Shipper of Preference – Be Attractive to Carriers and Drivers

In November 2015, the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL), working in concert with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) published a long awaited “Voluntary Guide to Good Business Relations for Shippers, Receivers, Carriers and Drivers.” The document responds to the rising chorus of many of the nation’s largest shippers seeking to become “shippers of preference.”  A shipper of preference is one that attracts and inspires loyalty from carriers and drivers, even as capacity slowly and steadily tighten, leaving less attractive shippers without trusted partners on troubled lanes.

Shipper practices significantly impact the movement of cargo, the positioning of equipment, and ensure safe practices are followed.  The best practices impact these things in a positive manner, and also foster honesty, fairness and openness in business dealings with carriers and drivers. Good carrier and driver practices, in turn, promote fair business dealings, increase compliance with shipper protocols, provide safe services, and ensure drivers conduct themselves professionally and responsibly. The four page NITL-TCA document contains many excellent ideas to help shippers position themselves for success in an increasingly challenging environment. Please ask your Tucker sales representative for more information.

Port of Long Beach Labor Update

As you may know, on June 30, 2014, the labor agreement between unions and port is due to expire. A representative from the Port of Long Beach spoke last month at the annual meeting of the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL). The representative offered sage advice to shippers, carriers, brokers and other stakeholders.

First, he said we should not expect an agreement by June 30. He said even if a good offer is on the table, the union will likely delay an agreement past the deadline, just to show its members value. Secondly, he stated that everyone (exporters and importers) should have a contingency plan, like another port. While he remained cautiously optimistic the port won’t close, we concur with his advice regarding contingency planning.