In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, logistics and supply chain management play a crucial role in the success of any company. One strategic approach that has gained significant traction in recent years is the utilization of a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) network of warehouses. Among the various locations available for such a network, Cincinnati has emerged as an ideal choice due to its strategic positioning and numerous advantages. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of having a 3PL network of warehouses in Cincinnati, perfectly positioned to enhance your business operations.
1. Strategic Geographic Location:
Cincinnati’s central location in the United States makes it a prime hub for distribution and transportation. Situated within a one-day drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population, it provides easy access to major markets in the Midwest and along the East Coast. This strategic location minimizes transportation costs and reduces transit times, ensuring faster deliveries to customers.
2. Cost Efficiency:
Cincinnati offers a cost-effective solution for warehousing and distribution. Compared to major coastal cities, the cost of real estate and labor is significantly lower, allowing businesses to allocate more resources to other critical aspects of their operations. This cost-efficiency extends to transportation, as reduced travel distances translate to lower shipping expenses.
3. Scalability and Flexibility:
Partnering with 3PL providers in Cincinnati allows businesses to scale their operations up or down based on demand. Warehouses in the region are equipped to handle various types of goods, and their flexible storage solutions ensure that your inventory is managed efficiently, even during peak seasons.
4. Access to Expertise:
Cincinnati has a well-established logistics and transportation industry. Partnering with 3PL providers in the region grants access to experienced professionals who understand the local market intricacies, compliance regulations, and best practices. This local expertise can be invaluable in streamlining your supply chain operations.
5. Reduced Transit Times:
With Cincinnati’s proximity to major highways, rail networks, and air cargo facilities, your products can reach their destinations faster. Reduced transit times not only satisfy customer expectations for quick deliveries but also help in optimizing inventory levels and minimizing carrying costs.
6. Mitigated Risk:
Natural disasters and disruptions in one region can have a significant impact on the supply chain. Cincinnati’s geographical stability and resilience to extreme weather events make it a safe choice for warehousing. Businesses can rest assured that their inventory is less susceptible to unforeseen disruptions.
7. Improved Customer Service:
Faster deliveries, reduced shipping costs, and reliable service contribute to enhanced customer satisfaction. By positioning your 3PL network in Cincinnati, you can provide your customers with a competitive advantage that sets you apart from the competition.
8. Focus on Core Competencies:
Outsourcing your warehousing and distribution needs to a 3PL provider in Cincinnati allows you to concentrate on your core business activities, such as product development, marketing, and strategic planning. This can lead to increased innovation and profitability.
In conclusion, establishing a 3PL network of warehouses in Cincinnati, with its strategic location and various advantages, can be a game-changer for businesses looking to optimize their supply chain operations. Whether you are a growing e-commerce company or a large manufacturer, Cincinnati’s perfectly positioned logistics infrastructure can help you reduce costs, improve efficiency, and ultimately deliver better service to your customers. Consider leveraging this thriving logistics hub to propel your business to new heights in today’s competitive marketplace.
This award honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network.
CINCINNATI, OHIO—Sept. 18, 2023 — Food Logistics, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the global cold food supply chain, and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain, named Liz Switzer as one of the winners of this year’s Women in Supply Chain Award, which honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network.
“This year, we received over 400 submissions, the highest amount of applications not only for this award, but also for all of our awards. What’s more, 118 of those applications were submitted by male counterparts, nominating their boss, co-worker or associate. Last year, that figure was just at 75. Also this year, 39 women self-nominated, a tremendous uptick from last year’s award, which just saw 12 self-nominations. This shows progress. This shows hope that one day, we won’t need an award like this because men and women in the supply chain will be equal,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “While there’s still more work to be done, what we’re doing is working. From truck drivers to CEOs, what these winners are doing matters to the future of all supply chains.”
“Women have been making a significant impact in supply chain management, contributing to the growth and innovation of the supply chain industry. As more women join the supply chain workforce, they bring diverse perspectives that can help address complex supply chain problems and improve global supply chain operations. It is important that we empower, recognize and elevate these achievements through initiatives like the Women in Supply Chain Award, as seen through the overwhelming response. Congratulations to all the winners, those who nominated others and the bravery of those who nominated themselves,” adds Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, founder of Let’s Talk Supply Chain podcast and Blended Pledge project, both exclusive sponsors of the Women in Supply Chain award.
