FSC UPDATE – AUGUST/23

Dear Customer,

Beginning August 7th, 2023, our New Fuel Surcharge (FSC), at 39%, will apply to each load pulled by Supra.

Supra National Express, Inc. implemented a new fuel surcharge structure to all drayage shipments in July/2022. The adjustment is made according to the table below. The fuel surcharge is based on the California price per gallon of diesel fuel as stated by the U.S. Department of Energy in their monthly Monday reports.

⇒ https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/

BETWEEN		APPLICABLE FSC%	****	BETWEEN		APPLICABLE FSC%
$2.00	$2.95	20		$5.56	$5.70	41
$2.96	$3.10	21		$5.71	$5.85	42
$3.11	$3.25	22		$5.86	$6.05	43
$3.26	$3.35	23		$6.06	$6.20	44
$3.36	$3.50	24		$6.21	$6.40	45
$3.51	$3.65	25		$6.41	$6.55	46
$3.66	$3.80	26		$6.56	$6.75	47
$3.81	$3.95	27		$6.76	$6.90	48
$3.96	$4.10	28		$6.91	$7.00	49
$4.11	$4.20	29		$7.01	$7.10	50
$4.21	$4.35	30		$7.11	$7.25	51
$4.36	$4.45	31		$7.26	$7.35	52
$4.46	$4.55	32		$7.36	$7.50	53
$4.56	$4.70	33		$7.51	$7.60	54
*$4.71*	*$4.80*	34		$7.61	$7.75	55
$4.81	$4.95	35		$7.76	$7.85	56
$4.96	$5.05	36		$7.86	$8.00	57
$5.06	$5.20	37		$8.01	$8.10	58
$5.21	$5.30	38		$8.11	$8.25	59
*$5.31*	*$5.40*	*⇒ 39 ⇐*		$8.26	$8.40	60
$5.41	$5.55	40		–	–	–

Our FSC will be updated every first Monday of each month and posted on our website: https://www.snecorp.com/blog/

Best regards,

Humberto Linares
Director of Business Development
562.419.4668 | hl@snecorp.com

Posted: 8/11/2023

FSC UPDATE – APRIL/23

Dear Customer,

Beginning April 3rd, 2023, our New Fuel Surcharge (FSC), at 36%, will apply to each load pulled by Supra.

Supra National Express, Inc. implemented a new fuel surcharge structure to all drayage shipments in July. The adjustment is made according to the table below. The fuel surcharge is based on the California price per gallon of diesel fuel as stated by the U.S. Department of Energy in their monthly Monday reports.

You can also check the index at the Federal Energy Department’s website.

BETWEEN		APPLICABLE FSC%	****	BETWEEN		APPLICABLE FSC%
$2.00	$2.95	20		$5.56	$5.70	41
$2.96	$3.10	21		$5.71	$5.85	42
$3.11	$3.25	22		$5.86	$6.05	43
$3.26	$3.35	23		$6.06	$6.20	44
$3.36	$3.50	24		$6.21	$6.40	45
$3.51	$3.65	25		$6.41	$6.55	46
$3.66	$3.80	26		$6.56	$6.75	47
$3.81	$3.95	27		$6.76	$6.90	48
$3.96	$4.10	28		$6.91	$7.00	49
$4.11	$4.20	29		$7.01	$7.10	50
$4.21	$4.35	30		$7.11	$7.25	51
$4.36	$4.45	31		$7.26	$7.35	52
$4.46	$4.55	32		$7.36	$7.50	53
$4.56	$4.70	33		$7.51	$7.60	54
$4.71	$4.80	34		$7.61	$7.75	55
$4.81	$4.95	35		$7.76	$7.85	56
*$4.96*	*$5.05*	*⇒ 36 ⇐*		$7.86	$8.00	57
$5.06	$5.20	37		$8.01	$8.10	58
$5.21	$5.30	38		$8.11	$8.25	59
$5.31	$5.40	39		$8.26	$8.40	60
$5.41	$5.55	40		–	–	–

Our FSC will be updated every first Monday of each month and posted on our website: https://www.snecorp.com/blog/

Best regards,

Humberto Linares
Director of Business Development
562.419.4668 | hl@snecorp.com

Posted: 4/3/2023

FSC UPDATE – MARCH/23

Dear Customer,

Beginning March 6th, 2023, our New Fuel Surcharge (FSC), at 39%, will apply to each load pulled by Supra.

