Beyond The Road (The Transportation Industry Podcast): Recent Episodes

Anderson Trucking Service (ATS)

Freight market insights. Supply chain tips. Proven logistics strategies. The transportation industry is full of intricacies. From permitting requirements to freight class, the dimensional capacities of each trailer and beyond, historically, it’s difficult for logistics professionals to navigate these issues. Until now. Beyond The Road, a podcast created for the everyday logistics manager, will break down these barriers and provide shippers with expert advice and opinions at the tap of a button.

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EVERY DRIVER NEEDS THIS: https://hubs.la/Q03DD0Zd0
In this episode of Beyond the Road, two real ATS drivers share what life on the road is really like — and why they’re more than just truckers. From gaming in the cab and volunteering as firefighters to balancing family life and running flatbed or van freight, this is an unfiltered look into what modern trucking really means.
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In this episode of Beyond the Road, we explore the state of the freight market and preview Breakbulk Americas 2025, happening September 30 – October 2 in Houston, Texas.

🔹 Market Trends – From import volume spikes and rail congestion to asset carrier closures and softening rates, we break down what’s happening across open deck, international, and brokerage transportation.
🔹 Breakbulk Americas Preview – What is Breakbulk? Why is it important? And how can attendees make the most of the event? Get tips from experienced ATS reps who’ve attended for years.
🔹 Expert Guests – Josh from ATS Logistics and Carl from ATS International share real-world insight from both the U.S. and global shipping markets.

Whether you're a shipper, logistics professional, or new to the breakbulk space, this episode offers both timely freight updates and a look at one of the industry’s most valuable networking events.

Visit us at Booth F31 at Breakbulk Americas 2025
Enter to win a free Apple Watch Series 10 by stopping by and dropping your business card!

Learn more: https://www.atsinc.com

Subscribe to stay updated on industry trends, trade shows, and logistics insights.

BreakbulkAmericas #FreightMarketUpdate #TruckingIndustry #OpenDeckFreight #InternationalShipping #ATS #ProjectCargo #LogisticsNetworking #tradeshowtips

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What does it take to drive over 2.5 million safe miles and survive everything from tornadoes to Hurricane Katrina? Army veteran and ATS driver Bill Hodges shares his trucking journey, financial survival tips, and wild stories from the road.

In this episode of Beyond the Road, Bill talks with Holli about:
• Life as a specialized open-deck driver
• Transitioning from the Army to trucking
• Surviving downturns in the freight market (2008 vs today)
• Weathering storms. From blizzards to hurricanes
• Why the driver–fleet manager relationship can make (or break) your career
• Financial and health tips to hit your 1 million safe miles

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For shippers: https://hubs.li/Q03f6QT70
For drivers: https://hubs.la/Q03f6KjB0
In this episode of Beyond the Road, we unpack what’s happening in today’s freight market and take a deep dive into Mexico cross-border shipping — specifically the Laredo gateway and the opportunities and challenges of nearshoring.

🔹 Freight Market Update: Why the pace of recovery is slow, but improving
🔹 Rate Trends: Are contract rates rising? What about capacity and fuel?
🔹 Tariffs & Equipment Spending: How uncertainty and interest rates are impacting behavior
🔹 Open Deck vs. Van Recovery: What's moving and where we're seeing growth
🔹 Mexico Market Focus: Why Laredo remains a powerhouse in cross-border freight
🔹 Through-Trailer vs. Transload: Pros and cons, plus how to pick the right option
🔹 Customs, CTPAT & Delays: What shippers need to know before crossing the border
🔹 Driver & Equipment Challenges: Real stories and solutions
🔹 ATS Capabilities: Our 35 years in Laredo, 300+ trailers in Mexico, and asset + partner support
🔹 Shipper Advice: How to pick the right provider and avoid surprises

Whether you're already moving freight across the southern border or considering it, this episode helps you plan smarter and move faster.

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In this episode of Beyond the Road, we bring together experts from ATS Logistics to talk about what shippers, drivers, and logistics pros can expect for the rest of the summer freight season. From weather delays to Fourth of July capacity crunches and tender rejection trends, we break it all down—plus explain the value a trusted freight brokerage can bring to your operation.

🔹 4th of July Freight Planning: How this holiday impacts shipping schedules, rates, and driver availability
🔹 Weather & Road Construction: What shippers and drivers need to know to avoid costly delays
🔹 Tender Rejections Rising: What that means for capacity and spot market rates
🔹 What Is ATS Logistics? An inside look at our brokerage model and how it connects drivers and shippers
🔹 Driver Benefits: How smaller carriers and owner-operators can stay loaded with the FreightMatch app
🔹 Customer Portal: Real-time tracking, billing access, and better communication tools for shippers
🔹 Common Myths About Brokers: Transparency, claims, pricing, and service concerns—debunked
🔹 Logistics Day at ATS: A behind-the-scenes look at our family-friendly celebration of the logistics industry

Whether you're a shipper managing tight schedules, a driver navigating holiday home time, or a logistics pro evaluating brokers—this episode delivers the clarity and insight you need.

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What’s it really take to move massive freight across the country—on time, safely, and without chaos?

In this episode of Beyond the Road, host Holly sits down with Sam, a 24-year ATS veteran and site liaison, to uncover the logistics secrets behind some of the biggest moves in the trucking industry. From complex site planning to real-time driver coordination and customer education, Sam shares what it takes to keep mega projects running smoothly—and why transportation is often the last thing customers think about (to their own detriment).

🔹 What a site liaison actually does—and why it’s critical
🔹 How ATS plans routes for 72-meter wind blades
🔹 The truth about what customers forget when planning large moves
🔹 Why communication is the backbone of project freight success
🔹 How pilot cars, drone scouts, and bucket trucks fit into the plan
🔹 Real-world stories of tight turns, low wires, and 3 a.m. moves
🔹 What’s changing in wind energy and data center logistics
🔹 How training, tech, and trust keep drivers safe and on schedule

If you’re a driver, shipper, or industry insider looking for the unfiltered truth about what’s happening on the road today, this episode is for you.

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Downloadable tools and articles for shippers: https://hubs.li/Q03f6QT70
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The Fourth of July can create major disruptions across the supply chain—from driver availability and rate spikes to delivery delays and limited facility hours. In this episode of Beyond the Road, we break down everything shippers and drivers need to know to succeed during one of the busiest times of the summer.

🔹 What 4th of July means for freight capacity and volume surges
🔹 How to keep freight moving despite OD restrictions and tight driver availability
🔹 Best practices for shippers: scheduling flexibility, pre-holiday communication, and cost control
🔹 How dispatchers and drivers can plan smarter to ensure holiday home time
🔹 Real-life examples from ATS experts in flatbed, dry van, and logistics operations
🔹 Why early planning = fewer missed deliveries and lower rates

🎯 Whether you're a customer planning a critical shipment or a driver mapping your route home, this episode offers actionable advice to help everyone in the freight chain stay safe and efficient this Independence Day.

📘 Helpful Links:
Shippers: https://hubs.li/Q03f6QT70
Drivers: https://hubs.la/Q03f6KjB0
Careers: https://hubs.li/Q033MZdw0

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Downloadable tools and articles for shippers: https://hubs.li/Q03f6QT70
All the driver resources and tools you could ever dream of: https://hubs.la/Q03f6KjB0

In this episode of Beyond the Road, Justin Werner is joined by Reid Eggen (Corporate Pricing Manager) and Jason Wald (Network Development Manager) to break down the current state of the transportation industry as we move through 2025.

🔹 Flatbed and dry van market conditions: What’s rising and what’s struggling
🔹 How tariffs and global uncertainty are impacting freight volumes
🔹 What shippers are doing differently with contracts, bids, and budgeting
🔹 Why driver pay and fleet costs remain a major concern
🔹 Tips for drivers looking to maximize opportunities during the busy season
🔹 Real-world insights from internal ATS data and industry trends

Whether you're a shipper managing freight or a driver planning your miles, this conversation offers timely guidance for navigating today’s freight environment.

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For drivers: https://hubs.la/Q03f6KjB0
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What’s it really like moving freight in today’s trucking industry?

