Topics covered in this episode:Overview of Open-Deck Trucking Markets in 2024Trucking Industry Cost Pressures | Current StateHow prices are calculatedWhat happens in May and Spring in Open-Deck ShippingHow Open-Deck Trucking is Different this MayConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

Open-deck freight shipping is one of the most complicated segments of the transportation industry. The flatbed marketplace, although a vital piece of the U.S. economy, is influenced by external forces like weather and government spending. If flatbed shipping holds a place in your supply chain, you'll want to ensure you do everything you can to keep these shipments running efficiently. Recently, trucking companies have faced unique constraints, making it difficult to keep their doors open and their drivers profitable. But is the market on an upswing? Or, will rates remain depressed throughout 2024. In this episode of Beyond The Road, we'll discuss what's been going on with open-deck freight markets (capacity and rates) over the past 18 months, what drives demand in this area of the industry and what shippers can do to improve this section of their logistics going forward. Topics covered in this episode:Overview of Open-Deck Trucking Markets in 2023Trucking Industry Cost Pressures | Current StateWhat Drives Demand for Flatbed Shipping?What happens in April and Spring in Open-Deck ShippingHow Open-Deck Trucking is Different this AprilTips for Working With Your Open-Deck CarriersVisit the ATS Learning HubLearn more about the trucking industry in AprilConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

2023 was a difficult year for trucking companies. It was a great one for shippers though. Spot rates, which have been depressed since 2022, have remained low in 2024. In this episode of Beyond The Road, we discuss current transportation industry market trends and where we expect things to trend throughout the year. Topics covered in this episode: 2024 Freight Rates Overview2024 Truckload Market ProjectionsSeasonality Discussions Q2 2024Current State of Load-to-Truck RatiosTrucking Company Operating Expenses this YearWhen Will Freight Rates Rise?Advice for Shippers in 2024Visit the ATS Learning HubRelated Transportation Industry Content:The Trucking Industry in March 2024: What You Should KnowTruckload Transportation Industry Forecast 2024Connect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

February is one of the slowest months in trucking. Even if it's slow for your company, there are things you can do to set yourself up for success in the months ahead. Things will get busy again, let's make sure you're prepared when they do. In this episode of Beyond the Road, learn everything you need to know about February. This includes how capacity tightens in the open-deck market due to harsh weather in the northern U.S., how oversize shipments are impacted by limited daylight and how the dry van sector experiences a lull. Topics covered in this episode: Winter Weather's Impact in FebruaryCommodities Shipping Heavily in FebruaryFreight Rates in FebruaryWhat Shippers Should do During the Lull of FebruaryLooking Forward (Post February)Relevant Resources and Information:California Semi Truck Year RegulationsThe Trucking Industry During February 2024: What You Should KnowTruckload Transportation Industry Forecast 2024Visit the ATS Learning HubConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

2023 is coming to a dramatic close after what can be considered one of the most deflating years on record for the transportation industry. Companies have been shipping freight at depressed rates for a while now, making it hard for trucking businesses and their drivers to make ends meet. As we head into January 2024, it's natural to wonder what the next year will bring. While we don't hold a crystal ball, and can't definitively say what the next year will look like from a transportation perspective, we have been around for our fair share of Januaries over the years. In this episode of Beyond the Road, you'll learn how the dry van, open-deck and oversize marketplace tends to behave during January. This includes what to watch out for and how to plan out your loads this month. Topics covered in this episode: The Impact of New Year's Day on Freight MarketsDry Van Shipping Trends During JanuaryOpen-Deck Shipping in January 2024Oversize Shipping Insights in JanuaryWinter Weather in January: A Real DisruptorRate and Capacity Predictions for Q1 2024Check out the 2023 Market Update Video and Article from ATS' CFOWatch the video: Why Shipping Prices and Driver Pay ChangeVisit the ATS Learning HubLearn more about shipping freight during JanuaryConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

December, the final month of 2023, is an interesting time for transportation companies; truck drivers head home for the holidays, freight volumes increase in the retail sector, open-deck shipments slow down and daylight hours shrink. For shippers, December is the final month to move freight before the brand-new year. That said, with so many changes happening within area trucking markets, it can be difficult to do so. In this episode of Beyond the Road, you'll hear from ATS Logistics Sales Team Manager, Josh, who will provide an overview of what you can expect to experience in December. Information covered in this episode:Daylight: A Major Factor for OD FreightThe Impact of Christmas on Freight CapacityOpen-Deck Capacity in DecemberTips For Shipping Around the HolidaysRetail Freight Market Update2024 Market ForecastWhile you're here, check out some of this related content:[Video] 2023 Mid-Year Market UpdateThe Trucking Industry in December 2023: What You Should KnowShipping Freight Around a Holiday: 3 Critical Planning TipsVisit the ATS Learning Hub for more tips, tools and industry insights. Connect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

