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Amazon, Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Cincinnati, Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Customer Experience, D2C, Data, Drayage, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, EDI, Essential Workers, Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Fulfillment, Infographics, Intermodal Transportation, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, ISDT, Key Performing Indicators, Leadership, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, People, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing, WMS

Mastering the Seasonal Supply Chain Dance: Strategies for Seamless Success

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October 4, 2023

- Amazon, Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Cincinnati, Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Customer Experience, D2C, Data, Drayage, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, EDI, Essential Workers, Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Fulfillment, Infographics, Intermodal Transportation, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, ISDT, Key Performing Indicators, Leadership, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, People, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing, WMS

Seasonal Supply Chain

In the dynamic realm of logistics and supply chain management, navigating the rhythmic ebb and flow of seasonal supply chain shifts is both an art and a science. The ability to harmonize your operations with seasonal fluctuations can spell the difference between triumph and turbulence for your business. Whether you’re peddling sunscreen in summer or crafting holiday magic in winter, understanding and conquering these seasonal shifts is paramount. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of seasonal supply chains and unveil ingenious strategies to help your business not just survive but thrive amidst these shifts.

Decoding Seasonal Supply Chain Shifts

Seasonal supply chain shifts are the balletic movements of commerce, choreographed by the calendar and consumer whims. They materialize when consumer demand for particular products or services experiences pronounced variations throughout the year. These variations are often orchestrated by a symphony of factors, including weather patterns, cultural events, holidays, and economic triggers. Here are some illustrative examples:

Weather-Driven Seasonality: Companies dealing in weather-sensitive wares, such as swimsuits and ski gear, sway with the seasons, adapting their supply chains to these meteorological rhythms.

Festive Frenzy: Retailers, whether physical or online, witness a surge in demand during the festive season, necessitating a flawless fusion of augmented inventory, nimble distribution, and top-notch customer support.

Agricultural Rhapsody: The agricultural sector performs its seasonal sonata as crops are harvested at specific times of the year, affecting not only growers but also the entire supply chain downstream.

Back-to-School Ballet: Businesses peddling school supplies and uniforms orchestrate their operations for the back-to-school season, a crescendo of demand.

Key Strategies for Synchronizing with Seasonal Shifts

Demand Anticipation: Accurate demand forecasting acts as the conductor of your seasonal supply chain orchestra. Harness historical sales data, market intelligence, and predictive analytics to anticipate the crescendos and diminuendos of demand. This enables you to fine-tune inventory levels and production schedules.

Flexibility in Supply Chain Design: Inject adaptability into your supply chain’s DNA to harmonize with changing demand. Embrace flexible staffing arrangements, dynamic warehousing solutions, and versatile transportation options. Temporary personnel and rented storage spaces can be instrumental in hitting the right notes during peak seasons.

Supplier Synergy: Cultivate strong partnerships with suppliers, sharing your seasonal symphony well in advance. Collaborate closely to ensure a steady supply of materials and products when the demand crescendos.

Inventory Virtuosity: Mastery of inventory management is paramount. Employ techniques such as just-in-time inventory, safety stock, and ABC analysis to fine-tune inventory levels. This prevents surplus during lulls and staves off shortages during high-demand periods.

Technological Crescendo: Invest in cutting-edge supply chain technology and automation to streamline processes and elevate efficiency. These tools enhance visibility, orchestrate real-time inventory tracking, and facilitate agile responses to demand fluctuations.

Logistics Choreography: Ensure your transportation and logistics networks possess the grace to handle peak-season volumes. Consider alternative routes and transportation methods to sidestep potential bottlenecks.

Customer Engagement: Keep your audience informed about product availability and delivery schedules during peak seasons. Implement responsive customer support channels to address inquiries and concerns with finesse.

Post-Season Encore: After each peak season performance, conduct a thorough post-season analysis. Uncover areas for refinement, fine-tuning your seasonal supply chain symphony for a stellar encore.

Seasonal supply chain shifts are the verses and choruses of many businesses’ financial songs, and conducting them with mastery is the key to sustained success. By immersing yourself in the rhythm of seasonal demand variations and orchestrating astute strategies, your company can not only meet customer expectations but also transform seasonal challenges into opportunities.

In this harmonious journey, Taylor Logistics stands as your trusted partner, ready to help you hit all the right notes. With their extensive experience and expertise in supply chain management, Taylor Logistics can provide tailored solutions that synchronize your operations with seasonal shifts. Their innovative approach, backed by cutting-edge technology, ensures that your supply chain performs like a well-rehearsed symphony, delivering efficiency and precision.

In a competitive landscape, adaptability and agility during seasonal supply chain shifts are the notes that harmonize with long-term prosperity. So, step onto the stage, embrace the music of the seasons, and let Taylor Logistics choreograph your supply chain for a standing ovation in the world of seamless success.

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Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Carriers, Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Customer Experience, D2C, Data, Drayage, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, EDI, Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Fulfillment, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, ISDT, Key Performing Indicators, Leadership, Lean, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, People, Port Services, Processes, Retail, Safety, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Teamwork, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Transloading

Factors to Consider when Partnering with a 3PL

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May 23, 2023

- Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Carriers, Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Customer Experience, D2C, Data, Drayage, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, EDI, Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Fulfillment, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, ISDT, Key Performing Indicators, Leadership, Lean, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, People, Port Services, Processes, Retail, Safety, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Teamwork, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Transloading

3PL Provider Taylor Logistics Cincinnati Ohio

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!

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Amazon, Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Carriers, Cincinnati, Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Customer Experience, D2C, Drayage, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, EDI, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Fulfillment, Intermodal Transportation, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, ISDT, Key Performing Indicators, Leadership, Lean, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, People, Port Services, Processes, Retail, Safety, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Teamwork, Technology, Third Party Logistics, TMS, Transloading, Value-Added Services

Full-Service Third Party Logistics Providers – Taylor Logistics Inc.

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April 18, 2023

- Amazon, Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Carriers, Cincinnati, Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Customer Experience, D2C, Drayage, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, EDI, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Fulfillment, Intermodal Transportation, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, ISDT, Key Performing Indicators, Leadership, Lean, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, People, Port Services, Processes, Retail, Safety, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Teamwork, Technology, Third Party Logistics, TMS, Transloading, Value-Added Services

Four Functions of 3PL Providers

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.

3. Warehousing

Warehousing is typically the most common function of a third-party logistics provider. To no surprise, warehousing is a large portion of our service portfolio; from multi-client public warehouses to dedicated client contract facilities, we’ve altered our warehouse services to meet the needs of our business partners. Taylor provides customizable ways to handle storage, distribution, and transportation.

4. Value-Added Services

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

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Cold Supply Chain, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, LTL, Warehousing

Beer Shipping & Warehousing | Food Supply Chain Blog

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October 12, 2022

- Cold Supply Chain, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, LTL, Warehousing

beer Distribution and Logistics

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

Warehouse Management System carefully monitors “sell by” dates to ensure product quality and freshness

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 

Taylor Services
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Carriers, Cross-Docking, Customer Experience, Drayage, EDI, Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Intermodal Transportation, Leadership, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Port Services, Processes, Safety, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Taylor Information, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Transloading, Truck Driving

Taylor Partners with The World’s Leading Visibility Platform for Logistics Providers- project44 | Container Tracking

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May 24, 2022

- Carriers, Cross-Docking, Customer Experience, Drayage, EDI, Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Intermodal Transportation, Leadership, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Port Services, Processes, Safety, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Taylor Information, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Transloading, Truck Driving

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. 

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Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Drayage, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Intermodal Transportation, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, LTL, Operations, Port Services, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics, TMS, Transloading, Truck Driving

Peak Transportation + Shipping Season | Guide & Info

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October 26, 2021

- Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Drayage, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Intermodal Transportation, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, LTL, Operations, Port Services, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics, TMS, Transloading, Truck Driving

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. 

Taylor Shipping Services

Utilize Technology

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. 

Talk With Taylor

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Carriers, Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Drayage, Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Port Services, Processes, Retail, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Technology, Third Party Logistics, TMS, Transloading, Truck Driving

Supply Chain Market Update | October 2021

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October 19, 2021

- Carriers, Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Drayage, Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Port Services, Processes, Retail, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Technology, Third Party Logistics, TMS, Transloading, Truck Driving

FREIGHT UPDATE 2021 q4 
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.

Talk With Taylor

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Carriers, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, LTL, Port Services, Team Taylor, Transloading, Truck Driving

2021 Shipping & Transportation Trends | Podcast | Taylor Talk

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February 15, 2021

- Carriers, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, LTL, Port Services, Team Taylor, Transloading, Truck Driving

Freight Shipping Transportation Taylor Logistics

Your favorite co-hosts, Chris Baum and Noelle Taylor, are back covering a full range of topics from port to door services, the lunar new year, expecting the unexpected, and drop trailer services.