In this episode of Beyond the Road, veteran ATS driver Slade joins host Holly to talk about what it takes to stay successful behind the wheel in a changing freight market. From shifting freight lanes to tightening regulations, and from hauling wind energy components to dealing with glitchy safety tech, this episode dives into real-life experiences from the road.

🔹 Insights on staying profitable during market downturns
🔹 How wind energy projects are shifting freight demand
🔹 What it takes to haul massive wind blades across the country
🔹 The challenge of coordinating multi-state superloads
🔹 New English-language enforcement in Arkansas
🔹 Technology’s growing role—and frustration—in trucking
🔹 Tips for new drivers looking to build a sustainable career
🔹 Why keeping your truck moving is the key to success

If you’re a driver, shipper, or industry insider looking for the unfiltered truth about what’s happening on the road today, this episode is for you.

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For shippers: https://hubs.li/Q03f6QT70
For drivers: https://hubs.la/Q03f6KjB0
Confused about tariffs? You're not alone.

In this episode of Beyond the Road, industry experts break down everything you need to know about tariffs, from what they are and how they work, to their wide-reaching impacts on international shipping, supply chains, transportation costs, and end consumers.

🔹 What tariffs are and how they’re applied
🔹 The role of HS codes in international trade
🔹 How tariffs impact importers, exporters, and logistics providers
🔹 Real-world examples: steel, solar panels, and avocados
🔹 How trade wars begin—and why no one wins
🔹 Why tariffs create uncertainty in the supply chain
🔹 How tariffs could affect truck pricing, capacity, and availability
🔹 What U.S. importers can do to prepare and stay agile

Whether you're a shipper, driver, freight forwarder, logistics professional, or finance decision-maker, this episode will help you better understand tariffs and their growing influence on global commerce.

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In this high-impact episode of Beyond the Road, ATS experts dive deep into CVSA’s annual Roadcheck Blitz, happening May 13–15, 2025. With increased roadside inspections and targeted enforcement, this is the most disruptive week in the trucking industry — and it can derail your freight if you're not prepared.

🔹 What Blitz Week really is (and why it matters)
🔹 This year’s focus: Tire violations & falsified logs
🔹 Why drivers may be inspected multiple times in one day
🔹 How shippers can reduce delays with flexibility
🔹 Tips for drivers to avoid costly downtime
🔹 How Blitz Week impacts freight rates & capacity
🔹 What carriers, brokers, and customers need to do now

If you’re in the transportation industry — carrier, shipper, owner-operator, or broker — this is your survival guide.

BlitzWeek2025 #CVSARoadcheck #TruckingCompliance #FreightLogistics #ATSPodcast #TruckingSafety #ShippingDelays #DriverTips #LogisticsPlanning #DOTInspections

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The trucking industry is constantly evolving, and understanding contracts, insurance, and market trends is crucial for shippers, carriers, and brokers alike. In this episode of Beyond the Road, we sit down with John and AJ from ATS to discuss:

Industry Updates – Is the freight recession really over? How are market trends shifting in 2025?
Contracts & Liability – How shippers, brokers, and carriers can avoid costly legal pitfalls.
Nuclear Verdicts & Insurance Costs – The rising risks and financial impact of major legal settlements.
Tariffs & Market Volatility – How recent policies are reshaping freight movement across North America.
Risk Management Strategies – Practical steps to protect your business from unpredictable costs.
Stick around for a fun trivia segment, where wrong answers come with a spicy consequence.

Find what you need:
0:00 - Disclaimer & Introduction
0:30 - Meet the Guests: Jon & AJ
2:55 - The Current State of the Trucking Industry
6:03 - Tariffs & Market Volatility
10:52 - Freight Demand & Rate Predictions
13:50 - Nuclear Verdicts, Rising Insurance Costs & Risk Management
26:41 - Rising Operational Costs in Trucking
30:49 - Trucking Trivia Challenge (Spicy Edition)
37:30 - Closing Thoughts & Outro

*The ATS podcast is for informational purposes only and does not reflect official company policy or advice. Views expressed by hosts, guests, or employees are their own and do not necessarily represent ATS or its affiliates. Mention of any company, product, or service is not an endorsement. While ATS and its sister companies share corporate ties, they operate independently. ATS is not responsible for the accuracy of statements made. For questions, visit https://hubs.li/Q02PvhcZ0

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Produce season is right around the corner, and it’s bringing big changes to the trucking industry. How will it impact rates, capacity, and supply chains?

In this episode of Beyond The Road, host Eric Metso sits down with Mark Andres (Director of Operations, ATS Logistics) and Josh Rivers (Sales Team Manager, ATS Logistics) to break down everything shippers need to know about the upcoming produce season, trucking market trends, and the impact of tariffs on freight movement.

What’s Covered:
The State of the Trucking Industry – What’s happening with freight capacity, driver availability, and market rates.
Tariffs & Cross-Border Freight – How potential tariffs on Canada and Mexico could impact supply chains.
What is Produce Season? – How seasonal freight cycles impact truck capacity and rates nationwide.
Shipper Strategies – How businesses can prepare for rising costs and shifting market conditions.
Trivia & Fun Facts – Surprising insights about the most imported produce, transportation challenges, and more.
Want to stay ahead of the game?
✅ Check out the ATS Learning Hub for industry insights: ATSinc.com/Learning-Hub
✅ Subscribe to Beyond The Road for expert trucking & logistics updates.
✅ Have questions? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll cover them in a future episode!

Don’t get caught off guard—watch now to learn how to navigate the 2025 produce season and keep your supply chain moving efficiently.

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TruckingIndustry #truckingindustryupdates #andersontruckingservice #truckingnews #trucking

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Welcome back to Beyond The Road, the trucking industry podcast! In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that’s both timely and critical—Frost Laws—and how they impact heavy haul shipping.

Host Justin Werner is joined by Jake Black, Heavy Haul Customer Service Manager, and Jenny Thommes from the Heavy Haul Permit Department to break down the latest industry updates and discuss how weather, regulations, and infrastructure challenges affect freight movement during the winter and early spring months.

Episode Breakdown:
🔹 Industry Update: How the market is trending in 2025 and what we’re seeing in heavy haul capacity.
🔹 Weather & Freight: How winter storms, icy roads, and frost laws impact permit availability and freight movement.
🔹 Frost Laws Explained: What they are, how they vary by state, and what shippers need to know to avoid costly delays.
🔹 Permits & Costs: How states like Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota enforce restrictions and how shippers can prepare.
🔹 Planning for 2025: Best practices for shippers to avoid high permit costs and transit disruptions.

Want to stay ahead of the game?
🔹 Check out our ATS Learning Hub for more in-depth articles: ATSinc.com/Learning-Hub
🔹 Subscribe to Beyond The Road for expert insights on trucking, logistics, and freight trends.
🔹 Stay tuned for our next episode on Produce Season 2025 with Eric Metzel, Josh Rivers, and a surprise guest!

Got questions? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll cover them in a future episode.

Drive safe, stay busy, and keep shipping that freight!

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The transportation industry is shifting as we move into 2025, and in this episode of Beyond the Road, host Eric sits down with James Geiske (Regional Sales Director) and Ty Holstrom (VP of National Sales) to break down the latest industry trends, how weather disruptions are shaping Q1, and what shippers should expect in the months ahead.

They also discuss how tariffs, regulatory changes, and economic shifts could impact trucking and brokerage in 2025, plus how companies can stay ahead of market fluctuations. The episode wraps up with a freight trivia showdown.

Industry Update and Market Sentiment
How winter weather is affecting capacity and freight rates
The impact of tariffs and administration changes on trucking
Why shippers and brokers are cautiously optimistic heading into 2025

2025 Brokerage and Trucking Forecast
Will demand rebound in the coming months?
How shifts in capacity could lead to increased spot market pricing
What shippers should do now to prepare for potential disruptions
The growing role of AI and technology in freight logistics

Shipper Tips and Best Practices
How freight fraud is evolving and what companies can do to protect themselves
The importance of long-term carrier relationships for stable pricing and reliability
Why nearshoring and reshoring could reshape supply chains in 2025

Fun Freight Trivia Challenge
The team answers trucking-related questions with surprising facts
How many pallets fit in a dry van?
What percentage of U.S. goods move by truck?
Can you guess the most common freight in a dry van?

