Oct 26, 2023

Food Purchasing Habits at Truck Stops

We surveyed our community of truck drivers to learn about their food purchases at truck stops.

An Overview of Alternative Fuel Trucks and How They Are Revolutionizing the Trucking Industry The trucking industry, which plays a vital role in the global economy in transporting goods across vast distances, is facing a significant challenge. With the rising costs of traditional fuels, insurance and maintenance, the cost of operating a truck is <a href="https://truckingresearch.org/2023/06/an-analysis-of-the-operational-costs-of-trucking-2023-update/">increasing year over year</a>. Among these increasing expenses, <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/atri-cost-trucking?utm_source=logisticsB&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter&mktId=15533167&mkt_tok=OTA1LUJCVy04NzYAAAGMh1CMLfQv7GxQJmMyS0ZJK-BumFeZLjbLjHBJphheKHuEDPiQWw9DuYXkPUJ-At2B4nkw2rGloUwNOnotzZeufVHxwLtm50r0lz6sBfE4Bp5QXg">rising fuel costs</a> (53.7% higher than in 2021) are of the biggest concern.. While <a href="https://truckerpath.com/discounted-fuel-deals/">fuel savings programs</a> have emerged, trucking companies are actively seeking sustainable and cost-effective solutions to power their fleets and reduce the cost of trucking. In recent years, alternative fuel trucks have emerged as promising options, offering environmental benefits and reducing operating costs. According to an ATRI report in 2022, <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/atri-cost-trucking?utm_source=logisticsB&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter&mktId=15533167&mkt_tok=OTA1LUJCVy04NzYAAAGMh1CMLfQv7GxQJmMyS0ZJK-BumFeZLjbLjHBJphheKHuEDPiQWw9DuYXkPUJ-At2B4nkw2rGloUwNOnotzZeufVHxwLtm50r0lz6sBfE4Bp5QXg">8.2% of respondent fleets</a> included at least one truck powered by an alternative fuel source, an increase from 7% in 2021. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular alternative fuel trucks that are transforming the trucking landscape. 1. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Trucks Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks have gained considerable popularity as one of the leading alternatives to conventional diesel-powered vehicles. In fact, they were the most popular alternative fuel option according to the ATRI survey, at 6.2%. <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/what-is-cng-fuel-6502399#:~:text=What%20Are%20CNG%20Vehicles%3F%20Natural%20gas%20vehicles%20are,or%20diesel%20when%20natural%20gas%20is%20not%20available.">CNG</a> is a clean-burning fuel that is abundant and domestically available. It has grown in popularity as the choice of alternative fuel due to low natural gas prices versus high diesel fuel rates. Besides being much cheaper and resulting in lower operating costs for trucking companies, CNG trucks also produce significantly lower emissions than gasoline and diesel trucks, contributing to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. 2. Battery Electric Trucks Battery electric trucks are another emerging alternative fuel option that holds great potential for the trucking industry. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and have the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector significantly. They also deliver a much <a href="https://traton.com/en/newsroom/current-topics/why-the-battery-electric-drive-represents-the-future-for-trucks.html">higher level of fuel efficiency</a> and are also much more cost-effective on long-haul routes. Although battery electric trucks have been slower to gain traction in the heavy-duty trucking market due to the limitations of battery technology (such as range and charging infrastructure),ongoing advancements are rapidly improving their viability. As battery technology improves and charging infrastructure expands, electric trucks are expected to play a crucial role in the future of freight transportation. 3. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Trucks Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trucks are another alternative fuel option and are fueled by natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state, making it easier to store and transport. LNG trucks, similar to most alternative fuels, offer environmental benefits by emitting lower levels of greenhouse gases. They also provide longer driving ranges than CNG trucks, making them suitable for long-haul applications. However, the infrastructure for <a href="https://www.energy.gov/fecm/liquefied-natural-gas-lng">producing, storing, and distributing LNG</a> is still developing, which can be a limiting factor in the widespread adoption of these trucks. 4. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks <a href="https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/definition/what-is-a-hydrogen-fuel-cell-truck">Hydrogen fuel cell trucks</a> are at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in the alternative fuel trucking landscape. These trucks use hydrogen gas, which is combined with oxygen from the air in a fuel cell to produce electricity, which powers the vehicle. One major benefit of hydrogen fuel cell trucks is that they produce zero harmful emissions, as the only byproduct of the energy conversion process is water vapor. However, several challenges hinder widespread adoption, including the high cost of hydrogen production and the limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure, due to hydrogen fuel cells being a relatively new technology. However, as technology advances and the hydrogen ecosystem continues to develop, hydrogen fuel cell trucks may soon become a game-changer in the trucking industry. The Trucking Industry is Changing As we speak, the trucking industry is undergoing a transformation as the demand for more sustainable and cost-effective transportation solutions rises. Alternative fuel trucks offer a promising path forward, providing environmentally friendly options to combat rising fuel costs. As technology continues to progress, these next generation options will undoubtedly become more accessible and prevalent, revolutionizing the trucking industry.

