Have you ever had issues with port congestion or total transit time and cost issues for international freight? Taylor Logistics has a specific team that specializes in services with the New Jersey/New York Ports.
It takes a lot of bandwidth to operate a retail business. Whether you are an online retailer or run a brick-and-mortar business, you depend on the efficient movement of freight to maintain your operations. Logistics is the main component of any retail operation, from receiving inventory to shipping orders directly to customers. The amount of resources a retailer spends on operating its supply chain is unknown to most casual shoppers. This is an area where working with an experienced 3PL can be incredibly beneficial for any retailer.
There are multiple roles that today’s third-party logistics providers take on for their clients. For retailers specifically, they are essentially outsourced agent that takes care of numerous supply chain functions. Partnering with a 3PL allows a retailer to focus on driving sales, improving customer service, and other daily operations that help them increase sales and, thus, make more profits. Specifically, a 3PL can handle several specific logistics functions, including:
Scalable Services
A 3PL allows you to analyze your labor, transportation, and spacing needs depending on your business parameters. Businesses that focus more heavily on seasonal sales can benefit from this practice. You can always ramp up deliveries, warehouse space, and any other logistics a 3PL can provide when consumer demand dictates.
Cost-efficiency
Many companies assume that outsourcing to a third party by default means spending more on service fees. However, all the efforts of a 3PL will eventually save you money. Ultimately, the overall cost will be less than an in-house supply chain management. A 3PL is a one-stop shop for most of your supply chain needs. You do not have to invest in warehousing, technology, or a logistics team.
Bulk Shipping Rates
Shipping rates, especially spot rates, can fluctuate weekly depending on several outside sources, even daily in some cases. As a result, retail companies need stability in the market to ship their products. Bulk shipping rates help that happen. This is where 3PLs can help, especially since many retail companies need the negotiating power of a 3PL.
Distribution Network
3PLs have contacts throughout the country. If your business grows, a 3PL can offer additional resources from those within its network to assist that growth. At Taylor, we have a carrier network of 60,000+. With a carrier size that large, we can find you lanes and capacity to move your freight.
It’s one of the biggest days in sports and the second 2nd largest U.S. food consumption day of the year—Thanksgiving being the first. Yep. It’s the Super Bowl. This year it’s the battle of the Kansas City Chiefs vs the Philadelphia Eagles (or Kelce v Kelce). Because it’s such a large snack day shippers who offer the most popular items at big game parties must ensure their supply chains operate smoothly. As a result, fans will be able to purchase the right food and drink in the right quantities, as retailers will have the right food and drinks in stock. Freshness is paramount when shipping food and beverage freight, so supply chain management plays a crucial role here. Temperature-controlled storage is necessary for many of these items, especially in winter. Depending on the product type, shipping ahead and staging in warehouses may be fine. However, other products can only have a slight lead time due to the risk of spoilage. If you’re a food or drink shipper reading this now with plans to sell, sell, sell for the big game, expedited freight is still an option – especially with capacity still generally available. But ideally, you’re already ahead of the game and have had your ducks – or chips or bottles – in a row for a while.
It’s not Super Bowl Sunday without wings, our favorite drinks, and every kind of chip dip imaginable (especially Skyline dip IYKYK). Over 1.25 Billion chicken wings, 28 million pounds of potato chips, 54 million avocados, and 50 million cases of beer will be consumed. With an abundance of demand, goods need to arrive on time to avoid shortages and missed opportunities for profits in retail. So whether fans make purchases in State Farm Stadium, from their local market to bring home, or out at their favorite sports bar, consumers are ready to spend for the experience. Food, alcohol, apparel, and decorations will need to be stocked by retailers.
The most important and challenging problem in fulfillment is last-mile delivery. If a disaster strikes a carrier, the most significant impact is during the transfer from distribution center to retail. Distribution centers cannot order perishable items too far in advance. However, suppose an inbound load is late to the distribution center. In that case, stores can order other items from their distribution inventory while still receiving their in-demand non-perishables. With interruptions in last-mile delivery, consumables may not reach the shelves in time for the big game surge in purchasing. Retailers do not like losing profits and market share.
Carriers want to focus on accurate projections to make best-fit decisions between FTL and LTL. FTL options are enticing due to lower spot rates; however, LTLs can have a significant cost-benefit advantage when expediting a load is the priority. Unfortunately, carriers can lose the gamble with FTL. When shippers are in a crunch for time and need to get, a load sent out, even if it’s a partial, they may end up paying FTL rates instead of LTL rates, which tend to be decidedly cheaper for the volume of freight being shipped.
Luckily, resources like visibility and real-time notifications mean that making a reliable supply chain doesn’t have to feel like betting. Instead, with transparency through technology and an excellent team like Taylor, your business will score big and win each time.
Regardless of the time, day, month, or year, we can provide a precise update on what is happening with your cargo. If there are any problems, we will notify you so that a solution may be implemented before matters escalate. In addition, the information provided is so accurate that you do not have to worry about complaints later for incorrect information or the correct information at the wrong time. If you’re not already partnering with a 3PL with container tracking capabilities, let’s walk you through how your business can benefit.
