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October 2021

October 22, 2021 / By / Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Trucking /

Currently, there are an incredible number of container ships waiting to be unloaded at the Ports of LA and Long Beach. To add to the congestion, there are more ships en route. Since these two ports account for the nation’s largest trans-shipment centers, this provides insight into the trouble we face going forward.  The sad truth is that the U.S. doesn’t have the infrastructure to handle the tremendous flow of containers headed for our country. Clearing the backlog could take us into Q3 or Q4 of 2022.

A view of the parcel side is equally dismal. UPS and FedEx have more freight than they know what to do with as we enter Q4 of 2021 and approach the holiday shipping surge. Expect the parcel carriers to utilize and initiate accessorial charges to offset their increased costs. Moreover, expect transit time to suffer.

The LTL and Truckload sectors are having similar issues. In addition to their struggle to find drivers and dock workers, these carriers are unable to obtain enough equipment to service their current volume. Shippers are not releasing trailers fast enough and storage trailers are in extremely high demand which has created a significant trailer shortage. Meanwhile, manufactures of tractors and trailers are having difficulty fulfilling orders for new equipment. COVID shortages are only making this matter worse.

What to expect for 2022? Without question, HIGHER RATES.

How can a shipper combat these dire problems? Focus on internal processes, watch for opportunities to consolidate shipments and work closely with vendors regarding product availability and scheduling.

Most importantly, call the professionals at Westgate Global Logistics to help minimize the impact of a difficult market.

800-637-8001

October 19, 2021 / By / Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Trucking /

The COVID-19 pandemic completely turned the American economy, businesses, and the political world on its head. Because of this, 2020 was the first year that the TIA held the Policy Forum virtually, using Zoom to facilitate meetings between Members of Congress and the forum participants.

 

Even with the virtual adaptation, it was considered a great success for having enlisted ten sponsors (five from each political party) for the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act. “This success was a direct result of your grassroots efforts and direct lobbying. The fact is your voice is the most prominent and meaningful for a Member of Congress and their legislative priorities,” said TIA.

The TIA wanted “to build upon that success of getting back to the basics of grassroots advocacy efforts” with this year’s 3PL Policy Forum. The hybrid event, which was held on September 28th and 29th, featured both in-person and virtual registration options.

This year’s forum made more time for TIA Members to be able to meet with their entire Congressional delegation in order to present questions and comments, as well as ongoing high-level briefings from key officials from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

“I never miss this chance to speak on behalf of our industry about the issues the industry faces — now and in the future. The more we get in front of these people, the more we can guide the narrative about our industry and steer regulation to help us all,” Mark Fiorini, president of Westgate Global Logistics.

Mark is dedicated to constantly improving processes for the industry as a whole. “The Policy Forum provides people and businesses an opportunity to sit down with the people who make decisions about our industry, and all of us here at Westgate strive to be at the forefront of these policy changes and trends.”

TIA plans to continue to focus their energy and dedication to 3PL advocacy efforts moving forward, and Westgate will be directly in their wake making moves for a better tomorrow.

 

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