In our first episode of season two, ATS' Corporate Pricing Manager, Reid joins the podcast to discuss freight pricing. The past few years have been an interesting time for trucking companies; freight rates surged to all-time highs in 2021, only to fall substantially in late 2022 and into 2023. Where does a freight rate swing like this come from? And, perhaps more importantly, what can companies like yours do to ensure success as we head into 2024?In this episode of Beyond the Road, you'll gain Reid's insight into what's been happening in U.S. freight markets over the last three years, why this occurs and what to expect in the year ahead. Is it time to lock in contracts with your carriers? Let's find out. Topics covered in this article:What's Been Happening in the Freight Market in 2023Dry Van Pricing in 2023Open Deck Pricing in 2023Heavy Haul Pricing in 2023Contract and Spot Rate SpreadWhat Trucking Companies Consider When Quoting FreightWill Freight Rates Rebound?Current State of Fuel SurchargesWhat will 2024 Look Like For Rates?Retail Season Update 2023Don't Stop Here! Check out some of this related content and information:2023 Transportation Industry Mid-Year Market UpdateCommon Transportation Industry Market Cycles: What They Are and What They Mean for YouLoad-to-Truck Ratios: An Overview of How They Impact Your Freight RatesVisit the ATS Learning Hub Follow the ATS Learning Hub on LinkedIn to get transportation industry insights directly in your social feed.Connect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

November is a busy month in the transportation industry. Trucking companies around the country feel the impact of retail season and the impending holidays in November and December. As a company with freight to move and a budget to manage, you must understand how November changes things in your neck of the woods and around the nation. Reefer capacity, for example, tends to tighten during Q4, disrupting the companies that use them (particularly in the Northwest). Oversize freight, on the other hand, can be trickier to move as daylight shrinks across North America. In this episode of Beyond The Road, Josh discusses everything you need to consider when shipping your freight in November, including how rates will change and how you can stay on top of things this year. Hint: try not to ship freight the week of Thanksgiving. Topics covered in this podcast: Enclosed Trailer Capacity in NovemberOpen-Deck Capacity in NovemberOversize Travel in Q4 of 2023Retail Season 2023: What to ExpectHow Thanksgiving 2023 Will Impact TruckingTips for Finishing 2023 Strong as a ShipperRelated Content and Information: The Trucking Industry in November 2023: What You Should Know2023 Transportation Industry Mid-Year UpdateRetail Peak Season 2023: What to Expect and Planning TipsDownload the 2023 Freight Shipping Calendar (Outlining the Best and Worst Days to Ship this Year)Connect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

Wondering what happens in the transportation industry throughout October? Need some tips to employ to keep your supply chain running smoothly? As the first month of Q4, October kickstarts the final stretch of the year. Your company's supply chain needs to finish 2023 stronger than it started. In this episode of Beyond the Road we break down what happens in the oversize, open-deck, reefer and dry van markets in October. Use this information to avoid the common pitfalls companies encounter during the tenth month of the year. While you're here, check out some of this related content: October 2023 Trucking Industry Forecast: What You Need to KnowRetail Peak Season 2023: What to Expect and Planning TipsTransportation Industry 2023 Mid-Year UpdateVisit the ATS Learning HubConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

September will be an interesting month in the transportation industry as dry van and open-deck capacities shift around our nation. Produce season is essentially finished in the southern U.S., forcing these drivers to evaluate their next move. As a company with freight to ship, make sure to stay on top of your transportation supply chain during the 9th month of the year. In this episode of Beyond the Road, you'll get an overview of what trucking will look like this month and Q4. Topics covered in this episode: Hurricane Season: How It Impacts Freight MovementDry Van Market OverviewOpen-Deck Market OverviewU.S. Port FreightLabor Day and Holiday ShippingCargo Theft: What's Going On?2023 In ReviewRead the Article: The Trucking Industry in September 2023: What to KnowVisit the ATS Learning HubConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

As May ramps up, the transportation marketplace continues to change. This is seen most prevalently in the southern U.S. where produce markets start to soak up capacity. With this realization, truck drivers from around the nation flock to these areas and the heightened earning potential they offer. Construction season also picks up in May, tightening open-deck capacity across the board. This makes providing ample lead time to your carriers more important than ever. It's safe to say May will be an interesting month as it always is. In fact, if you don't plan for DOT blitz week, your business could run into some prolonged issues. In this episode of Beyond The Road, Josh discusses everything you need to know about the trucking industry during May, offering some planning tips for companies like yours to use during the final month of spring. Topics Covered in this Video:Dry Van Market Changes in MayOpen-Deck Market Changes in MayOverall Cargo Volume UpdateFrost Law UpdateDOT Blitz Week 2023Memorial Day: How to Plan for ItTips for Logistics ManagersCheck out these pieces of related content:The Trucking Industry in May 2023: What You Should KnowDOT  Week 2023: What You Should Know About Blitz Week This MayWhat You Need to Know About Seasonal Load Restrictions This SpringVisit the Learning HubConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

