We know that running a business can feel like a rollercoaster ride, especially when it comes to seasonality changes. Whether you’re gearing up for a booming holiday season or bracing for the summer slowdown, the key to success lies in demand planning and the right supply chain strategy. That’s where Taylor, your 3PL hero, steps in to make your supply chain journey smooth and profitable.
Understanding the Seasonal Shuffle
First things first, let’s talk about seasonality. It’s that regular ebb and flow in demand that can leave you spinning if you’re not prepared. Every industry faces these ups and downs, from the holiday shopping frenzy to back-to-school rushes and even summer slumps. How you handle them makes all the difference.
The Power of Demand Planning
Demand planning is like your secret weapon against the unpredictability of seasons. Here’s what it brings to the table:
Data Delights: It all starts with data. Analyzing historical sales figures, market trends, and outside factors is our way of peering into the future.
Forecasting Finesse: Armed with data, we forecast demand like pros. This isn’t just a guess; it’s about spotting patterns and trends to ensure you’ve got what your customers want when they want it.
Inventory Intelligence: Demand planning helps us keep your inventory levels just right—no more shelves crammed with excess stock or frantic last-minute restocking.
Teamwork: We believe in partnership. Collaboration between and continuous communication between our teams– ensures we all sing the same tune.
Scaling Your Supply Chain
Now, let’s talk about scaling operations. It’s the secret to mastering seasonal changes. Why Taylor 3PL, you ask? Here’s why:
Warehouse Wonders: Our flexible warehousing solutions are a godsend. Need to scale up for peak season? Easy peasy. And when demand subsides, you’re not tied to extra space.
Fulfillment Flourish: We’re fulfillment aficionados, ensuring orders are picked, packed, and shipped like clockwork, even during the busiest times.
Transportation Tricks: From route optimization to efficient shipping, our transportation expertise keeps your goods moving seamlessly.
Value-Added Services: Taylor continues beyond warehousing and transportation. We offer a range of value-added services like kitting, labeling, and quality checks to add extra shine to your products.
Growth Mode: As your business soars, Taylor scales with you. Need more space, a dedicated fulfillment center, or expanded value-added services? We’ve got you covered.
In the epic saga of supply chain management, Taylor is your ally. We’re here to help you conquer the unpredictable seas of seasonality, transform challenges into opportunities, and make your supply chain a source of strength.
Ready to embark on this adventure with Taylor by your side? Let’s chat and discover how we can elevate your supply chain to new heights.
Hurricane Idalia briefly intensified into a dangerous Category 4 storm early Wednesday morning before making landfall as a high-end Category 3 on Florida’s west coast.
The eyewall made landfall in the Big Bend area near Cedar Key and, as of 8 a.m. ET, the eye was located just inland from the coast.
In an alert Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center warned that storm surge of 12-16 feet could be expected between Wakulla/Jefferson County line and Yankeetown, Florida. Cedar Key was experiencing nearly 6 feet of inundation Wednesday morning.
8/29 2:00 pm ET:
Hurricane Idalia is still moving northward into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico where it is expected to intensify rapidly this afternoon and evening.
Winds remain sustained at 90 miles per hour and the storm is still moving northward at 15 mph.
As of the National Hurricane Center’s 2:00 pm ET update, the center of the storm was located approximately 230 miles SSW of Tampa, Florida.
All watches and warnings across Florida remain in place, including evacuation orders for residents in Tampa and St. Petersburg. The government of Cuba has let all hurricane warnings expire for its country.
The next NHC complete advisory will be issued at 5:00 pm ET.
Idalia strengthened into a hurricane overnight as it moved into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As of Tuesday morning, winds have increased to 90 miles per hour and the hurricane continues to move northward at a speed of 14 mph.
In an update early Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center said the storm will bring life-threatening storm surge, with some areas expecting 8-12 feet of water.
As the freight market displays initial indications of enhancement, it encounters an additional obstacle: the upcoming advent of Hurricane Idalia. With forecasts predicting the storm’s impact on the United States, experts within the freight sector are preparing for a potential upswing in market rates.
Although there’s a minor upward trend in contract rates, spot market rates have sustained their stability. The impending storm has the potential to trigger a notable surge in spot rates.
Hurricane Idalia’s Projections
According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Idalia is forecasted to intensify into a Category 2 hurricane as it moves toward Florida’s west coast. The effects of such a hurricane could be far-reaching, not just environmentally but economically as well.
Freight Market Implications
Historically, hurricanes have impacted the freight market in several ways:
Infrastructure Damage: Damage to roads, ports, and bridges limits transportation routes, concentrating demand in operational areas.
Post-Storm Rebuilding: The recovery phase post-hurricane increases demand for the transportation of construction materials.
Historical Data Insight
For context, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 disrupted nearly 10% of the trucking industry in the U.S. for two weeks and caused spot rates to jump by over 20% in the aftermath. Additionally, with damages totaling around $125 billion, the required rebuilding materials and supplies led to sustained heightened rates in the affected regions.
Hurricane Idalia’s potential impact on the freight spot market serves as a reminder of the interdependence of environmental events and industry dynamics. As Florida prepares for the storm, the freight industry, too, must strategically plan for the challenges and demands ahead.
Stay Informed
A valuable resource is the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN); please visit the ALAN website for Activation Updates, Stories involving the storm, and information on how to help.
Because this has the potential to be an especially destructive storm, we encourage you to visit ALAN’s Supply Chain Intelligence Center (https://www.alanaid.org/map) and our Disaster Micro-Site (https://www.alanaid.org/operations/) frequently. The first contains a wide variety of resources to keep you in the loop about everything from Hurricane Idalia’s latest path to how local and regional transportation infrastructure is being impacted. The second is where we will share details about some of ALAN’s key activities and how you and other members of the logistics community can help. We will be updating both resources frequently as events unfold.
Ocean – TPEB: Carriers implement blank sailings to control rates amidst oversupply. Loading limitations are possible on US East Coast and Gulf Coast services due to Panama Canal draft restrictions.
Ocean – Indian Subcontinent: Coastal ports show strong equipment availability, while some inland container depots report deficits. Availability depends on import mix, with 20ft equipment being the most challenging.
Ocean – TAWB: Rates continue to decline with high capacity and low demand. Equipment widely available at major European ports, improved container turnaround times reduce congestion.
Trucking – U.S. import/export: Regulated trip rates and hourly comp increase for local drayage in Vancouver. Wildfires affect rail moves in Alberta, while US wet and rail ports remain fluid with short truck turn times. Impact of labor actions at B.C. ports yet to be seen.
ILWU Contract Negotiation
In recent news, approximately 7,400 dockworkers from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in Canada initiated a strike on July 1st following unsuccessful labor contract negotiations with the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA). This labor dispute threatens container traffic at vital ports in Vancouver and Prince Rupert, prompting ocean carriers to urge government intervention through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
The strike can potentially cause congestion at ports, impacting the unloading of vessels by longshoremen. Consequently, there may be additional fees, delays, and a shortage of storage space for containers destined for Vancouver or Prince Rupert. This strike could also have ripple effects on other transportation modes and ports across Canada and the Western Coast of the United States.