Container tracking is a series of technological functions that allows shippers, carriers, and freight forwarders to access the latest status updates on cargo. The technology is effective regardless of location, time zone, route, port, personnel, and cargo type. Despite these benefits, experts are still trying to understand why the technology is not widely used in the sector.
Container tracking provides operations teams with accurate freight arrival and departure times, improving personnel productivity and exception management by reducing manual detective work by 20-50%.
The ocean carriers have been slower to introduce this new technology because hours and minutes matter in trucking, whereas ocean shipping thinks more in terms of days. Identifying and responding to potential disruptions can significantly reduce demurrage fees and accessorial charges. This innovation and profit-boosting system for container tracking requires on-demand access to accurate and reliable accountability streams.
By partnering with Taylor, you gain access to our container tracking capabilities; we constantly evolve our technology to be best in class. That’s why we partner with project44 to provide our customers with the best data. project44 delivers, covering more than 96% of the world’s container volumes, with the highest data quality and most accurate ETAs available. Have questions? Please fill out the form below, and a member of our team will reach out ASAP.
What we do is more than logistics. It’s people, it’s places, it’s things. We know our customers’ brands have important places to be, and we know how to get them there. Partner with Taylor today.
Cincinnati, OH — December 29, 2022 — Third-party logistics company Taylor Logistics Inc. held its third annual Carrier of the Year Awards program, recognizing its most outstanding North American carrier. This unique awards program recognizes carriers that go above and beyond by displaying the highest level of service and operational excellence and establishing quality relationships with Taylor. We proudly announce that NGL Transportation is this year’s Carrier of the Year.
“One of NGL’s core differentiators is customer obsession – a practice that can be simple in concept but challenging in execution; we have a dedicated CSR and support from both the drayage and warehousing to ensure customer success,” said Nicholas Ratliff, Logistics Coordinator Taylor Logistics Inc. “We especially want to celebrate those who keep our country moving in these uncertain times and go above and beyond what’s asked of them. Our 2022 Carrier of the Year is the best example of reliable, high-quality carriers that make up our network.”
The carrier presented with this award was chosen from the company’s unmatched network of 80,000 carriers and was determined based on an evaluation of each company’s carrier scorecard performance – a rating system that evaluates carrier performance in quality, extraordinary partnership, operational excellence, on-time performance, and customer service – and input from Taylor senior leadership.
It’s that time of the year again when shoppers decide what gifts to buy, and merchants prepare for the busiest time of the year. However, to have a successful holiday season, consumers and eCommerce businesses must be aware of the 2022 holiday shipping deadlines.
Holiday shipping deadlines are a vital tool to help merchants manage customer expectations and minimize poor customer experiences resulting from late delivery. In this post, you’ll find the 2022 holiday shipping deadlines for USPS, FedEx, and UPS – along with some other pearls of wisdom for managing holiday shipping.
Thanks to worries about more price increases and the need to spread out holiday spending, consumers are starting their gift-buying earlier than ever before.
According to 4Over’s recent survey, 73% of consumers are expecting additional price hikes during the holiday season. As a result, 31% say they plan to start their holiday shopping in early November, while 23% plan to buy gifts as soon as possible.
Naturally, this has a big impact on what proportion of orders are going to be placed at what time. So while earlier shopping means fewer orders will come close to shipping cutoff dates, there are still the laggards to watch out for.
Every year, freight shipping is different. However, in a lousy year or a good year – there is always a particular pattern. According to this pattern, we forecast and plan for the whole year. Like fall, winter, spring, and summer, the transportation industry has four seasons. Below are the four seasons of freight shipping.
It’s a new year; the holidays are past us, and freight volume is declining. Not to mention these months are the peak of winter, and the frigid temperatures and snowy roadways are not shipping-friendly. Typically during these months, logistics companies are recovering from holiday shipping. As a result, freight volume will start to progress as the months approach the spring season.
With the arrival of spring, the produce season begins. Freight volumes will increase, and carriers will have more loads to choose from, allowing them to pick and choose different loads. With pickier carriers, finding trucks becomes more challenging, and rates increase. In certain parts of the United States, the capacity and shipping rates change significantly for non-produce shippers, as carriers are massively switching to high-paying produce loads.
Produce season has come to an end; however, the hecticness doesn’t stop here. It’s time to prepare for the back-to-school season and start planning for the upcoming holidays. During these months, sales are typically up, and companies rapidly ship products in and out of their facilities to ensure all inventory is ready for the holidays. As a result, rates are still climbing, and freight volumes are towering.
Happy Holidays! It’s that time of year again; companies are rushing to complete last-minute purchase requests before the holiday closures. The new year is rapidly approaching, and no one wants to leave freight behind and drag it into the new year. The roads start to get busy with people taking time off for long weekends, holiday gatherings, and vacation time. It’s a time that needs to be carefully planned as last-minute items can pop up, and delays are likely.
Taylor Logistics has experience in each shipping season. We want to help you through each season and ensure you get the most out of each month. If you wish each year to be smooth and efficient, get a quote and partner with Taylor today.
