Category: Newbies

In the ever-evolving world of freight brokerage, staying informed about industry trends, best practices, and the latest developments is crucial for success. One of the most effective ways to stay updated is by following freight broker blogs. These online resources provide valuable insights, expert opinions, and practical tips to help freight brokers navigate the dynamic logistics landscape. In this article, we will highlight some of the top freight broker blogs that you should add to your reading list.

1. DAT Solutions Blog
   The DAT Solutions blog is a treasure trove of information for freight brokers. It offers timely market trends, rate analysis, and valuable tips to help brokers make informed decisions and maximize profitability. From industry insights to regulatory updates, this blog covers a wide range of topics essential for freight brokers.
2. FreightWaves
   FreightWaves is a leading provider of freight industry news and market data. Their blog covers breaking news, market analysis, and in-depth articles that shed light on the latest trends and innovations in freight brokerage. Subscribing to their blog ensures you stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly changing logistics landscape.
3. Transport Topics
   Transport Topics is a reputable source for news, analysis, and information on the transportation industry. Their blog section features insightful articles on various aspects of freight brokerage, including technology, regulations, and market trends.
4. Freight Broker Boot Camp Blog
   Run by Dennis Brown, a seasoned expert in the freight brokerage industry, Freight Broker Boot Camp Blog offers valuable tips, success stories, and strategies to help aspiring freight brokers launch and grow their businesses. It is a go-to resource for those looking to start their journey in freight brokerage.
5. Truckstop.com Blog
   Truckstop.com’s blog covers a wide range of topics relevant to freight brokers, including spot market rates, capacity trends, and industry updates. It also offers valuable resources and tools to streamline brokerage operations.
6. DAT Authority Blog
   For those interested in obtaining their freight broker license, the DAT Authority Blog is a valuable resource. It provides guidance on the licensing process, regulatory compliance, and tips for running a successful brokerage business.
7. JOC (Journal of Commerce)
   JOC is a comprehensive platform offering news, analysis, and insights into the global logistics and transportation industry. Their blog section covers a variety of topics relevant to freight brokers, including ocean shipping, airfreight, and intermodal transportation.
8. Logistics Management
   Logistics Management’s blog provides valuable content for freight brokers, including supply chain trends, carrier management, and transportation technology. It is a reliable source for staying updated on the latest innovations in the logistics industry.
9. GlobalTranz Blog
   GlobalTranz’s blog offers a mix of industry news, market trends, and thought leadership articles. It covers topics such as freight technology, logistics solutions, and strategies for optimizing supply chains.
10. FreightPros Blog
    The FreightPros Blog is dedicated to educating freight brokers and shippers on best practices, industry trends, and cost-saving strategies. It is a valuable resource for gaining insights into the world of freight brokerage.

Freight broker blogs are invaluable resources for staying informed and updated in the fast-paced and dynamic world of freight brokerage. By regularly following these blogs, you can enhance your knowledge, make informed decisions, and keep pace with the ever-changing logistics landscape.So, start exploring these top freight broker blogs today, and equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise to thrive in the competitive freight brokerage industry.

Growth + Change = Opportunity! 

Managing uncontracted freight can be a daunting task for businesses due to its volatile nature and the need for fast, reliable, and cost-effective solutions. In today’s fast-paced world, companies need to optimize their uncontracted freight processes to remain competitive.

In this article, we will explore some of the ways in which technology can enhance the uncontracted freight process and provide businesses with greater efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Automated Freight Matching: Optimizing Carrier SelectionFinding the right carrier at the right time is a significant challenge in managing uncontracted freight. Automated freight matching is a technology that can quickly and efficiently match available carriers with uncontracted freight, reducing the time and cost associated with the process.
Automated freight matching relies on algorithms and data analysis to identify the best carrier for each shipment. This technology can analyze carrier availability, proximity, and capacity to find the most cost-effective and efficient solution for each shipment. With automated freight matching, businesses can optimize carrier selection and reduce their costs.
Real-Time Freight Visibility: Improving Shipment Monitoring

Real-time freight visibility is another critical technology in streamlining the uncontracted freight process. With real-time freight visibility, businesses can monitor their shipments’ progress in real-time, allowing them to respond quickly to any issues that may arise.
Real-time freight visibility uses GPS and other tracking technologies to provide businesses with up-to-date information on their shipments’ location and status. This technology can help businesses avoid delays, reduce the risk of damage or loss, and improve customer satisfaction. With real-time freight visibility, businesses can improve their shipment monitoring and better manage any unexpected events.
Digital Freight Platforms: Centralizing Freight Management
Digital freight platforms are another critical technology in the uncontracted freight process. These platforms provide businesses with a centralized location to manage their uncontracted freight, allowing them to find available carriers, track their shipments, and manage their invoices.
Digital freight platforms can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with managing uncontracted freight. These platforms are typically cloud-based, providing businesses with access to their freight information from anywhere, at any time. With digital freight platforms, businesses can centralize their freight management and improve their overall efficiency.

