The trucking industry has a significant challenge—knowing which customers and accounts are most and least profitable. Having this information can empower carriers to move freight more efficiently and cost effectively, which thereby improves the bottom line. This challenge took center stage at a recent TCA webinar where participants from SMC3 and XTL Transportation Inc. discussed how to make better business decisions through activity-based costing. When asked how carriers do costing today, the vast majority of the attendees said they rely on team member experience and knowledge.

Contracts are the heart of supplier/carrier relationships. They spell out in clear terms what is expected of both parties and therefore serve as an expression of trust that holds a given job together. Contracts can also be a source of major headaches if they are not properly negotiated or if they fail to address key provisions.

As in every industry, safety is paramount to the effective functioning of LTL shipping. But while this safety mandate may be common sense, staying compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards is a complicated undertaking for any carrier looking to keep their trucks on the road.

Shippers, 3PLs, carriers and other clients are the foundation of SMC³. The company creates innovative logistics technology solutions to help these groups optimize the LTL portions of their supply chains through tools that offer unrivaled shipment visibility, transit-time information and freight rating power.

Recently, we had the privilege to chat with SMC³’s Renee Rubino, to talk about all things Renee, her role, and the importance of building strong relationships with our Alliance Partners!

Sometimes it feels like the only regulatory certainty is the uncertainty for the less-than-truckload (LTL) industry. The first workshop in the fourth series of SMC3’s LTL Online Education focused on all things regulatory, and Washington D.C. insiders and transportation regulation experts explored today’s landscape impacting LTL and the next steps to prepare for potential regulatory impacts.