Rob Ashton, the president of Canada’s ILWU union representing the striking B.C. port workers, has requested that the federal government refrain from interfering, despite calls from business groups for back-to-work legislation. Ashton emphasizes the union’s commitment to remaining at the bargaining table until a fair negotiated deal is reached, stating, “We expect the BCMEA here all day, all night, until a deal is done so our people can go back to work with a fair negotiated deal for all of us.”
However, talks between the ILWU and the BCMEA may need help. The BCMEA has expressed doubts about resolving through negotiations, accusing the ILWU of maintaining entrenched positions and deeming compensation demands unreasonable.
Labor negotiations between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance face setbacks as ILA President Harold Daggett urges local branches to discontinue talks. Despite having 15 months until existing contracts expire in September 2024, discussions initiated in late 2022 encounter obstacles on the Gulf and East Coasts.
Panama Canal eases draft restrictions amid improved drought conditions and reduced vessel transits. Previously planned for June 25, draft levels have been maintained, avoiding further limitations on Neopanamax and Panamax locks.
As the Fourth of July approaches, the excitement of fireworks, barbecues, and celebrations fills the air. It’s a day when Americans come together to commemorate their independence and enjoy the spirit of freedom. Behind the scenes, third-party logistics providers like Taylor Logistics play a vital role in ensuring that shippers’ supply chains run smoothly, allowing everyone to have a great Independence Day. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Taylor Logistics and other 3PLs contribute to ensuring a seamless experience for shippers, ultimately enabling a memorable and stress-free holiday for all.
Efficient Distribution and Inventory Management
The Fourth of July is when demand for various products peaks, from food and beverages to party supplies and decorations. Shippers face the challenge of efficiently managing their inventory and ensuring that the right products are available at the right place and time. This is where third-party logistics providers step in. With its supply chain management expertise, Taylor Logistics helps shippers optimize their distribution networks, streamline inventory management, and ensure timely deliveries. By coordinating warehousing, transportation, and order fulfillment processes, they provide that shippers can meet the heightened demands of the holiday season.
Responsive and Agile Transportation Solutions
Transportation plays a critical role in the supply chain, especially during holidays when there is a surge in consumer demand. Shippers must rely on reliable and agile transportation services to ensure their products reach the market on time. Third-party logistics providers, like Taylor Logistics, excel in offering responsive transportation solutions. They leverage their extensive network of carriers, establish efficient routes, and monitor shipments in real-time to ensure smooth and uninterrupted product flow. By managing the complexities of transportation logistics, 3PLs help shippers avoid delays, minimize stockouts, and maintain customer satisfaction during the festive season.
Flexibility in Scaling Operations
The Fourth of July often brings unpredictable fluctuations in demand. Shippers must be prepared for sudden spikes in orders and adjust their operations accordingly. This is where the flexibility provided by third-party logistics providers becomes invaluable. Taylor Logistics, for instance, can quickly scale up or down its services based on the shippers’ needs. Whether adding additional warehouse space, increasing labor, or ramping up transportation capacity, 3PLs have the necessary resources and expertise to adapt to the dynamic demands of the holiday season. By offering scalable solutions, they enable shippers to meet customer expectations efficiently.
End-to-End Visibility and Tracking
Customers expect transparency and real-time updates on their orders in the modern world. Third-party logistics providers integrate advanced technology solutions into their operations, providing end-to-end visibility and tracking capabilities. Taylor Logistics and similar 3PLs leverage GPS tracking, cloud-based platforms, and data analytics to monitor shipments, manage inventory, and ensure timely deliveries. This level of visibility empowers shippers with actionable insights, allowing them to promptly make informed decisions and address any potential disruptions.
As we celebrate Independence Day, it’s important to recognize third-party logistics providers like Taylor Logistics play a significant role in ensuring smooth supply chains. By optimizing distribution networks, providing agile transportation solutions, offering scalability, and leveraging advanced technologies, 3PLs give a seamless experience for shippers. Their dedication and expertise enable everyone to enjoy a stress-free and memorable Fourth of July. So, let’s raise our glasses and salute the logistics professionals who work behind the scenes, ensuring that the celebrations go on smoothly as we come together to celebrate the spirit of independence.
As we dive into the midpoint of 2023, the freight market continues to evolve, presenting challenges and opportunities for shippers worldwide. In this blog, we will look closer at the current state of the June 2023 freight market and explore what the rest of the month holds for shippers. Understanding these dynamics can help shippers make informed decisions and optimize their supply chain operations.
Demand and Capacity
The freight market in June 2023 is witnessing robust demand for shipping services across various industries. In addition, economic recovery from the pandemic is gaining momentum, leading to increased consumer spending and heightened manufacturing activity. As a result, shippers can expect strong demand for their products, driving the need for reliable transportation services.
However, this surge in demand has led to capacity constraints in the freight market. The imbalance between supply and demand has resulted in higher freight rates and reduced availability of trucking, ocean, and air freight capacity. Shippers should anticipate these challenges and plan their shipments accordingly.
Freight Rates
Due to the demand and capacity imbalance, freight rates increased in June 2023. Shippers should be prepared for higher transportation costs, particularly trucking and container shipping. Budgeting accordingly and negotiating favorable rates with carriers and logistics providers is crucial.
Shippers can explore alternative transportation modes to mitigate the impact of rising freight rates or consider collaborating with freight forwarders who can leverage their networks to secure competitive rates. Optimizing shipment consolidation and employing efficient logistics strategies can also help reduce costs.
Technology and Digitization
Technology is vital in navigating the freight market in this increasingly digital era. Shippers should leverage digital platforms and transportation management systems (TMS) to streamline operations and gain better visibility into their supply chain. In addition, real-time tracking and analytics can provide valuable insights, enabling shippers to make data-driven decisions and optimize freight movements.
Emerging technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) are also revolutionizing the freight industry. These technologies enhance transparency, traceability, and security throughout the supply chain. Therefore, shippers should explore opportunities to incorporate such innovations into their operations to gain a competitive edge.
Shippers can contribute to sustainability goals while maintaining operational efficiency by utilizing intermodal transportation, optimizing routes, and embracing alternative fuels. In addition, partnering with environmentally conscious logistics providers can help shippers align their supply chain with sustainability objectives.
Conclusion
As we progress through June 2023, the freight market presents a mixed landscape of opportunities and challenges for shippers. Understanding the current dynamics and proactively adapting to market changes are key to success. By considering factors such as demand and capacity, freight rates, technology and digitization, and sustainability initiatives, shippers can navigate the freight market effectively and ensure the smooth transportation of their goods.