Go to https://foodl.me/fdx1zi to view the full list of winners. Recipients will be honored at this year’s Women in Supply Chain Forum, set to take place Nov. 14-15, 2023 in Atlanta. Go to www.WomenInSupplyChainForum.com to register and learn more.
About Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive
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. Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive also operate SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.FoodLogistics.com and www.SDCExec.com to learn more.
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.
In the fiercely competitive world of modern business, brands need to leverage advanced technologies to streamline their operations and gain a competitive edge. One such technology that is transforming inventory management for brands is real-time inventory tracking through a Warehouse Management System (WMS) customer portal. In this blog post, we’ll explore how partnering with a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) provider like Taylor, who offers a cutting-edge WMS customer portal with real-time tracking capabilities at no extra cost, can revolutionize inventory management and drive unprecedented benefits for your business.
1. Real-Time Inventory Visibility
When it comes to inventory management, knowledge is power. Real-time visibility into your inventory levels across multiple locations is essential for optimizing operations and promptly meeting customer demands. With Taylor’s WMS customer portal, you gain instant access to accurate, up-to-the-minute information about your inventory. This includes stock levels, order status, inbound and outbound shipments, and more, empowering you to make well-informed decisions at every step of the supply chain.
2. Seamless Order Fulfillment
Efficient order fulfillment is the lifeblood of any brand striving to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Taylor’s WMS customer portal facilitates seamless order processing by providing real-time insights into available inventory. With this comprehensive view, you can efficiently allocate stock to fulfill orders from the nearest distribution center or warehouse, ensuring faster delivery times and reduced shipping costs. The result? Satisfied customers and increased loyalty to your brand.
3. Proactive Inventory Management
Proactive inventory management is crucial for avoiding costly stockouts or overstocking situations. Taylor’s WMS customer portal allows you to set up automated alerts for low inventory levels, enabling you to replenish stock in a timely manner. By staying one step ahead of demand fluctuations, you can optimize inventory turnover, reduce holding costs, and free up working capital for other strategic investments.
4. Data-Driven Decision Making
In the age of big data, businesses that leverage actionable insights gain a significant advantage over their competitors. Taylor’s WMS customer portal collects and analyzes real-time inventory data, presenting you with easy-to-understand dashboards and reports. This data-driven approach empowers you to identify trends, spot inefficiencies, and make informed adjustments to your supply chain strategy, further enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
5. Enhanced Collaboration
Effective collaboration between brands and their 3PL partners is essential for mutual success. Taylor’s WMS customer portal fosters seamless communication by providing a shared platform for real-time inventory updates and order tracking. This transparency ensures that both parties are on the same page, leading to better coordination, fewer errors, and improved overall performance.
In conclusion, real-time inventory tracking through Taylor’s WMS customer portal is a game-changer for brands seeking to optimize their supply chain and deliver exceptional customer experiences. By partnering with a 3PL that offers this technology at no extra cost, you gain access to invaluable tools for inventory management, order fulfillment, and data-driven decision-making. Embrace the power of real-time inventory tracking and elevate your brand to new heights of efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Taylor Logistics Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive logistics solutions, is thrilled to announce its recognition as a Top 100 Logistics Provider by Inbound Logistics magazine for the year 2023. This prestigious accolade highlights Taylor Logistics’ commitment to excellence in the industry and its unwavering dedication to providing exceptional logistics services to its customers, business partners, and vendors.
Inbound Logistics, a renowned industry publication, annually recognizes the top logistics providers who demonstrate innovation, excellence, and superior customer service. The selection process involves an extensive evaluation of companies based on criteria such as operational efficiency, technological advancements, customer satisfaction, and overall industry leadership.
Taylor Logistics has continually demonstrated its ability to deliver comprehensive logistics solutions that meet and exceed the evolving needs of its diverse clientele. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, robust supply chain strategies, and a highly skilled workforce, Taylor Logistics has consistently set the benchmark for excellence in the logistics industry.
“We are delighted and honored to be named a Top 100 Logistics Provider by Inbound Logistics for 2023,” said Drew Taylor, CEO & Chairman of Taylor Logistics Inc. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our team members who consistently strive to provide our customers, business partners, and vendors with superior logistics solutions. We remain committed to delivering exceptional value, innovation, and caring for our customer’s inventory.”
Taylor Logistics offers various logistics services, including transportation management, warehousing and distribution, supply chain optimization, and food-grade warehousing. The company’s integrated approach and customized solutions empower customers to streamline operations, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance their overall supply chain performance.
