The Logistics of Logistics

Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage with Alfonso Quijano Alfonso Quijano and Joe Lynch discuss leveraging automation to build a competitive advantage. The automation that Alfonso discussed is robotic process automation (RPA). In the discussion, Alfonso explains how RPA is not a physical robot, but a bot or technology that processes data and can help companies leverage employee´s performance by road-mapping repetitive task into one single digital organism. About Alfonso Quijano Alfonso Quijano is the CTO at Lean Solutions Group and the COO & Co-founder at Lean Tech. Alfonso is an electronic engineer, full-stack developer, and technology executive focused on the logistics industry. He has led the creation of state-of-the-art technology solutions such as fully automated vehicle access control systems with ALPR. Alfonso is a veteran head software developer knowledgeable in various high and low-level programming environments, IT project manager, and leader of software divisions. He is a versatile engineer with operations experience focused on building highly efficient technology teams and all supporting company departments, including HR, Marketing, Sales, PR, and IT. Alfonso earned an Electronic Engineering degree from the Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla Colombia. About Lean Staffing Solutions Lean Staffing Solutions provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 120 leading 3PLs. To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent, while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce companies need an edge that will help them win. Lean Staffing Solutions is that edge. Lean provides a turnkey solution to staffing challenges using a proven process that will improve profits while reducing employee costs. Lean can deliver on this promise because they are the pioneers in helping U.S. based companies set up satellite offices in Colombia. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 100 satisfied U.S. based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office in Colombia is staffed with highly educated, English speaking professionals trained in your company's processes and systems. The Lean approach is a low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they manage the entire process with their account managers. Lean Staffing Solutions offers a suite of product offerings from traditional staffing to technology, sales, and marketing services. Key Takeaways: Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage Alfonso and his team at Lean Tech are utilizing robotic process automation to help their customers become more competitive. Robotic process automation (RPA) is the use of software with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities to handle high-volume, repeatable tasks that previously required humans to perform. RPA can be used to manage typical emails received by logistics companies including freight quote requests, track & trace, invoicing, etc. RPA can also transfer freight information from emails to other systems like TMS, WMS, ERP, etc. RPA is also being used to automate sales and marketing emails, which is a lower-cost way to grow sales. Using RPA can help logistics and transportation companies to reduce costs, improve efficiency, grow their sales, and ultimately become more competitive. Learn More: Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage Lean Staffing Solutions Alfonso Quijano 3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn

The Basics of Clearing Customs with Christopher Wall Christopher Wall and Joe Lynch discuss the basics of clearing customs. As the founder of a digital customs brokerage, Christopher has a deep understanding of the customs clearing process and some of the associated problems. About Christopher Wall Christopher Wall is the Founder and CEO of Zeus Logics, a next-gen digital customs brokerage platform. Christopher is a serial entrepreneur and investor in the logistics and enterprise software space. Christopher is also a partner at Phoenix Asset Management, a California-based venture capital fund, and software holding company. Previously, Christopher was Director of Technology Investing at Vision Capital Advisors, where he managed principal technology and logistics investing and portfolio workouts/turnarounds at the $1B+ hedge fund. Alongside his investment career, Christopher has had a leadership role at several tech start-ups that ultimately went public (initial public offering) or were successfully acquired. Christopher earned a Bachelor of Economics and Philosophy at Columbia University About Zeus Logics Zeus Logics is a full-service, digital-first customs brokerage platform, enhanced by a suite of global trade management tools. Zeus's mission is to provide the world's best customs brokerage experience by eliminating costly delays and penalties, giving importers visibility into their customs clearance processes, and dramatically reducing the time and effort importers spend managing clearance processes. The Zeus platform: 1. Automates data collection from multiple parties. 2. Stores and organizes all documents in a centralized digital library—not siloed email systems. 3. Provides instant document access to solve customs problems and speed audits. 4. Centralizes all communications in one place, so importers, forwarders, suppliers, and customs brokers can track the whole chain of communication. 