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Freight, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, LTL

The Complete Shipping Guide| LTL, Truckload and Expedited Freight

By on

November 12, 2020

- Freight, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, LTL

Are you a new business owner that needs to ship your products to your customer? Or has your business grown to the point where you’re going to start shipping? Or are you already shipping freight but want to do so more efficiently with a better understanding of the process? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this guide and our team are here for you. It will introduce you to the freight shipping industry and get you the information you need to ship like a pro!

LTL  

LTL stands for “less than truckload,” which means that your shipment will take up less than an entire truckload. Makes sense, right? Typically, this means your cargo will weigh between 100 and 10,000 pounds. LTL is the most popular type of freight shipment, and it’s also the most cost-effective form of road transportation. Why? Because the cost of your shipment will be shared with other LTL freight shipments, and you only pay for the space in the truck that you need. 

There are four pieces of information that you must-have for a standard LTL quote:

Origin Zip Code: The origin zip code is the zip code where the freight will be picked up. 

Destination Zip Code: The destination zip code is the opposite of the origin zip, in that it’s the zip code where the freight will be delivered. Once again, this is the actual delivery address location, not the city or terminal zip code.

Total Weight: This weight includes any packaging or palletizing that is needed to make the freight ready to ship. Ensure that your weights are exact, as carriers will use industrial shipping scales to make sure the weight claimed on the BOL matches the actual weight of the shipment.

Freight Class: There’s a lot more to dive into here, see below!

Shipment types Taylor Logistics Inc

Understanding Freight Class 

Freight class is a standardized system used by carriers to categorize freight for pricing purposes. There are two ways to determine fright class – NMFC codes and density.

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NMFC-Based Freight Class

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), a nonprofit membership organization of motor carriers, uses the National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC) system to determine freight class. NFMC codes are assigned a freight class, which is a number between 50 and 500. This number determines an item’s “transportability” and is generated using four factors: 

STOWABILITY: Determined by its ability to be stowed or transported in relation to other pieces of freight on the truck. There is no number-based scale to determine the item’s stowability, and this element of freight class is somewhat subjective.

HANDLING: There is no scale to determine this per commodity. Items that are fragile or have larger than standard dimensions are often at higher risk to the carriers, so their handling level will ultimately lead to higher freight classes.

LIABILITY: Takes into account the probability of the freight shipment being damaged, stolen, or damaging other adjacent freight.

DENSITY: Density is used to find a density-based freight class, while an NMFC code is used to find an NMFC-based freight class. It’s a general rule of thumb that the lower the item’s density, the higher the freight class. If you know your cargo’s NMFC number or can provide accurate weights and dimensions when calculating its density, you will be able to determine the freight class, which best represents your freight.

Density is so crucial in LTL; why? 

An object’s density is the measurement of its compactness or pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Your shipment density will dictate how much space your freight shipment will require in a truck or shipping container. With LTL shipping, space is significant because your cargo is being transported along with other freight. When you ship your freight via LTL, you share both the truck and the cost of shipping on that truck with other shippers – which is why LTL is one of the most economical shipping methods.

PTL 

PTL stands for “partial truckload.” Even in this case, the name is pretty much-clarifying things that, in this kind of load, the load will be as less as half of the entire truck. A load of 8 or more pallets comes under this. Now, in this scenario, you need not book a full truck for this; otherwise, you will be paying full money for half the amount of delivery. In this scenario, you can share the truck with other customers that means you both will share the fare of the truck for your respective halves according to all the factors that affect the rates of freight, including weight and type of freight.

FTL or TL 

FTL/ TL means “full truckload or truckload”. Full truckload shipping is the ideal method if you have a large shipment that will fill an entire trailer or at least exceed the volume LTL options. Typically full truckload shipping costs more than LTL shipping. However, the benefits of FTL might outweigh that cost. With FTL shipping, the truck goes directly from Point A to Point B without any stops, making transportation times shorter. 

