As the industry recovers, keeping a “do more with less” mindset can enhance a company’s growth and help it prepare for the next downturn.

Shared warehousing, distribution and fulfillment services are making it possible for companies to adapt to fluctuations in demand, providing the same functional benefits of an owned warehouse, distribution or fulfillment center without the upfront investment and risk.

Voltera is removing obstacles to electrification for fleets by reducing the risks of developing and operating charging sites.

Echo Global Logistics leverages a variety of intelligence capabilities to provide shippers and carriers with solutions that meet them where they are in their technology adoption journeys.

Augmenting a carrier staff with state and federal regulatory experts can help an organization exceed the minimum recordkeeping requirements, which can reduce the risk of a negligent hiring claim.

Because of the freight boom in recent years, many smaller carriers, especially those that were new entrants to the industry, fell into unsafe practices.

On this episode of DriverReach’s Taking The Hire Road, guest host Leah Shaver, president and CEO of the National Transportation Institute, chats with Beth Potratz, founder, president and CEO of Drive My Way.

Shippers and logistics service providers want and need to proactively manage their customers’ shipments, ensuring they keep cadence in line with delivery expectations. When something goes wrong in transit, this demands quick, timely notification from carriers so they can proactively reset expectations or enact contingency plans.

Freight broker and carrier agents at PFQ Companies — carriers Pioneer Transport, Falcon Transport, Quaker Transport and brokerage Quaker Transportation — are thriving, having built businesses able to withstand market highs and lows.

“When you see fleets double in size in a very short period of time, typically they haven’t grown on the inside as well as the outside, and that’s a very dangerous combination,” Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels said.

On this episode of Taking The Hire Road, Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach, is joined by a great industry friend and partner, Max Farrell, co-founder and CEO of WorkHound.

The impacts of double brokering are felt by carriers and brokers alike, disrupting operations and causing financial and liability risks for everyone involved.

Averitt is well positioned to be a shipper’s comprehensive transportation and logistics solutions provider with a gamut of services including port drayage, distribution and fulfillment, truckload, LTL, cross-border and nearshoring logistics, and final-mile transport.

Reliance Partners brings per-load Shipper’s Interest coverage to freight brokers and carriers to their TMS, providing protection on cross-border, international, LTL and high-value shipments.

In this week’s episode of Taking The Hire Road, Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach, is joined by a great industry friend, Michael Precia, the CEO and president of fleet safety and risk management system Fleetworthy Solutions.

An integration among Reliance Partners, Loadsure and McLeod lets asset-based motor carriers and freight brokers obtain A-rated all-risk cargo insurance on a per-load basis directly from their TMS.

Uber Freight Exchange is designed to unlock operational efficiencies and compress the time it takes to procure, eliminating the back-and-forth of traditional mini-bids by bringing the process onto one single tool.

The NMFTA’s Digital Solutions Conference on Cybersecurity attendees will hear from professionals on the leading edge of the cybersecurity industry, ranging from industry practitioners to representatives from government entities and thought leaders in academia.

Over the past two years, cyber liability insurance has become an important strategy for many freight brokers as they’ve recognized the importance of having a plan to fall back on.

Ditat TMS carriers and Blue Yonder shippers can enjoy the benefits of a contract model within a spot market-like scenario thanks to their recent integration.

International 3PL Iron Mountain can help organizations set up a distribution or fulfillment function in a new market in just 30 to 60 days.

While AI has the potential to prevent accidents, it can only deliver on its potential if it’s consistent and accurate.

“Violations could indicate that you don’t have sufficient safety management controls,” said Rick Malchow, industry business adviser at J. J. Keller & Associates Inc.

During the NMFTA’s cybersecurity webinar, Guidacent CISO Drew Williams discussed ransomware’s toll on the trucking industry — and what carriers can do to protect themselves.

Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar shares what carriers and drivers should know before they submit their first DataQs request.

Gary Langston, president of the Indiana Motor Truck Association, joins Taking The Hire Road to discuss advocacy and the next generation of leaders in the industry.

“I understand that there are times the phone can’t be answered or there are other priorities pulling dispatchers away, but try to keep communication open,” Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels said.

Evan Shelley, the co-founder and CEO of Truck Parking Club, joins Taking The Hire Road to share how his company is solving the lack of truck driver parking with an app.

Shannon Currier of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund joins Taking The Hire Road to discuss how the organization is giving help and hope to drivers and their families when they need it the most.

During the NMFTA’s monthly webinar, Perygee’s CEO shares how properly tracking little data helps transportation companies leverage big data insights across their organization.

Reliance Partners’ Borderless Coverage program provides shippers and logistics service providers of all sizes with coverage from the moment of pickup in the U.S. to final delivery in Mexico.

Jim Ward, president of the Truckload Carriers Association, joins Taking The Hire Road to discuss how the organization is elevating the industry.

