The Logistics of Logistics Surviving The LTL Market with Todd Trompeter
Todd Trompeter and Joe Lynch discuss surviving the LTL market. Todd is the Vice President of Logistics Operations for BlueGrace Logistics, a company that offers customizable transportation management solutions as a full-service Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider that helps businesses manage their freight spend through industry leading technology with a large network of established carriers to customers across the country.
About Todd TrompeterTodd Trompeter is the Vice President of Logistics Operations for BlueGrace Logistics overseeing the implementation and operations of the organization's Managed Logistics customers, in turn driving process, strategy and retention for these clients. Trompeter graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Supply Chain Management and began his logistics career working for a small 3PL concentrating in the automotive industry. Working to support Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive customers, Trompeter quickly learned the transportation market and held roles in operations management, procurement, and solutions. He spent many years at mid to large sized 3PL's prior to his move to BlueGrace Logistics. Trompeter resides in Huntington Woods, MI with his wife, three kids and their golden retriever. He enjoys to skiing, playing hockey and attending family sporting events on the weekends
About BlueGrace LogisticsBlueGrace Logistics offers customizable transportation management solutions as a full-service Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider that helps businesses manage their freight spend through industry leading technology with a large network of established carriers to customers across the country. BlueGrace is based in Tampa, FL, where CEO Bobby Harris was named one of Florida's most influential executives in transportation for 2021. With 12 offices located strategically in major transportation hubs across the U.S., BlueGrace serves over 10,000 customers annually through its proprietary technology platform, BlueShip®, that has connectivity with more than 250,000 carrier suppliers. BlueGrace is part of the technology portfolio of Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm.
Key Takeaways: Surviving The LTL Market- Todd Trompeter is the Vice President of Logistics Operations for BlueGrace Logistics, a full-service Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider that helps businesses manage their freight spend.
- In the podcast interview, Todd and Joe discuss surviving the LTL market, which has become very difficult for shippers, carriers, and 3PLs.
- Less-than-Truckload or LTL shipments are palletized or loose shipments weighing between 150 lbs. and 15000 lbs. LTL makes up for the majority of B2B shipments throughout the United States. Many carriers operate LTL Networks that consist of multiple points of consolidation and deconsolidation to complete each shipment.
- Even before these extraordinary times, LTL shipping can be challenging.
- During the pandemic, the LTL carriers have suffered from a severe labor shortage. They are having trouble hiring and retaining drivers, dock workers, operational, and administrative workers.
- As a result of the labor shortage, LTL services are more expensive and service is likely to be spotty.
- LTL carriers are imposing embargoes – not moving freight in lanes where they are behind and or can't provide the proper service.
- To survive the LTL market, Todd suggests that shippers do the following:
- Collaborate with your carriers and 3PL partners who may have ideas and options that you have not considered
- Encourage creativity among your logistics teams and partners
- Utilize new options for moving freight like combining LTL shipments into truckloads, volume LTL shipments, new carriers, etc..
- BlueGrace specializes in LTL freight and has built much of their technology and support systems around the complexity of LTL. Their customer support teams are experts in LTL and understand the most effective options for any type of business.
- Their BlueShip software is free for customers and allows shippers to quote, track or control invoicing of your LTL shipments, while having access to the best nationwide carrier network and rates.