When it comes to simplifying and streamlining transportation management, using a dedicated fleet within your operations can give you total control of your shipping needs. On the other hand, managing a dedicated fleet can also be a very time-consuming and resource-heavy burden for organizations of any size.

For many, the name Savannah evokes images of moss-draped oaks and historic cobblestone streets. Yet beneath this picturesque Southern charm lies another reality altogether: the city's role as one of the most important logistics and distribution centers in international trade. Several factors contribute to Savannah’s rise as a global logistics hub.

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024, promises to be a captivating astronomical event, but it could also affect supply chains and transportation, especially without proper planning. Here's a short guide on what you need to know about this rare occurrence, along with crucial transportation tips. 

Discover how All South Flooring leverages Averitt's comprehensive transportation and logistics services for greater supply chain efficiency. In this customer testimonial, Greg Capell, VP of Operations and Finance at All South Flooring, shares their journey of growth and the pivotal role Averitt's solutions play in their success.

As the only alcohol legally designated as a product of the U.S. by the Senate Concurrent Resolution 19 of 1964, it’s no wonder bourbon has profoundly shaped the taste palette across both the nation and the world. With 95% of the world's bourbon made in Kentucky, the state is known as an epicenter for spirits production.

In the past few years, the bourbon and spirits industry has seen a surge in growth. Amidst this dynamic landscape, Averitt has carved out a distinctive role in supporting and enhancing the spirits supply chain. In an insightful interview with Todd Harrett, one of Averitt’s Transportation Specialists, we unravel the company's journey, its impact on the industry, and the unique strategies that set Averitt apart.

In the complex world of freight logistics, companies are constantly seeking innovative solutions to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize their environmental impact. One such solution is pool distribution. Let’s examine what pool distribution is and the advantages of incorporating it into your transportation strategy.

Freight shipping is a fundamental element of global trade and the backbone of supply chains worldwide. It involves the movement of goods from manufacturers to markets, which is vital in keeping the wheels of commerce turning. Understanding the principles of freight movement is essential for businesses and individuals engaged in shipping or receiving goods.

Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping presents several unique challenges in the world of freight and logistics. Chief among these is LTL rate management – due largely to the sheer number of factors that influence LTL shipping rates.

The United States and Canada have long enjoyed a special relationship forged by shared geography, similar values, and strong economic ties. They share the longest international border (at 5,525 miles) and the strongest bilateral trade relationship (with nearly $2.6 billion exchanged every day) of any two countries in the world. Despite some challenges in recent years – such as domestic economic anxiety, COVID-19, and national security concerns – the two countries retain a partnership model unlike any other. In fact, the U.S. continues to be the primary source of goods imported into Canada, with China a distant second.

Recently, the global supply chain has faced disruptions with the Panama and Suez Canals at the forefront. Let’s look at the intricacies of these challenges, their impact on international trade, and what the global supply chain is projected to look like for the rest of the year.

Mobile, Alabama — well-known for its historical importance and cultural heritage — is quickly establishing itself as an essential logistics hub in the Southern United States. This shift is not only transforming the city's economic landscape but also highlighting its strategic role in transportation and supply chain management.

In late 2023, we carried out the ninth annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. With this survey, we aim to gauge the difficulties encountered by shippers over the course of the year and to develop a clearer perspective on their expectations for the upcoming year. Ultimately, over 1,400 shippers from diverse sectors participated and shared their insights.

Navigating the world of freight shipping can be daunting, especially for those new to the field. From a sea of acronyms to unique terminology to a maze of regulations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But the good news is that for most small business owners, there's only one shipping category they need to understand: Less-Than-Truckload, or LTL.

As we step into 2024, the landscape of supply chain and logistics continues to evolve, driven by dynamic market trends and technological advancements. In the sections below, we explore four critical trends of transportation and supply chain management that will be increasingly important areas to understand and strategize around in the months and years ahead.

For any business, choosing a freight transportation provider is a cornerstone of effective supply chain management. Working with a trustworthy and efficient partner can streamline your entire operation, from warehouse to doorstep.

Special Delivery - Holiday Cheer! We just wanted to take a second and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our team to you this holiday season. Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

Identifying the most optimum distribution strategy is crucial for shippers to streamline the movement of goods and enhance supply chain efficiency. There are two primary types of distribution strategies that leverage warehouses to stage freight for distribution to final destinations: regional and centralized.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of North American trade, businesses face a critical challenge: managing the increasing freight congestion at the U.S.-Mexico border. This bottleneck not only slows down operations but also adds significant costs.

At Averitt, our commitment to community service is more than a corporate responsibility; it's a heartfelt mission that's grown deeply personal for each of us. As Thanksgiving approaches, we're reflecting on a year marked by remarkable generosity and impactful service, a journey made possible by the unwavering support of our customers and the selfless dedication of our associates.

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is a flexible, cost-effective solution that bridges the gap between parcel deliveries and full truckload shipments. It also comes with something that doesn't exist on the Truckload side – freight classes. Understanding this intricate system of categorization is crucial for shippers since it influences cost.

The shipping industry can be complex and constantly changing, much like a challenging puzzle with moving pieces. For those involved in shipping freight and managing logistics for a business, this means facing a series of obstacles.

Through the years, Nashville has been celebrated for a wide range of qualities – from its vibrant music scene, to its role as a healthcare epicenter, to its famous hot chicken and more. But there’s another important facet of the city that’s often overlooked – its role as a crucial logistics hub for the transportation and distribution industries.

The e-commerce landscape has witnessed a significant transformation over the past few years. In 2022 alone, e-commerce sales in the U.S. exceeded a staggering $1 trillion. This shift has prompted businesses of all types to reevaluate their distribution strategies to meet the ever-growing consumer demand for faster deliveries.

Shippers rely on their supply chain partners to deliver their products efficiently and effectively, making safety essential.

