Hello there. I’m Holly, Trinity’s friendly neighborhood freight Agent Recruiter. 

Every day I have the privilege of working with our Authorized Agents as well as finding new freight agent businesses to welcome into the Trinity family. This has given me a bird’s eye view of what it takes to run a successful freight agent business. And I can tell you, IT’S HARD!!! It’s a grind. It’s a hustle. It requires a BIG dose of grit and determination. But it’s in our blood! We thrive on the fast pace, the opportunity for unlimited income, and the flexibility of running our own show. 

With all that being said, I’m extremely proud of the tools, resources, and personalized support Trinity provides to our Authorized Agents daily. While I could go into all the things we can do to help support your freight agent business, today, I’ll settle for the opportunity to introduce you to four unique resources we provide our Authorized Agent network to make their days easier and their businesses more profitable. 

SAVE TIME WITH RFPs

Do you find Requests For Proposals (RFPs) an annoying time suck? Not anymore! At Trinity, we take care of the heavy lifting for you. 

Trinity’s Authorized Agents have full access to our in-house Pricing Team for RFPs both large and small. Our Team works hard to combine data from many market sources plus our extensive internal lane history to compare a total of nine data points. That’s some impressive wizardry, I tell you! This will not only save you time from figuring out the right pricing but also give you confidence that the pricing details you share with your customer are spot on. 

And that’s not all! We also provide you with real-time market-specific rates focused on your customer’s needs. This way, you can be as hands-on or hands-off in the process as you choose. 

AND DON’T WORRY ABOUT CAPACITY

You’ve just saved time on the pricing aspect of your RFP. It’s complete, and you’ve won your lanes, but what happens next? 

You get on the phone with your relationship carriers for their rates and volume commitments. In an ideal world, the rates are great and there’s plenty of capacity. Awesome! Time to get back to helping your customers and growing your freight agent business. 

But how often does that really happen? Often, your relationship carriers don’t run those new lanes, don’t have the capacity to commit, or ask for rates above the market. So, what do you do then? Most likely, head on to those dreaded load boards. 

Here comes Trinity to save the day. Our Authorized Agents have full access to our Carrier Procurement and Development Team. This Team of Trinity experts will take the data from your RFP, find you capacity using our proprietary lane matching technology and then get rate agreements in place for COMMITTED capacity to service your customer’s needs. 

So, if you often work with RFPs for your customers, go ahead and press the easy button with Trinity!

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Are you looking for a deeper dive to uncover your most profitable freight?  We’re here to help you with that! By using your load history, our Pricing Team will provide you with a Network Analysis to give valuable insight into your most profitable lanes. With this data in mind, you’ll be able to focus your sales efforts on the markets that produce the highest margin to help you reach your freight agent business goals. We’ll help you work smarter, not harder! 

EASILY DIVERSIFY YOUR FREIGHT AGENT BUSINESS

One more thought for the day; let’s say you specialize in full truckload freight. In fact, you’re such an expert that you can almost move it with your eyes closed.

But in this constantly evolving freight market, your customers ask you for help with all kinds of other weird stuff like less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal, drayage, ocean or air, expedited freight, technology solutions, warehousing, e-commerce…maybe even a total outsource!

With you being a full truckload shipping expert, this may sound intimidating! And the last thing you want to do is send them somewhere else and risk that “other guy” poaching your freight.

There’s no longer a need to worry! Trinity Logistics has you covered. We offer full operations teams for our Authorized Agents to handle ALL other modes besides full truckload. Pair that with our parent company, Burris Logistics, and their opportunities, and it’s simple. You bring the opportunity, and we do the rest. All you need to do is sit back and collect the extra margin for your growing freight agent business.

Additionally, we provide you with monthly mode training classes so you can learn and be confident in what you are selling. There’s no need to be the subject matter expert on all modes when you have Trinity Team Members to support you and your freight agent business. 

JOIN THE TRINITY FAMILY AND BEGIN GROWING YOUR FREIGHT AGENT BUSINESS

Trinity Logistics has over 30 years of experience aiding in the success of our freight agent businesses, with many of our newer businesses seeing a 50 percent increase over a two-year period from joining. Consider joining our Authorized Agent Network today so you can gain more time to focus on your customers, generate more revenue, and we’ll focus on everything else. 