5. Provides real-time updates on the status of customs clearances. Key Takeaways: The Basics of Clearing Customs The Customs Process 1. Customer Onboarding Power of Attorney (POA), must be signed by an officer of the company, ID must be verified. If a foreign entity needs to apply for an Importer of Record number. Helps to have information about the types of products being imported. A product database greatly speeds up the process. Bonding, either single entry or annual must be set up. Payment information for customs, either direct via ACh or handled by the broker for a fee. 2. Documentation (when the shipper is ready to import) If shipping by ocean, the customer provides an ISF (f.k.a. 10+2) information at least 24hrs prior to vessel sailing. Name and address of Seller. Name and address of Buyer. EIN, SSN for an individual of Importer of Record number. Name and address of Consignee. Manufacturer or Supplier. Ship to Party. Container Stuffing Location. Consolidator (Stuffer). Commodity and First 6 digits of the Harmonized Tariff. Country of Origin. Bill of Lading Number(s). Commercial Invoice Needs to include INCOTERMS of sale e.g. FOB, DDP date of sale Complete name and address of supplier, importer, and deliver to address A detailed description of goods being imported Price Per Unit Unit of Measure, e.g. cm2 for mirrors, boxes weighing "X", etc The total cost of goods in the currency payment was made Any licenses for goods that have IP e.g. Logo merchandise Provides Packing list, sometimes is done in one doc along with the CI Description of goods Piece count Weights Dimensions Provides Any supporting docs for PGAs, eg. FDA FDA registration # If wood, LACEY act forms (to prevent the import of prohibited plants, endangered species) 3. Broker files the properly formatted information with Customs and PGAs and waits for responses from Customs. 4. Once a shipment is released, duties and fees must be paid via ACH. Common Problems in Clearing Customs Little integration of customs data into the digitalized supply chain. Lack of visibility into customs processes - black hole of customs. Delays caused by hiccups in the customs process generate expenses - typically demurrage. Little to no accountability of service providers. Opaque billing. Learn More: The Basics of Clearing Customs Zeus Logics Christopher Wall Freight Forwarding Basics with Miles Varghese The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn

Making Carrier Relationships More Productive with Noam Frankel Noam Frankel and Joe Lynch discuss making carrier relationships more productive. Noam is a transportation industry veteran who has always advocated for building solid relationships between 3PLs, brokers, and carriers. About Noam Frankel Noam Frankel is the founder and CEO of FreightFriend, a cloud-based truckload procurement platform that helps shippers and brokers build deep carrier relationships and drive digital execution. Noam is a pioneer and innovator, Noam Frankel has spent more than 35 years building operations and technology in the logistics industry, originally as co-founder and COO of American Backhaulers. He later served as VP of Truckload at Echo Global Logistics, where he built their truckload division from the ground up, before founding Optimal Freight brokerage, which he sold to TFI International in 2018. . He has the unique perspective of having served as an executive on both the "industry" and technology sides of logistics. About FreightFriend FreightFriend is a cloud-based, AI-powered truckload procurement solution to help shippers and brokers build carrier relationships and find the right capacity to match to the right freight. The software solutions include a carrier relationship management (CRM) platform, the Capacity Guru dynamic routing guide, and Freight Guru intelligent freight matching. Key Takeaways: Making Carrier Relationships More Productive with Noam Frankel In the podcast interview, Noam described his experience at American Backhaulers, a brokerage that was eventually acquired by C. H. Robison. American Backhaulers was based in Chicago and they pioneered the Chicago model or Split model described in this article by my friend, Kevin Hill: FREIGHT BROKER BUSINESS MODEL: CRADLE TO GRAVE OR THE BUY/SELL MODEL? At American Backhaulers, Noam recognized that carrier sales was one of the keys to success in the brokerage business. With the rise of technology, Noam believes that brokers and 3PLs have forgotten how to develop carrier relationships that maximize the benefits for both carriers and brokers/3PLs. FreightFriend's truckload procurement platform helps shippers and brokers build deep carrier relationships and drive digital execution. Learn More: Noam Frankel FreightFriend The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn

The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse with Jeremy Bodenhamer Jeremy Bodenhamer and Joe Lynch discuss the 5 APIs of the Apocalypse. Jeremy defines APIs and why they are such a powerful force in ecommerce. Jeremy recently wrote a book called Adapt or Die, a book for small and mid-size retailers that want to compete with the ecommerce giants. About Jeremy Bodenhamer Jeremy Bodenhamer is the founder and CEO of ShipHawk. Jeremy is also the bestselling author of Adapt or Die and a leading expert at the intersection of shipping and ecommerce. His articles have been been featured in Inc., TechCrunch, AOL, Fortune, Internet Retailer, and Entrepreneur. Jeremy is a frequent speaker on innovation, technology, and logistics; and was a 2018 Supply Chain & Executive Pro to Know. Jeremy is an active volunteer in the community, an avid Crossfitter, and surfer, and champions a company culture that promotes health, family, and happiness among employees. Jeremey earned a Bachelor of English from Westmont University. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife Bethany who is an educator and youth advocate Bethany Bodenhamer - and their three sons. About ShipHawk ShipHawk is the premier packing and shipping software for ERP connected companies. Most businesses spend a ton of time and money trying to ship orders more efficiently. ShipHawk's shipping software helps automate order fulfillment and eliminate worker decisions so businesses can take control of their warehouse operations. Shippers often experience 5X order throughput and decrease shipping costs without adding headcount. ShipHawk works with high volume retail, wholesale, and ecommerce companies to lower their packing and shipping costs so they can compete on a level playing field with the ecommerce giants. Key Takeaways: The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse API is an abbreviation for an application programming interface. An application programming interface is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other. In other words, an API is the messenger that delivers your request to the provider that you're requesting it from and then delivers the response back to you. APIs are widely used and have made connecting systems much easier, which has enabled the explosive growth of ecommerce. The 5 APIs of the apocalypse are Amazon, Walmart, JD.com, Alibaba, and Shopify. JD.com is China's largest online retailer and its biggest overall retailer, as well as the country's biggest Internet company by revenue. In the podcast interview, Jeremy refers to these industry giants as APIs rather than marketplaces or ecommerce companies because he believes much of their power comes from their ability to connect with consumers everywhere; phones, tablets, computers, cars, Alexa, etc.. Amazon, Walmart, JD.com, and Alibaba are enabling consumers to buy from anywhere and those transactions are built using APIs. Even though Shopify was included on the list, they are different from the other companies because they actually enable small and mid-size companies to become more competitive. Learn More: The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse Adapt or Die (Jeremy's book) Adapt or Die on Amazon Jeremy Bodenhamer ShipHawk The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn

Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment with Cathy Hayward-Hughes and Mike Bradburn Mike Bradburn, Cathy Hayward-Hughes, and Joe Lynch discuss sustainable frozen ecommerce fulfillment. Mike and Cathy are the founders of Crystal Creek Logistics, a fulfillment company that specializes in sustainable frozen ecommerce fulfillment. About Mike Bradburn Michael Bradburn is the Co-founder and Vice President of Crystal Creek Logistics. Mike is forever a resident of the great Pacific Northwest. He has enjoyed an entrepreneurial spirit for most of his adult life and loves challenges. After graduating with a self-designed degree in Business with an emphasis on Advertising, Marketing and Consumer Buying Behavior from Western Washington University in 1982, Mike found his way into the Seafood industry where he marketed pacific coast species of seafood, mostly salmon - nationally and internationally for the better part of 20 years. All the while, Mike would purchase old fixer-upper homes and remarket them – long before it was the chic thing to do! Mike also worked on several of his own real estate projects including building an office and retail complex, 28 luxury condominiums, a mini-storage facility, and a few residential homes. It was between projects in 2007 that a high school buddy suggested they have a beer with another high school buddy who was selling seafood over the internet. Mike was enthralled by this new and (at the time) somewhat unusual venture and sought to pursue this radical new direction full steam ahead. Mike managed to find an experienced and willing business partner in Cathy Hayward-Hughes and thus formed Crystal Creek Logistics to support the very business that his friend had started – and ultimately, many others like it. About Cathy Hayward-Hughes Cathy Hayward-Hughes is the Co-founder and President of Crystal Creek Logistics. Cathy was born into a fishing family in Alaska. She spent her childhood and much of her professional life managing people, originally on processing ships in the Bering Sea, then later in manufacturing. Cathy holds a degree in Industrial Technology from Western Washington University. Cathy worked her way from the open oceans to land-based operations and eventually into internet fulfillment. Her long and varied career includes call center management, operations management, facilities management, packaging design and development, hiring and personnel retention programs, catalog development, production line design, product flow management, inventory management, and turnaround management. In 2008 Cathy, along with her partner Mike, started Crystal Creek Logistics, her own fulfillment company. What began with one client in a small warehouse operation in Ferndale, Washington, quickly expanded to 38 customers in five states with warehouses in Washington, Nebraska, Reno, and Virginia, and Tennessee. Cathy makes her home in Bellingham, Washington. In addition to running a successful business, in her free time, Cathy loves to