You can also check the index at the Federal Energy Department’s website.

BETWEEN		APPLICABLE FSC%	****	BETWEEN		APPLICABLE FSC%
$2.00	$2.95	20		$5.56	$5.70	41
$2.96	$3.10	21		$5.71	$5.85	42
$3.11	$3.25	22		$5.86	$6.05	43
$3.26	$3.35	23		$6.06	$6.20	44
$3.36	$3.50	24		$6.21	$6.40	45
$3.51	$3.65	25		$6.41	$6.55	46
$3.66	$3.80	26		$6.56	$6.75	47
$3.81	$3.95	27		$6.76	$6.90	48
$3.96	$4.10	28		$6.91	$7.00	49
$4.11	$4.20	29		$7.01	$7.10	50
$4.21	$4.35	30		$7.11	$7.25	51
$4.36	$4.45	31		$7.26	$7.35	52
$4.46	$4.55	32		$7.36	$7.50	53
$4.56	$4.70	33		$7.51	$7.60	54
$4.71	$4.80	34		$7.61	$7.75	55
$4.81	$4.95	35		$7.76	$7.85	56
$4.96	$5.05	36		$7.86	$8.00	57
$5.06	$5.20	37		$8.01	$8.10	58
$5.21	$5.30	38		$8.11	$8.25	59
*$5.31*	*$5.40*	*⇒ 39 ⇐*		$8.26	$8.40	60
$5.41	$5.55	40		–	–	–

Our FSC will be updated every first Monday of each month and posted on our website: https://www.snecorp.com/blog/

Best regards,

Humberto Linares
Director of Business Development
562.419.4668 | hl@snecorp.com

Posted: 3/6/2023

FSC UPDATE – JAN/23

Dear Customer,

Beginning January 3rd, 2023, our New Fuel Surcharge (FSC), at 40%, will apply to each load pulled by Supra.

You can also check the index at the Federal Energy Department’s website.

BETWEEN		APPLICABLE FSC%	****	BETWEEN		APPLICABLE FSC%
$2.00	$2.95	20		$5.56	$5.70	41
$2.96	$3.10	21		$5.71	$5.85	42
$3.11	$3.25	22		$5.86	$6.05	43
$3.26	$3.35	23		$6.06	$6.20	44
$3.36	$3.50	24		$6.21	$6.40	45
$3.51	$3.65	25		$6.41	$6.55	46
$3.66	$3.80	26		$6.56	$6.75	47
$3.81	$3.95	27		$6.76	$6.90	48
$3.96	$4.10	28		$6.91	$7.00	49
$4.11	$4.20	29		$7.01	$7.10	50
$4.21	$4.35	30		$7.11	$7.25	51
$4.36	$4.45	31		$7.26	$7.35	52
$4.46	$4.55	32		$7.36	$7.50	53
$4.56	$4.70	33		$7.51	$7.60	54
$4.71	$4.80	34		$7.61	$7.75	55
$4.81	$4.95	35		$7.76	$7.85	56
$4.96	$5.05	36		$7.86	$8.00	57
$5.06	$5.20	37		$8.01	$8.10	58
$5.21	$5.30	38		$8.11	$8.25	59
$5.31	$5.40	39		$8.26	$8.40	60
*$5.41*	*$5.55*	⇒ 40 ⇐		–	–	–

Our FSC will be updated every first Monday of each month and posted on our website: https://www.snecorp.com/blog/

Best regards,

Humberto Linares
Director of Business Development
562.419.4668 | hl@snecorp.com

Posted: 1/3/2023

How Supply Chain Tech Solves Logistics Scalability Challenges

Supply chain and logistics technology, i.e., logistics tech systems and services, continue to advance and help companies, whether freight forwarders, BCOs or other entities, have an absolute need to do more with less. Fortunately, high tech supply chain software developers are on the track and heading to help companies do more with less. The proper use of supply chain tech reduces confusion and improves operational excellence, but for many, the budgets to build technology in-house are missing. Meanwhile, third-party players, including Supra, are tackling the problem head-on by developing next-generation supply chain technologies, supply chain tech, that will support true optimization and digital transformation, such as DrayMaster and 121 Bermuda.