Technology plays a vital role in enhancing the uncontracted freight process. Automated freight matching, real-time freight visibility, and digital freight platforms are just a few of the ways in which technology can provide businesses with greater efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Businesses should explore the various technology solutions available for managing uncontracted freight. By leveraging the power of technology, businesses can optimize their uncontracted freight processes, reduce costs, and remain competitive in today’s fast-paced world. Streamlining uncontracted freight processes with technology is essential to improving businesses’ overall efficiency, and at [company name], we are committed to providing our clients with the most innovative solutions to optimize their freight management.

Growth + Change = Opportunity! 

Freight dispatchers assume an important part in guaranteeing that shipments are followed through on time and inside a financial plan. Their day to day errands incorporate organizing and booking transportation for freight and cargo, speaking with transporters and other transportation experts, following shipments and refreshing their status, observing consistence with transportation guidelines, arranging rates with clients and transporters, and settling any issues that might emerge during the delivery cycle.

1. Planning and booking transportation for freight and cargo:
   • One of the main undertakings of a cargo dispatcher is planning and booking transportation for freight and cargo. This incorporates working with clients to comprehend their delivery needs and prerequisites, and afterward sorting out for the proper method of transportation to address those issues. This might incorporate sorting out for shipping, rail, air, or ocean transport, contingent upon the idea of the freight and the distance it requirements to travel.
2. Speaking with transporters and other transportation experts:
   • Cargo dispatchers are liable for keeping up with steady correspondence with transporters and other transportation experts. This incorporates furnishing drivers with course data, conveyance plans, and some other subtleties they need to finish their conveyances effectively. Dispatchers should likewise have the option to discuss successfully with other transportation experts, for example, cargo forwarders and customs merchants, to guarantee that shipments are handled without a hitch and on time.
3. Following shipments and refreshing their status:
   • Cargo dispatchers should likewise have the option to follow shipments and update their status progressively. This incorporates observing the area and progress of conveyances, and furnishing clients with refreshes on conveyance times and following data. They may likewise be answerable for changing courses or conveyance plans on a case by case basis to guarantee opportune and effective conveyance of freight.
4. Observing consistence with transportation guidelines:
   • Cargo dispatchers should likewise be educated about transportation guidelines and have the option to guarantee that their organization and drivers are in consistence with these guidelines. This incorporates being know about Government Engine Transporter Wellbeing Organization (FMCSA) guidelines, Branch of Transportation (Dab) guidelines, and some other guidelines intended for their industry.
5. Arranging rates with clients and transporters:
   • Cargo dispatchers should likewise have the option to arrange rates with clients and transporters. This incorporates working with clients to figure out their spending plan requirements and afterward sorting out for transportation that addresses their issues and fits affordable for them. Dispatchers should likewise have the option to arrange rates with transporters to guarantee that their organization is getting the most ideal cost for transportation administrations.
6. Settling any issues that might emerge during the delivery interaction:
   • Cargo dispatchers should likewise have the option to rapidly and actually resolve any issues that might emerge during the delivery interaction. This incorporates managing delays or surprising confusions, like climate related issues, gear breakdowns, or mishaps. Dispatchers should have the option to think and react quickly and concoct intelligent fixes to keep shipments moving and on time.
7. Keeping up with exact records and creating reports connected with shipments:
   • Cargo dispatchers are additionally liable for keeping up with precise records and creating reports connected with shipments. This incorporates keeping nitty gritty records, everything being equal, including conveyance times, following data, and some other significant subtleties. Dispatchers should likewise have the option to produce reports, like solicitations and conveyance affirmations, to furnish clients with the data they need to handle installments and accommodate shipments.
8. Guaranteeing that shipments are followed through on time and inside financial plan:
   • At last, the objective of a cargo dispatcher is to guarantee that shipments are followed through on time and inside financial plan. This requires cautious preparation and coordination, as well as a sharp comprehension of transportation guidelines, economic situations, and the necessities of clients. By effectively conveying shipments on time and inside spending plan, cargo dispatchers assist their organizations with keeping an upper hand in the commercial center.
9. Arranging and coordinating conveyance courses:
   • Cargo dispatchers are liable for arranging and coordinating conveyance courses. This incorporates examining the coordinated operations of every shipment, like the weight, size, and delicacy of the freight, and afterward deciding the most proficient and financially savvy method for moving the merchandise.
10. Following and refreshing stock:
    • Cargo dispatchers likewise assume a significant part in following and refreshing stock. This incorporates checking the stock levels of the organization, and guaranteeing that there is in every case sufficient stock close by to fulfill the needs of clients. They should likewise have the option to follow the development of stock, and update the stock records as shipments are made.
11. Speaking with clients to give refreshes on conveyance times and following data:
    • Cargo dispatchers should likewise speak with clients to give refreshes on conveyance times and following data. This incorporates keeping clients educated regarding any progressions to conveyance plans, and giving them ongoing following data so they can screen the advancement of their shipments. This assists with building entrust and keep up with great associations with clients.
12. Overseeing and keeping an armada of vehicles:
    • Cargo dispatchers are likewise liable for overseeing and keeping an armada of vehicles. This incorporates guaranteeing that vehicles are appropriately kept up with, and that they meet all security and consistence prerequisites. This additionally incorporates planning ordinary investigations and fixes depending on the situation, and keeping precise records of all upkeep exercises.
13. Dealing with any crisis circumstances that might emerge during conveyance:
    • At last, cargo dispatchers should be ready to deal with any crisis circumstances that might emerge during conveyance. This could incorporate managing surprising difficulties like mishaps, climate related issues, or gear breakdowns. In these circumstances, dispatchers should have the option to think rapidly and concoct answers for keep shipments moving and on time.