Partner With Taylor
When meeting your freight needs, Taylor Logistics brokerage services stand out as an excellent choice. With their extensive expertise and industry knowledge, Taylor offers a comprehensive range of logistics solutions tailored to your requirements. Whether you need assistance with transportation management, freight optimization, or supply chain consulting, Taylor Logistics has the expertise and resources to deliver results. They leverage their vast network of carriers and deep understanding of the market to ensure efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Taylor Logistics provides personalized support and real-time visibility, allowing you to track your shipments and make informed decisions. By partnering with #TeamTaylor, you can streamline your supply chain operations, optimize costs, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately helping your business thrive in the dynamic freight industry.
Companies always look for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency in today’s highly competitive global economy. To handle their supply chain needs, many companies outsource to third-party logistics providers (3PL).In addition to warehousing, order fulfillment, and transportation, 3PLs offer various services. The benefits of these services can be significant for companies, but they need to be appropriately considered before deciding to use any 3PL. To evaluate a 3PL provider, you should follow these ten steps.
Compare Costs
It is essential to compare the costs of their services to in-house operations as a first step. By doing this, you can determine whether 3PL’s services are cost-effective and if they provide value for money. Don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as setup, technology, and transportation fees.
Analyze On-Time Delivery Rates
An essential aspect of 3PL management is measuring on-time delivery rates. If the 3PL meets customer expectations, this will give you an idea of its reliability. On-time delivery rates are vital for companies that operate in industries where timeliness is critical.
Inventory Accuracy
Inventory accuracy is another important metric to look for in a 3PL provider. This will let you know how well the third-party logistics provider is managing your inventory and whether they can monitor stock levels. Since this can significantly contribute to errors and delays, measuring the 3PL’s capacity to track inventory in transit is also critical.
Customer Satisfaction
Numerous methods, including customer surveys, reviews, and feedback, can be used to gauge customer happiness. You can determine how well the 3PL is meeting consumer expectations by asking for a customer promoter score and referrals.
Return on Investment
Keeping track of your costs will provide insight into the amount of extra revenue your business obtains from the 3PL. In addition, analyzing the revenue generated by the 3PL and comparing it to the costs associated with their services will enable you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your overall return on investment.
Results
Following the steps outlined above can help you evaluate a 3PL provider and see if they are providing value for the money. With the right metrics in place, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to continue working with them.
Bottom Line
?Selecting the right 3PL provider is an important decision that can significantly impact your company’s success. Evaluating a 3PL provider’s industry experience, technology and tools, services offered, customer service, pricing and agreements, security and compliance, scalability and flexibility, and reputation will help organizations meet their logistics needs and gain a competitive edge. As a result, you can make more informed decisions.
It’s essential to thoroughly research any 3PL provider before making a decision. This includes asking the right questions and conducting due diligence to verify vendor credentials and capabilities. By selecting a 3PL provider that best suits their needs, companies can improve the efficiency of their supply chain, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience. Questions or need to speak with an expert? Talk with Taylor!
We are proud to announce that we have renewed our partnership with SmartWay® for the fifth year in a row, a qualifying sustainability program run by the Environmental Protection Agency. Our fleet consists of US EPA SmartWay®-designated trucks. In addition, our trucks are equipped with anti-idling and fuel-saving equipment for minimal environmental impact and maximum fuel savings. SmartWay® sets standards for all modes of North American transportation businesses ?seeking to differentiate themselves and look for sustainable partners.
What is SmartWay®?
SmartWay is a program that was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help address the trends and challenges that the growing logistics industry poses to the environment. It was founded in 2004 as a voluntary, public-private association where private companies can find more sustainable resources to manage their supply chains. Companies can use SmartWay to help measure, benchmark and improve logistics operations to help reduce their environmental footprint and see significant savings to their bottom line.
Talk With Taylor
Fill out the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch asap.
Happy #EarthDay! As temporary custodians of our planet, we must ensure that future generations will enjoy our earth’s benefits. We believe in positively impacting the environment by implementing new technologies and reducing our emissions. Learn more about Taylor sustainability here: https://taylorlogistics.com/sustainability/
As a business expands and you need to get products in new markets to more customers, there comes a time when it must determine whether to outsource its supply chain operations.
To meet customer demand, shippers turn to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider to do just that.
But not all 3PLs offer the same services and capabilities. For example, some just focus on transportation, and some just on fulfillment. But what about a full-service logistics provider that can do it all? Learn more about the functions of a full-service 3PL like Taylor.
1. Shipping and Receiving
Taylor helps companies with shipping and receiving; our brokerage team manages the shipping process from start to finish. As a technology-driven organization, our transportation management system (TMS) allows for managing carrier relations, freight data, and matrix reports for real-time visibility and increased transparency throughout the shipping process.
2. Transportation
As a multi-service 3PL that also handles transportation, we are responsible for transporting goods between locations, from manufacturer to fulfillment to any brick-and-mortar store, and even direct parcels to your doorstep. Because we have our in-house brokerage and local Cincinnati fleet, there’s no need to leverage another partner to complete any shipping needs.
In addition to transportation, warehousing, and distribution, several 3PLs like Taylor also provide a wide variety of value-added services, including eCommerce, pick & pack, kitting, custom labeling, manufacturing, Amazon prep services, and design. By outsourcing these services, business partners can focus on their core business.
Need a full-service 3PL partner?
Fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out asap. Questions? Inbox us at info@taylorlog.com or call 513-771-1850
When it comes to perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive materials, you have an entirely different set of requirements when shipping your goods. Even the most durable trucks are subject to temperature and weather changes that can affect the materials transported. In addition, considering delivery windows are tight when transporting perishable items, costs tend to go up, and so does the stress of getting your items to where they need to be without perishing. Therefore, regardless of what you are shipping, you must ensure temperature requirements are met for all your deliveries. Our team of experts compiled a guide if you are new to temperature-controlled shipping or have questions about handling your freight of sensitive goods, as well as a few tips for setting you up for success.
What is temperature-controlled transport?
Temperature-controlled transport is any transport that takes place within a specific temperature or temperature range and uses unique mechanisms to protect the goods from being transported. It includes all processes for preparing orders, transporting, and delivering goods under special cooling conditions.
Common temperature-controlled freight
There is an extensive range of products that need to be temperature controlled. Here’s a closer look at some of the many categories that temperature-controlled freight covers:
Food – The most obvious and most prominent of temperature-controlled freight. It includes fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, and meats.
Frozen Foods – Frozen dinners, meats, and ready-to-prepare foods can spoil, lose their flavor, and often morph into unsellable products when they melt.
Confectionary Products – Include candy, sugar, chocolates, and baked goods stored at various temperatures. For instance, the ideal temperature range for transporting or storing chocolate is 55 degrees to 65 degrees.
