by Scott Frederick | Dec 17, 2024 | News
Logistics Plus is Named a Top 50 3PL by Global Trade Magazine
Logistics Plus has been honored for the fifth time in the past six years.
ERIE, PA (December 17, 2024) – Logistics Plus, Inc., a global leader in transportation, logistics, and unique supply chain solutions, is proud to announce that it has been named a Top 50 third-party logistics provider by Global Trade magazine. It is the fifth time in the past six years that the editors of Global Trade have recognized Logistics Plus as one of its leading 3PL providers.
The 2024 leading 3PL providers list was announced in the Fall 2024 edition of Global Trade magazine, just released online. According to the publication, Logistics Plus is considered a “Titan” because it is “a dynamic and growing force in the logistics industry, known for their customer-centric approach and innovative solutions.”
“Being recognized, once again, as an industry leader and industry Titan by Global Trade magazine is a tremendous honor,” said Jim Berlin, Founder & CEO of Logistics Plus. “It’s a good honor for our people that do all the hard work and to be recognized. I’m not big fan of awards, but it’s nice to be acknowledged as one of the best at what we do.”
You can read a digital edition of the magazine online at https://globaltrade.mydigitalpublication.com/fall-2024/page-24.
About Global Trade
Global Trade magazine is the authority for U.S. companies doing business globally. It educates and entertains its readers on ways to utilize the global marketplace to increase market share and corporate profits through creative efficiencies in cargo transportation, banking, joint ventures, and outsourcing. Visit www.globaltrademag.com to learn more.
About Logistics Plus, Inc.
Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP) is a 21st-century logistics company and a leading worldwide provider of transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, technology, and supply chain solutions. LP works in the background to help businesses manage their supply chains in an ever-changing world. Founded in 1996, today LP has annual global sales of over $600M with more than 1,200 employees located in 50+ countries worldwide. LP is recognized as one of the fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, a top 3PL provider, a top 100 logistics company, a top freight brokerage and warehousing provider, and a great place to work. With a Passion For Excellence™, its employees put the PLUS in LOGISTICS by doing the big things properly, plus the countless little things that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
by Ryan Markiewicz | Dec 16, 2024 | News
Efficient shipping is the cornerstone of modern logistics, enabling businesses to manage costs, meet customer expectations, and maintain a competitive edge. Among the many shipping methods available, less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping has emerged as a versatile solution for businesses with smaller shipments. Whether you want to cut transportation costs, enhance operational flexibility, or reduce your environmental footprint, understanding LTL shipping can revolutionize your approach to freight transportation.
Understanding Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Freight
At its core, LTL shipping involves transporting goods that do not require an entire truck. Instead of dedicating a vehicle to a single shipment, LTL carriers consolidate shipments from multiple businesses onto one truck. This approach optimizes truck space, lowers costs, and reduces environmental impact. LTL is ideal for shipments weighing between 150 and 15,000 pounds, making it a practical choice for retail, e-commerce, and small-scale manufacturing industries.
How LTL Shipping Works
LTL shipping revolves around efficiency and collaboration. Carriers collect shipments from various businesses and consolidate them at regional hubs. These consolidated loads are then transported to distribution centers or directly to their final destinations. This shared-network approach allows shippers to pay only for the truck space their goods occupy. By combining multiple shipments into one vehicle, LTL carriers achieve significant cost savings and operational efficiency.
Advantages of Choosing LTL Freight
LTL shipping offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for businesses with smaller or irregular shipments:
- Cost-Effective Solution: Sharing truck space with other shippers significantly reduces shipping costs, especially for smaller loads that don’t justify the expense of a full truckload.
- Sustainable Shipping: Consolidating shipments minimizes the number of trucks on the road, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Thus, LTL is an environmentally friendly choice.
- Scalability: LTL freight is highly adaptable, accommodating businesses with varying shipment sizes and fluctuating transportation needs.
- Liability: Although less than typical full truckload carriers, LTL carriers typically have higher liability limits than parcel carriers if your shipment is lost or damaged in transit.
When to Opt for LTL Freight
LTL shipping is the go-to choice for businesses that need to move moderately sized loads without filling an entire truck. For instance, shipping a single pallet weighing 250 pounds with dimensions of 48x40x60 inches is a perfect scenario for LTL freight. Additionally, businesses can customize their carrier preferences, excluding specific carriers or prioritizing others to align with their delivery needs and service expectations.