As a trusted logistics partner, Taylor Logistics has built enduring relationships with its customers, business partners, and vendors across various industries, including retail, manufacturing, food, beverage, and consumer goods. The company’s ability to adapt to dynamic market conditions and rapidly changing industry trends has been instrumental in ensuring the success of Taylor and its business partners.
About Taylor Logistics Inc.
Taylor Logistics Inc. is a leading provider of comprehensive solutions committed to delivering excellence and innovation in the logistics industry. With a customer-centric approach, cutting-edge technology, and a highly skilled workforce, Taylor Logistics offers a wide range of services, including transportation management, warehousing and distribution, supply chain optimization, and e-commerce fulfillment. The company serves customers, business partners, and vendors across various industries and is dedicated to helping businesses achieve their logistics goals efficiently and effectively.
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.
CINCINNATI, Ohio. – JUNE, 26th 2023 – Taylor Logistics, a leading provider of comprehensive logistics solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Sargent as its new Vice President of Logistics. With nearly 20 years of experience in the logistics industry, Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Taylor. In his new role, he will oversee the strategic planning and execution of our logistics operations, driving efficiency and ensuring exceptional service delivery to our valued customers.
“I know his professionalism, expertise, and attitude is a value-add to both our team and customers, which is why we exist,” said Will Roberson, COO of Taylor Logistics Inc. “His proven track record of success and deep understanding of the industry will be instrumental in elevating our operations to new heights and reinforcing our commitment to providing unparalleled logistics services.”
Prior to joining Taylor Logistics, Jason held various key leadership positions within prominent logistics organizations, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, implemented innovative strategies, and consistently achieved outstanding results. His profound insights into supply chain management and his ability to drive operational excellence will play a pivotal role in enhancing our capabilities and meeting the evolving needs of our clients.
“I am honored to join #TeamTaylor and be a part of a dynamic team that is known for its commitment to excellence,” said Jason Sargent. I look forward to being a part of the next chapter of Taylor’s rich history and building on a strong foundation of core values and progressive, customer-centered solutions.”
As the new VP of Logistics, Jason will work closely with our brokerage team with home base in Newport, Kentucky, to optimize processes, strengthen partnerships, and drive innovation. His leadership will be instrumental in further positioning Taylor Logistics as a trusted industry leader.
About Taylor: Taylor Logistics Inc. is a leading provider of end-to-end logistics solutions, offering a comprehensive range of services, including transportation, warehousing, supply chain management, and more. With a focus on customer satisfaction, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to excellence, Taylor Logistics continues to deliver exceptional results for its business partners across various industries. For more info, please visit Taylor’s website: www.taylorlogistics.com
Every year, on June 28th, the world celebrates National Logistics Day! It might be one of our favorite days of the year tbh. This particular day pays tribute to the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services across the globe. The logistics industry supports economic growth and international trade, from transporting raw materials to delivering finished products. In this blog, we will delve into the significance of National Logistics Day and shed light on the invaluable contributions of logistics professionals.
Understanding Logistics
Logistics encompasses managing, coordinating, and implementing various activities involved in transporting, storing, and distributing goods and services. It includes procurement, inventory management, packaging, transportation, warehousing, and order fulfillment. The logistics sector acts as a vital link connecting manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and end-consumers, ensuring the efficient movement of goods and minimizing disruptions in the supply chain.
The Importance of National Logistics Day
National Logistics Day serves as an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the immense impact of the logistics industry on global trade, economic development, and everyday life. This day allows us to acknowledge the challenges logistics professionals face and the constant innovations they employ to overcome these obstacles. From managing complex supply chains to navigating intricate regulatory frameworks, logistics experts drive productivity and facilitate seamless cross-border transactions.
Key Contributions of Logistics Professionals
Supply Chain Efficiency: Logistics professionals optimize the supply chain to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve delivery times. They employ sophisticated technologies and data-driven strategies to streamline operations, enhance inventory management, and minimize wastage.
Global Trade Facilitation: As international trade expands, logistics professionals facilitate the movement of goods across borders, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, handling documentation, and coordinating with various stakeholders. They help bridge the gap between manufacturers and consumers in different countries, fostering economic growth and promoting cultural exchange.
