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January 21, 2022 / By / Cargo • Packaging • Transport /

Less than truckload (LTL) shipping can be an extremely efficient way to move shipments when you don’t need to fill an entire trailer.

However, if the LTL shipping process is not implemented well, it can have some potential disadvantages, costing the company more time and money than necessary.

Packing pallets correctly for shipment is a serious safety issue as well and could be full of risk if the business isn’t careful. If your pallet isn’t stacked properly, you risk damaging the product, injuries from toppling pallets or workers tripping over the overhang, and time lost trying to fix the improperly packed pallet. Avoid injuries, damage and claims with these tips.

First, it is important to know how and when crating is more appropriate than skidding. For instance, machinery is usually best to be crated. To the point that some carriers will refuse machinery if only sitting on a skid and not crated. There are also NMFC product codes where the same item will ship at a lower class when crated compared to being only on a skid. Lower freight class typically equals better costs.

Select the correct pallet, skid or crate for your shipment to avoid overhang and support your product. Not all are created equal so make sure you are using one made of material best suited to your shipment and that is still of good quality. Using old wooden pallets is a recipe for disaster by increasing your puncture risk from loose nails or splintered wood. But plastic pallets are expensive but lighter and can be sterilized.

 

Neglecting to stack your cartons using best practices can cause damage to your product but also harm the people working with your shipment. One of the most common causes of damage is due to the shaking or vibration in transit. Vibration can cause the goods to rub against each other and internal parts to break.

How you stack your shipment can reduce the vibration. Improve how stable your pallet is by always placing heavy goods first, stacking up to the edge (but not hanging over), placing boxes like you would place bricks, securing with strapping, and picking the best shrink wrap for your shipment. Pyramid patterns are one of the biggest offenders so avoid using this pattern. The partial interlock pattern is what we recommend for maximizing strength. Proper planning and training can help you to ensure your pallets are safe and stable.

Pallet overhang accounts for a huge amount of damage and injuries. The four vertical corners of the box provide the majority of its stacking strength. If you don’t align the corners of the box above and below, you are reducing the compression resistance of the box and increasing your chances of damage.

 

Though it is often a point that is overlooked, the wrapping technique will impact the stability of your shipment. Scrapes, scuffs and punctures account for a good amount of damage when the shipper doesn’t prepare for all the machinery and movement the load will face in transit. We recommend you create an external cardboard wall around the palletized goods and then properly wrap them in shrink wrap. If you aren’t using machinery, make sure your team is properly trained on how to manually wrap. A common set of mistakes is not wrapping around the pallet enough times (at least 5) and not remembering to twist the wrap every other time around. This will increase the durability.

 

Proper, sturdy packaging and labeling is a surefire way to help prevent problems and claim charges. It would seem an obvious thing to point out that different carriers have different shipping rates. When shipping an LTL load, it is crucial to compare carrier costs in order to get the best rate and avoid overspending when a cheaper solution was available. But if you work with a cheaper solution and they aren’t familiar with how to safely handle your freight, it could actually end up being more costly. Vet your carriers carefully or work with a partner who is familiar with your needs and can pair you with the best suited carrier. Utilizing experts to compare rates and negotiate better deals could save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, not to mention the stress of doing all this alone.

 

CONTACT US today to speak with a shipping specialist about how to palletize your goods!

 

December 27, 2021 / By / Cargo • Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Trucking /

Less than truck load (LTL) shipping can be an extremely efficient way to move shipments when you don’t need to fill an entire trailer.

 

However, if the LTL shipping process is not implemented well, it can have some potential disadvantages, costing the company more time and money than necessary.

In order to ship smarter, a shipper needs to know how to get the most benefit for the cheapest price. Understanding common LTL shipping mistakes makes it much easier to avoid these issues. LTL shipping is a growing side of the freight industry and shippers need to know these common pitfalls in order to avoid a potentially costly shipping mistake.