To learn more about our Authorized Agent program and all the ways we can save you time and help you build a successful freight agent business, feel free to contact our Agent Team phone at 800-846-3400 x 1908 or click the button below! 

The chemical industry serves as support for many other industries, like agriculture, automotive, construction, and pharmaceuticals. According to an American Chemistry Council report, 96 percent of all manufactured goods trace back to chemical manufacturers. Chemical manufacturers often process raw materials into refined products used in other industries or within the chemical industry. However, raw materials costs have been rising recently, along with additional operating costs in the chemical industry.  

As chemical manufacturers face increased expenses, many find it more challenging to remain profitable. How can chemical manufacturers better manage their operating costs? In this blog, we’ll take a walk through what chemical manufacturers are currently facing and how they can better manage their operating expenses.  

Rising Raw Material Costs 

Raw materials costs have been rising in recent years. Part of the cause for increased prices is because they’ve gotten scarcer as the demand has risen for them. For example, raw agricultural materials have increased 117 percent since 2000, rubber has seen an increase of 359 percent, and steel is up 167 percent.  

Crude oil, which many chemical companies use for energy and other materials, is up 250 percent since 2000. Crude oil prices are the most important ones to watch because it affects so many different markets. For example, many basic ingredients originate in the oil and gas fields and then travel through a global supply chain to make materials like plastics, packaging, fertilizers, lubricants, paints, and much more. Additionally, higher energy costs mean higher operating costs for the chemical industry.  

Logistics Operating Costs in the Chemical Industry 

The strength of long, global supply chains continue to be tested. From the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to battling intense weather and labor shortages, prices for logistics operating costs in the chemical industry have skyrocketed. Chemical supply chains have had their weaknesses exposed, from their dependence upon the volatile oil and gas sector to their global shipping networks. It’s caused additional cost as many of the materials needed to operate are out of stock due to shipping congestion and backlogs. According to a survey done by the National Association of Chemical Distributors, 85 percent of chemical industry distributors reported at least one imported item out of stock. 

How to Better Manage Operating Costs in the Chemical Industry 

Interestingly enough, skyrocketing logistics costs are beginning to outweigh other operating expenses for chemical manufacturers. Finding better management and control in your logistics may be the thing to keep your chemical company cost competitive. As a result, a growing trend among chemical manufacturers is turning to outside help for their logistics. Many chemical companies find that using a third-party logistics company (3PL) makes a lot of sense. It helps them free up resources to focus on other aspects of their business. Here are some ways working with a 3PL can help you manage your operating costs.  

Find the Right Carrier – In Less Time 

We all know the stress and workload of finding a carrier to move your freight, especially for chemical manufacturers who need carriers that know how to handle their products safely. Capacity can be limited when looking for a hazmat certified, or tanker endorsed carrier for a decent shipping rate. Outsourcing your transportation is one solution to that problem.  

3PLs will take over the responsibilities of finding and vetting qualified carriers. A 3PL should make sure carriers have the proper credentials, insurance, and experience for your freight. Take control of your time and let someone else take on the workload so you can gain time for the rest of your business.  

Create Efficiency With A 3PL’s Technology 

Working with a 3PL also offers you access to their technology services, like shipment tracking, automated workflows, and detailed reporting. By replacing your manual processes with logistics technology, you’ll find more visibility into your supply chain. And that visibility can help you find efficiencies to help you manage your operating costs. While the technology itself can be an extra cost alone, most 3PLs offer you technology applications along with freight arrangements. Additionally, you’ll have experts you can rely on to help you navigate those applications.  

Transportation Management Systems 

All chemical companies are focusing on streamlining their operations, whether they choose to outsource their logistics or not. Many companies are turning to transportation management systems (TMS) to optimize their transportation networks. 

A TMS can help your business gain visibility into your supply chain, create new efficiencies, and automate your manual workload, so you can better manage operating costs.  

When using a 3PL, you often have options to choose how you want to integrate your TMS. Trinity Logistics offers you customer integration and a specialist to work with you every step of the way. No matter what option you choose, you gain the visibility and automation you’re looking.  

Control Your Logistics Costs 

In business and life, there are certain aspects that you can manage and control. As a chemical manufacturer, you must manage those costs that you can control and plan for those variances in costs for those you cannot. Logistics is one operating cost you can manage when you choose to partner with a 3PL.  