The answer rests in understanding the inherent challenges of transportation and logistics scalability within an aging tech stack and how innovation can streamline operations.

Limited In-House Resources to Build a High-Tech Supply Chain Industry

Supply chain companies often have limited in-house resources and budgets, making it challenging to build and maintain a next-generation technology stack. To stay competitive in an increasingly digital market, these companies are turning to third-party solutions to help them build and maintain their tech stack. For example, building the technology to reduce waste in drayage might be expensive, but Supra has created 121 Bermuda to support more street-turned containers, reducing delays and streamlining operations.

These solutions can provide access to advanced technology and expertise that may not be available in-house. This can be particularly useful for companies looking to adopt new technologies, such as artificial intelligence or the Internet of Things (IOT), but lack the resources or expertise to do so independently.

Third-party solutions can help supply chain companies save money and reduce risk. Building and maintaining a tech stack can be costly, especially for companies with limited budgets and resources. By turning to third-party solutions, companies can access advanced technology and expertise at a lower cost, as they do not have to invest in developing and maintaining these resources in-house.

Outsourcing some or all of their tech stack reduces the risk of technical failures or delays. Instead, logistics leaders can rely on the expertise and resources of the third-party provider. And in fact, more companies are turning to third-party resources to improve operational excellence. Specifically, a 2021 Gartner survey found that 74% of logistics leaders expect increased spending on outsourced logistics technology. Still, there are other issues that supply chain tech can solve that will enhance scalability throughout any economy.

Logistics Tech Unifies Disparate Data Sources

One major problem that supply chain companies often face is the issue of disparate data sources. Many companies have multiple systems and databases that store different types of information, such as customer, inventory, and container shipping data. These systems may not be connected, making it difficult to get a complete picture of the supply chain and make informed decisions.

Third-party companies can help supply chain companies connect disparate data sources from manufacturing companies through distribution centers and beyond, creating more efficient operations. These companies often offer integration and data management solutions that can bring all a company’s data into a single platform, enabling them to get a holistic view of their supply chain. This can help companies identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies and make informed decisions about optimizing their operations.

By connecting data sources, companies can also gain real-time visibility into their supply chain, which can help them respond quickly to changing customer demand and market conditions. This can enable proper supply chain optimization, as companies can make more informed and strategic decisions about allocating resources and supply chain management.

Poor Communication and Collaboration

Fulfillment centers have also suffered from challenges in communication and collaboration. Poor communication and limited collaboration can also lead to problems managing inbound deliveries and outbound pickups in the yard of a warehouse, particularly for drayage service near major ports of entry. When different parts of the supply chain do not have access to the same information, it can be challenging to coordinate the flow of goods and vehicles in the yard. This can result in missed deliveries, unexpected shortages, and other problems that disrupt the flow of goods and services.

For example, suppose a warehouse manager needs help seeing the status of inbound deliveries. In that case, they need to know when to expect a delivery and when more resources are necessary to unload and process the goods. This can lead to delays and inefficiencies in the warehouse and disruptions to the rest of the supply chain.

Similarly, suppose a warehouse manager needs visibility into the status of outbound pickups. In that case, they may not know when to expect a pickup and may need more resources to load and prepare the goods for shipping. By addressing communication and collaboration issues, companies can improve the management of inbound deliveries and outbound pickups in the yard of a warehouse. That’s also a precursory step toward leveraging cross-docking as well.

Trouble Managing Yard Access With Antiquated Supply Chain Tech

Gate and yard access are additional problems with scalability in the logistics industry. Consider the complexity and demands of the following and how technology could streamline each process for both warehouse operators and trucking companies alike:

Coordinating the flow of vehicles. Ensuring that trucks and other vehicles can enter and exit the warehouse in a timely and efficient manner can be challenging, especially when multiple deliveries and pickups are happening simultaneously. Identifying and tracking each vehicle will go a long way to reducing the confusion of arrivals/departures and avoiding bottlenecks at the dock.
Tracking truck appointment schedules. Keeping track of all the deliveries and pickups coming in and going out of the warehouse can be a complex and time-consuming task. Automated notifications and integrated updating systems can keep everyone informed of yard activities.
Managing security. Ensuring the security of the warehouse is an important responsibility, including managing the gate and the flow of vehicles in and out of the warehouse. Rather than manually sorting through documents, digital systems can identify, verify and authorize entry to a gate automatically, saving tens of thousands of dollars on admin costs alone.
Dealing with unexpected events. There are often unforeseen events that can disrupt the flow of vehicles at the gate, such as weather-related delays or equipment failures. Managing these events and finding ways to minimize their impact on the supply chain can be challenging. Again, freight technology can reorder the schedule and reroute drivers to reduce congestion.

