800-637-8001
  sales@shipwestgate.com
 

Shipping

February 6, 2023 / By / Logistic • Shipping • Transport /

We take a look at the history of the transportation industry and how Westgate Global Logistics evolved along with it.

 

A New Era in Transportation

The Motor Carrier Act of 1980 (MCA) was the beginning of deregulation in the trucking industry and the start of a new era in transportation. It promoted the introduction of a new entity to trucking… Freight Brokerage. The role of the broker was to serve as an intermediary between shippers and carriers, facilitating high levels of communication and customer service to move shipments faster and more efficiently. This opened up a new opportunity for businesses to meet this need and changed how goods are transported across the country.

While these industry changes from the MCA were taking place, our co-founder Tom Fiorini was a manager with IML Freight (a former LTL carrier based out of Salt Lake City). His boss at the time saw great potential in the brokerage business and began the process of leaving IML to start his own freight brokerage. Being a friend and mentor to Tom, he strongly encouraged Tom to consider the same opportunity.

Westgate Breaks Out

Meanwhile, a long-time freight salesperson and acquaintance of Tom’s in the Lehigh Valley, PA area, Don Hunsinger, had already secured a business license to start a brokerage firm. Tom joined him and together they formed Westgate Transportation Inc. in 1983. This partnership continued through the early 1990’s until Tom became the sole owner.

Westgate was founded on our core values – honesty, integrity and trust. This mindset coupled with our focus on remaining a small, streamlined company helped us remain flexible and able to provide personalized solutions to our customers. This structure and mission have allowed us to stand out in the industry as we are able to provide nimble solutions that are unique to our customers’ needs. In addition, both our carrier base and our employees enjoy working with a family owned company where their needs are valued and prioritized. As one of Tom’s ten children, Mark Fiorini joined the company in 2012 and became President in January 2017. Mark continues to focus on maintaining the tradition and culture that Tom built as the company grows.

40 Years Later

As we enter 2023, Westgate is celebrating its 40th anniversary year. Over the years we have witnessed many changes in the industry, including the move from paper to technology and ever-evolving tools. And while Westgate utilizes advanced technology to give their shippers the data and updates they need, they also have the focused support team to monitor it along the way. The newest, sleekest logistics technology is rendered useless if the company utilizing it doesn’t have an experienced team managing it. The highly-trained team utilizing the technology is what sets us apart.

In celebration of our 40th year, we are transitioning to the new company logo and look to reflect the growth and legacy of Westgate. Rest assured that our values, mission, dedication, and commitment to our relationships remain the same.

We dedicate this milestone to the customer base, the carriers, and the company’s trusted employees. We thank our customers for having the trust in us as a reliable partner to provide solutions to their shipping needs and challenges. Likewise, we thank our carrier base for allowing us to represent them, and for providing great transportation services for us and our customers. Most of all, we thank our employees for their dedication, hard work, and integrity in facilitating each and every move.

Remembering Tom Fiorini: a Founder, Father, and Mentor

 

It is with very heavy hearts we announce that Thomas A. Fiorini passed away on January 6th, 2022. Tom was more than just our Chairman and Co-Founder of Westgate Global Logistics. He was our dear friend, our mentor, and our family. Tom impacted each person he encountered with his incredible ability to connect with others and the integrity he upheld in everything he did. He was a hard worker in both his professional and personal life. He enjoyed fixing things and updated his entire home. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his large and ever-expanding family. He will be dearly missed and we will carry on his values and vision in how we work and how we live. You can read Tom’s full obituary here: https://www.cantelmifuneralhome.com/notices/Thomas-Fiorini

We are grateful for the firm foundation Tom established for us and look forward to many more years of fulfilling his vision.

CONTACT US

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.

September 28, 2022 / By / Shipping • Transport /

While a provisional agreement to try and avoid a halt of service from railroad strikes has been announced, the impact of the struggling sector hasn’t fully dissipated. The nation’s supply chains have been extremely fragile since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the possibility of a complete railway strike would be a devastating hit to the already volatile economy.

So, what’s the deal?

Railway workers have threatened to strike over unfavorable working conditions such as being disciplined for taking time off – even if it is for doctor appointments and care. They also claim they are overworked and underpaid due to high inflation. The tentative deal was negotiated between the Labor Secretary and the union representing engineers and conductors. It would benefit the other rail union workers as well if the agreement takes effect. Though negotiations are still happening, the new contracts would provide rail workers:

  • a 24% wage increase during the five-year period from 2020 through 2024, with the average rail worker salaries will reach $110,000 by the end of this five-year deal in 2025
  • an immediate payout on average of $11,000 upon ratification and $5,000 in bonuses in the deal that is retroactive to 2020
  • an additional paid leave day a year plus unpaid time off for doctor’s appointments or medical procedures without being penalized under their attendance rules
  • workers will have to pay a larger share of their health insurance costs, but their premiums will be capped at 15% of the total cost of the insurance plan

 

What will this mean for the industry?