Aug 10, 2023

The Damaging Effects of Double Brokering in Trucking As the after-effects of the global pandemic still impact domestic supply chain transportation, trucking is more important to the U.S. supply chain than ever. However, with this increasing reliance on the trucking industry, there is also an equal increase in double brokering, a practice that poses a significant threat to the integrity and profitability of this vital sector. In fact, this illegal practice has cost the domestic shipping industry more than <a href="https://theloadstar.com/us-shippers-put-on-high-alert-over-double-brokering-fraud/">$500 million in a year</a>. So, what exactly is double brokering and why is it detrimental to the trucking industry? Understanding Double Brokering <a href="https://www.bm2freight.com/2021/12/22/the-truth-about-double-brokerage-and-what-brokers-wont-tell-you/">Double brokering</a> involves a middleman or broker accepting a load from a shipper and then sub-contracting it to another carrier. The process begins when a shipper entrusts a broker to arrange the transportation of their goods. The broker, instead of fulfilling their responsibility to secure a reliable carrier, opts to subcontract the job to another carrier without disclosing their role as a middleman. The second carrier, unaware of the original agreement, believes they are dealing directly with the shipper. This deceptive practice often leads to multiple parties unknowingly handling the same shipment, exploiting the lack of transparency and communication between shippers, carriers, and brokers. This could result in a series of problems, such as delayed deliveries, loss of cargo, and damaged relationships between the parties involved. This miscommunication and lack of accountability can also lead to potential fraud, low-quality service, and financial loss. With the deceptive nature of double brokering, it’s common that the carrier that ends up actually transporting the load hasn’t been carefully vetted and may not meet the shipper’s standards. The double broker may also fail to pay the carrier entirely, creating a completely new issue. Negative Impacts on the Trucking Business Double brokering undermines the very foundation on which the trucking business operates, ultimately harming all parties involved. 1. Compromised Quality and Accountability By introducing an extra layer into the transportation process, double brokering dilutes accountability and makes it challenging to identify who is responsible for any shortcomings, such as delays in shipping or damage to delivered cargo. The lack of direct communication between the shipper and carrier results in a diminished ability to address issues promptly and effectively, leading to dissatisfied customers. 2. Increased Risks Double brokering increases the likelihood of cargo theft and fraud, as multiple parties are involved in the handling of shipments. Each additional party in the supply chain creates an opportunity for unauthorized access to the cargo, heightening the risk of theft, loss, or damage. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, double brokering also means that there is a lack of accountability for any such cases, making it challenging for shippers to identify who is responsible for these shortcomings. 3. Erosion of Trust Trust is the backbone of any successful business relationship, including those within the trucking industry. Double brokering erodes trust by deceiving both shippers and carriers, leading to damaged reputations, strained partnerships, and a reluctance to engage in future transactions. The resulting loss of trust can have long-lasting negative consequences for the overall functioning of the industry and for individual shippers, brokers, and carriers affected by <a href="https://www.parade.ai/resources/freight-fraud">freight fraud</a>. Combatting Double Brokering To mitigate the adverse effects of double brokering and safeguard the interests of all stakeholders in the trucking business, a multi-faceted approach is necessary: 1. Strengthening Regulation and Enforcement Regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies need to collaborate to enforce strict guidelines and penalties against double brokering. Clear industry standards should be established to deter individuals from engaging in this practice, and regular audits and investigations should be conducted to identify and penalize offenders. <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/double-brokering-increases">In the U.S</a>., many logistic providers as well as transportation associations are aware of the uptick in double brokering and actively working to implement new protocols against it. 2. Enhancing Transparency and Communication Improved communication channels and technologies should be embraced to facilitate direct interaction between shippers and carriers. By minimizing the role of intermediaries, trust can be restored, and potential risks associated with double brokering can be mitigated. On the side of shippers, they should also do their due diligence to <a href="https://www.parade.ai/digital-booking-with-confidence">investigate and conduct background checks</a> on their carriers before engaging in their services. Tools like <a href="https://app.carriers.fyi/">Carriers.FYI</a> can help verify carrier identities and reduce the risk of double brokering. 3. Raising Industry Awareness Education and awareness campaigns should be launched to inform shippers, carriers, and brokers about the risks and consequences of double brokering. Industry associations, trade shows, and conferences can serve as platforms to discuss best practices, share experiences, and collectively work towards eradicating this unethical practice. Double brokering undermines the trust, efficiency, and profitability of the trucking business. By understanding the basics of this practice and its detrimental impact, stakeholders can unite in their efforts to combat double brokering. With strengthened regulations, improved transparency, and increased awareness, the trucking industry can reclaim its integrity, fostering a more reliable environment for shippers, carriers, and brokers alike.

