Ascent Global Logistics Blog

Shipping freight that requires time definite arrival during the holidays can be challenging. However, with an optimum combination of knowledge and technology, managing last minute holiday shipments can be less stressful. To help you ship with intelligence this holiday season, below are three of the top points to know when planning your time critical shipments.    

Successful attendance at trade shows requires the timely arrival of the booth display and materials. So what do shippers need to know in order to prepare a shipment of trade show materials? 

When importing products into the United States, some commodities are subject to Non-Tariff Barriers, which include quotas, licenses, subsidies and additional duties. These barriers are designed to discourage demand of an imported product, protecting domestic producers from foreign competition.

The transportation market is constantly changing. In the first nine months of 2017, the logistics industry has already undergone a number of changes including various NMFC shifts, ongoing carrier mergers and extremely severe weather. Additionally, the ELD (Electronic Logging Device Mandate), an industry wide regulatory change, will take effect at the end of this year and is expected to create further supply chain impacts. 

Collectively, these factors have created what is known as a ‘carrier’s market.’ This is expected to persist over the coming months and possibly well into 2019. So how can businesses make smart shipping decisions? 

Planning ahead is the best way to prepare for holiday shipping season success. In the months leading up to the holidays, increased amounts of imported and domestic goods must be transported to distribution centers or retail stores. The increase in volumes typically leads to limited capacity and decreased amount of drivers. On top of a challenging freight environment, possible winter weather and hard delivery dates by retailers can create further shipping challenges. 

Update as of Tuesday, September 12, 2017 11:00 

Irma has weakened into a Post-Tropical Cyclone and is moving across southern Georgia and eastern Alabama today. Assessment of damages and recovery efforts have started in Florida but supply chain operations continue to be hindered. Logistics operations across Southern states are expected to continue to be impacted with delays possible as the storm moves inland. 

Update as of Friday, September 8, 2017 13:00 

Only two weeks after Harvey wrecked havoc on the U.S. supply chain, another hurricane is quickly approaching the South Atlantic states. Hurricane Irma's imminent threat has prompted LTL and TL carriers, railway companies, ports and airports to begin restricting logistics operations. Visit the National Hurricane Center website for live updates.  

Hurricane Harvey caused widespread destruction across the South Central region of the U.S. and while cleanup efforts have started, supply chain havoc continues. Similar to how the cities across eastern Texas and Western Louisiana cannot be rebuilt in one day, the supply chain could take considerable weeks, if not months, to recover from Harvey.  

This. Just. In. 

How can a strong logistics partner help drive cost savings and overall supply chain improvements? Through an optimal combination of people and technology. While people and technology alone can produce improvements, a strategy that combines the two allows companies to manage complex logistics networks with skill, insight and expertise.