Freight Shipping

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, it revealed that the global economy had some serious supply chain issues that needed to be addressed. The complexities of modern shipping and logistics became apparent to ordinary consumers, not to mention the businesses that were struggling to meet demand during that tense time. That said, the tools...

The logistics industry serves as the backbone of the global economy, enabling the movement of goods across the planet. And the beating heart of this industry is freight carriers, companies that transport cargo from point A to point B.  For businesses involved in shipping, manufacturing, and supply chain operations, understanding what freight carriers are and...

One of the primary goals of supply chain management is to ensure the seamless flow of goods from suppliers to companies to consumers. Freight in and freight out play a pivotal role in this process. Freight in and freight out are occasionally used interchangeably but there are critical distinctions between the two—and understanding how they...

Approximately 90% of all goods sold fall under the category of freight prior to reaching customers’ hands. That equals an endless number of data points and decisions along supply chains that affect the on-time, on-budget final delivery of each product.  Freight analytics helps businesses cut through the noise. The use of technology, including AI, to...

Freight shipping costs are complex on a standard level — requiring knowledge of certain fees, the time and ability to review contracts, and the wherewithal to negotiate with carriers. But add accessorial charges to that complexity, and shipping costs are enough to overwhelm any shipper.  Accessorial fees are important for shippers to understand so they...

In the United States alone, cargo theft is estimated to cost $15 to $35 billion annually—and it’s on the rise. There was a 46% increase during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. When your shipment hits foreign ports and borders, that potential multiplies. Plus, theft is just one category...

Freight contracts are the foundation of the logistics and transportation sector. They govern every detail of every shipment and protect parties throughout the supply chain. They serve as legal parameters for shipping relationships and payments, and they are fundamental for businesses managing risks and freight costs while ensuring the prompt delivery of goods to global...

The transport of goods for U.S. businesses totaled $1.2 trillion in 2021, including $32.4 billion for ocean freight, $52.7 billion for air, $88.3 billion by rail, and $830.5 billion by road.  How big a slice is freight taking from your company’s budget? On average, transportation comprises 60% of the supply chain dollar. Even if you’re...

If you think your hefty freight costs are doomed to stay sky-high forever, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Freight costs account for up to 10% of total logistics costs. Many businesses assume their freight expenses are pretty much set in stone. However, a few easy adjustments could cut these costs by as much as...

In recent years, the freight and logistics industry has experienced continual and significant fluctuations. The lingering effects of pandemic-era shutdowns and scarcity continue long after the astronomical rates began normalizing again in 2022 and 2023. But, rather than hitting an equilibrium, excess carrier inventory led to continually falling rates throughout the last year, creating an...