Get on the Fast-Track to the High Tech Supply Chain With Supra

There will always be another disruption around the corner and tightening budgets. However, companies partnering up, developing, and leveraging new supply chain tech will be poised to succeed in 2023 and beyond. It’s time to face and overcome the challenges of logistics scalability by partnering with Supra and our growing suite of logistics technology services.

Get your quote now by trying Supra’s new Online Rate Tool and get your quote within a minute.

Or get in touch with Supra’s Sales Team at (424) 267-1155 or by email: rfp@snecorp.com

What Is Freight Forwarding and How It Benefits From Street Turns

Numerous freight market forecasts call for a continued downturn in 2023. However, the global freight forwarding market is expected to increase and return to pre-pandemic levels, reports SupplyChainBrain. The rebalancing will precipitate new mergers and acquisitions (M&As) throughout the industry, which will further to restore demand for freight forwarding services and asset-based drayage. Still, many underestimate the value of freight forwarding. What is freight forwarding, and what does it have to do with a street turn interchange? Let’s take a closer look at what freight forwarding is and how working with a street turn interchange can help forwarders thrive amid market instability.

What Is Freight Forwarding?

Freight forwarding is an intermediary process between the cargo owner or the company that moves the shipment and the final destination. Forwarders rely on networking contacts and contracts to keep transportation cost-effective and perform both buy and sell functions. Further, forwarders tend to have significant investments in technologies, platforms, and partnerships that help them reduce overhead and streamline operations. The need for cost control is absolute, and for today’s freight forwarders, finding the low-hanging fruit is crucial to surviving this increased era of M&As. Part of that is working with asset-based service providers that develop and leverage next-generation technologies.

For example, Supra is continuing to build new technologies to support asset management and enable carriers of all sizes to participate and stay competitive. As a leader in drayage in San Pedro Bay Complex area, Supra would be an ideal candidate for freight forwarders that want more technology and efficiency.

Now, let’s take the conversation a step further. If freight forwarders can tap the potential to technology, including a street turn interchange, how does that translate into better options for the forwarder?

Increased Fuel Efficiency

Whether handling a Maersk street turn or a CMA street turn, trucking companies and shippers need to utilize every mile on the road fully. The street turn definition is relatively simple. Running trucks without a container and only relying on a fixed network results in lost opportunities for efficiency.

Rather than making endless trips between two points to leave containers at importers or exporters, a street turn interchange means that each trip can continue to pick up another container from an exporter and take it to the next destination or back to the port. This street turn definition is the ultimate value and maximum use of assets possible with the Supra street turn interchange, 121 Bermuda.

Increased Import/Export Throughput

All importers and exporters operate on time-sensitive schedules, and if delays occur, it contributes to increased delays further down the supply chain. Combining imports and exports into a single truck move that involves three parties, instead of relying on two separate trucks to move between the three, eliminates waste and maximizes asset utilization. This is a vital resource for avoiding the buildup of empty containers in third-party yards and docks.

Since the containers are actively moving throughout the street turn interchange, there’s an inherent opportunity to manage costs better. Further, higher container velocity makes it easier to manage operations by reducing the administrative work that goes into paying carriers while also cutting the number of drivers needed in half.

Regulatory Compliance

Freight forwarders love technology, but technology can be confusing. That combined with the growing list of regulations and requirements for operating drayage services and cross-docking capabilities. Forwarders may serve as the importer or exporter of record and handle all customs management needs. These are regulation-intense processes, and each step is almost universally scrutinized. However, using technology to speed up the process and track movements while reducing waste, will go a long way to enabling regulatory compliance. That’s also an important fact as sustainability grows more critical to the cross-global trade network.