The unions are submitting the tentative deal to their members for a vote. And the result will likely be revealed closer to November around midterm elections. However, one of the other rail unions could still organize a work stoppage in the meantime. If the unions accept this proposed deal then we can avoid a strike.

Conditions are improving, such as the U.S. ports having cleared most of the back-logged ships. But there are still some serious supply chain disruptions to contend with, such as high fuel and food prices and a shortage of supplies. The economic issues, back-log, and staff shortages are still happening and causing the exhausting conditions the rail workers are contending with.

 

As always, Westgate Global Logistics will keep you informed on industry issues. We encourage you to evaluate your business and if you have any questions, CONTACT US to discuss your transportation needs.

 

 

 

SOURCES

https://www.npr.org/2022/09/16/1123239993/rail-stike-supply-chain-food-gas-retail-prices

https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/railroads-unions-whats-next-why-strike-threat-isnt-over

 

July 14, 2022 / By / Packaging • Shipping • Transport /

Packaging is a critical step in shipping freight, unfortunately often overlooked.

Cutting corners by eliminating protective packaging on your freight is a short-sighted decision that can cost you in the long run.

Shipments that move via LTL carriers need to be packaged with even more care. Even the carriers that have the lowest claim ratios experience damage claims. That’s why it is so important to pack your shipments properly to avoid as much product damage as possible.

 

Here are some things to consider when reviewing your packaging:
  • Inner Packing: Interior cardboard dividers, custom form fit molds, simple peanuts, or bubble wrap will help keep your product secure and tightly packed.

 

  • Outer Packaging: More and more shipments are being sent ready to put on the shelves, and while it is tempting to just shrink wrap, it is not enough to protect your product during shipping. Outer packaging such as cardboard or corner boards will offer additional pallet strength and protection.

 

  • Stretch Wrap: Don’t skimp on the shrink wrap. When wrapping your pallet, start at the floor and use several layers all the way to the top. Add security film or tape for higher-value materials.

 

  • Pallet Overhang: Be sure to utilize good solid pallets. They may cost more but will be worth it. It’s crucial to avoid pallet overhang and confine your product to the footprint of the pallet. Plus, most LTL carriers will refuse freight that overhangs the pallets.

In efforts to reduce costs in shipping, decisions to cut back on packaging are at the forefront. And while this may save a little bit of money in the short run, this can be much more costly in the long run. Claims, breakage, collateral damage, and strained customer relationships take time and money to correct.

 

Westgate is here to help you with your shipping processes. CONTACT US! We will be happy to work with you to ensure the integrity of your packaging.

Call us: 800-637-8001

 

 

 

March 30, 2022 / By / Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Trucking /

Truck Tonnage is Up1

Compared to this time last year, truck tonnage is up over 2.5%. “Demand for trucking freight services remains strong, but for-hire contract carriers are capacity constrained due to the driver and equipment markets. The spot market has been surging as these carriers can’t haul all of the freight they are asked to move,” said Bob Costello, ATA’s chief economist. “So the fact that the tonnage index hasn’t fully recovered is a supply problem, not a lack of demand.”

In fact, demand has been on the rise since the beginning of 2021. According to the National Retail Federation, retail sales are expected to continue to rise in 2022. “NRF expects retail sales to increase in 2022, as consumers are ready to spend and have the resources to do so,” NRF CEO Matthew Shay said. “We should see durable growth this year given consumer confidence to continue this expansion, notwithstanding risks related to inflation, COVID-19 and geopolitical threats.”

Even though the expected growth rate for 2022 is lower than the 14% annual growth rate we saw in 2021, it is stronger than the 10-year, pre-COVID-19 pandemic growth rate of 3.7%.

 

Women in Logistics2

Many women are taking advantage of the opportunity to work in the logistics industry and contribute to a field that is often considered the backbone of American society. However, women’s presence in the industry is still lacking. In fact, men make up about 90% of the driving and warehouse positions and 70-80% of the positions in the 3PL space.

Are we lacking women in logistics? If so, we’ve come a long way, but what else can we do? How can we attract female talent to the industry? The TIA’s Women in Logistics (WIL) committee has a few plans in this regard, including speaking to high school and college-age students to introduce an industry they might not have ever considered.

 

Save Money with Expedited Shipping3

As shipping delays and supply chain issues continue to disrupt the logistics industry, a huge issue businesses are struggling with is shipping and receiving products on time. These disruptions can cause companies to miss deadlines, leading to the loss of valuable customers and vendors.