Listen To Taylor Talk

Talk With Taylor

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Freight, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, LTL

The Complete Shipping Guide| LTL, Truckload and Expedited Freight

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November 12, 2020

- Freight, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, LTL

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

LTL

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shipment types Taylor Logistics Inc

Understanding Freight Class

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

NMFC-Based Freight Class

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

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

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

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

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

Density is so crucial in LTL; why?

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

PTL

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

FTL or TL

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

Expedited Freight

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

Air Freight

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

Rail Transport

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

Talk With Taylor

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

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Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, LTL, Truck Driving

Technology | Transforming Trucking

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June 17, 2020

- Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, LTL, Truck Driving

Taylor Logistics Inc. Data For Truck Drivers

New-age technologies have widened the scope of transportation. Some features will allow you to access to driving and travel analytics. As a result, you will adjust your business according to the recent trends in the market. Today, we live in a world that is digitally connected. The trucking industry is also working hard to create that perfect network. Here are ways to ensure your fleet is connected.

Taylor-Logistics-Inc.-Mobile-Driver-Technology

On-The-Go Tech 

Putting mobile technology into the hands of drivers can help managers collect real-time data around arrival/departure times, wait times, loading/unloading times, fuel stops, and more. These real-time metrics help managers work smarter, providing the critical insights they need to make informed decisions around pricing, generate increased revenues, and better manage the bottom line. Mobile also helps to enhance employee experiences by enabling people to take control of their schedules. Using employee self-service features, drivers should be able to tap their mobile device to request a vacation day, anywhere at any time, and they know with confidence that their request was received and processed by a manager.

Taylor-Logistics-Inc.-Data-For-Truck-Drivers

Data, Data, Data!

Analyzing data while on the go enables managers to identify trends, drive better business outcomes, and eliminate possible waisted time. If a driver isn’t on the move, that truck isn’t earning revenue. So, look at drivers’ wait times – are they longer than expected? A manager may find that a particular yard wasn’t ready for a truck when it arrived, and this left the driver waiting longer than expected before unloading could begin.

There have been several advancements made throughout the trucking industry that have positively impacted the well-being and safety of truck drivers. It will be fascinating to see what new innovative technology emerges in the coming months to continue to shape the industry. 

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Freight, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, LTL

How Your Freight Broker Lowers Transportation Costs

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March 3, 2020

- Freight, Freight Brokerage, Intermodal Transportation, LTL

Freight Taylor Logistics Inc.

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

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

Best in Class Technology 

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

Mode Shifting

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

Relieves the Headache of Back-Office Overhead

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

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

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

EDI Utilization in a Transportation Management System

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February 19, 2020

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

Taylor Logistics Inc. Blog

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

Taylor Logistics Transportation Services and Brokerage

What is EDI?

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

Examples of EDI Transaction in Transportation

Carrier Load Tender 

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

Freight Details and Invoice 

Electronic invoice complete with shipment details

Bill of Lading 

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

Delivery Trailer Manifest

Allows carriers to provide consignees with the contents of the trailer

Shipment Status Message 

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

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Cold Supply Chain, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, LTL, Warehousing

Beer Distribution | Food Supply Chain Blog

By on

January 28, 2020

- Cold Supply Chain, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, LTL, Warehousing

Taylor Logistics Beer Supply Chain

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

Warehouse Management System carefully monitors “sell by” dates to ensure product quality and freshness

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 

Taylor Services

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Carriers, Freight, Freight Brokerage, LTL, Truck Driving

Proposed NMFC Changes to go into Effect January 2020

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January 7, 2020

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

Taylor Logistics Inc. Blog

The Commodity Classification Standards Board (CCSB) has posted proposed amendments to the National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®). These amendments will be published, pending reconsideration, on December 5, 2019, and are expected to go in effect on January 4, 2020. A few of the notable changes are listed below.

Foodstuffs, other than Frozen 

Various foodstuffs are removed from item 73227 and reclassified. Item 72790 (Dips) is canceled with reference to new item 74700 (Sauces, Condiments, Dips or Spreads). New items are established as follows: 72030 (Baby Food), 72041 (Baking Powder), 72285 (Butters or Spreads, nut or seed, including Peanut Butter),74510 (Purees, fruit or vegetable, including applesauce) and 74737 (Shells, taco, or tortillas).

Boilers, Furnaces, Stoves and Related Articles 

The NMFC code 25400 is canceled with reference to new item 26720 with classes based on a density break at 8 pcf. 

Traps, Bullets or Target 

The NMFC code 17670 is canceled and reestablished as new item NMFC 187130.  

See Full List of Changes Here

Some of the Commodities that May be Impacted Include:

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