It’s no secret that the nationwide scarcity of truck parking is disrupting supply chains, safety, and driver recruitment. This issue has garnered attention from several industry news sources, like FreightWaves and Transport Topics, and has even seeped into technology in the form of mobile apps to help truck drivers.

While the Greek philosopher Heraclitus might not have had digital technology in mind when he wrote that “change is the only constant in life,” his words certainly ring true in the context of the rapidly evolving technology we see every day.

In a recent interview with Ed Smith, Vice President of Averitt Distribution and Fulfillment, we gained valuable insights into the current state of the warehousing market. In the discussion, Smith highlights the current challenges and shifts in consumer dynamics that are playing out in the marketplace.

The holiday season is a critical time for retailers, presenting both sizable opportunities and significant challenges. As consumer demand skyrockets, the resilience and efficiency of a retailer’s supply chain are put to the test.

Initially, the concept of transloading might raise concerns about complicating the supply chain and triggering extra costs – whether due to transit delays or other variables. However, reality presents a different picture.

Jumping headfirst into any new industry can be overwhelming, especially in the transportation industry.  Understanding the common terminologies and industry jargon used in conversations can feel particularly daunting at first. To help you jump right into conversation with your peers, we’ve put together a list of nine key industry terms that you should become acquainted with. 

Defining continuity in the corporate world is, at times, difficult to do. Everyone has their own outlook on what continuity means to them. Longevity, for instance, isn’t necessarily the core of continuity. As we have seen time and time again in the transportation industry, even long-standing companies can experience critical issues that negatively impact their associates and customers when continuity is an afterthought.  

International trade can often seem like a labyrinthian maze of jargon and abbreviations. It’s a world with an extensive list of unique rules, procedures, and terminology that can seem daunting at first glance. And one word that gives many new global shippers pause is the abbreviation “Incoterms.”

Big Ass Fans (BAF) – a global manufacturer and distributor of high-volume fans based out of Lexington, KY, trusts Averitt with transporting their industry-leading airflow products. As a trusted and reliable transportation and supply chain solutions provider, Averitt helps businesses like BAF achieve their goals by working side-by-side to develop customized transportation solutions. 

In 1980, the Motor Carrier Regulatory Reform and Modernization Act was signed into law, effectively deregulating the trucking industry and allowing carriers to price independently.  

“Just load the truck.” 

For anyone not versed in the finer aspects of logistics and transportation management, those four words may appear to represent one of the easier links in the supply chain. However, far more goes into safe and efficient load planning than simply firing up the forklift and moving a few pallets.

Since its introduction to the music festival scene in 2002, Bonnaroo has boasted record-breaking numbers of attendees and set the stage for many notable performances. And any Bonnaroovian will agree that the ‘Roo lives up to its name, which comes from a Creole slang term meaning “a really good time.” 

Call it what you will – the Windy City, Chi-Town, the City of Big Shoulders – Chicago has a unique place in the pantheon of American cities. 

Efficiency and reliability can be challenging to improve when it comes to the complexity of inbound supply chains — particularly with operations involving imported cargo. With multiple service providers and touch points, your ability to make meaningful refinements to your strategy can be difficult. Fortunately, there are ways to simplify the process and establish a seamless connection between the various links in this area of your supply chain.

Sooner or later, most companies trying to optimize their supply chain will arrive at a similar crossroads – choosing between owning and operating a private fleet or outsourcing their transportation needs to a dedicated fleet services provider.

Averitt is a trusted and reliable transportation and supply chain solutions provider that plays a crucial role in supporting Kentucky's bourbon and spirits industry. Backed by over 50 years of award-winning service, Averitt helps distillers, bottlers, and other associated businesses achieve their transportation goals with customized solutions.

Let’s face it – the term "sales rep" is enough to make some people's eyes glaze over. After all, plenty of us carry negative perceptions based on experiences with pushy, upselling salespeople who just won't take "no" for an answer.

Beginning April 8, 2023, the National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC) will introduce several changes that are intended to make the NMFC system easier for shippers.

As the last few years have shown, there's little margin for error in today's fast-moving supply chains – which is why shippers and carriers alike are constantly looking for ways to streamline their processes and improve efficiency. One approach that's gained in popularity in recent years – particularly in the wake of capacity crunches and driver shortages – is the use of companies that offer drop and hook services. 

While for many people the name Louisville, KY conjures images of horse racing and mint juleps, the city also boasts a less widely recognized reputation – that of a critical shipping and transportation hub for companies across the country and around the world.

While the global supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic shined a bright light on the need for companies to bring their manufacturing back to North America, interest in nearshoring and reshoring has been growing steadily for several years.

We’ve all heard the adage that "you get what you pay for." Well, it's just as true in the world of logistics as it is in any other aspect of life. While there can be countless reasons for disparities in cost between different transportation providers – from network size to technology and more – the reliability and service most shippers rightly expect will typically come at some type of premium.

In late 2022, nearly 1,800 shippers participated in the 8th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. Respondents were asked a series of questions to gauge the challenges they encountered last year. Additionally, we asked the group what they foresee as their biggest challenges and opportunities in the months ahead.

While there’s still no telling if or when global trade will return to what we considered “normal” before the pandemic, things did continue to improve in 2022.

In most people’s minds, Memphis is associated with three main things: delicious barbecue, soulful blues, and of course, Elvis’ beloved Graceland. But what’s less widely known is that the city also represents the single most significant shipping hub in the Western Hemisphere.

Supply chain issues have been a daily struggle since early 2020 when the pandemic altered both manufacturing and shopping patterns around the world.

For decades, shoppers have descended on brick-and-mortar retailers the day after Thanksgiving, eager to scoop up some of the year's best deals. In more recent years, Cyber Monday was added to lengthen the shopping window. Then came Amazon's Prime Day. Then came other online sales days from retailers like Target and Walmart.

Over a thousand of our current associates - including drivers, members of our executive team, logistics and operations leaders, and administrative professionals - have served or are currently serving in the military. Hiring military personnel is more than a trend for us. It’s a natural fit.