Contrary to recent news headlines, port volumes increase and are speculated to continue. We’ve all seen the clickbait titles stating “U.S. Import Demand is Dropping off a Cliff (June 7, 2022)” or even “U.S. Retail Cargo Seen Cooling in Second Half as Inflation, Rates Bite (August 8, 2022)”. But is there any truth to these reader-inducing headlines? Not really – While there is no doubt that economic growth in the U.S. has slowed substantially from the breakneck pace experienced last year, a closer look at the subcomponents for GDP suggests that domestic and international transportation providers can expect demand to hold strong through the remainder of 2022. Here’s what our team found after scouring the web to find factual metrics from reliable sources:
Despite the dollar being incredibly strong relative to other currencies, US exports increased 3.7 percent between the first and second quarters of 2022. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, this increase was larger, at 5.1 percent. This suggests demand for American products despite the higher costs other nations are paying for them. Supporting article.
Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq: DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, released its July 2022 report on the ongoing global shipping crisis and analysis for logistics and supply chain professionals. The report shows another record month of U.S. ocean container import volume in June 2022 versus June 2021. While volumes are lower than May 2022’s record, they remain above the level that has caused port congestion and delays for the last 15 months. Supporting article.
Taken together, the more granular data that underlies the GDP statistic suggests demand for transportation services, both domestic and international, is unlikely to cool substantially as we move through the second half of 2022. Rather than falling off a cliff as some have foretold, it appears we are moving toward a phase where freight markets are normalizing after two years where nothing has been normal.
In today’s market, it’s essential to ensure a successful supply chain. You can achieve this by partnering with a port solutions provider that offers reliable service, timely pick-ups, and supply chain visibility. In addition to this, #TeamTaylor provides free ocean container tracking. Partner with Taylor today.
Providing solutions to managing port chaos is our thing here’s how we do it:
With Real-Time Visibility
We offer real-time GPS tracking, automated status updates, and notifications for every container. Leveraging the power of the project44 cloud-based platform allows Taylor to provide customers complete visibility throughout the supply chain.
Flexible Capacity
Whether you are shipping a couple of containers or hundreds, Taylor has a vast network of vetted carriers ready to handle your freight seamlessly from port to store or anywhere in between.
Fast Implementation
When it comes to port services, speed is of the essence. That’s why our teams are quick to deploy solutions for your needs. So if you’re looking for speed and high service levels, look no further- partner with Taylor.
Our easy-to-use cloud-based customer portal gives you access to real-time insights on your freight while in transit and allows you to review scheduled loads.
For most shippers, carriers, and third-party logistics providers, scheduling has long been a time-consuming, manual process that typically requires multiple phone calls and emails to book an appointment. This process becomes even more problematic when appointments must be rescheduled due to a change in the driver’s estimated arrival time.
Recognizing this challenge, we implemented Opendock – a centralized dock management software that enables us to remove friction and streamline the appointment scheduling process for our customers.
Opendock uses Smart Scheduling technology to instantly select and book the best possible appointment by using artificial intelligence to analyze travel time and other factors. Should a driver’s ETA change while en route, the integration even enables Loadsmart to reschedule the appointment in seconds automatically.
Want to book on Taylor’s Opendock for World Park 1? You can do so here!
Fill out the form below and a Taylor rep will reach out ASAP!
Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, are predicting above-average hurricane activity this year — which would make it the seventh consecutive above-average hurricane season. NOAA’s outlook for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, which extends from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 65% chance of an above-normal season, a 25% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
Managing a supply chain is a complicated business on the best of days. However, under the unfavorable conditions of a tropical storm or hurricane, a supply chain can swiftly move from complex to chaotic, causing severe supply chain disruptions.
Potential Supply Chain Issues
Knowing the areas most likely to experience hurricane-related damage is vital when it comes to supply chain management. So is understanding which links in the chain are most likely to encounter disruption. These notably include the nation’s ports. Fulfillment centers and warehouses also are high on the list, as they often are built on low and within proximity to port terminals. Transportation routes are also a vulnerable spot, as floodwaters can wash out road surfaces. Even with major highways, such as Interstate 10 during Hurricane Katrina.
How to Prepare?
Awareness
The first step for prevention is awareness. Identifying facilities that are in high-risk areas helps managers prepare for the worst. This also includes maintaining a consistent system for checking on the weather every day along with the supply chain footprint.
Alternate plan
Having an emergency plan in place that includes factors such as alternative routes for drivers and procedures for production outside facilities in the path of potential disaster. If possible, ensuring that production is ramped so essential goods can get to their destinations before disaster strikes.
Coordination
Coordination between supply chain partners inside and outside your business is crucial. Establish a team that will be responsible for making decisions during a crisis, and communicate it throughout the supply chain. When communication channels break down, people often act and react on their own, thinking that they are doing the right thing, which may hurt the overall plan.
Supply Chain Intelligence Center for Disaster Information
The American Logistics Aid Network, in collaboration with different logistics and supply chain companies, has created a supply chain dashboard. The Supply Chain Intelligence center monitors the real-time status of roads, ports, and airports in disaster-impacted areas. Register to request access here.
Work with an Agile 3PL Provider
When a hurricane or tropical storm is on the horizon, it can be challenging to prepare your business for possible supply chain disruption. The best way to create a plan for your supply chain is to work with a proactive logistics solutions provider. We help companies of all sizes within various industries prepare for supply chain uncertainty. Talk with Taylor today. Fill out the form below, and a Team Taylor rep will be in touch in no time.