Meanwhile, customers want continuous contract flexibility and absolute visibility into every activity. As a result, the technology behind a forwarder’s use of a street turn interchange must be easy-to-navigate and simple to deploy. Such flexibility allows forwarders to scale operations, when necessary, rebalance their networks, and keep freight moving smoothly.

Streamline Freight Forwarding With Supra’s Street Turn Interchange

Freight forwarding will face plenty of challenges in 2023, and rather than trying to manage increasingly complex logistics networks, it’s better to turn to a street turn interchange. The interchange yields significant benefits and will help forwarders simply move goods from port to importers and exporters.

Check out available street turns to get started, and don’t forget to get your quote now by trying Supra’s new Online Rate Tool, DrayMaster, and get your quote within a minute:

Or get in touch with Supra’s Sales Team at (424) 267-1155 or by email: rfp@snecorp.com

Customers Reviews

Here’s what our Customers are saying about us!

	“Supra National Express is the best and most reliable Drayage Partners you will find out there. Customer service is exceptional, communication is precise and nothing short of it. They are a one stop shop providing drayage, yard storage, transload and warehousing for all your needs. Their Team is very professional and always there to assist and provide solutions. We’ve grown our market share due to the great relationship with Supra. Together we win!” – Tony Baron Transportation Sales at CH Robinson Worldwide

	“I would like to thank Supra National Express for their superb customer service and commitment to details. I began using Supra for drayage support out of Southern California in September of this year. They have turned out to be one of the best carriers I have worked with during my 9 years as a Senior Logistics Specialist at Waste Management Recycle America. I look forward to a long, successful relationship and hope they continue to grow. Best of luck, Supra team!” – Bruce Renee Logistics Specialist Sr. at Western Region at Waste Management Recycle America

	“Supra does an excellent job staying on top of containers and terminals. They have the ability to pickup containers any time of the day and really enables us to get our product to customers in a timely manner.” – Mike Mendoza Logistics Manager at Rex Transportation

	“Supra is a great organization. Smooth operation from start to end. Staff is professional and highly skilled. They truly understand our business and always deliver!” – Dawn Vendt Import Manager at Samskip Logistics

	“Supra handled a large portion of our export shipments in California in the last few years. They have been an exceptional service provider for our company. Their team is professional, reliable, and a pleasant to work with. They go above and beyond to provide the flexibility we need. This is especially important during difficult times like last season when we were challenged by port congestion on the West Coast. In addition, they are excellent at communication, providing us timely updates on the status of our shipments and schedule changes. We are always notified immediately when issue arise.” – Veronica Zhu Traffic Manager at Jess Smith and Sons Cotton, INC

	“I have been working with Ana and SUPRA a ton over the past year and I have nothing but great things to say. Time and time again, Ana and her team have shown their professionalism and high service level, allowing me to obtain even more freight from my customers. They are always communicating and are committed to running every single load to the best of their ability. In an ever-changing industry, once thing that remains the same is Supra’s dedication to their customers. I would recommend them to anyone I know, as they have taken great care of me.” – Cole Eglowstein Senior Account Manager at Nolan Transportation Group

	“Supra Logistics level of service and attention to detail sets them apart from other drayage company that we had used before. Supra is very dependable, reliable and extremely valuable to our company. They move our difficult loads like they are nothing. Set a high bar and have been able to continually meet it. I also appreciate their reachability. Whenever you call, you get someone knowledgeable who can help right away. I thank Supra for going above and beyond and for their really clear communication. That’s exactly what we need in a logistics partner.” – Ariel De Los Angeles Operations Manager at JRY Express Inc

	“Supra National Express has excellent service! We’ve used their drayage services for year’s and are very satisfied with customer service! Supra has great service, efficient communication and are customer focused! “ – Lissette Barete, MBA Logistics Office Manager / HR Generalist at Foodlinx Inc

	“Supra is the best trucking company. The customer service is very good. They take our last minute orders and their update is very accurate. The drivers are always on time for appt and work in timely manner. Thank you, Supra!” – Rie Kimura Logistics Coordinator / HR Generalist at Foodlinx Inc

Bulk Loads: Why All Importers Need a Plan for Short-Term Bulk Storage

Importing any item is a complicated endeavor, but as the loads get bigger, so do the complications. Bulk freight shipping requires certain considerations that are outside of typical transport details.