On October 24th, the Digital LTL Council of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) announced that it had established a new application programming interface (API) standard for electronic bills of lading (eBOL). This marks the first time in the industry’s history that less-than-truckload has had a standard format for electronically sharing these vital and ubiquitous documents.

With the shipping industry facing concerns about diesel fuel supplies, the Averitt team is keeping a keen eye on supply and has contingencies in place to keep our customers' freight moving.

Truck driver detention is nothing new. The issue has been discussed, debated, and argued about for years. Yet, in all that time, the challenge has only worsened – causing increasing ripples across supply chains and throwing off truckload delivery schedules that were already impacted by supply shortages, capacity issues, and an ongoing driver shortage. In this post, we examine some of the contributing factors.

Hiring military veterans has proven time and time again to be a win-win situation for both transportation companies and the veterans themselves. For our returning servicemen and women, our industry provides a good job, a stable career path, and an opportunity to utilize much of the skills and training gained during the course of military duty.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will begin accepting food facility registration renewals on Oct. 1, 2022, and continue through the end of the calendar year.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted notice of an increase in user fees, effective October 1, 2022. According to the agency, this is an effort to help offset rising inflation in the country. Importers will see an increase in their U.S. Customs user fees—minimum and maximum Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF).

Trucking is an indispensable part of the US economy, accounting for roughly 70% of all goods transported nationwide. Truck driving is also the most common job in roughly 28 of the country’s 50 states. 

Yet every time a truck driver gets behind the wheel, they face risks. The occupation ranks among the most dangerous in America, with upwards of 766 fatal injuries annually. Although 80% of these accidents are caused by cars and other passenger vehicles, accidents can also be caused by any number of factors – such as careless handling of the truck, driver fatigue, and equipment failure.

UPDATE (Nov 30, 2022): The United States government has initiated legislation to step in with an intervention aimed at preventing a rail workers' strike as we move into December. Averitt continues to monitor this situation closely and we are working to ensure all freight continues to flow smoothly for our customers.

For all the variables of international commerce – with its endless combinations of commodities, origins, and destinations – there are still some things all shippers have in common: a desire to streamline the supply chain and reduce freight costs.

The issue of driver retention is an ongoing challenge in the transportation industry. Not only has it become harder to find qualified drivers, but recruiting, vetting, and training them is more time-consuming and expensive than ever.

On June 21, 2022, The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) took effect, effectively banning the import of all goods made in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China. President Biden signed this law on December 23, 2021, after it overwhelmingly passed both houses of Congress. In addition to giving the government additional tools to enforce U.S. forced labor laws, the new law includes a statutory presumption that all goods from Xinjiang are made with forced labor.

It’s an unfortunate reality of the business – cargo has always been vulnerable to theft.

Along with the cost of staffing and materials, shipping and transportation management consistently ranks as one of the most expensive items in a company’s budget.

The rising cost and decreased supply of fuel continue to pose a significant challenge for shippers and carriers alike. Ongoing concerns over inflation, foreign wars, and economic uncertainty have only exacerbated the problem, with the national average price of diesel fuel soaring past previous records. As of May 16, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported an average increase of $2.37 over a year ago, with sections of the East Coast seeing hikes of $3 or more.

As the Wall Street Journal reported in September of last year, the global shortage of computer chips fueled by the pandemic has dramatically affected commercial truck and trailer production.

It’s no secret that the last decade has seen a dramatic rise in e-commerce. While as recently as 2011, the segment accounted for barely 5% of retail sales, that percentage has grown steadily – reaching nearly 20% in 2021. And forecasts indicate that by 2025, e-commerce will make up roughly a quarter of all global retail sales. 

As the subject line suggests, there has been a recent (March 23, 2022) development out of the office of the US Trade Representative that offers some hope to companies that had previously been subject to exclusions to the Sec. 301 duties against China.

On March 1, 2022, the Felicity Ace sank in the Atlantic Ocean. Traveling from Germany to the U.S., the ship was carrying thousands of luxury cars from Volkswagen, including Porsches, Lamborghinis, and Bentleys. According to Reuters, without international cargo insurance coverage the financial losses could equal upwards of $155 million.

For over 15 years, the relationship between Averitt and Virco, an American manufacturer and supplier of school furniture and equipment, has continued to thrive and grow. From standard LTL services to dedicated fleet operations, and international forwarding, Averitt helps Virco deliver first-class delivery experience to schools and offices—even through the most challenging of times.

Anyone who follows transportation news is already well aware that America is facing a shortage of commercial truck drivers. According to estimates from the American Trucking Association, the United States currently needs more than 80,000 additional truck drivers – a number that could swell beyond 160,000 by the year 2030.

With more than 15,000 associates and 300+ locations around the globe, Flowserve is one of the largest industrial and environmental machinery suppliers. And with a history that dates back over 200 years, the organization knows a thing or two about the critical importance of building strong partnerships with its service providers.

On May 1, 2021, the Tax Administration Service (SAT by its Spanish acronym), published on its website the electronic document called Complemento carta porte (Carta Porte) or Bill of Lading supplement.

Following the release of the results from the 7th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey, Averitt's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Kent Williams, recently sat down to discuss the results with the Commercial Carrier Journal's Matt Cole and Jason Cannon.

The newly-expanded Panama Canal was opened on June 26, 2016. Three years later, we addressed the impact that the Panama Canal expansion had made on supply chains to that point.

In the last week of December 2021, more than 100 container ships were anchored outside the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. While that wasn’t the all-time high up until that point, the sheer number shows just how backed up the international supply chain currently is as we begin the new year. With that said, 2021 was a year that shippers, especially those involved with imports, will never forget.