And you don’t have to look too far to find one. Trinity Logistics is well-versed in the chemical industry and understands your complicated market. Our Team of experts is here to help you find the quality carrier you need while offering technology to help you create efficiencies. We can help you gain control over your logistics costs, so you can make room for those other unknowns.  

If you’re ready to get a handle on your operating costs in the chemical industry, let’s get connected.  

Author: Christine Morris

At the time this article is being published, it’s been 22 months, just shy of 2 years, with Covid-19. As time has passed and treatments and vaccines have become available, most (though not all) of life has returned to normal. A “new normal” as many now call it. In-person gatherings and events have returned, remote and flexible workstyles have become the new norm, kids are back in school, and online shopping and inflation have rapidly risen. So, what are we wishing wasn’t part of this “new normal”? Supply chain disruption.

The Start of Supply Chain Disruption

As COVID-19 began to spread, governments responded with lockdowns. Nonessential businesses closed, and panicked consumers bought out paper products, soap, and disinfectants. With many businesses closed or down to a skeleton crew, this meant longer transportation times. To make do, alternative routes and modes were sought out, but even those became backlogged too. Shipping networks started to become strained. With people staying home and governments offering financial help, online shopping quickly increased.

Amidst the waves of Covid-19 came more supply chain disruption. There was the Texas freeze that caused many manufacturing plants to shut down. Then there was the Suez Canal blockage which caused severe delays in imports from several days of being blocked. There were the wildfires that raged across the west coast, adding further supply chain disruption. As a result, companies have faced material shortages, increased freight costs, labor shortages, tight capacity, and more. 

Current Conditions

In the standard supply chain, raw materials get sent to factories to manufacture goods. Then shipped to warehouses for storage, then to retailers or consumers. Currently, companies face warehouse shortages, labor shortages, tight capacity, exponentially high freight rates, and import delays. It’s gotten so bad for so long that supply chain disruption continues to be a headline in the news. Even people not in or knowledgeable about logistics are talking about it. 

The hot topic in the news as of late is the overwhelming demand surging at U.S. ports. Demand for goods has grown so rapidly since the start of the pandemic that it’s equal to adding about 50 million new Americans to the economy, as reported by Insider. Lately, we’ve seen record highs in ships waiting to dock, containers waiting to unload, a lack of storage space to put goods, and empty containers sitting in truck lots and streets, with no place to go. 

What to Expect in 2022

Experts continue to say that we will keep seeing supply chain disruption and delays through 2022, if not to 2023. This is because we’ll still have our current supply chain bottlenecks to work through, labor, material, and warehousing shortages to figure out, and Covid-19 remains an issue. 

But perhaps we will begin to see some easing of supply chain disruption this coming year. For one, the recently passed infrastructure bill will hopefully begin to affect and strengthen supply chains through its funding into roads, bridges, and ports. More and better infrastructure will help keep certain supply chain disruptions at bay, such as offering more warehousing space and keeping bridges and roads safe and free from closing. Nonetheless, this is longer-term and farther out. 

Ideally, what would give the supply chain some short-term relief would be if consumers slowed down a bit with their online shopping. It’s still expected that consumer spending will at one point switch back to travel and entertainment at some port, but no one is quite sure when that may happen.

Tips for Shippers

The past (almost) two years have shown us that supply chains aren’t as resilient as we thought they were. Considering we’re still in the thick of supply chain disruption, it makes sense to improve your supply chain and logistics. Here are some tips you may find useful in keeping your business moving forward until we get back to normal.

Consider Shortening Your Chain

Global supply chains are seeing the worst disruption in their logistics. If anything’s come to light since Covid-19 began, it’s that businesses might want to look into shortening their supply chains. One way to do this is by moving your manufacturing back to the U.S., also known as onshoring. 

Identify Any Vulnerabilities 

By understanding where any risks lie, you’ll be able to better protect yourself from supply chain disruption. You’ll need to take some time to map out your entire supply chain, down to your distribution facilities and transportation hubs. Though this may be time-consuming and expensive, it can help prevent you from facing a surprise disruption that brings your business to a stop and can be much more costly. 

Diversify Your Supply Chain

Once you’ve identified where risk is in your supply chain, you can take that information to address it. This can be done by diversifying your resources. Instead of heavy dependence on one high-risk source, you can add more sources in locations that are not vulnerable to the same risk, so if one gets disrupted, you don’t have to be shut down completely. 

