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Understanding Refrigerated Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipping

May 15, 2024 0Blog

Refrigerated Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping is a specialized transportation service to maintain specific temperature conditions for perishable goods. Unlike traditional LTL shipping, refrigerated LTL utilizes temperature-controlled trailers with refrigeration units. These units ensure that products such as food, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural goods remain at the optimal temperature range from pickup to delivery, preserving their quality, safety, and integrity. In this blog, we’ll explain what refrigerated LTL is and the major industries driving demand.

Refrigerated LTL vs. Dry Van LTL

While both Refrigerated LTL and Dry Van LTL share the purpose of transporting goods from one location to another, they differ significantly in their capabilities and applications.

  • Temperature Control: The primary distinction lies in their ability to regulate temperature. Refrigerated LTL maintains specific temperature ranges, typically between -20°F to 70°F (-29°C to 21°C), ensuring the preservation of perishable items. Dry Van LTL provides no temperature control, making it suitable for non-perishable goods that do not require specific climate conditions.
  • Product Suitability: Refrigerated LTL is ideal for transporting perishable items such as fresh produce, dairy products, meat, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive goods. Dry Van LTL is more suited to items that can withstand ambient temperatures, including packaged goods, electronics, furniture, and clothing.
  • Cost: Refrigerated LTL typically commands higher shipping costs due to the specialized equipment and technology involved. However, the added expense is justified by the ability to preserve the quality and safety of perishable goods, reducing the risk of spoilage or damage.
  • Market Demand: The growing demand for perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products has fueled the expansion of the refrigerated LTL market. As industries seek reliable temperature-controlled transportation solutions, the demand for refrigerated LTL continues to rise. In contrast, dry van LTL remains a staple for general freight transportation, catering to many industries and product types.

The Food & Beverage Industry

Refrigerated LTL finds its stronghold in the food and beverage sector, dominating the reefer truck market. In an industry where logistics costs account for 7-10% of the total product cost, efficient and reliable temperature-controlled transportation is non-negotiable. With the rising demand for chilled and frozen foods due to the proliferation of quick-service restaurants and retail locations, the need for robust refrigerated logistics solutions has never been greater.

The Pharmaceutical Industry

Beyond just food, the pharmaceutical industry is another major benefactor of refrigerated LTL services. The United States leads the charge in drug development, with about 95% of new drugs entering the market originating from its laboratories. This reliance on pharmaceutical innovation necessitates stringent temperature-controlled logistics for medications and chemicals. Moreover, the recent global health crisis has amplified this need, with pharmaceutical companies increasingly relying on refrigerated shipping options to preserve and transport potential treatments for viral infections like COVID-19.

The Agricultural Industry

The agricultural sector forms yet another cornerstone of the refrigerated trucking industry. With the growth in agricultural products and increasing trade, there’s been a surge in reliance on refrigerated transportation. From fresh produce to dairy products, maintaining optimal temperatures during transit is essential to preserving the quality and safety of these perishable goods.

Refrigerated LTL Logistics | Synchrogistics  

Are you looking to streamline your refrigerated LTL logistics with a trusted partner? Synchrogistics offers tailored temperature-controlled solutions to ensure the integrity of your perishable goods. One of our services is LTL consolidations, where we efficiently combine multiple less-than-truckload shipments from different customers into one truckload. LTL consolidation not only maximizes the use of space but also reduces costs for all parties involved. By leveraging our expertise in LTL consolidations, we help you streamline your logistics operations, minimize transit times, and ultimately enhance the overall efficiency of your supply chain. Contact us today to learn more about how Synchrogistics can synchronize your logistics for success.

 

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Synchrogistics Logistics in Raleigh Featured in Triangle Business Journal Article

May 13, 2024 0Press Release

Raleigh, April 19, 2024 – Synchrogistics, a rapidly expanding logistics and supply chain firm, has been featured in the latest article by the Triangle Business Journal. Titled “Top exec at $80M Raleigh logistics firm sees the road to more growth,” the article highlights the incredible journey of Synchrogistics logistics in Raleigh and the pivotal role of our President, Erica Jackson, in driving its success.