CINCINNATI, Ohio. – MAY, 24th 2022—Taylor Logistics, a third-party logistics solutions provider, announced that it has partnered with project44 the world’s leading Advanced Visibility Platform™ for shippers and logistics service providers.
Leveraging the power of the project44 cloud-based platform allows Taylor to increase operational efficiencies, reduce costs, improve shipping performance, and deliver an exceptional customer experience. Connected to thousands of carriers worldwide and having comprehensive coverage for all ELD and telematics devices, project44 supports all transportation modes and shipping types.
“We are excited about our partnership with project44. This allows our customers complete visibility throughout the supply chain that we were missing on the front end,” said Vince Bonhaus, Vice President of Logistics, Taylor Logistics Inc. “project44 was the obvious choice for our growing business.”
project44 is a Leader among Real-Time Transportation Visibility Providers, according to the Gartner Magic Quadrant. To learn more, visit www.project44.com.
Well, Q1 2022 had no shortage of curveballs, from record-high gas and oil prices to the war in Ukraine and supply chain blockades lasting days on end, on top of record-high inflation. With the unpredictability of Q1, our team is taking a look at the trends and events as we dive into the start of Q2.
Omnicron 2.0: Surprise, a new Covid variant, is making its course throughout the globe. This new BA.2 subvariant of Omicron could account for a surge in cases impacting consumer behavior. According to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week (04/04) BA.2 spreads 80% faster than the earlier Omicron, has more than doubled in the U.S. over two weeks and will become the dominant variant.
Inflation, Inflation, Inflation: Consumer demand remained strong throughout the quarter. But March has been unusually soft in the truckload freight market. Consumers just aren’t spending like they were in 2021. New research reveals that supply chain issues are exacerbating inflation. A recent study found that during 2022 trade is expected to expand further, due to a 16% increase in exports during 2021 and imports by 12%. Production levels have been unable to keep pace with demand leading to supply shortages and will limit import growth in 2022.
Ocean Freight: Container shipping costs are higher than ever and will stay high for the foreseeable future as importers continue to battle for space in the face of record demand for consumer goods from Asia. Covid resurgence in China disrupted productivity and the supply chain in March. Next potential disruption on-deck: West Coast Longshore Union contract expiration and negotiation.
Drivers: making headlines and making late-night television. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver had an entire 24-minute segment on, you guessed it, drivers (aired just last week). Now a 24-minute spot in any programming late night or news is pretty significant, and the transportation and trucking crisis in America is of the utmost importance. 70% of the US cargo is transported by truck; nearly everything you purchase comes to you by truck. That box of Mac & Cheese that’s been sitting in the pantry for a hot second – truck. Headphones – truck. Your dogs squeaky toy that has seen better days – truck. You get the point. 3.5 million truckers supply our goods in this country. But the entire industry is facing a crisis; there’s a lack of drivers, a pretty massive lack of drivers, and it’s only increasing year over year. Not just long-haul drivers but final-mile delivery drivers. Leading to an overall shortage on shelves, congestion, the domino effect.
Domestic Shipping: Consumer goods demand remains high, filling truck capacities on tight routes due to driver and equipment scarcities. Diesel fuel spiked when Russia invaded Ukraine. As a result, unprecedented ground freight cost is the norm across North America.
Peak produce season is approaching; our team is breaking down the 2022 season, rate increases, transport practices, and capacity challenges. Even if you do not ship or grow produce, this season can directly impact your transportation performance and spending.
What is produce season?
Produce season in the United States generally begins in February and continues through July. It’s the period in which the most significant volume of fruits and vegetables are harvested and shipped to food manufacturers, grocery stores, and other vendors across the country. In February, growing and harvesting kick off in Mexico, and we start to see an influx of produce imports into the U.S. Then, in late March, the produce wave moves to the southeastern states, southern Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, and southern California and continues to move north as temperatures rise.
The impact of produce season
Simply put, produce season it’s the rise in crop volumes and the elevated demand for trucks to transport these crops that impact capacity during this season. These factors lead to an upsurge in rates not only for shippers who utilize refrigerated trucks in harvesting areas but also for most shippers across other modes and regions.
How can you prepare for produce season?
It’s important for shippers to closely watch how all these current issues may magnify the typical challenges of the season. Here’s what you can do to avoid the potential problems during this season:
Partner with a team of logistics experts to help keep you informed of changes in the freight market during produce season
Ship your freight as early as possible and add flexibility into your delivery date
Factor in the longer lead time it may take to source trucks
Consider multimodal shipping solutions to explore alternate transport options
Work with a partner that keeps you informed about the effects of the produce season and educates you on how to adjust your network in response to agricultural fluctuations.
Taylor has a vast network of qualified carriers across the country. In addition, we’ve built a rapport with trucks that produce routes regularly and can help you deftly navigate capacity jumps.
The Commodity Classification Standards Board (CCSB) has released a Notice of Disposition outlining the suggested amendments considered at the public meeting on February 8, 2022.
Dispositions resulting in amendments to the National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®) will be published to supplement the NMFC. The supplement is scheduled to be issued on March 10, 2022, with an effective date of April 9, 2022.
Here are a few callouts; view the entire list here.
Cookware, 52890,52895, 52896 and 52900 (canceled) Refer to item 52880 (new).