There are many tasks that a Freight Dispatcher must complete everyday, to be successful in this fast-paced and lucrative industry! We have created some great training and tools for you to maximize your time and profits at a great price!

GET YOUR FREIGHT BROKER/DISPATCHER TOOLS HERE!

The Minneapolis-based retailer Target Corp.is seeking to extend its growth push after closing out 2021 with record-high revenue.

Speaking at its annual investor meeting in New York, said its plans for the year include 30 new stores — ranging from urban locations like New York’s Times Square to midsize stores in the suburbs — and new several sortation centers.

For the full year, Target’s revenue hit $106 billion, compared with $77.1 billion for the year ended Feb. 1, 2020, before the pandemic upended the global economy and consumer buying patterns.

Target is also planning to remodel 200 retail locations during the year, and will add 250 more Ulta Beauty mini-shops in its stores, expanding on a partnership with the beauty retailer that opened 100 such shops in 2021.

The company also promised more investment in digital services and same-day fulfillment offerings. Target last month began a test in Minneapolis and other markets that added Starbucks orders and Target returns to its pickup lanes.

Target plans $4 billion to $5 billion in capital spending every year over the next few years, which would be an increase of more than 40% from last year.

Growth + Change = Opportunity!

U.S. intermodal transports, in which railroads carry containers and truck trailers, were down nearly 12% in the first six weeks of this year from a year ago, according to the Association of American Railroads, after tumbling in the second half of last year even as retailers and manufacturers rushed to bring in goods.

Trucking and rail industry officials say demand to move freight 500 miles or more—which is often done by rail—remains strong, as companies restock depleted inventories. But shippers are more often than usual choosing highways over railroads because shortages of labor, equipment and warehouse space across supply chains can create unpredictable delays.

Intermodal transport, which uses trucking for the final leg of delivery, is slower and more complicated than long-haul trucking. But it is also cheaper and less damaging to the environment.

Demand is contributing to high trucking rates, spot rates on the Los Angeles to Chicago routes are up 59% year-over-year, or $1.04 a mile.

But railroad officials say there are signs intermodal freight is beginning to bounce back, intermodal cargo volumes on container ships en route to the United States are up 25% compared with the start of the year.

Growth + Change = Opportunity!

San Francisco-based freight forwarding and customs brokerage services provider Flexport heralded a $935 million Series E investment round, with this round bringing its post-money valuation to more than $8 billion.

The raise follows years of uninterrupted growth for the company, particularly in the last twelve months, with Flexport’s revenue more than doubling in 2021 as it moved nearly $19 billion in gross merchandise for its clients across 112 countries.

“The global pandemic and the pressure it put on global supply chains has made the transportation of goods—something many people took for granted—a daily pain point,” said Ryan Petersen, founder and CEO of Flexport, in a statement. “This investment signals that the market recognizes the need for a tech-enabled logistics ecosystem that has the visibility and resilience to handle unexpected challenges of any scale.”

In terms of the biggest benefits of this investment for Flexport customers, Manuel Venegas, Flexport Senior Corporate & Financial Communications Manager, told LM that Flexport is most excited to continue serving customers like Lululemon, Bridgestone, and Peloton through its most recent raise.

