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Even if not moving freight overseas, shippers will likely struggle with rising rates imposed by LTL carriers. Partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3PL) is a viable solution for shippers looking to mitigate the rising costs of freight, especially given that the volatility of the freight market doesn’t show signs of calming down anytime in the foreseeable future. In addition to better rates, 3PLs excel in the services they provide, increasing both visibility and efficiency within your operations, an essential feature if your organization is looking to do more than simply survive the current market conditions. As small and mid-sized shipping companies often lack the purchasing power of larger organizations, a 3PL can help lower shipping rates through a blanket rate.

Inspectors will also be checking the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, exhaust systems, frames, fuel systems, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, van and open-top trailer bodies, wheels, rims, hubs and windshield wipers to ensure all meet the necessary specifications. Many drivers prefer to avoid Roadcheck week altogether and opt to take vacation during this time which causes a temporary disruption in capacity and thins out the already shallow pool of available drivers. Additionally, many drivers prefer to avoid Roadcheck week altogether and opt to take vacation during this time which causes a temporary disruption in capacity and thins out the already shallow pool of available drivers. With fewer available drivers and more shippers turning to the spot market to find available capacity, rates could increase Shippers, in particular, will need to keep a close eye on the OTVI during the beginning of May as it could affect both spot rates as well as overall transportation time.

However, with unpredictable route suspensions in response to COVID concerns, satisfactory results are mostly beyond the driver’s control. This can be an added cost for companies who choose to outsource in this way and also for companies who lose business to couriers. Mitigate the risk of shut-down due to the spread of illness among employees by following WHO guidelines and protocolsEvaluate how policy changes abroad could affect your business, suppliers, and trading partnersAddress continuity by creating contingencies for the loss of key players within your business, through distribution channels, and among suppliers Set up a command center for integrated and instant communication across all channels. Gain insight into potential obstacles with the suppliers’ region, culture, political atmosphere, restrictions, etc.,Reduce the potential for losses by formulating a response to many possible scenarios.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated already existing trends among customer expectations, it upset accurate forecasting in capacity, closed borders and redirected the flow of goods. Taking advantage of a 3PLs existing distribution networks and warehouses is a smart way to get profits rolling before making large investments to handle these operations internally. Additionally, if your company finds itself repeatedly in a capacity crunch or recording inaccurate inventories, there’s a huge cost benefit to letting the professionals identify and ameliorate the core issues at play. Shipping delays due to capacity constraints, detention, dynamic border regulation, container and labor shortages, sanitization slow-downs and several other pandemic-related supply chain disruptions have been a terrible feedback loop resulting in lost profits.