In April, the trucking industry experiences changes on a massive scale. The regional, area and local demand for transportation capacity shifts across the southern U.S. significantly. Similarly, construction projects and tradeshows soak up a lot of open-deck capacity in many regions. As the northern U.S. starts thawing out, frost laws are enacted in these areas and many shippers in these areas feel their impact. In this episode of Beyond The Road, you'll get an overview of what the transportation industry looks like during April and what you can do to keep your shipments running efficiently this month. Topics covered in this episode:The Rise of Produce Season in AprilFreight Movement In and Around CaliforniaWeather's Impact in Spring 2023Produce Hotbeds: What ChangesThe Start of Quarter InfluxConstruction Season in AprilFrost LawsPlanning for EasterCheck out some of this related content:The Trucking Industry in April 2023: What You Should KnowHow Location and Time of Year Impact Reefer ShippingWhat You Need to About Frost Laws This SpringHow Does Freight Seasonality Impact Shipping Cost?Visit the Learning Hub Connect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

Logistically speaking, the transportation marketplace undergoes transitions during March that are difficult to ignore. That's why, as your company's logistics expert, it's important to account for things like frost laws, construction season and dry van market shifts. In this episode of Beyond The Road, we'll give you an overview of what's happening in the dry van, flatbed, oversize and refrigerated transportation markets right now, and how we expect things to change in the future. Topics Covered in This Episode:Overview of March in TransportationOpen-Deck Freight Adjustments in MarchDry Van Freight Adjustments in MarchConstruction Season in MarchWhat's Happening With The Dry Van Market?Tips for Securing Capacity in MarchAn Overview of Frost LawsHow to Plan for the End of Q1Read the article outlining, in further detail, what the trucking industry will look like in March 2023: The Trucking Industry in March 2023: What you should knowLearn more about frost laws with these resources:What You Need to Know About Seasonal Load Restrictions This Spring[Video] What Are Frost Laws?Visit the ATS Learning HubConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

February is kind of a slow month in the transportation industry. There's generally a drop off in the volume of freight moving around the U.S. As a result, you may see freight rates fall in the coming weeks. This makes February a great month to test your carrier relationships and develop systems for optimizing your processes. In this episode of Beyond The Road, Josh joins us to shed some light on how the second month of the year typically goes and to provide some tips for shippers (like you). Topics Covered in this episode:An Overview of Trucking in FebruaryWhat will rates do in February?What to Prioritize in February?What Capacity Trends Will We See in February?How to Make Your Freight Appealing to Drivers in FebruaryAdditional Freight Trends in FebruaryTips for Planning For/Avoiding Winter Weather DisruptionsRelated Content: The Trucking Industry in February 2023: What You Should KnowHow Low Can Freight Rates Realistically Go? (6 Factors That Set the Floor on Rates)5 Tactics for Avoiding Transportation Delays This WinterDownload the free Find a Truck Faster GuideVisit the Learning HubConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

January, like every other month, brings challenges to U.S. supply chains. Throughout the first month of the year, many of these issues are tied to the changing weather in the northern United States and a downturn in eCommerce activities across the board. As a shipper, there are several keys to successfully moving goods in January. Let's make sure your freight get's where it needs to go in one piece. Topics covered in this episode:A Note About Shipping Freight During WinterShipping Out of the Pacific Northwest in JanuaryBuy Season For Open Deck FreightWhat to Expect When Shipping NorthShipping Around the South/Southeast During JanuaryWhat Will Capacity Look Like to Start the Month?How to Navigate Winter Weather's Presence Throughout JanuaryCheck out the ATS Learning HubMore relevant content:The Trucking Industry in January 2023: What You Should KnowHow Does Winter Weather Impact the Trucking Industry?5 Tactics for Avoiding Transportation Delays This WinterConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

December is a great month; the Holiday Season begins, snow falls across the northern U.S. and families gather around dinner tables to round out the year. For transportation companies and freight movement, December can be a challenging month. That’s why, in the interest of keeping your cargo moving on time and on your budget this month, it’s important to understand how transportation markets shift in December. In this episode of Beyond The Road, we’ll discuss how freight movement changes to finish the year and how winter weather impacts truck drivers, the transportation industry and your supply chain. Topics Covered in This Episode:What Does December Look Like For Trucking?How is Peak Retail Season Shaping Up?How Do Driver Preferences Change In the WinterHow Does Open-Deck Freight Movement Change in December?What Does Less Freight Moving Mean For You?Lower Freight Rates This December: What to Keep in MindHow to Manage Your Logistics In a DownturnHow to Plan For Shipping Around ChristmasCheck out these related resources:The Trucking Industry in December 2022: What You Should Know2023 Transportation Industry Market Forecast: Where We're At Now and a Look Ahead?[Podcast] What Happens to The Trucking Industry Leading Up to and During National Holidays?Shipping Freight Around a Holiday (3 Critical Planning Tips)Visit the ATS Learning HubConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