To properly address these heavy complications, importers and logistics managers must proactively contract heavy-hitting transportation teams. Shipper members gain priceless margins amidst rapidly changing supply chain disruptions by contracting with companies that have bulk storage capacity. How? Let’s dive in.

What Are Bulk Loads?

Bulk loads can be a bit confusing. According to Abdul Gafoor on LinkedIn, “bulk cargo is any good shipped unpackaged, not inside pallets or boxes, and in large quantities. The commodities can either be in liquid, granular, or solid form.” These bulk loads are filled with common household commodities, transported within containers or as break bulk. But still, what are the different types of bulk loads?

Free-flowing liquid materials, such as oil, wine, and milk, are among the bulk products that the average American drives next to every day.

The distribution of agricultural commodities, such as rice, wheat, and fertilizer aggregate, are transported in granular dry bulk.

Solid bulk, most commonly described as break bulk, are typically oversized items that cannot be containerized.

Break bulk items can include extra large shipments of drums, crates, and precious metals, or can be large items such as vehicles and airplane wings.

How Does Bulk Freight Shipping Work?

The process of bulk loads starts and ends with the familiar steps of loading and unloading. After the double hulls ensure a safe bulk transport, the carrier members pull the items off for drayage transfer. Once loaded onto a truck approved for the dimensional weight and type of the items, imported bulk loads are taken to bulk storage.

Bulk storage ensures that time and heat-sensitive essential items such as natural gas are not compromised during gaps in the shipment process. After its storage tenure, bulk loads are then picked up by (hopefully) exemplary trucking industry professionals for their long-haul journey. In ideal circumstances, one logistics company can support importers by completing each step of this process in-house.

The Risks of Bulk Cargo and Transportation/Storage

If bulk shipping works the way it is designed to, it is a seamless transfer of commodities from one location to another. However, the nature of items transported on bulk loads maintains a certain level of risk. Raw materials are easily damaged and agricultural products can be quickly compromised by unexpected weather elements. This indicates the need for a trustworthy storage location that can facilitate anything necessary to stabilize these important goods.

Due to the bottlenecked nature of California ports, West Coast importers need to have connections with local drayage companies and bulk storage facilities. Although load boards were created for a reason, they are unreliable for high-priority shipments such as bulk commodity imports. Delayed pickup can quickly accrue detention or demurrage costs since the size of bulk transport containers will always be more obvious than smaller containers that can get forgotten among backed-up ports.

How to Better Plan for Bulk Loads

Shippers and BCOs can’t sleep on their bulk transport plans, even though shipping vessels carry their loads while they sleep. With disruptions around every bend so shippers must consider the following to get the most out of bulk freight shipping.

Know your container or break bulk load’s size and weight.

Track vessel berth and expected release of containers from port.

Have drivers ready to pick up bulk container goods on time.

Shorten the distance between port and bulk cargo storage.

Know what’s happening and when to expect your delivery

Leverage street-turned containers to send empties back when a delivery is made.

Use technology by Supra to do more with less, find loads, and avoid waste.

See How Supra National Express Distribution Can Boost Your Bulk Cargo Storage and Transportation Now.

Because bulk freight shipping is outside of atypical transport sizes, it’s imperative to understand the process and maintain accurate data every step of the way. By partnering with 3PLs and carriers who offer accurate communication, down to a monthly fuel surcharge update, shippers gain what they need to get the job done.

West Coast shippers – Supra is right there! Let us be your West Coast bulk shipping solution, from drayage to short-term storage and more. Start a conversation with Supra National Express today!

Get your quote now by trying Supra’s new Online Rate Tool too!

Or get in touch with Supra’s Sales Team at (424) 267-1155 or by email: rfp@snecorp.com

Benefits of Effective Cross-Docking

Cross-docking is a sure-fire way to leverage efficiency within the supply chain and transportation network, and that’s exceptionally vital as warehousing rates have risen 22% year over year, reports Marketplace. Cross-dock warehouse processes allow companies to distribute goods with much less idle dwell time, but what is cross-docking, and why are more companies looking to take advantage of cross-docking? Let’s start by digging into those specific facts.

What Is Cross-Docking?

Cross-loading is when products are moved directly from the supplier or manufacturer to the customer, without any storage space in between.