Expedited Freight 

This refers to time-sensitive shipments in which freight has to be delivered within a particular time frame. Expedited freight is most often transported by truck or air. Trucks shipping expedited freight rarely stop along the way to deliver or pick up shipments, making the expedited shipment the priority. Expedited shipments are both large and small, from parcels to pallets to a full truckload of freight. 

Air Freight

Companies that work with short lead times and require their packages to be transported as quickly as possible often choose air freight. Air freight is a relatively safe mode of transport, and it decreases supplier lead times while improving the overall level of service.

Rail Transport 

Rail transportation is an excellent solution for domestic or intercontinental transport, especially for bulky goods. It is a safe and reliable mode of transport that offers fast delivery at a cost-effective price point, and it is also more environmentally-friendly than air and road alternatives. Plus, rail freight doesn’t add to traffic and roadway congestion like other modes of transportation.

Talk With Taylor

If you are seeking logistics support, we’d love to hear from you. You can head over to services to learn more or check out the many industries we work with to ensure top of the line logistics solutions. Send us a note to connect about how we can help your company grow!

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Cold Supply Chain, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Four Seasons of Freight

By on

October 19, 2020

- Cold Supply Chain, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

It’s no secret that the transportation industry is heavily dependent on supply and demand. Every year holds uncertainty from consumer trends to the ups and downs of the market; however, there is always a forecasted plan for the seasons of freight. Like fall, winter, spring, and summer, the transportation industry also has four seasons. Below are the four seasons to the to freight shipping.  

January – March

It’s a new year; the holidays are past us, and freight volume is on the decline. Not to mention these months are the peak of winter, the frigid temperatures and snowy roadways are not shipping-friendly. Typically during these months logistics companies are recovering from holiday shipping. Freight volume will start to progress as the months approach the spring season.

April – July

With the arrival of spring, the produce season begins. Freight volumes will increase, and carriers have more loads to choose from allowing them to pick and choose different loads. With carriers being pickier, finding trucks become 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. 

August – October

Produce season has come to an end; however, the hecticness doesn’t stop here. It’s now time to prepare for back to school season and to start planning for the upcoming holidays. During these months, sales are typically up, and companies are rapidly shipping products in and out of their facilities to ensure all inventory is ready for the holidays. Rates are still climbing, and freight volumes are towering. 

November – December

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.

Talk With Taylor

Our team is continuously on top of marketing changes and forecasted trends. Knowing the four seasons of transportation freight is just the beginning of our expertise. Let us be your transportation advisor. Chat with us!

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Customer Experience, Freight Brokerage, Ominchannel, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics

Benefits Of Partnering With A 3PL | Navigating Supply Chain Management

By on

September 29, 2020

- Customer Experience, Freight Brokerage, Ominchannel, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics

TLI Supply Chain Management Cincinnati Logistics

There are several advantages companies can receive by outsourcing their supply chain management to a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider. As companies begin to grow, they may realize an in-house logistics team will lack the expertise needed to manage complex logistics operations cost-effectively. On the other hand, larger companies can find they don’t have the workforce required to handle a high shipment volume. A Deloitte study shows that 79% of businesses with highly efficient supply chains enjoy more significant than average revenues than others in their industries. Companies with such optimal supply chains have 3x faster cash-to-cash cycles. 

Crafty businesses outsource supply chain management to professionals to gain several significant benefits and, thus, position their business for success. A trustworthy third-party logistics provider will take over the trouble of running your supply chain network, allowing you to:

Generate new ideas

Build better products/services

Strengthen customer relationships

Design and develop future strategies

What’s more — outsourcing to the right service provider not only allows you to focus on your core business, but you also enjoy the competitive advantage that comes with hiring supply chain management experts, including their access to resources, capabilities, technologies, skills, and networks. The following are the top advantages of partnering with a 3PL.

Transportation Network

A 3PL’s network of transportation providers is a significant resource for any company with freight to move. Searching for proper equipment, insurance, and other qualifications can be a considerable undertaking—however, a 3PL vets their carrier network to include only qualified and reliable service providers. 3PLs can also leverage carrier relationships and volume discounts, which results in lower costs and faster service. Ultimately, choosing a 3PL allows businesses to benefit from capacity they would be hard-pressed to find in-house.

