Motor carriers increasingly have turned to costing systems to help navigate the difficult pricing environment brought on by the recession, says Bill McGinley, vice president of pricing and revenue management at Wilson Trucking Co.
The clean air standards for heavy truck engines that went into effect Jan. 1 of this year culminate a three-tier process that began with legislation passed in 2001. Don Kilfin, a fleet sales manager for Nalley Motor Trucks and retired Detroit Diesel executive, says the challenges for engine manufacturers in meeting these standards have been substantial and have come with a price.
Managing costs and taking advantage of low freight rates, to be sure - but their real concern is maintaining a high level of customer service in a time of reduced demand.
This recession required trucking companies to exhibit new levels of grit and business acuity. Lessons learned and changes implemented will have implications that stretch well into the next business cycle.
Smaller, regional less-than-truckload motor carriers need to leverage technology to remain competitive with larger competitors, says Rick Berryman, vice president-business development for ROADVision Systems. Using the internet to enable shippers to perform such self-service actions as making pickup and delivery appointments, requesting quotes and tracking shipments is something all carriers can do with minimum investment, he says.
Transportation brokers play an important role in the supply chain, but they often do not receive the respect they deserve, says Robert Voltmann, president and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association.
The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) services and their impact on supply chains. Today’s companies are transporting and delivering perishables and manufactured goods in a more timely and efficient manner than ever before through truckload and LTL solutions. New technologies that provide information during ground shipments are transforming the way companies do business - and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As these services continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies are using truckload and LTL solutions to power their supply chains.
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