Q3 of 2022 saw continued normalization of the market, as spot rates continued to decline. Despite the loosening of the market, there are still positive indicators for the short-term outlook. While consumers are challenged with high levels of inflation, there are signs that inflation has peaked. Consumers are also continuing to spend their money despite these pressures, as they have had a strong labor market to rely on. Imports show signs of continued strength, despite the shift from the West Coast to the East and Gulf Coasts. Manufacturing activity in the U.S. has certainly slowed, but September’s measure indicates that it is still expanding.
The fourth quarter of the year is typically the busiest season for freight as shippers look to stock up and move goods ahead of the holiday season . Much like the rest of this year has been, Q4 of 2022’s outlook is uncertain. While volume can be expected related to the upcoming holidays, shipments may be muted and rates may see an increase.
FWF continues to provide customers and carriers with reliable and new information to navigate the freight market with in-depth knowledge and data. Visit FWF’s resource center for more information that can improve your insights.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
5 Ways To Streamline Your Company’s Logistics
The business that involves moving products from one place to another need’s solid transportation management.
Our global market is in constant flux and so all logistical functions need to have plenty of vigilance. This has led to extreme complexity in managing, designing, and implementing logistical functions-related strategies.
Below are a few tips to streamline your company’s logistics:
Knowing your market:
Geopolitical disturbances coupled with the pandemic have led to ever-changing market scenarios. Laws and treaties governing the import-export of a particular product undergo frequent changes.
Knowing the ifs and buts of all the markets you operate in is the first step to streamlining your company’s logistical functions. This can have a direct impact on your profitability, so it is also clever to be ahead in the game.
Having this knowledge can also be fruitful when designing strategies for venturing into foreign markets.
Customer Friendly User Interface
The objective of every organization is for the consumer to return and purchase more, as well as to spread the word about us in his or her social circles. This is only possible if the organization prioritizes client happiness.
The most generic queries raised by the customers are “where is my parcel?” or “when will my product be delivered to me?”. For this, there needs to be a system in place for the customer service department to check and revert as quickly as possible.
Implementing an easy-to-use technology that allows clients to check on these details from anywhere on any device can save valuable time for all involved.
Implementing Latest Technology
We live in an age of QR codes and lightning-speed online payments.
The transportation industry is also at the helm of technological evolution with cloud-based solutions, robotics and automation at warehouses, blockchain, and so on.
We now have a transportation management system (TMS) that can monitor ELDs, telematics and GPS devices showing the current status of the shipment. Not just that they are designed to send alerts to management if something goes wrong. That’s the advantage of having a smart cargo – it has the ability to communicate and make the organization aware of any problems it detects in transit.
An intelligent, optimized transportation management system (TMS) can automate most of the tasks. At the same time, it also helps in lowering transportation costs, bringing to the table real-time roadblocks and improving logistics efficiencies.
Bringing home these latest technologies can help streamline your company’s logistical functions in many unfathomable ways.
Leverage existing systems
While all the talks are around implementing and adapting to new technologies – not all organizations can have the budget to do so. Also, this doesn’t mean that the existing systems are obsolete.
Try to use these systems to their best. The information or data collated can still be useful for planning and analysis. For instance, if an organization plans to develop a mobile supply chain then that can be developed using data from existing information systems.
Strong Internal as well as External Communication Systems
Efficient and timely communication systems are a must and don’t have any alternative.
Communication systems shall not just include internal parties but even the external parties must be looped in. For instance, while it is vital to report an issue that took place at the company’s warehouse it is equally important to say if the truck driver has been held back by state authority.
Logistical functions have many stakeholders and if all are not communicating well then one loophole can disrupt the system.
Every organization has its own way of running the business. And so every logistics department or team must strategise tailor-made solutions to streamline the company’s logistics.
We are the American Logistics Group Inc. We also go by the name ALG and are a federally regulated and bonded Freight broker company. Since 2006, we are providing cutting-edge technology, excellent customer service, and time-saving products.