This raise comes after a monumental year of company growth amidst the most turbulent period in global shipping.

Growth + Change = Opportunity!

A.P. Moller – Maersk announces the intended acquisition of Pilot Freight Services (Pilot), a leading U.S.-based first, middle and last mile as well as border crossing solutions provider, specializing in the big and bulky freight segment in North America for B2C and B2B distribution models, from ATL Partners, a sector-focused Private Equity firm in New York and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), one of the largest institutional investors in Canada.

With the intended acquisition of Pilot, Maersk will extend its integrated logistics offering deeper into the supply chain of its customers.

Pilot will be adding specific new services within the fast growing big and bulky e-commerce segment, thus increasing cross-selling opportunities. It will also create significant cost synergies by leveraging capabilities across the different parts of service solutions.

In December, Maersk signed a $3.6 billion deal to acquire omnichannel fulfillment company LF Logistics Holdings.

That deal gave Maersk 549 warehouses globally and increased the company’s total warehouse floor capacity by 40%, creating the world’s seventh-largest contract logistics company behind the major players like UPS and DHL.

Pilot, meanwhile, operates a North American facilities-based transportation network of 87 stations and hubs that moves and distributes freight to end customers.

Growth + Change = Opportunity!

Trucking regulators have issued new guidance that strips away confusion over CDL testing standards and could help deploy entry-level drivers faster.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is amending its regulatory guidance to clarify that the regulations do not prohibit third-party testers from administering the commercial driver’s license knowledge tests for all classes and endorsements.

FMCSA’s regulatory guidance notice is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, Feb. 3.

“State driver licensing agencies may accept the results of knowledge tests administered by third-party testers in accordance with existing knowledge test standards and requirements,” the FMCSA wrote.

The updated guidance is in response to an exemption request made by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in April 2020.

FMCSA responded to Virginia’s request at the time and said the regulations do not prohibit the use of third-party testers. In addition, the agency indicated it would revise the existing guidance.

Regulatory guidance that was issued as recently as 2019 said that the third-party testing provision applied only to the skills portion of the testing procedure.

However, FMCSA says it has reconsidered that guidance and concluded that “nothing in the agency’s current authorities prohibit states from permitting third-party testers to administer CDL knowledge tests.”

Growth + Change = Opportunity!

Landstar System, Inc. (NASDAQ:LSTR) reported record quarterly revenue of $1.945 billion in the 2021 fourth quarter, a 50 percent increase over revenue of $1.296 billion in the 2020 fourth quarter.

Following a record-breaking 2021 third quarter, the 2021 fourth quarter once again reset the standard as the best quarterly financial performance in Landstar history. 2021 fourth quarter revenue, gross profit, variable contribution, net income and diluted earnings per share each set all-time quarterly records.

“As we look to the 2022 first quarter, we anticipate continued solid performance on the expectation that ongoing capacity constraints will support a strong freight environment in the near term. The strength in revenue per load on loads hauled via truck and the number of loads hauled via truck experienced in 2021 has continued into the first few weeks of January. Typically, revenue in the first quarter is expected to be lower than the revenue of the immediately preceding fourth quarter. Regardless, I expect the strong trends in revenue per load and loads hauled via truck to continue as we move through the remainder of the 2022 first quarter” said Landstar President and CEO Jim Gattoni.

Landstar’s financial performance in fiscal year 2021 was by far the best in the Company’s history. Revenue in fiscal 2021 was approximately $6.5 billion, an annual record, and was approximately $1.9 billion higher than the previous record set in 2018.

Growth + Change = Opportunity!

Two major players in the logistics industry are leading a group of companies investing millions in Phantom Auto, a fast-rising Silicon Valley company that has developed software enabling remote operation of forklifts and other material moving vehicles.

Phantom Auto software makes it possible for forklifts to be remotely operated from virtually anywhere in the world with strong internet connectivity. Operators located in off-site locations, including their homes, can operate multiple forklifts, making such jobs more convenient and attractive for potential hires.

ArcBest, a multi-billion dollar freight and logistics service provider, and NFI, one of the largest third-party logistics providers in North America, are the lead investors in a $42 million round of funding for Phantom Auto, the companies announced Wednesday. 

The technology behind Phantom’s remote operation software  delivers secure, low-latency communication over volatile and constrained wireless networks, enabling reliable sensor streaming and safe control of vehicle functions.

The goal isn’t to replace workers, NFI Chief Executive Sid Brown said, but to add capacity by having people work remotely, which he said would also help recruitment, including among people who like to play videogames.

The move comes as the supply chain and logistic industries continue to deal with a labor shortage that pre-dates the 2020 onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Growth + Change = Opportunity!