Save Time and Money

Outsourcing logistics saves a considerable amount of time and money for any organization. Using a 3PL can eliminate the necessity to invest in warehouse space, technology, transportation, and staff to execute supply chain processes. 3PLs also save time for their clients by handling day to day functions like booking, billing, and training; leaving companies ample time to focus on their core competencies.

 

Scalability and Flexibility

A benefit of using a 3PL provider is the ability to scale space, labor, and transportation according to inventory needs. Businesses with seasonal periods can enjoy stress-free transitions between industry ups and downs, having the ability to utilize more space and resources when needed. Using a 3PL provider allows your business to grow into new regions without barriers. 

 

Industry Expertise

Businesses can have confidence knowing reliable and experienced professionals are meeting their supply chain needs. A 3PL can share vital information tied to regulations, the freight market, and industry insights. A 3PL will often work with the same receiver locations for multiple clients, allowing them to share information on receiving preferences. Understanding customer requirements and communicating them to carriers can make a massive difference in performance.

Enhance Security

3PLs have the expertise to help navigate manufacturers through new security regulations and can provide counsel on best practices to improve security policy and procedures. In many cases, 3PLs can manage the implementation of a supply chain security program, from facility and asset security to security monitoring services and training.

Providing All Services Under One Roof

When all your freight, distribution, eCommerce, warehousing, etc. services are managed under one roof, it will save time and money, and probably give you comfort to know that everything is taken care of. Plus, when all logistics are connected, you as a business owner will have more control and better visibility, which means a smoother operation for your business. A solutions-based 3PL will have the labor, resources, infrastructure, and capital deployment to bring all the required services under one roof. Whether you need warehousing, value-added services, customs clearance, international freight forwarding, domestic transportation, or even IT-support, you can rely on a third-party logistics provider to take care of your business. 

Bottom Line 

The value a 3PL provider can bring your business includes better rates, services, expertise, and a vast network of industry partnerships all along the supply chain. Many companies come to this understanding quickly and understand the benefits of outsourcing. Choosing the best 3PL, one that is well suited to your needs, will take a bit of effort upfront but will bring long-term benefits. A 3PL with core competencies that are the right fit will mean a long-term partner interested in generating growth for your business. If you are looking for help managing your logistics and supply chain, we would love to hear from you. Please send us a note to connect about how Taylor Logistics can help your company. 

Talk with Taylor 

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Fleet, Food & Beverage, Freight, Freight Brokerage

Your Guide To Dry Van Freight

By on

August 11, 2020

- Fleet, Food & Beverage, Freight, Freight Brokerage

Dry Van Shipping Guide

Dry van shipping is one of the most popular and widely trusted freight transportation solutions available. It has remained a preferred means of transportation due to the vast availability and numerous benefits of having an enclosed trailer throughout the shipping process. Here’s our guide on everything you need to know about dry van freight. 

What is Dry Van Freight?

A dry van refers to a fully enclosed semi-trailer designed to safeguard shipments from the elements, dirt and debris, and any other things that could compromise the products. They are designed to transport bulk, palletized products, and can be loose freight or boxed freight. Dry van shipping is the most common form of freight transport in the United States. Unlike refrigerated trucks and ships, dry van shipping vehicles contain no temperature-control equipment.

Types Of Dry Van Trailers

Dry van trailers are available in various sizes and materials. The maximum length allowed for a dry van trailer is 53 feet long. The two most popular types of dry van trailers are general trailers and pup trailers. General dry van trailers are 53-feet long, whereas the pup dry van trailers are 26-29 feet long.

When Do Shippers Use Dry Vans? 

Shippers utilize dry van trailers for both short-distance and regional deliveries, in addition to long-distance over the road shipping. Dry van trailers are versatile and can manage several different freight types, consisting of non-perishable food, developing products, and more. Here are some examples: 

Textile, clothing items, electronic devices, plastic, automobiles, motorcycles, minibusses, other vehicles, and parts of larger machines like planes and ships. Home products, furnishings, and electronics.