Begin Holding Safety Stock (if possible)

This may not be possible for all shippers, and now may not be the best time to start this considering all the current bottlenecks supply chains are facing. But, when possible, this is something that could save you from supply chain disruption down the road. 

Keep Up With Timely Communication

Communication is always needed to run your best business, but even more so during this pandemic. Make sure you are communicating properly and timely with your carriers and transportation providers on any new sanitation procedures, requirements, changes in operating hours, or upcoming closures. 

Also, Keep Transparency

Be transparent with your audiences. They appreciate it more than you think.

Stay Informed

COVID-19 and many other supply chain disruptions came quickly, and the future remains uncertain. Be sure to stay updated on current developments that may end up slowing down your business.

Find Support in a Transportation Partner

Third-party logistics companies, such as Trinity Logistics, can help you find creative ways to your logistics challenges. We’re experienced in complicated situations and stay knowledgeable on what is going on in the industry. We were quickly able to pivot when the pandemic first hit, so we could keep your business moving forward. We know that even in times of disruption, the shipping industry does not stop, so neither do we. 

If you’re ready to gain support in your logistics with Trinity Logistics, no matter the condition of the industry, let’s get connected.

Author: Christine Morris

Does the COVID-19 vaccine have your cold chain logistics worried? If not, you should be taking it into consideration. 

Everyone’s over the pandemic. We’re ready to be back attending public events, traveling to popular destinations, have our kids in school full time, and more. So much of 2020 has had to cancel or make the move to virtual and it’s not the same. Additionally, here at Trinity, the health and wellbeing of our Team Members, Authorized Agents, Carriers, and Customers is our number one priority.

Pfizer, Moderna, and others have quickly turned around vaccine solutions, making the light at the end of the tunnel seem in reach. With everyone looking to gain some sense of normal back into their lives, it means all hands will be on deck for the upcoming vaccine distribution. That means other cold chain commodities, will fall lower in priority. How will this affect your cold chain logistics?

THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS FOR A COVID-19 VACCINE

Vaccines are fragile. Most have to store at specific colder temperatures to protect them from deterioration. If left out too long or exposed to fluctuating temperatures, vaccines can lose their effectiveness. According to the World Health Organization, one in four vaccines loses its integrity during transit. Due to their fragility and the extensive attention to detail that the logistics sector has to maintain, roughly 80 percent of a vaccine’s cost comes from its storage and transport. 

Usually vaccines transport in temperature ranges of two to eight degrees Celsius. Currently, nine COVID-19 vaccines are in their Phase 3 trials, with two, Pfizer and Moderna, being very close to distribution. Because of the quick turnaround the world is seeking, these vaccines are containing higher protein bases which need ultracold temperatures, as low as minus 80 degree Celsius. Those receiving vaccines will need to get two doses, each about three to four weeks apart. Over time, vaccines will be developedrequiring more typical refrigeration temperatures and single doses. Regardless, cold chain logistics will continue to play a vital role in the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine and for now, the specifications will be strict. 

ALL COLD CHAIN HANDS ON DECK

Currently, Pfizer expects to produce and distribute up to 50 million doses of their vaccine in 2020 and 1.3 billion in 2021; Moderna expects 20 million in 2020 and anywhere from 500 million to one billion in 2021. Not to mention the other vaccines that will make their way as well. It is estimated that to immunize 7.8 billion people worldwide, 10 billion doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be needed.

The FMCSA recently announced their most recent extension of the Hours-of-Service waiver to February 28^th and included carriers transporting COVID-19 vaccines. This effort is expected to be the biggest challenge the logistics sector has ever faced. Currently, logistics experts are struggling to plan ahead because of the lack of very specific information that they need to know about, such as the packaging, amount of dry ice needed to maintain temperatures, warehousing, equipment needed, and more. 

Shipping temperature-sensitive items? Check out our Temperature Shipping Guide.

AREAS TO WATCH

Through Operation Warp Speed, Moderna and other upcoming vaccines will deliver to the Mckesson distribution center in Irving, Texas, and then arranged deliveries to hospitals, nursing homes, and other determined points. Moderna will manufacture its vaccine in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. 

Pfizer, however, has chosen to not distribute through Operation Warp Speed. They manufacture their vaccine in Michigan and plan to ship with transportation providers such as UPS and FedEx to locations around the country. They’ve chosen to directly ship to gain greater control and real-time insights into the status of their frozen vials. 