As the market continues to challenge brokers and carriers alike, freight agents need an organization to call home that allows them to advance their business. TAB provides that – — as evidenced by its 40% year-over-year growth for the past seven years that continues today.

“We’re constantly in touch with customers to make sure services and standards are met,” said Sam Burkhan, CEO and co-founder of ITF Group.

Since the closure of the third-largest LTL carrier, Averitt Express has seen an influx of 2,000 daily shipments — and hasn’t missed a beat.

Doug Marcello joins Taking The Hire Road to discuss the trend of nuclear verdicts in the trucking industry.

Lean Solutions Group’s workforce analytics services let an organization know if what it is doing is driving a better experience and greater efficiency for improved customer relationships and lower costs.

Ditat is planning to roll out its new user interface, which will improve the overall appearance of its TMS, making it more mobile-friendly.

“Almost all breaches end in a lawsuit. On average, those lawsuits are upwards of $10 million per company just to get back on your feet,” said the NMFTA’s Antwan Banks.

“I believe what we basically had in the supply chain was a reset, an unfortunate reset, due to the overstocking. I think, in all areas, we’re kind of close to the end of that,” said John Vaccaro, PalletTrader CEO and founder.

Like all technology, ELDs can malfunction. When that happens, drivers need to know what to do to stay compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

R.E. Garrison’s executive director of safety and HR joins Taking The Hire Road to discuss the company’s driver-first mindset.

“Leadership has got to make sure they have the right information, as well as the right driver at the right time for the right reason,” said Lytx’s Jeff Martin.

“Part of what worries us about trucks, in particular, is that the truck vehicle networks weren’t really designed to be put on the internet,” said NMFTA’s Ben Gardiner.

When drivers are recognized for their hard work, they’re more likely to feel satisfaction at their jobs, and it gives them a reason to work toward company goals.

“Poor CSA scores can lead to warning letters from the FMCSA, more inspections, higher insurance rates and negative publicity,” said J. J. Keller & Associate Inc.’s Josh Lovan.

Transportation spend optimization is a shipper’s secret weapon to transform its spend management process, improve inefficiencies, and reduce complexities and operational risk.

Over 57% of roadside inspections result in at least one violation. Reliance Partners’ director of DOT regulatory compliance shares regulations that drivers and carriers commonly overlook.

Reliance Partners’ VP of risk services breaks down what motor carriers need to know about FMCSA safety ratings.

Electrification isn’t possible without infrastructure to support it. Voltera is transforming the transportation industry by helping fleets access EV charging infrastructure.

Internet-connected devices commonly used in the trucking industry can pose security risks, providing hackers entry points to access sensitive information within your organization.

While carriers are usually responsible for paying for claims, claim disputes burden freight brokers with more work — and they might end up footing the bill due to coverage gaps. Reliance Partners can help.

Idelic’s founder joins Taking The Hire Road to discuss how machine learning is helping companies predict crash risk and effectively coach the right drivers.

o prepare for a compliance review, motor carriers should rely on the expertise of a third-party expert that understands the nuances of how FMCSA determines safety ratings.

Groendyke Transportation’s recruiting manager shares how embracing change has helped the company grow.

The VP of safety at Reliance Partners joined Dooner during Monday’s episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? to discuss trends that could be contributing to crash fatalities.

“People that are integrating with AI will be able to significantly save money and move ahead of others that are not looking at AI as a promising tool for the industry,” Ezlogz CEO CJ Karman said.

Ditat helps Artur Express grow revenue by bringing its detention-monitoring and management capabilities into real time.

“There’s a disconnect between what I think employers think they’re saying to drivers versus what drivers are seeing and feeling,” said Seiza’s Ron Yazzetti.

Uber Freight’s Market Access is an AI-powered algorithm that gives shippers transparent freight pricing and greater control over their procurement stipulations.

With offerings like its Clean Advantage Card and Fuelman Mastercard with EV payment capabilities, Fuelman is anticipating the current and upcoming expense management needs of fleet managers as they begin their electrification transition.

Tomorrow.io’s satellite constellation will transmit near-real-time scans of precipitation, ocean and atmospheric profiles for any point on Earth.

J. J. Keller advises that with on-site investigations and fines growing, carriers should focus efforts on compliance and record management.

Reliance Partners’ Kevin Dupree sheds light on what underwriters look for when determining a company’s or driver’s insurance risk.

During NMFTA’s June webinar, IT professional Chloe Callahan shares how industrial control systems are applicable to the trucking industry.

Roadmaster Drivers School President Brad Ball joins Taking the Hire Road to discuss the importance of bringing new drivers to the industry.

Jennifer Hedrick, the new president and CEO of Women in Trucking, speaks on the association’s efforts to advance women’s presence in the transportation industry.

“Unfortunately there are still drivers on the road that give the rest a bad name. We’re as an industry looking to change that perception,” Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle said.

Descartes MacroPoint’s ocean visibility product brings data together in an accessible way that previously was not possible, providing transparency into data and locations during the whole ocean shipping process.

Nussbaum Transportation’s chief administrative officer joins Taking The Hire Road to discuss how the company’s investment in its people is critical to its culture and success.

As the transportation industry continues to adopt more vehicle and internal technologies considered hackable, the importance of penetration testing takes center stage.

Freight brokers can “increase their capacity by managing their own dedicated pool of leased trailers,” said Graham Gonzales, vice president of strategic accounts at Reliance Partners. Reliance is America’s fastest growing and most diverse insurance brokerage with a sole focus on the transportation space, specializing in annual and usage-based solutions.

The potential for higher pay and less idle time is appealing. However, constantly sharing a confined space with another person doesn’t work for everyone.

“When appropriately managed, your records not only show who your drivers and employees are, but also that they are trained, qualified, properly taxed and work within the limits of the law,” said Daren Hansen of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. broke down what businesses need to know about the MCS-150, its common challenges and how to stay compliant.

Reliance Partners’ CFO, Thomas Albrecht, warns about the underestimated impact of the ongoing bank crisis on the freight community. Discover how loan activity, interest rates, and funding for truckers and carriers may be affected.

“Ditat allows us to see the full picture immediately, and if detailed information is required we can pull the required reports and dissect it further,” Silver Trucking’s Behaija Dzananovic said.

“Some companies, not all, are willing to roll the dice on things like safety and maintenance to try to save money. But, when it comes to safety, neglecting small things can turn into big things,” Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels said.

Kodiak has taken big steps along its commercialization journey with new carrier partnerships and advancements in its self-driving trucking technology.

“Although the U.S. supply chain is not having the issues that occurred over the last two years, many of the underlying problems remain,” said Cornerstone Systems’ Guy Wallace.

In just a few weeks, law enforcement personnel across North America will be posted at roads, weigh stations and designated inspection areas to conduct thousands of inspections during CVSA’s 2023 International Roadcheck.

“There have been companies that have introduced [dashcams] with great success and haven’t lost any drivers at all, and then there are other companies that have lost quite a few drivers because of it,” Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels said.

Cargo insurance is vital protection for carriers, but preventing damages in the first place, like these tips from Reliance Partners, can help them avoid cash payouts and maintain trust with shippers and customers.

“If there comes a time when you have a crash and attorneys or law enforcement start digging into your records and find falsifications, it’s all going to come to the surface,” said Brian Runnels, vice president of safety at Reliance Partners.

“We think about these investments as long term. We’re not making them for the next few quarters, we’re making them for the next few years and beyond,” said XPO’s Ali Faghri.

When John heard his trailer was missing, he was able to track the stolen property using his LandAirSea GPS and lead authorities to the thief. He saved the trailer, $300,000 worth of material and likely his reputation with his customer.

“Our growth and potential were being hindered by manual processes and limited visibility into workflows,” US Cargo Brokers founder Adam Konopko said. “After adopting Ditat’s TMS, US Cargo experienced a complete transformation.”

Does your business distinguish the difference between policy and guidance? Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels explains why it should.

Are you Roadcheck ready? If not, now is the time to prepare. Tom Bray, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. senior business advisor, shares best practices.

The best way to attract and encourage safety practices within an organization begins with a top-down approach, according to Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle.

Do you know what’s on your PSP record? Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar shares insight into the story it tells about a driver, how it informs hiring decisions and what drivers can do about it.

Weather has a significant impact on retailers, but most still rely on manual forecasting. Tomorrow.io’s advanced weather intelligence is changing the game.

By implementing a strong safety and compliance program — like Reliance Partners can help them build — carriers can minimize risk and pay less for insurance.

Adhering to regulations alone is complex in itself, but is it enough for a strong safety program? J. J. Keller & Associates, industry experts in safety and compliance guidance, don’t think so.

The once zero-point violation could cost carriers at least three points in a roadside inspection and potentially many more, according to Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar.

In order to remain relevant and endure a soft market in this year’s competitive trucking sphere, fleets must put in the legwork to create a positive driver culture and grow their advantage.

Experts at Conversion Interactive Agency and People. Data. Analytics. (PDA) advise these strategies for reaching candidates where they are and retaining them long term.

“If we take what we’ve learned about compliance over the last 20 years and combine it with the latest technology, it’s possible to speed up the process significantly and make it a better experience for drivers,” Foley and CEO Joel Sitak said.

“It’s possible to be one of the driver’s best allies, and if you have that sort of relationship with your driver, it makes the hard conversations much easier,” Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels said.

Just as the name suggests, Get It There Faster helps shippers easily move LTL ground and air freight, instantly bringing expedited rates to their TMS platforms.