Orlando, Fla.—During this pandemic period, last-mile fleets such as FedEx, Amazon, XPO and UPS have been dealing with a spike in demand at the same time they’ve had to implement safety protocols to protect employees and customers. E-commerce has been accelerating for the past 3-5 years and the logistics industry, and the COVID-19 pandemic simply accelerated this growth, with safety and fear being prominent driving factors for traditional shoppers wanting to avoid public places and the airborne virus.
Consumers now, clearly have a preference towards retailers that offer at-the-door delivery, for many good reasons. The problem is that this model does not necessarily work on every company, as it is not designed to be a one-size-fits-all strategy. Every business needs to find the model that best suits their operational needs and will provide a competitive advantage to position them for success in the next phase of e-commerce growth.
The last-mile race is proving to be the most expensive component. For example, according to Institutional Investor, Amazon will have to spend tens of billions of dollars year after year to ship the hundreds of millions of products bought online by consumers who are increasingly demanding next-day delivery.
New cost structures along with adapting to a new budget model can be challenging for retailers. The transportation cost brings a need to figure out how it impacts the bottom line and whether product prices need to increase to help offset costs and stay profitable. That is exactly why protecting your business against potential risks with adequate insurance coverage becomes so important.
Also, outsourcing last-mile to a third party logistics could represent a lower overhead, offsetting additional transportation costs that may arise. Using a reliable and relationship-based partner in e-commerce can help you scale faster and more efficiently last-mile arena.
At Florida Transportation Insurance, our agents understand the courier and delivery industry— and that enables us to design risk strategies that protect and serve all areas of your business, including the most specialized. In addition, our specialized carrier network and knowledgeable underwriters can offer you insurance coverage that are unmatched in the same day, expedited delivery and logistics industries.
Business We Insure
• Same Day Delivery
• Courier Service
• Home Delivery
• White Glove Delivery
• Expedited Delivery
• Freight Broker / Forwarder
• Restaurant Delivery
• Grocery Delivery
• Logistics & Warehouse Services
Remember we are all in this together. With 10+ years in the Central Florida transportation insurance industry, our staff and agents, have the knowledge to protect drivers and public auto businesses from owner/operators to fleets owners. We know what it takes to keep your business on the road safely and profitably. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you. Give us a call right now to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents, or if you prefer using online technology, just clic on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and more information.
Orlando, Fla.—According to experts, the challenge with truck automation is building a trustworthy, AI-powered virtual driver that can effectively process information from a wide array of sensors, like lots and lots of high-quality cameras, but also lidar-- which is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (distances) to a target,— and radar.
Fleets have experienced a sales decrease due to last mile seeing a surge because of the nationwide COVID-19 quarantine for much of the spring and more deliveries to homes, Classes 2 through 7 were down far less at 11%. That after removing Class 5, which grew over the first five months of 2020 for a 25% decrease. Class 8 chassis sales went down by 28% and tractor sales down 40% through May. Overall, Class 8 sales dropped 35%.
On the other hand, fleets will still need new trucks, and the good news is that the equipment available in 2020 is more than capable of achieving the uptime and efficiency required to outlast the onslaught of plagues besetting the industry. Along with safety, ease of driving is also at the forefront. According to American Trucker, the jury is still out on how far autonomous technology will go in the heavy-duty sector. As defined by SAE International, Levels 1 and 2 require a human driver to be in command, while Level 3 requires some intervention, and Levels 4 (under many conditions) and 5 do not.
That means, fully autonomous trucking may be one step closer to reality.
The two areas of notable growth that can have the fastest impact on safety, performance and efficiency are advanced driver-assistance systems and aerodynamic kits.
Volvo Trucks North America and Mack Trucks, have already introduced driver-assist technology, an electric motor connected to the hydraulic steering column, that makes turning the wheel far easier when backing into a spot or just fighting crosswind on the highway.
The smoother profiles of next-gen trucks such as the Tesla Semi or concepts such as the Shell Starship and Hyundai HDC-6 Neptune already indicate how original equipment manufacturer engineers are trying to overcome air resistance and improve efficiency.
The most significant trend seen in 2020 is the inclusion of collision mitigation where the system guard detects vehicles sneaking up on the sides of the trailer.
This time of pandemic has really helped us prioritize that, finding equipment that can help predict at the same time it lowers costs as a minimum will mitigate the financial damage of this year 2020.