Comparing LTL to Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping
While both LTL and FTL shipping serve distinct purposes, understanding their differences can help businesses choose the right option for their needs:
- Cost: In LTL shipping, shippers pay only for the space their goods occupy, making it a more economical choice for smaller loads. On the other hand, FTL shipping dedicates an entire truck to a single shipment, which can be more expensive but ideal for larger loads.
- Transit Time: LTL shipping often involves multiple stops and transfers, which can slightly increase transit times. FTL shipments are direct, offering faster delivery for high-priority loads.
- Scalability: LTL is better suited for businesses with smaller, more frequent shipments, while FTL is ideal for bulk transportation.
Businesses can select the most suitable method for their logistical needs by weighing these factors.
Overcoming LTL Shipping Challenges
Despite its many advantages, LTL shipping is not without its challenges. Proactively addressing these issues can help businesses ensure smooth operations:
- Longer Transit Times: The shared nature of LTL shipping can result in extended delivery windows due to multiple stops and transfers. Proper planning and communication with carriers can mitigate delays.
- Potential for Damage: Increased handling during loading, unloading, and transfers raises the risk of wear and tear. Shippers should use robust packaging materials to minimize damage and properly secure their goods.
- Complex Pricing Structures: LTL shipping costs depend on factors such as freight class, weight, dimensions, and accessorial charges. Partnering with experienced carriers or third-party logistics providers (3PLs) can simplify pricing and help businesses make informed decisions.
The Role of LTL in Modern Logistics
In today’s dynamic supply chain environment, LTL carriers play a pivotal role. Their expertise in freight consolidation, tracking, and specialized services enables businesses to focus on growth while ensuring efficient shipment handling. Key offerings include:
- Real-Time Tracking: Advanced tracking technologies provide visibility into shipment locations and delivery timelines, enhancing transparency and customer satisfaction.
- Specialized Services: LTL carriers offer options such as residential delivery, liftgate assistance, inside delivery, or even guaranteed morning or afternoon delivery, which may cater to diverse business needs.
- Flexibility: Combining loads from various shippers allows LTL carriers to optimize routes and reduce transportation costs.
Why LTL Matters
LTL shipping is more than just a logistics strategy; it’s a practical solution for businesses seeking efficiency, cost savings, and flexibility. By leveraging LTL, companies can:
- Streamline operations by focusing on core business activities.
- Optimize transportation budgets by paying only for the space used.
- Contribute to sustainable logistics practices by reducing their carbon footprint.
Tips for Maximizing LTL Shipping Success
To get the most out of LTL shipping, businesses should consider the following best practices:
- Understand Freight Classes: Properly classify your shipments to avoid unexpected charges and ensure smooth transit. Experienced 3PLs can often assist shippers in determining proper freight classification.
- Use Reliable Packaging: Protect your goods with high-quality packaging to minimize damage during transit. Also, since LTL carrier pricing is based on the space a shipment occupies on the trailer, limiting unnecessary “air” in your packaging will ensure no additional fees are applied.
- Plan Ahead: Schedule shipments in advance to accommodate potential delays in LTL transit times.
- Partner with Trusted Providers: Work with reputable carriers or 3PLs to navigate the complexities of LTL shipping and access value-added services.
- Leverage Technology: Utilize tools like transportation management systems (TMS) to track shipments, compare rates, and optimize routes.
The Future of LTL Shipping
Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping is a pivotal solution for businesses handling smaller shipments in the evolving logistics landscape. Companies can transform their supply chains into more efficient and eco-conscious systems by embracing cutting-edge innovations like AI-driven route planning, real-time tracking, and sustainable delivery methods. LTL freight offers cost savings and adaptability and aligns with the growing focus on environmental responsibility. As the industry advances, businesses that leverage the potential of LTL shipping will be better equipped to optimize resources, enhance delivery performance, and maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic marketplace.
Need help with LTL shipping? The LTL experts at Logistics Plus are here to help.
by Ryan Markiewicz | Dec 6, 2024 | News
Jim Berlin, Founder and CEO of Logistics Plus (LP), was featured on the Business Spotlight program, which is produced in partnership with WPSE Money Radio. Business Spotlight is a monthly 30-minute program that airs regionally and streams globally.
In this special segment, Jim reflects on 2024, discusses the company’s growth and success, challenges faced over the past year, opportunities on the horizon, what he anticipates in 2025 and beyond, and more.