Crisis Management: Logistics experts are adept at managing unexpected disruptions and crises, such as natural disasters or global pandemics. They develop contingency plans, reroute shipments, and ensure the availability of essential goods and medical supplies during times of emergency, playing a vital role in supporting communities and maintaining stability.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility: With growing concerns about climate change, logistics professionals are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices. They explore alternative fuels, optimize transport routes, and implement eco-friendly packaging solutions to minimize their environmental footprint and contribute to a greener future.
Celebrating National Logistics Day
Recognizing Logistics Professionals: National Logistics Day provides an opportunity to appreciate the hard work, dedication, and expertise of logistics professionals worldwide. Express gratitude to the individuals and teams involved in ensuring the smooth functioning of the supply chain by highlighting their achievements and sharing success stories.
Promoting Awareness: Educate the public about the role of logistics in their daily lives. Showcase how logistics impacts various industries, from retail and manufacturing to healthcare and e-commerce. Encourage conversations about the importance of logistics and its potential for career opportunities and economic growth.
Encouraging Collaboration: National Logistics Day is an ideal occasion for businesses, government bodies, and industry associations to collaborate and explore new ways to improve logistics operations. By sharing best practices, fostering innovation, and promoting knowledge exchange, stakeholders can work together to enhance efficiency and overcome challenges.
National Logistics Day serves as a reminder of the pivotal role played by the logistics industry in enabling global trade, economic growth, and societal well-being. It offers an opportunity to recognize the efforts of logistics professionals, appreciates their contributions, and promote the importance of logistics in our interconnected world. So, let’s come together on June 28th to celebrate National Logistics Day and honor those who keep the world moving forward.
Forklifts play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of warehouses and fulfillment centers, efficiently moving heavy loads and keeping supply chains running smoothly. However, they also pose inherent risks if not cautiously operated and within established safety guidelines. With the upcoming Forklift Safety Day 2023, it is an opportune time to emphasize the importance of forklift safety and shed light on enhancing safety practices in these critical work environments.
Understanding Forklift Safety
Forklift Safety Day observed annually, aims to promote awareness and educate workers about the potential hazards associated with forklift operations. It serves as a reminder to prioritize safety, reduce accidents, and protect the well-being of employees. The theme for 2023 revolves around cultivating safety culture and equipping workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate these machines responsibly.
Creating a Culture of Safety
Training and Certification: Comprehensive training programs are vital for operators to thoroughly understand forklift operations, safety protocols, and best practices. Certification should be mandatory, ensuring that only trained individuals operate forklifts.
Ongoing Education: Regular refresher courses and safety meetings help reinforce safe practices and keep operators up to date with the latest safety regulations. It is crucial to emphasize the significance of constant learning and vigilance while operating forklifts.
Pre-Operation Inspections: Establishing a pre-shift inspection routine ensures that forklifts are in optimal condition. Operators should examine brakes, tires, lights, controls, and other critical components. Reporting any issues promptly provides necessary maintenance and minimizes the risk of accidents.
Safe Operational Practices
Speed Control: Encouraging operators to adhere to safe speed limits is essential. Excessive speed can lead to instability and loss of control, especially when turning or operating on uneven surfaces.
Load Capacity Awareness: Overloading a forklift compromises stability and increases tip-overs risk. Operators must be educated on load capacity limits and reminded to follow them strictly.
Proper Load Handling: Correctly positioning and securing loads on the forks ensures stability and prevents accidents during transport. Training should cover techniques for proper stacking, avoiding excessive height, and keeping loads balanced.
Pedestrian Safety: Warehouses and fulfillment centers are dynamic environments with workers on foot. Implementing clear pedestrian walkways, using visual cues like floor markings, and training operators to be alert for pedestrians can significantly reduce the risk of collisions.
Hazard Communication: Effective signage and proper marking of hazardous areas help alert forklift operators to potential dangers and ensure safe navigation within the facility.
Continuous Improvement and Technology
Regular Equipment Maintenance: Establishing routine maintenance schedules and promptly addressing any identified issues is crucial. Well-maintained forklifts operate more reliably, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Adoption of Safety Technologies: Advancements in forklift safety technologies, such as proximity sensors, cameras, and automatic braking systems, can add an extra layer of protection. Evaluating and integrating such technologies can enhance overall safety in warehouses and fulfillment centers.
Forklift Safety Day 2023 serves as a reminder to prioritize safety, promote a culture of responsibility, and safeguard workers in warehouses and fulfillment centers. By providing comprehensive training, implementing best practices, and embracing technological advancements, we can mitigate the risks associated with forklift operations. Let us join hands in ensuring a secure and productive working environment while striving for continuous improvement in forklift safety. We can reduce accidents, protect lives, and optimize operations in these vital sectors.