Remember we are all in this together. With 10+ years in the Central Florida transportation insurance industry, our staff and agents, have the knowledge to protect drivers and public auto businesses from owner/operators to fleets owners. We know what it takes to keep your business on the road safely and profitably. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you. Give us a call right now to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents, or if you prefer using online technology, just clic on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and more information.
Orlando, Fla.—Not only have we not gotten out of the woods yet with the pandemic, but the most important season in is fast approaching. It is no secret that many businesses have experienced serious consequences in terms of financial loss, and a quick and safe come back is eagerly sought by the entire nation for the sake of our economy.
Americans were already fond of online shopping, and the convenience of getting virtually everything right at your doorstep. Now that we are getting used to the “stay at home” concept those who were not taking advantage of delivery services have either learned how to use them, or been forced to trust more. That means, delivery businesses have boomed, but is it temporary? Well, the virus is still there threatening our way of life, and the holiday season is also there offering hope.
If you are in the package delivery industry, you want to make sure you protect your business now more than ever, keeping proper insurance coverage for the unexpected. You need to have an action plan if one of your employees gets infected by COVID-19 while on the job.
Also these guidelines provided by OSHA can help reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus:
Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick.
Establish flexible work hours where feasible.
Practice sensible social distancing and maintain six feet between co-workers where possible.
Minimize interaction between drivers and customers by leaving deliveries at loading docks, doorsteps, or other locations that do not require person-to-person exposures.
Encourage respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
Promote personal hygiene. If workers do not have access to soap and water for handwashing, provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Provide tissues, as well as disinfectants and disposable towels workers can use to clean work surfaces, including vehicle interiors.
Allow workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent them from spreading the virus.
Discourage workers from using other workers’ tools and equipment.
Use Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus.
Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.
Additional recommendations from the CDC include:
Limited contact with frequently touched surfaces during pickups and deliveries, such as countertops, elevator buttons, doorbells, door handles, radio buttons, etc.
Avoid sharing scanners, pens, or other tools with customers.
Use a foot, shoulder, elbow, hip, or forearm instead of hands when opening doors at pick-up and delivery sites, if possible.
The following actions are key moments to enphasize on their clean hands on job:
Before and after work shifts
Before and after work breaks
Before and after making a delivery
After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings
After touching frequently touched surfaces such as doorbells or door handles
Before wearing and after removing cold-weather gloves
Before and after pumping gas
Remember we are all in this together. With 10+ years in the Central Florida transportation insurance industry, our staff and agents, have the knowledge to protect drivers and public auto businesses from owner/operators to fleets owners. We know what it takes to keep your business on the road safely and profitably. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you.
Orlando, Fla.—It is almost imposible to believe that with the times we’re living in, truck companies and drivers facing so many challenges already with the global pandemic which has completely changed the tapestry of the way we all do business, added to the threat of a possible dramatic increase on insurance premiums, and now— truck drivers are challenged by riots and vandals looking to cause damage to their truck while in states or cities with lack of police vigilance in some cases non existing.
As reported by cdlife.com one angry protester took out his frustrations on two trucks in Louisiana. The company owns 3 trucks and has them leased on with the family’s business which started fifty years ago. They had even added a new set of fenders 3 days before the vandalism. However, knowing that trucking insurance is expensive, the did not even consider to turn this incident into a claim.
Thanks to video surveillance, police identified the suspect and was brought to justice.
In New Bedford, vandals targeted a truck that the United Way uses to deliver food. Staff members were getting ready for a routine day, taking donated foods to local food pantries in need when they noticed the vandalism. The front window was fixed immediately, but the truck wasn’t ready to be driven, although staff members said nothing woud stop them from serving those in need.
Not only these are sad stories, but ones that continue to add to the cost burden for repairs on these already stressed out hard workers.
We have not stressed enough, the importance of truck drivers and the trucking industry in our daily routines. From food to medical supplies, and we are now at the beginning of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Day in and day out, a truck driver saves our lives out there, putting themselves at risk for us to bring home those essential supplies.
Our local presence in the state of Florida eliminates the need to find insurance trough an agent you never met. As your insurance agents, it is our responsibility to provide you the best service and coverage, at the best possible price.