paint, spend time with her family, and create new communities by renovating old buildings in Mexico. About Crystal Creek Logistics Crystal Creek is a direct-to-consumer fulfillment business that provides shipping for ecommerce retailers across the U.S. and Canada. Crystal Creek expertly ships perishable and non-perishable products at affordable rates. Crystal Creek is committed to successfully customizing and managing every step of the fulfillment process, from receiving orders to warehousing and shipping products. They specialize in transporting frozen food. Their climate-controlled warehouses will store your products until orders are fulfilled and shipped via carriers of your choosing. Crystal Creek also ships frozen orders to Canada for next day delivery, two-day, or ground service. By partnering with Crystal Creek, your company will reduce its operating, overhead, and infrastructure costs; perform efficiently with fewer employees, and let you focus more energy on your business. Crystal Creek is a Certified B-Corporation, which means the company meets higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Crystal Creek Logistics has fulfillment centers in Washington, Nebraska, Nevada, Virginia, and Tennessee. Key Takeaways: Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment Frozen ecommerce fulfillment is the process of receiving, storing, packaging, and shipping orders that need to stay frozen. Frozen ecommerce fulfillment is much more challenging than ecommerce fulfillment because the product must stay below a certain temperature. Because the product (usually food) must maintain a low temperature, dry ice, and or frozen gel packs must be utilized. The longer the transit time, the more dry ice (and cost) is required so shippers must select a fulfillment company close to their customers. Sustainability is the management and coordination of environmental, social, and financial demands and concerns to ensure responsible, ethical, and ongoing success. Crystal Creek Logistics is a Certified B Corporation. B Corporation is a private certification for for-profit companies. B Corp certification is conferred by B Lab, a global nonprofit organization with offices in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. To be granted and to maintain certification, companies must receive a minimum score from an assessment of social and environmental performance. Companies must re-certify every three years to retain B Corporation status. Learn More: Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment Crystal Creek Logistics Cathy Hayward-Hughes Mike Bradburn The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn

Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions with Shanna Greathouse and Tony Nichols Tony Nichols, Shanna Greathouse, and Joe Lynch discuss overcoming supply chain disruptions. Tony and Shanna work at CarrierDirect, a company that specializes in helping companies minimize supply chain risk. About Tony Nichols Tony Nichols is a Vice President in CarrierDirect's Supply Chain Practice. He has over 25 years of experience across all functions of the supply chain and IT in multiple industries including consumer products, life sciences, and industrial manufacturing. Tony earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Purdue University. About Shanna Greathouse Shanna Greathouse is a Senior Business Consultant at CarrierDirect. Shanna has experience in a broad range of industries including oil & gas, health tech, and consumer goods. She has led programs ranging from acquisitions to technology deployment with a strong focus on lean manufacturing and data management. Shanna earned a BA and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University. About CarrierDirect Since 2011 carriers, 3PLs, shippers, and logistics technology vendors have looked to CarrierDirect to deliver the efficiency, strategy, go-to-market plans, and technology that will elevate their business above their competition. CarrierDirect builds organizations and relationships, providing strategy and technology designed to maximize efficiency, reduce cost, and make your business stand out. CarrierDirect advises clients on the elements of their business most vital to success: strategy, organizational structure, compensation, technology, training, recruiting, workflows, processes, and more. CarrierDirect clients include Werner, J.B. Hunt, Covenant, CRST, and FedEx. Key Takeaways: Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions The Causes of Supply Chain Disruptions include: Pandemics like the COVID 19. Natural disasters like forest fires, hurricanes, earthquakes. Socio-political events like trade wars and political upheavals around the world. Rapid changes in consumer buying habits The Supply Chain Disruptions Include: Manufacturing capacity drops and become less efficient Labor shortages and cost increases. Raw material shortages and cost increases. Financial implications Port congestion Trucking capacity falls and costs increase. Final mile capacity demand increases. During the podcast interview, Tony and Shanna shared four (4) strategies for avoiding and or minimizing supply chain disruptions Flip the forecasting narrative. During unprecedented times, historical forecasting is not useful. Consumption-based forecasting and planning, which is demand-driven and based on consumer and customer consumption short-term patterns, is necessary to ensure customer commitments are realized when supply is constrained. Companies will need to implement