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!
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized food safety certification covering all stages of the food supply chain through industry-specific codes ranging from primary production to food manufacturing, distribution, food packaging, and retail.
What is the SQF Certification?
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a food safety and quality program for companies of all sizes, from large corporations to small, family-owned businesses. The certification is recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide.
The program involves a set of rigorous food safety and quality codes designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all food supply chain sectors. This means from the farm to the retail stores. And the certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative.
Achieving SQF certification is a public statement of commitment to food safety. Because SQF is a set of strict “farm-to-fork” food safety quality codes and standards, achieving the certification lets food producers show their customers that their product meets the highest possible level of safety. It helps demonstrate that food safety and quality controls have been effectively implemented and validated in that facility and throughout the supply chain.
Benefits of SQF Certification
Although SQF certification is a strict process that requires organizations to adhere to stringent food safety and quality management standards, there are many advantages it comes with. Here are three essential benefits of SQF certification.
Product Safety
Cost Savings
Increased Efficiency
Cincinnati Food-Certified Warehousing Solutions
At Taylor, we want our clients to rest assured that our team handles and stores their products carefully. By obtaining the SQF certification, you can have confidence that we have a comprehensive food safety system to make it happen.
Our SQF food-grade warehouses have monitored security and undergo regular sanitation and pest control treatments to ensure a clean and stable environment following today’s regulatory compliance requirements.
This week, our Monroe team underwent a Safe Quality Foods (SQF) audit scoring an outstanding 98%. This is an exceptional accomplishment, as we continually strive for the highest standard in food safety for our business partners. A special kudos to the entire Monroe team. We will be adding yet another championship banner!
What is SQF?
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality program recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the SQF family of food safety and quality codes are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all food supply chain sectors – from the farm to retail stores. This rigorous farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification also help food producers assure their buyers that their food products meet the highest possible global food safety standards.
Why is SQF important for your brand?
This farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification helps food producers assure their buyers that food products have been grown, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest possible global food safety standards. It can immediately improve your standing in the eyes of new partners and deals. For everyone at Taylor, this achievement is an excellent validation of our hard work and our team’s commitment to safe food operations. For you, it means increased protection in the event of recalls, improved operational efficiencies in our work together, managed risks, and peace of mind with certified due diligence.
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
Next week is the TIA 2023 Capital Ideas Conference! Our team is so excited to meet in person for this year’s annual conference in Orlando. Are you attending? Let us know below.
About the TIA Annual Conference
Over 1,800 of North America’s Most Successful Brokerage-Based Logistics Professionals for 4 Days of Reconnecting, Networking & Education.
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.
Have you ever had issues with port congestion or total transit time and cost issues for international freight? Taylor Logistics has a specific team that specializes in services with the New Jersey/New York Ports.
It takes a lot of bandwidth to operate a retail business. Whether you are an online retailer or run a brick-and-mortar business, you depend on the efficient movement of freight to maintain your operations. Logistics is the main component of any retail operation, from receiving inventory to shipping orders directly to customers. The amount of resources a retailer spends on operating its supply chain is unknown to most casual shoppers. This is an area where working with an experienced 3PL can be incredibly beneficial for any retailer.
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
Our VP of Warehousing, Grant Taylor, has been invited by our WMS provider Zethcon, A Made4net Company, to be included as a 3PL expert to speak at #Promat2023 in Chicago! The seminar is focused on excelling at distribution in the e-commerce era. If you are attending #Promat and are interested to learn about the experience of #3PL providers who have successfully switched to accommodate e-commerce and direct-to-consumer fulfillment into their operations, head to Theatre E on 3/22 at 3:45.
What You Will Learn
Do you have what it takes to excel in the e-commerce era? Accommodating e-commerce in your operation will depend on many factors, including your available space, automation, labor pool, technology, material handling equipment and the number and types of items you will be storing, picking and shipping.
In this session, you will learn from the experience of third party logistics providers who have successfully made the switch to accommodate e-commerce and direct-to-consumer fulfillment into their operations. You will learn how to manage higher order volumes, new types of order fulfillment, numerous picking methods, new equipment, warehouse mapping, diversified inventory tracking, cartonization and shipping processes that often accompany a shift in operations.