With 10+ years in the Central Florida transportation insurance industry, our staff and agents, have the knowledge to protect drivers and public auto businesses from owner/operators to fleets owners. We know what it takes to keep your business on the road safely and profitably. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you.
Orlando, Fla.—For public transportation business owners, today's Florida business environment is complex.
Additionally, 70% of transportation of the insurance companies believe the business environment was already a high risk, and now comes the COVID-19. In spite of lost revenues and even COVID-19 dangers presented to their workforce, transit providers, commonly viewed as static and inflexible, have responded to these extraordinary circumstances to serve their communities. Older adults, for example, have major challenges. They have been urged to stay home because the risk of severe illness increases with age. These individuals often do not drive and may have limited financial resources. Yet, they still need food and possibly medication, and they may need to make routine yet lifesaving trips like medical appointments. Most Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) businesses are regulated by the state, each state levies minimum insurance requirements. Furthermore, many paratransit companies are contracted with various transportation Managers (Logisticare, MTM, Access2Care, Transcare, etc.) that have additional insurance requirements.
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), demand for public transportation has plummeted during the pandemic—by as much as 75-85 percent in cities such as Washington, Copenhagen, and Buenos Aires. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, as an example, projects losses of as much as $52 million per month due to COVID-19-related lifestyle changes, waived bus fares, and the economic downturn. Beyond financial loss for transit agencies, their drivers are taking personal risk.
The recent CARES Act provides an unprecedented $25 billion lifeline back to hemorrhaging transit budgets and offers transit operators increased spending flexibility. Funding will be provided at a 100 percent federal share, with no local match required, and will be available to support capital, operating, and other expenses generally eligible under those programs to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
Funding under the CARES Act can be used to reimburse operating costs associated with providing fare-free service. FTA funds net operating costs, or those costs that cannot reasonably be financed by fare revenues. In the case of fare-free service, FTA would fund the total operating costs, as there are no fare revenues to deduct to get to net operating cost.
Operators that meet the definition of public transportation service, and that are otherwise eligible to be a recipient or sub-recipient under the Urbanized Area Formula Program or the Rural Areas Formula Program may receive CARES Act funding if allocated funds by the designated recipient. To receive funding as a recipient or sub-recipient, the public transportation operations must meet all eligibility and program requirements of either Section 5307 or Section 5311.
One way to protect your public transportation business from losses and other risks, is to have it properly insured. Use the advice of local specialists, to explore the options available in the market, and make the changes that are necessary to keep your business afloat.
Some of the most related to this pandemic Public Auto insurance that we offer:
Non-emergency Medical Transport
Ambulances
Limousines
Social Service/Non-Profits
Ambulette Operation
Alternatives providers as part of transit
Municipal Entities and/or Private Contractors
Non-Emergency Hospital Transport
Airport Shuttle Vans
Church Buses
With 10+ years in the Central Florida transportation insurance industry, our staff and agents, have the knowledge to protect drivers and public auto businesses from owner/operators to fleets owners. We know what it takes to keep your business on the road safely and profitably. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you.
Orlando, Fla.—The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been working with states, industry stakeholders, and motor carriers to distribute one million protective face masks for truckers which were provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
DISTRIBUTION CENTERS NEARBY
Georgia
I-75 southbound, mile marker 179, in Forsyth/Juliette, GA just north of Macon, GA.
Georgia Inspection Stations
I-85 southbound at Georgia – South Carolina Border (Franklin County Inspection Station) MM 169
I-95 southbound at Georgia – South Carolina Border (Chatham County Inspection Station) MM 111 I-75 northbound at Georgia – Florida Border (Lowndes County Inspection Station) MM 23
I-75 southbound at Georgia – Tennessee Border (Catoosa County Inspection Station) MM 343
I-85 northbound at Georgia – Alabama Border (Troup County Inspection Station) MM 23
I-95 northbound at Georgia – Florida Border (McIntosh County Inspection Station) MM 55
I-20 westbound at Georgia – South Carolina Border (Columbia County Inspection Station) MM 188
I-20 westbound at Georgia – Alabama Border (Douglas County Inspection Station) MM 43
I-16 westbound from Savanah Port Area (Bryan County Inspection Station) MM 144
Texas
I-35 Northbound at mile marker 362A approximately 5 miles south of Hillsboro, midway between Dallas/Ft. Worth and Waco
All Texas inspection sites:
Mount Pleasant – I-30
Queen City – US 59
New Waverly – I-45
Falfurrias – US 281
Riviera – US 77
Penwell – I-20
Devine – I-35
Seguin – I-10
For detailed distribution locations, including other routes, and current dates of distribution, please visit: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/masks
Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.
Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants.
Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores.
Immediate precursor raw materials—such as paper, plastic or alcohol—that are required and to be used for the manufacture of essential items.
Fuel.
Equipment, supplies and persons necessary to establish and manage temporary housing, quarantine.
Persons designated by federal, state or local authorities for medical, isolation, or quarantine purposes.
Persons necessary to provide other medical or emergency services.
There is no specific documentation required for verification. Retention of ordinary business records, such as the bill of lading, may be useful later for the convenience of the motor carrier and driver, to document use of the exemption during a future inspection or enforcement action.
It is also good to konw that, the FMCSA continues to recognize the validity of commercial driver’s licenses issued by Canadian Provinces and Territories and Licencias Federales de Conductor issued by the United Mexican States, in accordance with 49 CFR part 383, when such jurisdictions issue a similar notice or declaration extending the validity date of the medical examination and certification and/or validity of the corresponding commercial driver’s license due to interruption to government service resulting from COVID-19.
If you are an owner/operator of a truck company and have insurance issues, or questions please contact us at Florida Transportation Insurance (407) 501-8275 we’ll be happy to assist!
Orlando, Florida—There was the truck driver shortage challenge was already there, it hasn’t gone anywhere up until now, and then came the coronavirus pandemic. Not only truck drivers are important helping us keep our lifestyles by keeping your stocks supplied of what you need, when you need it —but now, more than ever, they are essential to keep us all going.
There is no doubt these are very difficult times, not only for us in the U.S., but the for rest of the world. Our hearts go out to those families who have lost loved ones at home and/or abroad.
The CDC recently issued a strong Travel Advisory, to be administered by the Governors, in consultation with the Federal Government in order to avoid a quarantine. The CDC does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States. However, cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported in all states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease. The domestic travel advisory does not apply to employees of critical infrastructure industries, including but not limited to trucking, public health professionals, financial services, and food supply
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines for truck drivers delivering into New York City area, which is one of the hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. About a half of all cases reported in the U.S. were in New York – almost 10 times more than any other state.
With that said, the CDC stated that truck drivers and other workers who obtain or deliver needed supplies who live in the greater New York area, may continue to work both within and outside of the greater New York area, but should stay at home and practice social distancing according to instructions of state and local officials when they are not working. When delivering goods and supplies, they should follow the same precautionary measures as those delivering in the city from outside the region.
While the CDC advisory is not currently mandatory, other states are implementing more restrictive quarantines. Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order recently that anyone traveling to Rhode Island from New York must be quarantined for 14 days. State troopers will also be stopping any vehicles with New York plates from entering Rhode Island. RI decided not to stop commercial vehicles or tractor-trailer trucks with New York license plates, that might be carrying food, supplies, or medicine into their area.
Florida, on the other hand, is attempting to keep New York passenger vehicles from entering the state. An advisory on the Florida Trucking Association website has alerted commercial truck drivers that there are checkpoints on I-95 at the Florida-Georgia border and at the eastbound I-10 3.3-mile marker from Alabama at the weigh station. Truck drivers will be guided through a bypass lane.
If you are an owner/operator of a truck company and have insurance issues, or questions please contact us at Florida Transportation Insurance (407) 501-8275 we’ll be happy to assist!
Orlando, Florida—According to experts, the future of transportation is shared, electric, and self-driving. Our state of Florida is racing to overtake states like Arizona and Nevada as the training ground for tomorrow’s self-driving vehicles. Over the past seven years, Florida has been passing legislation that is friendly to AV research and development, very appealing to companies with prospects of lax regulation, good weather, and abundance of tourists/taxi businesses and retirees. AV startups from Pittsburgh to Silicon Valley have launched operations in Florida.
It is yet to be seen if the state is ready for an influx of these companies and these vehicles. The state has a history of AV-related crashes, including two high-profile fatalities involving semi-autonomous vehicles. Critics worry that bad or careless actors could exploit the state’s laissez-faire approach to regulation, and that residents would pay the price.