The United States and Canada share the longest international border (at 5,525 miles) and the strongest bilateral trade relationship (with nearly $2 billion exchanged every day) of any two countries in the world. In fact, the U.S. is by far the dominant point of origin for goods imported into Canada, with China a distant second. A key reason for that strong relationship is the relative ease of transporting goods from one country to another via truck, which is supported by more than 120 land ports-of-entry lining the border.

On January 22nd, the U.S. government issued a rule that requires truck drivers entering the country to be fully vaccinated. Notably, this applies to Canadian and Mexican truck drivers that are heavily involved in the cross-border flow of materials and products to and from the U.S. The impact of the new rule could have consequences for many shippers and supply chains that rely on cross-border trade.

Mexico became the top trade partner of the U.S. for the very first time in 2019. Though the title went back to China for 2020, Mexico took the crown again throughout the majority of last year. Adding fuel to the fire that is growing trade throughout North America is the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which went into effect in July 2020. The strength of trade between the three nations may become even stronger due to the challenges seen during the pandemic.

The challenges at the ports and with strained capacity on the road have many shippers seeking alternative solutions. And given that 57% of the respondents in the 7th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey experienced delays with their truckload moves in 2021, it makes sense to see a surge in interest for air and rail services.

One of the biggest misconceptions of the driver shortage is that it refers to all truck drivers in general. While there is a continued need to fill driver positions of all types, it is the over-the-road positions that are the hardest to fill.

In the 7th annual State of the North American Survey, 76% of our respondents said they will ship more this year (an all-time high for our survey). We also gave shippers a list of 20 different services and asked them to select the ones they used in 2021. All but one service saw a slight decline in use compared to 2020. Ninety-six percent of respondents said they used less-than-truckload (LTL) services in 2021. That marked a 2 percentage point uptick from the previous year.

During the first year of the pandemic, online shopping surged as more consumers sought an alternative to crowded marketplaces. According to Digital Commerce 360 (DC360), e-commerce sales experienced an astounding 32.4% year-over-year growth in 2020. Last year, however, the widespread availability of vaccines and periods of lower COVID-19 cases led more shoppers back out into the brick-and-mortar environment.

In late 2021, we asked shippers to participate in our 7th annual State of the North American Supply Chain survey. The purpose of the survey is gauge the challenges that shippers faced over the course of 2021, and to gain a better understanding of what they believe will be their biggest challenges in 2022. 

The seventh annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey was conducted in late 2021. The goal of the survey was to gauge the challenges that shippers faced in 2021 and to gain a better understanding of their outlook heading into the new year. More than 1,800 shippers across a wide range of industries shared their input and experiences.

As the 2021 holiday retail season kicks in, many shippers are facing a wide range of dilemmas. From manufacturing and port delays abroad to extended wait times for cargo ships to be unloaded in the U.S., supply chain disruptions are almost daily occurrences. So what is happening, and more importantly, what can shippers do about it?

Every year, carriers around the nation encourage shippers and the general public to celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NDAW).

Consumers and companies alike are more conscientious about their environmental impact than ever before. Every day, organizations are expected to meet increasingly strict sustainability standards.

And supply chains are particular objects of scrutiny.

The meteoric rise in e-commerce over the last several years has led to unprecedented retail sales. Unfortunately, it has also led to an unprecedented number of returns. It’s estimated that 30% of online orders are returned, as opposed to just under 9% for goods purchased from a brick & mortar retailer. Tracking these aftermarket activities can provide insight into your overall logistics management. Which is why shippers and suppliers alike need a sound reverse logistics plan.

The term ‘Transportation Management System’ has become increasingly common in the logistics industry as companies look for ways to remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

When it comes to volume shipments, distribution can become complex. From managing multiple pickup and delivery points across less-than-truckload and truckload operations, finding ways to increase efficiency and reduce overall costs is an achievable goal. Utilizing cross-docking services is a prime example of how shippers can find ways to save time, money and paperwork.

Supply chain disruptions tend to strike when we least expect them. In many cases, they are often the result of events that are out of our control. From inclement weather to international relations, and even pandemics, on-time freight delivery can never be fully guaranteed. However, planning ahead and communicating with consumers can help shippers and service providers reduce the impact. 

One of the primary driving forces behind supply chain disruptions in 2020 was international trade. In previous years, ongoing trade negotiations and back-and-forth tariff fights were the major topic of tensions among international shippers. However, it was the pandemic that led to large-scale challenges for cargo moving by sea and air.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we can never fully rely on predictions to make all our decisions. The emergence of the pandemic was an invisible enemy that forced shippers and service providers to adapt and change plans without hesitation.

Many shippers have modified their operations to adapt in a COVID-19 world. In some cases, that’s meant responding to supply challenges. In others, it’s meant changing their manufacturing process to produce badly needed safety equipment.

This will certainly go down in history as one of the most challenging years shippers have ever faced.  However, it is the events that may unfold in the months ahead that will be written about in articles and industry textbooks for years and even decades to come.

It would be fair to say that Yukon Outfitters has always had a knack for “adaptation.” For proof, you don’t have to look any further than the story of how the company got its start.

It's a story as American as apple pie: A lighting salesman begins tinkering with manufacturing designs of his own, using nights and weekends to build lamps in his garage. Over time, he starts selling them to mom-and-pop lighting stores, until he can afford to buy a space in a popular industry trade show.

The first half of 2020 was one of the most challenging periods in modern history for communities and shippers. While planning for supply chain disruptions has always been a standard practice for shippers, it is fair to say that no one could have anticipated the dilemmas that came as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the early part of 2020, many businesses across the globe were temporarily shut down due to local
mandates and precautionary measures. As a result, sales across many different industries significantly
slowed.

June 30, 2020 marked the end of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The NAFTA was put into place in 1994 to bolster trade between the US, Canada, and Mexico by reducing or eliminating trade barriers — primarily tariffs (duties). The agreement increased trade between the three nations from $290 billion in 1993 to more than $1.3 trillion in 2017.