Learn how key technology solutions will make the transition smoother and will provide the framework for new processes and to incorporate robotics and automation, as well as the end-to-end visibility to provide a clear view of data from the dock door to the customers door, including the ability to track real-time inventory and keep customers updated on order status.
Key Takeaways
• Key technology and equipment considerations, including warehouse management systems (WMS), autonomous mobile robots, automation, conveyors and material handling equipment. • Seamless integration across systems, including WMS, e-commerce platforms and carriers to ensure accurate inventory visibility and order status. • Infrastructure changes to your warehouse to accommodate new methods of handling goods within the warehouse. • Exercises to walk through “current state” and “to be” process flows to determine the best picking, packing and shipping adaptations for your operations.
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.
We wish you a joyful holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year from our team to yours! As a reminder, all Taylor locations will be closed for the holidays on December 25th and January 1st.
If you worked with us this past year, thank you so much for being a part of the Taylor family. We appreciate your business and look forward to supporting you next year — please let us know how we are doing here.
If you haven’t worked with our fantastic team, check out our service portfolio to see if we can help you with any of your needs. We’re here for you in 2023!
CINCINNATI, O.H. / — Each year, Taylor Logistics, Inc. recognizes a vendor partner who continue to raise the bar in delivering outstanding quality, innovation, value, and service. Taylor is proud to announce it has named Crown Equipment Corporation as its 2022 Vendor Partner of the Year. With all the delays happening with material handling, Crown was able to get Taylor’s latest public warehouse going in no time; and they’ve done an excellent job. Without Crown Taylor’s World Park Four location would not be what it is today.
“Our vendors and suppliers play an important role in Taylor’s success year after year through innovative solutions, new products, and with a consistent focus on processes improvement,” said Will Roberson, COO, Taylor Logistics Inc. “It is an honor for us to recognize vendor of the year for all their work and contribution to the business. We look forward to continuing a successful partnership.”
Award recipients were determined based on an evaluation of each company’s service portfolio 2022 vendor scorecard performance – a rating system that evaluates supplier performance in quality, extraordinary partnership, cost, collaboration, and integrity – and input from Taylor senior leadership. Vendor service categories include the following categories: suppliers, education, technology, data and intelligence, marketing, financial institutions, and insurance; there were five nominations this year.
Vendor Partner of the Year Crown Equipment: Since its entry into the material handling equipment industry in 1960, Crown has earned a reputation as a leading innovator in world-class forklift and material handling equipment. Crown designs and manufactures up to 85 percent of its lift truck components, including key parts like motors, drive units, and electronic modules. When it says Crown on the outside, it’s a Crown on the inside.
Taylor Logistics Inc, a Cincinnati-based third-party logistics company, for the second year in a row has been named a Multichannel Merchant (MCM) Top 3PL for 2023, joining dozens of other leading third-party logistics providers selected by Multichannel Merchant in its eighth annual directory.
The criteria for MCM Top 3PL was determined based on industry experience, services offered, capabilities and performance.
“We are honored to be included with such an elite group of logistics and eCommerce solutions providers,” said Noelle Taylor, Director of Marketing, Taylor Logistics Inc. “This award is a great honor and recognizes every team member’s commitment to serving our customers and our core values.”
Seasonal inventory refers to products that sell at a higher velocity during particular times of the year. For example, most companies experience an influx in seasonal demand during the holiday season, and many may stock holiday-specific SKUs that they don’t sell year-round. Other brands may experience seasonal spikes according to changes in weather, sports seasons, or secondary holidays such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.
Take advantage of peaks in demand
Forecasting for seasonal variances will ensure you have sufficient levels of stock available to take advantage of increases in product demand at peak times of the year. If you rely on your busy seasons to make the most of your money, you must be on top of your game and ensure optimum product availability.
Prevent excess stock levels
Equally, it’s important that you don’t want to over-forecast for seasonal demand fluctuations. Investing too much money in inventory can lead to cash flow problems and an unhealthy balance sheet. If you have excess stock at the end of a season, you face the dilemma of selling it off at a discounted rate or taking on the burden of inflated carrying costs until demand picks up again.
Seasonal methods for managing inventory
There are five primary methods for managing inventory, and any of them could be appropriate for managing seasonal inventory, depending on SKU profile, sales velocity, and current business operations.
First in First Out (FIFO): The FIFO inventory method works by using the oldest inventory (first in) to fulfill orders first (first out). The FIFO method is appropriate for perishable and highly seasonal products and can increase margins on items that experience price hikes during times of high seasonal demand.
