Shipping & Freight News

The current freight market presents a host of challenges for carriers, shippers, and brokers alike. With companies going out of business daily, it’s crucial to understand strategies for sustaining profitability and stability. With careful planning, freight professionals can navigate these turbulent times and emerge with their business intact.

The market downturn has created a tough environment for service providers. Shippers are benefiting from cost savings, while carriers and brokers are struggling to stay afloat. It’s imperative for companies to evaluate their risk exposure and understand their financial health.

“Shippers are kind of reaping the reward right now from a cost savings perspective,” says Glenn Koepke, VP of Enterprise Accounts at Vector. “Service providers, whether asset-light or broker, are just dying to survive to the next day.”

A key strategy for fiscal sustainability is diversifying service offerings. Relying solely on traditional logistics services is not enough in a volatile market. Companies need to explore additional services, such as managed transportation, to spread risk and maintain revenue streams. This diversification helps cushion the impact of market fluctuations and positions companies to capitalize when the market rebounds.

For carriers, relying heavily on the spot market can be detrimental. Companies that built their business models around picking up last-minute loads are finding it hard to survive as first-choice carriers meet demand more consistently. Moving towards a balanced approach that includes both spot and contractual freight can provide more stability and predictability in revenue.

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Transparency and integrity with customers are paramount. Ensuring that customers pay on time and fostering mutually beneficial relationships will pay off when the market recovers. Shippers who exploit current market conditions may face challenges when the market swings back, while those who maintain fair practices will likely benefit from stronger partnerships.

In a deflationary rate market where costs like fuel, insurance, and labor are rising, managing expenses becomes crucial. Companies should evaluate and reduce unnecessary expenses, including real estate, vehicles, and underperforming personnel, without compromising long-term growth. Streamlining operations to increase efficiency is also key. This might involve investing in better technology or refining current processes. Finally, companies should explore new market segments and customer bases to diversify income streams and spread costs across a broader spectrum of business.

Regularly reviewing the profitability of current customers is also essential. It’s important to identify and address any clients that are costing more than they bring in. While it might be tough to “fire” a customer, doing so can lead to better financial health in the long run.

“You need to really review your current customers,” says Joe Lombardo, President and Founder of Ege Avenue Associates. “If a guy is just costing you money and you’re not getting a good return, why would you continue to do business with that person?”

Investing in robust technology solutions, such as advanced Transportation Management Systems (TMS), is another way to significantly enhance operational efficiency. Technology can help automate processes, improve shipment tracking, and provide valuable data analytics, which are all crucial for making informed business decisions.

The trucking industry has seen significant shifts post-COVID. The surge in owner-operators during the pandemic has now stabilized, with many returning to company driver roles. This shift has somewhat eased the driver shortage but has also brought new challenges. The market for drivers remains competitive, and driver wages have increased, making cost management even more critical.

In addition to embracing technology, being fiscally responsible with equipment purchases is vital. Overleveraging on expensive equipment can be a downfall when market conditions tighten. Instead, consider buying well-maintained used equipment and avoiding unnecessary expansion.

The freight industry is cyclical, and while current conditions are challenging, they also present opportunities for those willing to adapt. By diversifying services, managing costs, leveraging technology, and maintaining strong customer relationships, freight professionals can navigate these tough times and emerge stronger when the market rebounds.

For a supply chain partner that is flexible, vigilant, and proactive in addressing operational challenges, trust the 3PL professionals at Triple T Transport. Explore our full range of service offerings designed to help your company weather the challenges of an unpredictable market.