It’s fair to say that the broader trucking industry has generally been a bit slow to adopt new technologies. However, the last few years have seen definite progress in everything from automation to digitalization. Even so, that progress has come at a steady, measured pace.

On January 1, 2020 Incoterms 2020 went into effect. These rules from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) establish guidelines for how shipments are handled between buyers and sellers in different countries.

Update: 4/8/2020 Capacity in the LTL markets are currently available to meet the majority of customer needs. This is especially true when it comes to essential goods that are moving to retailers. Even when it comes to meeting MABD and OTIF agreements with retailers, Averitt is positioned to ensure that shippers meet their delivery windows.

On January 16th, the long-delayed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was passed by the United States Senate by a vote of 89 to 10. On January 29th, President Trump signed it into effect. This agreement, drawn up as a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) of 1994, offers many modifications that are expected to provide an uptick in cross-border trade.

E-commerce represents one of the single greatest factors impacting the future of LTL freight. In just two years — from 2017 to 2019 — e-commerce grew from roughly 11 percent of retail sales in the U.S. to nearly 17 percent. And that number will only continue to rise.

As demand has risen in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce supply chains, shippers have been faced with a challenge. Smaller and more frequent orders mean shorter lead times and less product to fill a truck. That forces consumer packaged goods (CPG) shippers to use less-than-truckload services more often.

Cloud-based technology is rapidly becoming more than just an outlier or a luxury. Businesses around the world have recognized the potential that a cloud-based supply chain strategy has to dramatically increase both efficiency and profitability.

In late 2019, more than 1,800 shippers participated in our 5th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. The following article examines a portion of the results. Click here to download the full white paper.

In late 2019, more than 1,800 shippers participated in our 5th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. The following article examines a portion of the results. Click here to download the full white paper.

In late 2019, more than 1,800 shippers participated in our 5th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. The following article examines a portion of the results. Click here to download the full white paper.

Toward the end of last year, we invited shippers from a wide variety of industries to participate in our fifth annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. Our goal was to gauge the challenges that shippers faced in 2019 and to gain a better understanding of their outlook heading into the new year. More than 1,800 individuals from across North America participated.

For a logistics or delivery company to claim that they offer “unmatched care” when it comes to handling shipments is nothing new. There is, however, a growing trend you’ve undoubtedly heard of that takes this concept even further – white glove service.

The last few weeks have shown that the volatility we saw earlier in 2019 is far from over. From high profile bankruptcies to the announcement (and debate) of a new North American Free Trade Agreement, many factors are working together to create widespread uncertainty in the industry. But despite this, there are a few key areas where the lessons of 2019 can show us where impacts will likely be felt by carriers and shippers alike.

Since exploding on the scene in 2012, Florida Georgia Line has amassed one of the largest followings in country music. And those passionate fans had the chance to see them up close during their 2019 “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country” tour.

As trade tensions between the world's two biggest economies continue, companies around the world are moving to reduce their dependence on Chinese factories.

As we move into the final quarters of 2019, one thing has become clear; the year has taken a toll on many carriers. Several have closed their doors since the beginning of the year – a fact that has an impact on other carriers and shippers alike.

The USTR just posted yesterday an announcement on their website that the feared List 4 group of products ($300 Billion) will be hit beginning Sept 1. The listing, however, has been split into 2 parts, which are being called List 4A (Click here to view), and List 4B (Click here to view). List 4A will be charged at 10%, but is planned to rise to 25% on December 15 when List 4B is effective.

It’s been a long road to be sure, but the end is finally in sight. December 16th of this year marks the end of the three phase implementation process for Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). This congressionally-mandated rule is meant to create a safer work environment for drivers, and make it easier and faster to accurately track, manage, and share records of duty status data. 

There have been a lot of questions regarding Sec. 301 duties, and how they apply (or not) to our clients' import products. A comprehensive list of all tariff numbers subject to the various tariff actions known as Lists 1-4 can be viewed here. Lately, there has been a big push for companies to see if their products will be eligible for an official exclusion from these additional costs. We have tried to summarize the main points below regarding the current state of these exclusions and how to go about applying for one if you choose.  

Ever since the new 25% tariffs on China have gone into effect, many importers are receiving notices from their bonding company or from Customs directly that say the importer's current Continuous Bond amount is no longer sufficient, and it must be raised (rather quickly) to a new, higher minimum amount. Please do not ignore these notices!

Please be aware that on August 1, 2019, the Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF), also known as PierPass, at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will increase by 1.9 percent. The adjustment matches the combined 1.9 percent increase in longshore wage and assessment rates that took effect June 29.

As one of the world’s biggest musical artists, Ed Sheeran doesn’t do things halfway. That was definitely the case with his 2018 North American Stadium Tour in support of his Grammy-winning third album, “Divide.”

At its heart, transportation is still a personal business. For all the talk of technology and logistics, it remains an industry built on people dealing with other people. To that end, building and maintaining strong relationships makes the process better for everyone.

The web portal (Click here to visit) for submitting exclusion requests for the third round (tranche) of China tariffs to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is now open through Sept. 30. Parties must register on the portal before submitting exclusion requests, which can include a range of similar goods for products defined in the request. Challenges to exclusion requests must be posted within 14 days.

No matter what type of shipping option you use, there’s one fact everyone learns pretty quickly – fuel surcharges can add up in a hurry.

We’re well into 2019, and several trends have emerged that shippers should keep an eye on as the year progresses.

Overall, there’s great uncertainty regarding the full truckload industry for 2019. Trucking is undergoing a transformation as e-commerce, capacity issues, regulations, and other factors reshape the supply chain landscape. 

As many shippers may have noticed or heard at the end of May, President Trump has announced a plan to implement new tariffs on ALL goods arriving from Mexico beginning as soon as June 10, 2019. The duty rates would start at 5% on June 10 and increase monthly by an additional 5% until they reach 25% or until Mexico does enough to satisfy the President's requests that they do more to stem the flow of illegal immigrants through their country.  