Key Takeaways
Freight demand is expected to rise in 2025, but capacity could tighten
Shippers need to plan ahead to avoid unexpected rate spikes
AI and fraud prevention technology will play a bigger role in transportation
Nearshoring and supply chain shifts could drive domestic freight opportunities

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Don’t miss next week’s episode, where Justin sits down with Jake Black and Jenny Thomas to discuss frost laws and open deck hauling in 2025

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In this episode, host Justin Werner is joined by Troy Dessert and Lars Offerdahl to discuss the future of the van freight market as we head into 2025. From shifting economic conditions to new policies from the incoming administration, we break down how these changes could impact shippers, drivers, and the entire trucking industry.

  • In This Episode -
    Industry Update & Current Events:
  • The current state of the trucking industry based on feedback from shippers, drivers, and customers.
  • How the new administration's policies may affect trucking operations.
  • Updates on tariffs and their potential influence on shipping costs.
  • Trending news impacting the transportation sector.

2025 Brokerage & Van Freight Forecast:
- Where is the trucking industry headed in 2025?
- Growth and challenges in the van freight market for the coming year.
- The impact of the economy on capacity and pricing in the van sector.
- Where shippers are finding success—and where they’re struggling.
- How ATS can help shippers navigate these changes.

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TruckingIndustry #truckingindustryupdates #andersontruckingservice #truckingnews #trucking

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In this episode, host Justin Werner is joined by industry experts Reid Eggen and Jason Wald to discuss the 2025 Q1/Q2 pricing update and forecast. Dive into the latest trends shaping the trucking industry, from market performance to the effects of tariffs and political transitions. Whether you’re a shipper, driver, or industry professional, this episode delivers key insights to help you navigate the year ahead.

What’s Covered in This Episode:
Industry Update & Current Events:

The current state of the trucking industry, featuring insights from shippers, drivers, and customers.
Recap of the 2025 presidential inauguration and its potential impact on trucking and logistics.
The impact of tariffs on freight rates and customer operations.
Updates on trending news and industry developments.
Q1/Q2 Pricing Update & Forecast:

Where are prices headed over the next 3-6 months?
Predictions for 2025: Will this year outperform 2024?
Market insights: Which regions are thriving, and which are struggling?

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Join host Justin Werner as he dives deep into the future of heavy haul trucking and wind energy transportation with industry experts Jake Black and Andrew Beckmann. This episode offers critical insights into market trends, industry forecasts, and the impact of current events on the trucking and renewable energy sectors.

In This Episode:
Industry Update and Current Events:

The state of the trucking industry in early 2025.
How the January 15th port strike may disrupt shipping and supply chains.
The impact of tariffs on freight and trucking operations.
Updates on the potential TikTok ban and its implications for businesses and consumers.
Other trending industry news.
2025 Heavy Haul & Wind Industry Forecast:

Where is the heavy haul industry headed in 2025?
Growth trends and challenges in the wind energy transportation sector.
Effects of presidential policies and the economy on these industries.
Insights into capacity, demand, and innovation within heavy haul and wind logistics.
Fun Trivia & Quiz Segment:

A lighthearted segment to test your knowledge about heavy haul trucking and wind energy transportation!

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TruckingIndustry #truckingindustryupdates #andersontruckingservice #truckingnews #trucking

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Flatbed Shipping Projections for 2025 | Industry Insights and Market Trends

In this episode, host Justin Werner is joined by industry experts Lyle Jankee and Nicole Meyer to discuss flatbed shipping projections for 2025. From current events impacting the trucking industry to actionable advice for shippers and drivers, this episode is packed with insights to help you prepare for the year ahead.

Here’s what we cover:

⏵ Industry Update:
Current state of the trucking industry: What we’re hearing from drivers and customers.
Major developments affecting shipping and logistics, including:
Port Strike: Resuming January 15, 2025—what this means for shippers, drivers, and consumers.
Container Prices: How looming tariffs are influencing rates.
US Trade Policy Changes: Ending duty-free imports from China for shipments under $800.
TikTok Ban: Set for January 19—how it could impact Americans, businesses, and e-commerce.

⏵ Flatbed Projections for 2025:
Recap of 2024: What went well and what didn’t.
Predictions for 2025: Will rates and volumes rise or fall?
Insights on market capacity, seasonality, and actionable tips for shippers and drivers to prepare for the new year.

⏵ Industry Myth-Busting:
Myth: "Flatbed shipping is only for oversized or heavy cargo."
Myth: "Flatbed loads are unsafe because they are not enclosed."
Breaking down these misconceptions and highlighting the versatility and safety of flatbed shipping.

⏵ Fun Trivia & Quiz Segment: A lighthearted and interactive way to test your trucking knowledge!

⏵ Closing Thoughts: We wrap up with key takeaways, a call to action to explore our learning hub and podcasts, and a teaser for our next episode featuring Eric Metso and his guests, Derek Ertl and Hailey Rissanen, who will discuss industry updates and project coordination.

🎙️ Subscribe and hit the bell to stay informed about trucking trends, projections, and actionable advice for success in the industry!

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Marketing plays a pivotal role in shaping industries, and transportation is no exception. In this episode, host Holli Harter is joined by Brenda Schermerhorn and Maddy Marquette to explore how marketing strategies are evolving in the trucking and transportation industry. From leveraging digital tools to adapting to industry changes, this episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Here’s what we’ll cover:
⏵ Industry Update:
The current state of the trucking industry and its impact on marketing strategies.
Insights into social media changes, including how the potential TikTok ban might reshape strategies in 2025.
The role of marketing during busy and slow periods in the transportation sector.

⏵ Marketing in 2024 and Beyond:
How marketing in transportation has evolved and where it’s heading.
The role of AI in transportation marketing and how teams are adapting.
Challenges and benefits of staying ahead in an ever-changing marketing landscape.

⏵ Industry Myth-Busting:
Myth: "Only big companies can afford impactful marketing."
Myth: "Digital marketing doesn’t work for B2B transportation."
Breaking down these misconceptions and showcasing the importance of creative and targeted strategies.

⏵ Fun Trivia and Quiz Segment:
A lighthearted segment to test your knowledge about marketing and its role in transportation.

⏵ Closing Thoughts:
We wrap up with actionable insights for marketing professionals, transportation experts, and anyone curious about the intersection of these fields. Subscribe to stay updated on trends, strategies, and industry insights.

TransportationMarketing #B2BMarketing #DigitalMarketing #MarketingTrends #TruckingPodcast

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⏵ Project Coordination in the Trucking Industry
In this episode, hosts Eric, Derek, and Hailey dive into the world of project coordination and its impact on semi drivers and shippers alike. From industry updates to busting common myths, we’re covering everything you need to know to navigate this essential aspect of logistics.

⏵ Episode Breakdown:
0:00 - Introduction: Meet our hosts and guests as we set the stage for today’s topics.
2:30 - Industry Update: What’s happening in the trucking world? Key updates on the port strike, rising container prices, and the looming TikTok ban.
10:00 - Project Coordination: How shippers and drivers can prepare, avoid common issues, and streamline operations.
22:00 - Industry Myth-Busting: Debunking misconceptions about project freight.
25:40 - Trivia & Fun: Test your knowledge with a fun quiz segment!

⏵ We Want to Hear from You!
Got questions or insights about project coordination or logistics? Drop them in the comments below!

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TruckingIndustry #truckingindustryupdates #trucking

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In this special episode, we’re bringing you the latest updates on market trends and pricing insights in the trucking industry, along with some fun twists! Join our host and two expert guests from the pricing department as they break down the current state of the industry, key challenges, and strategic tips for shippers to navigate pricing fluctuations.

What to expect in this episode:

Industry Update: Get an overview of the latest industry trends, including how the newly elected leadership might influence trucking policies and fuel prices. We’ll also dive into the impact of the end-of-year holiday rush on shipping demand.

Tips for Shippers: Practical strategies for shippers on managing costs, building relationships with carriers, and understanding accessorial fees to optimize their logistics.

Future Projections: Insights into where the industry is heading, potential challenges, and upcoming opportunities for 2025 and beyond.

Bonus Segment – Hot Sauce Trivia! 🌶️
Stick around until the end for a fun trivia showdown with a spicy twist! Our guests will face off in a hot sauce quiz where the loser takes a shot of hot sauce. You don’t want to miss their reactions!