There is a ton of transportation activity in November. This can be incredibly disruptive for shippers that don't plan for this uptick in freight movement. As the retail season kicks off and food and beverage freight moves with greater regularity, it's essential you're prepared. Otherwise, you may experience higher-than-usual freight rates and long-term disruption. In this episode of Beyond The Road, we'll go over many of the changes that occur in November and provide some tips for shipping freight over the coming weeks. Topics Covered in This Episode:What Happens in the Reefer/Dry Van Markets Starting in November?Retail Season UpdateChristmas Trees Out of NorthwestWhat Happens in The Open-Deck Market During November?There are Dry Van Rates Headed To Finish The Year?How to Plan Around ThanksgivingTips For Navigating November SuccessfullyContent mentioned in the show:Retail Peak Season 2022: What to Expect and Planning TipsThe Trucking Industry in November 2022: What You Should KnowWhat is a Smartway Certification?Sustainability in Your Supply Chain: A Conversation on Smartway CertificationsTouchbase with Josh RiversConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

As a company with sustainability goals, you're constantly searching for new ways to improve the carbon footprint of your supply chain. SmartWay certifications are one of the ways freight carriers and transportation companies display their commitment to sustainable practices and doing better in the future. Anderson Trucking Service is a full-service transportation company founded on the pillars of integrity and innovation. As such, ATS' four divisions constantly strive to sit among the best in the business and holding SmartWay certifications is just another way they get there. In this episode of Beyond The Road, you will hear from a member of ATS Logistics' sales team who will discuss what sustainability means for transportation providers and what, if anything, you can do to improve your logistics decisions in this realm. Topics Covered in This Episode:What is Greenbuild and When is it?What Does Sustainability Mean for Carriers?What is SmartWay?How Are SmartWay Certifications Earned?To What Degree Do Shippers Care About SmartWay Certifications?What Does Having a SmartWay Certification Say About a Carrier?Which Carriers Have SmartWay Certifications?=How Else Can Carriers Make a Commitment to Sustainability?Read the Article on SmartWay CertificationsVisit the Learning HubVisit the SmartWay websiteConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

Breakbulk shipping is a crucial segment of many businesses. Breakbulk Americas is an international breakbulk shipping conference where stakeholders from all over the work gather to network, share best practices and refine their processes. In this episode of Beyond The Road, you'll hear from Carl, one of ATS International's transportation experts as he discusses the Breakbulk Americas trade show and the current state of the breakbulk industry. Topics Covered in This Episode:Breakbulk Americas: The Trade ShowHow Has Breakbulk Changed Over the Past Decade?What is a Transport Concept for a Breakbulk Shipment?What Are Your Options For Breakbulk Shipping?Breakbulk Shipping Rates: How Are They Looking?What Does it Take to Successfully Move Breakbulk Cargo Today?How to Choose a Freight Forwarder?A Special Shoutout To Breakbulk's Many StakeholdersLearn More About. . . ATS International ATS SpecializedATS LogisticsVisit the Learning HubListen to the podcast on International Shipping Via Marine VesselConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website

Over the years, October has become synonymous with things like pumpkin pie, Sunday Night Football and piles of leaves begging for the chance to become a playground of color into which children tumble. Don’t worry though, you won’t miss out on all the fun. You see, during its 31 days, October also brings mounds of excitement to the transportation world — creating new roadblocks and challenges for logistics managers to navigate. And, although the leaves outside transition into the beautiful crimson reds and yellows we’ve come to love, your transportation dollars are still just as green as they were in previous months. As such, you’re looking to take them just as far. Let’s make sure you do. In this episode of Beyond The Road, we take an in-depth look at what October means for the transportation world and go over what you should keep in mind in the days ahead. . . Information Covered In This Episode:Open-Deck/Flatbed Shipping in OctoberDry Van Shipping in OctoberOctober: The Start of Hurricane SeasonWhat Else Changes in October?Tips For Navigating Your Supply Chain In OctoberRead the Article on the Trucking Industry in OctoberLearn more about the Pros and Cons of Spot Vs. Contract Rates hereVisit the Learning HubConnect with ATS on. . . LinkedInFacebookInstagramCheck out the. . . Trucking Industry Channel (YouTube)Truck Driving Channel (YouTube)ATS WebsiteDrive4ATS Website