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January 29, 2025 / By / Uncategorized /

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic for the last few years and will continue to be a buzz word in logistics in 2025. And while automating tasks and optimizing processes has a lot of potential to improve efficiency and save costs, blanket use of AI may not be the best approach in all areas.

 

Pro: Shipping Optimization

Route optimization, inventory management, and carrier selection can all be boosted by the use of AI. Algorithms can analyze everything from real-time traffic and road conditions while also monitoring inventory based on demand predictions and real-time sales data. AI could also be used to evaluate carriers to determine their reliability based on past data.

 

Pro: Predictive Analytics

It can also be a powerful tool in analyzing historical data and market trends to predict future demand. AI could help with mitigating risks as it identifies potential disruptions in the supply chain due to economic fluctuations or natural disasters. This foresight helps companies stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing circumstances.

 

Con: AI Customer Service

Have you ever tried to use a chatbot and found yourself spending more time trying to explain the question or problem than you would like? While AI-powered chatbots can be helpful for simple inquiries, they often fall short when it comes to complex issues or personalized support. Relying too heavily on AI for customer service can lead to frustration and a poor customer experience. Human interaction and expertise are still crucial for building relationships and resolving complex situations effectively. The technology becomes useless if the shipper doesn’t have time to use it. Since the shipper is short on time, the broker’s ability to monitor and manage the technology is key to a successful process. Westgate has a reputation for offering high levels of service by offering direct communication from our excellent staff. These folks work hard every day to leverage the efficiency of the tools we have in place, while preserving our core focus of providing the best customer experience possible.

 

The Human Element Remains Essential

Westgate will continue to follow the latest technological improvements and capabilities available in the logistics industry, as well as implement AI in areas that increase visibility for our customers and productivity for our staff. However, our primary objective is to maintain the human interaction element that our customers have always expected of us. As AI technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial to strike the right balance between automation and the human touch.

 

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.

November 25, 2024 / By / Uncategorized /

On November 20, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) entitled “Transparency in Property Broker Transactions.” The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) notes that the proposed rule is continued overreach from this federal agency, who continues to be derelict in their duties of assigning safety ratings to motor carriers and addressing the rampant freight fraud. During the COVID-19 pandemic there were no complaints registered to the National Consumer Compliant Database. But there were more than 80,000 complaints related to freight fraud.

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) argues that current broker transparency regulations are outdated and irrelevant in today’s market. These regulations, established in the 1980s, no longer apply to the modern freight industry.

The TIA has stated:

 “TIA has consistently maintained that the broker transparency regulation, rooted in the 1980s, is obsolete and un-American. Originally implemented in an era following trucking deregulation when brokers acted as commissioned sales agents for motor carriers, this rule has no place in today’s highly transparent marketplace. Any attempts to expand or enhance these outdated provisions should be shelved, and the FMCSA should redirect its attention to fulfilling its primary mission—ensuring safety on our highways and addressing rampant freight fraud.”

The TIA is encouraging everyone to comment on this NPRM in the next 60 days! TIA has made it easy for you to post a comment here: https://www.votervoice.net/Transportation/campaigns/119122/respond

 

Sources:

https://www.thetrucker.com/trucking-news/business/reactions-mostly-negative-flow-in-regarding-fmcsas-nprm-rulemaking-proposal

https://www.votervoice.net/Transportation/campaigns/119122/respond

October 16, 2023 / By / Uncategorized /

We attended the TIA Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., where we were honored to represent the 3PL industry and build relationships with key members in Capital Hill.

 

Members of TIA held 170 meetings to address with state representatives some important topics affecting our industry, such as rate intrusion and fraud in the supply chain.  The event boasted a remarkable turnout of 130 members, making it the largest forum to date- proof of our ever-growing commitment to advancing the industry.

With our record-breaking attendance and productive meetings, we are proud to have played a role in the success of not only the 2023 TIA Policy Forum but also in elevating the logistics industry as a whole.

 

In the photos with Mark (left to right) are Representative Dan Meuser (R-PA), Sarah O’Driscoll / CTB (National Xpress Logistics), and Rob Kemp (DRT Transportation LLC).

October 5, 2018 / By / Logistic • Shipping • Tracking • Uncategorized /

Technology is only as good as the team behind it!

 

The newest, sleekest logistics technology is rendered useless if the company utilizing it doesn’t have an experienced team managing it. The topic of offering shippers tracking and visibility comes up a lot in conversations as well as in industry publications.

Providing insight into load status through modern technology is definitely important. However, the team behind the technology is what makes it a successful tool. They are able to stay on top of your important delivery and address any delays and issues along the way. The technology isn’t going to do that on its own.

Westgate’s Chairman Tom Fiorini commented “Everyone says shippers want more visibility. What they really want is the freight off their dock on time and no issues during transit.” While Westgate utilizes a sophisticated technology to give their shippers the data and updates they need, they also have the focused support team to monitor it along the way.

 

“We want to take that worry away from our customers,” says President Mark Fiorini. “Westgate gives location updates sent via email, a log in to view detailed freight coordinates, the ability to watch your freight’s real-time movement, and estimated arrival time. But the real value comes from the trustworthy team monitoring all of this.”

 

As shippers find themselves regularly dealing with time-sensitive and short-notice shipments, working with a vendor who has tracking, estimated time of delivery becomes vital. The technology is useless though if the shipper doesn’t have time to use it. Since the shipper is short on time, the broker’s ability to monitor and manage the technology is key to a successful process.

Ultimately, technology can save time and improve processes. But the human touch is what makes it a tangible resource.

 

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.

 

February 15, 2017 / By / Uncategorized /

We understand your hesitation – why choose a small business when you can choose one with a bigger fleet and clientele? Honestly, choosing to work with a small company, like ours, has more advantages than meets the eye. Bigger companies are often held back by their size, and decision making can be difficult especially when you have a chain of command to follow. Besides the fact that we are more flexible, we also have the ability to adopt new and innovative ideas quickly and are usually more fast paced because we have fewer people to inform and train on new policies and technologies.

A business that values family

It may sound like a cliché, but we value our employees, and customers and ensure that they feel like they are part of the Westgate Family. If you’re wondering why this is so important, we will break it down for you; being part of the family means that employees feel safe and confident in their workspace, and a happy employee means great customer service, which ensures that our customers are happily taken care of too. Customers who feel like they are part of our family, are more comfortable with trusting their precious cargo with us and are more likely to return and choose to use our service again. After all, we want you to feel like you can pick up the phone and call us at any time – no robots, just a real person who understands your concerns and knows how to provide solutions that work for your business.

We are flexible to suit your needs

We have a distinct advantage over our larger competitors – we can make quick changes and are flexible in our service so that we can identify and then accommodate your needs with personalized solutions. A larger company has a lot of people and too many processes, so by choosing us, we can act quick and ensure that only the best service is delivered.

We save time and resources

With fewer employees, we have a better handle on our business and can ensure that it operates more efficiently. We save time when tough decisions need to be made because we do not need to worry about going through several layers of management before getting a final answer. Our small structure puts you, the customer, closer to our business which means a better understanding of what we need to do, to help you!

We offer personal service

Our business’ mission is to be closer to our customer so that we can have a full understanding of what you need from us, and exactly how we can exceed your expectations. We have the ability to develop relationships with our customers because we offer personal customer service. We don’t believe in making you speak to different robots who will never understand the intricacy of your problem, we strive for a business that understands you and your needs, and then delivers the solution to guarantee the best results.

Want to join the Westgate Family? We would love to chat and discuss how we can earn your business, with our personal customer service and commitment to quality.