On June 26, 2016, the expanded Panama Canal was opened. At the time, there was fanfare a’plenty, with the Panama Canal Authority’s public relations department declaring that the long-delayed opening “...Ushers in a New Era of Global Trade.” Three years later, it’s time to assess whether or not the expanded canal has lived up to these lofty promises – and just what impact it’s had on shipping in the U.S. 

The LTL shipping industry is busier than ever. As a result, space within trucks is also tighter than ever before. This places added responsibility on the shoulders of shippers and carriers to ensure that each shipment is packaged as safely and efficiently as possible.

China has responded to the latest round of 25% tariff increases the United Sates has imposed on their goods as they enter the US.

In response to the U.S. raising our own List 3 tariffs to 25% on $200 billion in goods, China announced on May 13 that it was raising the tariffs $60 billion of US goods covered on 4 lists they had previously identified. The four product lists carry specific duty rates – 25% (List 1), 20% (List 2), 10% (List 3) or 5% (List 4).

In the face of massive uncertainty on the status of the US/China trade negotiations, importers should be aware that the duty rate for List 3 products is planned to increase from 10% to 25%, as early as 12:01 AM Friday (May 10th, 2019). This is noted in the Federal Register (Click here to view).

The office of the United States Trade Representative has released a new and updated listing of products that are now excluded from coverage under Sec. 301 duties implemented last year. These exclusions are retroactive to July 6, 2018 and will be effective until April 18, 2020. A summary of the exclusion list is copied below.  

The demand for final mile and white glove delivery services is rapidly growing for large and heavy products that aren't suitable for parcel shipping. These types of residential deliveries generally require the use of two-man delivery teams. Pulling off a successful final mile delivery, however, will require planning and actions on behalf of the recipient. 

Updates

Aug. 5: On August 4th, President Trump backed off the threat to shut down points of entry along the U.S. and Mexico border. However, the current situation has not changed the fact that drivers are facing long waits to cross. Some drivers are waiting eight hours or more to get through customs. 

Original Article

Amid growing tensions surrounding the U.S. and Mexico border, shippers need to prepare for expected shipment delays. Following an influx of Central American migrants arriving at the border, the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) is shuffling personnel and assets around to manage the situation. As a result, many officers and inspectors that are generally tasked with checking trucks and freight moving back and forth across the border are being temporarily reassigned to work more closely with migrants. 

Over the past several years, two important challenges have developed for supply chains. First, the growth of online shopping has increased shipping volumes and demand for quick deliveries to consumers. Secondly, the driver shortage has strained freight capacity across multiple areas of the supply chain process.

Together, these challenges have forced shippers to rethink their warehousing and distribution services strategy. This is especially true for shippers that move mid to high volumes of freight across multiple markets.

To that point, look at Amazon's warehousing and distribution services model. Marketplace shippers (and increasingly Amazon's own line of products) sell to customers throughout North America and around the globe. To keep customer prices under control, Amazon understands the value in local and regional warehousing and distribution services.

With approximately 75 fulfillment centers and 25 sortation centers in the U.S. alone, the company's supply chain is structured to reduce final mile transit times and costs. This structure allows sellers to stage inventory across multiple key markets rather than having to ship individual orders hundreds or even thousands of miles.

Well, that warehousing and distribution services strategy is great for Amazon's sellers, but what about B2B and B2C shippers that sell and move products independently? It goes without saying that most businesses lack the capital to build a supply chain infrastructure on the scale of Amazon. Nonetheless, local and regional fulfillment solutions are increasingly becoming available to shippers to meet the growing demands of today's supply chain.

Transportation costs can quickly eat into budgets that involve long haul shipments. As more businesses struggle to find long haul capacity due to the driver shortage, intermodal shipping is increasingly a viable option. 

In late 2018, more than 2,300 shippers participated in our 4th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. The following article examines a portion of the results.

In late 2018, more than 2,300 shippers participated in our 4th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. The following article examines a portion of the results.

For most, 2018 was a very robust year in terms of business growth and shipping. According to the
Commerce Department, the gross domestic product (GDP) reached a 3.5 percent annualized rate in the third quarter. Driven by the Trump administration’s $1.5 trillion tax cut package, businesses took advantage of increased consumer spending to make investments over the course of the year.

In late 2018, more than 2,300 shippers participated in our 4th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. The following article examines a portion of the results.

In late 2018, we asked shippers to participate in our 4th annual State of the North American Supply Chain survey. The purpose of the survey is gauge the challenges that shippers faced over the course of 2018, and to gain a better understanding of what they believe will be their biggest challenges in 2019. 

More than a decade after the worst global financial crisis since the Great Depression, the U.S. economy now sits high amid a period of low unemployment and low inflation. In an October speech, Jerome H. Powell, the Federal Reserve chairman, touted economic forecasts as having a “remarkably positive outlook.” Still, many shippers and businesses are uncertain how the path to sustainable growth will look as numerous challenges to supply chains persist.

CHINA TARIFFS  --  There are currently 3 rounds of increases targeting 3 different groups of products and HTS#’s from China, PRC.   Click on the yellow numbers below to access the HTS listing for each round. 

One of the most challenging aspects of the holiday season, particularly for retail shipping, can be the aftermath. Many purchases are often returned due to damages, wrong sizes and a variety of other reasons. To recoup losses, businesses are often able to ship the returned goods back to their suppliers for a refund or rebate.

Do you ship to or from Canada? If so, you know there’s no shortage of paperwork and shipping rules involved when shipping across the U.S.-Canada border. In fact, it can be easy to miss something - and many shippers do. How can you avoid common cross-border shipping mistakes when moving goods to and from Canada? Here are five tips to get you started.

As the busiest time of year for retailers, the holiday season can be a roller coaster of preparation and execution across all areas of business. From gauging the latest shopping trends to staffing temporary employees, there are several moving pieces that need to work together to succeed. One part of the puzzle that certainly can't be overlooked is inventory and supply chain planning.