4 Factors that Affect Dry Van Freight Rates

Location

Dry van freight rates are impacted heavily on the pickup location and delivery location. The path from the pickup to the delivery is called the lane, and different lanes will go for different rates. Even if two lanes are the same distance, they can be different amounts. 

The Freight Being Shipped

The freight itself will also affect the dry van rates when shipping with the weight of the freight’s most significant factor. This is simply because the heavier something is, the more gas it is going to use to ship it, and therefore, the more it is going to cost. The density of the freight also affects the rate. You want to compact your packaging as much as possible because a smaller and denser package will take up smaller space and has a lower risk of causing damage. 

Current Supply and Demand

Supply and demand affect the price of everything, and the rates for full truckload shipping is no exception. The supply element in the transportation industry is the trucks available, or capacity. The fewer drivers available, the more that they can charge the shipper. These shortages may be temporary and fix themselves over time or could be a larger scale. The best way to counter a change in rates due to capacity is to, once again, establish a contracted rate with your shipping partner. 

Unforeseen Events

The fourth factor and final factor that can impact the rate of dry van freight is some unique event, such as a natural disaster. These events can cause the closing of warehouses, factories, or even roads. Unfortunately, you cannot plan around these rare situations. During these times, it may not be possible to get a truck to the pickup or destination.

Talk With Taylor

Taylor can handle all of your dry van commodities needs. You can rely on us for capacity and a reliable network to deliver your commodities on time and damage-free. We provide flexibility and reliable service with the customized freight solutions you need to meet your supply chain’s demands. Talk with Team Taylor today by filling out the form below

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Carriers, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight Brokerage, SQF

Food and Beverage Shipping

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May 12, 2020

- Carriers, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight Brokerage, SQF

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:

Tracking


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


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.

Cut Costs


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.

Contact Taylor

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Cold Supply Chain, Freight Brokerage, Operations, Third Party Logistics

The Logistics Of Flowers | Cold Supply Chain

By on

May 8, 2020

- Cold Supply Chain, Freight Brokerage, Operations, Third Party Logistics

Taylor logistics Inc. Flower Supply Chain

Given this year’s unique circumstances, many of us are celebrating Mother’s Day at home or even away from the women — moms, grandmas, aunts, you name it — that we love most. For that reason, some Mother’s Day traditions like spa days and brunches won’t be possible. However, the tradition of buying flowers is still booming. Because of the ease of doorstep delivery and social distancing protocols in place, it’s no surprise that flowers are amongst the most popular mother’s day gift of 2020. The NRF reports that 64% of consumers are expecting to mail a bouquet this year. For flowers to arrive fresh to your receiver’s doorstep, there are a variety of factors that must take place to ensure optimal freshness, including the cold supply chain.

What is Cold Supply Chain?

The term cold chain refers to the transportation of temperature-sensitive products, such as flowers, along the supply chain using thermal and cooling packaging methods along with refrigerated trucks.

Most of the flowers purchased in the United States come from Europe, South America, and Africa, making the cold chain a massive player in flower delivery. The main entry points for planes transporting flowers are Miami International Airport and LAX. The stems are then kept in refrigerated rooms in the airport before making their way across the country in refrigerated planes or trucks. From regional airports, they move to refrigerated distribution centers and then on to florists. Keeping flowers at a precise temperature throughout this long journey can be a big challenge, and cold chain interruptions can cause flowers to lose as much as 40 percent of their vase life, even if they are returned to a cold environment after the interruption.

Dedicated supply chains will become more critical to control risks associated with availability, quality, and price. A single, strong facilitator is needed to make such a supply chain function smoothly.

Shipping Experts

Are you looking to solve temperature-controlled shipping challenges? Our freight brokerage team has expertise in all shipping commodities and can help maintain the quality of your sensitive freight. Talk with Taylor today.

