Dealing with the pressures from the ever-changing supply chain and transportation industry takes a specialized approach to freight management and shipping. In times like these, dedicated freight solutions can have a tremendous impact on both forward and return logistics, impacting everyone from hybrid freight brokers to shippers to carriers. Recent pressures that started with the COVID-19 pandemic and continue today with economic and manufacturing forces shape businesses big and small looking to gettheir products from Point A to Point B. Dedicated transportation services can make it easier to track, manage, and capitalize on every truckload and every shipment—regardless of whether a trucking company deals with specialty products or faces unexpected spikes or crashes in demand. 

The business of freight is continuing to evolve. What once was only done continentally by wagon and then train now often sees multiple modes of transport. With the evolution of travel, methods develop the logistics required to complete each delivery. As populations expanded and dispersed across the nation alongside the new forms of transport, brokers came into play to solve the communication disconnect between shippers and carriers. In recent years, technological advances have both eased and widened the jobs of freight brokers, and out of that constantly growing work came a new freight broker business plan: the hybrid broker.

Empty space lines store shelves, and the economy’s future hangs in the balance. While freight moves around the globe, there’s a critical problem coming to light. The truck driver shortage is worsening, and everyone is trying to figure out the best solution. Many have argued that keeping drivers happy is the best step to overcoming it. However, there’s another obvious problem. 

Truckload drivers have a huge responsibility to themselves — find and secure loads to keep themselves on the road and their trucks full. These supply chain champions help keep markets growing and moving forward. At the same time, companies are looking to hire owner-operator drivers to handle their freight transport needs. When it comes to securing dedicated loads, it can be more challenging than ever to keep trucks full and moving. With demand growing year after year, freight rates increase, making dedicated freight loads more profitable for drivers if they can secure them. According to Transport Topics’ recent review, “data shows total truckload rates year-over-year are holding around 12% higher. They are forecast to grow 2.5% to 3% throughout the year… But year-over-year results could start stabilizing later in the year because of a surge in rates last year.” Making the smart choice can help drivers find dedicated loads quickly and easily. The following steps can make it easier for drivers to maintain full capacity and master load procurement within supply chain trucking lanes. 

5 Benefits that a Reputable 3PL Partner Provides

Following a five-year stint away, Jeff DeVonde is excited to be coming home. Jeff will rejoin AMX, one of today’s fastest growing logistics companies, as the new Vice President of Sales—where he will lean on nearly 30 years of proven experience in the trucking and logistics industry to help continue to grow the AMX brand. Jeff previously spent nearly seven years with the company between 2008 and 2015. As he settles into his second stretch with AMX, Jeff sat down with us to share why he decided to come back and where he sees AMX going next.

ATLANTA, February 10, 2020 – Alabama Motor Express, a trucking and third-party logistics company, announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Powell Transport Solutions and its affiliates, a trucking asset firm specializing in refrigerated freight. The deal adds 35 refrigerated trailers to the AMX fleet, helping the company deliver against its goal to expand its service offerings to a wider customer base and become the most prominent freight company in the Southeast.

We live in a world of promises. In fact, we make promises to our customers multiple times every day. “Don’t worry, your freight will arrive. I promise.”

2018 was one of the most unpredictable, off-the-wall years in recent history for carriers and shippers. Within a perfect storm of new government regulations, tax incentives, natural disaster recovery and a booming construction sector, the trucking industry experienced tight and almost non-existent capacity for the first half of the year.

Hannah Cannington is the branch manager for the AMX office in Savannah, Georgia. A rising star in the supply chain industry, Hannah is excited about her new role and the direction of the company. She recently shared her thoughts about today’s 3PL climate, what she’s learned along the way — and what she looks for in the next generation of logistics leaders.