LTL or Truckload -- Which Mode to Use?

A lot of companies can lower their logistics costs by improving how they select a shipping mode. Often, shipments are easy to recognize as either Truckload (TL) or Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), so there is no real decision to be made. But that is not always the case.  Sometimes just a few poor choices on shipments can have a significant negative impact on a company’s… Read more

How to Choose the Best Routing Decision Between Intermodal and Truckload

How to choose between intermodal and truckload? There are usually multiple ways a shipper can choose to move a load, so selecting the right mode can be difficult. It’s easy for companies to operate out of habit and select the mode they’ve always used without considering other options. It’s the responsibility of logistics professionals to recognize and overcome this type of inertia when that is… Read more

Down to Basics: How to Write a Truckload RFP

Creating a request for proposal (RFP) that is ready for distribution can be a complicated process for shippers. Bid season generally occurs during the fourth quarter and wraps up early in the first quarter. As you write your truckload RFP, it is important to remember that the data you provide about your company is just as important as the data you solicit from carriers… Read more

Factors That Affect Truckload Shipping Rates

Predicting truckload shipping rates is a tricky business. Over the past several years, rates have fluctuated by over 50%! Factors that drive such wild swings are numerous, but they can be nailed down to a couple fundamental issues: changes in supply and demand and fuel prices.

Let’s start with the obvious. Fuel prices impact truckload rates. As an example, diesel prices that are $3.30… Read more