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Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Truck Driving

Practical Reasons to Use Flatbed Transportation

By on

April 27, 2020

- Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Truck Driving

Taylor Logistics Inc. Flatbed Brokerage

Flatbed trucking is an integral piece of the supply chain frequently used for carrying oversized or oddly shaped loads but has a wide variety of uses making it very versatile and valuable. Flatbeds are designed not only for providing an unconfined space for freight but are also makes loading and unloading of goods much more uncomplicated. Read about all the practical reasons to use flatbed trucking.

Use Flatbed Trucking for Variety of Materials

When transporting a high volume of material on a single trip, the flatbed can accommodate various types of cargo equipment with different dimensions. This dimensional flexibility allows for cargo of any shape or size.

Ease of Loading and Offloading

Flatbed trailers are open with no confined walls making it more accessible to load from all directions. Loading is exceptionally efficient, with a forklift from the ground rather than having to dock for loading. This trailer can carry bigger and wider loads than confined trailers.

No Loading Dock

Vans are the most popular mode of transportation of cargo; however, they have a limitation as they need access to a loading dock for loading and unloading. With flatbed trucking, you will not be restricted to a dock as it’s able to deliver cargo in virtually any open location. This flexibility is appealing to lumber shippers and contractors.

Shipping Rates

Flatbed rates are determined based on a variety of market factors. The area where the freight is transported to and from, diesel prices, the weight, and dimensions, as well as the number of available trucks, all have a role in determining the flatbed rate.

Let Us Help 

Within the scope of Taylor’s service portfolio, we offer Freight Brokerage services through our expert team of dispatchers and maintain relationships with a network of screened, dependable carriers allowing us to expand our customer service reach to the entire United States. We service 100% of freight lanes, providing our customers with a one-stop-shop for all supply chain services. 

Final Thoughts 

If you are knowledgeable about the freight you are shipping, understand the options available, and select the right people to work with, your shipping efforts will not only go smoother, but you will also save valuable time and a lot of money. Not sure where to begin? Reach out to us at Taylor Logistics and let us show you what we can do for you today!

  • Taylor’s Brokerage Team Transporting Crane Machinery from Hubbard, OR to Fontana, CA
  • Taylor’s Brokerage Team Transporting Crane Machinery from Hubbard, OR to Fontana, CA
  • Taylor’s Brokerage Team Transporting Crane Machinery from Hubbard, OR to Fontana, CA
Taylor Services

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Freight, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, LTL

How Your Freight Broker Lowers Transportation Costs

By on

March 3, 2020

- Freight, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, LTL

Freight Taylor Logistics Inc.

Freight brokers act as the medium between carriers and shippers. They have the experience, the network, and the resources to fulfill orders and get shipments to their desired destination. Expertise is the key to providing real value and genuinely making an impact in the supply chain. 

It’s crucial to partner with a freight broker who is an expert in efficiency, transportation planning, and reducing your most significant logistics expense: getting your product into the customer’s hands. Our team is diving into the reasons freight brokers are an essential piece of your supply chain and the strategies that lower overall transportation costs.

Best in Class Technology 

Whether you need less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), or expedited shipping, smart freight agents have the right technology in place to meet your needs. The best freight brokerage firms allow them to negotiate the best possible rates with the most reliable carriers and automate processes related to shipping and payment, ensuring you a speedy and safe delivery. Real-time dashboards give freight agents complete visibility into every aspect of the journey.

Mode Shifting

Brokers look at the size and features of a shipment and the urgency of which it needs to get to its destination. With many possible modes –LTL, TL, intermodal, expedited freight, and air shipments––brokers advise on the best method to get your shipment there for the lowest cost to meet your delivery timeframe.

Relieves the Headache of Back-Office Overhead

Leave the logistics of coordinating to a freight broker, you have enough on your plate! While one might think it will be more economical to work directly with carriers, that’s not the case. The time spent evaluating quotes, costs, and transit times, selecting a trustworthy carrier, arranging pickup, monitoring the products journey and delivery – not to mention troubleshooting any issues – isn’t worth the cost. A freight broker has the entire process down like a well-oiled machine and will be able to help you cut costs and expedite service.