Health & Beauty – Certain makeups, hygiene products, soaps, and lotions must be temperature controlled to keep from melting or having some of their qualities — odor, texture, and color — diminished by extreme temperatures.
Nutritional Supplements – Among these products — vitamins, shakes, snacks, and syrups — some items can degrade faster and lose effectiveness when exposed to excessive heat, light, humidity, or oxygen.
Medical Items and Pharmaceuticals – This includes everything from pills to vaccines to lab kits to test products and some equipment. The timely arrival of an unspoiled product can be significant because these items can sometimes be life-saving.
Limitations of temperature-controlled shipping
When shipping goods sensitive to temperature variations, there are a few limitations the shippers should be aware of. First, Reefer containers will likely have less capacity since space is dedicated to refrigeration equipment and additional insulation. This can reduce the space available for cargo inside the trailer.
Research, your provider
Choosing a provider to meet your specific shipping needs is essential when on such a strict timeline. You and your provider must think of things thoroughly and understand peak times and tight delivery windows.
Essential factors to consider in your climate-controlled shipping provider:
Strong relationships with retailers for higher efficiency to distributors
Offers multiple temperature-controlled services
Operate consistently
Provide visibility and accurate reporting
Have fair and consistent rates
Partner with Taylor today
#TeamTaylor can help ship your temperature-controlled shipment today. With a vast network of reliable temperature-controlled shipping carriers and over 171 years of experience, our team knows the ins and outs of the cold chain industry. So before your logistics manager’s temperature reaches a boiling point, contact the experts at Taylor to keep your company in a thriving climate.
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.
What’s the Role of a 3PL?
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.
We exist for our people and our customers. Without an outstanding team, we wouldn’t have made it through these 170+ years. It’s crucial for us to recognize our team for their phenomenal success, innovation, customer service, and relationships.
This week we honored our Taylor Logistics – Brokerage Sales & Operations teams for their outstanding work throughout 2022. 2022 was a year of great supply chain uncertainty for many companies and shippers. Still, our team was able to help navigate unpredictability for our business partners to help increase efficiencies and reduce costs. They exceeded expectations with outstanding customer service and provided tremendous value to #TeamTaylor.
Join us in Congratulating:
Melissa Combs Dominic Pangallo Kevin Eliasen Matt Heinrichs Nicholas Ratliff Brian Remole Toni Schwab Elizabeth Wildeman
The 2023 Inbound Logistics Planner is here, and you can read all about Taylor! From our outstanding team to what sets us apart and how Taylor technology improves customers’ supply chains. Here’s our entry:
As the longest-standing 3PL, we know that offering one supply chain service decreases overall efficiency and sustainability; that’s why we’ve altered our business to be a full-service omnichannel 3PL for our customers.
What Does Taylor Do Differently?
We provide SQF food-grade public warehousing, contract dedicated warehousing, B2B & B2C fulfillment services, freight brokerage, asset local Cincinnati fleet, dedicated fleet services, D2C e-commerce, packaging, drayage/ port management services, kitting, and subscription services.
We support large and mid-sized companies in the food, beverage, flavoring, ingredient, pet food, CPG, retail, PPE, packaging, and automotive spaces.
Creating Long-Lasting Relationships with Our Customers
As a privately held family business with over 170 years of experience, we are an agile company that scales and grows with our customers. We are small enough to care and have excellent customer service with dedicated teams to some of our clients, yet large enough to have the technology and infrastructure needed to scale. Our goal is always to exceed customers’ expectations and build long-term relationships.
Technology-Driven Operations
A part of our competitive advantage is that we continuously invest in technology to offer our customers the latest and greatest for complete customization, visibility, tracking, and reporting. Technology creates a stronger bond between our team and our customers, mainly due to improved communication, information sharing, and meaningful collaboration that produces better results. From finding the best shipping rates to inventory optimization and forecasting, our systems are paramount in customers’ cost-saving strategies.
Emphasis on Food Safety
While we partner with several industries, we pride ourselves on an extensive food-safety program that is rooted in principles verified by the Safe Quality Foods Institute (SQF). All of our public warehouses are food-grade, and we offer SQF to be established at our contractual locations as well.
It’s Because of Our Team
We make supply chains stronger. This industry requires hard work and dedication; our team always makes the impossible possible for our customers. Through a collaborative and safe culture, we are always one team, one mission.
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.
How Container Tracking Works
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 Increases Efficiencies
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%.
Better Visibility Further Mitigates Risk of Detention and Demurrage
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.
Each year, Robert Handfield, Ph.D. of North Carolina State University, predicts what’s in store for global commerce and supply chains for the next 365 days. While these predictions are perhaps not completely original, his takeaways and supporting evidence are worth considering. Please see the full article from NCSU here.
Inflation will persist.Jason Miller from Michigan State is an expert at navigating the many different publicly available government database, and interpreting the tea leaves. He writes a weekly blog on Linked In which I follow religiously. He is the most accurate forecaster I know, because unlike many speculators and economists, his observations are based on actual data! He believes that inflation isn’t going to go down going into 2023 – but will persist. He writes that“While it is good news that we are starting to see the inflation of goods slow down, I would caution anyone who expects goods to go through a deflationary cycle that the data (to me) isn’t pointing in this direction to a meaningful degree. Data below from three series from the BLS PPI program obtained from FRED (with call codes after the labels), all set such that 100 = January 2019. Implication: the best-case scenario I see for the price of finished goods is that their prices stay relatively unchanged from the 3rd quarter of 2022….we are going to see meaningful deflation in finished goods prices as we move into 2023, which will in turn impact PCE price index that the Fed monitors for consumer inflation.” Unfortunately, this also means that the Fed will likely keep interest rates high through much of 2023 – and will likely increase rates again in February and June. Inflation is indeed going down slowly– but not as fast as the markets would like.
Inventory will remain bloated for the first half of 2023, – and supplier relationships will be tested. Here again, my prior blog notes how much inventory we have in supply chains today – and how certain parties are pushing back their excessive demand forecasts, and punishing their suppliers. For instance, a large apparel brand requested about 20 of their largest textile mills (many in Pakistan, Singapore, China, and other regions) to travel all the way to San Francisco for a “Vendor Summit”. They then sequestered each individual in a room, and two individuals came in and told them that they needed to reduce their prices by 20%. Walmart is moving their vendors from FOB (Free on Board) to domestic buying, and the shift is happening fast. Walmart will pay more for domestic sources, but will not be burdened with the inventory and purchasing FOB. They are also canceling orders, decreasing quantities, and deducting off invoices, which they claim as “chargebacks” for “late deliveries”, from shipments which were received as late as last year. These kinds of behaviors by buyers will come back to bite them in the future…
Despite having more inventory – we won’t stop having shortages. Unfortunately, a lot of the bloated inventory is stuff that consumers don’t want – or can’t afford. But that doesn’t mean we will stop having shortages of critical materials. One reason for this is that the COVID crisis in China is escalating to incredible levels, and that is shutting down a lot of manufacturing hubs. In particular, a lot of maintenance parts for equipment, replacement parts for appliances, automobiles, and larger (>48 nm) chips are still produced in Asia – and we will continue to see shortages of these component parts. That means that repair may take longer than you think. Labor and material shortages for factories are going down – but still are at a much higher rate than they were in 2019.