Each year, the transportation industry takes a week to recognize the unsung heroes behind the wheel that keep the American economy moving forward. This year's National Driver Appreciation Week (Sept. 9-15) is the perfect opportunity for carriers and shippers alike to honor our nation's driving force. 

Cargo insurance is vital for the protection of your products that originate from or are destined for locations abroad. Aside from protecting your business from financial losses associated with lost or damaged cargo, insurance can protect you a variety of maritime shipping risks, such as the law of general average.

The Answer Could Very Well Be "YES"

A lot of new tariffs have come into effect this year, and more are scheduled. These increases are substantial, and if they affect the goods your company imports, you are well aware of how this is affecting your business operations.

Home to nearly 3 million people, Chicago is one of the busiest cities in the United States. And with record-level congestion on the streets and limited freight capacity, it’s also one of the most difficult markets to manage a complex logistics project.

For the past 3 years the ocean carriers operating in the Transpacific and Indian Subcontinent Trade Lanes have made attempts on the first day of each month and again on the 15^th day of the month to try and pass through rate increases to help them recover from years of unprofitability. The newly formed alliances that were finalized in 2017 helped them recover to a point where the carriers collectively recorded a year of profitability. That still left them with years of negative numbers to recover from.

Yet another round of tariff increases are being planned, which will add 10% duty to more than 6000 HTS#'s, affecting $200 Billion in new products. In scanning through the listing of tariff codes, there are a LOT of products affected, from foods to handbags to wood/paper products, fabrics, yarns, tile, glass, lots of additional iron/steel/aluminum products, various machinery, pharmaceuticals, in addition to televisions and bicycles. Please review the full listing at https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/301/2018-0026%20China%20FRN%207-10-2018_0.pdf. These could go into effect as soon as September 2018.

Pushed by a growing economy and driver shortage, increasing freight rates have been on most shippers' minds lately. In truth, rates, particularly in the truckload segment, have been on everyone's minds for quite a while now.

Few things make international shippers more worried than threats of tariffs and trade wars. And today, these topics are clearly at the top of business minds around the world.

In addition to the ongoing renegotiation of the North America Freed Trade Act, the future of international trade is up in the air. On an almost daily basis, new tariff announcements are being made by nearly every major economic power. 

The final listing of Chinese-origin products that will be hit with an additional 25% in duties under Sec. 301 was announced by the USTR on June 15^th. The effective date of these new tariffs will be July 6. Although the final listing was reduced somewhat, from 1333 items to 818, it still represents a large number of consumer-level items. The full tariff listing of affected products, along with descriptions, can be found HERE. Please know that we are expecting another round of 284 products to be added to this listing, but the exact timing of this has not yet been announced. This proposed listing can be found HERE.

Buoyed by a host of factors, including an aging workforce, growing regulations and freight demand, the national driver shortage continues to dominate industry discussions. The American Trucking Associations estimates that the number of unfilled positions will exceed more than 176,000 unfilled positions by 2026.

The growth of the globalized economy has led to more supply chains that rely on importing and exporting through the nation's busy seaports. This increase in international business, however, has also led to increased supply chain costs as a result of cargo congestion and capacity constraints around the seaports. Adding to the issue, fewer drivers are available to move containers long distances inland to shipper destinations, which can lead to delays.

3 Ways To Reduce Supply Chain Environmental Impact

Together, shippers and carriers can significantly reduce a supply chain's impact on the environment. Knowing which questions to ask of your carriers and how to identify service providers with a green mindset may not always be clear though. Consider these three factors when looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint with the help of your carriers.

In February 2018, we discussed solutions that can help shippers navigate the freight capacity crunch currently felt throughout the U.S. Current challenges with capacity, however, are not limited to freight moving domestically. Cross-border freight capacity between the U.S. and Mexico, for example, has become increasingly difficult to secure in recent years.

Averitt’s Specialized Services gives Grand Ole Opry precision and care on priceless move

Tourists seeking an authentic Country music experience outside of the South need look no further than Times Square. While the iconic street performer known as the “Naked Cowboy” has been entertaining crowds on Broadway for many years, it’s a new restaurant and venue that’s bringing the Nashville sound to Manhattan, with Averitt's help.

In January 2017, we informed our readers about the warning signs that signaled an impending truckload capacity crunch. As the year progressed, the forecasted storm developed into reality, and capacity constraint has been reported as the primary issue faced by many shippers last year. 

As most of North America is getting into the swing of a new year, the Chinese will soon be celebrating the beginning of a new lunar calendar. The "Year of the Dog," which begins on February 16, 2018, will bring about a standstill in manufacturing and freight movement in and out of the world's primary production center.

Capacity crunches can be one of the biggest headaches for shippers. Tightened capacity can lead to higher transportation costs and increased potential for delays when you can't find space. With today's challenging market conditions, many shippers are looking to rail transportation as a possible remedy for their capacity problems.

ELDS Are Coming To A Truck Near You

As we approach the end of 2017, the transportation industry and shippers alike are focused on the impending arrival of the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate. Set to take effect on Dec. 18, the ELD mandate will mark one of the biggest regulatory changes to impact carriers and drivers since the passing of the hours of service (HOS) regulations in 2011.

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Your Hero, the driver

"They're the heroes your supply chain deserves, they're the ones you can count on. So they'll keep driving. Because they can handle the job - they're everyone's heroes. They're professionals, watchful protectors of your freight. Your drivers..."

Football season is officially underway in the U.S., which means team colors are flying proudly around the nation and grills are pumping out burgers and brats at a dizzying pace.

And as we root for our favorite college and pro teams to make it to the championships this season, we can also take pages from the grid iron playbooks and apply them to our own supply chain practices. 

A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

For many people in the U.S., the 2017 solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Solar eclipses occur regularly around the globe, but what makes this year's event significant is that it is the first time since 1918 that the path of a solar eclipse has spanned across the entire U.S.