Last in First Out (LIFO): The LIFO inventory method uses the newest inventory (last in) to fulfill orders first (first out). The LIFO method can be used to quickly recoup expenses on products acquired at a premium seasonal price, either at the raw materials level or as finished goods.
Just in Time (JIT): The JIT inventory method is the method most commonly used by SMB’s because it requires the least intensive demand forecasting. JIT supply chains are replenished on an as needed basis. They are a high-risk supply chain management strategy and can reward merchants with increased capital on hand. Still, as we’ve seen with recent supply chain disruptions, they can also leave merchants with empty shelves when seasonal demand hits.
Economic Order Quantity (EOQ): The EOQ method determines ideal inventory levels using three metrics: customer demand, acquisition cost, and holding cost. The EOQ method can drastically cut inventory carry costs but requires advanced demand forecasting models supported by a lengthy sales history.
ABC Analysis: An ABC analysis prioritizes SKUs by lumping them into three categories: A — high-value products with a low contribution margin, B — mid-value products selling at a mid-range velocity, C — high-velocity products with a low margin. An ABC analysis helps merchants prioritize the SKUs that ultimately drive their business’s profitability and may prompt them to reconsider their product profile entirely.
How are You Managing Seasonal Demand Forecasting?
Are you looking for a strategy that can help you improve your seasonal demand forecasting? #TeamTaylor can help. Contact us today to learn more about our data-driven warehousing and fulfillment services.
This Thanksgiving, we are incredibly thankful for our incredible team for their continued hard work and dedication throughout the year. In addition, we give thanks to our clients, business partners, and community; we appreciate your continued support. Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
It can often be tricky to forecast what will sell. The majority of companies have peak seasons, so they may feel the pain of having too much inventory on hand. With a full plant or warehouse, productivity suffers from working in a crowded space, not to mention it can create an unsafe environment.
Partnering with Taylor to help with overflow can significantly reduce costs and help improve business performance. Taylor has a long history of supporting national and regional companies that run out of room in their distribution centers, plants, and warehouses. They develop a custom solution for overflow inventory. For example, one can etch out slower-moving products to Taylor Logistics’ facilities to free up space for high-priority goods.
Taylor is prepared to offer simple pricing solutions for handling and storage when one needs extra space. They know time is of the essence, so they pride themselves on fast implementation to free up space for clients as soon as possible. With their cloud-based customer portal, clients can access all inventory and track activities in real-time.
Managing warehouse overflow can be as simple as finding the right partner. At Taylor, they pride themselves on their customized solutions and scalability, making them an ideal partner for companies looking to store inventory in the Midwest. After the recent launch of their new warehouse, Taylor now has over 450K square feet of FDA food-grade storage space in the Greater Cincinnati area. So whether it is a quick solution to an inventory surge or a long-term business partnership, Taylor can create a customized solution to meet all business needs.
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.
Numerous industries rely on warehousing for long-term storage. However, different items require different conditions to preserve integrity and quality. Therefore, when choosing a storage facility, you should consider your company’s and inventory’s specific needs. One option is ambient storage. You can use an ambient warehouse to store a wide range of goods, making this option viable for many businesses.
What Does Ambient Storage Mean?
Ambient storage warehouses are defined as “buildings that are specifically designed for items that require a dry environment, where the temperature needs to be around room temperature.” However, this isn’t to say that these ambient storage warehouses don’t require industrial HVAC. Instead, it means that the internal area of the warehouse needs to be around 60 degrees all year. With this in mind, many ambient warehouse owners install temperature control forms to ensure the internal air stays dry and moisture-free.
Types of Products That Need Ambient Storage
Compared to shipping frozen items, items kept in ambient storage warehouses are far easier to ship. For products that can quickly melt at high temperatures or products that can be ruined from cold temperatures, ambient storage is an effective way to keep goods from going bad.
Some everyday products stored in ambient warehouses are:
Several CPG products
Food & beverage
canned and bottled foods
finished shelf-stable goods
Ingredients
spices
oils
flours
sugars
Packaging & paper products
Toys
Cosmetics
Clothing
Electronics
Handling Ambient Product
When installing an ambient warehouse, you must think about what you are storing and how the items are handled. For example, if you are storing many items, you will want a tall storage building where you can install high racking, utilizing the air space. However, with taller racking, you will require a method to get the items onto the higher shelves, such as a traditional counterbalance forklift. With this in mind, your ambient warehouse will need floor space for the warehouse equipment handling vehicle to move. There are alternative forklifts for tighter warehouses, such as articulated forklifts, but more specialized equipment tends to cost more.