Mexico will become a destination hub for many companies in the US – but within reason. As I noted in a prior blog, and as discussed in the New York Times today – Mexico is a great option – but the capacity isn’t there yet. More importantly, the supply chain isn’t there yet! I spoke to a CPO who mentioned that his CEO was a big proponent of bringing all supply to Mexico – but despite this fact, we are still largely dependent on China for raw materials! As pointed out in the NY Times – even apparel manufacturing in Mexico is largely dependent on fabric produced entirely in China! As such, it is unlikely we are going to lose our dependence on Chinese products. Price is still the determining factor here. Chinese manufacturing is of such scale, that moving it to the US or Mexico is unlikely.
The US Government will play more of a role in promoting domestic supply chains. Not only did the US government, pass the CHIPS Act – but they are actively promoting the domestic production of semiconductors.As noted in one of my blogs, however, producing a fab plant is a good step – but the supply chain for chips is still largely in Taiwan. There is massive flux in the chip industry – which seems to be on a different cycle than most demand cycles. What was once a one year backlog has shrunk and chips are now readily available – to the point where semiconductor companies are cutting back on capital investment! This will continue to be a real problem – and I believe we will see “capacity as a service” models begin to emerge in the chip sector – where buyers will reserve capacity based on actual forecasts, not guesses or bets on what they think they will need next year. This will stabilize production – and lead to improved availability and assurance of supply.
Healthcare supply chains will remain strained. Despite having a lot more PPE in warehouses, hospitals are still struggling with a lot of shortages. Jim Wilson, an expert in medical intelligence, advocates that hospital monitoring programs is a critical area of government investment. One area is generic drugs – such as amoxycillin. We wll have shortages of baby formula as well. For this reason, I believe the government should be creating incentives to increasingly healthcare supply chain. To address this issue, one recommendation I am advocating would be to create government industrial policies that are targeted at supporting a domestic “stop gap” manufacturing capability. Secondly, partnerships should be developed with distributors to enable visibility into their inventory systems, and ensure they enter contracts which set aside inventory for government allocation under different conditions of duress. This will require a set of common data standards and a common architecture to create a dashboard and control tower. In addition, a multi-agency materials inventory portfolio based on in-depth supply market analysis is needed. At a minimum, this should include specialists in the following categories: semiconductors, precious metals, electric vehicle batteries, medical supplies (PPE, gowns, gloves), medical devices, pharmaceuticals, plastics and resins, medical equipment, biologics, healthcare personnel, and respiratory products. This will require team of supply market analysts with special knowledge of these categories, that track the condition of critical supply markets for medical supplies, the supply risks within those markets, and acquisition strategies to manage the risks. Multi-tier supply chain mapping can provide clues as to critical points of risk that can “shut down” the US healthcare sector, based on multiple forms of risk assessment.
Growth in 2023 will be positive – but lean. As noted in a lecture by the Economist which I attended, the greatest risks looming ahead are concentrated in 2023. Next year will see some positive growth but only 1.7%, reflecting slowing growth in the US in China and recession in Europe. Global monetary tightening will take some time to kick in – likely in the second half of 2023. The US will likely see only 0.5% growth in 2023, the EU 0.4%, which in turn will impact other regions of the world. China will likely see a modest rebound after the 2022 slump, moving to only 5% growth. However, there are always risks that will move the needle, including the escalation of the Ukraine war, more COVID-19 variants, spikes in energy prices, and sovereign debt pile-ups.
Government regulation of Artificial Intelligence will increase. As I noted in a blog of a recent SAS INNOVATE conference, Henry Kissinger described AI as the new frontier of arms control during a forum at Washington National Cathedral on Nov. 16. If leading powers don’t find ways to limit AI’s reach, he said, “it is simply a mad race for some catastrophe.” The former secretary of state cautioned that AI systems could transform warfare just as they have chess or other games of strategy — because they are capable of making moves that no human would consider but that have devastatingly effective consequences. This is true not just in warfare, but also in supply chains. As we move towards a digital future where we increasingly will be ceding control to machines who call the shots, not humans, what are the risks of doing so? Increasingly, more and more data is being stuffed into the cloud, which certainly allows us access to more readily access reams of data which can be processed by algorithms for decision-making. We have to be able to trust these algorithms to make the right decisions. But driving towards AI standards to increase trustworthiness is easier said than done. The UK has also begun pursuing this goal, as has the EU, who are likely to explicitly define AI and how to use it. The government will begin to mandate a more comprehensive approach, which spans the entire organization. Three primary elements determine the fiduciary responsibility for trustworthy AI: Duty of Care, the Business Judgement rule, and Duty of Compliance Oversight. These pillars are required to understand the historical biases that so often find their way into AI algorithms, which have created historical injustices and inequities, meaning that the government is surely going to step in.
Electric vehicle parts will remain in short supply.In a recent blog, I noted how there is still a massive shortage of the so-called “green metals” required to meet the burgeoning demand for EV’s. Environmentalists and automotive companies have committed to converting all of their vehicles to electric power. GM has committed to 30 new electric vehicles by 2025. Ford is committing to an all-electric vehicle platform with zero emissions by 2035. But nobody is talking about the supply chain for these vehicles, and the capacity required to build them. Converting an entire supply base of automotive suppliers, who are all focused on building of combustion engine-powered vehicles, and moving them all to electric vehicles, will be a superhuman feat. What will happen to those manufacturers that can’t or won’t convert? They go out of business? And is there enough capacity to produce the new types of vehicles? And what raw materials are required to convert to EV in the future? I don’t think executives have really given any meaningful thought to the answers to these questions yet… I predict a rough road ahead for EV’s. Perhaps I’m a voice in the wilderness – except maybe for Toyota – they have the same doubts as I do.
Demand for supply chain graduates will go through the roof in the next two years. To summarize – global supply chains remain fragile – and we are in a period where things are starting to change. Supply chains will look very different in two or three years from what they are 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 Transportationis 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.
CINCINNATI, OH — December 20, 2022 — At Taylor Logistics Inc. (TLI), our partners are critical to our continued growth and success – and we’re delighted to recognize a logistics partner and the impact they have on our customers and business. This year we are pleased to announce that Crowley Logistics Inc. is our 2022 Logistics Partner of the Year.
“Faced with another round of intense labor discussions with three of the largest rail unions in the country and a pending strike, Crowley worked exclusively with our team locally to ensure increased communication and foresight during and after the disruption from the short strike,” said Will Roberson, COO, Taylor Logistics Inc. “It is an honor to recognize Crowley as Logistics Partner of the Year for all their resilience, agility, and responsiveness. We look forward to continuing a successful partnership.”
