Every year, the trucking industry is responsible for the majority of domestic freight transportation. In 2020, trucks transported more than 10 billion tons of freight, representing 72.5% of all domestic cargo, according to the American Trucking Associations. 3.36 million drivers contributed $1.2 trillion to U.S. GDP.

When a person pictures a trucker, they probably imagine someone spending weeks on the road, hauling a trailer, and living out of their truck while traversing thousands of miles of open road. 

Shippers today need dedicated transportation solutions to conduct business effectively and improve driver profitability. For example, shifting from a relatively soft market in previous years to one of tight capacity necessitates being part of a more comprehensive network. Shippers must take advantage of technology trends and expand beyond their network of carriers and brokers. This way, they can further expedite the supply chain process and, in turn, generate more business for themselves and their new partners. Here are a few best practices of logistics outsourcing that will benefit shippers and help them run their business much smoother and generate more new business through dedicated transportation solutions.

As consumer trends come and go, it can be challenging for shippers to know which ones hold the most weight and likely will impact how they run their business. Over time, sustainability has proven to be one trend that is here to stay. Yet, it can be challenging for shippers to gain traction on the agreed-to initiatives. 

Regarding freight distribution and delivery, the focus naturally gravitates more toward the shippers and carriers handling the business side. And while that is important, it’s also crucial to consider the drivers responsible for getting the goods from their point of origin to their destination. Many factors are affecting driver profitability and, consequently,  trucking company profit margin at a time when the driver shortage shows no sign of easing. In fact, the American Trucking Association predicts the driver shortage will increase to a staggering 160,000 or more by 2030. Here are a few factors impacting trucking company profit and how to overcome them.

The US Census Bureau’s latest data found, “On average, truck drivers working full time, year-round, earn about $43,252 annually […and] exceed those of other blue-collar jobs. At least one in 10 truckers are veterans, double the rate of workers in general.” While the long drives may be pretty peaceful to veterans and civilians alike, the monotony of long-haul trucking often demands the need for audible entertainment. Instead of relistening to the well-worn “Greatest Hits” album, consider the following trucking podcasts. 

If you stop to think about it, everything you own was probably hauled in a truck. From the apples in your kitchen, to the paint on your ceiling, a semi-truck delivered those products to the store that you shopped from. Truck drivers are vital for providing everyday needs. Dry van trucking services transport essential items, that make life sustainable for millions of people.  full truckload carriers are highly valuable to the supply chain. As freight rates rise do to diesel prices short linehauls may cost just as much as long haul shipping What Is Long-Haul Shipping?

Unpredictability is the biggest issue facing freight and logistics jobs and e-commerce today. With continuing recovery from COVID-related shutdowns and disruptions, the lingering pressures of market trends and consumer demands continue to focus on dry van freight,  reefer truck freight,  and overall truckload transportation services. 

As wide open spaces continue to call out to the hearts of those longing for a quieter life, many don’t realize the impacts this has on the supply chain. Communities that have enjoyed living on the fringe for generations are continuing to be impacted by supply chain bottlenecks. When discussing rural Arizona food shortages, AZ Central reported that “Supply chains often crack when there aren’t a lot of vendors or suppliers serving a region, especially if there […] are transportation issues such as the current nationwide shortage of truckers.” 

Refrigerated trucks and trailers, specially designed to haul temperature-sensitive refrigerated freight, play a vital role in the local and national food supply chain. Reefer freight routinely makes on-time deliveries and keeps commodities safe at controlled temperatures. In addition to drivers and shippers,  reefer freight brokers are vital in this supply chain network. Reefer transport services remain in high demand, despite increasing shipping costs and rate increases in many areas and regions. Compared to dry van freight shipments, reefer freight shipping and handling incur additional costs due to refrigerated cargo’s specialized equipment and handling needs.