Cookware, 52880 (new) Eleven density freight classes.
Sheet or Plate, Plastic NOI, 156300 Was classified based on packaging and united inches; amending to being classified based on greatest dimension and density, 9 subs/classes.
Fruits, Meats, Vegetables and Dairy Products, 76850 Density breaks and classes Changing. Currently, classes 70, 110 and 200; will be 100, 175 and 250.
Explosives, consisting of ammunition, propellants, etc., 64300 Item amended to clarify that explosives moving under this provision must be transported in U.S. DOT authorized packaging.
Ink Cartridges, 116030 Will now fall under 101740, Dry Ink or Toner, 101740.
Dry Ink or Toner, 101740 Currently, straight class 70. Being amended to three density-based classes (77.5,100 & 175)
Cables, Mechanical Control, 39510 Class changed from a straight class 70 to 11 density-based freight classes.
Door Lites, Sidelites or Transom Lites 34250 (new) Six freight classes based on greatest dim and density.
Friction Fabric or Friction Tape, 49450 and Cloth or Tape, Insulating, 49680 (canceled). Refer to 181823 (new)
Tape, Friction or Insulating NOI including Electrical Tape, 181823 (new). Eleven density-based freight classes.
Bags, Apparel, Bedding, Clothing or Garment Storage, 20510 (canceled). Refer to Bags NOI, 20580; 11 density-based freight classes.
Kernels, pumpkin seed, cooked, salted or not salted, etc 73710 (canceled). Refer to 73705 (new).
Kernels, Pumpkin Seed, cooked, salted or not salted, etc., 73705 (new); three density-based freight classes.
Filters cigarette, with integral plastic holder, disposable, 69083 Class changes from 100 to 200.
It’s one of the biggest days in sports and the second 2nd largest U.S. food consumption day of the year—Thanksgiving being the first. Yep. It’s the Super Bowl. And let me tell you, this year’s Super Bowl is a historical one and probably the best one yet. But, of course, we might be a bit biased being Cincinnati-based, and it may or may not have been thrown around to change our name to Burrow Logistics after our beloved Joseph Lee Burrow quarterback extraordinaire and king. So, combining our two loves logistics and the Cincinnati Bengals, let’s look at the logistics surrounding 2022 Super Bowl LVI. Who Dey.
It’s not Super Bowl Sunday without wings, our favorite drinks, and every kind of chip dip imaginable (especially Skyline dip IYKYK). Over 1.25 Billion chicken wings, 28 million pounds of potato chips, 54 million avocados, and 50 million cases of beer will be consumed. With an abundance of demand, goods need to arrive on time to avoid shortages and missed opportunities for profits in retail. So whether fans make purchases in SoFi Stadium, from their local market to bring home, or out at their favorite sports bar, consumers are ready to spend for the experience. Food, alcohol, apparel, and decorations will need to be stocked by retailers.
The most important and challenging problem in fulfillment is last-mile delivery. If a disaster strikes a carrier, the most significant impact is during the transfer from distribution center to retail. Distribution centers cannot order perishable items too far in advance. However, suppose an inbound load is late to the distribution center. In that case, stores can order other items from their distribution inventory while still receiving their in-demand non-perishables. With interruptions in last-mile delivery, consumables may not reach the shelves in time for the big game surge in purchasing. Retailers do not like losing profits and market share.
Carriers want to focus on accurate projections to make best-fit decisions between FTL and LTL. FTL options are enticing due to lower spot rates; however, LTLs can have a significant cost-benefit advantage when expediting a load is the priority. Unfortunately, carriers can lose the gamble with FTL. When shippers are in a crunch for time and need to get, a load sent out, even if it’s a partial, they may end up paying FTL rates instead of LTL rates, which tend to be decidedly cheaper for the volume of freight being shipped.
Luckily, resources like visibility and real-time notifications mean that making a reliable supply chain doesn’t have to feel like betting. Instead, with transparency through technology and an excellent team like Taylor, your business will score big and win each time.
Cincinnati, OH — November 30, 2021 — Third-party logistics company Taylor Logistics Inc. held its second annual carrier of the Year Awards program, recognizing its most outstanding North American carrier. This unique awards program recognizes carriers that go above and beyond by displaying the highest level of service, operational excellence and establishing quality relationships with Taylor. We are proud to announce that Gilco Agent Group is this years Carrier of the Year.
“Gilco truly cares, and it shows they are a true partner to Taylor, helping our customers day in and day out. They are always available for last-minute coverage, follow through with each commitment and provide solutions should issue arise” said Brian Remole, Taylor Logistics Inc. “We especially want to celebrate those who not only keep our country moving in these uncertain times but those who also go above and beyond what’s asked of them. Our 2021 Carrier of the Year is the best example of reliable, high-quality carriers that make up our network.”
The carrier presented with this award was chosen from the company’s unmatched network of 50,000 carriers and was determined based on an evaluation of each company’s carrier scorecard performance – a rating system that evaluates carrier performance in quality, extraordinary partnership, operational excellence, on-time performance, and customer service – and input from Taylor senior leadership.
This update is a report that analyzes data from multiple sources, including but not limited to FreightWaves SONAR, DAT, American Shipper, Morgan Stanley Research, FTR Transportation Intelligence, Journal of Commerce, and National Retail Federation(NRF).
The broken record phrase of “freight volumes continue to rise” is still in play. The current Outbound Tender Volume Index is roughly 3% higher year-over-year (YOY). We get that 3% might sound and look like a minimal increase but keep in mind volumes were accelerating quickly over the last several months of 2020. So while the comps are more challenging as we get into the more difficult months of 2021, the volumes are still dominating what they were a year ago. Our team is digesting the 2021 peak season and the factors that are currently influencing the market.
Many anticipated a slowdown in import activity, as ports are overburdened with operations and equipment trying to keep up with the constant influx of ships waiting to unload their cargo. But that is hardly the case. While the numbers fluctuate from day to day, there were 70 container ships in the queue on Monday in late September 2021, with a total capacity of 432,909 twenty-foot equivalent units. To put the vastness of that number in perspective, that’s more than the inbound container volume the Port of Long Beach handled in the entire month of August. It’s roughly what Charleston handles inbound in four months and what Savannah handles in two. So why the boom? Well, consumers are spending. eCommerce, a rise in CPG, the upcoming holiday season are driving demand for imported goods, requiring ships for transportation.
What happens when the cargo finally reaches the port? First, available trucks will flock to these locations due to the increased pay possibilities that this freight represents. Second, shippers and retailers waiting for their long-dormant freight will pay above-market rates to get their goods rushed directly to their destinations.
Consumer goods have encountered extensive growth since the start of the pandemic, and there are no signs of this trend slowing down. Employment numbers, a reliable predictor of spending, are the strongest since March of last year. While consumer spending did not need employment numbers to remain elevated for the past year, a more stable job market bodes well for the economic outlook and trends to continue. In August, consumer spending bounced back from a mid-summer lull. During the past month, it jumped .8% after a decline of .1% in July. Moreover, income rose by .2% as consumer prices increased by .4%.
Our team is here for you. No matter the situation, we’ve got your back.
We are here as your partner — we are an extension of your team with a clear understanding of our responsibility to replicate the strategic business goals of your organization. No matter the size of your business, we help our customers achieve the best possible freight outcomes and decrease overall costs.
If you’ve seen higher than expected freight rates, we hear you, we see you. There’s a couple of potential factors for these increases. Since Q2 of 2020, the freight markets have shown robust growth, which has raised rates dramatically. While this is good news for carriers and manufacturers, it has caused CPG shippers to pay the price in rising freight rates. In this week’s blog, our team analyzes the various factors that are driving up freight rates and why they are happening.
Factor 1 | Port Congestion
With pandemic-related consumer shopping habits, many West Coast ports operated at maximum capacity during the summer. In 2021, the uptick in imports has compounded the situation and caused even more congestion. March retail sales increased by 9.8% sequentially and 14.3% year-over-year. A 27.7% jump led to an increase in sales of food services. With more imports on board, shippers should brace for capacity constraints. As the produce season gets underway, rates will also rise.
Factor 2 | Produce Season
The start of the produce season typically occurs in February in the southern US. By spring/summertime, it has reached the majority of the US. During this time, capacity is tightened as refrigerated carriers dedicate a lot of their space to hauling produce. Other products that can ship via dry van or on refrigerated trucks will move to van transport, thus increasing freight rates across the board.
Factor 3 | Reliance on Split Shipments
eCommerce brands have been comprehensively using split shipments for years. Firstly goods need to be picked from inventories across different locations. With not enough room on a single truck or plane for an entire shipment, it may have to be divided into individual boxes and delivered individually. Split shipments happen to occur even more often during cross-country or international shipment of goods. The more the shipments, the costlier the shipping costs; therefore, the trend ends up being a pricey affair and often harmful to the shipping ecosystem.
Advance Planning
One of the most effective ways to combat these high freight rates is planning shipments far in advance. Cargo cost is increasing every day. To avoid paying surged charges and avail early bird facilities, companies have to plan their shipments well in advance strategically. Working with a team of transportation experts (Like Taylor) that uses digital platforms to leverage data on the freight costs to predict rates and trends affecting the rates will help to plan and lower costs.
Work With A Team Of Experts
Work with a dedicated logistics team to ensure conditions do not endanger profitability. Teaming up with a partner like Taylor can help your organization correctly forecast costs and find more favorable pricing through consolidation or mode optimization services.
Your favorite co-hosts, Chris Baum and Noelle Taylor, are back covering a full range of topics from port to door services, the lunar new year, expecting the unexpected, and drop trailer services.
Have you ever had issues with port congestion or total transit time and cost issues for international freight? Taylor Logistics has a specific team that specializes in services with the New Jersey/New York Ports.
CINCINNATI, O.H. / –2020 has been a challenging year; throughout all the hardship, Taylor Logistics, Inc thought it’s crucial to recognize an outstanding North American carrier partner that has gone the extra mile. We are proud to announce we have started a carrier of the year program. This unique award program recognizes a prestigious carrier for service, quality, and operational excellence based on various metrics, including on-time performance, customer service, value, and innovation. Taylor is proud to announce it has named Truesdell Trucking as its 2020 Carrier of the Year. Even during these unprecedented times in the world, Truesdell has remained committed to exceeding expectations at a time when it has never been more critical.
“2020 showed how vital carriers are to our Nation,” said Rex Taylor, president of Taylor Logistics, Inc. “We especially want to celebrate those who not only keep our country moving in these uncertain times but those who also go above and beyond what’s asked of them. Our 2020 Carrier of the Year is the best example of reliable, high-quality carriers that make up our network.”
About Taylor Logistics, Inc.
Taylor Logistics Inc. is the Nation’s Most Progressive Family Owned logistics company. From their founding in 1850 to today, Taylor is currently in sixth and seventh-generation ownership. Taylor’s passion is finding solutions for their customers through their various services. From warehousing both contract and public, freight brokerage, packaging, kitting, drayage, and trucking. All of which are customizable and technology-driven. Their 170 years of logistics experience have proven that they are not merely a vendor for your company – they are an extension of your team with a clear understanding of our responsibility to replicate your organization’s strategic business goals.
The holiday season should be the most wonderful time of family, food, and festivities; we love it all. But it’s also the most hectic time of the year for a retail or consumer goods supply chain; some even call it ‘Shipageddon.’ However, with the pandemic altering shopping habits, predicting what Q4 2020 has in store for retailers is anyone’s guess. Consequently, retailers must deploy creative tactics to remain competitive, increase customer loyalty, and get a piece of that holiday pie! We’re sharing some strategies to help prepare your business to be as prepared as possible during this unpredictable season.
Encourage Your Customers to Buy Early
This will not be the season for last-minute shoppers; we know many customers participated in Prime day in early October. The earlier, the better. However, a combination of physical restrictions in stores and capacity issues for carriers (due to historic levels of online orders) will extend the time shoppers can get in and out of stores and extend delivery times on shipments.
Optimize All Inventory
According to IHL Group, out-of-stocks account for $634 billion in lost sales worldwide each year due to poor inventory management. For a handful of huge shippers and retailers, it makes sense to divide the inventory into one stream for traditional replenishment and another for eCommerce fulfillment. But for most other companies, it would be wise to tear down the walls separating types of inventory. You could be placing undue stress on the distribution center when the same product is divided into different segments.
Get a Handle on Shipping Costs
Demand for express delivery exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic and is likely to continue to increase as the holidays creep closer. But with common carriers adding surcharges on parcel deliveries, offering fast delivery at little or no cost this holiday season can quickly wipe the profit off ship-to-home orders. To reduce last-mile delivery costs and compete with same-day shipping, here are some strategies a 3Pl will leverage:
Crowdsourced Fulfillment: Leverage crowdsourced delivery networks to connect with local couriers and reduce your last-mile delivery costs.
Diverse Carrier Mix: Include regional carriers in your carrier mix to handle increased volume and lessen your overall transportation costs. Rates for local parcel carriers are often lower than national carriers, and they have fewer surcharges and freight accessorial services charges.
Seek Out Support
A third-party logistics provider can be a valuable partner for seasonal fulfillment, thanks to scalable space, superior technology, flexible staffing, established relationships with carriers, and knowledge with best practices. We happen to know a fabulous 3PL that can be a valuable asset for your company. They are pretty great; learn more here.
The upcoming holiday season will be anything but ordinary. It’s hard to envision exactly how the season will pan out for retailers, much as it’s hard to predict any aspect of 2020. If you’ve realized you need supply chain management support to prepare for the unpredictable holiday season, we can help. Team Taylor has years of experience in the supply chain industry and has adapted to the government’s safety and health requirements at each of its fulfillment centers. From eCommerce fulfillment support to delivery options, we can help you get your customers’ orders to them right on time, safely and cost-effectively. Fill out the form below to talk to a Taylor rep! We hope it helps you have a holiday season that’s merry and bright!
When you know how shipping zones fit into your order fulfillment plan, it can help you better understand how they transform shipping costs and delivery time. Determine whether you can offer customers affordable shipping options and what you’d have to do to make that possible. See how much of an impact shipping zones have on your company’s profit and take significant steps to reduce shipping costs. In this blog, we’ll start by explaining what shipping zones are and then dig deeper to see why they’re essential in eCommerce order fulfillment.
Shipping zones are the geographic areas that carriers ship to, ranging from Zone 1 to Zone 8 for domestic shipments within the United States. Shipping carriers use shipping zones to measure the distance a package travels – from the point of origin to the destination. The location from which an order is shipped is the point of origin and located in Zone 1. The address it’s shipped to is the destination zone. The destination zone number will depend on how far it is from the point of origin, with Zone 8 being the farthest away.
Most shipping carriers determine shipping zones based on the distance from where the package is shipped from, to the destination:
Shipping zones are calculated based on where a package is shipped from. Meaning that two separate points of origin shipping to the same destination can often be shipped to different zones. Tools for determining shipping zones for your orders:
UPS Zones and Rates for the 48 Contiguous States: Enter your zip code of origin and download zone charts to a spreadsheet.
USPS Domestic Zone Chart: Go to the tab “Get Zone for ZIP Code Pair.” Then enter the zip code you’re mailing from and the zip code you’re mailing to, and you will get the shipping zone for your destination.
