There’s an article we saw posted last week on the Global Trade magazine website entitled “What Makes a Good Logistics Provider?” written by Chris Hale, the Founder & CEO of Kountable, Inc. Mr. Hale’s company operates a platform that vets trade service providers, constructs deals and manages trade execution for a large volume of trades into challenging markets. As result, his firm has learned by necessity to identify the hallmarks of high-quality logistics providers and to note the red flags that signal ineffective ones. These are the qualities they look for in logistics partners they recommend to their clients, along with some comments about how Logistics Plus is an example of a logistics partner who has those same traits.
Experienced – A wave of brand-new companies have sprung up looking to fill the demand created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Always work with logistics companies that have been in operation for a number of years. Not only does this show that the company has a history of success, but experienced logistics providers will have a better understanding of local regulations and possible sticking points.
Logistics Plus will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. We were “born from the ribs” of GE Transportation as a lead logistics company. We have enjoyed growth every year, and today we have over 500 employees and over $300 million in global sales.
Good Customer Service Team – A professional, knowledgeable and robust customer service team will not only facilitate clear communication but is a sign of a quality company. Clear and effective communication from logistics providers also saves traders time and energy building and executing trades.
Logistics Plus humbly prides itself on providing award-winning customer service. In recent years, our services have been recognized as best-in-class by distinguished industry resources, such as Global Trade, SupplyChainBrain, Multichannel Merchant, Transport Topics, and others. Although we have transformed into a technology company as much as we are a logistics provider, it is still the quality of our people and the support they provide that sets us apart.
Responsive – It is important that logistics providers respond to messages quickly and are proactive in providing updates. When goods arrive at the right place on time, this should be communicated quickly. When communication is slow and sporadic, it is often the case that the company is unorganized, or goods are not where they are supposed to be.
Logistics Plus maintains a very flat, nimble, and responsive organizational structure. This allows us to be very responsive to our customers’ needs. Every employee is provided a company-issued mobile phone and we make it known that our customers expect 24/7/365 service to ensure their goods are delivered on-time. Our technology supports responsive communications by providing proactive tracking reports, weather impact dashboards, and other business intelligence that allow our employees and customers to more effectively manage their supply chains.
Diligent – The logistics of international trade are complicated. Attention to detail is necessary as goods change hands and pass-through ports. A diligent company will have the correct documentation for the goods and communicate effectively with the necessary parties, avoiding tax penalties, delays, and confusion that cut into revenue.
Logistics Plus is a global company with employees and offices in over 30 countries around the world. As a prominent international freight forwarder, we manage hundreds of thousands of import and export shipments around the world. We know diligence is important, which is why we also have a full-service customs brokerage and global trade compliance team to help keep us and our customers on pace with the changing rules of global trade.
Registered with Appropriate Government Agencies – Logistics providers must be registered with the necessary agencies to do business in the jurisdictions in which they operate, such as the local revenue authorities. It is important to confirm that the company is registered to conduct business in the countries where the goods are to be picked up and delivered, and anywhere they may land in between.
Logistics Plus maintains transparent certifications and compliance with all domestic and international agencies. Additionally, we are participating in many governmental programs focused on security and sustainability, such as CTPAT and SmartWay.
Global Presence – A global presence is both useful and a sign of a reputable logistics provider. However, many logistics providers do not operate globally. Minimally, the company you choose should operate in the countries relevant to the transaction. Established companies with a large presence are often more experienced, and may be able to offer additional services, or deal with complications more quickly and easily than smaller operations.
Logistics Plus has a network of people and resources that touch over 30 countries worldwide, and we have additional contacts and connections in many other countries. Whether it is standard freight forwarding cargo or big heavy-lift project cargo, we have engineers and logicians around the world making it happen.
In addition to the comments noted above, check out the “What it means to be A 21st Century Logistics Company” article we posted last week which includes additional traits shippers should expect from contemporary logistics providers.
Check out the Global Trade magazine website at www.globaltrademag.com for other good articles on global trade and logistics. Global Trade has named Logistics Plus a Top 50 3PL the past two years and there is an active Logistics Plus Profile in the Global Trade “Find a Partner” online directory.
The Commodity Classifications Standards Board (CCSB) has published a new supplement to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®). These changes became effective 04/10/2021. Some notable changes are listed below.
Subjects 2 and 3 – Foodstuffs Group – Bakery Goods, Coffee, Tea or Herbal Tea, Cookies or Crackers, Foodstuffs, NOI, Snack Foods, NOI: These items were canceled and replaced with Item 73260 which is an 11-tiered density item. Canceled Items 72040, 72042, 72043, 72270, 72271, 72560, 72561, 72680, 72681, 73270, 74800.
– “Breads, Rolls and Cake” were removed from 73227 and moved into the new Item 73260.
Subject 5 – Chemicals Group Item 42600: Numerous changes to this group that are too complex to re-state here. Basically, items were revised into three class Tiers based upon Packing Groups I, II or III. Statements also added identifying Items that are not required to bear a Hazard Class or Hazard Division label.
Subject 7 – Stairs or Stairways, Ramps – Item 178160: Revised from a two-tiered class/density item to two sub-groups based on the Greatest dimension exceeding or not exceeding 96 inches. Each sub-group has three class/density tiers.
Subject 15 – Glass, flat, bent or not bent NOI – Item 86700 nad Glass , silvered for Mirrors – Item 86900: Revised from two subgroups, three-tiered class/density item based on Greatest Dimension exceeding or not exceeding 96 inches to two subgroups based on Greatest dimension exceeding or not exceeding 96 inches. Each sub-group has seven class/density tiers. Item 86900 is canceled and moved into Item 86700.
