Protecting Supply Chains and Logistics from Panama Canal Drought Disruptions

The Panama Canal has been facing low water levels. Find out how the Panama Canal drought impacts shipping and how the global supply chain is adapting.

Worsening Panama Canal drought conditions are adversely affecting businesses all around the world. Significantly lower-than-usual water levels at this critical maritime passage have directly impacted supply chains and world trade. As fewer ships carry less cargo through the canal, stakeholders must change their shipping methods. Continue reading to learn about the effects of the Panama […]

Selecting the Right Warehouse for Your Business Needs

An article that discusses the best practices for selecting the right warehouse for your business needs.

If you’re looking for the perfect warehouse for your unique business needs, this guide is for you. We have gathered important details for choosing a warehouse, such as features, locations, security, and more. What is a Warehouse? A warehouse serves as a specialized facility that stores, organizes, and manages products before distributing or selling them. […]

An Expert Guide on Dealing with Excess Inventory

An expert guide on dealing with excess inventory created by MVP Logistics.

The 2020 pandemic sparked a surge in demand for goods, as people stayed home and searched for ways to maintain their sanity. However, when the lockdowns lifted and people could venture out again, the need for products decreased. As a result, retailers found themselves with excess inventory they were unprepared for.  Managing surplus inventory can […]

How Freight Rates and Capacity Changes Impact Your Shipping Costs

Learn how market capacity, freight rates, and other factors can influence your shipping costs. Get informed about strategies to help you plan for price variations and discover the best shipping options for your business needs.

It is important to understand how changes in freight rates and capacity impact shipping costs. This understanding is crucial for maintaining competition in the constantly evolving shipping industry. It is crucial to stay updated on the trucking market. For instance, keeping track of market studies, freight rate changes, and preparing for price changes. Also of […]

Impending UAW Strike and Potential Impacts

What is the Goal of the UAW’s Stand-Up Strike The United Auto Workers (UAW) have taken a stance against Ford, GM, and Stellantis, collectively known as the Big Three. They have created a movement called “Stand Up Strike.” Harnessing the power of unity, the Stand-Up Strike strategy empowers individuals to create a monumental force. Rather […]

YRC Freight Bankruptcy Impact and Navigating the Fallout

This image represents the impact of Yellow Corporation's bankruptcy on the industry and the need for alternative shipping solutions.

The bankruptcy of Yellow Corporation on August 6, 2023 has had a significant impact on the industry, causing complications and expenses for various companies.  The shipping industry is evolving faster than ever, which means companies of all types are looking to adapt and discover new solutions to their unique needs. Let’s explore how Yellow Corporation’s […]

MVP Logistics Ranks No. 4,918 on the 2023 Inc. 5000  

With Three-Year Revenue Growth of 77 Percent, MVP Logistics Ranks No. 4,918 Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

With Three-Year Revenue Growth of 77 Percent, MVP Logistics Ranks No. 4,918 Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies NEW YORK, August 15, 2023 – Inc. revealed today that MVP Logistics ranks No. 4,918 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at […]

Freight Shipping 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

In the rapid pace of today’s global economy, big and small businesses lean heavily on efficient transportation to deliver their cargo across vast distances, safely and on time. Whether you’re a newcomer just stepping into the world of freight shipping or a seasoned veteran, this all-encompassing guide is your trusted companion. Here you’ll discover essential […]

Understand What Freight Insurance Covers to Protect Your Shipments.

An image of a box that was badly damaged during transit. The damaged box shows why it is important to understand what freight insurance covers and why you need it for your business.

Every time you ship something domestically in the United States, you are gambling with the potential of damage or loss. How confident are you in your knowledge of your carrier’s freight insurance policy and how much coverage you truly have? If you ship goods domestically, you need to understand the basics of freight insurance to […]

Shippers: Avoid These Top RFP Mistakes 

A helpful blog post that describes the do's and don'ts of submitting a successful RFP.

Submitting a request for proposal (RFP) is an important part of finding the right transportation partner.   However, making mistakes when drafting your RFP can cost you time and money.   In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common RFP mistakes and how to avoid them.   What is an RFP?  Have you ever been […]

Why Offshoring Manufacturing and Sourcing is Now a Liability

An infographic that discusses the benefits and risks associated with offshoring manufacturing and sourcing.

