In July 2021, Knight-Swift made waves by acquiring AAA Cooper, immediately establishing itself as a major player in the LTL sector. Later that year, the company further expanded its national LTL network by purchasing regional carriers Midwest Motor Express and Midnite Express.

“We are excited to take the next step toward building a nationwide LTL business,” said Knight-Swift CEO Adam Miller, “and especially to grow our network to include the key Southwest markets of California, Arizona, and Nevada.”

The acquisition will expand Knight-Swift’s LTL terminal and door counts by roughly 10%, extending its network to cover approximately 70% of the U.S. population.

“The strategic value of acquiring a strong Southwest competitor like DHE is meaningful, given the impact on our coverage area significantly expands the [number of] customers we can serve. Additionally, building or acquiring LTL facilities in many of these locations is difficult,” added Miller.

Dependable’s LTL division was part of the broader Dependable Supply Chain Services, which ranks No. 141. Post-acquisition, Dependable will continue to operate its truckload, warehousing, distribution, harbor drayage, and third-party logistics services under the Dependable Supply Chain Services brand.

DHE will maintain its brand identity within the AAA Cooper corporate group, with Joe Finney, the former Chief Operating Officer of DHE, stepping into the role of President.

Ronald Massman, CEO of DHE, expressed pride in the legacy his family has built and gratitude to his team. “While we never intended to sell the division, we have watched with admiration as Knight-Swift set about building a leading national LTL business. When [Knight Swift] approached us about a transaction, we immediately saw the strategic merit of the Dependable LTL division joining the platform.”

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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“We are excited to offer our customers in Ohio a faster and more reliable option for shipping to Buffalo,” announced Geoff Muessig, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at PITT OHIO. “These new next-day lanes will help businesses reduce transit times, improve inventory management, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction.”

Known for its expertise in transportation, warehousing, and logistics, PITT OHIO aims to boost the service quality for its clients with this initiative.

“These next-day lanes strengthen PITT OHIO’s network in the Northeast and provide businesses with a faster and more efficient way to move their goods,” highlighted the company in a press release. “PITT OHIO has extensive equipment capabilities including liftgates and heated equipment. In addition to LTL, PITT OHIO has an array of ancillary services including warehousing, drayage, fleet management, freeze protection, and more.”

This strategic move not only enhances the speed and reliability of shipping routes but also ensures that businesses can operate more efficiently with improved supply chain solutions.

Source: The Trucker

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1. Organize and Plan Ahead

LTL trucking demands impeccable organization. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Pre-Plan Routes: Efficient routing minimizes delays and maximizes delivery efficiency. Use advanced GPS and routing software to find the best paths.
• Load Planning: Arrange your cargo based on delivery schedules and locations. Place the last deliveries in the front and the first deliveries at the back to streamline unloading.

2. Master the Art of Docking

Docking can be challenging in urban areas and tight spaces. Practice makes perfect:

• Precision Parking: Sharpen your skills by practicing in various docking scenarios. The better you become at precise parking, the smoother your deliveries will be.
• Communication: Maintain clear communication with dock staff. They can assist in guiding you into tight spots and unloading your truck efficiently.

3. Efficient Time Management

Time is a critical factor in LTL trucking. Here’s how to manage it effectively:

• Strict Schedules: Stick to your schedule as closely as possible. Delays in one delivery can cascade and affect the rest of your route.
• Break Management: Plan your breaks wisely. Use them for necessary rest without disrupting your delivery timelines.

4. Enhance Customer Service Skills

In LTL trucking, you’ll interact with multiple customers daily. Good customer service can set you apart:

• Politeness and Professionalism: Always be courteous and professional. A positive attitude can go a long way in building relationships with clients.
• Problem-Solving: Be prepared to handle issues such as delivery discrepancies or damaged goods. Quick and effective problem-solving can enhance customer satisfaction.

5. Safety First

Safety is paramount in any trucking job, but especially in LTL due to frequent stops and varying cargo types:

• Secure Loads: Ensure that all shipments are properly secured to prevent movement and damage during transit.
• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular checks on your vehicle and cargo. Address any issues immediately to avoid accidents or delays.

6. Stay Updated with Technology

Use technology to streamline your LTL operations:

• Load Tracking: Use tracking systems to monitor your shipments and provide real-time updates to customers.
• Fleet Management Software: These tools can help you with route planning, load optimization, and maintenance schedules.

7. Adaptability and Flexibility

LTL trucking often involves unexpected changes. Be prepared to adapt:

• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of weather conditions, traffic updates, and industry news.
• Flexibility: Be ready to adjust your plans as needed. Flexibility can help you handle last-minute changes without stress.

8. Continuous Learning

The trucking industry is constantly evolving. Stay ahead by continuously improving your skills and knowledge:

• Training Programs: Participate in training sessions and workshops to learn new techniques and regulations.
• Networking: Connect with other LTL drivers to share experiences and tips. Learning from fellow professional drivers can provide valuable insights.

Mastering LTL trucking requires a blend of strategic planning, excellent customer service, safety consciousness, and continuous learning. By honing your skills in these areas, you can navigate the complexities of LTL trucking efficiently and boost your career. Remember, every delivery is an opportunity to improve and excel.

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ABF Freight System, a subsidiary of ArcBest, managed to increase shipments and tonnage by 2% year-over-year in May, thanks to their dynamic pricing program. In contrast, many of their competitors saw a decline in shipments by high-single-digit percentages.

Even amidst a reduction in shipping volumes by larger customers, ABF’s program “has been effective in optimizing revenue and managing to more consistent business levels by filling available capacity in our network during this weaker economic environment,” as reported to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by ArcBest. Discover how this innovative pricing strategy is transforming the U.S. LTL market.

“Profitable dynamic LTL-rates business drove shipment and tonnage growth, which was offset by lower demand from core accounts,” ArcBest said in the report.

Despite being around for years, dynamic pricing technology has faced resistance from larger companies moving high volumes of LTL freight.

“The size and scope of customers using dynamic pricing varies,” Dennis Anderson, ArcBest chief strategy officer, told the Journal of Commerce. “It really centers around how they route their freight. Shippers that make individual shipment routing decisions are most likely to be users of dynamic LTL pricing.”

“There are still a large number of shippers who prefer pre-negotiated or contracted pricing based on the way they procure LTL transportation,” Anderson said.

Logistics managers are under pressure to lower transportation costs after two years of high truckload and LTL rates and supply chain disruptions. This situation presents an opportunity for carriers to use dynamic pricing technology to keep their trailers running full and for shippers to find savings. LTL carriers can use dynamic pricing to fine-tune operations, particularly in lanes where they are light to optimize around bigger accounts.

Widespread adoption of APIs makes dynamic transactional pricing much easier. ABF increased shipments and tonnage, while other LTL carriers reported volume declines. However, contractual LTL rates are not falling, and core LTL-rated business prices, excluding fuel surcharges, increased in May according to ArcBest. Dynamic pricing is not solely driven by the market, according to Anderson.

“We built our dynamic pricing offering with economic ups and downs and the ever-present potential for unexpected supply chain disruptions in mind,” he said. “We implemented it prior to the pandemic, so we have seen usage of it in a wide range of market conditions.”

Technology is altering the way shippers approach purchasing transportation. Advancements in technology have enabled shippers to manage transportation more precisely, allowing them to evaluate specific pricing in particular lanes on particular days of the week.

“Dynamic LTL pricing enables us to better serve our customers who make individual shipment routing decisions while also profitably filling capacity,” Anderson said. “We’ll continue to listen to our customers and respond to their specific needs.”

Source: Journal of Commerce

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