All The Supply Chain News You Need To Know 1.28-2.1

Timothy Dooner • January 31, 2019

Trade war talks continue this week between the US and China. President Trump tweeted there was “good intent and spirit” during the discussions. The President reiterated that China is now open to considering a deal between the two nations in order to avoid the $200B in tariffs on Chinese imports, which he’d threatened to impose. Recently, American shippers have been pressuring Trump to strike an accord as profits tumble. Similarly, the Chinese economy is growing at its slowest pace in years. However, there are still a number of sticking points that both sides need to share common ground on.

Harley Davidson projects trade war tariffs will cost company $120M in 2019. The bad news comes after Tuesday’s earnings call where the company posted $1.15B in YoY loses. Trade war tariffs only account for 10% of the company’s losses as the rest can be attributed to two recalls and restructuring. "We expect first quarter will be adversely affected by incremental tariffs, unfavorable mix, lost absorption on lower shipments and unfavorable currency, partially offset by lower year-over-year restructuring costs," said Harley Davidson CFO John Olin to Supply Chain Dive.

DHL invests $300M in emerging technologies. The cash will be spread out among a number of areas including robotics, AI, IoT sensors, augmented reality, and increased visibility. In addition, the company plans to enhance their WMS system. In May, DHL Americas Innovation Center will open in Chicago. DHL claims that the warehouse robots that they’ve already invested in have increased order picking productivity by 100%.

Truckers protest Baltimore port delay times. Drivers are reporting delays of up to 8 hours at the port. The issue stems back to the Panama Canal expansion which has brought cargo to the port at a faster rate than it's scaled. That’s culminated in over 50 truckers picketing “awful conditions” at Seagirt Marine Terminal. Pamela Miller, who organized the protest, claims that drivers stuck in 8-hour long lines can’t even experience basic comforts like using a restroom while in line. “They work the ships hard and heavy because if they don’t turn them in a timely manner, then they get fined, or the ships won’t come here,” Miller told The Baltimore Sun, “But they let us sit in there for hours on end.” Containers stuck at the port are hit with demurrage fines to the tune of $450/day.

Hemp goes national as Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 allows crop to cross state lines. The Act, which removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act states, “No State or Indian Tribe shall prohibit the transportation or shipment of hemp or hemp products produced.” New regulations have caused confusion along hemp growers supply chains as the goods require elevated visibility. “At a minimum you need a copy of the license of the grower to prove the origin of the shipment.” said Erika Stark, executive director of the National Hemp Association.” She also said that shippers will need to provide laboratory tests to meet the regulatory requirements of hemp products and a certification from the dealer, according to Freightwaves. Could this be a marriage made in heaven between hemp and blockchain?

Today in "Where's my freight?" (miraculously there were no fatalities due to the crash)

Now hiring! Excellent positions are available right now to work with an industry leader crafting cutting-edge modern managed freight solutions.

Nobody can move the world alone. It takes creativity, curiosity, and collaboration between great people. Join Aborn & Company’s Boston area team and be a part of their vision to rethink how shippers and carriers look at their global supply chains.

They offer over 30-years of traditional industry experience in a free-thinking, tech-friendly, startup environment that doesn't just encourage their clients' growth but also the growth of their most important asset - their team.

Choose to be extraordinary, choose to be the architect of your career, choose your own adventure today!

Apply now by clicking CAREERS

Checkout the latest episode of our podcast !

Listen below or subscribe now on iTunes , Spotify , or simply search your favorite podcast player for Consulting Logistics!

< Older Post Newer Post >

Brendan Lawler Joins FreightPlus as Senior Manager, Strategic Planning and Customer Service

October 4, 2022

Innovative managed transportation provider continues to invest in hiring and developing the best talent within the logistics space QUINCY, Mass — FreightPlus, a data-driven managed transportation solutions provider, announced Brendan Lawler has joined as Senior Manager of Strategic Planning and Customer Service. Lawler brings in over seven years of experience leading diverse, cross-functional teams in challenging, chaotic, and ambiguous environments. In his new role, Lawler will own all aspects of planning, optimizing, appointing, tracking and servicing customers’ freight. He looks forward to standardizing the planning and customer service functions within the department and incrementally improving the throughput of the team through process improvement and technology integration. “I am energized by the opportunity to help continue FreightPlus’s growth as a data-driven transportation management solutions provider,” says Lawler. “I’m eager to use my experience in leading teams toward operational excellence to enhance the customized service for our clients. FreightPlus's mission to ‘simplify complex logistics together’ embodies the people-driven culture that I value so deeply. I look forward to joining a company that is team-focused and has a proven track record of transforming ideas into innovative solutions that create sustainable impact.” Lawler previously served as a Captain in the Marine Corps and as Senior Operations Manager within Amazon Transportation Services, where he focused on driving operational excellence and utilizing new technology to drive process improvements. In his tenure, he was responsible for developing and implementing new network-level process improvements for both under-the-roof (UTR) and over-the-road (OTR) operations, as well as spearheading the effort of optimizing the synchronization of warehouse and transportation operations. With revenue and employee count quadrupling over the past five years, FreightPlus was listed no. 184 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America in 2022. Chief Operating Officer Ben Graeff comments, “I am so excited to welcome Brendan to FreightPlus. Brendan brings a deep background in operational excellence from his time in the Marine Corps and Amazon Transportation. He is a quiet leader that leads by example, lives in the day-to-day details, and is the exact right person to help us scale our operation and customer service teams through our continued growth.” About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management, offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first class customer service with innovative technology and industry best practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit FreightPlus.io for more information. ### Media Contact: Courtney Conyers Marketing & Communications cconyers@freightplus.io