HOW IT AFFECTS CAPACITY

Obviously, reefer capacity is going to be needed for vaccine distribution. But, it’s already tight. If you’re in the cold chain, shipping temperature-controlled items, prepare to continue paying premiums for this service.

Recently, reefer rejection rates have been at almost 50 percent. That means almost one out of every two reefer shipments are being turned down by carriers. When the rejection rates are higher, the tighter capacity is, and the higher cost for you to get your cold freight moved. Reefer rates are already 20 percent higher year-over-year due to increased consumer demand while spending more time at home. 

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

If you ship temperature-controlled goods, the upcoming vaccine distribution efforts should be a concern for your business and logistics, especially if you regularly ship through less-than-truckload (LTL). Many top tier transportation companies such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL are ready to help Operation Warp Speed in the vaccine distribution. Everyone knows the vaccine distribution is the highest priority, but transportation providers also know they will be well compensated for their service of transporting it. This means other cold chain commodities will be pushed further down in priority. This will only continue on as more COVID vaccines become available to be distributed and until risk of COVID is greatly reduced. In the form of some ultracold transportation logistics, winter is coming and the demand for reefers will continue to rise. 

SHIPPING COLD CHAIN? WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE

Communicate.

Get ready now. Start talking to your relationships and providers to make sure you will have trucks to move your freight. Talk to your customers. Let them know now that things may slow down or get behind with the upcoming and expected vaccine distribution efforts.

Things may be getting tougher for you, but I think we all know this is good. We’re one step closer to returning to some sense of normalcy. Hold on, because the light at the end of the tunnel is there. It’s now in reach. We’re just in for a few more bumps in the road, but we’ll make it. 

Looking for an expert in cold chain logistics? 

Author: Christine Morris

There’s a famous quote by Carl Barks that says, “Work smarter, not harder”. This idea can make your personal life run smoother, but what about your business? Choosing to partner with a 3PL (third-party logistics), like Trinity Logistics, will save you time and increase the efficiency of your business.

Reduce Your Risk

If you’re selecting carriers on your own, are you examining their operating authority, insurance information, and safety ratings? Carriers in our network are checked in our system on a daily basis for compliance. You can feel confident that we will only place your freight with a qualified carrier.

Capacity Fluctuates

A lot. Changing regulations, rising costs of operating a truck, and disruptions in the industry are all affecting truck drivers. The natural ebb and flow of available trucks is difficult enough to keep up with. Shifts can happen overnight, so having a partner on your side fighting for capacity is key to success. We have access to a base of over 70,000 authorized carriers, meaning that we can always find a way to get your truckload freight from Point A to Point B, no matter the demand for equipment.

Time Is Of The Essence

It can be tedious to spend your day routing your own freight, tracking freight, and managing the day-to-day issues that can occur (delays, breakdowns, blown tires, etc.). Luckily, we’re experts and we can take this responsibility off your hands. We take care of any issues that arise so you can focus more on maintaining the core elements of your business.

Gain Peace of Mind

Partnering with a 3PL means you don’t have to worry about your logistics. Arranging freight transportation can be complex at times and that is where a 3PL excels. Because we work with a variety of industries, modes, and technologies, we know just what to do in any situation. Due to the nature of the business, we’re quick on our feet and able to adapt to changes. Our reputation and expertise speak for themselves, and you can trust that you’re working with one of the best in the business.

Find a New Solution

Partnering with a 3PL can present you with new and unique transportation freight solutions. You could consider consolidating your LTL shipments into one truckload shipment or get a supply chain analysis with Managed Services. A 3PL gives you that opportunity to see what may work best for your company, without all the extra work it would give you if you made that venture alone. And we have the expertise to see if there’s a different, better way for you to be shipping your freight while reducing your costs.

Everyone Else Is Doing It

According to a report by Armstrong & Associates, nearly 90% of Fortune 500 companies partner with a 3PL in order to simplify their lives and increase the efficiency of their business. Don’t be part of the other 10%!

Partnering with a 3PL will be beneficial to your company’s success. With our resources and expertise, Trinity can save you the headaches that come with logistics. Like Carl Barks says, “Work smarter, not harder”.

Originally posted February 7, 2013. Updated July 15, 2020 by Tori Dalton