Closing Thoughts: We wrap up with key takeaways and a teaser for next week’s episode, hosted by Alyssa with guests Brandon and Josh, where we’ll discuss freeze-protected freight and more.

Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated with more trucking industry insights and fun segments! 🚛💡

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TruckingIndustry #MarketTrends #PricingInsights #LogisticsTips #HotSauceTrivia #TruckingPodcast

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In this episode, we’re unpacking the latest career opportunities in the trucking industry and providing job seekers with expert advice on navigating this dynamic field! Join our host as they sit down with two seasoned Talent Acquisition Specialists who share insights into the current job market, what skills are in demand, and how you can stand out in the hiring process.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

Industry Update: Get the latest stats and trends on job security, growth projections, and where the industry is heading.

Top Concerns for Job Seekers: Addressing common concerns, from job stability to work-life balance, plus tips on making a memorable impression with your application.

Evolving Skill Sets: Explore how tech advancements and specialized roles are reshaping the skill requirements in trucking.

Industry Myth-Busting: Think trucking is only about driving? We debunk some common myths and highlight the diverse career paths in logistics, tech, safety, and more!

Fun Trivia & Quiz: Test your trucking knowledge! From the history of the semi-truck to the surprising stats about the industry, we’ve got a trivia segment packed with fun facts.

This episode is for anyone in the trucking industry or those looking to kickstart a new career in logistics, tech, or operations. 🚛✨

Like and subscribe for more episodes! Stay tuned for next week’s discussion on trucking market trends and pricing insights with experts Justin Werner, Reid Eggen, and Jason Wald.

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Eric, Jason and Ty discuss Q4, the upcoming port strike and what you can expect.

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Are you an ATS customer and not on the customer portal? Contact your ATS rep to get set up for free: https://hubs.li/Q02PvhcZ0

September is a transitional time: School starts, regular season baseball ends, iced coffees give way to pumpkin spice lattes, and Labor Day marks the unofficial beginning of fall.

While the trucking industry hustles year-round, some aspects of this business do start to shift with the falling of the leaves. New fruits and vegetables crop up, construction kicks into a final frenzy before the snow arrives, and retail merchandisers transition from back-to-school items to holiday stock.

So, what should shippers expect in September? A capacity crunch to rival all those autumn leaves underfoot (especially where dry vans and reefer trailers are concerned) and a renewed emphasis on the importance of flexibility.

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August represents a turning point in the year’s ebb and flow of freight. The summer slowly starts to shift toward cooler weather, students head back to school, and harvest begins on new crops in multiple regions.

Here at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), we enjoy the fresh opportunities each August brings to the transportation industry. Over our decades in this business, we’ve helped shippers and carriers alike make the most of their budgets during this unique moment in seasonality.

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July is a hot month in the trucking industry, and we're not talking about weather. (At least, not just the weather - it gets freaking hot in these cabs, people!)

As Q3 kicks off in July, we see the southern states' produce season continues to ramp up, household goods move nationwide, and the Independence Day holiday put a dent in truck capacity.

Anderson Trucking Service, Inc. (ATS) has been around for a lot of Julys. As a result, we’ve refined our understanding of the trucking industry during this month and we’re here to explain what you should expect.

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ATS Learning Hub: ATS Learning Hub: https://hubs.ly/Q02r2r6V0

June in the trucking industry kicks off summer with the 4th of July, travel, concerts, back to school, construction and more! Today, we meet with Eric, Mike and Dean from ATS Logistics to discuss the upcoming months and how you, as a shipper, can prepare and set yourself up for success!

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Topics covered in this episode:

  • Overview of Open-Deck Trucking Markets in 2024
  • Trucking Industry Cost Pressures | Current State
  • How prices are calculated
  • What happens in May and Spring in Open-Deck Shipping
  • How Open-Deck Trucking is Different this May

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Open-deck freight shipping is one of the most complicated segments of the transportation industry. The flatbed marketplace, although a vital piece of the U.S. economy, is influenced by external forces like weather and government spending.

If flatbed shipping holds a place in your supply chain, you'll want to ensure you do everything you can to keep these shipments running efficiently. Recently, trucking companies have faced unique constraints, making it difficult to keep their doors open and their drivers profitable.

But is the market on an upswing? Or, will rates remain depressed throughout 2024. In this episode of Beyond The Road, we'll discuss what's been going on with open-deck freight markets (capacity and rates) over the past 18 months, what drives demand in this area of the industry and what shippers can do to improve this section of their logistics going forward.

Topics covered in this episode:

  • Overview of Open-Deck Trucking Markets in 2023
  • Trucking Industry Cost Pressures | Current State
  • What Drives Demand for Flatbed Shipping?
  • What happens in April and Spring in Open-Deck Shipping
  • How Open-Deck Trucking is Different this April
  • Tips for Working With Your Open-Deck Carriers

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Learn more about the trucking industry in April

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2023 was a difficult year for trucking companies. It was a great one for shippers though. Spot rates, which have been depressed since 2022, have remained low in 2024.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, we discuss current transportation industry market trends and where we expect things to trend throughout the year.

Topics covered in this episode:

  • 2024 Freight Rates Overview
  • 2024 Truckload Market Projections
  • Seasonality Discussions Q2 2024
  • Current State of Load-to-Truck Ratios
  • Trucking Company Operating Expenses this Year
  • When Will Freight Rates Rise?
  • Advice for Shippers in 2024

Visit the ATS Learning Hub

Related Transportation Industry Content:

  • The Trucking Industry in March 2024: What You Should Know
  • Truckload Transportation Industry Forecast 2024

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February is one of the slowest months in trucking. Even if it's slow for your company, there are things you can do to set yourself up for success in the months ahead. Things will get busy again, let's make sure you're prepared when they do.

In this episode of Beyond the Road, learn everything you need to know about February. This includes how capacity tightens in the open-deck market due to harsh weather in the northern U.S., how oversize shipments are impacted by limited daylight and how the dry van sector experiences a lull.

Topics covered in this episode:

  • Winter Weather's Impact in February
  • Commodities Shipping Heavily in February
  • Freight Rates in February
  • What Shippers Should do During the Lull of February
  • Looking Forward (Post February)

Relevant Resources and Information:

  • California Semi Truck Year Regulations
  • The Trucking Industry During February 2024: What You Should Know
  • Truckload Transportation Industry Forecast 2024

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2023 is coming to a dramatic close after what can be considered one of the most deflating years on record for the transportation industry. Companies have been shipping freight at depressed rates for a while now, making it hard for trucking businesses and their drivers to make ends meet.

As we head into January 2024, it's natural to wonder what the next year will bring. While we don't hold a crystal ball, and can't definitively say what the next year will look like from a transportation perspective, we have been around for our fair share of Januaries over the years. In this episode of Beyond the Road, you'll learn how the dry van, open-deck and oversize marketplace tends to behave during January. This includes what to watch out for and how to plan out your loads this month.

Topics covered in this episode:

  • The Impact of New Year's Day on Freight Markets
  • Dry Van Shipping Trends During January
  • Open-Deck Shipping in January 2024
  • Oversize Shipping Insights in January
  • Winter Weather in January: A Real Disruptor
  • Rate and Capacity Predictions for Q1 2024

Check out the 2023 Market Update Video and Article from ATS' CFO
Watch the video: Why Shipping Prices and Driver Pay Change
Visit the ATS Learning Hub
Learn more about shipping freight during January

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December, the final month of 2023, is an interesting time for transportation companies; truck drivers head home for the holidays, freight volumes increase in the retail sector, open-deck shipments slow down and daylight hours shrink.

For shippers, December is the final month to move freight before the brand-new year. That said, with so many changes happening within area trucking markets, it can be difficult to do so.

In this episode of Beyond the Road, you'll hear from ATS Logistics Sales Team Manager, Josh, who will provide an overview of what you can expect to experience in December.

Information covered in this episode:

  • Daylight: A Major Factor for OD Freight
  • The Impact of Christmas on Freight Capacity
  • Open-Deck Capacity in December
  • Tips For Shipping Around the Holidays
  • Retail Freight Market Update
  • 2024 Market Forecast

While you're here, check out some of this related content:

  • [Video] 2023 Mid-Year Market Update
  • The Trucking Industry in December 2023: What You Should Know
  • Shipping Freight Around a Holiday: 3 Critical Planning Tips

Visit the ATS Learning Hub for more tips, tools and industry insights.

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In our first episode of season two, ATS' Corporate Pricing Manager, Reid joins the podcast to discuss freight pricing.

The past few years have been an interesting time for trucking companies; freight rates surged to all-time highs in 2021, only to fall substantially in late 2022 and into 2023.

Where does a freight rate swing like this come from? And, perhaps more importantly, what can companies like yours do to ensure success as we head into 2024?

In this episode of Beyond the Road, you'll gain Reid's insight into what's been happening in U.S. freight markets over the last three years, why this occurs and what to expect in the year ahead. Is it time to lock in contracts with your carriers? Let's find out.

Topics covered in this article:

  • What's Been Happening in the Freight Market in 2023
  • Dry Van Pricing in 2023
  • Open Deck Pricing in 2023
  • Heavy Haul Pricing in 2023
  • Contract and Spot Rate Spread
  • What Trucking Companies Consider When Quoting Freight
  • Will Freight Rates Rebound?
  • Current State of Fuel Surcharges
  • What will 2024 Look Like For Rates?
  • Retail Season Update 2023

Don't Stop Here! Check out some of this related content and information:

  • 2023 Transportation Industry Mid-Year Market Update
  • Common Transportation Industry Market Cycles: What They Are and What They Mean for You
  • Load-to-Truck Ratios: An Overview of How They Impact Your Freight Rates

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Follow the ATS Learning Hub on LinkedIn to get transportation industry insights directly in your social feed.

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November is a busy month in the transportation industry. Trucking companies around the country feel the impact of retail season and the impending holidays in November and December.

As a company with freight to move and a budget to manage, you must understand how November changes things in your neck of the woods and around the nation. Reefer capacity, for example, tends to tighten during Q4, disrupting the companies that use them (particularly in the Northwest). Oversize freight, on the other hand, can be trickier to move as daylight shrinks across North America.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, Josh discusses everything you need to consider when shipping your freight in November, including how rates will change and how you can stay on top of things this year. Hint: try not to ship freight the week of Thanksgiving.

Topics covered in this podcast:

  • Enclosed Trailer Capacity in November
  • Open-Deck Capacity in November
  • Oversize Travel in Q4 of 2023
  • Retail Season 2023: What to Expect
  • How Thanksgiving 2023 Will Impact Trucking
  • Tips for Finishing 2023 Strong as a Shipper

Related Content and Information:

  • The Trucking Industry in November 2023: What You Should Know
  • 2023 Transportation Industry Mid-Year Update
  • Retail Peak Season 2023: What to Expect and Planning Tips

Download the 2023 Freight Shipping Calendar (Outlining the Best and Worst Days to Ship this Year)

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Wondering what happens in the transportation industry throughout October? Need some tips to employ to keep your supply chain running smoothly?

As the first month of Q4, October kickstarts the final stretch of the year. Your company's supply chain needs to finish 2023 stronger than it started. In this episode of Beyond the Road we break down what happens in the oversize, open-deck, reefer and dry van markets in October. Use this information to avoid the common pitfalls companies encounter during the tenth month of the year.

While you're here, check out some of this related content:

  • October 2023 Trucking Industry Forecast: What You Need to Know
  • Retail Peak Season 2023: What to Expect and Planning Tips
  • Transportation Industry 2023 Mid-Year Update

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September will be an interesting month in the transportation industry as dry van and open-deck capacities shift around our nation. Produce season is essentially finished in the southern U.S., forcing these drivers to evaluate their next move. As a company with freight to ship, make sure to stay on top of your transportation supply chain during the 9th month of the year.

In this episode of Beyond the Road, you'll get an overview of what trucking will look like this month and Q4.

Topics covered in this episode:

  • Hurricane Season: How It Impacts Freight Movement
  • Dry Van Market Overview
  • Open-Deck Market Overview
  • U.S. Port Freight
  • Labor Day and Holiday Shipping
  • Cargo Theft: What's Going On?
  • 2023 In Review

Read the Article: The Trucking Industry in September 2023: What to Know

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As May ramps up, the transportation marketplace continues to change. This is seen most prevalently in the southern U.S. where produce markets start to soak up capacity. With this realization, truck drivers from around the nation flock to these areas and the heightened earning potential they offer.

Construction season also picks up in May, tightening open-deck capacity across the board. This makes providing ample lead time to your carriers more important than ever.

It's safe to say May will be an interesting month as it always is. In fact, if you don't plan for DOT blitz week, your business could run into some prolonged issues. In this episode of Beyond The Road, Josh discusses everything you need to know about the trucking industry during May, offering some planning tips for companies like yours to use during the final month of spring.

Topics Covered in this Video:

  • Dry Van Market Changes in May
  • Open-Deck Market Changes in May
  • Overall Cargo Volume Update
  • Frost Law Update
  • DOT Blitz Week 2023
  • Memorial Day: How to Plan for It
  • Tips for Logistics Managers

Check out these pieces of related content:

  • The Trucking Industry in May 2023: What You Should Know
  • DOT Week 2023: What You Should Know About Blitz Week This May
  • What You Need to Know About Seasonal Load Restrictions This Spring

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In April, the trucking industry experiences changes on a massive scale. The regional, area and local demand for transportation capacity shifts across the southern U.S. significantly. Similarly, construction projects and tradeshows soak up a lot of open-deck capacity in many regions.

As the northern U.S. starts thawing out, frost laws are enacted in these areas and many shippers in these areas feel their impact.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, you'll get an overview of what the transportation industry looks like during April and what you can do to keep your shipments running efficiently this month.

Topics covered in this episode:

  • The Rise of Produce Season in April
  • Freight Movement In and Around California
  • Weather's Impact in Spring 2023
  • Produce Hotbeds: What Changes
  • The Start of Quarter Influx
  • Construction Season in April
  • Frost Laws
  • Planning for Easter

Check out some of this related content:

  • The Trucking Industry in April 2023: What You Should Know
  • How Location and Time of Year Impact Reefer Shipping
  • What You Need to About Frost Laws This Spring
  • How Does Freight Seasonality Impact Shipping Cost?

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Logistically speaking, the transportation marketplace undergoes transitions during March that are difficult to ignore. That's why, as your company's logistics expert, it's important to account for things like frost laws, construction season and dry van market shifts.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, we'll give you an overview of what's happening in the dry van, flatbed, oversize and refrigerated transportation markets right now, and how we expect things to change in the future.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

  • Overview of March in Transportation
  • Open-Deck Freight Adjustments in March
  • Dry Van Freight Adjustments in March
  • Construction Season in March
  • What's Happening With The Dry Van Market?
  • Tips for Securing Capacity in March
  • An Overview of Frost Laws
  • How to Plan for the End of Q1

Read the article outlining, in further detail, what the trucking industry will look like in March 2023: The Trucking Industry in March 2023: What you should know

Learn more about frost laws with these resources:

  • What You Need to Know About Seasonal Load Restrictions This Spring
  • [Video] What Are Frost Laws?

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February is kind of a slow month in the transportation industry. There's generally a drop off in the volume of freight moving around the U.S.

As a result, you may see freight rates fall in the coming weeks. This makes February a great month to test your carrier relationships and develop systems for optimizing your processes.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, Josh joins us to shed some light on how the second month of the year typically goes and to provide some tips for shippers (like you).

Topics Covered in this episode:

  • An Overview of Trucking in February
  • What will rates do in February?
  • What to Prioritize in February?
  • What Capacity Trends Will We See in February?
  • How to Make Your Freight Appealing to Drivers in February
  • Additional Freight Trends in February
  • Tips for Planning For/Avoiding Winter Weather Disruptions

Related Content:

  • The Trucking Industry in February 2023: What You Should Know
  • How Low Can Freight Rates Realistically Go? (6 Factors That Set the Floor on Rates)
  • 5 Tactics for Avoiding Transportation Delays This Winter

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January, like every other month, brings challenges to U.S. supply chains. Throughout the first month of the year, many of these issues are tied to the changing weather in the northern United States and a downturn in eCommerce activities across the board.

As a shipper, there are several keys to successfully moving goods in January. Let's make sure your freight get's where it needs to go in one piece.

Topics covered in this episode:

  • A Note About Shipping Freight During Winter
  • Shipping Out of the Pacific Northwest in January
  • Buy Season For Open Deck Freight
  • What to Expect When Shipping North
  • Shipping Around the South/Southeast During January
  • What Will Capacity Look Like to Start the Month?
  • How to Navigate Winter Weather's Presence Throughout January

Check out the ATS Learning Hub

More relevant content:

  • The Trucking Industry in January 2023: What You Should Know
  • How Does Winter Weather Impact the Trucking Industry?
  • 5 Tactics for Avoiding Transportation Delays This Winter

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December is a great month; the Holiday Season begins, snow falls across the northern U.S. and families gather around dinner tables to round out the year. For transportation companies and freight movement, December can be a challenging month.

That’s why, in the interest of keeping your cargo moving on time and on your budget this month, it’s important to understand how transportation markets shift in December.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, we’ll discuss how freight movement changes to finish the year and how winter weather impacts truck drivers, the transportation industry and your supply chain.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

  • What Does December Look Like For Trucking?
  • How is Peak Retail Season Shaping Up?
  • How Do Driver Preferences Change In the Winter
  • How Does Open-Deck Freight Movement Change in December?
  • What Does Less Freight Moving Mean For You?
  • Lower Freight Rates This December: What to Keep in Mind
  • How to Manage Your Logistics In a Downturn
  • How to Plan For Shipping Around Christmas

Check out these related resources:

  • The Trucking Industry in December 2022: What You Should Know
  • 2023 Transportation Industry Market Forecast: Where We're At Now and a Look Ahead?
  • [Podcast] What Happens to The Trucking Industry Leading Up to and During National Holidays?
  • Shipping Freight Around a Holiday (3 Critical Planning Tips)

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There is a ton of transportation activity in November. This can be incredibly disruptive for shippers that don't plan for this uptick in freight movement.

As the retail season kicks off and food and beverage freight moves with greater regularity, it's essential you're prepared. Otherwise, you may experience higher-than-usual freight rates and long-term disruption. In this episode of Beyond The Road, we'll go over many of the changes that occur in November and provide some tips for shipping freight over the coming weeks.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

  • What Happens in the Reefer/Dry Van Markets Starting in November?
  • Retail Season Update
  • Christmas Trees Out of Northwest
  • What Happens in The Open-Deck Market During November?
  • There are Dry Van Rates Headed To Finish The Year?
  • How to Plan Around Thanksgiving
  • Tips For Navigating November Successfully

Content mentioned in the show:
Retail Peak Season 2022: What to Expect and Planning Tips
The Trucking Industry in November 2022: What You Should Know
What is a Smartway Certification?
Sustainability in Your Supply Chain: A Conversation on Smartway Certifications

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As a company with sustainability goals, you're constantly searching for new ways to improve the carbon footprint of your supply chain.

SmartWay certifications are one of the ways freight carriers and transportation companies display their commitment to sustainable practices and doing better in the future.

Anderson Trucking Service is a full-service transportation company founded on the pillars of integrity and innovation. As such, ATS' four divisions constantly strive to sit among the best in the business and holding SmartWay certifications is just another way they get there.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, you will hear from a member of ATS Logistics' sales team who will discuss what sustainability means for transportation providers and what, if anything, you can do to improve your logistics decisions in this realm.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

  • What is Greenbuild and When is it?
  • What Does Sustainability Mean for Carriers?
  • What is SmartWay?
  • How Are SmartWay Certifications Earned?
  • To What Degree Do Shippers Care About SmartWay Certifications?
  • What Does Having a SmartWay Certification Say About a Carrier?
  • Which Carriers Have SmartWay Certifications?=
  • How Else Can Carriers Make a Commitment to Sustainability?

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Breakbulk shipping is a crucial segment of many businesses. Breakbulk Americas is an international breakbulk shipping conference where stakeholders from all over the work gather to network, share best practices and refine their processes.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, you'll hear from Carl, one of ATS International's transportation experts as he discusses the Breakbulk Americas trade show and the current state of the breakbulk industry.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

  • Breakbulk Americas: The Trade Show
  • How Has Breakbulk Changed Over the Past Decade?
  • What is a Transport Concept for a Breakbulk Shipment?
  • What Are Your Options For Breakbulk Shipping?
  • Breakbulk Shipping Rates: How Are They Looking?
  • What Does it Take to Successfully Move Breakbulk Cargo Today?
  • How to Choose a Freight Forwarder?
  • A Special Shoutout To Breakbulk's Many Stakeholders

Learn More About. . .

ATS International

ATS Specialized

ATS Logistics

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Over the years, October has become synonymous with things like pumpkin pie, Sunday Night Football and piles of leaves begging for the chance to become a playground of color into which children tumble.

Don’t worry though, you won’t miss out on all the fun. You see, during its 31 days, October also brings mounds of excitement to the transportation world — creating new roadblocks and challenges for logistics managers to navigate.

And, although the leaves outside transition into the beautiful crimson reds and yellows we’ve come to love, your transportation dollars are still just as green as they were in previous months. As such, you’re looking to take them just as far.

Let’s make sure you do.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, we take an in-depth look at what October means for the transportation world and go over what you should keep in mind in the days ahead. . .

Information Covered In This Episode:

  • Open-Deck/Flatbed Shipping in October
  • Dry Van Shipping in October
  • October: The Start of Hurricane Season
  • What Else Changes in October?
  • Tips For Navigating Your Supply Chain In October

Read the Article on the Trucking Industry in October

Learn more about the Pros and Cons of Spot Vs. Contract Rates here

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Protecting cargo is top of mind for many companies. That said, ensuring freight arrives at its destination in good condition can sometimes be challenging on open-deck shipments which have external elements, like the weather, to contend with.

It’s not like you can avoid shipping these cargoes. So, what can you do to ensure your load is delivered damage-free? You’ve never been one to shrink from a challenge and even though open-deck shipments can get a bit complex, this doesn’t mean the quality of your products should suffer.

But what can you do?

In this episode of Beyond The Road, we’ll sit down with an experienced logistics professional to take an in-depth look at the most potent things you can do to keep your open-deck freight safe from A to B.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

  • What Kind of Freight Is Commonly Moved on Open-Deck Trailers?
  • When and Why Is Freight Tarped?
  • What is Gift-Wrap Tarping?
  • Why Use a Conestoga Trailer Instead of Tarps?
  • When Should Shrink Wrap Be Used?
  • When Should You Crate Cargo?
  • What is a Securement Plan and Why is it Important?
  • What Are V-Boards?
  • What About Beveled Dunnage?
  • What is Most Important For Keeping Open-Deck Freight Safe?

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Check Out This Related Content:

  • 7 Ways To Protect Your Open-Deck Freight During Transport
  • Should I Use a Conestoga or Tarp My Freight? (an Honest Comparison)

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Freight brokerage companies are a staple piece of the transportation industry. With their assistance, companies with cargo to collect and freight to distribute can do so in a swift, and often cost-effective, manner.

But what is a freight brokerage really? What do they do, how do they source capacity, what should you expect when working with one and, perhaps most importantly, how do they actually make money?

With so much on the line each time you hand freight off to a brokerage, it’s important that you feel as comfortable as possible when doing so.

That’s why, in this episode of Beyond The Road, we’ll sit down with an experienced freight broker to take an in-depth look at what these companies bring to the table and go over what you should think about when selecting yours going forward.

Information Covered in This Episode:

  • What is a Freight Brokerage and What Do They Do?
  • What Services Do Freight Brokers Offer?
  • What Happens After You Tender Your Broker a Load?
  • How Do Freight Brokers Offer Load Tracking?
  • How Do Freight Brokerages Choose Carriers?
  • How Does a Freight Broker Make Money?
  • What Are The Advantages of Using a Freight Brokerage?
  • What Are The Disadvantages of Using a Freight Brokerage?
  • What To Look For When Selecting a Brokerage

Download the Freight Brokerage Selection Checklist

Check out this related freight brokerage content:What is a Freight Broker (Your Ultimate Guide to Freight Brokerage)
How Does a Freight Brokerage Make Money?
How Do Brokers Grow and Maintain a Reliable Carrier Network?
How Do Freight Brokers Track Shipments?
What Are The Different Types of Freight Brokers?