Moving freight is a complex and complicated business. Don’t cut corners by searching for reliable carriers yourself and hoping the process will manage itself. Leave it to freight brokerage pros at Taylor Logistics. Team Taylor knows the freight business, and they’ll put your mind at ease while saving you money along the way. Contact Taylor today. 

Taylor Freight Brokerage
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EDI, Freight, Freight Brokerage, LTL, Operations, TMS

EDI Utilization in a Transportation Management System

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February 19, 2020

- EDI, Freight, Freight Brokerage, LTL, Operations, TMS

Taylor Logistics Inc. Blog

Shippers handle numerous transactions; the use of EDI integration within a TMS can save millions of dollars due to early payment discounts. Aside from the financial benefits, there is a multitude of advantages from implementing EDI. Exchanging documents electronically improves transaction speed and visibility while decreasing the amount of money you would spend on a manual process. Here are several examples of EDI transactions within a TMS.

Taylor Logistics Transportation Services and Brokerage

What is EDI?

Before addressing EDI in transportation, it’s crucial to understand what exactly EDI alone is. Electronic Data Interchange or EDI is not only used within the logistics/ transportation industries. EDI is the computer to computer exchange of business documents in a standard electronic format between business partners. It was developed in the 1960s EDI was created to speed the process of shipping and transporting documents. EDI replaces postal mail, fax, and email. While email is also an electronic approach, the documents exchanged via email must still be handled by people rather than computers. Having people involved delays the processing of the documents and also has a higher risk of errors. Instead, EDI documents can pass straight through to the appropriate application on the receiver’s computer, and processing can begin instantly.

Examples of EDI Transaction in Transportation

Carrier Load Tender 

Used by shippers or 3PLs to tender an offer for a shipment to a full truckload motor carrier

Freight Details and Invoice 

Electronic invoice complete with shipment details

Bill of Lading 

Electronic bill of lading which states shipment date, reference numbers, shipper, consignee, and shipment contents

Delivery Trailer Manifest

Allows carriers to provide consignees with the contents of the trailer

Shipment Status Message 

Provides shipments statuses including shipper information, consignee information, current shipment location, dates, proof of delivery, and shipment description

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Carriers, Freight, Freight Brokerage, LTL, Truck Driving

Proposed NMFC Changes to go into Effect January 2020

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January 7, 2020

- Carriers, Freight, Freight Brokerage, LTL, Truck Driving

Taylor Logistics Inc. Blog

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.  

See Full List of Changes Here

Some of the Commodities that May be Impacted Include:

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Freight, Freight Brokerage, Operations, Processes, Sustainability, Third Party Logistics

Sustainability in Logistics: Green Freight

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December 4, 2019

- Freight, Freight Brokerage, Operations, Processes, Sustainability, Third Party Logistics

Taylor Logistics Inc. Blog

It’s important for our business to invest renewable energy technologies and sustainability in all aspects of our logistics business. Importantly, when using road transport, we plan each journey to establish the most efficient route so that we can reduce the number of miles traveled and avoid empty trucks on the road. Taylor has implemented a Green Logistics program for several years; by doing so, our team reduces fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions by:

Optimizing Routes

Until electric and other more sustainable vehicle options, route optimization is one of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of transportation and distribution. Artificial intelligence can work with GPS devices to optimize local, national, and global shipping routes. Advanced analytics update routes in real-time, to take account of congestion and other issues.

Simplifying Supply Chain Processes

Supply chains can be improved through significant changes, but it’s more common to see results through small, iterative improvements. Useful analytics and reporting combine with machine learning to continually improve processes throughout the supply chain. Every change that reduces waste speeds up delivery or enhances quality makes an incremental improvement to sustainability.

Monitoring Existing Environmental Risks

Climate change and other environmental factors already impact many supply chains. Issues such as wildfires in California, rising sea levels, water scarcity, and lower agricultural yields have a profound impact on the efficiency, quality, and speed of the supply chain. Supply chain technology helps to predict these risks and allows supply chain managers to mitigate their impact and put contingency plans in place.