The pandemic made us realize there are risks in the global supply chain we never thought about before. Businesses are realizing it might be a bad idea to get manufacturing and sourcing from other countries because of the risk, which may come with a heavy cost. In a world where global events can disrupt supply […]

Freight on Board: How to Use It in Shipping Terms of Sale

FOB Definition & Shipping Terms of Sale

FOB in shipping determines who pays for shipping and takes responsibility for the freight at a specific time. Short for “free on board,” FOB terms of sale can impact inventory, shipping and other costs. Keep reading to learn more about FOB agreements and modifiers and how they impact buyers and sellers.  What Does FOB Mean […]

How to Choose the Right LTL Carrier for Your Business

Infographic about how to choose an LTL Carrier for Your Business

There are a lot of LTL carriers out there, but how do you choose the right one for your business? A handful control most of the LTL market, such as FedEx Freight, Old Dominion and Yellow, who have years of experience and a proven track record of delivering quality service. Logistics Management shared the Top 25 […]

Trouble Is Coming: The Fallout of an Over-Saturated Freight Market

An infographic of freight market volatility for truckload van according to DAT averages over 30, 90 and 365 days

Trouble Is coming. The world is now starting to feel the importance of supply chain management. For months the world has been struggling with issues with the supply chain and now the fallout is coming. The transportation industry saw a boom of freight, and carriers responded by increasing their operations. We’ve seen this before. In 2017 to 2018 there was a boom in freight […]

The Anatomy of a Highly Optimized eCommerce Distribution Center

MVP Logistics Guest Blog Post

Guest Post Author: Allied Steel Buildings In the eCommerce era, the quality of the distribution center design can make or break a retail business. In fact, with customers’ increasing expectation for affordable doorstep delivery, some estimates indicate that distribution centers ill-equipped to accommodate last-mile delivery scenarios could see their profits take as much as a 26% hit. Some of […]

10 Steps to Shock-Proof Your Supply Chain

An infographic about 10 ways you can protect your supply chain

When Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast of the United States in 2012, it caused widespread damage and left millions of people without power. Retailers in the area were forced to close their stores, and many lost significant amounts of revenue. This serves as a perfect example of why retailers need to take steps to shock-proof […]

Pallets 101: Everything You Need To Know About Pallets

An Infographic with the ISO Pallet Dimensions Across the World

Pallets are a simple and cost-effective way to move goods from one place to another. They are used in many different industries, including manufacturing, retail, warehousing, wholesale distribution and more. A pallet can be thought of as a “platform for handling” that offers an efficient means of moving products around the supply chain. Pallets come […]

The MVP Tea – Supply Chain News – December 10, 2021

The latest updates on the congestion at the ports, incoming and empty containers, international spot rates and industry news.

This week on the latest news in the supply chain from MVP Logistics. The latest port congestion information for the cargo vessels at the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, and the Port of New York. Updates on the latest numbers for shipping containers at the Port of Los Angeles. Did you […]

Small Business: Hard To Sell and Harder To Survive

MVP Logistics Blog Post

A recent post on Reddit titled “The Supply Chain Keeps Getting Worse” discusses the harsh reality that many small business owners are facing in today’s manufacturing climate – you can’t sell your way out of this. One respondent stated, “it’s change or die.” This is a sentiment echoed by many other posts on the subreddit […]

Retailers Face Empty Shelves as the Supply Chain Weakens

A woman holding a lemon in the produce section of the grocery store

With the retail supply chain under pressure, retailers are starting to feel the pinch. The logistics field is about to be hit with a new set of challenges as shelves go empty across the country. The root cause of this problem is not panic buying, but rather much deeper-rooted problems that have been lingering since […]

Rent & Container Price Surge

“Warehouse Rents Surge on Bidding Wars for Scarce Space” As corporations compete for scarce distribution space to meet rising e-commerce demand, the warehouse market in the United States is starting to resemble the hot housing market. As merchants and logistics providers scramble to relocate goods closer to population centers, industrial rents are rising, with some […]