You can listen to a replay of the interview on the Logistics Plus Podcasts page or by clicking below on our LP Radio channel on Spotify.
by Ryan Markiewicz | Dec 3, 2024 | News
Logistics Plus Customs Brokerage Manager Gretchen Blough appeared on NPR’s 12/2/24 edition of Marketplace to comment on how President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff policies will affect global trade, specifically with Mexico and Canada. Gretchen described how there are a lot of unknowns at this time while also discussing some of the most likely scenarios.
Listen to her comments online at https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace/this-is-the-time-to-be-a-saver/#Companies-are-rerouting-cargo-after-Baltimore-bridge-collapse or by clicking below.
Marketplace® is a nonprofit news organization on a mission to raise the economic intelligence of the country. For more than 30 years, they have helped people become smarter about the economic forces that touch their daily lives through the unorthodox story, the casual conversation, and the unexpected angle on the news.
by Scott Frederick | Nov 26, 2024 | News
As you look to 2025, now may be a good time for shippers to conduct an RFP (Request for Proposal) for their transportation needs, especially as the market has stabilized compared to the disruptions of the past few years. Here are a few reasons why it might be advantageous:
- Market Stability: The transportation market has become more stable, which can lead to more predictable freight rates and better carrier performance.
- Capacity Availability: January is traditionally a slow month for freight, making it a good time to send out bids as capacity tends to be more available.
- Strategic Planning: Conducting an RFP allows shippers to align their transportation strategies with their business goals for the upcoming year.
However, to find the best transportation and logistics solutions partner, preparing for the RFP process is important. You must understand your current challenges and cost structures, set clear goals, and ensure you have the necessary technology and resources.
Are you considering conducting an RFP soon? If so, what specific goals are you hoping to achieve?
Conducting a transportation and logistics RFP involves several steps to ensure you find the best partners and rates for your needs. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:
- Define Your Objectives: Determine what you want to achieve with the RFP (e.g., cost reduction, improved service levels, increased capacity).
- Gather Data: Collect data on your current transportation needs, including commodity or product information, shipment volumes, lanes, service requirements, and historical costs. Additional data points like freight dimensions, freight classification, and accessorial service needs might also be helpful and will lead to greater rate accuracy.
- Develop the RFP Document: Include detailed information about your company, your transportation needs, and the criteria for selecting partners. Specify the format and deadline for responses.
- Identify Potential Partners: Research and list potential logistics partners that meet your requirements. Consider factors such as service capabilities, reputation, flexibility, technology, and financial stability.
- Distribute the RFP: Send the RFP to the selected companies and provide a clear timeline for responses.
- Evaluate Responses: Review the proposals based on your criteria, such as cost, service levels, and capabilities. Use a scoring system to compare the responses objectively. In many cases, it may make sense to interview finalists to ensure there is a good “culture fit” between your organization and the potential partner’s organization.
- Negotiate Terms: Engage in negotiations with your top candidates to refine terms and conditions. Focus on achieving a balance between cost and service quality.
- Select Your Partner(s): Choose the partners that best meet your needs based on the evaluation and negotiation process.
- Implement and Monitor: Finalize contracts and implement the new transportation or logistics arrangements. Continuously monitor performance and maintain open communication to ensure service levels are met.
- Review and Adjust: Periodically review the performance of your partner(s) and make adjustments as needed to optimize your transportation strategy.
Are you ready to conduct an RFP? Logistics Plus is a solutions-oriented transportation and logistics provider with a solid reputation for adding value and helping companies be successful.
Contact Logistics Plus if you’d like us to participate in any upcoming RFPs for transportation or logistics solutions.
by Ryan Markiewicz | Nov 22, 2024 | News
The Logistics Plus (LP) Poland team continues to support and manage projects across Poland and nearby countries. Here are the most recent projects handled by LP Poland in November 2024.
1) Gangway Tower
LP Poland handled the transportation of a gangway tower section with dimensions of 32,00 x 4.50 x 4.75m. This section was transported over 3,000km, increasing this project’s complexity.
2) Bas Hydrant Dispensers
The LP Poland team completed the second delivery of seven for a base hydrant dispenser from a Polish manufacturing facility to Brussels Airport. This is an ongoing project with five (or more) more deliveries expected.
3) Electric Cranes
Supporting Poland’s industrial sector, the LP Poland team successfully transported 3D electric cranes to the Norwegian Fjords in Norway.
4) Crane Parts
Like in previous months, Logistics Plus Poland continues to deliver crane parts to various job sites in Vung Tau, Vietnam.
Photos from these projects (and more) can be seen below. To learn more about Logistics Plus Poland, please visit pl.logisticsplus.com.