Florida isn’t the first state to try and entice AV companies with loose laws. Michigan and Texas permit AVs without drivers as well. Meanwhile, Arizona lacks regulation on this topic. However, in Florida, the state does not require companies to register for permits in order to operate autonomous vehicles. It means that the state does not necessarily tracks how many such vehicles are being operated on its roads at any point.
Last year, AV operator Voyage, expanded its autonomous taxi pilot program through a partnership with the well known community in Central Florida, The Villages. The company is currently adding funds to increase its fleet of second-generation self-driving cars (called G2) that are currently being used in a 4,000-resident retirement community in San Jose, Calif., as well as The Villages, a 40-square-mile, 125,000-resident retirement city in Florida.
The company’s goal in The Villages is straightforward: master self-driving in a simple and slow environment for a targeted demographic, and then maybe deploy it somewhere more complex. In the other hand, in Miami, two other producers of automated vehicles, Ford and Argo AI, are taking the opposite approach, deploying cars in technically challenging environments. Safety drivers accompany the vehicles, and those drivers are instructed to take over control of the AV at the first sign of trouble. Meanwhile, co-drivers sit shotgun and take notes so Argo’s engineers can later refine the system.
Tampa has also proven to be a popular proving ground, The city’s 14-mile Lee Roy Selmon Expressway has become a test track for autonomous semi-trucks and vehicles. Although self-driving cars have ostensibly been on the horizon for decades, the last five years have seen automakers accelerate the hype.
On a funny note, the public response to AV companies in Florida has been mixed. The driver of the Ford and Argo AV told me that pedestrians in Miami pose for selfies with the car and even toss money at it as if it was a dancer. But other drivers are quick to lay on their horns when the AV obeys explicit traffic laws, such as stopping for yellow lights, and hesitates when taking unprotected left turns at green lights. If AVs and humans are going to safely share the road, vehicles might first need to drive more like people.
If you own —or are considering to start a business in the transportation industry, or become a driver, Florida Transportation Insurance offers flexible commercial auto insurance that grows with your business. From one taxi to a fleet, we have a policy that will meet your industry’s insurance needs. Contact us for an orientation (407) 501-8275!
Florida—New year, new schedule! One of the best ways to stay abreast with everything going on in this fast changing Trucking Industry is by participating in trade shows throughout the year across the nation. Believe it or not, many of these events are free and family friendly, even pets allowed.
FEBRUARY 24-27, 2020
The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition
Atlanta, GA
TMC is North America’s premier technical conference for trucking with educational sessions covering all aspects of vehicle Web-tmcannual.trucking.org
MARCH 1-3, 2020
TCA Annual Convention
Orlando, FL
The Truckload Carriers Association’s 82nd Annual Convention brings together more than 100 industry suppliers in 22,000 square feet of exhibition space as well as several speaking sessions.
Web-tca2020.com
March 3-6, 2020
The Work Truck Show
Indianapolis, IN
Put on by The Association for the Work Truck Industry (NTEA), The Work Truck Show is North America’s largest work truck event. Programming includes a massive exhibitor floor and conference with lots to see and do.
Web-worktruckshow.com
MARCH 26-28, 2020
Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)
Louisville, Kentucky
MATS is the most comprehensive trucking event with over 1,000,000 square feet of exhibition space and more than 1,000 exhibitors. It’s a great opportunity to research new products, connect with experts, keep up with regulatory changes, and more. Exhibitor and attendee registration are free until February 20, 2022.
Web-truckingshow.com
APRIL 6-8, 2020
NAFA 2019 Institute & Expo
Indianapolis, IN
The National Association Fleet Administrators’ annual Institute & Expo is the largest gathering of fleet professionals, attracting fleet managers at all stages of their careers. The even offers cutting-edge training and engagements with prominent speakers as well as the opportunity to check out the latest products and services.
Web-nafainstitute.org
APRIL 26-28, 2020
NPTC Annual Education Management Conference and Exhibition
Cincinnati, OH
The National Private Truck Council’s Annual Conference and Exhibition has over 1,250 attendees and 165 exhibitors as well as educational opportunities across a wide variety of topics.
Web-nptc.org
JULY 9-11, 2020
Truckers Jamboree
Walcott, Iowa
Since 1979, the annual Trucker’s Jamboree has been a celebration of America’s truckers. Parking and admission are free for this one-of-a-kind event which features everything from carnival games through live country music, the Trucker Olympics, the Iowa Pork Chop Cookout and over 175 exhibits.