Cross Docking
While warehouses are traditionally used for storage, opting to use cross-docking in your operation will offer a competitive edge. This is where items are transported to your warehouse and either loaded onto another trailer for immediate transport or stored for a brief period. With this in mind, it is always best to have space in your warehouse for such operations, especially in ambient warehousing, as this is a practice being used more often.
Quality Control
All ambient warehouses require quality control. Ensuring quality control is completed in warehouses that store perishable goods are imperative. Regular audits should be completed to ensure that items are being stored in the best possible conditions.
Choose an Ambient Warehousing Partner
Taylor has several ambient warehouses in the Cincinnati area ready to handle your products. Contact our expert team to secure your space today.
Shopify, the leading provider of essential internet infrastructure for commerce, offering trusted tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business of any size, has featured Taylor in its blog on warehouse management. This blog showcases how to make warehouse operations run smoothly for scaling brands. Since Taylor has tremendous experience helping brands from various industries scale, we spoke about the integral part a 3PL can play in helping your business.
Research shows that 32% of brands will fulfill orders in a new country in 2022. Lean on a 3PL’s existing horde of international warehouses to reach global shoppers in less time, rather than opening up your own in popular warehousing locations with expensive leases.
Take it from Noelle Taylor, senior marketing manager at Taylor Logistics, who says, “Partnering with a 3PL to handle warehouse management allows brands to focus more on what’s important—growing their business and delivering the best possible customer experience.
“Committed 3PLs see their relationship with brands as a long-term partnership. As a result, they may be willing to invest in space, technology, and equipment to take your business to the next level.”
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.
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.
Last week, our Bellevue team underwent a Safe Quality Foods (SQF) audit scoring an outstanding 98%. This is an exceptional accomplishment, as we continually strive for the highest standard in food safety for our business partners. A special kudos to the entire Bellevue team. We will be adding yet another championship banner!
What is SQF?
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality program recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the SQF family of food safety and quality codes are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all food supply chain sectors – from the farm to retail stores. This rigorous farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification also help food producers assure their buyers that their food products meet the highest possible global food safety standards.
Why is SQF important for your brand?
This farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification helps food producers assure their buyers that food products have been grown, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest possible global food safety standards. It can immediately improve your standing in the eyes of new partners and deals. For everyone at Taylor, this achievement is an excellent validation of our hard work and our team’s commitment to safe food operations. For you, it means increased protection in the event of recalls, improved operational efficiencies in our work together, managed risks, and peace of mind with certified due diligence.
Amazon recently announced that Prime Day 2022 will be July 12th -13th. Being among the most popular shopping days of the year, Amazon Prime Day is like experiencing Christmas in July for Amazon retailers.
Here are some valuable tips to help product brands prepare for Prime Day 2022.
Look for a partner to handle all Amazon prep services
Amazon’s FBA prep services have extensive receiving requirements that increase your expenses before even sending products to the marketplace. Some examples include:
Apparel on a hanger must have the hanger removed and be placed in a transparent poly bag to protect from damage or dust.
Baby products must be placed in a transparent poly bag, have a suffocation warning, be in a secured bag (if not self-adhesive), and include a scannable barcode.
Fragile/glass items must be placed in bubble wrap or a bubble bag with the box secured or taped, pass a drop test on a hard surface without breaking, and include a scannable barcode.
Keeping up with a laundry list of prep to-do’s is time-consuming and expensive when done on your own. And ensuring products are properly prepared ahead of Prime Day to avoid rejected inventory due to non-compliance can feel overwhelming. Work with a provider like Taylor (cough, cough).
Taylor offers a wide variety of prep solutions, including FBA carton labeling, palletizing and pallet labeling, inventory, applying SKU labeling, and more.
Partner with a 3PL that can do it all!
Want an all-in-one solution that’s a true extension of your team? In addition to our fulfillment, storage, freight, prep, and returns services, #TeamTaylor can also fulfill your Prime Day orders.
With a vast network of warehouses and best-in-class logistics technology, Taylor helps you meet customer expectations. In addition, to maximize visibility, we directly integrate with popular eCommerce marketplaces like Shopify/WooCommerce/Amazon to manage the entire fulfillment process.
Talk With Taylor – Fill out the form below and we will reach out ASAP!