FreightPlus Ranks #184 on the Inc. 5000 List

August 16, 2022

For the 2nd Time, FreightPlus Appears on the Inc. 5000, Ranking No. 184 on the List of Fastest-growing Privately Held Companies in America FreightPlus recognizes a three-year revenue growth rate of 2,846% NEW YORK, August 16, 2022 – Today, Inc. revealed that FreightPlus is No. 184 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. “We are honored to be featured on the annual Inc. 5000 list for the second year in a row,” said Stephen Aborn, FreightPlus Chief Executive Officer. “This award and our ranking reflect the continuous dedication from our team to providing our customers with the people, technology and processes to build best-in-class logistics programs. We are thrilled to be recognized as we strive to bring customer-centric and innovative solutions to the world of logistics.” The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19. Among the top 500, the average median three-year revenue growth rate soared to 2,144 percent. Together, those companies added more than 68,394 jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000 . The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, which will be available on August 23. “The accomplishment of building one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., in light of recent economic roadblocks, cannot be overstated,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that have established themselves through innovation, hard work, and rising to the challenges of today.” About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first class customer service with innovative technology and industry practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit https://www.freightplus.io/ for more information. Media Contact: Courtney Conyers cconyers@freightplus.io

FreightPlus Names New Senior Vice President of LTL

July 26, 2022

Innovative managed transportation provider brings on LTL industry leader to continue to support rapid growth QUINCY, Mass — FreightPlus, a data-driven managed transportation solutions provider, has announced the expansion of their company with the hiring of Curtis Garrett, joining as Senior Vice President of LTL. Garrett will focus on improving carrier relationships and interactions through utilizing technology and strategic processes. With revenue and employee count quadrupling over the past five years, FreightPlus was named the second-fastest growing privately held company in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal. FreightPlus was also listed as the 783 rd fastest-growing company on the 2021 Inc 5000 list. CEO Stephen Aborn commented, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Curtis. Expanding our team with his experience is a great step in the right direction for FreightPlus as we continue to look for the most innovative and ambitious thinkers in the logistics space.” Garrett brings fifteen years of LTL experience prior to joining FreightPlus, including eight with ODFL in operations, driving, pricing, yield, and W&I. Since departing from ODFL, he has spent six years on the 3PL, software and consulting side of the industry, recently serving as Vice President of Pricing and then Chief Strategy Officer at Reconex. Garrett is fascinated with technology and is truly a student of the industry. Having overseen hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue on the business profitability side, as well as pricing and carrier relationships and procurement, Garrett is more determined than ever to break down silos and get everyone on the same playing field. “I am beyond excited to join FreightPlus”, said Garrett on his new role. He continued, “from what I have witnessed, this company has all the right parts and pieces – customer obsession, innovation, and grit – to do big things in the freight industry and I could not be more excited to be a part of it.” About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first-class customer service with innovative technology and industry practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit https://www.freightplus.io/ for more information. Media Contact: Courtney Conyers cconyers@freightplus.io

FreightPlus Named to Boston Business Journal's Fast 50 List

FreightPlus Named to Boston Business Journal's 2022 Fast 50 List

March 28, 2022

FreightPlus has been named to Boston Business Journal's exclusive 2022 Fast 50 list for the first time.

Ben Graeff Appointed as FreightPlus Chief Operating Officer

FreightPlus Expands C-Suite with the Appointment of Ben Graeff as Chief Operating Officer

March 7, 2022

Innovative managed transportation provider continues to invest in executive team to support the company’s rapid growth. QUINCY, Mass — FreightPlus, a data-driven managed transportation solutions provider, announced Ben Graeff has joined as Chief Operating Officer, the first in company history. Graeff will be responsible for the company’s operational, managerial, and product strategy, as well as driving day to day and quarterly results and innovation in FreightPlus’ next stage of scale and growth. With revenue and employee count quadrupling over the past five years, FreightPlus was named to The Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America in 2021. CEO Stephen Aborn commented, “I am thrilled to welcome Ben to FreightPlus. His natural ability to lead and his experience scaling large businesses at the intersection of technology and operations will be invaluable to our growth story. Every person or partner that works with Ben will be better for it.” Graeff brings over 10 years of experience building technology and businesses at Amazon. Prior to joining FreightPlus, he served as Sr. Manager, Product Management and Data Analytics within Amazon Transportation Services. During his tenure, Graeff was responsible for P&L ownership in Amazon’s consumer retail division, developing new software and customer experiences for Amazon Prime, as well as product development and business results in operations and logistics across the globe. “I am excited to join a company whose mission embodies solving complex problems in partnership with its customers,” said Graeff on his new role. He continued, “Like all great organizations , FreightPlus is powered by its people. I’m eager to join this growing team and blend my experience in building and developing organizations with delivering fast-paced results through people, process and technology. FreightPlus’ commitment to driving long-term partnerships, cost savings and strong service for our customers aligns closely to my core values. I look forward to continuing to build the products, processes, programs and technologies to drive FreightPlus’ future growth as a data-driven transportation management service.” About FreightPlus About FreightPlus FreightPlus is an industry provider of data-driven transportation management offering businesses customized and fully tailored managed transportation solutions in a boutique environment where clients get the individual attention they deserve. FreightPlus combines first-class customer service with innovative technology and industry practices to help mid-size and growing companies work efficiently in the $800B domestic transportation market. Visit https://www.freightplus.io/ for more information. Media Contact: Courtney Conyers cconyers@freightplus.io