Web-iowa80truckstop.com/trucker-jamboree
AUGUST 27-29, 2020
The Great American Trucking Show (GATS)
Dallas, TX
The Great American Trucking Show is an interactive and all-encompassing public convention of trucking professionals. Expect to see more than 150 trucks, 500+ exhibitors, 50,000+ products, and attend with 50,000 other industry professionals. Registration for GATS is free online or $10 on-site.
Web-truckshow.com
SEPTEMBER 20-24, 2020
CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition
Wilmington, DE
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s premier meeting, the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition, provides the opportunity for government officials, enforcement and industry to gather together to affect meaningful changes to the overall culture of transportation safety throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Women in Trucking Accelerate! Conference & Expo
Dallas, TX
Accelerate! offers more than 60 educational sessions covering critical transportation issues and trends as well as perspectives from women in the industry and a full expo. More than 1,200 are slated to attend.
Web-womenintrucking.org/accelerate-conference
OCTOBER 24-28, 2020
ATA MCE Conference & Exhibition
Denver, CO
The American Trucking Association’s (ATA) Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE) brings together trucking executives from across the country to explore economic, regulatory, and business trends that drive the success of fleets today and in the future. More than 2,500 of trucking’s top decisionmakers attend MCE annually.
Web-mce.trucking.org
NOVEMBER 19-20, 2020
NASTC Annual Conference
Nashville, TN
The National Association of Small Trucking Companies’ Annual Conference is helps small trucking companies control their costs through managed purchasing, analysis, consultation, and advocacy; leveling the playing field and allowing member companies to prosper.
We hope you can attend some these events, and find them productive and helpful in finding solutions to make your business prosper and grow.
At Florida Transportation Insurance, we specialize in truck insurance and commercial vehicles coverage in the state of Florida. If you have questions about how how to best protect your investment in the trucking industry, or any other insurance aspects for your business, please do not hesitate to visit us online at Florida Transportation Insurance, or you may also call us directly at (407) 501-8275.
Orlando, Fla.—When you own a business, your Holiday Season may be as Happy as what your Return Season will be. So far, we know shoppers return their purchases 18 percent more frequently that during any other sales season. How prepared are you to handle reverse logistics in the coming months? The reverse logistics that directly impact supply chains the most are the return of products from the end consumer back to the manufacturer.
Processing a high-volume of returns can be time-consuming, labor-intensive and costly. Outsourcing helps to ease pain of Reverse Logistics. Engaging a Third Party Logistics (3PL) provider can help to address common pain points in the returns process.
For example,
If you think your returns will be out of control after Christmas, a third party provider has more flexibility with space, and brings additional staff and other resources to the table.
Your 3PL provider should be able to manage returns and get products back in inventory more efficiently and cost effectively with a robust order management system (OMS).
3PL’s can offer facilities to create a centralized hub that is more convenient for the customers and get salable products back in stock at a faster pace.
In order to ensure quality control you must examine the returned product or item, to determine whether it should be sent back into the inventory which is an area where an experienced third party provider could really assist. Some may even refurbish or repackage items as needed.
The FREE SHIPPING success — A 3PL’s established relationships with carriers, understanding of pricing considerations and ability to negotiate rates can help minimize return shipping costs.
It is important to understand that companies that implement an effective reverse logistics workflow can receive many benefits.
Among them:
Reduced costs. By planning ahead for returns and making the return order right, you can reduce related costs (administration, shipping, transportation, tech support, QA, etc.)
Faster service. This refers to the original shipping of goods and the return / reimbursement of goods. Quickly refunding or replacing goods can help restore a customer’s faith in a brand.
Customer retention. Dealing with errors is just as important as making sales. If a customer had a bad experience with your product, you have to make it right. Fulfillment blunders can create educational opportunities. Learn how to keep your customers happy and engaged with your company - even after you’ve made a mistake.
Reduced losses and unplanned profits. Recover the loss of investment in your failed product by fixing and restocking the unit, scrapping it for parts, or repurposing it in a secondary market. With a good reverse logistics program in place, you don’t have to leave money on the table. Take a product that would otherwise just cost your company money and turn it into an unforeseen asset.
Now that the Holiday Season is in full swing, you know those holiday returns are coming. Be prepared for a happy return season!