 

Here are some ways to avoid common LTL shipping mistakes you could be making that hinder productivity and negatively impact the bottom line…

1] Know your dock delivery set up to plan for additional services needed.

2] Include proper labeling and documentation.

3] Train employees in OSHA regulations and the risks associated with not following them.

4] Provide correct load dimensions.

5] Provide accurate class designations.

6] Use the right equipment to weigh the freight correctly.

 

If you’re tired of dealing with the frustration that comes with shipping via LTL carriers, working with an experienced 3PL to manage your less than truckload shipping tasks is a smart idea that can save you a tremendous amount of money.

For more packing tips and tricks, download our free Freight Pallet Packing Guide HERE.

CONTACT Westgate today to speak with a shipping specialist about how to make your shipping more efficient!

April 27, 2020 / By / Cargo • Logistic • Transport • Trucking /

The Freight Market Braces for the Full Impact of the Coronavirus on the International Economy

 

As the Coronavirus pandemic makes its way across many parts of the world, people are struggling to calculate the impact not only on the economy at large, but on industry across America. For the freight industry however, the market outlook is substantially better than some other areas of American industry.

The retail and grocery industry especially has experienced a sharp increase in demand for food, beverages, and other household goods. It is expected that the demand for food, beverages, household cleaners, and medical supplies will continue for the second quarter.1

American Trucking Associations’ chief economist, Bob Costello forecasts that if America can flatten the curve of the coronavirus and reopen the economy, the fourth quarter could show the signs of a recovery. “You’ll go from seeing the worst quarter in our lifetime to some of the best quarterly numbers, in the fourth quarter that we have seen in decades,” says Costello.2

“While many trucking fleets are exceptionally busy,” Costello said, “there is a significant disparity in the industry. For example, trucking firms that supply grocery stores, hospitals and clinics are working around the clock. But those that carry items such as automotive parts to plants or deliver food to restaurants are struggling.”2

 

US Department of Transportation Expands National Emergency Declaration3

 

Due to the continuing spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued an expanded national emergency declaration.

“Under Secretary Chao’s leadership, FMCSA is providing additional regulatory relief to our nation’s commercial drivers to get critically important medical supplies, food, and household goods to Americans in need. The nation’s truck drivers are on the front lines of this effort and are critical to America’s supply chain. We will continue to support them and use our authority to protect the health and safety of the American people,” said Jim Mullen, Acting Administrator of the FMCSA.

The expanded declaration stipulates regulatory relief for freight operations that are supporting emergency relief such as:

  • Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19
  • Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectants
  • Food, paper products, and other groceries for restocking
  • Fuel

 

Impact on US Imports as Coronavirus Amplifies Trade War with China

 

Despite the continued trade war with China, Chinese manufacturing is recovering, and its products are expected to hit the US markets sooner rather than later.1

In fact, these products are currently being transported via airfreight providers to hasten their desperately needed arrival to the market.4 Transportation companies are expecting a major capacity crunch as they arrive into the US.5

 

What Can Freight Logistics Expect for Q2 and Beyond into 20206

 

As the Coronavirus takes its course, the performance of the markets in the second quarter will heavily depend on the severity and longevity of the virus outbreak and market closures. If America can successfully flatten the curve, then this disruption in freight should be relatively temporary. However, if it persists as it has up until now, the US economy could slide into a recession, which will only exacerbate the projected outlook for many industries across the nation.

While volumes continue to underperform during these chaotic times, capacity is expected to decline for the immediacy. But as with all trends, after a fall there is usually a rise and the retail economy should recover when the economy reopens.

 

Sources:

    1. Zipline Logistics
    2. Transport Topics News
    3. FMCSA
    4. DAT Freight & Analytics
    5. Supply Chain Dive
    6. Freight Waves

 

 

See for yourself why businesses are depending on Westgate to improve their shipping processes and to keep them informed of industry trends. REACH OUT to us to experience our boutique approach to streamlining logistics through an extensive network of resources, trained brokerage experts and unique personal service.

March 30, 2020 / By / Cargo • Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Trucking /

While searching for savings, most companies start by eliminating inefficiencies in outbound logistics. Only a few companies have gone to the next step by taking control of their inbound freight.

 

A structured inbound program will guide vendors, improve inventory control, validate the terms and conditions of the purchase order and minimize the need for expedited shipments, and ultimately provide significant savings.

Not surprisingly, many of the techniques used to save time and money on outbound transportation actually work for inbound freight as well. Having a clear picture of your inbound freight costs is paramount in pricing your products. Leaving the control of your inbound freight to your vendors is ill-advised and can be very costly.

At the end of the month, with little regard for your needs, many suppliers are eager to get freight off their dock so they can bill it. Your savings occur when your supplier optimizes shipments, consolidates loads, and maximizes weight and cube in a trailer.

Terms of sale are also an important factor when looking for savings. Generally speaking, FOB Destination/Freight Collect will allow you to take more control by allowing you to select a transportation provider that meets your service and pricing criteria.

 

Westgate Global Logistics can guide you in the development and execution of a proactive inbound program that can help you optimize your logistics. Our operations are structured to meet your business needs and our supply chain professionals can work on your behalf to help save you time and money.

CONTACT US today to discuss your inbound opportunities 800-637-8001.

 

March 3, 2020 / By / Cargo • Delivery • Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Trucking /

Keep up to date on industry news with our roundup of topics that could impact you and your business.

 

What Are The Major Changes Impacting Today’s Logistics1

  • A shift in economic and industry fundamentals

Recently, the U.S. economy has been flush with reforms geared towards helping to drive demand and an increase in consumer confidence, leading to more U.S. manufacturing. This, in turn, has created an increase in freight demand which has led to a crippling driver shortage, which is progressively stressing industry capacity causing a jump in transportation costs and a fall in margins, even for the largest nationwide companies.

  • The rise of the “Amazon” effect

Because Amazon has expanded so far so fast, it has created a new standard of consumer shipping expectations. “The effect of Amazon is heightened expectations,” says C. John Langley, a clinical professor of supply chain management and the director of development for the Center for Supply Chain Research at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business. “Next week is no longer good enough. It’s got to be on its way now and arrive at destination within a day or two,” he adds.

  • Advances in frontline and backend technologies

While the technology to fully autonomous transportation and delivery are still some ways away from taking over the logistics industry, there are plenty of safety tech that is already having a significant impact on the industry as a whole. Such frontline safety technologies include lane departure warnings, forward-looking cameras and radar, alerts for drivers when objects are in blind spots, adaptive cruise control, and rollover stability. In addition to all these frontline tech options, there are just as many behind-the-scenes technological advances readily available. Tools like artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and IoT/telematics have competitive potential for companies that choose to utilize them early.

 

Entry-Level Driver Training Compliance Date Extension2

FMCSA has announced that it is modifying its December 8, 2016, ELDT final rule, “Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators”. The rule change will extend the compliance date for Entry-Level Driver Training. FMCSA has extended the compliance date by a full two years, from February 7, 2020, to February 7, 2022 providing them with more time to finish developing the Training Provider Registry (TPR).

Developing the TPR has taken longer than anticipated but is a crucial factor for the FMCSA because it will help streamline the entire process. The TPR is designed to allow training providers to self-certify that they meet the training requirements, provide the electronic interface that will receive and store ELDT certification information from training providers, and transmit that information to the State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs).

 

FMCSA Reduce Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees3

On February 12, 2020 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced the final rule that continues to reduce commercial vehicle registration fees in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 and 20201 annual registration fees collected by states for motor carriers, private motor carriers of property, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies has been reduced by 14.45% below the 2018 registration level. It is important to note that the rates are calculated based on the number of trucks a carrier has in its fleet. The final rule stipulates that the fees will remain at this level through 2021, and beyond that unless amended again in the future.