TLI Sustainability
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Freight Brokerage, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Best Practice Tips to Secure Truckload Capacity

By on

October 28, 2019

- Freight Brokerage, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Peak Season kicks off in October and lasts through the holiday shopping season. Carriers know that this time of year offers a heavy and steady flow of freight loads to move. During peak months, there is a significant surge in the loads available. At Taylor Logistics, we do everything we can to make the process as simple as possible for our customers. Our experts comprised a few best practices to use to make freight shipping even easier. Here are cost-effective strategies you can implement to help your freight stand out in today’s market.

Establishing a Carrier Program: One of the most important relationships is the one you create with your carrier base. Carriers have compelling value propositions in the markets they serve — carriers value consistency. If you’re happy with the overall relationship, provide incumbents with an opportunity to keep that freight.

Communicate Quickly and Effectively: The faster you communicate about upcoming loads, the more likely you are to secure a truck. Talking with carriers ahead of time about anticipated surges and decreases in your freight volume can also help them plan and prioritize your shipments.

Flexibility: If possible, become flexible in your pick-up and delivery times, so you can create a larger pool of trucking companies available to move your freight. For some shippers making operational changes that allow for deliveries and pick-ups on weekends increases flexibility. Most drivers do not operate on a traditional workweek schedule, so working with receivers and shippers that offer flexible hours allows for loads to be moved more efficiently and promptly.  

Increase Efficiency: There are several ways to cut costs examine your transportation and supply chain for ways to increase your performance while saving money. Are there less-expensive routes you can use for shipments that are not time-sensitive? Would other modes of transport like intermodal or less-than-truckload be more economical than truckload freight?

 Tap Your Third-Party Provider’s Range of Services: Warehousing, fulfillment, transportation, technology—the more you can obtain from a single provider, the more seamless, scalable, and cost-effective your supply chain will be. Organizing the logistics function helps to ensure that you provide consistent service and offer better predictability and reliable deliveries. 

Taking a more strategic approach to truckload procurement helps align the business goals and outcomes of both carriers and shippers. It can result in significant savings and extraordinary service levels over time. To learn more about our freight services click here.

Freight Brokerage
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Carriers, Freight Brokerage, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Truck Driving

[Podcast] Taylor Transportation Logistics Processes

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October 7, 2019

- Carriers, Freight Brokerage, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Truck Driving

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!

https://open.spotify.com/show/5zuY4PDq5aevnkVoIyq0v5
https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy84OTgzZGI4L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taylor-talk/id1454424870?ign-mpt=uo%3D4&mt=2
https://overcast.fm/itunes1454424870/taylor-logistics-presents-taylor-talk
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Drayage, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, Port Services, Third Party Logistics, Value-Added Services

Drayage: What Are Drayage Services and When Do You Need to Use Them?

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September 10, 2019

- Drayage, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, Port Services, Third Party Logistics, Value-Added Services

What is Drayage? 

Drayage is a term used to describe the moving of container freight over short distances, mainly in the same city between rials facilities, ports or other shipping hubs. 

Drayage moves can include:

1. Moving cargo from port to port or rail to rail

2. Port to the rail yard

3. Port to warehouse/shipping hub

4. Facility to the port, rail yard, or another facility

The history of Drayage 

In history, the term drayage originally stems from the term dray, a low cart without fixed sides that could be used for carrying heavy loads a short distance. Although dray is defined as a cart historically, dray may be any vehicle used to transport heavy loads a short distance, including a sled, wagon, or carriage. 

Drayage Today

In the early years, drayage services were considered a risky move for shippers and IMC’s. Today, a majority of that risk is gone, and rail intermodal is an essential part of most supply chains’ transportation portfolio. Drayage services have proven its value, experienced growth, and earned the respect of the Class I railroads as well as world-class shippers. It stands on the threshold of a new ear of growth as challenges mount for long-haul truckloads. While a lot of long-haul conversions have taken place, regional opportunities in the east are proving drayage services are not just a mode for cross-country freight moves.