The event, which will occur on August 21st, is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across North America and around the world to the U.S. 

Even for seasoned logistics veterans, it can become easy to accept long transit times, frequent delays and costly expedited service upgrades as the status quo of managing an import-based supply chain. However, improvements to supply chain technology and new services are enabling many businesses to experience higher levels of predictability and efficiency with their imports than ever before. 

Depending on where you live, there are certain times of the year when bad weather is more likely to impact your supply chain. From hurricane season along the coasts to potential tornadoes inland, Mother Nature can quickly jeopardize your day-to-day operations. While you can't control the weather, there are a few precautions you can take to minimize its effects on your supply chain.

The American Transportation Research Institute recently published a new report titled "Cost of Congestion to the Trucking Industry: 2017 Update. According to the group's findings, traffic congestion throughout the United States resulted in a staggering cost of $63.4 billion to the transportation industry in 2015 due to lost productivity. The majority of the costs associated with congestion occurred in metropolitan areas.

When you ship in volume, using less-than-truckload (LTL) for distribution is generally the most cost-effective solution for regional and short haul transportation. However, if your freight is moving a long distance, such as from the West Coast to locations across the country, the cost of moving multiple less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments can quickly add up.

The challenges of importing and exporting can be complex and tedious. And while shippers and their logistics partners work hard together to create a seamless process for moving cargo over the ocean or across borders, the biggest risks often involve paperwork. To help avoid unneccesary cargo customs clearance delays and disasters as a result of paperwork, keep these three best practices in mind.

When your freight is tendered into the care of your driver, the carrier does all that it can to ensure that it arrives to its destination on time, on target, and intact. To succeed, there are steps that both the carrier and the shipper can take to ensure that your freight moves without unnecessary delay or damage, including: the proper completion of the bill of lading, addressing and handling labels, as well as proper packaging.

Lessons learned in 2016 from Hanjin

The person driving your product from point A to point B provides more than safe, reliable transportation. For every hour they are associated with your logo and brand, they represent your business to drivers on the road, people at restaurants and truck stops, and ultimately, to your customer. Drivers are an often-overlooked piece of the customer experience puzzle, but they present a valuable opportunity to represent your company well.

Employing a transportation management system into your business may sound like a daunting challenge to undertake. However, the potential return on investment can easily wash away any anxieties you may feel about changing the way you have managed your transportation and supply chain needs in the past.

One of the biggest challenges of running a retail supply chain is inventory replenishment. For many operations, high volume products need to be replenished on short notice during demand surges. Also referred to as just-in-time inventory replenishment, such surges can occur during predictable periods (i.e., holidays and peak seasons) or on a regular basis for a company that steadily moves a product. 

Partnering for Measurable Supply Chain Improvements

Reducing Tons Of Supply Chain Waste

SalonCentric, a nationwide wholesale salon and beauty supply distributor, wanted to find a way to reduce its impact on the environment while also minimizing its supply chain costs.

One area of its supply chain that SalonCentric saw an opportunity to make a difference with was the company's use of traditional cardboard boxes for shipping. Corrugate boxes, a staple of most retail supply chains, are great for transportation. However, such containers have a short shelf life and quickly find themselves in landfills.

To address the problem, SalonCentric invested in reusable plastic tote bins. The use of the bins had an astounding positive impact on the company's environmental footprint. 

When we asked shippers what their biggest challenges were in our 2017 State of The North American Supply Chain Survey, only 11 percent said they had issues with capacity. That number marked a 1 percent decrease from the prior year. On a graph, those numbers would appear to bode well for shippers as a sign of easing fears that a capacity crunch will not occur in the foreseeable future. 

However, there are a growing number of indicators that truckload capacity will tighten in 2017. More concerning, though, these warning signs may even suggest that shippers and carriers will experience a significant truckload capacity crunch that could last for several years. 

As we approached the end of 2016, we conducted our second annual supply chain survey with shippers throughout the country and North America. By the end of our survey period, we had approximately 2,200 participants!

Winter is upon us, and businesses throughout North America are running in high gear to meet end-of-the-year deadlines and to prepare for the new year. At the same time, the winter months can bring more volatility to your supply chain and shipping practices. 

Can you believe that another year is coming to a close? 2016 was full of surprises for shippers and supply chain professionals. Many of the stories that dominated headlines this year will impact us all in different ways. From the future of international trade to promises to fix U.S. infrastructure, the year was certainly one that will go down in the transportation management history books. Let's take a look at four of the top stories that 2016 will be remembered for.

Last week, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia agreed to cut oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day. Compounded by an increased production in North America, the global oil glut seen in recent years has led to lower fuel prices that have helped drive down surcharges within the transportation and logistics industry.

One of the many challenges that shippers and freight managers face in their supply chain are accessorial charges. Also referred to as "value-added services," these charges are the additional costs that are applied to a shipment that requires extra services from the carrier beyond standard pickup and delivery.

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action." - W.J. Cameron

The holiday season is officially in full swing throughout North America and families and loved ones will soon come together to celebrate Thanksgiving. At the same time, the ringing of bells on street corners will help to remind us that this is also the season of giving. 

There are many ways that we can give back to our communities and to those in need throughout the year. You may volunteer your time and skills, or perhaps you may donate to a non-profit organization.

The term expedited transportation is often considered the definition of a "double-edged sword." It is a necessity for urgent shipments, but it can also be a costly method of transportation. While there's generally no easy way to avoid using expedited transportation when you're up against tight deadlines, there are options you may not have considered that could actually save you on both time and cost.

Back in 2010, Walmart sent shockwaves through retail supply chains when it rolled out Must Arrive By Date (MABD) compliance standards to the thousands of suppliers that keep its shelves stocked year-round. An effort to increase productivity and performance via strict delivery windows and guidelines its stores and distribution centers, the "Big-Box" retailer managed to rewrite the supply chain playbook basically overnight as other vendors soon adopted similar policies.