Jul 26, 2023

The Power of TMS and Load Board Integration in Maximizing Freight Brokerage Efficiency Freight brokers play a crucial role in connecting shippers with carriers, ensuring goods move swiftly and smoothly from one point to another. With the boom in online shopping, especially during the global pandemic, there has been an increasing demand for efficient freight transportation. To streamline their operations and improve their capacity to move freight quickly, many freight brokers employ Transportation Management Systems (TMSs) to source and manage their carriers. However, the importance of integrating these TMSs with load boards cannot be overstated. Let’s look into the significance of TMS and load board integrations in the freight industry, emphasizing their potential to provide value-added benefits to brokers. The Role of TMS in Freight Brokerage TMSs have revolutionized the freight brokerage industry. As the center of operations for freight brokers, TMSs enable brokers to efficiently manage and monitor shipments, carriers, and customers. TMSs offer features like order management, cargo tracking, and delivery planning, making them indispensable tools for brokers seeking to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Some popular TMSs include McLeod, Samsara, MercuryGate, Aljex, 3PL Systems, Oracle, PCS, and Transport Pro, all of which are widely used and offer some kind of load-sourcing option for their users. However, what many brokers may not realize is that these TMSs can be further empowered by integrating them with multiple load boards. Unlocking Greater Capacity through Load Board Integrations Load boards are web-based platforms where shippers or brokers can post available loads, and carriers search for and book loads that match their availability. By integrating their TMS with load boards, brokers can significantly expand their reach and gain access to an expanded network of carriers. This integration allows brokers to source carriers quickly and efficiently, resulting in faster freight movement, happy customers and increased profitability. The Benefits of TMS and Load Board Integrations Expanded Capacity: Perhaps the most evident advantage of TMS and load board integrations is the expanded capacity. Through the load boards, brokers can tap into a vast pool of carriers, ensuring they never face a shortage of options to move freight. This capacity expansion is vital during times of high demand when securing reliable carriers can be very challenging. Streamlined Operations: The integration between platforms can lead to streamlined and simplified operations, as brokers no longer need to switch between multiple platforms to source carriers. Instead, they can access load board information directly from their TMS, saving time and effort. Real-Time Updates: Integrations also mean that real-time updates on load availability and carrier status can be viewed directly via the TMS. Brokers can make informed decisions quickly, resulting in faster response times and better customer service. Enhanced Visibility: TMS and load board integration also results in improved visibility into the entire freight movement process. Brokers can track shipments, monitor carrier performance, and analyze data effortlessly directly from their TMS, leading to better decision-making. Cost Efficiency: In many cases, load board integrations do not incur additional costs for TMS providers or users. The integration costs are often shouldered by the load board, making it a cost-effective solution for brokers. Trucker Path’s Integration with Leading TMSs Most leading TMS providers offer seamless integration options with popular load boards, making it easy for brokers to connect and expand their capabilities. Trucker Path integrates with many popular TMSs, such as McLeod, <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-path-teams-up-with-transport-pro-to-expand-load-visibility-for-drivers-and-fleets/">Transport Pro</a>, <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-path-and-3pl-systems-offer-single-click-access-to-loads-and-capacity/">3PL Systems</a>, Aljex, <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-path-increases-load-exposure-for-mercurygate-tms-customers/">MercuryGate</a>, and many others. These integrations give brokers direct access to the nearly one million carriers who rely on the Trucker Path app. Final Thoughts The importance of TMS and load board integrations in the freight industry cannot be emphasized enough. It is a win-win situation for both brokers and TMS providers. Brokers gain access to a wider pool of carriers, enabling them to move freight more efficiently and profitably. TMS providers are able to offer a value-added service to their broker customers without incurring significant integration costs. All in all, TMSs should, and often do, wholeheartedly embrace load board integrations as an essential component of their offerings. It is a strategic move that not only enhances the competitiveness of their broker customers but also solidifies the position of TMS providers as a true partner in the fast-paced and ever-evolving freight industry.

Oct 31, 2023