The first session of SMC³’s U.S. Transportation Laws and Regulations course focused on sustainability, guided by insight from Randy Mullett of Mullett Strategies and Mike Kelley, VP of Sustainability at SMC³. Trucking finds itself at a significant inflection point and the pressure to meet sustainability targets and regulations without negatively affecting service has introduced stress.

“Reducing Invoicing Surprises,” the third session of the SMC³ LTL Online Education webinar, featured Tyler Limbaugh, Truck Audits Manager at American Rail & Truck Audits (AMTR).  He got to the bottom of what can go wrong in pricing freight — and how shippers and carriers alike can avoid mishaps.

Managing operations for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping involves a complex network of transportation options and decision-making. The bill of lading comes into focus as accuracy helps ensure the best rates and minimizes the potential for unexpected charges. Shipments need to be ready to go when the driver arrives at the dock for pickup. And not all truckload (TL) carriers offer LTL transportation, so shippers need a robust network of carriers at their disposal to keep products moving.

In the first of four new SMC3 LTL Hybrid Sessions, industry veterans revealed how they charted a path to career success in the less-than-truckload (LTL) market. Joe Kniple, senior vice president of revenue and pricing at Worldwide Express, and Erica Brigance, vice president of data science at ArcBest Technology, provided best practices for others looking to break into the LTL industry and/or advance through the ranks.

SMC3’s Jump Start 2024 conference began with Andrew Slusher, SMC3’s CEO, noting record-high attendance. Drawn by the promise of dynamic conversation on the state of the supply chain, participants saw the first day unfold with a series of presentations that varied from the qualities of leadership to what macroeconomic trends to expect in the coming year.

New technology and the introduction of innovative supply chain solutions into established supply chain processes is one way to combat transportation issues. It seems as though the uptick in technology adoption, and a broader adoption of transportation management systems among even the smallest transportation companies, is a sign of how companies are now confronting a challenging supply chain arena.