Founded in 2010 by Erica and Bill Jackson, Synchrogistics started in a Greensboro garage. Bill’s background in transportation consulting and Erica’s legal expertise laid the foundation for their innovative analytics and technology-driven approach to logistics. Despite initial challenges, Synchrogistics quickly gained momentum and expanded its operations, attracting a talented team of 40 individuals. In 2017, the Jacksons relocated the company to Raleigh, drawn by the region’s vibrant talent pool and Erica’s deep ties to the Triangle area, having earned degrees from Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Since then, the company has experienced rapid growth, with revenues soaring from under $50 million to $81 million in 2022. In the article, Erica reflects on the company’s journey and its prospects, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on differentiation and remaining adaptive to customers’ needs. Erica also shares insights into the challenges of leading a rapidly growing team and the ongoing development required to strike the right balance between high expectations and support.

Synchrogistics’ remarkable success has not gone unnoticed, earning recognition as one of the fastest-growing private firms in the area by Triangle Business Journal. We are so proud of our team and honored to receive this recognition. Click here to read the Triangle Business Journal article.

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What is White Glove Service in Logistics? 

May 13, 2024 0Blog

Have you ever received a package and wished it came with a bit more care and attention? Maybe you’ve had delicate items mishandled or valuable goods left at your doorstep without any additional assistance. If so, you’re not alone. However, what if there was a delivery service that treated your items with the utmost professionalism, from pickup to set-up, ensuring they arrived in pristine condition every time? This is a real service called White Glove Delivery. At Synchrogistics, our logistics firm, offers white glove consulting and delivery services, for businesses that require careful handling and shipment of their products. In this blog, we are explaining what White Glove Delivery means and why it’s valuable in logistics.  

What is White Glove Delivery? 

White Glove Delivery Service offers a specialized and high-level shipping and delivery option tailored for businesses and individual consumers seeking premium care and attention for their shipments. White Glove Delivery ensures items are handled with utmost professionalism throughout the entire process, making it ideal for delicate, valuable, or specialized products. Services usually include careful cargo handling, thorough inspections, secure transportation with specialized equipment, and delivery to a specific room and floor. Additional services, like setup and installation, packaging removal, and optional extras such as wall mounting or recurring deliveries, can also be requested.  

Why Is It Called White Glove Service? 

The term “white glove service” originates from an era of luxury, where wearing white gloves was synonymous with sophistication and refinement. In hospitality and service industries, such as fine dining and luxury hotels, staff wearing white gloves symbolizes the utmost attention to detail and impeccable service. Similarly, in logistics, White Glove Service represents these same principles of excellence and attention to detail. The term “white glove” evokes images of pristine cleanliness and meticulous care. It signifies a commitment to handling shipments with the same care and precision as handling delicate and valuable items with gloved hands. 

Is White Glove Delivery Worth It? 

White Glove Delivery is a specialized and high-level shipping and delivery option created for those who require an elevated level of care, attention, and service for their shipments. It represents a premium option ensuring items of significance are handled with the utmost care and professionalism. In industries like healthcare, construction, and art galleries, White Glove Delivery ensures the safe and secure transportation of sensitive and high-value items. Unlike standard delivery methods, which may leave packages at the doorstep, White Glove Delivery provides detailed processing, secure transportation, and meticulous setup. Though it may be costly, this service is worth the investment for businesses and individuals seeking excellence in handling valuable shipments. 

White Glove Service VS Delivery 

It’s important to distinguish between White Glove Service and traditional delivery methods to understand their separate roles and benefits. While both aim to transport goods from point A to point B, the similarities end there. White Glove Service represents the peak of service excellence, offering a complete suite of solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each shipment. Traditional delivery methods, however, focus mainly on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. They typically involve dropping off packages at the designated location without additional services. While appropriate for many standard shipments, traditional delivery methods may fall short when handling delicate, valuable, or oversized items that require special care and attention. 