solutions that give this data in real-time or in the shortest time possible. New partnership opportunities. Distribution center networks have expanded their footprint to allow for more immediacy in stock pulling and decrease time to the consumer. Visibility to data allows companies to work with novel partners including non-historically 3PL partners or competitors to change the distribution network to increase target addressable market and improve last-mile capabilities. More and more companies are looking at building consortiums with other companies to increase capabilities and meet consumer expectations and to be competitive with Amazon and Walmart. Unlock the true costs of goods. By understanding the true costs of goods, both direct and indirect expenses including cost of quality, rework, tariffs, expedited air, and safety stock can uncover overlooked sourcing opportunities that enable resilience and flexibility while reducing overall risk. Digital Twin/Sandbox. By creating one unified system, a holistic duplicate system or "Digital Twin" can be created to serve as a sandbox for scenario analysis. Running supply chain simulations enable a quantitative approach to assess risk. Resiliency modeling and can address key supply chain issues. CarrierDirect recently published a white paper, Data Transparency that contains additional strategies for assessing risk and overcoming supply chain disruptions. Learn More: Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions Tony Nichols Shanna Greathouse Data Transparency - The Foundation of Modern Business Request a Free Consultation The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn

The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins Bob Elkins and Joe Lynch discuss the basics of dedicated contract carriage. As the SVP of Ruan, a company that specializes in dedicated, Bob has a deep understanding of the service and the value it provides to shippers. About Bob Elkins Bob Elkins serves Ruan as Senior Vice President, Industry Vertical Operations. Bob has almost 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, including global account management, operations leadership and commercial services. Prior to joining Ruan, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dedicated Services, Logistics, and first-to-final mile for Schneider National. Bob also served in the United States Army 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), and early on in his transportation career he was an owner-operator of a small trucking company. About Ruan Founded in 1932, Ruan is a family-owned transportation company providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. With more than 85 years of transportation experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation service companies in the country. The company operates in 48 states, employs over 6,000 team members, and has more than 300 locations nationwide. Key Takeaways: The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage Dedicated contract carriage (DCC) is a third-party service that provides dedicated equipment (vehicles) and drivers to a single customer for its exclusive use on a contractual basis. DCC is a flexible service that offers all the service advantages of a private fleet and the convenience of a for-hire carrier. DCC in a sense outsources many of the challenging functions associated with managing a fleet. Services and materials provided may include but are not limited to ongoing operations management, technology, drivers, vehicles, vehicle maintenance, safety, regulatory compliance, risk management, and pickup and delivery instructions. Shippers who previously depended on carriers, 3PLs, and brokers switch to DCC to gain additional control, avoid price fluctuations and disruptions in the trucking market. Additionally, these shippers switch to DCC because they want the truck and driver branding that comes with a private fleet without the hassles of managing one. Shippers who previously owned their own fleet switch to DCC so they can focus on their core competencies and business. Companies that provide DCC, like Ruan are much better suited to manage the ongoing driver training, compliance and management. Additionally, the DCC provider is responsible for investing in new equipment, technology and ongoing maintenance. With dedicated contract carriage, shippers gain a transportation solution that functions as an extension of their supply chain. The tractors and trailers are often branded with the customer's company logo and image. Driver uniforms also reflect the customer's brand. The advantages of dedicated contract carriage include: improved on-time performance and service along with reduced cost and hassle. Learn More: The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage Bob Elkins Ruan Ruan - Red Magazine White Paper - Five Lingering Headaches to Address for Healthier Supply Chain in 2021 The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn

Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication with Mitch Violett Mitch Violett and Joe Lynch discuss why tech is the game changer for truckload communication. In his role as Principal Product Manager at Convoy, Mitch develops solutions that streamline the shipping process and improve communication. About Mitch Violett Mitch Violett is a Principal Product Manager at Convoy focused on building products to increase the efficiency of delivering freight and improve the experience for everyone involved. Prior to joining Convoy, Mitch worked in a variety of product and engineering leadership roles at Amazon, Boeing, and the Department of Defense. Mitch has an MBA from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Montana State University. About Convoy Convoy is the nation's most efficient digital freight network. They move thousands of truckloads around the country each day through an optimized, connected network of carriers, saving money for shippers, increasing earnings for drivers, and eliminating carbon waste for the planet. Convoy uses technology and data to solve problems of waste and inefficiency in the $800B trucking industry, which generates over 72 million metric tons of wasted CO2 emissions from empty trucks. Fortune 500 shippers like Anheuser-Busch, P&G, Niagara, and Unilever trust Convoy to lower costs, increase logistics efficiency, and achieve environmental sustainability targets. Key Takeaways: Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication In the discussion, Mitch describes the communication challenges in the four phases of the shipping process. Mitch also reviewed and discussed ways that many common communication problems can be solved using technology. Technology can be used to automate routine, mundane activities, which frees people up to manage the tasks that require the human touch. Phase 1 - Quoting and Booking Typically in the quoting and booking the shipment phase, the communication involves a lot of back and forth discussion and negotiation. As a digital freight network, Convoy is able to provide an instant guaranteed quote, which greatly reduces the time and hassle. Additionally, Convoy provides an automated quote benchmark, which compares the bid to the market. With the automated quote benchmark, the shipper knows whether the quote provided by Convoy is above or below market rates. Phase 2 - Pre-Transit The pre-transit phase is critically important and is often overlooked. During this phase, appointments and docks are scheduled, which can make the load more attractive (or unattractive if not managed) to partner carriers. The communication during this process varies greatly based on the shipping and receiving locations. The Convoy team meets shippers and receivers where they are, meaning they provide the communication that best works whether it is automation, TMS, email, or phone calls. Phase 3 - In-Transit When the shipment is in-transit the communication challenges vary greatly based on who is moving the freight. For carriers and 3PLs who don't use visibility solutions, the communication is often managed with check calls to the drivers, which is not the most precise way of tracking a shipment. 3PLs often ask drivers to download a tracking app to their phone, but compliance is a problem. Convoy provides powerful incentives, including quick pay without a factoring fee to drivers who use their app. The use of the app along with predictive analytics (AI) enables Convoy to provide true real-time visibility and very accurate ETAs. Phase 4 - Closing out the Shipment After the shipment delivers, there is still a lot of communication that must take place to close out the shipment. Proof of delivery, detention, lumper pay, and unplanned accessorials must be communicated quickly and efficiently to the shipper and receiver. Since documents must sometimes be scanned and emailed, there are delays and errors. Convoy uses its app to automatically record, communicate, and pay detention. Additionally, drivers using the Convoy app must provide the documentation to close out the shipment and get QuickPay. Learn More: Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication Mitch Violett Convoy Promotion - Up to $3K off truckload shipping The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast

Freight Forwarding Basics with Miles Varghese Miles Varghese and Joe Lynch review and discuss freight forwarding basics. A freight forwarder is an agent in the supply chain whose objective is to organize a shipment, acting as the intermediary between the exporter or importer and transportation companies. About Miles Varghese Miles Varghese is the co-founder and CEO of Cargologik, an all-in-one transportation logistics collaboration software developed for freight forwarders. Prior to founding Cargologik, Miles was employee number three leading sales, and go-to-market strategies for Octopi Terminal Operating System (TOS), the first true SaaS TOS in the industry. While at Octopi, Miles traveled around the world, sold to and consulted with terminals, and deployed complex terminal operating systems across five continents, all while building real, human-to-human relationships. Miles is a proud first-generation, Indian-American, modern sales pro turned SaaS leader. Miles is a 2009 grad of Herbert Business School at The University of Miami. About Cargologik Cargologik is a modern, web-based freight collaboration and communication platform that helps independent, small-to-medium-sized, freight forwarders and brokers collaborate, better stay in-sync, and improve operations together with an affordable, digital customer experience. It is a two-sided facing application that sits between the independent forwarder and their small shippers, akin to slack or teams for freight forwarders and their customers. The platform provides automated tracking, document management, alerts to create and add structure to your business, and communication for you and your client. Cargologik is headquartered in Miami, Florida. Key Takeaways: Freight Forwarding Basics The process described below is the freight forward basics from the freight forwarder's perspective. 1. Receive initial quote request. 2. Gather and prep all the key information required to send a quote. 3. Build and share a quote using the best available options. 4. Present and obtain quote confirmation to win business and proceed with booking. 5. Share booking details with clients 6. Coordinating and communicating the movement of cargo and monitoring for exceptions 7. Modify the delivery plan as necessary 8. Confirm delivery, and collect payment Learn More: Miles Varghese Cargologik The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast

Sustainability is a Competitive Advantage with Justin Goldston Justin Goldston and Joe Lynch discuss why sustainability is a competitive advantage. As a professor, advisor, and supply chain practitioner, Justin has helped supply chain and logistics companies gain a competitive advantage through sustainability. About Justin Goldston Justin Goldston, Ph.D., is a Professor of Project and Supply Chain Management at Penn State University where he works closely with The Penn State Sustainability Institute to blend technology into organizational sustainability efforts. Goldston has over 20 years of experience working with organizations worldwide on business performance improvement, organizational change, and enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives. Dr. Goldston is the author of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles on supply chain management and emerging technologies, of Critical Success Factors in ERP Implementations and is a five-time TEDx speaker. Goldston has also led and assisted in the development of Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, and Business Analytics programs at Georgetown University, Texas A&M University, the IUBH University of Applied Sciences in Germany, and North Carolina Wesleyan College. Goldston is also an executive on the International Standards Board at the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA) and has evaluated Doctoral programs for the Department of Higher Education while serving on the Management Advisory Board at various higher education institutions. About Penn State University (PSU) Penn State is a top-ranked research university and Pennsylvania's only land-grant institution founded with a mission of high-quality teaching, expert research, and global service. In addition to its land-grant designation, Penn State is also a designated sea-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant university, one of only four U.S. academic institutions to be a member of all four federal research programs (along with Cornell University, Oregon State University, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa). With total annual enrollment totaling more than 97,500 graduate and undergraduate students and online through World Campus, Penn State is one of the largest universities in the United States and offers more than 160 majors. Key Takeaways: Sustainability is a Competitive Advantage Sustainability focuses on increasing social, economic, and environmental value-added. This is often referred to as the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) or Triple Top Line (TTL). Triple Bottom Line is a method of accounting that measures social and environmental performance in addition to financial results. Also referred to as people, planet, and profit. Triple Bottom Line is a business methodology that aims to reduce waste and negative aspects of business operations. Example: reducing water usage by installing low-flow toilets and sinks in your office. Sustainable Logistics involves examining the ecological, social, and financial impacts of logistics, transportation, and supply chain activities. Assessing inputs and outputs from the value chain: Inputs: trucks, fuel, materials, machines, human resources, etc. Outputs: products and services for customers, value generated, but also pollution and waste. The environmental benefits of sustainable logistics: Improved air quality. Reduction of noise pollution. Conservation of natural resources. Reducing landfill waste. Prevention of harmful emissions. The social benefit of sustainable logistics: Improved job satisfaction. Improved quality procedures. A healthier community. Public relations. Better company culture. Safer work environment. The financial benefit of sustainable logistics: Reduced costs of packaging, labor, fuel, utilities. The marketing benefits of sustainable logistics: New Customers Differentiation in a commoditized market Corporate Social Responsibility Better Public Relations Opportunity for Partnerships Consumers are increasingly buying from companies that demonstrate sustainable business practices. To meet their customer's needs, businesses are beginning to build sustainability into their businesses. Logistics, transportation, and warehousing companies that support companies will soon be expected to incorporate sustainability into their businesses too. Many leaders within the 3PL space are already investing in sustainability because they sense that the market is changing - sustainability is no longer a nice to have, it is a must-have. Learn More: Penn State University - The Sustainability Institute Justin Goldston, PhD Video: Creating Sustainable Supply Chains with Blockchain with Professor Justin Goldston Justin Goldston Ted Talk New School Supply Chain Basics with the Supply Chain Queen, Sheri Hinish The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast