Freight B Movin & All Things Logistics: Recent Episodes
Jewell Williams
This show covers the logistics, supply chain, and freight transportation industries and all the relating. You will learn about the history and hear opinions and facts about the conditions impacting the economy. There will be guest interviews with professionals working and making decisions about laws, corporate innovations, and more. If you want to geek out about all things logistics, then hit the subscribe button and put this show in your feed. Share with a friend and leave a review. Thanks for subscribing.
Truck parking is vital to professional truck drivers to ensure safety. The new budget of $145 Billion may not be enough to expand highways and build more spaces for parking.
Central Valley is a large hub for the agriculture supply chain. Congressman Vladao talks to DOT Secretary about the challenges with transportation and logistics.
The DOT Secretary testified on the 2024 budget. A discussion with Mr. Zinke addresses the security of the US Supply Chain that supports EV vehicles.
California is leading the way in phasing out diesel freight trucks. What should transportation businesses be preparing for during this transition?
JB Hunt is a top 3PL, and their earnings call provided insight into the company's first-quarter sales and volumes.
A critical report in the freight industry is the Empire State Manufacturing Survey. In this episode, I discuss what freight professionals can gather from the report and what it says about the 2023 freight industry.
Freight scams are rising, and it costs corporations and consumers. Factoring companies like Triumph are teaming up with technology to find ways to reduce losses from double brokering scams.
What is double brokering? How does it impact the freight business? How can you protect your company from falling victim to double brokering? The episode examines what the freight industry considers double brokering vs. co-brokering and why companies like CH Robinson partner with other brokers to complete transactions.
The state of the logistics market continues to leave everyone guessing. In Episode 38, I discuss some economic data and provide insight. In addition, information for registering for the Personal Growth and Entrepreneur webinar is in the link below.
http://freightbmovin.com/landing-page-master-mind-webinarlanding-page/
3PLs like CH Robinson, Expeditors International, JB Hunt, and Uber Technologies are part of the big freight movers in the logistics and transportation industry. In this episode, I highlight several line items from the Income Statement to provide insight into the current condition of the shifting freight business. #3PLs #freight #uber #trucking #business
Several sources I spoke to this week confirmed that the freight volumes have dropped at the ocean ports and in the LTL sector.
It is safe to say that all freight will not disappear. As long as we need food to eat and other household items, we will continue to see freight.
In this episode, I share suggestions for shippers and carriers to re-evaluate their strategies.
Today I am talking about strategy. Strategy will help your organization be profitable.
According to Schermer and Bachrach," leaders craft strategies for competitive success. Making and implementing strategies is the critical role of organization leaders," and frankly, all business owners, small and large.
"Fast company magazine states: If you want to make a difference as a leader, you've got to make time for strategy.
The previous statement applies to all small, medium, and large business enterprises.
If you are a small business owner, your business cannot survive in a shifting economy without a strategy to maneuver through the change.
Help with setting a strategy for 2023 and beyond is available. Contact me at jwilliams@freightbmovin.com. No purchase is necessary to email.
Social Media links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jewellwilliamsfreightbroker/
https://www.facebook.com/FreightBMovin
https://www.instagram.com/jewell808/
https://twitter.com/Jewell313
In today's episode 34, I summarize the steps and websites taken to get my company certified for government contracting.
Happy Black History Month
Dreams:
Martin Luther King is famous for his I Have a Dream Speech. His speech sparked a thought in people's minds that we can live on this planet in harmony and honor each other based on our character.
John Maxwell's quote on dreams says, "Dreams often come one size too big so that we can grow into them."
People's dreams center around personal growth, family stability, and financial success.
Building a viable business is the dream of many entrepreneurs.
Today I want to share the roadmap for positioning your business for government contracting by showing you my roadmap.
SAM.gov
WBEC https://www.wbenc.org/about-wbenc/
SBA Veteran Certification https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/
Episode 33
This episode is about information regarding the Bidens pollution loophole discovered in his plan to reduce pollution from 18-wheelers. Also, will more air freight providers be purchasing the new Airbus A350F? AirFrance - KLM is making a big purchase the has great value for workers and the economy. In addition, the United States is building tanks for Ukraine. How will the manufacturing of weapons fuel the economy? Listen to the podcast to learn more about these stories.
The podcast today is being proactive vs. reactive in logistics.
J.C. Maxwell states: If you are proactive, you focus on preparing. If you are reactive, you end up focusing on repairing.
Today I am talking about how to be proactive in logistics to reduce dealing with repairing problems because of reactive behavior.
Firstly, some things, such as pandemics, cannot be forecasted and planned. However, the experience of Covid-19 should be factored into plans and considered part of the operations strategies.
So what are some things to think about when making a logistics strategy?
Pickup delays and delivery
Capacity
Weather conditions
Routing plans
Flexibility and Scalability
Pickup delays and delivery
What pickup and delivery schedule is the company operating from? How are carriers and freight brokers communicating transit times? What type of software is helping maintain visibility? Is your company outsourcing the traffic departments, and if so, can there be access to the system to get updates on the freight movement?
Pickup and delivery delays are directly connected to communication systems.
Capacity: How much freight is the company planning to move? What are the key routes to your customers? What mode of transportation is best suited for these routes?
Weather conditions: What type of weather is possible? Snow storms, hurricanes, Flooding. What options can be implemented when these weather conditions occur? What routes and modes of transportation are best? These questions are influenced by where the freight is moving to, such as international vs. national or local.
Routing Plans: What mode of transportation is cost-effective? Can rates be established to help control fluctuating costs? Making contingency plans and identifying alternative and safe routes is critical.
Flexibility and Scalability are vital elements impacting planning. What are the company's projections, and how will they merge with capacity planning, routing, weather, or seasons?
Episode 31 highlights the new FMCSA Proposed Rule that will impact Small Freight Brokers and Carriers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposes implementing a new rule under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The impact on small freight brokers, carriers, and some shippers could cause financial hardship and even put companies out of business.
The proposal addresses five critical areas: Asset Readily Available, Immediate Suspension of Broker/Freight Forwarder Operating Authority, Surety or trust responsibilities in broker/freight forwarder financial failure or insolvency cases, and Enforcement Authority.
Here is the link for more details Federal Register link
Episode 30 highlights five trends to watch in 2023 within the logistics and transportation industry.
Transcript:
Electric Semi Trucks
The semi-truck is officially here, and it is time to start thinking about how your company will adapt. The government is determined to spend the needed funds to see that carbon emissions are reduced. California to on board, and more states will follow as the charging station infrastructure gets implemented across the highways.
Although some charging station is having issues in the cold, these will be addressed. With any new technology, there are bugs to be fixed. Some never get fixed, and others become the industry standard.
Technology enabling visibility
The push for visibility is also top of mind with shippers. Freight theft is not slowing down. As interest rates continue to climb and the cost of money rises, the desire to steal also increases. The cost of goods rises daily, opening the door for higher theft. New technology inside the electric truck will be the answer.
Companies Reshoring from China
Companies returning from China and Europe will impact the transportation industry. As companies get closer to the consumer, prices may drop, yet other factors like fuel cost, rail transportation, and new vehicle purchases will influence the price of goods.
The Infrastructure Bill
Federal funding of the Infrastructure bill is going to help boost the economy. States are already spending money to upgrade highways and bridges. Thus, this will cause a trickle effect on the economic spending machine. I do not foresee state governments spending too fast because they know the money has to last. The cost of borrowing is too high, so it is better to hold onto the cash until these interest rates go down.
Ports Construction and Rail Freight Congestion
Ports like Savanah and Los Angles are building now, which will help the flow of goods out of the ports. However, when the reshoring of companies starts to taper off, it will be interesting to see what happens to all the extra space the seaports will have and what they plan to do with it. I predict that temporary warehousing facilities may be constructed. Although the fear of flooding when major hurricanes come through is a concern.
Episode 29 Transcript: Thank you for listening; Like, Subscribe and Share
I am a thinker and analyzer by habit. My mind reads something, and I want to know why this is happening. What are the solutions to solve the problems? How can I help others see the problem and consider actions to the solutions?
The economy's current situation has a lot of negative press. What got us here, and how can we get out?
Today I want to share insight from John Maxwell about having a growth plan.
If people become intentional about where they want to Grow within their life, with their company or business, then the nation will come out of the current economic pit.
Each of us has to take control of our strategy to develop ourselves.
Self-motivated leaders sharing motivation with others create a ripple effect, moving people to be a better version of themselves.
Nothing happens by just thinking about it. Relationships evolve because people are intentional with their actions to uplift each other.
Attitudes must align with behavior and actions. Placing growth as a priority in 2023 will yield significant changes.
Be generous with the wisdom and information you gain to help another person elevate. Synergy is how we humans gain understanding. Taking action is how people become the vision they see in the mind's eye.
Be the person to seek knowledge and solve problems. Connect to other people and build mutually giving relationships.
Equip your team with the tools to perform and remove the cap you place on them. No one can grow with a cap on their will to be a better version of themselves.
Listen with intention and be the leader who is gracious and humbled by those that believe in the company's mission, vision, and objectives. It takes a team to build a fortress.
I end this with a call to action. Share this message if you know someone who will find value and motivation to Grow into a better version of themselves in 2023.
Peace and love, have a happy holiday and a blessed new year.
Episode 28 highlights the importance of understanding cash flow and where is the money for the business coming from and going to. Without cash flow, logistics businesses like manufacturers and freight brokers will struggle to stay open.
Here is a link referenced in the podcast for the Federal Register.
Visit Freightbmovin.com to stay up to date on industry highlights.
The CTA is going into effect on Jan 1st, 2024. What is this regulation about, and how will it impact your small and mid-size freight business? Click on the links to get more details about the rules and how the NSBA is helping.
NSBA
CTA
What is the process if a shipper is charged excessive fees and wants to file a complaint against the Freight Forwarder? In today's episode, I discuss the complaint filed against Omni Logistics LLC and the lesson we can learn from these charges.
For more details about the complaint, click here
Small business events can help you find resources to start, grow, and expand your business. The Small Biz Expo is a great event to find those tools. Also, in today's episode is the issue of the Rail Strike. Should the government step into a labor union and push through the rules of engagement and employment?
Here is a link to the show resources
Q. How did you get over a confidence barrier at the beginning? Have you ever had any doubts about yourself?
Business Confidence does not happen automatically. Even after you start a company, you will continue to have challenges with confidence. John Maxwell's book "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" discusses law No. 1 of Intentionality.
The Law of Intentionality
Growth Doesn't Just Happen
Do you have a growth plan?
Roadblocks to Growth
Knowledge Gap
Mistake Gap
Perfection Gap
John Maxwell teaches The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. To sign up for my FREE Master class, email jewell313@gmail.com and put MASTER CLASS in the subject line.
The Biggest Trend of 2023 will be Data Collection and Analytics.
Small business owners will need to learn how to do it and how to collect data to help provide insight and drive decisions.
The logistics process involves detailed coordination of truck drivers, shippers, warehouses, suppliers, and much more.
The economic crisis is forcing organizations to make tough decisions, and having the correct data can help.
Understanding the buying patterns of customers is critical to businesses of all sizes. Large organizations collect more profound and intensive data than small and midsize businesses.
Yet statistically, small and midsize companies make up more of the economy.
Bigger data consultants like McKinsey and Gartner cater to the fortune 500, and smaller organizations miss out on tools to help them progress.
Data collection is the new trend for all businesses and will be vital to help sustain business growth and profits.
Google Sheets Tutorials
How are you navigating the logistics of your business? How can S.W.O.T. help you?
Navigating the logistics of your business, daily work environment, or life requires a set of tools.
Information is going to be your instructions. You won't understand what navigation tools to use without the proper information.
What is the information you need? The information you are looking for are the trends developing within your industry and data about your business, KPIs, sales, etc.
A tool I use to understand my business is the SWOT analysis.
S.W.O.T stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
Episode 21 It is the eve of Thanksgiving, yet the layoffs continue in the logistics and transportation industries. What protections do employees have after a mass layoff? What does the U.S. Department of Labor's WARN Act provide for employers and employees? How do employees see the warning signs of a failing company? All these questions are discussed in today's episode.
Here are some links to information for people seeking answers about their rights after the WARN Act.
https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/elg/layoffs.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-to-work_law
Leave comments and questions below. Like, Subscribe and Share Thanks
Episode 20 addresses the high cost of cargo theft. The holiday season is now, and this can present opportunities for thieves to target trucks left park while drivers are on vacation.
Check out the links for more information on reporting cargo theft.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/help/broker-and-carrier-fraud-and-identity-theft
Please comment, like, share and subscribe to the podcast.
Thanks. Jewell
Episode 19 is about finding a niche in the logistics service industry.
Learn how to segment the logistics industry and what websites can help you learn more about the following industries.
Manufacturing
Wholesaler
Distributor
Retailer
See the websites for more information
www.bls.gov/
https://www.ibisworld.com/
Episode 18 addresses the proposal of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requesting comments on should the agency mandate all Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) be equipped with electronic identification ID technology. All comments must be submitted by November 22, 2022 (4 days from the release of this podcast.)
Leave a commitment on what you think about this proposed mandate and share it with someone who may need to hear about this information.
Links to the Federal Register Document are below.
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-20643
Episode 17 addresses the common question of who is liable for freight damages. It is not a simple answer, and many variables must be addressed. Here are some links from the conversation in today's episode.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/question-2-does-fmcsa-have-authority-enforce-safe-loading-requirements-against-shipper
https://usatruckloadshipping.com/carrier-liability-vs-cargo-insurance-explained/
FMSCA Releases the Guidelines to help identify Freight Brokers, Bona Fide Agents, and Dispatchers. The discussion about who should be authorized to make transportation arrangements as a broker, with or without FMSCA Authority, is a hot topic in the shipping community. The new guidelines will surprise some and frustrate others.
Link to FMCSA Release 11-16-2022
Episode 15 talks about the movement of money in the freight and transportation business. As Dave Ramsey says, "tell your money what to do."
Episode 14 looks at what events contributed to the current Diesel crisis.
The cost of Diesel is not budging in the downward direction. Truckers are attempting to draw the media's attention to the issue of low spot rates and high fuel, equating to minimal profit for owner-operators.
What event occurred before the present that created a ripple effect in the logistics of Diesel?
Links Below:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/07/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-announces-actions-to-accelerate-clean-transit-buses-school-buses-and-trucks/
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/diesel-fuel/#:~:text=Diesel%20fuel%20is%20made%20from,U.S.)%20barrel%20of%20crude%20oil.
https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&s=f000000__3&f=m
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/06/20/refineries-profit-gas-prices/
Happy Veterans Day! To all who served in the Armed Forces, Thank you for your service.
Today I read an excerpt from the History of War dot Org website. It speaks to the importance of logistics during times of war. A link to the article will be in the show notes for anyone who is a history fan.
"Philip II of Macedon (r.359-336 BC) was one of the great conquerors of Greek history, inheriting his kingdom in the aftermath of a dangerous defeat in which his predecessor was killed, and ending his reign as the dominant power in Greece, with an empire that including Thessaly and large parts of Thrace he is more famous as the father of Alexander the Great, (Military Logistics: A Brief History, n.d.)."
References
Military Logistics: A Brief History. (n.d.). http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/concepts_logistics.html
Authors Nitin Nohria and Rakesh Khurana state leaders need to mobilize people and refocus their energies toward the topic or issue.
Episode 12 addresses several news headlines about a corporate layoff from CH Robinson and other fortunes 500 companies.
According to the news and headlines, the economy appears to be breaking apart, and the gap of despair continues to open wider. Let me refocus your thoughts and energy on something more hopeful.
Link to House Passes Six Bill article https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-six-bill-government-funding-package.
Link to Sam.gov https://sam.gov/content/home
Having the correct information is critical to making strategic decisions. Where we gather our data is vital because we need the best environment mentally for clarity. In this episode are tips for gathering information and making strategic business decisions for your freight transportation business.
Episode 10 speaks on creating Marketing Strategies for your transportation business and tips on the best social media platform for your trucking company. In addition, tips and advice on navigating the spot rate market and developing a strategy to keep the freight flowing through your transportation pipeline.
The economy is a constant challenge for small business owners. Episode 9 is about the business of transportation. How can small business owners be strategic and continue to add value to customers? This episode is for you if you want strategic tips for surviving the current freight market.
In 2021 Uber Technologies acquired Tupuelo Parent, Inc (Transplace) in a cash deal. The purchase gave Uber access to the logistics and transportation industry, enabling them to offer services to Shippers and be a conduit for Carriers.
In Episode 8, I highlight how Uber impacts the freight and transportation market and discuss how this will cause a shift in the supply chain and freight transportation relationship.
Episode 7 highlights three more heavy-hitting players in the freight and logistics industry, revolutionizing how shippers get freight visibility.
Flexport, RXO, and CH Robinson are not new to the transportation and freight industry; however, they are making significant technological upgrades, and the investment community is supporting the endeavors.
When a shipper loses the freight site, this is a cost liability. Freight transportation partners need to be the extra pair of eyes customers need to keep track of freight moving through the supply chain. Shippeo is a new player in the U.S. freight and logistics transportation market, and they are threatening to rearrange the playing field.
Episode 5 highlights Project44 and how the technology company reconstructs the supply chain landscape. Shippers need visibility, and emails, texting, and phone calls are time-consuming and offer little information of value. The Pandemic changed how suppliers operate, and tech companies are answering the call for a super hero.
In episode 4, I am talking about APIs and EDIs and why they are changing the transportation and logistics landscape.
The logistics industry has integrated with technology, and it is about time. But what does this mean for the players in the market that still need to be in the technology of things?
Each business within the logistics space has the information needed to move freight from place to place. Transportation and logistics companies will be automated within the next five years.
Today's Episode is about Awareness, Communication, and the Unknown Unknown
Welcome to the weekend episode of Freight B Movin & All Things Logistics with me, Jewell Williams.
I debated if I should do a weekend episode because most people don't think about work on the weekend. And I decided to make the episode and be casual.
I want to talk about Awareness and Communication and the unknown and unknown concept because there is a connection to All Things Logistics.
Darren Hardy, the Success magazine publisher, said, "If you want to get from where you are to where you want to be, you have to start by becoming aware of the choices that lead you away from your desired destination. Become very conscious of every choice you make today so you can begin to make smarter choices moving forward."
John Maxwell stated: You can only change direction if you know you are headed where you want to go.
I want to share with you the concept of the known unknowns.
In this episode, I talk about the conversation with my owner-operator friend and what we discovered with bidding on the Uber Freight platform.
When I read social media posts, the question of Rates is top of mind. Owner-operators and Independent drivers leasing with companies are claiming to be parking their trucks because the rates are too low.
Supply and demand are driving factors in pricing, as most people may know. However, other factors can be manipulating the market that people don't think about, and technology is one of those factors.
For example, several reports in the news highlighted the challenges suppliers faced during the pandemic. Visibility of freight and keeping up with consumer demands at home created chaos in the supply chain.
The new technology that was available yet n leveraged has become top of mind, and there are three players in this sector I am going to discuss today.
They are CH Robinson, Uber Freight, and RXO.
Now I want to share a story with you that will add some context to the freight rate crash we are seeing.
Freight B Movin & All Things Logistics is a new podcast with Jewell Williams. This podcast is for anyone working with logistics and transportation. Also, all the new people are entering the industry, becoming business owners in the freight transportation industry, and much more. Jewell has s been in the logistics, supply chain, and freight transportation field for more than thirty years, and she is helping others understand the shifting landscape. The new digital economy is impacting freight costs, workers' pay, and much more. This daily show highlights the news and statistics and adds value through teachable moments and personal experiences. Subscribe, Share, Leave a Review and ask questions.