At ALG, we strive to give only the finest level of service to all our customers and carriers. We provide a variety of shipments to meet your company’s demands, as well as while providing straightforward and immediate answers to all of your freight shipping operations. To learn more, please visit https://alg.us.com/, phone +716-337-5000 / 516-874-0909, or email [email protected] / [email protected]
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
LTL
This week while out making sales calls, we learned of a need to move a pallet of supplies from the Pacific Northwest to Alaska. This customer had some poor freight experiences previously and asked us for help in handling their next shipment. We went to our LTL (less-than-truckload) partners and came up with a shipping solution for the pallet of supplies that fit the budget and timeline of the customer. The shipment has been booked and is now pending pick up. This was a great success story as a freight broker because we can provide several options from different carriers and line them up with our customers needs.
Partial Flat Bed
This week we have encountered several shipments from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest. This customer encountered a problem where their freight was too large to go LTL (less-than-truckload) but too small to take up a full truck. Thankfully, our team at 49th Freight was able to come up with a solution. We contacted several of our carriers that we use on a regular basis. After speaking with them, we found out that they often have empty space on their trucks when running the I5 corridor. This was great news for both our customer and the carrier, a true match made in heaven! We were able to get the customers freight shipped for a great rate. Additionally, we were able to help fill the empty space on the carriers truck. This was a beneficial shipment for both parties!
Hold it right there!
We have a customer that is expanding and building additional facilities. We are excited to be a part of their expansion! In anticipation of this, they have ordered the freight that they need to complete the project and open their new location. Once their freight arrived in Anchorage, we held it at a facility nearby. This allows for us to deliver the freight as they need it, reduce the clutter at their worksite, and increase safety and productivity.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
Why is Logistic Management Indispensable for any Business?
Do you recollect the last time you went to a store to buy a new phone? Or visited a grocery store? – Visiting a physical store is becoming rare when anything and everything can be delivered to your doorstep.
Supply chain management as a function of any organization, whether in-house or outsourced, is growing at breakneck speed. More so since the unforgettable days of the pandemic struck our life. The most pressing necessity during those post-apocalyptic days was how to guarantee that people had simple and rapid access to necessities such as food, medication, shelter, and so on.
During these trying times, organizations strengthened their grip on their logistical operations. This resulted in even faster delivery, reduced operational expenses, building apt and adequate storage capacities, boosting profitability, and, most importantly, expanding their loyal customer network.
Let us have a quick look at the importance of logistics for a business:
1. On-time Delivery linked to Customer Loyalty
Customer loyalty to a great extent is related to the timely delivery of the products. So, delayed delivery, in most cases, certainly leads to losing a customer. So much so that behemoths like Amazon and others strive to deliver the product within 24 hours. They go a step further and let the customer plan for their delivery as well. This has a direct link to forming long customer loyalty.
So, have systems in place that your products can be delivered either on or before time by managing lead times, inventories, and suppliers. Organizations having an up-and-running logistics function can even cater to their customers’ short-notice needs.
2. Improved Customers’ Experience
Customers’ overall experience has to be good for them to come back to your organization. This includes everything from the packaging, pricing, friendly user interface, safe payment methods, trusted and genuine product reviews, and so on. Companies these days ergo are investing heavily in creating user-friendly interfaces.
An efficient logistics team can help the management constantly increase their efforts toward improved customer experience.
3. Reduced Overheads and Enhanced Profitability
Overheads weigh heavily on the profit and loss statement of any organization. Even a slight reduction in these costs can shoot up profits. With logistics management, organizations are able to work around their shipping cost and manage their warehouse spacing by proactively controlling inventory levels. These adjustments lead to reduced overhead that has a direct impact on the profits.
4. Risk assessment and mitigation strategy
Risk is an inevitable part of any business. Every organization has its own set of unique risks that they try to mitigate. Logistics management helps owners categorize these risks depending on their intensity into a high, medium and low bucket. Then a mitigation strategy is crafted to avoid ad hoc losses whether financial or otherwise.
The importance of logistics management cannot be contained in one write-up – as it touches every aspect of business and is ever evolving.
We have been in the business for almost 15 years. This has given us immense knowledge and so we have used our experience over the years in deploying systems and processes that can suit our customer’s needs.
We are the American Logistics Group Inc. We also go by the name ALG and are a federally regulated and bonded Freight broker company. Since 2006, we are providing cutting-edge technology, excellent customer service, and time-saving products.
At ALG, we strive to give only the finest level of service to all our customers and carriers. We provide a variety of shipments to meet your company’s demands, as well as while providing straightforward and immediate answers to all of your freight shipping operations. To learn more, please visit https://alg.us.com/, phone +716-337-5000 / 516-874-0909, or email [email protected] / [email protected]
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
Introduction
Everyone who lives in the 49th state knows that getting fresh produce, meat, plants, trees, and other goods that need to be temperature controlled, can be a challenge. At 49th Freight, we know that moving this freight can be a daunting task. There are a variety of factors to consider; weather, road closures, mechanical breakdowns, temperature controlling the goods, and simply transporting the freight with care. Alaskans know that there of the variety of transportation modes, with pros and cons to each, to move freight to our great state.
Over-the-road refrigerated trucking (Reefer) to Alaska
Produce and other goods received here in Alaska are only 2-5 days older than those you would find in Seattle or other areas on the West Coast. Here at 49th Freight, we believe the best approach to transport these goods is over-the-road. By doing this, we can deliver fresh bananas all the way to the North Slope and enjoy stunning Christmas trees during the holiday season.
How is this accomplished?
Weather is unforgiving. That’s why it is important to have a skilled team of drivers, with reliable equipment for time and temperature sensitive deliveries. There is a heavy planning component for Reefer shipments. For example, making sure the Christmas trees have all of the water that they will need during their 75-hour transit period. Once the doors shut, the trees are enclosed until they arrive at their destination. Another example would be making sure the produce and meat deliveries arrive on time so that they reach the market as fresh as possible. At 49th Freight we believe it is best to be prepared. Should an issue arise with a truck or a shipment, we have other trucks available to step in and assist ensuring that the delivery makes it in a timely manner to reach the market.
What’s the alternative?
As every Alaskan knows, shipping the items we want is nothing that’s new to us. There are barge and steamship (containership) services that leave ports in Washington for Alaska two times per week. We do not recommend this service for your fresh produce and meat simply because the transit time from port to port is 5-10 days. When the ships arrive in Anchorage, they are sorted and need to make their way to the final destination. This extended shipping time can make the difference between fresh and spoiled products.
Conclusion
There are a variety of options to move goods to and from Alaska. For your perishable goods, 49th Freight recommends over-the-road refrigerated trucking. This short delivery time is your best option to ensure that perishable goods reach the market fresh. If you have temperature regulated, time sensitive shipments, exploring over-the-road reefer services to Alaska, may be the best option for you.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
Introduction
At 49th Freight we understand that shipping to Alaska can be challenging. We have observed that it can be routine to route freight through Seattle so it can be put on a barge or through Tacoma so it can be put on a steam ship. We, as businesspeople in Alaska, are accustomed to these modes of transportation and likely have routine ordering systems in place to accommodate them. However, here at 49th Freight we have discovered that over-the-road, direct trucking can be an economical option. Below are characteristics of freight where over-the-road shipping should be considered.
Freight needing to move over 3500 miles
On average, trucking rates from the lower 48 to Alaska start at $3/mile and go up from there. Rates fluctuate based on the following factors:
Type of equipment required – specialized equipment costs more
Weight of the shipment – the heavier the load, the more fuel that is burned
Driver labor time involved – load tarping, waiting for the shipper to load the truck, permitting, etc. costs the driver time which they earn compensation
A single driver can safely accomplish approximately 500 miles per day and a little more when driving through the northern parts of Canada. This results in delivery times to Alaska of 7-10 days from just about any part of the country. The alternative to over-the-road trucking directly to Alaska is to truck shipments to Seattle or Tacoma, transload the shipment onto the barge or steam ship, await the arrival of the vessel in Alaska and plan for delivery via truck to final destination or customer pickup. The average ocean shipment time can range from 4 to 10 days plus your transport time to get from the origin to Seattle or Tacoma then to final delivery. Considering the increased chance of damage or loss through additional handling (the transload from over–the-road equipment to the ocean equipment) and the sailing and delivery times, we argue that if your shipment originates more than 3500 miles from its Alaska delivery point, it could be more economical to truck it over-the-road.
Utilizing 53’ Equipment
On the Alaska Highway system, it is common to see trucks hauling two trailers at one time (“hauling doubles”). Per regulation with this configuration, the truck cannot exceed 96’ in total - truck bumper to the end of the last trailer. The max load is usually accomplished by hauling two 40’ trailers. A single 40’ trailer or van can hold 20 standard (48”) pallets.
In the lower 48, the common length of a dry van, flatbed or step deck trailer is 53’. A 53’ trailer or van can hold 26 standard pallets. Utilizing 53’ equipment for shipments to Alaska will allow customers to ship more per trailer load proving to be a great value to customers.
Direct trucking with no transloading
As briefly mentioned, transloading means additional handling which can increase the risk of damage (including loss) and labor expenses (often times built into the shipping rate). Trucks inbound to Seattle or Tacoma are offloaded and then re-loaded onto the barge or steam ship.
Conclusion
Alaska has a great, reliable option of transporting goods via barge or steam ship and as lifelong residents, we greatly value this option. It works well for the steady delivery of essential goods which are predictable and ordered in a timely manner.
Over-the-road trucking into Alaska has several benefits for customers. While it may not always be less expensive than going via the water, assurance that you will receive materials by a required date (often with truck tracking) can be of great value for many Alaskan businesses. Not to mention, avoiding extra handling is also a perk. In short, over-the-road services are worth exploring for shipments when the origin is over 3500 miles away from Alaska, requires greater that 40’ equipment, and should not be transloaded to other equipment while in transit.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
Here is why business software is considered the backbone of the Freight Broker’s Industry
Freight brokers are accountable for the cargo they convey. As a result, they must guarantee that they have access to all relevant information in real-time. To make their lives easier, the IT sector has created a variety of systems and software to meet their ever-changing business needs.
Here is the list of software or systems used by ALG to provide top-notch freight broking services to its clients.
Aljex
By automating manual tasks related to business operations, one can increase the efficiency of the business and increase load/shipment volume. To support this idea the market is filled with transport management systems. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the best system that checks most of the boxes of our business requirements.
At ALG, we use Descartes Aljex software to automate and improve freight brokerage operations which has features like a secure payment portal for quick and seamless transactions and cloud-based software to maximize data protection.
Truck Stop Diamond Broker
The process of selecting carriers as per the client’s individual requirements could be cumbersome. To help our client, we have our very own Diamond Broker Program.
Our Diamond Broker Program delivers a proven marketing and advertising advantage on the Truckstop.com Load Board and eases the broker selection process for carriers. We are proud to hold a Diamond Broker Bond designation, which delivers valuable assurance to carriers regarding credit, performance history and quality.
Power DAT
This is one of the most powerful software that aids the client to review relevant results in real-time from trucking’s super-database to viewing multiple searches at once.
By using the DAT Freight & Analytics Power database, we are able to access the largest truckload freight marketplace in North America. With 887,000 loads posted every business day, our customers can search loads in real-time, with accurate spot market rates.
SaferWatch
Getting notifications about the carrier transporting your commodities is the service most of our clients are looking for. To cater to our client’s needs we make use of SaferWatch.
SaferWatch allows your company to customize a list of carrier data changes they want to be notified about called Alerts. Once a client is brought on board we set up the system so that the designated individuals receive mail Alerts. Through this software, you can register as many individuals from your company as you want and all of them will receive Alerts.
At ALG, we use SaferWatch which allows us to customize a list of carrier data changes that the client wants to be notified about through email.
8*8 Work
Switching between multiple platforms to cater to your work-related needs can affect efficiency and productivity. To help our employees we have taken the 8*8 work software.
8×8 Work is a cloud-based app that brings together voice communications, video meetings, and team messaging on your desktop PC or smartphone.
Eliminating the need to switch between multiple devic
es, seamless flipping of calls from your desk phone to your desktop or mobile app, powerful analytics, etc. are a few of the many benefits that come along with this software.