White Glove Consulting and Delivery Services | Synchrogistics LLC 

While many logistics companies provide standard shipping and delivery options, White Glove Delivery requires specialized expertise, resources, and training to handle delicate, valuable, or oversized items with the utmost care and attention. That’s why Synchrogistics offers white glove consulting services, and white glove freight services to ensure our clients can rely on us for their most delicate and high-value shipments. Contact us today to learn more about how our white glove services in Raleigh, NC, can elevate your logistics experience and give you ease knowing your shipments are in capable hands. 

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What is Logistics Forecasting?

May 1, 2024 0Blog

Have you ever wondered how companies can accurately predict future trends before they happen? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This is a technique that many industry leaders in freight use to stay ahead of the competition called forecasting. In this blog, we’re going to dive into logistics forecasting. As the best logistics firm in Raleigh NC, Synchrogistics is here to guide you through the ins and outs of staying ahead of industry trends. Our certified freight logistics company uses forecasting to analyze market trends and improve our supply chain. This allows us to proactively adjust our strategies, optimize our operations, and ultimately provide better service to our clients. So, the next time you’re wondering how companies seem to always be one step ahead, remember that it’s all about forecasting!

What Is Logistics Forecasting?

Logistics forecasting predicts future demand for goods and services in supply chain management. By analyzing market trends, consumer preferences, and economic factors, companies can make informed decisions about production levels, transportation routes, and inventory levels. This process often involves using advanced tools such as time-series analysis and machine learning algorithms to predict demand patterns accurately. Effective logistics forecasting can lead to cost savings, improved customer service, and better overall supply chain performance. 

Types of Forecasting:

1.Time-Series Forecasting: Analyzes historical data to predict future demand patterns using moving averages and ARIMA models.

2. Causal (Explanatory) Forecasting: Identifies underlying factors driving demand, such as economic indicators and marketing campaigns, through regression analysis and econometric modeling.

3. Qualitative Forecasting: Relies on expert judgment and market research when historical data is limited, using techniques like the Delphi method and scenario analysis.

4. Machine Learning Forecasting: Utilizes advanced algorithms like neural networks and random forests to uncover complex patterns in big data for more accurate forecasts.

5. Ensemble Forecasting: Combines predictions from multiple models to generate a consensus forecast, enhancing reliability and mitigating biases.

Why Is Logistics Demand Forecasting Important?

Logistics demand forecasting is crucial for anticipating market trends and consumer preferences, optimizing inventory levels, and enhancing customer satisfaction. By utilizing historical data and advanced analytics, organizations can proactively align production, warehousing, and distribution processes with anticipated demand to reduce costs and improve order fulfillment rates.
McKinsey reports that autonomous supply chain planning can lead to a 4% increase in revenue, a 20% reduction in inventory, and a 10% decrease in supply chain costs for major CPG companies. This emphasizes its importance in driving operational excellence and competitive advantage.

What Is the Difference Between Logistics Forecasting and Supply Chain Forecasting?

Logistics and supply chain forecasting are distinct realms within demand planning and management. Logistics forecasting focuses on the movement and storage of goods, including transportation, warehousing, and inventory management. Supply chain forecasting encompasses the entire supply chain, from procurement to distribution. While logistics forecasting optimizes operational processes for timely delivery and resource utilization, supply chain forecasting integrates upstream and downstream activities, stakeholders, and geographical boundaries. Both disciplines aim to synchronize demand with supply for efficiency, resilience, and marketplace responsiveness.

Synchrogistics | The Best Logistics Firm in Raleigh NC

At Synchrogistics, we leverage the latest forecasting trends in logistics and supply chain management to accurately predict demand, optimize inventory levels, and improve overall operational efficiency. Our proactive approach allows us to minimize risks, reduce lead times, and enhance customer satisfaction. Our team is committed to staying ahead of the curve and continuously improving our forecasting models to deliver the best possible outcomes for your business. By partnering with a certified freight logistics company like Synchrogistics, you can trust that your supply chain is in good hands. Contact us today to see how we can help you stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing marketplace. Discover why we are known as the best logistics firm in Raleigh, NC!

 

Photo credit: FTR | Transportation Intelligence

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Regulatory Update: FMCSA Approves Thousands of New Carriers in March! 

April 10, 2024 0LinkedIn Postings

According to the latest analysis by FTR, the FMCSA approved 5,187 new carriers in March while revocations came in at 5,034 resulting in a net increase of 153. While it’s a small increase and only one month, this marks the first time since March 2023 that the number of companies increased. Overall, the pace of capacity attrition has decelerated in 2024, with 1Q24 seeing the fewest carrier exits since 4Q22. At the same time, the ISM emerged from 16 straight months in contraction territory, led by Production and New Orders. These two components are drivers of freight demand.  
 
What does this mean? 

  • Shippers: Continued uncertainty! Carriers exiting the market generally lead to higher spot markets, so if the carrier population stabilizes, we expect rates to not increase as fast. However, if manufacturing increases the number of shipments on the market, then we have more demand and stable capacity, leading to higher prices. 
  • Rates: Broker-posted spot rates have risen for four straight weeks in the Truckstop system for the first time in two years. Of course, the rate increase was 6 cents, so not a hockey stick. Still too early to call this a shift in the market.
  • Existing Carriers: Strong operators are hanging in there and finding opportunities with strong shippers and 3PLs like Synchrogistics.

Overall, uncertainty continues to govern the freight market. Continued shipment growth may yet push rates up, but it feels like forecasters have been saying that for over a year now…. For regular updates and freight industry insights, follow us on LinkedIn!

References:

  • FTR Data Analysis
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April: FTR’s Trucking Industry Forecast for 2024

April 8, 2024 0LinkedIn Postings

According to FTR’s latest forecast, total truck loadings in 2024 are expected to increase by 0.8%. While there will be fluctuations, the industry will remain stable. Are you interested in the key statistics and which sectors could be the most impacted by this forecast? Let’s dive in!

Key stats:

  • Dry van loadings: 1.1% y/y increase
  • Refrigerated loadings: 2.7% y/y increase
  • Flatbed loadings: 0.6% y/y increase
  • Specialized loadings: 0.3% y/y growth
  • Tank loadings: No growth y/y
  • Bulk/dump loadings forecast: 0.4% y/y growth

Sectors this may impact:

  • Food & Packaged Goods: Anticipate a substantial 2.7% year-over-year rise, driven by increased fruit shipments. Potential disruptions in refrigerated transport could lead to price fluctuations and shortages.
  • Construction: Flatbed shipments may experience a slight dip at 0.6% year-over-year, primarily due to slower growth in building materials. Construction projects could face delays as essential supplies take longer to reach their destinations.
  • Automotive: Dry van shipments are poised to grow by 1.1% year-over-year, signaling a promising outlook for the automotive industry. However, any transportation disruptions could result in extended wait times for car parts and repairs.

We hope this overview provides valuable insights into the trucking industry. Be sure to visit our LinkedIn page and website for more forecast updates.

References: Freight Transportation Research Associates, Inc. (FTR) 

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The Collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge on Global Supply Chain

April 4, 2024 0LinkedIn Postings

The collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge is causing major disruptions in the global supply chain, impacting both international and national trade routes. Here’s what you need to know:

International Impact: The Port of Baltimore is crucial in global trade, especially for importing and exporting finished autos and light trucks. With $23.5 billion worth of imports in 2023, trading partners like Germany, Mexico, Japan, and the UK are affected. Delays in shipments could lead to wait times for high-end European cars and affect exports to countries like Australia and the UAE.

Freight Rate Surge:  Freight rates from Asia to the U.S. have doubled since the incident, reflecting the strain on transportation networks. This surge is amplified by the ongoing disruptions of the Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea.

National Disruptions: The collapse has led to congestion, price uncertainty, and delays for importers and exporters relying on efficient routes through the Baltimore Port. Smaller ports are picking up volume as ships reroute, adding to the challenges of logistics operators.

Agricultural Implement Impact:  Baltimore is a leading Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) port for agricultural machinery imports and exports. This could delay the shipment of farming equipment such as combines, large tractors, and balers. Farmers should expect to face delays as the upcoming planting season approaches.

The uncertain timeline for bridge restoration indicates businesses must adapt quickly. Diversifying transportation routes, optimizing inventory management, and negotiating with suppliers and carriers are helpful strategies to mitigate the impact. Stay tuned to our social platforms for more industry updates and logistics insights!