Robot Employees, Nearshoring, and Supply Chain Bullwhip

Logo - MVP Logistics on the Move

“Commentary: Caution—Bullwhip Effect Ahead” Even as the Covid-19 pandemic eases in most of the developed world, current evidence reveals that many firms are about to be knocked off their feet once more. As the pandemic’s rippling effects disturbed established supply-and-demand patterns around the world, uncertainty about demand estimates needed to drive supply-chain choices grew significantly […]

Worst Quarter in U.S. History, Another Cyberattack, Sustainable Ecommerce

Logo - MVP Logistics on the Move

“Global supply chains have never been this clogged” A year after the worst quarter in U.S. history the economy is rebounding a pace that cannot keep up with supply. The manufacturing sector continues to grow despite global supply constraints that have been holding it back. Record-long lead times, rising prices, supply and worker shortages continue […]

Autonomous Trucking, Carrier Relationships, Food Sector Bullwhip

Logo - MVP Logistics on the Move

“FMCSA AUTOMATED TRUCKS PROJECT HEADED TO WHITE HOUSE” The FMCSA announced they will begin surveys and efforts to explore automated driving systems in the trucking sector. However, the feedback the FMCSA received opposed the project mentioning it could cause a loss of truck driving jobs.   “RELATIONSHIPS KEY TO NAVIGATING CAPACITY CRUNCH” With the reopening […]

EMPTY CONTAINERS, DRIVER SHORTAGE, HESITANCY TO ADD CAPACITY

Logo - MVP Logistics on the Move

“Truckers Expect U.S. Transport Capacity Crunch to Persist” Trucking capacity is expected to remain tight throughout the rest of the year and high shipping costs are expected to follow. There are not enough trucks or drivers to keep up with demand and efforts such as raising driver pay have not been sufficient in catching up […]

Record High Demand, Capacity and Container Spot Rates

Logo - MVP Logistics on the Move

“Flexport: Trans-Pacific deteriorating, brace for shipping ‘tsunami” Even with the number of container ships down from a few months ago the demand and capacity issues are predicted to get worse. The backlog that is piling up in Asia will make it extremely difficult in the coming months to secure a spot on a ship. Spot […]

How to Choose an Ecommerce Warehousing, Fulfillment and Distribution Partner

An image of a person using a tablet to shop for products online

As Ecommerce sales explode during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, many ecommerce stores are struggling with keeping up with demand. For many customers, buying online is an everyday occurrence and for others they are just beginning to shop online. One thing is certain, having efficient ecommerce warehousing capabilities to support the future growth of ecommerce is a […]

How to Manage Accessorials

An image of freight trucks driving on a road under a bridge

The hidden costs of LTL shipping can sneak up on you when you least expect it but there are some steps you can do to anticipate, avoid, and manage them. What is an accessorial? An accessorial is an extra charge because of additional time or effort was needed to make a delivery. Example scenarios may […]

How to Increase Supply Chain Speed to Market

Image of fast moving traffic within a city

The speed at which a company addresses a new product, service, customer signal, or event can have a significant impact on profitability and customer feedback. “Speed to market” is a phrase used to describe how quickly an organization develop a new product or service from the initial idea, design, prototype, testing, developing, manufacturing, shipping, and finally […]

What to expect for the shipping holiday season?

Logo - MVP Logistics on the Move

It is no surprise that a record setting holiday shipping season is upon us. Companies have anticipated the increase in shipping volumes in addition to the already elevated levels of capacity and rates due to COVID-19, but there is still a lot of uncertainty that lies ahead. With shippers and carriers experiencing drastic market volatility, creating […]

How to Choose a Cold Chain Provider

A woman holding a lemon in the produce section of the grocery store

With more diverse products being manufactured and shipped each day, carriers are transporting them across the globe at an increasing rate. Cold chain, also referred to as “temperature-controlled” transportation adds even another layer of complexity to the always evolving cold chain market full of disruptions and changing consumer demands. Finding a provider that can deliver a smarter […]

What you need to know about OTIF

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What is OTIF? OTIF stands for “On Time & In Full” and is the next step for big retailers. With OTIF, you now need to deliver your products within a 1-day window (on the exact date) — and it must be the full purchase order. Walmart recently announced new OTIF guidelines for suppliers. OTIF is applicable in almost […]