This award was based on evaluating each company’s service portfolio and partnership scorecard performance – a rating system that assesses quality, extraordinary partnership, collaboration, and integrity – and input from Taylor senior leadership. In total, there were four partners nominated for this award.
About Crowley: Jacksonville-based Crowley Holdings Inc., a holding company of the 123-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, is a privately held family and employee-owned company. The company provides project solutions, energy and logistics services in domestic and international markets by means of six operating lines of business: Puerto Rico/Caribbean Liner Services, Latin America Liner Services, Logistics Services, Petroleum Services, Marine Services and Technical Services. Offered within these operating lines of business are: liner container shipping, logistics, contract towing and transportation; ship assist and escort; energy support; salvage and emergency response through its 50 percent ownership in Ardent Global; vessel management; vessel construction and naval architecture through its Jensen Maritime subsidiary; government services, and petroleum and chemical transportation, distribution and sales. Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found at www.crowley.com.
CINCINNATI, Taylor Logistics Inc. (TLI), a third-party logistics provider, was ranked amongst the Greater Cincinnati’s Largest Logistics Firms by the Cincinnati Business Courier (CBC).
Each year CBC runs an auditing survey ranking all logistics firms in the area on different criteria, including local full-time employees and the previous year’s revenue.
Taylor is proud to be listed as the fourth largest logistics firm in great company with other top providers.
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.
USPS Shipping Deadlines
UPS Shipping Deadlines
FedEx Shipping Deadlines
What Merchants Need to Keep in Mind for the 2022 Holiday Shipping Season
Holiday shopping will begin earlier
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 week it seems as though there’s a new brewery popping up somewhere in town. However, many craft brewers do not have an adequate keg inventory to expand to multi-state distribution and to meet the new market demand. As a result, they may need to purchase more kegs, bottles, growlers, and cans in order to have sufficient on-hand inventory. Let us free up your time so you can focus on what’s essential, brewing fantastic beer.
Finding the right logistics partner requires careful research. Our team suggests that brewers evaluate potential 3PL’s by looking at a few key areas:
Food-Grade Facilities: Let’s start with the basics. You’ll want a provider with facilities that are food-grade SQF certified and have an A.I.B. “superior” sanitation rating.
One-Stop Shop: Chances are, you need more than warehousing for your beer. Fulfillment, transportation, packaging, etc. If your 3PL can deliver single-source solutions, they’ll help streamline your supply chain, control costs, and improve service to your customers.
Transportation Management: Can your 3PL provide real-time visibility and reporting? While giving you cost-effective options for delivering products when and where needed?
Getting your beer to the consumer.
Third party logistics companies, when you work with them for alcohol shipments, will need to be aware of different regulations. For instance, trucks transporting alcohol cannot veer off their course by more than seven miles from a federal highway during the shipment. If the driver does—say, by eating lunch on a break off the highway—the DOT may have the authority to impound that shipment. Alcohol is regulated by the individual states and not the federal government, so what would be considered following the law in Ohio doesn’t necessarily fly in Nebraska, Kentucky, Virginia, etc. That’s where it gets tricky. So it’s helpful to find a logistics company that knows the ins and outs of liquor shipping so that you can feel confident about their work.
Less-than-truckload shipments of alcohol are frequent, meaning if you have one pallet or 12, you can get your beer moving to its destination on a truck with other shipments. Taylor knows you just want people to enjoy your tasty beer, so we take care of the tricky parts for you. We have thousands of carriers in our network throughout the nation that meet the specific requirements set up by the states your beer needs to travel through for consistent alcohol shipments. Our team will set everything up, all you have to do is let us know about your shipment, and we’ll let you know when it arrives!
Why Taylor?
2020 marks the 170th year in business for Taylor, and for the past couple of decades, our focus has been all things food and beverage from warehousing to transportation our team knows a thing or two about food grade best practices.
Taylor’s fleet is supported by specialized carrier partners to provide nationwide freight transportation
Taylor’s value-added services such as label application, primary and secondary packaging, and store displays and promotional builds make us your one-stop shop
TMS allows for complete visibility from the moment your products leave to their final destination
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.
January – March
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.
April – July
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.
August – October
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.
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.
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.
The home of the greatest quarterback ever, Joe Burrow, is also the ideal place to store and distribute your products – that’s right, Cincinnati, Ohio. Why? Great question here’s a few key selling points:
Cincinnati is 24 hours from 70% of the United States population, so getting your products quickly and efficiently to the consumer will never be an issue. If you are doing a lot of eCommerce, look no further, as transit times for parcels are the best in the country in Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati region boasts the largest inland port in the country and the 14th largest in the country by cargo volume. Products coming into the Cincinnati rails? If so, we have a dedicated Cincinnati drayage team ready to assist.
So now, with the ideal location for warehousing, distribution, eCommerce, and transportation, you need a team. That’s where we come in; not only are we positioned in the most marvelous city ever, but we have the solutions for your business. Talk with our team today. Fill out the form below and a member of #TeamTaylor will reach out in no time.
It’s always a good time to #ThankATrucker, especially during National Trucking Week. This week we celebrate and recognize the important contributions made by drivers who keep the country’s freight moving.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an important time for America to pay respect and thank all the professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs. These 3.6 million professional men and women not only deliver our goods safely, securely, and on time, but they also keep our highways safe.
This year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is September 11-17, 2022.
With pumpkin spice season creeping upon us, many shippers and retailers are already deep into holiday logistical planning. Unfortunately, supply chain disruptions have felt like the movie “Groundhog Day” with the main character’s alarm clock representing the latest unexpected challenge. Since early 2020, many companies have struggled to keep products in stock and fulfill orders promptly. As forward-thinking brands look toward the fast-approaching 2022 holiday shopping season, it appears disruptions will again take a starring role.
Preparing for the Holiday Rush
Stock up on Holiday Inventory
According to Adobe Analytics, out-of-stock messages have increased by 172% since January 2020. Lack of stock is a surefire way to turn off customers and make them look elsewhere. Throughout the holidays, ensure that you have adequate supplies of your best-sellers and coordinate often with your partners. Additionally, logistics operations may experience delays during this period, due to the influx of many moving orders. When the shopping surge starts, it’s better to replenish your inventory early, so you can get those orders moving as soon as possible. Avoid long wait times and prevent customers from getting frustrated when they learn their preferred gift is out-of-stock.
Create a Redundancy Plan
There’s nothing worse than a package not reaching its final destination on time, especially during the holidays. So create a backup shipping plan to ensure your products are delivered on time. Like last year, some carriers will have trouble getting your packages out quickly and to your customers on time during this holiday season. To ensure packages get to customers during a surge, it’s advisable to have a relationship with a backup carrier. You never know where or when issues will arise. If you can quickly shift from one carrier to another in the event of any problems, you and your customers will be happy.
Increase Real-Time Network Visibility and Predictability
In today’s dynamic retail supply chain, visibility and predictability are crucial. The most advanced customer portals for shippers can process thousands of data points within seconds, allowing them to offer business intelligence and predictive analytics to help avoid delays. As a result, shippers can gain a rapid understanding of changing transit times that are imperative in calculating dynamic lead times to be used in near-term order cycle management. Taylor provides their customers with a custom portal for real-time visibility for proactive decision-making.
The Time to Plan is Now – Partner with a 3PL Today
The best way to prepare is to start early and proactively address any shortcomings that could impact consumers. Some brands have already started placing orders to build up inventory in anticipation of the holiday rush. By prioritizing a holiday logistics strategy and dedicating time and energy to optimize related processes, brands can break out of the “Groundhog Day” loop to achieve sales goals and exceed customer expectations this holiday season. Leave the logistics to us and focus on your core business – partner with #TeamTaylor today.
As we head into the fall, a little refresh is always a good thing. Say ? hello to our new and refreshed Newport office! We are always making it happen, so we had to make that our primary focal point, and while we love our Taylor blues, adding some yellow to the mix gives some extra sharpness to the space. Video tour to come.
Join #TeamTaylor! While we might be a logistics company, we’re in the solutions business. Founded in 1850, we’re backed by a rich history that’s to this day family-owned and operated. Taylor is the logistics backbone for many of today’s most innovative and growing companies. To double down on our success, we’re looking for highly driven and detail-oriented individuals looking to add value, solve problems and join our team. If that’s you, help us reshape logistics.
With the holidays right around the corner, it’s essential to prepare now. We have 100,000 SQ. FT. of food-grade warehouse space available at our public warehouse in Cincinnati. We are here for you to help your brand prepare for busy season.
CINCINNATI, OH—Aug. 15, 2022 — Food Logistics, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the global cold food supply chain, named Taylor Logistics Inc. as one of the winners of the 2022 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers award, which recognizes leading third-party logistics and cold storage providers in the cold food and beverage industry.
“These past 18 months have been so challenging for U.S. supply chains. It’s the continuous bottlenecks that require fleets to re-tool and pivot accordingly. But, it’s the drivers, the fleet, the warehouses and software/technologies that really keep today’s supply chains in line,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “These 3PLs and cold storage providers have collaborated on all facets of their operations to achieve full visibility, complete forecasting, end-to-end leverage and the ultimate in sustainability. Now is the time to honor and celebrate those companies making magic happen behind the frontlines.”
Recipients of this year’s award will be profiled in Food Logistics’ July/Aug 2022 print issue as well as online at www.FoodLogistics.com. Go to https://www.foodlogistics.com/awards to learn more about other Food Logistics’ awards.
About Food Logistics
Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Food Logistics and sister publication Supply & Demand Chain Executive are also home to L.I.N.K. and L.I.N.K. Educate podcast channels, L.I.N.K. Live, SCN Summit, SupplyChainLearningCenter.com and more. Go to www.FoodLogistics.com to learn more.
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.
Team Taylor helps manage domestic freight shipping needs for any port located in the United States
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.
Customized Customer Portals
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.
Startup CPG has curated the first list of warehouse and 3PL fulfillment providers just for CPG companies (created and crowdsourced by Startup CPG members). Startup CPG previously released a list of 3PLs focused on DTC fulfillment in August 2020, and this new list replaces that resource with expanded options for B2B fulfillment and storage-only options. We are honored to be included in this incredible resource for growing + emerging brands!
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.
Happy #EarthDay! As temporary custodians of our planet, we must ensure that future generations will enjoy our earth’s benefits. We believe in positively impacting the environment by implementing new technologies and reducing our emissions. Learn more about Taylor sustainability here: https://taylorlogistics.com/sustainability/
Our drivers are the backbone of our success; we couldn’t do what we do without them. Taylor has been in business since 1850, building upon a rich history is a foundation that is still family-owned and operated. Grow with us. As customer needs continue to grow, so do the career opportunities within our network. When you join #TeamTaylor, you can choose what personal career growth looks like for you.
Safety
Safety is our number one priority and is one of our five values, top-of-the-line technology, and an entire safety team dedicated to compliance and our drivers.
Company Drivers
The greater Cincinnati area is a vital part of Taylor as Cincinnati is the largest inland port in the country. We have some great opportunities out of the tri-state area, including local home daily fleets, dedicated regional fleets, and regional drayage. Because of the role drivers play in the success of our company, we’ve expanded our private fleet. With our ever-increasing customer needs and freight demands, we continue to recruit the best and safest talent in the transportation industry. Top talent deserves top pay for more than just your miles. Join the Taylor family!
Join Taylor’s owner operator program and get the best of both worlds. The freedom to choose your loads, your home time, and reliable freight and pay come with Taylor’s stable foundation of well-known customers. Plus, you’ll have the support of TeamTaylor and a fuel program that’s second to none. So whether you already own your truck or you’re looking to make the move to owner operator, choose Taylor, where we’re here to help you succeed.
There’s a podcast for everything, from celebrity gossip to being a better teammate at work, and yes, there are several on logistics, supply chain, and fulfillment. You name it; it’s in the Spotify library of over 3.2 million podcasts. Our team is a big fan of podcasts, we share them, and heck, we even have our own podcast Taylor Talk. With so many options, we are breaking down some of our favorites to listen to at the office, on your commute, or cooking dinner. We’ve broken it down into categories like logistics, transportation, supply chain, general business, team building, and educational.
Podcast: Stuff You Should Know
Genre: Educational
If you’re pretty sure you don’t know everything, you should yet; check out Stuff You Should Know. Learn about why you itch, how multiple sclerosis affects the body, and whether you can die from a broken heart. This in-depth podcast offers you a new topic each week (yeah, there’s history and politics, too—no topic is off-limits), so keep listening to find out more about what you simply don’t know.
Patrick Lencioni knows a lot about business — every aspect of business. With this expertise in hand, he has created a podcast that helps people in business optimize the way they work. This podcast has something for everyone and will impact you no matter what industry you work in. Need some inspiration as you become a leader in your organization? Want to understand better how you can work with various personality types in the office? ‘At The Table’ has you covered.
The Supply Chain Now podcast features in-depth conversations with industry practitioners, academics, consultants, and other experts from every aspect of supply chain management and international trade. The podcast has updated weekly since its launch in 2013, an impressive feat, and features excellent episodes on robotics.
Guy Raz, the former host of TED Radio Hour, launched How I Built This in 2016 to focus on one of the most exciting aspects of business: the early days of certain startups before they became huge brands. Get behind-the-scenes stories of how companies like Spanx, Burt’s Bees, and Stacy’s Pita Chips were created. Then, in one-on-one interviews, Raz gets business leaders to describe how they had to borrow from friends and family to get their idea off the ground or how manufacturer after manufacturer flat-out rejected making their product. It’s an inspiring and informative show for anyone passionate—or curious—about building a business.