Ultimately, any successful logistics operation starts with proper planning; let our team be your drayage advisor. Being in Cincinnati Taylor is located next to two major inland ports that service the entire midwest region. In addition to our local ports, our fleet also services Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Chicago. From picking up freight and moving it to the next hub, Taylor drayage services are an efficient solution for your intermodal strategy. 

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Carriers, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Leadership, Operations, Truck Driving, Warehousing

The Importance of Carrier Relationships

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July 23, 2019

- Carriers, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Leadership, Operations, Truck Driving, Warehousing

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.

D.M.T. Services, Inc. gave our warehouse crew in Monroe hats for unloading and loading  so quickly.
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Freight, Freight Brokerage, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Third Party Logistics

Taylor Increases Freight Broker Surety Bond to $250,000

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July 10, 2019

- Freight, Freight Brokerage, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Third Party Logistics

Taylor Logistics the Nation’s most progressive family owned logistics company announced that they increased their freight broker surety bond through the Transportation Intermediaries Association from $100,000 to $250,000, further confirming its commitment to protecting the freight and transportation community against fraudulent behavior

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Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics

Why Companies Use a Freight Brokerage

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June 28, 2019

- Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics

Before working with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, it’s essential to understand the functionality of that relationship. What responsibilities can a 3PL  take off your plate, and what will still be in your wheelhouse? 

Here’s a breakdown of how Taylor Logistics freight brokerage works, along with critical points surrounding our value-added services and essential points for how we can help you. 

What is a freight brokerage? 

Our brokerage helps customers with ready to haul freight find qualified carriers to haul the load. Typically freight brokers do not provide the truck or the shipping but provide the essential service that will help the shipper find the carrier. However, In addition to our brokerage out parent company Taylor Distributing in Cincinnati, OH has a full fleet of trucks ready to assist our customers with any intermodal/drayage needs.

Shipping Expertise – This is what our freight brokers do best, working with our brokers allows you access to their knowledge of best practices and latest technology.

Communication – We can track and log each step of the journey of your product. Our team is in constant contact with drivers, and we have access to GPS/EDI technologies to maintain the status of an order.

Flexibility and Scaleability – We provide our customers more, or less capacity based on their business from industry trends to seasonality. We are also connected to service providers nationwide, and we can quickly respond to flux, linking you to resources without any added risk.

Save time, Resources, and Money – Partnering with Taylor, is like having a dedicated shipping department without the expense of your own department.  Using our freight brokerage allows you to focus on your core business.

It’s a Partnership – Taylor works for you, we put our customer’s interests first, because when you succeed, and your business grows, so does ours.

Technology  –   We have invested in the latest technologies to improve our customer relationships, efficiency, and processes. Our technologies include: 

  1. Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
  2. GPS Tracking
  3. Reporting Software
  4. Quick Pay/E-Pay
  5. Electronic Data Integration (EDI) Software
  6. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
  7. Data Analysis Tools
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Freight, Freight Brokerage, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Third Party Logistics

Why Choose a 3PL ?

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December 4, 2018

- Freight, Freight Brokerage, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Third Party Logistics

Taylor Logistics Inc. Blog

1. Warehousing for Physical Goods.

Many merchants don’t necessarily have a physical shop to store their products, requiring the use of a warehouse to store them. Normally, 3PL companies will be able to provide warehousing services that include either a shared or dedicated warehouse for storage, along with all of the required technology to handle and transport products throughout the warehouse. Because of the many companies that might use the same warehouse for storage, you can save money with a split overhead cost.

2. Order Fulfillment Businesses

need to be able to fulfill orders effectively, or they can’t survive. Unfortunately, many e-commerce companies often suffer from invalid order fulfillment, but a 3PL service provider can make sure that customers receive the right goods on time and in good condition with every order.

3. Consolidation

Another service that most 3PL companies offer is consolidation, wherein e-commerce suppliers send small goods to the same location, consolidating these goods into a single shipment to lower prices.

4. Supply Chain Management Services

To make each order a success, companies need to effectively maintain their supply chain. A 3PL company can help manage all or part of your supply chain, taking care of your inbound freight delivery specifications.

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