4 Benefits of a Third Party Logistics (3PL) Partner

4 Benefits of a 3PL - Moving City Lights at Night

Third-Party Logistics Companies (3PLs) are becoming more popular as the retail landscape shifts from the physical store to the online store. Why do so many companies make the strategic decision to rely on outside partners for execution of transportation services? The benefits are vast. 3PLs can gain you access to better freight rates, improve efficiencies, cut costs, […]

How to Handle Tight Capacity Markets

An image of a warehouse at full capacity

As the economy tries to recover and reopen during COVID-19, freight rates are rising and things are changing constantly. According to DAT, capacity is projected to continue to tighten until the end of the year.   What does “tight capacity” mean? A tight capacity market means that there is a greater demand from shippers than carriers. This […]

How to Avoid Freight Reclassifications and Reweighs

Tanker Truck transporting goods

Managing your supply chain cost requires efficient transportation management practices. One of the most common way to see your freights costs get out of hand is reclassification and reweighing of your freight. This may be difficult to achieve as LTL shipping can be nuanced with different invoice adjustments including accessorials, delays, and damaged freight. By law, […]

How to Calculate Shipping Costs

An image of a carrier shipping cargo on a highway

Before shipping ground freight, it’s important to know the associated costs. However, finding a “one size fits all” quote is impossible – each shipment has a different size, weight and requirements that it’s impossible to follow a simple formula each time. While every shipment is different, you can still get an estimate online that will […]

How Urban Logistics Affects the Supply Chain

An image of the downtown city street view of Minneapolis Minensota

As the world’s population grows, city living is becoming the norm for most. By 2050, 68% of the world’s population is projected to live in urban areas (source). Even today, megacities like New York (metropolitan areas with a population of more than 10 million people) congest traffic and provide a challenge for logistics. What can shippers do […]

3 Technologies You Must Consider For Integration With Your Supply Chain

3 TECHNOLOGIES THAT YOU MUST CONSIDER FOR YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN

Many businesses in the 3pl, logistics & services industry are beginning to adopt new technologies into their operations and manufacturing processes. They are developing new digital capabilities that create and add value to their customers to stay relevant in an extremely competitive market. Because they develop and adapt, they can compete with the big dogs […]

4 Benefits of Digital Transformation in Your Supply Chain

Photograph of a cell phone and a piece of paper filled with colorful graphs about supply chain and logistics performance

The world is in an ever-evolving state of digital transformation which has improved the performance of businesses and global supply chains. What is “digital transformation”? It can be described as the “application of technology to view, digitize, and analyze data in an accurate and quick manner to improve supply chain performance”. Companies are now using their […]

What are Sort and Segregate Services?

Get better accountability, visibility and accuracy on the packages that you ship with sort and segregate services. Learn more about how MVP Logistics can help!

Sort and segregate (sort and seg for short) is a service carriers provide to ensure everything that should be in a shipment is there and in optimal condition. These services involve checking every case on a pallet and includes unloading, sorting, counting, repacking and checking for quality.  Less-than-truckload (LTL) drivers often have tight schedules and […]

Why to consider Nearshoring (4 steps)

Supply Chain risk in the form of uncertainty from political decisions combined with fears of additional widespread diseases similar to COVID-19 has fueled the discussions about nearshoring. Factors such as supply and demand risk, total cost today and expected future cost levels will have to be evaluated. The big questions seem to be: “What are […]

How to Manage Coronavirus Risk in the Supply Chain (3 Steps)

An image of cargo at a port

With the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), many industries are in flux. The supply chain is currently impacted at all levels, international ocean and air as well as US ground transportation. Many business owners are unsure of what to do or how to proceed. At MVP Logistics, we want to assure our customers that we’re proactively planning to […]

What are the Top Delivery Delays? (And How to Avoid Them)

Every day, thousands of shipments arrive at their destination. However, there are some delays that occur every day too. This is frustrating for shippers, and for those following protocols like MABD – it can be costly. While it’s not possible to guarantee delays will never happen, there are a few ways to avoid the top delivery delays. LACK OF […]

How Your Supply Chain Can be Environmentally-Friendly

Sustainability is a massive concern in the supply chain industry. Companies large and small are under the watch of customers who want to support environmentally-friendly brands. While change can’t happen overnight, there are a few steps that companies can take to help reduce their supply chain’s impact on the environment. GreenBiz offers 5 tips for making […]

How a Supply Chain Analysis Can Help Your Business

Business Professionals Discussing Their Supply Chain Strengths and Weaknesses

Your supply chain is a complex collection of moving parts. Ideally, those parts move together to create a smooth supply chain. However, that’s not always the case. Or even if pieces seem to move together, there may be hidden sources of friction slowing you down. A supply chain analysis reviews every step of your process to ensure you’re […]

What is Pool Distribution?

