June 18th, 2025 by Derick
Don’t you think choosing the right expert for logistics services is crucial for the success of your business? When you choose the right partner, you can optimize your operational efficiency and ensure perfect customer satisfaction. However, finding the right expert is not so easy. There are things you must consider while choosing a professional because you can hardly take any risks with your business. Read this blog and find the things you must check while consulting a logistics service provider.
Top Things You Must Consider While Selecting Professionals for Logistics Services
Sound Industry Knowledge and Expertise
The first thing you must check is the knowledge and expertise of the professional you are hiring. You surely can not give the responsibility to someone who does not know much about the work. Hire a partner who can reduce risk factors, avoid delays, and check compliance issues. When you choose a professional with proper experience, you can be sure of the work.
Good Track Record
When it is about logistics services, trustworthiness is a must. When you decide to hire a logistics service provider, check if they have a good track record. Look for experts with a good track record that shows consistency, timely shipments, and minimal delays. When you hire someone with an efficient track record, you know your goods are delivered at the right time, and you can have peace of mind.
Technological Capabilities
Have you noticed that in the age of digitalization and globalization, technological advancement is a necessity? Evaluate the technological capabilities of the logistics partner so that you can ensure better supply chain management. When you hire a professional who offers real-time tracking, you can check the location of the goods. Contact a partner who uses technology to ensure smooth warehousing services and data accuracy.
Customer Service
When you choose a logistics partner, always check their customer service. Ensure that professionals continue clear communication, as without better communication, smooth operation is not possible. Contact an expert who prioritizes timely communication so that you can work without any miscommunication. If you hire someone who maintains good communication, you can stay informed and know the progress of the materials. What’s more? A clear conversation also helps to build trust with the partner.
Flexibility and Affordability
Always hire a partner who offers better transportation modes, ensuring that goods reach their destination at the right time, and you can maintain good relations with your customers. Another thing to check is affordability. When you hire a partner, ensure they offer the best rates for the service. For example, if you want to shift drayage trucking, they must offer a reliable price.
Summing Up!
Choosing the right logistics partner is crucial for ensuring a systematic supply chain operation. When hiring a professional, never forget to check their use of technology and customer service. By partnering with us, you can experience reliability and timely delivery. We also offer cost-effective service, so you do not have to think much about the cost. Why wait? Contact us today and experience the best shipment.
October 10th, 2024 by Derick
Florida truckers have faced several challenges in recent months, from port strikes halting drayage operations to the recent landfall of catastrophic hurricanes. In response to these challenges, carriers will want to implement contingency plans to ensure the safety of their drivers. This article explores how they are adapting to these circumstances.
While the Gulf Coast of Florida has evacuation protocols in place and minimal traffic, the Southeast Florida market, particularly in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas, remains relatively active. Despite heavy rainfall, high winds, and some flooding, drivers are managing to continue operations. However, flexibility is essential during these times. The current Florida market has seen a surge in spot market rates, with some carriers experiencing increases of 20-30% due to reduced capacity and heightened demand for available trucks. Historically, longer-haul truckers have struggled to find backhaul loads from Florida, but there is now an uptick in shippers eager to move their freight.
For over-the-road drivers based in Florida, here are some key safety measures to consider while on the road:
1. Route Planning and Diversions
Truckers should utilize updated mapping tools to identify and avoid flooded or damaged roads. Many are rerouting deliveries to bypass affected areas, ensuring safer and more efficient transport. Notable mapping tools for real-time updates include:
- Google Maps
- Waze
- TruckMap
This is particularly important for long-haul truckers heading up the East Coast into states like Georgia and North Carolina, which were also affected by Hurricane Helene.
2. Load Management
Carriers should adjust their loads as necessary to avoid overloading, especially under current weather conditions that may reduce vehicle stability on slick or damaged roads. This could mean reducing cargo weight when required.
3. Driver Communication Protocols
Establishing clear communication channels between drivers and dispatchers is vital. Regular check-ins ensure that drivers receive real-time updates about road conditions and can report any issues they encounter. This proactive approach enhances overall safety and efficiency.
Conclusion
As Florida truckers navigate the challenges posed by hurricanes and severe weather, their ability to adapt and respond is crucial. By prioritizing safety through effective route planning, load management, and communication, truckers can maintain operations even in the face of adversity. The current surge in demand for freight services highlights the resilience of the trucking industry in Florida, offering opportunities for carriers willing to adjust and innovate. Through these efforts, truckers can ensure not only their safety but also the continued flow of goods during challenging times.
October 1st, 2024 by Derick
The Port Strike has officially commenced, leaving many uncertain about its duration and repercussions. What’s clear is that all parties involved from importers to 3PL warehouse providers or trucking companies, are feeling the effects in one way or another.
Manufacturers with commodities stuck at the ports, especially perishables, are facing significant challenges. These businesses will need to explore alternative logistics solutions to mitigate the impact of delayed container shipments.
The best thing we can do is work together as logistics solutions providers and expand our networks within and outside our local communities.
Key Considerations for Importers
- Engage Domestic Suppliers
Given the disruptions, it’s crucial to assess your domestic supplier network. This may help reduce reliance on affected ports and streamline operations.
2. Adjust Port of Entry and Grow your Carrier Network
If you’re shipping high volumes of containers, you may have already started routing your imports through West Coast ports. For businesses primarily serving East Coast customers, finding reliable final-mile partners might be very helpful. While many over-the-road carriers are available for dry van and reefer shipments, not all provide final delivery services.
For instance, if a large retailer needs to transport freight from New York to retail locations in downtown Miami, collaborating with a final-mile carrier can ease deliveries through congested urban streets. A final-mile carrier may also have a warehousing terminal, where they can store your freight until your goods are scheduled to be delivered to stores or retail outlets.
- Expand Your Freight Forwarding Network and Consider Air Freight
Depending on the nature of your freight and its volume, exploring air freight options can be a viable alternative, particularly for perishables that cannot remain in containers for extended periods. Many freight forwarders can quickly provide quotes for air shipments. Additionally, freight forwarders often have access to a wide network of trusted 3PL warehouse providers, which can be invaluable if you need storage solutions during the strike. If you switch to a different port of entry, your freight forwarder can help you find a reliable warehouse partner in that new location.
4. Collaborate with Local 3PL Warehouse Providers
If you have containerized freight that you managed to retrieve from the port but urgently need to transport elsewhere, consider partnering with local drayage carriers and transloading warehouses. This combination of providers can efficiently move your freight to another mode of transportation, ensuring that the flow of goods continues despite disruptions
5. Non-Union Terminal Operators Whether you’re an importer or a logistics service provider, research non-union terminal operators in your area. While they may be saturated with requests, it’s worth reaching out. Crowley and King Ocean operate non-union vessels and still have some non-union port workers available, which allows them to continue pulling containers out of the yard
Conclusion
As a drayage carrier, we at Accurate Trailers are committed to doing everything possible to best serve our customers and provide additional logistics alternatives. One of the key solutions we’ve implemented is offering intermodal drayage services through Florida East Coast Railway, which allows for seamless transportation options even amid disruptions.
Here are some providers in the South Florida market that can assist with logistics needs during this challenging time:
By implementing these strategies and leveraging available resources, businesses can navigate the challenges posed by the port strike more effectively, ensuring that they continue to serve their customers and maintain supply chain integrity. Adapting quickly and utilizing strong partnerships will be key during the Port Strikes.
