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The USMCA has brought about new opportunities for cross-border trade. Is your organization taking advantage of these changes?

The instability of a global pandemic made it clear that up-to-date technology is required to survive, not just thrive.

Discover the strategies that top performers are leveraging to capitalize on opportunities.

Is it better to be a technology company learning supply chain or a supply chain company learning to adopt technology?

Faster, safer, better — these consumer expectations for e-commerce delivery are driving a speed-focused freight market.

CDLLife President and Owner Travis Overton joins the podcast this week. He reflects on last month’s Turning Point summit in Birmingham as well as the future of digital recruiting.

“A lot of carriers kind of look the other way,” Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle said. “I’ve heard it more times than I can count, ‘They’re a really good driver,’ but upon digging into their history and violations, you may find that they’re in need of some retraining.”

As the push for a more sustainable planet continues to grow stronger, companies across the supply chain will be expected to have a clear plan for cleaning up their operations.

Companies want transparency from their partners, and end consumers want to know exactly when their packages are going to arrive.

IRIS is GEODIS’ eye-in-the-sky ocean and air shipments visibility platform for booking and managing exports in real time.

CarrierHQ offers monthly in-term rate adjustments based on driving data from each truck’s ELD.

Findings from a recent Spireon white paper survey, conducted in conjunction with FreightWaves, found that about 40% of carriers reported losing more than $500 per trailer per week in detention costs.

The convenience of GPS often overshadows its flaws. Double-check your route with the hard facts of a map.

Food service providers can expect to be extremely busy as COVID-19 fears subside.

Yard tractors are often found in ports, like this one in Port Houston, but fleets, warehouses and distribution centers are typical users of the vehicles. Anytime a driver is using a yard tractor, it presents a safety risk, so even though it may not be going onto public roadways, driver training is critical to ensure safe operation. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Leaders in logistics are investing in data science disciplines to make smarter decisions and accelerate business goals.

Reliance Partners Director of Safety Robert Kaferle makes it clear that safety consulting in most cases helps rather than hurts premiums.

One works inside your system while the other works as an outside guest user.

Nearly 25 years to the day of his accident, Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels recalls the crash that altered his driving habits and the emotional scars that it left on those affected.

Historically, digital platforms and transportation management systems (TMS) have largely existed in their own, individual spaces. Now, platform integrations are taking center stage.

CFO Thom Albrecht doesn’t think the lumber shortage has been “that big of a deal” for flatbed carriers.

Turning to younger drivers may be the key to assuring the success of the next generation of truckers.

DCSA is working on two key standards that will help improve visibility for shippers in the future.

Compliance reviews can catch any motor carrier off guard. Reliance Partners’ John Seidl encourages participation in mock audits to reveal and correct violations before the federal government does.

With the Canadian ELD mandate going into effect on June 12, fleets operating in that country need to know the key differences from U.S. regulations and whether they have a compliant device.

The cyberattack that temporarily shut down the Colonial Pipeline this month serves as a stark reminder that all industries are prone to security threats.

How brokers and logistics providers choose to navigate the current capacity crunch will affect both their own chances of success and their relationships with their carrier partners for years to come.

“One click is all that’s required to buy the coverage needed for a load,” said Micah Keith, Reliance Partners’ senior director of sales. Securing shipper’s interest coverage has never been easier.

Don’t fall victim to the common pitfalls that create these gaps. Instead, develop a business continuity strategy to secure extra capacity.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels and Mark Barlar speak from their driver and State Patrol experience on the dangers that speed, distractions and fatigue present in construction zones.

There may not be an end in sight for the driver shortage, but holistic supply chain solutions are well-positioned to help shippers and carriers alike weather the storm.

Are you ready for next week’s International Roadcheck? Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels offers some tips to remain violation free.

Hunker down once more; things appear to be heating up for LTL demand heading into the summer months.

Carriers continue to face fines and out-of-service violations because they don’t understand the difference between intrastate and interstate operating authority.

In the past year, digital financial technology quickly went from “nice to have” to an integral element of how business is conducted.