Cross-docking takes place in a distribution docking terminal and has become much more common for road and rail distribution. So, what is it? The name implies the overall distribution process- products are received through an inbound dock and then moved across the dock to the outbound delivery dock.

How Cross-Docking Warehouse Processes Benefit the Supply Chain

One of the biggest questions logistics and distributions managers have about this process is how does cross-docking reduce storage and handling costs? There are several critical benefits of cross docking that are worth considering.

Reduced Risk of Damage

With proper cross docking and improved distribution at ports, warehouses, and other hubs, there is a much lower risk of cargo becoming damaged or lost. Fewer times moving on and off trucks and out of containers means less chance for something to go wrong. Also, fewer material handling needs mean less risk for drops! Safer cargo transportation and storage is a significant benefit of cross docking warehouse and distribution services.

Lower Labor Costs

Cross docking also provides a more affordable approach to transportation and distribution costs related to labor. Fewer hands are needed to move and relocate containers, pallets, and boxes means fewer workers and work hours. Paying a driver and one or two handlers is a much more cost-efficient option and is one of the many benefits of this capability.

Lower Storage Costs

When answering the question, what is cross-docking, it is essential to look at the overall costs of storing goods and products with traditional distribution approaches. Every pallet and container unloaded and reloaded must be held somewhere. That costs money and can quickly add up to significant expenses; something that enables efficiency on the dock helps alleviate such higher storage costs.

Ability to Better Use Driver’s Time

Driver shortages are still plaguing the industry, so one of the most significant benefits of this practice today is a better use of driver availability. Rather than spending time moving containers from one location to another and dealing with storage and other logistical issues, cross docking allows drivers to complete loads in one stop rather than two or more.

Faster Transportation

The final perk distribution managers can enjoy with this process is faster overall transportation. Cross-docking warehouses and distribution centers allow cargo to get to the destination quicker. Cross-docking makes a faster, more efficient, and more streamlined approach to distribution and transportation operations possible.

Cost Savings in Outbound Transport

Cross-docking distribution hubs, warehouses, and terminals save time and money right from the start. They are cheaper to build and manage, which means lower costs for importers and a simpler process for everyone involved. The many benefits of moving palletized loads or containers from the inbound dock directly to the outbound dock can have far-reaching impacts for reducing transportation costs and improving efficiency.

Contact Distribution by Supra to leverage Cross-Docking Services and Speed Delivery Times

Cross docking improves overall operations and makes it easier to distribute directly to a customer or retail chain with minimal idle, handling, or storage time. Contact Distribution by Supra today to tap the benefits of cross-docking and beyond. Also, be sure to check out Supra National Express’s New Online Rate Tool, DrayMaster.

What to Look for in a Drayage Trucking Company

There is little doubt after the last few years that truckers are the backbone of the modern shipping and transportation industry. However, without drayage trucking companies, the supply chain would halt. But what is drayage trucking exactly, and what should today’s businesses be looking for in a drayage trucking company? To answer those questions, let’s back up to the data around the trucking industry as a whole. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of April 2022, more than 1.564 million people worked in the Truck Transportation subsector. That is an estimated 7,000 more than just the previous month and an overall jump of 60,000 from the year before. That growth includes drayage carriers and countless drayage trucker independent businesses, and many of these drivers work within the container transport parts of the supply chain. So, understanding how to answer the questions, what is drayage trucking and what is a drayage carrier, is vital to maintaining current levels of growth for drayage drivers.

What Is a Drayage Carrier or Drayage Trucking Company?

A drayage carrier is a sub-classification or branch of the overall trucking company specializing in moving containerized freight. Rather than transporting these containers and goods across large distances, most drayage truck drivers work moving loads in and out of ocean ports or intermodal facilities.

These specialized carriers typically move freight over short distances between facilities and makeup either the first or final leg or larger transports. Many companies today outsource drayage services and work with specialized carriers. Knowing what to look for when choosing a carrier for drayage services is vital for intermodal drayage shipping and distribution.

Always Start With Safety First

Locating the best drayage trucking service providers should start with safety as the number one priority. Companies want to ensure that their drayage truckers are not only experienced with regular shipping protocols and processes but that they are also safe while doing business.