However, expedited shipping services can help mitigate these issues and save you money in the long run. Westgate has almost 40 years of experience as a freight broker. We can identify the quickest and most cost-effective transportation methods while also helping to prevent financial loss caused by absent or late shipments.

When you partner with Westgate, we save your account information, needs, and special requests in our customer database. That means that every time you ship with us, you’ll spend less time explaining your situation, getting your inventory on the road and on its way even faster.

 

When you have goods that need to be delivered, there’s no time to waste. LEARN MORE today to find out how we can help you with your shipping needs. CONTACT US today to request a quote!

February 11, 2022 / By / Delivery • Packaging • Shipping • Transport /

When a freight carrier delivers freight to your dock, whether LTL or Full Truckload, you should expect to receive the goods intact and in good condition.

 

Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Sometimes there is visible damage, or the count is over or short. Sometimes there is damage inside the container that is not visible from the outside, referred to as concealed damage.

It is important to take the time to inspect the shipment when it arrives and notate anything that is irregular. Documenting and taking pictures of damage is always helpful if a claim is to be filed with the carrier. Damages and shortages can be costly, so it is in your best interest to report the situation and sign the receiving documents accordingly.

 

Steps for Receiving Freight:

 

STEP 1: Anticipate Delivery

Know what is coming and be prepared to unload the freight.

  • Do you have the proper equipment to unload?
  • Is there a dock for delivery, or must freight be delivered to the ground?
  • Can you accommodate a load that is double-stacked?
  • Allow enough time to inspect whatever you’re receiving.

 

STEP 2: Inspect the Packaging

If there is any visible damage to the outside packaging, take a picture and check out the product inside.

 

STEP 3: Document Any Damage

Notate the damage or missing items on the POD (Proof of Delivery). Be specific. For example, in the case of a shortage write, “Order Incomplete, 2 of 3 pallets delivered (pallet containing XXX missing)”.

  •  If reasonable, the shipment should be accepted and steps should be taken to minimize the loss. If it is absolutely necessary to refuse a shipment, advise the shipper so they can work with the carrier to avoid further damage or loss.
  • When accepting damaged freight, take pictures and store the entire shipment in a secure spot to facilitate inspection. Retain all the packing material as well. Without all the material for inspection, the carrier may decline your claim in full.
  • Report the damage or loss to the carrier as soon as possible. Claims must be reported within 5 days of delivery and a formal notice of intent to file a claim must be issued.
  • Establishing this procedure as a standard protocol can help avoid additional fees or complicate claim resolution.

 

STEP 4: Review and Verify

Review the BL (Bill of Lading/ Delivery Receipt) to verify any accessorial being charged. If that service (Lift Gate, Inside Delivery, etc.) was not ordered or rendered, mark the Delivery Receipt / POD accordingly.

 

STEP 5: Sign and Date

Be sure the driver signs and dates both your copy and the driver’s copy of the Delivery Receipt / POD. Also, print and sign your name clearly on the Delivery Receipt / POD. Be sure to keep a copy of your Delivery Receipt / POD.

 

Have questions about the right way to receive a freight shipment or what to do if things don’t arrive as they should? CONTACT US today to speak with a shipping specialist. Work with Westgate Global Logistics to minimize complications caused by poor receiving procedures.

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!

December 16, 2021 / By / Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Trucking /

Prior to the Covid pandemic, less than 50% of the population had any knowledge regarding supply chain issues.

Today, over 90% are aware of supply chain issues and the impacts they have on our everyday lives.

 

There continues to be significant congestion of ships and an overwhelming shortage of container equipment in addition to staffing problems at the ports. In order to abate anxiety among the general public, container vessels must now anchor at least 50 miles from the Ports of LA and Long Beach until they are called in for offloading. Out of sight, out of mind.  Although unpredictable, capacity and supply will eventually return, which will cause rates to level off somewhat.

Shippers who negotiated contracts early in 2021 will experience the highest rate increases in 2022. Early negotiation created a buffer for the price increases that developed throughout the year. Those shippers may experience rate increases as high as 20%.

While all shippers are interested in transit time, the primary concerns are occurring at the point of origin. It is vital for shippers to get products off their docks, opening floor space and providing the opportunity to invoice their customers. Transit time has become a secondary concern. Unfortunately, we will continue to experience a degradation of service throughout 2022.

It’s nearly impossible to have a lean operation without a predictable supply chain. Shippers must reassess what they consider to be safe inventory levels to meet production goals and may be forced to consider additional warehousing when necessary. Lean and just in time (JIT) inventories must be closely monitored and risk assessments should be performed regularly when permitting vendors to maintain stock.

Carriers have been working around the clock to keep up with the influx of freight. It all begins and ends with drivers. Both shippers and carriers need to work together to make the truck driving profession more appealing. The current commercial truck driver market consists of 92% men and 8% women, with the average age around 49 years old. A campaign to lower the age requirement to 18 years old as well as add more women to the driver pool appears to be a necessity. Despite driver pay increasing by as much as 25%, attracting more drivers has continued to be a challenge.  Carriers have also reported that many current drivers have opted to work shorter hours in response to their increases in pay.

Many carriers are transitioning to target pricing, which is essentially identifying “good freight” versus “bad freight”. For example: How easy are the customers to work with? Which shippers load and unload quickly? How far out of route do they have to travel to their next pickup? etc. The pricing carriers quote will reflect their assumption on what freight works and what freight does not work in their systems.

The overall cost of trucking will remain high considering the elevated costs they are facing. In addition to the rising costs of fuel, equipment and insurance, LTL carriers are forced to use outside TL carriers to supplement their linehaul service.

Keep an eye out for another potential Black Swan Event. The ILWU has threatened a strike in July. While in the past they were agreeable to automation, they are now opposed and that has become a major sticking point in contract negotiations

 

WHAT IS A SHIPPER TO DO?
  • Become a strategic shipper.
  • Limit the dwell time carriers experience on the docks.
  • Make it as easy as possible for carriers to pick up and deliver.
  • Turn containers and trailers around quickly.
  • Provide a desirable environment for drivers.
  • Share important information.
  • Put yourself in the driver’s shoes with regard to your dock processes.

 

If you’re interested in improving your supply chain or reducing your freight costs… CALL WESTGATE GLOBAL LOGISTICS

610-866-8001

 

 

 

 

December 8, 2021 / By / Logistic • Shipping • Transport • Warehouse /

2 Billion Out-of-Stock Messages

Online shoppers in October were looking for goods but instead found 2 billion out-of-stock messages according to an Adobe Analytics study. That is quadruple what it was in October of 2019. In November of this year, the out-of-stock messages surged 258% compared to November of 2019. The discounts offered were also lower than previous years.

The highest out-of-stock items were:

  • Electronic goods
  • Jewelry
  • Apparel
  • Home and Garden
  • Pet Products

 

It isn’t only online stores that have empty shelves. However, many businesses have tried to beef up their in-store inventory ahead of the holidays. Some are anticipating more in-person shoppers this year as consumers may be nervous about product shipping times. People can also look for alternatives easier in person if they face out-of-stock messages about what they were originally looking for.

 

Warehouse Shortages

Shipment congestion in ports has been making headlines but it also is translating into warehouse issues as well. Warehouse space was already scarce and now is in even more demand. Warehouse vacancy has reached a record low at 3.6% according to CBRE. This is so low that it really isn’t efficient. You need to have a little bit of availability to operate smoothly. Just like a lot of other price increases we are seeing, warehouse rent has gone way up. The net asking rent is at a record $8.92 per square foot. That is a 10.4% annual increase. This is likely to be an issue in 2022 and 2023.

As a result of the shortage of warehouse space, storage trailers are also extremely hard to find. Shippers and manufacturers are ordering more overseas products ahead of time to combat the congestion and delays on container shipments. Storage trailers have been a useful method to keep additional stock on-site without overcrowding their facilities. However, trailer manufacturers are unable to fulfill their orders which is compounding the issue and creating a rise in the cost of both new and used trailers.

 

What’s New in Trucking Sustainability

There has been a lot of build-up and talk around electric vehicle (EV) growth in the commercial truck and van space. And while there are some recognizable names such as Tesla, Volvo, Freightliner, Peterbilt, Mack, etc., there are some original equipment manufacturer (OEM) newcomers on the market. There are certainly some challenges ahead and EV adoption is still very low. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t coming. Daimler Trucks North America had vowed to have carbon-neutral truck lineups by 2039. And Volvo Trucks North America is aiming for the same by 2040. It will be interesting to see how these zero-emissions technologies compare as more players join in the game.

 

 

We’ve got you covered!

Call The Professionals At Westgate Global Logistics To Help Minimize The Impact Of A Difficult Market. 800-637-8001

 

 

Sources:
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/us-warehouses-running-room-amid-supply-chain-crisis/story?id=80906199
https://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/cbre_data_highlights_the_intersection_of_record_low_vacancies_and_record_hi
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/online-shoppers-face-increase-out-stock-goods
https://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/new-electric-truck-oem/

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.

 

CONTACT US today to experience our dedication to best shipping practices.