Reliance Partners’ Brandon Richards offers those new to the industry advice on auto liability policies — a prerequisite for every motor carrier.

A good truckload provider will have a strong network and the ability to leverage multiple modes.

Reliance Partners’ Thom Albrecht comments on the industry’s recovery efforts and job growth figures, as well as his thoughts on increasing driver pay.

As telematics technology continues to evolve, ConMet is poised to stay on the cutting edge of intelligence and data science in the commercial vehicle industry.

Reliance Partners’ Kelly Teg and Arvin Castellanos detail the insurance basics of intermodal freight.

Not being limited to the modes of a particular carrier or their own private fleet, a business can access more available capacity in the market.

Mercado Labs connects, organizes and optimizes international supply chains, bringing order to the complex and monthslong importing process. End-to-end visibility is table stakes for an agile, efficient and resilient supply chain.

The driver shortage, while not a new problem, requires new approaches to resolve.

Trucking’s ever-changing demographics make the thoughts and opinions of minority drivers increasingly an invaluable asset.

Drivers often take the blame for roadside violations, but remaining in compliance with regulations is a team effort that includes maintenance personnel and safety operations in a fleet.

The rate of technological advancement makes it nearly impossible to rely on in-house developers for every new feature. How do you choose the right third-party partner?

Being a diversified strategic partner is essentially the holy grail of long-term partnership and relationship success.

As International Roadcheck 2021 quickly approaches, truck drivers need to prepare for the inspection process. Here are five tips J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. recommend drivers follow to make the process easier.

Recruiters are pulling out all the stops to attract and retain top truck drivers and carriers are turning to Stay Metrics & Tenstreet for help.

Sahej Singh steps through Reliance Partners’ usage-based and API insurance offerings for the transportation and logistics industry.

“Take some time each week to clean out the cab, and stay on top of it, just like you would your house. It’s a healthier atmosphere to be in if it’s clean,” says Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels.

In an environment as hands-on as trucking, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds can prove challenging.

“A lot of truck drivers, just like law enforcement, don’t understand that girls in these types of situations are usually not there by their own will; there’s usually someone else behind the scenes compelling them to do it,” said Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar.

In light of recent wind-related accidents, Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels advises truckers to check their weight, slow down and monitor weather reports before hitting the road.

Competitive rates will convince a carrier to pick up a load, but the right combination of relationship and convenience will keep them coming back to the same broker over and over.

Mark Vickers of Reliance Partners warns transportation providers of Mexico’s eye-opening insurance regulations, which he compares to the “Wild West.”

Trucking fleets that conduct only yearly reviews of driver records may miss signs of risky driver behavior that ultimately could put lives in jeopardy.

Consumer Brands Association study calls for establishing a federal Office of Supply Chain to coordinate public-private strategies.

On Wednesday, the company reported Q4 earnings and 208% of year-over-year growth.

It’s hard to predict when and where ice will strike, but the magnitude of such events can be mitigated. Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels explains why it’s imperative that drivers slow down and increase their following distance during adverse conditions.

Reliance Partners announced Wednesday it has acquired Borderless Coverage, an insurance agency focused on the U.S.-Mexico commercial transportation and logistics industries.

When it comes to risk mitigation, due diligence of the carriers you broker to is just as important to having the right insurance policies.

The most fundamental difference between real-time pricing and spot pricing is that one is by design and the other is by mistake.

Reliance Partners’ Jordan Chastain suggests spending more time with a motor carrier before jumping into the world of independent driving.

Compliance with record-keeping regulations is a time-consuming task that can easily fall through the cracks as busy fleet executives focus on day-to-day tasks.

Reliability in container shipping depends on visibility. Cargo shippers should encourage their carriers and service providers to adopt standards that ensure consistent data and timely exception handling across carriers.

Although it took several years for Epay to gain traction in the market and become profitable, the general consensus among brokers who used it to manage carrier payables was, they wanted it to do more.

Slips, trips and falls can bring about lifelong injuries for truckers, but thankfully, they’re easily preventable. Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels details basic safety tips around the truck and trailer.

