Gain supply chain efficiency with the right connections

The ability to transfer data quickly and securely between systems is critical for managing a supply chain. Without it, basic business functions such as quoting, tracking and invoicing have to be completed manually — taking up valuable time that could be spent on more strategic tasks. But while most people agree integrations like EDI and API are vital for this type of data exchange, not everyone agrees on which is best for business. And the debate will likely continue for some time.

How is detention impacting your supply chain?

Driver detention has been a big issue in the transportation industry for many years, but electronic logging devices (ELDs) have put a spotlight on the topic since the mandate took full effect in 2019. Though the impact of ELDs is still being analyzed, the way they record drivers’ hours of service (HOS) has made time more valuable than ever.

Winter storms led to a 6% decline in truckload volume 

The first part of the year is usually defined by muted demand and softening rates within the truckload market. By early February, we are several months removed from the peak season freight frenzy. But just as it appeared that the markets would settle back into a typical seasonal pattern, a historic winter storm hammered the country.

The ELD mandate: where are we now?  

According to an American Transportation Research Industry (ATRI) report, 2020 was the first year since 2012 that the ELD mandate has not been included in the Top Industry Issue Rankings. While that may be the case, related issues that affect shippers, like detention/delay and hours-of-service (HOS), remain top concerns. Learn more about the impact the ELD mandate has had on the industry, from implementat

What’s happening in the truckload market so far in 2021? 

Last month we discussed how slowing retail sales would not translate into reduced demand for transportation. With inventories at historically low levels, even if consumer spending continues to decline, there will be a period of restocking that will keep demand elevated well into the second quarter of this year. This restocking period will also be a boon for U.S Manufacturers.

7 ways to keep temperature-sensitive freight safe 

If a shipment has specific temperature requirements, failure to meet them can cause items to lose their value — decreasing product acceptance rates (or increasing returns) and making it difficult for you to get paid for your orders. Use these 7 tips to safeguard your freight and ensure everything arrives as it should.     

Get capacity and competitive rates in your key truckload lanes  

Peak season demand, fluctuating capacity levels and other market changes can cause delays and rate increases for truckload shippers. And when these issues happen in areas critical to your supply chain, your bottom line can take a significant hit.

Marshall Land, a road driver at our Little Rock, Arkansas, service center, has been living his dream of driving trucks since 1965. 

“As a young boy, I had a few dreams — I wanted to be an airplane pilot, I wanted to drive a Greyhound bus, and I wanted to be a truck driver,” Land said. “I ended up pursuing my No. 1 dream, which was driving trucks. I stayed with it, put a lot into it and have gotten a lot out of it.” 

Land began his driving career one year after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.