With so many economic uncertainties, policy changes, and technological advances, it’s no wonder the logistics industry is experiencing such a high level of disruption. But what are the major changing forces affecting the logistics and transportation industry today? According to Forbes Insights research, there are three primary disrupting factors:

 

About Us

Westgate has 37 years of consistently delivering expertise in handling specialty loads, maintaining a large network of resources, and exceptional personal service. Westgate’s commitment to growth and providing exceptional solutions for our customers’ transportation needs are what will carry us into many more years of service.

See for yourself why businesses are depending on Westgate to improve their shipping processes and to keep them informed of industry trends. Reach out to us to experience our boutique approach to streamlining logistics through an extensive network of resources, trained brokerage experts and unique personal service.

 

Sources:

1 https://www.forbes.com/sites/insights-penske/2018/09/04/the-4-forces-transforming-logistics-supply-chain-and-transportation-today/#380841acb752

2 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/extension-compliance-date-entry-level-driver-training-0

3 https://www.ttnews.com/articles/fmcsa-final-rule-calls-reduced-commercial-vehicle-registration-fees

December 19, 2019 / By / Cargo • Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Trucking /

2019 has caused a thinning out of some of the transportation companies and caused the remaining firms to continue to evolve, grow, and adjust to the changing climate. An article from Transport Topics stated that “More trucking firms have shut down during the first six months of 2019 than in all of 2018.” Many companies couldn’t stay in business due in part to tariffs, regulations, and increasing costs.

We summarized some of the headlining industry changes in 2019 and what lies ahead for 2020…

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REGULATORY CHANGES:

Transportation companies continue to face increasing regulations.

  • The FMCSA released the proposal to make changes to its hours-of-service rules in August. The HOS rules were intended to allow for more flexibility for the driver without increasing the maximum time a driver is allowed to spend driving.
  • The electronic logging device (ELD) rule took effect two years ago but December of 2019 was the final date for 100% compliance. They recently published a press release reminding carriers of the deadline and that there “will be no soft enforcement grace period.”

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ECONOMIC RISKS:

  • The main risks for transportation companies are the same ones that could derail overall economic growth–global trade wars and higher interest rates. A further escalation of the U.S.-China dispute would slow economic growth and hurt certain transportation sectors more directly (shipping is the most exposed).
  • The other key risk to transportation companies, higher interest rates, affect economic growth, the capital markets, and–more directly–companies’ interest expense. Transportation companies use large amounts of debt and they are probably ready to handle rising rates as long as they don’t increase too sharply.

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DRIVERS:

Looking at the trucking side of the logistics industry, there has been a major stalling point for the last two years: Too much freight and not enough drivers, which is both good and bad for the industry as a whole. This is good in the sense that the U.S. economy is still robust. The bad news is that carriers have been struggling to recruit and retain quality. Unfortunately, as 2019 comes to an end, more of the same can be expected for the remainder of the year.

The Morgan Stanley Truckload Freight Index (TLFI) said, “we expect TL companies to focus on potential market tightening in 2020 this earnings season given supply side rationalization catalysts on the horizon, including the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and insurance rate spikes, as they continue to grapple with a currently tough operating environment.” Their sentiment survey showed an overall negative outlook regarding rates and supply.

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Looking Forward into 2020

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DRIVER SHORTAGE:

The truck driver shortage has been a serious issue through 2019 and is expected to continue causing issues well into 2020. One reason it has been so difficult to recruit and retain quality drivers is the demand for salary increases. Good drivers expect to see salary increases of as much as 20% to 50% over what they were paid just a few years ago. You can expect to see a major jump in driver recruiting efforts, going so far as the government lobbying to lower the commercial driving age to 18. Fleet carriers will put pressure on insurance companies to take a risk on these non-traditional, younger recruits in order to relieve the pressure. The FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations go into effect in February of 2020. Their intent is to raise the professional standards for new drivers with new training requirements. This training requires aspiring drivers to complete a curriculum of basic working knowledge and behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction with one of the FMCSA’s registered training providers. This could result in more fully-trained drivers and help combat the shortage.