Subject 16 – Item 235 – Specifications for Bundles, Coils, Reels, or Rolls: Item amended to ensure that products or items so tendered will withstand the normal rigors of LTL transportation.
Subject 17 – Item 270 – Definition or Specifications for Skids, other than Lift Truck: Item amended to ensure that products or items so tendered will withstand the normal rigors of LTL transportation.
Subject 24 – Item 82285 Sneeze Guards or Food Shields: Revised from a two tiered Item based on Greatest Dimensions exceeding or not exceeding 96 inches to two subgroups based on Greatest Dimensions exceeding or not exceeding 96 inches with four class/ density tiers in each sub group.
Subject 25: References to open head and closed head drums or pails in the Items below are updated.
– Rules 257, 258, 260, 296
– Packages 600 and 2467
Subject 36: This subject cancels 55 obsolete Classification Items
Subject 37: This subject cancels four obsolete classification Items.
Subject 38: This subject cancels and removes references to 25 numbered packages.
Subject 39: This subject cancels and removes references to 16 numbered packages.
Subject 40 – Item 149942 Note on Nickel-Silver Wire Item 140940: This note 140942 applied to shipments of less than 30,000 lbs. It is canceled.
Additional detail is included in the DOCKET 2021-1 bulletin. As always, please contact us if you have any questions.
Last week we posted an article titled “What it means to be A 21st Century Logistics Company.” In that article, we included some example traits of what you can expect when you work with a 21st-century logistics provider like Logistics Plus. If you didn’t have a chance to read the article – no worries, here’s a short video that contains some of the highlighted items included in the article.
After years of negotiation and uncertainty, we are officially in the post-Brexit era. To preserve their mutually beneficial trading relationship, the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) reached a deal that went into place on January 1, 2021. While the agreement is beneficial for both parties, questions remain about its impact on the logistics and transportation industry. The new regulations at the border are already causing major blocks and delays.
Traders must consider the rules of origin. These complex rules apply to goods that qualify for preferential trade terms under the agreement.
All imports and exports are subject to customs formalities. Trading in both the UK and EU means complying with two different tax and legal systems.
Companies are facing higher logistics costs. Trucking companies are reluctant to cross the border resulting in less capacity and higher surcharges.
All imports into the EU must meet new standards and will be subject to regulatory checks and controls for safety, health, and other public policy purposes.
Traders are obliged to change their delivery terms with their suppliers and customers from DDP to DAP to avoid complex customs procedures.
Some traders face cash flow issues as import Value Added Tax (VAT) is payable when entering the European Union.
As a result of the new regulations, the Logistics Plus Europe team has noticed that many traders are not fully prepared for this transition. Increased potential for delays means that you need to have tight control over every aspect of your supply chain. Once you have full visibility of your supply chain, you can begin to plan and break down how the post-Brexit era changes things on an operational level.
At Logistics Plus, we understand the impact of these new regulations and how they affect customers and their transport flows. Our European team operates distribution centers in the UK and in the Netherlands that offer full customs brokerage services and regular trucking transfers between the two countries. We have a wide variety of services to help our customers optimize and facilitate European and UK VAT requirements. Additionally, Logistics Plus offers Importer of Record (IOR) and Exporter of Record (EOR) services that our customers can count on for a non-disrupted supply chain.
If you need assistance navigating the post-Brexit logistics era, please contact our team of logistics experts today.
Yesterday we announced that Logistics Plus is being profiled in the Inbound Logistics2021 Logistics Planner. The profile and accompanying advertisement introduced our newest descriptor … A 21st Century Logistics Company ™. So what does it mean to be a 21st-century logistics company? First and foremost, it means that Logistics Plus is a reliable partner known for developing creative solutions to critical challenges. It also means that Logistics Plus, over the past 25 years, has developed key traits to address contemporary supply chain opportunities and problems. As it pertains to you and your business, that means:
We manage your logistics so you can focus on your core business.
We have been in business for nearly 25 years, and our teams have a wide variety of skills across many disciplines – we can do pretty much anything needed across your entire supply chain.
Our teams can integrate with your company in various ways, from full-time onsite resources to offsite logistics management of multiple locations.
We manage inbound and outbound domestic freight and international cargo.
Using technology, business intelligence, and global supply chain control towers, we can connect all the links in your supply chain, from vendors to end customers.
Our services are customized to your needs, so you always get exactly what you want and need.
We have offices in close to 30 countries throughout the world, and we have valued partners in dozens of others.
Our professionals keep up with the constantly changing logistical landscape – after all, this is still very much a people business.
We are big enough to be effective but small enough that your business will be important to us – we call this the ‘Goldilocks Zone.’
With a Passion For Excellence™, we are the company that is focused on solving problems and taking away your headaches!
If you haven’t already, we invite you to watch our introductory video below. As we explain in the video: Logistics is in our DNA … this is what we do. Let us do it for you too!
In addition to the comments noted above, check out the “What it means to be A 21st Century Logistics Company” article we posted last week which includes additional traits shippers should expect from contemporary logistics providers.
Last week we posted an article titled “
After years of negotiation and uncertainty, we are officially in the post-Brexit era. To preserve their mutually beneficial trading relationship, the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) reached a deal that went into place on January 1, 2021. While the agreement is beneficial for both parties, questions remain about its impact on the logistics and transportation industry. The new regulations at the border are already causing major blocks and delays.