WHAT IS POOL DISTRIBUTION? Pool distribution is the distribution of orders to several destination points within a set geographic region. Typically, this includes a high frequency of smaller shipments in LTL quantities. Pool distribution is a way of streamlining the shipping process. Instead of many different shipments arriving on separate trucks to the same area, […]

Meeting Must Arrive By Date (MABD) Requirements for Big-Box Retailers

MABD compliance is crucial in big-box retail. Learn what it is, why it’s important, and how suppliers can meet MABD requirements to avoid penalties.

In today’s fiercely competitive retail landscape, suppliers understand the critical importance of meeting the requirements set by big-box retailers. These benchmarks are the foundation for establishing successful partnerships, and MABD (Must Arrive By Date) is a crucial element.  MABD compliance goes beyond simply meeting deadlines—it’s also meant to ensure efficient inventory management, minimize stock-outs and […]

What’s the Difference Between LTL and FTL Freight?

When choosing ground freight shipping, there are two main options: LTL and FTL freight. Less than truckload (LTL) means that your shipment of goods doesn’t require the whole space of a truckload. Full truckload (FTL) means that your shipment does take up an entire truck’s weight or space capacity. Both options have their merits, but many companies […]

What is Smart Manufacturing?

Smart manufacturing is a process of using digital resources to connect networks and manage every link a supply chain, from sourcing to logistics. This can include cloud technology as well as on-site software to monitor and track shipments. WHY IS SMART MANUFACTURING IMPORTANT? Smart manufacturing means you can track activity in real-time. This is increasingly important with initiatives like […]

How Understanding Spot Rates and Truck Orders Can Save You Money

An Image of a semi truck driving in a mountain range

Shippers must understand that spot rates and class 8 truck orders are closely tied: what happens to one will affect the other. If spot rates go up, so do truck orders. If truck orders go down, so do spot rates. WHAT ARE SPOT RATES AND CLASS 8 TRUCK ORDERS? As a quick refresher, a spot […]

What is Drayage?

We often think of logistics as Point A and Point B, with goods leaving one location and arriving at another. But between those two points are many stops and switches that make your supply chain process smooth and on time. One of those tactics used to keep a smooth supply chain is drayage. WHAT IS DRAYAGE? In […]

The Guide to Ground Freight Transportation in Houston

Ground Freight Transportation Blog Pic

What are the advantages of ground freight transportation in Houston? How is Houston positioned for international ground freight shipping? We have the answers to these questions and more in our guide to ground freight transportation in Houston.

How to Choose a Logistics Company in Houston

Container ship in import export and business logistics, By crane

Getting all your various processes to work together can feel like waiting for the stars to align. A good logistics company is crucial for ensuring everything goes from point A to point B without a hitch.

Why You Should Outsource Warehousing

warehousing

Purchasing your own warehouse is costly, time-consuming and impractical. Outsourcing warehousing frees up space and lets you focus on your business while someone else handles the logistics.

What is a Fulfillment Center?

Inventory management is a struggle every eCommerce business faces. That’s where a fulfillment center comes into play.

5 Reasons Why Logistics is a Hot Career

It’s no secret that we love logistics – it’s even in our name – but, finally, everyone else is starting to see why we love it so much. We’ve already touched on how graduation rates for transportation are on the rise, and that momentum has carried into logistics and logistics management. Logistics careers are heating […]

5 Key Traits of Every Successful Operations Leader

operations leader using a clipboard

Operations are a key area for any business. That’s why having a successful operations leader is so critical. An operations leader wears many hats and makes sure that a variety of different systems all work together seamlessly. Here are some key traits to look for in a successful operations leader. 1 – A Motivator Every […]