Matthew Wood’s Post

Rise and grind—no days off. The early bird gets the worm. Some of the best freight I’ve booked happened before 08:00, and some of the best carriers I’ve worked with were the ones I talked to before 08:00. #Freight #Logistics #Trucking #SupplyChain

In logistics, you’ve gotta be able to “Pivot”. The carrier will be late, the customer will change the shipment last minute, the dispatcher won’t answer the phone, the driver will get a flat tire—the list goes on. Embrace the unexpected. Be flexible, be creative, and then execute. #Freight #Logistics #Trucking #SupplyChain

This whole Uber freight ordeal that has taken my feed by storm this week... We cannot know exactly how this will affect anyone until we allow some time to pass; time will show us what has transpired and if it was a good move or not for them specifically but for the rest of us freight logistics providers, I do not believe this is good news. They will back solicit, even if they say they wouldn't, they are just too big not to go after your customers, this is just how many of these companies grow, they collect data from smaller businesses and use it to their advantage. What we can do as logistics providers is to give our customers what we believe in and that is a value add that uber and other large providers may not be willing to provide. At the end of the day, control what you can control, focus on your own business and show your customers there is value in using your services over anyone else's. #logistics #freightbroker #trucking

When I first started in freight, I was told that “freight starts at 08:00.” It still seems that way because it’s hard to get in touch with anyone before 08:00 EST. However, most of the great carriers I’ve worked with are the ones who called before 08:00, sometimes even before 07:00. I know not everyone starts right at 08:00, but some days, it sure feels that way. #Freight #Logistics #Trucking #SupplyChain

Some days everything works out fine and shipments deliver as planned. Other days your extremely important truckload of freight for the most important convention of the year tries to deliver outside of business hours which prompts the driver to park it in a yard before moving on to other deliveries causing you delays and stress eating. Guess which one was yesterday. #supplychain #logistics #freight

Friday rant. Let's get the blood pumping! 😊 Nothing like being rushed to pick up, told "FREIGHT IS READY NOW, P/U NOW" bombarded with "ETA? Where's the driver?" just for the freight to indeed not be ready and wait for hours. Isn't the point of having a good relationship with your customers and everyone else to know full details and be transparent with the carriers/driver? Be in contact with shippers and receivers? If you're uncertain, just let us know that. This happens SO OFTEN with expedited shipments/sprinter van loads. Even with knowing its not ready, you're not compensated for time wasted because of the "two free hours" that are demanded. Yes, of course I know there are delays with production, getting freight ready, finalizing paperwork, etc. Communicate that prior as we communicate any delays on route whether getting to P/U or DEL. We get it. If you do this to show them you have capacity that is close and you're loaded with carrier options, just know the waiting game sucks even more so if its rush rush rush for nothing. Then, its FLY to delivery and rush some more. 🛫 How can expedited shipments, be expedited, if it's not expedited everywhere else? It should be THAT much more time-critical and punctual all the way through. #FridayRant #ExpeditedShipments #FreightTalk #Transportation #SprinterVanLoads #Logistics #TimeCritical #GroundFreight

Picture is purely for the attention of the content behind it. Just a friendly reminder to talk to your drivers. I have said this before and I’ll say it again, and stand for it until my last day. Having a real conversation with them vs a transactional conversation could make the difference on their care and delivery of the product your customers trusted in your care. Seriously, ask them how their day is going. Ask them about life… some of them will absolutely talk your ear off, and I’m ok with that if I certainly have the time! I’ve witnessed brokers in large 3PL’s downright yelling at drivers.. in no other industry would this be acceptable behavior. I just don’t understand how anyone could treat someone like that.. especially if you’re requesting their services, with their very expensive equipment, that benefits you..because chances are they’re moving your product for less than their overhead. You need the driver more than they need you. Without the driver… well you dont have business do you? and if my experience on the other side of the fence has taught me some things, it’s that drivers TALK to each other. Do yourself a favor and make friends with your drivers, ESPECIALLY if they are doing YOU the favor of taking that cheap and complicated load off your hands. If your mindset is customer focused and not building the relationships on both sides, in my opinion you’re going to have a bad time. #respectyourdriver #trucking #repsect #logistics #truckdrivers #freight #freightbroker #trucks #logisticssolutions

How do you handle last-minute drops? When drivers call to inform you of breakdowns or delays due to unforeseen issues at previous receivers, what are your recovery methods beyond posting on load boards? Let’s hear your strategies! Happy Monday‼️ #Logistics #Transpotation #Trucking #SuppyChain #Freight #FreightBroker

Sometimes, the perfect carrier for your load isn’t scrolling through the load board. They might be on the road, busy with other deliveries/pickups, or heading back empty, unaware that your shipment is exactly what they need. Meeting the carrier at their level and making it easier to book with you than a load board is essential. #Freight #Logistics #Trucking #SupplyChain

What are the top reasons a carrier will ask for a rate increase? Here are some common ones I hear: - It's (X) amount of miles; I need at least (X) $ per mile. - Fuel is high. - It's raining. - It's a lot of deadhead. - Too heavy. - There's no freight where the load is delivered to. - No reason, just want more $. Curious to hear what everyone else encounters. Any particularly good or bad reasons? #Freight #Logistics #SupplyChain #Trucking