Hosted by Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Let’s Talk Supply Chain is a supply chain podcast made with, by, and for supply chain experts. Sarah is widely considered one of the leading experts on collaboration and synergies within global supply chains.
Podcast: We’re All in This Together — Mike Robbins
Genre: Team building / teamwork / motivation
Mike Robbins perfectly blends the topics of leadership and teamwork in the all-encompassing podcast ‘We’re All In This Together.’ Mike has almost 20 years of professional experience working with big-time companies such as Microsoft, Google, and even the NBA. He knows a little something about how teams can positively impact business. We love the combinations of interviews and insights and techniques on how you can improve your team’s performance.
DAT brings together the brightest minds in transportation to discuss innovations, trends and best practices in the world of logistics. Get insights from Freightvine on the big ideas and major strategies implemented by industry experts today. Home in on the data and dig into the details with Freight Focus.
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.
Key items to note:
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.
Join #TeamTaylor! While we might be a logistics company, we’re in the solutions business. Founded in 1850, we’re backed by a rich history that’s to this day is family-owned and operated and is the logistics backbone for many of today’s most innovative and growing companies. To double down on that success, we’re looking for highly driven and detail-oriented individuals looking to add value, solve problems and join our team. If that’s you, help us reshape logistics. Learn more here!
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
Talk With Taylor
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.
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.
On March 28th through the 31st, companies involved in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and distribution will gather in person in Atlanta, Georgia, to learn and take action at MODEX 2022. Team Taylor will be there, and we want to talk with you! We are here for you if you have any questions or want to chat on areas of interest in fulfillment, packaging, eCommerce, operations, transportation, food safety, and logistics.
MODEX 2022 is a space to make new contacts, discover cutting-edge solutions, and learn the latest trends that are sure to give you a leg up on the competition. From illuminating education to next-generation technology and equipment in action, MODEX lets you see what’s coming — and take advantage of it to power your supply chain with more possibilities for years to come.
Find the best the industry has to offer to:
Connect with over 900 of the leading providers and see in-person, in-action how their efficiency-enhancing and cost-cutting equipment and technology solutions can futureproof your supply chain.
Learn from the industry’s best minds how key industry trends and innovations can transform your manufacturing and supply chain operations during 100+ free education sessions and four powerful keynotes.
Meet with your industry peers from the U.S. and countries across the globe.
As a third-party logistics (3PL) company, we are here to help your business. We consider ourselves an extension of your team, a partner. As you grow and evolve, we grow and evolve right alongside you. From expanding your brand from retail to offering direct-to-consumer fulfillment to drayage and port services, we’ve got you covered. Discover more about #TeamTaylor by clicking the below links.
On Dec. 6 and 7, the beverage industry will gather in person in Santa Monica, CA, to learn and take action at BevNet Live! Team Taylor will be there, and we want to talk with you! We are here for you if you have any questions or want to chat on areas of interest in fulfillment, packaging, eCommerce, operations, supply chain, and logistics. Are you going to BevNet Live? Let us know!
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.
CINCINNATI, Taylor Logistics Inc. (TLI), a third-party logistics provider, was ranked amongst the Greater Cincinnati’s Largest Logistics Firms by the Cincinnati Business Courier (CBC). Top logistics provider
Each year CBC runs an auditing survey ranking all logistics firms in the area on different criteria, including local full-time employees and the previous year’s revenue.
Taylor is proud to be listed as the fourth largest logistics firm in great company with other top providers.
Halloween is this weekend; pumpkin-spiced everything has been taking up menu real estate at your local coffee shop for some time, and turkey is right around the corner. So not only is it the start of the holiday season, but it’s also the start of peak shipping season. Our experts give pointers on how to succeed during this busy season and how 2021 is already shaping up differently from years past.
What is peak season shipping?
There are four seasons of freight shipping and the peak season of shipping starts at the end of the summer. This time is considered a peak shipping season because there is a combination of demand from different markets. Businesses start stocking up for the upcoming holiday season, there is back-to-school shopping time, and retailers try to sell out their inventories from the summer season. During this peak time, freight rates are at the highest, and the capacity is tight.
What are the four seasons of freight shipping?
The Quiet Shipping Season (January – March)
The Produce Shipping Season (April – July)
The Peak Shipping Season (August – October)
The Holiday Shipping Season (November – December)
How to be successful throughout the peak shipping season
Knowing the market
The key to navigating peak shipping season is to understand the truckload demand and market specifics across various industries. In 2020, demand was low, and freight rates were higher than usual. In 2021 however, shippers are less cost-sensitive, and freight volumes are extremely hot. If you plan to work with high-quality carriers, start navigating the market during spring and early summer. Create a proper shipping strategy to help you define the market trends and successfully ship goods.
During the peak shipping season, you need every advantage you can get! Here’s an example, you can efficiently utilize a transportation management system (TMS) to optimize route planning and ensure efficient deliveries. You can also use other supply chain technology to automate warehousing processes and inventory control, providing up-to-the-minute data on your entire operation.
Work with reliable a 3PL
Reliable 3PL here, and we will make sure you have fast and reliable shipping services. Our team knows that freight, more often than not, is time-sensitive, and capacity can be tight. So we work with a wide variety of professional, high-quality carriers to ensure your products are delivered timely and with ease.
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.
Ports Delays Continue to Rise
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.
Consumers Buying Trends Continue to Increase
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%.
Partner With a Logistics Solutions Provider to Navigate Peak Season
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.
CINCINNATI — Taylor Logistics Inc. (TLI), a Cincinnati-based third-party logistics company, announced plans to open another public fulfillment center outside Cincinnati later this month. At 5257 E Provident Dr. in Cincinnati, Ohio, the new location will be the companies third public multi-client warehouse in Cincinnati. Their headquarters (World Park 1) is positioned just down the street at 9756 International Blvd and World Park 2 on the same road at 10095 International Blvd.
“Our customized solutions, time-sensitive scalability, and technology have proven we are not merely a vendor for our customers but a partner, a team,” said Director of Warehouse Operations AJ Raaker. “This new addition for team Taylor is perfectly positioned for any business’s supply chain; Cincinnati’s ever-changing industry landscape and proximity to the consumer makes 5257 the perfect spot; here we grow, again!”
The brand new 130,000 square foot warehouse located on Provident Dr. is conveniently positioned next to two major interstates, rail ports, and cargo hubs. The Cincinnati/N. Kentucky International Airport is located 30 miles south via I-75/I-275, CVG, DHL, Amazon Prime Air. Being true to our food, beverage, flavoring, and pet food partners, this new building will be in Taylor standard as food grade.
Brand New Building | 5257 E Provident Dr. Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
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.