The Logistical Lowdown

Compliments of your True Blue Logistics Crew

Time to Consider Outsourcing Warehousing & Distribution Processes

Posted by Heather May on 5/29/20 3:23 PM

As expectations for the logistics function continue to grow, new government regulations take effect, and innovative technology becomes more common in the industry, companies are finding it more challenging to handle processes on their own. Outsourcing warehousing and distribution to a third-party logistics provider (or 3PL) is an option that offers the resources necessary to meet the challenges while improving efficiency, keeping costs low, and managing demand.

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Topics: Warehousing

CFOs: How You Can Drive Cost Efficiency in the Logistics Function

Posted by Charlotte Larsen on 5/20/20 11:48 AM

Every company can use logistics to help scale its business and develop a unique competitive advantage. The effect logistics has on reaching these goals is something a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is especially able to see and value, despite their minimal daily interaction with the function, because of their position within a company. Even though CFOs are more removed, they can still directly impact the cost efficiency in the logistics function.

A great example is how huge industry players like Amazon have been successful because of the investments they’ve made into their logistics infrastructure. These investments have allowed them to create a competitive advantage over other retailers which now places them in the position to compete against prior logistics partners they once heavily depended on. With input coming from the right financial perspective, logistics investments can be a huge enabler for other shippers in much the same way.

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Topics: Logistics

How the Defense Production Act Could Impact Shippers

Posted by Aaron Keller on 5/14/20 8:45 AM

Our country is living in strange times, and it’s impacting how most industries operate. For some companies, the demand for their products and services have disappeared very quickly, such as travel-related businesses like airlines. In others, companies and employees are working harder than ever, such as in the healthcare space. And for certain manufacturers, it’s temporarily changing what they do, which will eventually impact shippers. 

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Topics: Industry News

How 3PLs Help Shippers Find Better Spot Rates for Irregular Routes

Posted by Ryan Gilliland on 5/4/20 3:21 PM

In an ideal world, every one of a shipper’s loads would all be the same weight, have the same pickup times each day, and be between a very limited number of origin and destination pairs. Carriers love transporting this type of freight because it’s predictable. “Regular” lanes give carriers the ability to plan better, and as a result, earn consistent revenue and better manage their equipment and driver resources.

Ultimately this helps them manage their costs better, which can then lead to lower rates for their customers, too. Regular lanes also increase a carrier’s familiarity with the locations and products, which introduces more efficiency and better service to the entire logistics process.

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Topics: Transportation, Logistics

COVID-19 in the Supply Chain- What Shippers Should Know

Posted by Neil Hersh on 4/29/20 10:05 AM

As a mid-size trucking company that has been around for over 40 years, Keller has experienced our fair share of ups and downs in the industry. Through it all, we have been able to increase our diversification and expand our services for our customers. This diversification and expanded services have been critical in weathering the tough times. The current situation is unique in many ways and we all are affected, regardless of industry, and certainly some worse than others. With no real answers or experience on how a global pandemic will ultimately affect the supply chain in terms of longevity or what the “new normal” will look like, we can only share our experience with key patterns in uncertain financial times that diminish trucking capacity.

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Topics: Transportation, Logistics

How the Defense Production Act Could Impact Shippers

Posted by Aaron Keller on 4/21/20 3:30 PM

Our country is living in strange times, and it’s impacting how most industries operate. For some companies, the demand for their products and services have disappeared very quickly, such as travel-related businesses like airlines. In others, companies and employees are working harder than ever, such as in the healthcare space. 

President Trump recently invoked the Defense Production Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This law, which was first engaged during the Korean War, essentially allows the federal government to regulate the private-sector to keep the production we need for battling COVID-19 (like ventilators, protective gear, or testing kits) moving. For certain manufacturers, it's temporarily changing what they do.

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Topics: Logistics

Analysis: Business Insider Report on the HOS Suspension

Posted by guest writer, Kenneth Kowal on 4/15/20 10:09 AM

For the first time since 1938 when the hours-of-service (HOS) laws initially went into effect, the Federal Motor Carrier Association (FMCSA) temporarily exempted truck drivers transporting essential medical equipment and supplies on a federal level. This response is typical on a state or local level for emergency situations, like the current COVID-19 pandemic, because of the sheer amount of goods trucking companies are responsible for moving.

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Topics: Transportation

Four Things That are Leveraged When Working With a Freight Broker

Posted by Neil Hersh on 4/6/20 2:25 PM

Many shippers question whether or not they should leverage the resources of a freight broker. But the answer is never simple because it will depend on several different factors.

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Topics: Transportation

What's causing trucking companies to go bankrupt?

Posted by Nate Schaublin on 3/12/20 11:56 AM

 

What the truck is going on? 

Trucking bankruptcies have been a hot topic over the past year, with several larger carriers such as New England Motor Freight, Falcon Transport, and Celadon ceasing operations and in some cases stranding drivers out on the road. In addition to these larger carriers, every week there seems to be another longstanding carrier with 30-plus years in business deciding that the business just wasn’t worth it anymore. What is going on and what do things look like moving forward?

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Topics: Transportation

Reflecting on Hard Work and Honesty

Posted by Tom Keller on 12/7/18 2:41 PM

2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the incorporation of Thomas E. Keller Trucking. Tom’s humble beginnings taught him the value of family, hard work, and building a legacy as told in his memoir, The Life and Legacy of Thomas E. Keller.

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Topics: Company History

Keller Logistics Group's industry experts share their thoughts on trends in the logistics industry. Subscribe to The Logistical Lowdown and have our latest blog post sent directly to your inbox, you'll never miss a post! 

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