(Resources: Jason Miller and TTNews)

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The Unseen Benefits of LTL Consolidation

February 10, 2024 0LinkedIn Postings

Companies with substantial LTL freight budgets are looking for ways to lower expenses and boost service efficiency. One strategy gaining traction is the consolidation of Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipments into multi-stop truckloads, which provides cost savings and a variety of operational improvements.

  • Cost Savings: On average, Synchro clients have seen a reduction of 5% to 15% in their LTL spend.
  • Indirect Savings: The consolidation process leads to fewer labor hours spent on handling pallets for LTL shipments, translating into significant labor cost savings.
  • On-Time Tracking Improvement: Tracking a single truckload is simpler and more efficient than monitoring multiple LTL shipments, leading to better on-time delivery rates.
  • Yard Efficiency: With fewer trucks entering and exiting the yard, businesses can experience a smoother flow of goods and reduced congestion.
  • Claims Improvement: By minimizing the handling of freight and avoiding LTL cross-docks, the risk of damage during transit is significantly reduced, leading to fewer claims.
  • Environmental Savings: Consolidation results in fewer trucks on the road, which in turn reduces carbon emissions and contributes to sustainability efforts.
  • Savings in Refrigerated Freight: For businesses dealing with refrigerated goods, LTL consolidation can lead to savings of over 20%, making it a highly cost-effective option.
  • Leverage with LTL Vendors: demonstrating that you can remove freight from higher-cost vendors leads to discussions with the vendor about lower costs and a better partnership.

By embracing LTL consolidation, businesses can not only enjoy substantial cost savings but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient supply chain. Synchrogistics has the experience and team to implement an optimization program for you. Reach out to us for a free optimization assessment.

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How Can LTL Consolidation Transform Your Logistics Strategy?

February 5, 2024 0LinkedIn Postings

By converting multiple less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments into a single, cost-effective truckload, LTL consolidation significantly reduces shipping costs per pound. This method enhances cost savings, decreases claims, and simplifies shipment tracking compared to managing individual LTL shipments. Despite its benefits, many companies overlook LTL optimization due to perceived complexity, technological constraints, previous failures, internal opposition, or unawareness of its potential.

Synchro has been a leader in LTL consolidation for over a decade, skillfully managing both refrigerated and dry freight for clients from varied locations and technological backgrounds. Our unique combination of experience and technology provides an unparalleled advantage. To explore how LTL consolidation can benefit your company, consider Synchro’s offer for a free consolidation assessment.

Learn how our specialized approach can streamline your shipping processes and unlock substantial savings.

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LTL Pricing Post-Yellow Freight

October 16, 2023 0LinkedIn Postings

Three bullet points about LTL pricing and long-term capacity. As shown in the chart below, fuel prices and Yellow’s exit have produced an increase in LTL pricing. However, how long it lasts is another question…

1.  Yellow Freight’s Impact: The demise of Yellow Freight in August took 10% of industry capacity offline, which provided a backstop against the price erosion seen over the last 12 months. However, the distribution of its market share has not been uniform. Carriers with more pricing and footprint overlap have benefited more, with Saia and XPO being notable gainers among public companies.

2. Pricing and Capacity: The worries about overcapacity have been somewhat allayed by Yellow’s exit. Carriers are trying to hold the line on GRIs and are more aggressively going after rate increases on less profitable customers. However, the tea leaves are not looking positive for LTL volumes to increase meaningfully in the near-term – ISM new orders are still in contraction territory (though it’s improving from earlier this year). We see a balanced pricing environment in the LTL space in the coming months.

3. Terminal Capacity: Longer term, terminal capacity in the industry remains constrained due to significant inflation in real estate prices. Carriers have been cautious in expanding, and the sale of Yellow’s real estate portfolio is expected to take time and require renovation. Net fixed capacity in the industry is believed to be declining. As e-commerce increases and (hopefully) the economy improves, terminal capacity could become a bottleneck leading to higher LTL rates in 2024 / 2025.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Data

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