The value of safety-driven drayage carriers is easy to see when one considers the impact poor driving practices can have on the shipping and logistics industry. Increased accidents, poorer vehicle maintenance and management, lost or damaged goods, and many other issues arise when drivers are not adequately trained in safe driving practices.

Evaluate a Drayage Trucking Company’s Capacity

Capacity always matters within the global shipping industry, and drayage trucking plays a significant role in managing this balance. Having a reliable drayage trucker company working alongside shippers and third parties makes it easier to meet fulfillment and capacity needs.

Carefully choosing drayage carriers also helps maintain clearance and adherence to the latest regulations impacting the shipping industry, such as AB5 and other driver-related regulations. The key pieces of drayage transport- quoting, dispatching, billing, logistics management, and customer service are all easier with the right drayage trucking provider.

Commitment to Collaboration and Communication

Like every other branch of shipping and transportation, drayage trucking relies on solid lines of communication and effective data-sharing. It is a team effort between the drayage trucker, carriers, third parties, and customers. This is particularly true when backlogs, delays, and significant disruptions occur.

Looking at the remaining queue lines and delays at ports and how that capacity is better utilized when everything functions as one collaborative unit, it is easy to see the impact drayage carriers can have on the industry. Choosing the wrong one can have far-reaching consequences.

Truck Driver Conditions and Benefits

One issue with the drayage trucking process today is far too many companies outsource all or nearly all of their services. This might seem like a proactive move, and there is nothing wrong with outsourcing when needed. However, strong companies have their own jobs for drayage carriers in-house.

Having drayage truckers that work for the company itself improves communication and response times and ensures drivers are treated fairly and that they have the working conditions they need. Happy drivers are productive drivers, meaning customers are more satisfied with their experience.

Reputation and Delivery History

Finding the right drayage carriers in the industry today is a big task. Looking at a drayage trucking company’s reputation and successful delivery rate can give a clear picture of how well they are performing. It is essential that drayage partners have a proven track record of successful, on-time, in-full deliveries.

While it might save a little money upfront from going with a lesser-known or less reputable carrier or drayage trucker, it will likely cost more in the end in fees, surcharges, penalties, and lost customers. Working with quality carriers and 3PLs is essential to continued success with shipping goods.

Using Top-Quality Technology

How good a drayage trucking company is, comes down to how up-to-date they are with the latest technology and service offerings. The best companies have drayage truckers who use the latest technology to manage tasks and keep up with changing demands and trends.

The best drayage carriers have tapped into the latest digitalization and automation processes and utilize services such as dray power, real-time tracking, and reliable online platforms to keep drayage loads moving. All of this gives shippers instant access to rates, the ability to be more responsive, and spend less time worrying about their freight.

Put Your Drayage Services Concerns at Ease With Supra National Express.

Whether it is locals good, international imports, short-haul drivers, or long-haul treks, drayage trucking companies ensure supplies and materials get to where they need to be. Of all the trucking companies today, drayage truckers are often the most overlooked, with most people thinking about semi-truck drivers on the road for weeks at a time when they think of truckers.

Supra is ready to change that and bring the focus back to quality and excellence with drayage carriers and drayage-focused services.

Get your quote now by trying Supra’s new Online Rate Tool and get your quote within a minute:

Or get in touch with Supra’s Sales Team at (424) 267-1155 or by email: rfp@snecorp.com.

Category: Uncategorized

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What Is Freight Forwarding?

Increased Fuel Efficiency

Increased Import/Export Throughput

Regulatory Compliance

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What Are Bulk Loads?

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What Is Cross-Docking?

How Cross-Docking Warehouse Processes Benefit the Supply Chain

Reduced Risk of Damage

Lower Labor Costs

Lower Storage Costs

Ability to Better Use Driver’s Time

Faster Transportation

Cost Savings in Outbound Transport

Contact Distribution by Supra to leverage Cross-Docking Services and Speed Delivery Times

What Is a Drayage Carrier or Drayage Trucking Company?

Always Start With Safety First

Evaluate a Drayage Trucking Company’s Capacity

Commitment to Collaboration and Communication

Truck Driver Conditions and Benefits

Reputation and Delivery History

Using Top-Quality Technology

Put Your Drayage Services Concerns at Ease With Supra National Express.

Contact Us Today