In 2021, you do not just need to offer a solution; you need to offer a smart solution.

NYSHEX aims to eliminate ambiguity from containerized freight contracts. ‘We make it crystal clear exactly what the carriers and shippers are going to do.’

Reliance Partners’ John Seidl explains that managers can avoid pestering drivers for their signatures altogether by simply using limited queries for their annual Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse checks.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels fears that relaxed regulations may result in an uptick in CDL fraud in driver schools.

“Tai reduces the number of clicks needed to run your operation,” said Tai Software’s Vice President of Sales Sean McGillicuddy. “We’re providing brokers a centralized platform for everything that they do.”

The partnership will help “transform” the food supply chain with better, faster data, Lineage says.

Driver hiring is the first step in building a safer fleet. A simple five-step approach ensures this process is conducted properly and the drivers you hire represent the least amount of risk.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels explains that driver trainers should be everything from instructor and mentor to trainer, psychologist and friend to their students.

OneRail eliminates friction from the final mile by reducing fulfillment operation costs and increasing delivery speed. Its courier network of 4.5 million drivers reaches virtually every market from coast to coast.

Small and midsize companies – brokers and carriers alike – often wait to adopt new technologies. They are being eclipsed by both larger companies and their less risk-averse peers.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels demonstrates how to chain up when winter weather strikes.

As trucking fleets reassess their safety programs for 2021 and the post-pandemic world, here are five steps they can take to reduce their risk exposure.

“It’s pretty attractive compared to factoring as an alternative,” said Wolfe. “There’s no chargebacks.

If visibility has moved from perk to table stakes, what exactly is “the next big thing” now? What innovative technology can companies adopt to help them stand out among their competitors?

Early signs about the end of tight capacity begin to surface.

Bill Freidel of AIT Worldwide Logistics expects 2021 to be another challenging year for freight as the COVID-19 vaccine is prepped for release. He encourages logistics companies to invest in cold-chain technologies and continue to meet customer expectations.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels says, “Communication between a driver and their fleet manager or safety department should be an open line for expressing what you want from them, but also what should they expect from you?”

E-log violations during roadside inspections and compliance reviews can add up to thousands of dollars in penalties for carriers. Knowing the most common violations is the first step to avoiding these penalties.

Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar details the steps drivers should take to mitigate the risk of igniting a cargo tank disaster.

Without truck drivers working tirelessly in the days and weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, stores shelves would be barren.

Reliance Partners’ Nicole Guinn explains why you should never allow police to make towing arrangements on your behalf and the benefits of rental reimbursement coverage.

Although the pandemic has forced cutbacks in many areas, safety shouldn’t be one of them. In fact, fleets should invest more in safety compliance. Start by hiring a safety manager.

Dooner and The Dude talk risk management with Travelers and learn how Pfizer hopes to change the world with its COVID vaccine

Runaway truck ramps are a trucker’s last resort. Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels reminds truckers that the best way to tackle the downhill drive is through preventative maintenance, obeying road signage and simply taking things slow.

Before COVID-19, demand for supply chain talent, especially truck drivers, was at an all-time high, outstripping supply and creating major worries for companies across all industries.

Reliance Partners’ John Seidl touts the importance of understanding queries and advises drivers to steer clear of marijuana, regardless of what California or Colorado permits.

The road to success is paved with digital tools and technological adoption.

Life on the road isn’t for everyone — including dogs. Truckers should ask themselves whether their furry friend will enjoy life on the go.

“Software platforms are no longer a luxury use, it’s a necessity,” said UTECH President and CEO Yuriy Nekrasov. “Carriers can no longer afford to wait before implementing technology.”

Ransomware attacks have risen during the pandemic. Reliance Partners’ Jamie Cannon details how to protect your company immediately after an attack.

Having the right technology and technology partner increases business intelligence that can help shippers navigate uncertain times.

“The best way for drivers to protect themselves and their cargo is to always pay attention to where you are, what’s going on around you and ask yourself if your parking arrangement is as safe as you can make it,” said Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels.