The container market is tightening, and Drayage Is feeling it
Truckload isn’t the only market getting tighter. Ocean container volumes are climbing at the same time, and that’s putting real pressure on drayage capacity at ports across the country. Imports are at year-to-date highs US container imports hit a YTD high in June. Descartes reports inbound volume was up 8.2% year-over-year, with China driving most […]
What lululemon’s Distribution Team Actually Looks For in a Carrier
Insights from Los Mejia, Director of Distribution Operations at lululemon When you’re moving millions of dollars of product a week out of a single distribution center, “cheapest carrier wins” stops being a strategy pretty fast. Los Mejia, Director of Distribution Operations at lululemon’s Columbus, Ohio DC, has spent nearly 25 years in supply chain — […]
What trend-driven brands actually want from their freight partners
Insights from Cherylann Welch-Frazer, Senior Global Logistics Manager at Tarte Cosmetics When a product goes viral overnight, the logistics team finds out in real time. A single TikTok post has the potential to turn into a supply chain emergency within the hour. For brands whose demand is driven by social media trends, influencer cycles, and […]
AI in Logistics: What freight brokerages should (and maybe shouldn’t) automate
Artificial intelligence is no longer a “future of freight” conversation. It’s already reshaping how brokerages operate. But the real question isn’t whether to use AI. It’s where and when to use it. On a recent episode of Inside Freight, Fifth Wheel Freight’s VP of Technology Nick Beukema broke down exactly that. The Competitive Edge Is […]
What is Roadcheck Week (aka DOT Blitz Week)?
Every May, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) leads International Roadcheck, which is a 72-hour, high-visibility enforcement initiative where inspectors across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico conduct intensified roadside safety checks on commercial trucks and drivers to enforce compliance with federal safety regulations. This week is also commonly referred to as “Blitz Week.” What it […]
Why Rail Freight is a Smart Alternative when OTR Rates Rise
When over-the-road trucking rates climb, shippers have options. Rail, particularly intermodal freight, offers a cost-stable, high-capacity alternative for the right lanes and freight profiles. Here’s what to know. The impact of rising OTR rates When over-the-road (OTR) rates begin to rise, shippers feel it fast. Fuel increases, tightening capacity, seasonal surges, and broader economic shifts […]
How Top Brokerages Prevent Freight Problems
Freight problems don’t just happen on the road. Many start before a carrier even leaves the loading dock. From paperwork errors to miscommunication or even fraud, the problems can often be traced to systems, processes, and decisions made before and during each shipment. Carrier Verification is a critical first step Top brokerages know that the right carrier is the foundation of every successful shipment, and carrier verification and vetting should […]
Open Deck Shipping Mistakes to Avoid
Open deck shipping demands accuracy, foresight, and coordination at every stage of the move. What may seem like minor details such as measurements, equipment, or loading conditions often determine whether a shipment runs smoothly or turns into a costly delay. This article covers the most common open deck shipping mistakes and explains how proactive planning […]
How to Become a Brokerage’s “Go To” Carrier
Every brokerage has their “go to” carriers they call first. These are the partners who remove friction, reduce uncertainty, and execute with consistency. Their needs align directly with the needs of the brokerage, making it a logistical fit on both sides. For example, at FWF, when a shipper requests freight to move from point A […]
Holiday Freight Fraud: How to Avoid & What to Expect
As the holiday season approaches and freight volumes increase, shippers face an even higher risk of fraud. Incidents of fraud are increasing rapidly industry-wide, and risks only increase as we approach the holiday season. Social impersonators often pretend to be carriers, drivers, or brokerage staff. Their goal is to gain access to freight by appearing legitimate in a variety of different […]