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September is a pivotal month in many respects. The seasons shift from summer to fall and shorts are swapped for long pants as the warmth of longer days slowly dims.

For American families, nights spent at the ballpark watching children live out their Little League dreams, come to a close. Baseball cleats are exchanged for shin guards, the diamond for a grassy field.

That said, domestic life isn’t the only thing that changes in September. No, as fantasy football teams are drafted and homemade chili recipes dusted off, shippers around our country will feel September’s impact too, but in a different way.

You see, specific patterns have emerged in the trucking industry during September. In this episode of Beyond The Road, we’ll go over these patterns, their effect on your supply chain, and what you can do to tackle September head-on this year.

Information Covered In This Episode:

  • What Happens in The Transportation Industry During September?
  • What Impacts The Dry Van Freight Market in September
  • What Happens in The Open-Deck Freight Market During September?
  • What To Know About The Impact of Midwest Harvest Season
  • Where Are Rates Headed?
  • How Does Peak Retail Season Impact Nationwide Freight Movement?
  • How Back-To-School Season Impacts Transportation
  • Open-Deck Freight Changes
  • How to Plan For Labor Day on Sep. 5
  • September Planning Tips For Shippers
  • Is September 2022 a Good Time for Contracts?

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Read the article on The Trucking Industry in September 2022

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Sometimes, moving freight can be a frustrating process. Struggling to get solid pricing commitments from your transportation providers is more than frustrating though; it’s harmful to your bottom line and reputation.

In the pursuit of making yours a company that always delivers for its customers, understanding your transportation spot rates is crucial.

Too often, good businesses fall short of their goals and renege on their commitments because the rate(s) they received initially wouldn’t execute their shipment. Instead, these companies face the unfortunate reality of unplanned rate hikes which cut into their take-home margins.

Without understanding how long a typical spot rate is good for, how they’re calculated and what you can do to receive competitive ones you may face more frustration in the future.

In this episode of Beyond The Road we sit down with a transportation industry sales professional to talk all things spot rates.

Information Covered in This Episode:

  • What is a Spot Freight Rate?
  • When Does it Make Sense to Move To Contract Rates?
  • What Do Transportation Companies Consider When Providing Spot Rates?
  • How Does Urgency Impact a Spot Quote?
  • What Does Pricing a Spot Quote "To Execute" Mean? & How to Choose a Rate
  • How Long Are Spot Quotes Good For?
  • How Does a Carrier's Size Impact Their Ability To Stand By a Spot Rate?
  • Common Mistakes Shippers Make When Requesting a Spot Rate

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Related Content:

  • 8 Tips For Receiving The Most Accurate Spot Quotes Possible
  • How Long Are Spot Freight Rates Good For?
  • The Pros and Cons of Spot Vs. Contract Rates

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There are three main options for transporting freight via marine vessel. These options are roll-on/roll-off (Ro/Ro), containerized/flatrack transportation and breakbulk.

Without the proper understanding of, and expectations for, the international transportation service they use, many companies have trouble moving their freight in a time and cost-effective manner.

In a world of more than 190 countries and multiple avenues for transporting cargo between them, it’s okay if you feel apprehensive whenever the time comes to organize a shipment.

Questions about each of your international transport options should never go unanswered — especially as you strive to meet customer commitments and organizational deadlines.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, we go over roll-on/roll-off, containerized/flatrack and breakbulk — three standard methods for transporting freight internationally via marine vessel to set you up for success when doing so.

Related Content:

  • What is Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro/Ro) Transportation?
  • What is Breakbulk Shipping? [How it Works and How It's Changing]
  • What is a Flatrack Container? [And When You Should Use It]
  • Why Are Container Shipping Rates So High? [Explanation and Planning Tips]

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Your supply chain is only as good as its weakest link. Unfortunately, this title is sometimes held by the transportation providers you utilize — companies you rely on to help you deliver for customers.

Without a well-rounded network of carriers, meeting your business goals will be a constant struggle. Which raises the question: Why is it so difficult to maintain a network of reliable companies?

Perhaps most importantly though, what key performance indicators should you monitor each provider on to ensure the overall health of your logistics supply chain?

In this episode of Beyond The Road, let’s talk to Derik, a Sales Director with ATS Logistics for some insight into which transportation KPIs truly matter and what, if anything, you can do to improve your company’s partnerships going forward.

Information covered in this podcast:

  • Which KPIs Truly Matter?
  • How Should You Think About On-Time Performance Monitoring?
  • What is Tender Acceptance and Rejection? Why Does This Metric Matter?
  • Why Does Spot Quote Accuracy Matter? How Should You Measure it?
  • What Does Invoice Accuracy Say About Your Carrier?
  • What Intangible KPIs Matter?
  • When Does it Make Sense To Cut a Provider Loose?

Relevant links:Read this article for more tips on managing your transportation network

Visit the ATS Learning Hub

Read up on improving your tender acceptance rates

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August is a month that can have a serious impact on the trucking industry, national supply chains and your shipping dollars — a fact that will hold true this year. 

What makes August a unique time for the transportation marketplace? And what should are we expecting to see this year in particular?

August can be a challenging time for underprepared shippers. However, with the right information and preparation, you’ll have no trouble getting the most from your supply chain this month. 

In this episode of Beyond The Road we will outline everything you need to know in order to successfully move your freight during August.

Information covered in this episode:

  • What Happens in the Trucking Industry in August?
  • How Does Open-Deck Freight Move in August?
  • How Does Dry Van Freight Move in August?
  • How to Handle Shipping To/From the South/Southeast
  • How to Gain Cost Control When Shipping This August
  • What is Unique About August This Year? (and How to Tackle it)

Read the article on the trucking industry this AugustVisit the Learning HubCheck out more episodes of Beyond The Road

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Freight brokerages that operate with an agent model are a widely popular option used by shippers around our nation. These companies offer their service at a high level as they prioritize customer service and follow-through over everything.

As you continue your pursuit of a well-optimized transportation network, agent-model freight brokerages are certainly worth consideration. 

That said, agent model brokerages also have a list of weaknesses that you should keep in mind when doing so. 

In this episode of Beyond The Road, we’ll sit down with the Vice President of Sureway Transportation — a full-service freight brokerage, operated by freight agents — to discuss what these brokers truly bring to the table. 

Information Covered in This Podcast:

  • What is an Agent-Model Freight Brokerage?
  • What Are an Agent-Model Freight Brokerage's Strengths?
  • What Are The Weaknesses of Agent-Model Freight Brokerage?
  • How to Choose an Agent-Model Freight Broker
  • What Are The Characteristics of a Great Freight Agent?

Learn More About The Different Types of Freight Brokers Visit the Learning HubCheck out Sureway's website

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Making the best transportation provider selection decision for your business will take more than a basic understanding of your options. 

Selecting a single great transportation company can be challenging. Filling your network with them can feel next to impossible. 

Choosing a company based on a single metric or quality alone won’t make this any easier. And, with so much at stake for your business and customers, you can’t afford to make too many wrong choices. 

Still. . . there are a lot of options to choose from. Using a network of strictly asset-based carriers can be an excellent way to secure reliable capacity.  

However, at other times, these companies may miss the mark, unable to provide a solution at the same price point as another type of provider due to the strict realities they face.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, let’s speak to a longtime transportation-industry professional who will explain the advantages and disadvantages of working with strictly asset-based carriers so you can decide which role these transportation companies will play in your network going forward.

Information Covered in This Episode:

  • Topic Intro
  • Meet Justin Werner
  • What is a Strictly Asset-Based Carrier?
  • Is Long Haul Trucking Going Away?
  • What Are The Downsides of Using Asset Carriers?
  • What are The Upsides of Using Asset-Based Carriers?
  • Wrap-Up Question: How Would Justin Fill His Network?

Read the articles:

  • 5 Disadvantages of Working With Strictly Asset-Based Carriers
  • The Top 5 Advantages of Working With Asset-Based Carriers

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If you’ve recently, or ever, used less-than-truckload or partial-truckload transportation services for your freight, you’re probably wondering why the transit timing for these shipments is so hard to predict -- especially at the time of pick up.

This can be extremely frustrating especially if you consider that your full-truckload shipments frequently arrive quicker than these other shipping services. Why does this happen though? It seems backward, if anything a truck fully loaded with your freight should have a longer transit time than one that has less to move . . . right?

Like everything else in this industry, the more you’re able to understand these methods for shipping smaller amounts of freight and what influences their transit timing, the better.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, let’s speak to a longtime transportation-industry professional who will explain why transit timing changes between LTL, PTL and FTL shipments so that you can set your expectations accordingly.

Information covered in this episode:

  • What is LTL Shipping?
  • What is PTL Transportation?
  • What is FTL or Dedicated Shipping?
  • Unpacking LTL Transit Timing
  • Unpacking PTL Transit Timing
  • Unpacking FTL Transit Timing
  • What Majorly Impacts On-time Delivery?

Read the article: Why is My Freight Shipment Taking So Long? [LTL, PTL and FTL Comparison]Visit the Learning HubCheck out more episodes of Beyond The Road

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Meeting the aggressive deadlines associated with project freight shipping takes a high level of oversight, comprehensive planning and a reliable mix of transportation options — a fact that’s not lost on you.

No one, yourself included, wants their project to be thrown off track due to a lack of options and an inability to find timely, cost-effective transportation solutions.

So, it’s understandable that you would look to mitigate this risk and expand your reach by working with as many providers as you think it’ll take to get the job done.

But, contrary to what you might believe, this won’t actually be your best route forward. Let’s talk about why.

In this episode of Beyond The Road we will speak to a transportation-industry professional who will explain the advantages of working with a single, well-vetted freight brokerage for project shipments and how using multiple may actually hurt your supply chain in the end.

Information Covered in This Episode:

  • What is a Freight Shipping "Project?"
  • What needs must be met for these shipments
  • The advantages of using a single brokerage to handle projects
  • When using one provider might make less sense

Read the Article: Should I Use a Single Brokerage For Project Freight Shipping? (7 Key Advantages)Download the Freight Brokerage Selection ChecklistCheck out the ATS Learning HubListen to more Beyond The Road

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In the trucking industry, July makes busy bees of us all as produce season in southern states continues to ramp up and Q3 stretches its legs in anticipation of an exciting three months.

While July is a great time to catch some much-needed rays out on the water with your friends and family, finding truck capacity may prove a bit trickier.

The 4th of July will be disruptive and practically every driver will have work to do. So what does all of this mean for you? And, how should you plan to make July as successful as possible for your business and customers?

In this episode of Beyond The Road you'll hear from a transportation-industry sales manager for some insight into what July will mean for freight movement this year.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

  • What happens to trucking markets during July
  • Which industries see a shift in July
  • How demand for dry van and reefer capacities changes in July
  • How the demand for open-deck coverage changes in July
  • How the Fourth of July impacts trucking
  • What you should keep in mind when Canada Day rolls around
  • Critical tips for maximizing your supply chain throughout July

Read the article on this topic

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If, as a shipper, entering a drop trailer agreement with your provider has ever intrigued you, you’re in the right place.

Utilizing drop trailers can make a significant impact on the right supply chain, allowing these companies to gain efficiencies and keep their freight moving consistently.

Up to this point, though, it has likely been difficult to figure out whether a drop trailer program would fit your needs — let alone how to facilitate one properly.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, let’s sit down with Tyler Turn, a Sales and Service Manager for ATS Specialized, to talk all things “Drop trailer shipping” including what the pros and cons of this service are, when it makes sense to utilize drop trailers and how you can ensure success using drop trailers in the future.

Information covered in this episode:

  • What is a drop trailer program?
  • When does it make sense to start a drop trailer program?
  • What does drop trailer shipping cost?
  • What are the advantages of using drop trailers?
  • What are the downsides of using drop trailers?
  • What to look for in a drop trailer provider
  • Tips for successful drop trailer shipping

Related articles:

  • When Does it Make Sense to Start a Drop Trailer Program? (& 3 Tips For Success)
  • The Advantages of Using Drop Trailers For Freight Shipping
  • The Disadvantages of Using Drop Trailers For Freight Shipping

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Open-deck freight shipping using flatbed, step-deck and double-drop trailers, though an intricate process, shouldn't break the bank. You have a transportation budget to stick to and rigid freight requirements.

That is why you can't afford to overpay for your open-deck shipment unnecessarily. However, with so many factors influencing the spot rates you receive, it can be difficult to budget for this expense.

What rate per mile (RPM) should you expect for your next shipment? How much will this vary and what makes it do so?

You should never be left with these kinds of questions unanswered. In this episode of Beyond the Road, let’s speak to a transportation-industry pricing expert and go over the major factors that together determine open-deck freight rates and the things he thinks about when pricing open-deck loads.

In this episode we cover:

  • What the typical price per mile for open-deck transport are and how this has changed over time
  • The major factors driving open-deck freight rates:
    • The shipment's specifics
    • The equipment-type needed
    • The shipment's origin/destination
    • The load's length of haul
    • The urgency of the load
    • Accessorial charges
    • Weather conditions
  • Tips for getting the most accurate spot quotes possible

Related Article:What Does Flatbed Shipping Cost? [8 Factors to Know]

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National holidays are meant to be relaxing and stress-free, a time for reconnection with family and friends. When it comes to shipping freight over the days leading up to, or immediately following them, however, stress is often unavoidable.

Why does moving freight around a national holiday get more difficult? Has it always been that way? Most importantly, is paying more to move your cargo unavoidable in these situations?

These are the question we’ll seek to answer in this episode of Beyond the Road.

Jordan Sandstrom joins us today to talk all about the transportation industry over national holiday periods. Among other things, information covered in this episode includes:

  • What happens to the transportation industry in the days leading up to National Holidays.
  • How long this disruption lasts.
  • The holidays that are most disruptive.
  • What you can do to ensure success on your shipments over these periods.

Read the article: Moving Freight Around a Holiday: 3 Critical Planning Tips

Visit the ATS Learning Hub for more transportation industry content. 

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June is interesting for the transportation industry; household goods season kicks off, construction projects commence and supply chain activities across industries ramp up.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, Eric outlines some of the things shippers and logistics managers should think about when planning out their shipments during June. By prioritizing trailer type flexibility and maintaining a solid network of carrier partnerships, June's 30 days shouldn't be too challenging.

Here are the things you should keep in mind when arranging transportation in June:

  • Household goods season, tightening dry van capacities
  • Construction and agriculture machinery transportation
  • Produce season kicks off in the South/Southeast
  • Frost laws are gone across the northern U.S.
  • Memorial day and the Fourth of July will be disruptive
  • Avoid short-mile loads over the holiday weekends.

Related article:

  • The Trucking Industry in June 2022: What You Should Know

Visit the ATS Learning Hub

Learn more about transportation during other months of the year

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Logistics professionals and supply chain managers around the U.S. and the world are constantly seeking to take their dollars further. With so many things to deal with, achieving this end is often easier said than done.

To name a few, the rising fuel prices, inconsistent transportation companies, and the ongoing truck driver shortage are things all shippers battle with. These things are out of your control as a logistics professional.

However, you can control some other things.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, let's sit down with a long-time transportation professional to discuss some reliable tactics for saving money on your freight costs. Although some of these tactics might not be directly actionable for you, many of them probably are.

And, with so much at stake for your business and its customers, it's important that you do everything possible to maximize efficiencies.

Money-saving tips covered in the episode include:

  1. Prioritizing trailer type flexibility
  2. Allowing greater leniency for pickup/drop appointments
  3. Optimizing the frequency of your RFQs
  4. Offering truck driver amenities
    1. On-sight parking
    2. Clear instructions
    3. Bathrooms, cafeterias, showers
  5. Give 72-hours of lead time whenever possible
  6. Avoid additional requirements (tarps, blankets, corner protectors, etc.) and/or specify these requirements upfront
  7. Select a single provider on each load

Related content:

  • Reduce Your Freight Costs By Doing These 8 Things Truckers Enjoy
  • 4 Out-Of-The-Box Ways To Save Money On Your Freight Rates
  • Find a Truck Faster: 12 Tips For Making Your Freight More Attractive to Trucking Companies and Their Drivers

Visit the ATS Learning Hub Here

This podcast is produced by Anderson Trucking Service (ATS). For more information about ATS, check out our website.