To know more about us or to book your shipment you can please visit https://alg.us.com/, phone +716-337-5000 / 516-874-0909, or email [email protected] / [email protected].At ALG, we strive to give only the finest level of service to all our customers and carriers. We provide a variety of shipments to meet your company’s demands, as well as while providing straightforward and immediate answers to all of your freight shipping operations.
MD United
Cargo & Freight, Transportation Services, Trucking Company, CDL Class A Drivers, Dispatch & Safety Team
https://mdunited.com/
Availing of 3PL Services Can Draw Great Benefits – Know-how
“90 percent of the Fortune 500 companies use Third-Party Logistics and supply chain services” – this news published by Armstrong and Associates Inc. back in 2017 took the industry by a storm.
The Global third-party logistics (3PL) market was valued at around $ 1 trillion in the year 2020 and it is expected to reach $1.75 trillion by 2026. This speaks volumes about the significance of the supply chain industry and its indispensable role in today’s ‘fast track delivery era’. It is alright to believe that the supply chain industry is here to stay owing to the massive expansion of our e-commerce industry.
The movement of commodities, whether raw materials, semi-finished goods, or finished items, is unavoidable in every business. As a result, it is safe to claim that most company models must have a supply chain strategy.
3PL is a service provider who is believed to be the maestro at planning everything around supply chain operations.
Before we look at the advantages of having a 3PL partner let us comprehend what a 3PL is.
What is a 3PL (third-party logistics)?
Every firm has a specialty and staying focused on developing it is critical. The best outcomes may be obtained when the expertise or specialty is used to produce the best results. A manufacturing behemoth, for example, may find it challenging to manage its supply chain management role. This is where the services of a 3PL come in handy.
In layman’s terms, 3PL is a partner or a service provider aiding businesses of any field in managing their supply chain-related activities. It is a service provider managing a few or all activities related to your supply chain functionalities. They are a culmination/host of one or more services ranging from warehousing, inventory management, shipping coordination, distribution, and returns.
Why do companies opt for 3PL services?
The reason for opting for 3PL services could vary from business to business. Some may use it to venture into a new market, others to create a positive customer experience and so on.
Here are a few common reasons why companies opt to partner with the 3PL service provider:
1. Taking advantage of someone else’s expertise and experience
In this dynamic and unpredictable global market, it is tuff to have a team of in-house experts for all functions. Having such a team means a greater cost which not all businesses can survive.
It is, therefore, easier to take the advice of an expert when it comes to your supply chain management function. A 3PL service provider is well versed with the domestic transport channels, import export-related documentation, international regulations, and so on. Their expertise and experience can change the landscape of your supply chain function.
2. Cost saving
The primary job of a 3PL service provider is to successfully manage the supply chain function of as many businesses as possible. As their business footprint manifolds so do their bargaining power with different stakeholders involved in the supply chain.
Their deeper connections within the logistics sector can give him a better advantage during negotiations. This can lead to a reduced overhead cost for your business.
3. Mitigation of risk
Shipping delays can happen for a number of unfathomable reasons.Frequent delays can pose a greater risk for your business as it directly affects the trust in your brand.
Engaging a 3PL service provider can mitigate such risks. It is the responsibility of the service provider to manage and arrange an alternate route for delivery. This takes the burden off your head and shifts the sole responsibility to the service provider. In many cases, you can also get protection against goods damaged or lost, given the terms of your engagement.
4. Greater Customer Satisfaction
The goods are delivered to the customer in a time-bound manner. Anything that can go wrong, between the gate of your factory to the door of your customer, is the ultimate responsibility of your 3PL partner. So, they are more agile in ensuring customer satisfaction.
Also, all of the above steps create greater brand reliability for your business fetching stupendous prosperity in the long run.
At ALG, we strive to give only the finest level of service to all our customers and carriers. We provide a variety of shipments to meet your company’s demands, as well as while providing straightforward and immediate answers to all of your freight shipping operations. To learn more, please visit https://alg.us.com/, phone +716-337-5000 / 516-874-0909, or email [email protected] / [email protected]