FedEx Zone List – Select “Yes” & “Domestic” when generating a rate sheet. Enter the zip code of origin. Choose the shipping service type, whether that’s Same Day, 2-Day or Ground. Download the zone chart to Excel.
If a company distributes its products across multiple fulfillment centers that are geographically close to its customers, it can reduce the amount of time in transit for many of their orders.
If you ship a high volume of products, it might make sense to place your inventory in many warehouses around the US. The amount you save by reducing the number of shipping zones could be substantial. Many eCommerce businesses would be stretched thin by the need to stock several warehouses when having multiple fulfillment centers. By choosing strategic fulfillment warehouse locations, you can place your products within a few zones of your customers. At the same time, you can get within a two-day delivery range for most of your customers. Did you know Cincinnati is one of the ideal locations for an eCommerce operation? Learn more here.
Taylor Logistics is a technology-focused automated order fulfillment provider. We use powerful analytic tools that help route each order to the fulfillment center that is closest to the end destination. There are many benefits to working with a 3PL if you are seeking logistics support, we’d love to hear from you. Chat with us!
From automotive parts to poultry to wine to toys and nearly everything in between, Team Taylor handles any freight you can think of. However, over our 170 years in business, we’ve become experts in the food and beverage industry. What stemmed from Safe Quality Foods certifications and programs for our warehousing division has now circulated into our freight brokerage, drayage department, and special project teams. Taylor understands the unique challenges involved and the specific needs of our food and beverage customers, paving the way for Taylor’s innovative supply chain solutions.
Whether you’re a small farm shipping out produce or meats, or a growing frozen food company wanting to increase your distribution, the transportation of your food products is a matter of the highest priority. Food quality and extreme delivery deadlines are just some of the many challenges food & beverage retailers are facing. Quick and prepared shipping is what can help strengthen your entire business. Essentially, perishable products require precise supply chain planning that can’t withstand any disruptions. With logistics playing such a massive role in transporting temperature-sensitive shipments, Team Taylor can provide you with consistent and functional solutions to optimize your supply chain. With an extensive network of reputable carriers and a team of logistics experts, we can ensure you will get the best out of our services:
Transportation management systems allow you to track and manage your shipments easily. Most TMS software can integrate with your companies systems through EDI, allowing for status updates on your load status.
Optimization is critical in any supply chain strategy and can figure out any wasted time our money within operations. Team Taylor’s experts can analyze your companies current strategy to ensure everything is seamless.
Taylor’s transportation solutions, dedicated support team, and technology, all strive to decrease your transportation costs and enhance efficiency. On average, shippers report from 15% cost savings after using our services.
The Commodity Classification Standards Board (CCSB) has posted proposed amendments to the National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®). These amendments will be published, pending reconsideration, on December 5, 2019, and are expected to go in effect on January 4, 2020. A few of the notable changes are listed below.
Foodstuffs, other than Frozen
Various foodstuffs are removed from item 73227 and reclassified. Item 72790 (Dips) is canceled with reference to new item 74700 (Sauces, Condiments, Dips or Spreads). New items are established as follows: 72030 (Baby Food), 72041 (Baking Powder), 72285 (Butters or Spreads, nut or seed, including Peanut Butter),74510 (Purees, fruit or vegetable, including applesauce) and 74737 (Shells, taco, or tortillas).
Boilers, Furnaces, Stoves and Related Articles
The NMFC code 25400 is canceled with reference to new item 26720 with classes based on a density break at 8 pcf.
Traps, Bullets or Target
The NMFC code 17670 is canceled and reestablished as new item NMFC 187130.
On the October episode of Taylor Talk, customer relations coordinator Rhonda Mettey discusses Taylor’s transportation logistics processes. How they’ve changed throughout the years, the bumps and hurdles along the way, and how we’ve become the Nation’s Most Progressive Family Owned Logistics Company. Click the links below to listen!
Customer Service Relations Coordinator Rhonda Mettey discusses Taylor’s carrier qualifications. To listen to the episode click here.
At Taylor, it is our mission to exceed customer expectations by diligently working harder, smarter and longer than any logistics company while ethically serving our employees, our carrier base, the environment, and the motoring public. As a service provider, our most crucial goal is to provide the highest level of service for our customers and our customer’s customers. With thousands of other logistics company in a very competitive industry, customer service is the nucleus for how we conduct our business.
The foundation for excellent customer service is relationships. One of the most valuable relationships as a third party logistics company is the relationship we build with our carrier base. Without a go-to contact base comprised of best in class carriers, it would be impossible to meet delivery schedules, keep up with customers volume, and stick to rate benchmarks. We also leverage our transportation management system (TMS) to optimize carrier loads and reduce costs across truckload and less than truckload.
Carrier relationships are not only important on the brokerage side, but it is also crucial at our distribution centers. Our warehouse managers use data to improve loading dock visibility, coordinate live and staged trailers, and manage docking time to enhance the efficiency of our carriers and shippers.
Another essential aspect of developing a successful carrier relationship is communication and feedback. Open discussion based on facts builds trust, integrity, and respect. Understanding and respecting the value that each party brings to the relationship makes the relationship grow even stronger. In a great partnership, carriers will have the opportunity to run their business more smoothly, and shippers will have the power of data to achieve higher levels of efficiency in their operations all while reducing costs.