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CLAIMS:

The good news is that fatalities due to crashes have decreased in the last decade, however, there have been more crashes resulting in severe bodily injury. While this data may seem conflicting, the reason is because of increased speed limits and the increasing use of safety equipment in vehicles. The high dollar amounts for these severe crash claims have taken the insurance industry somewhat by surprise and these increased costs will undoubtedly be passed onto the carriers in the form of higher premiums and deductibles in 2019 and 2020.

The growing cost of insurance and claims litigation will only increase the pressure felt by carriers to reduce the crash frequency, avoid litigation and improve DOT compliance. ISS scores, drivers, maintenance and ELD equipment will be a major focus for insurance carriers in 2019 and 2020. “Best-in-class” carriers that are DOT compliance will likely try alternatives like member-owned insurance captives and risk retention groups, which can help ease premium and deductible costs.

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REGULATIONS:

Legislation changes could increase trucking costs. Though more and more carriers are independent truck drivers, it is facing more and more public scrutiny and legal issues. The California State Supreme Court ruled that any independent contractor must be able to pass an “ABC Test,” with what many consider an unreasonably high standard in an effort to discourage using these independent drivers. New Jersey is also scheduled to review a similar bill. These state legislations could start happening in more states and cause problems for owner-operators and potentially increase trucking costs in the affected states.

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CAPACITY:

Inevitably, the freight capacity overloads the transportation industry has been stuck in the past few years will find a balance before too long. You can expect that when supply and demand do eventually balance out, the trucking industry profitability will slow down considerably and there will be a difficult struggle between insurance underwriting and the ability of fleet operators to pay increased premiums and deductibles. Until then, the major players in the transportation logistics industry will continue to grow and turn a nice profit in the meantime.

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About Us

Westgate has 36 years of consistently delivering expertise in handling specialty loads, maintaining a large network of resources, and exceptional personal service. Westgate’s commitment to growth and providing exceptional solutions for our customers’ transportation needs are what will carry us into many more years of service.

See for yourself why businesses are depending on Westgate to improve their shipping processes and to keep them informed of industry trends. Reach out to us to experience our boutique approach to streamlining logistics through an extensive network of resources, trained brokerage experts and unique personal service.

Sources:

https://www.cvsa.org/news-entry/dec-17-2019-eld-compliance-deadline/

https://www.ttnews.com/articles/2019-trucking-company-closures-so-far-have-doubled-all-2018

September 24, 2019 / By / Cargo • Logistic • Packaging • Shipping • Storage • Warehouse /

Less than truck load (LTL) shipping can be an extremely efficient way to move shipments when you don’t need to fill an entire trailer. However, if the LTL shipping process is not implemented well, it can have some potential disadvantages, costing the company more time and money than necessary.

Packing pallets correctly for shipment is a serious safety issue as well and could be full of risk if the business isn’t careful. If your pallet isn’t stacked properly, you risk damaging the product, injuries from toppling pallets or workers tripping over the overhang, and time lost trying to fix the improperly packed pallet.

In this guide, we explain how you can avoid injuries, damage, and claims with a few industry proven tips.

It’s important to consider the following:

    • Pallet, skid, or crate?
    • Proper stacking
    • Shrink wrapping technique
    • Thinking you don’t need help

 

 

PLUS!

We included some ways to avoid common LTL shipping mistakes you could be making that hinder productivity and negatively impact the bottom line…

 

DOWNLOAD your free copy now!

 

Reach out to us for a complimentary review of your packaging to see how we can help optimize your freight processes.

June 14, 2019 / By / Cargo • Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Trucking /

We’re happy to be able to offer you the opportunity to re-watch this incredible webinar featuring industry expert, Noël Perry. Watch and learn about some key trends impacting 2019  & 2020.

 

Webinar Highlights:

  • How do truckloads follow the stock market trends?
  • GDP Growth Outlook for 2019 based on trends
  • Is there really a driver shortage or an inability for the industry to rapidly adapt to new changes?
  • What is happening with spot prices? Contract prices? Which is recovering better and which is past their peak?
  • 2020 Vision: How many more years do we have left in this recovery? Why does the data make Noël nervous?
  • Disruptions you may see over the next 10 years:
    • The future of delivery times
    • Automated trucks and warehouses
    • Digital tools and controls

 

We’d like to thank all of the attendees for participating in this webinar, as well as Noël Perry for his incredibly informative presentation. Noël’s research and extensive knowledge on the freight industry have allowed us to gain much insight from the information he has presented.

Through Westgate’s long time involvement with and support of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, we have had the pleasure of becoming familiar with Noël and his predictions.  Every April, we attend the annual TIA conference and in my opinion, Noël’s Economic Outlook presentation is the highlight of the educational sessions. He has unique presentation skills and a passion for the industry that grabs the attention of the audience and keeps them on the edge of their seat.

Recently, we have been fortunate to get even more exposure to Noël and his crystal ball…not only as Chief Economist for the TIA, but through his partnerships with Truckstop.com and his Transport Futures newsletter which we read religiously every week.  Noël’s insights and predictions have been extremely beneficial to Westgate with regard to giving us a pulse on the future of the freight world, technology tools to consider and what to prepare for in coming years.

These are the reasons that Westgate wanted to offer this beneficial webinar to our list of contacts. Immediately following the webinar, we have received so many emails , calls, and comments telling us just how much the attendees enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to participate in this webinar and be privy the information Noël shared. The information, data, and statistics Noël covered is truly invaluable both to us and all of the people who attended this webinar.

January 18, 2019 / By / Cargo • Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Trucking /

Capacity, economic growth, and what the experts say…

2018’s strong growth in the beginning of the year trailed off a bit as the year went on. The fourth quarter experienced a bit more of a boost than the normal holiday demand due to concerns of the upcoming tariffs and shippers trying to get ahead of this additional expense. The Chinese tariff was supposed to go into effect January 1, 2019 but has been delayed for 90 days to allow for more negotiations. Even with this end of the year slight surge, 2018’s freight demand ended lower than at the beginning of the year.

As Noël Perry, principle of Transport Futures and chief economist for Truckstop.com, said in his Transport Navigator analysis, “2018 started at a VERY high level but gradually and steadily declined as the year matured. Declined may be too strong a word because the market is still relatively tight.”

For carriers, 2019 may seem slower when comparing it to the frenzy we experienced in the beginning of 2018. For shippers, they can look for potential easing capacity issues, but there are still more loads than trucks in most lanes according to DAT. We are not out of the capacity woods yet.

American Trucking Associations’ Chief Economist Bob Costello also expects continued, but slower, growth in demand for freight hauling in 2018. He said, “We have hit the peak in the current freight cycle,” Costello said.

“The economy is still growing, just not as fast as it has been in 2018.”

 

Positive Indicators to Watch:

• Unemployment levels remain low and personal income is rising which could lead to increased spending.
• There is wide support for FMCSA’s proposed Hours of Service (HOS) changes which could alleviate some of the drive shortage by attracting more drivers to our industry.

 

Negative Indicators to Watch:

• Many economists warn of continued market and economic volatility in the first half of 2019. This can cause a depressed freight demand.
• Even though we listed the HOS changes as a positive, we expect a continued driver shortage while we wait for improved regulations to reinvigorate the appeal of the profession.

 

Reach out to us to experience our boutique approach to streamlining logistics through an extensive network of resources, trained brokerage experts and unique personal service.

 

GET A QUOTE

 

Noël Perry, has been provoking the transportation market for more than forty years. You can subscribe to the Transport Navigator at www.transportfutures.net

 

 

SOURCES

https://transportfutures.net

https://www.dat.com/blog/post/rates-rise-but-gains-may-be-temporary

https://www.ttnews.com/articles/infrastructure-trade-loom-large-trucking-new-year