Author: caela.fugate

How is the shipping industry faring this holiday season? 

As families across the country break out their multi-colored pumpkins and compile their ever-growing shopping list, exciting preparations have begun for the holidays. Although, with the ongoing supply chain disruptions, port congestion, and driver shortage, the holidays could look quite different this year for the freight industry. 

Out of Stock and Short on Time 

It’s no secret that we are experiencing a global supply chain disruption brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In the early stages of the pandemic, the automatic assumption was for people to scale back their purchases, but the result was far more unexpected. With travel and entertainment unavailable, US consumers spent their leftover cash on goods instead. The shipping world did not come to a screeching halt but barreled forward at an unprecedented pace, which has resulted in tight capacity and extreme congestion within our ports. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, “About 860,000 inbound containers arrived into the LA and Long Beach ports on average each month this year, 24% more than the typical monthly volume in the five years leading up to the pandemic.” Convenience and comfort are also in short supply when considering the expected shortages, less selection, and higher prices for numerous holiday items like gaming consoles, TVs, toys, and more. Freight companies are feeling the heat this fall as shelves become more and more sparse due to the hiccupping supply chain, rise in e-commerce, and unforgiving expectations to deliver sooner rather than later. How does the truck driver shortage pile on top of this, and how does it impact the industry? 

Driver Shortage or Demand Increase? 

Though there has been a shortage of truck drivers since the 80s, the freight world is feeling the impact of fewer and fewer available drivers now more than ever, considering the 25% of truck drivers brimming retirement. Could this be a driver shortage, or has the demand for freight surpassed our standard driver supply? Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, reports the trucking industry is short 80,000 drivers, believing the answer lies in hiring a much younger generation. The average age for a truck driver is mid-to-late 50s. In comparison, others argue that the trucking profession’s 90% turnover rates caused the shortage. Regardless, the freight industry is experiencing a monumental impact from the supply chain disruptions and lack of drivers, resulting in rising rates and tighter capacity. 

Industry Impact and Rising Shipping Rates 

Supply and demand determine the current freight rates, and in this current market, the demand is higher than the supply can meet, which has resulted in record-high shipping rates and stalled shipments. To put it into perspective, as of November 11^th, the average composite index of the World Container Index, assessed by Drewry for year-to-date, is $7,335 per 40ft container, which is $4,714 higher than the five-year average of $2,621 per 40ft container. Based on anticipated projections, shipping prices will hover in their current range well into 2023. 

“As of November 11th, well over 100 container ships sit at anchor or berth in the Southern California Ports, causing a bottleneck of freight that can not reach the mainland. With the new dwell time fees and the holidays looming, congestion rises to critical conditions. At an already busy time of year for the ports and retailers desperate to ship their products before the holidays, inland transportation from Southern California will spike, causing demand and rates to increase like we have not yet seen ever before.” — Chris Olsen, Senior Vice President of Truckload.  

Now is as important a time as ever for businesses to prepare for the holiday freight frenzy and utilize an innovative and reliable Transportation Management System (TMS). Priority1 prides itself on providing each of our customers with access to our powerful TMS, equipped with state-of-the-art Application Programming Interface (API), impressive less-than-truckload (LTL) quoting, dispatch, and real-time tracking based on check-in status. With so much uncertainty this holiday season, one thing is clear: your product is always our priority. 

Check out Priority1’s previous blog post covering our solutions to the top challenges in shipping in and outside of the holidays.  

By: Caela Fugate

With the third quarter of 2021 successfully closed, Priority1 is thrilled to announce our next Employee of the Quarter: Wesley Bland. Over a year prior, Wes joined Priority1 as a Data Engineer and has hit the ground running ever since. Before entering the technology field, his background was rooted in 15-years of automotive painting. However, Wes currently spearheads numerous responsibilities as an active member of our development team, including vast reporting and maintaining the successful flow of Priority1’s databases.  

Wes currently resides in Sherwood, Arkansas, with his spouse, Amanda, and their two children, Onalee (6) and Jex (4), who he calls his greatest motivation. He is driven by ultimate customer satisfaction, claiming his direct customers are “the other employees of Priority1, along with our customers’ employees.” He takes great pride in how his reporting makes the lives and careers of his peers more seamless and less strenuous while simultaneously impressing Priority1’s current customers.

A monumental milestone for Wes occurred during the completion of the shipped statistics table displayed on the Cabo TMS Dashboard. During the creation process, there was a hesitancy among the sales staff to trust the data provided in the completed dashboard because the numbers deviated from the standard. However, after Priority1’s leadership confirmed the table’s stellar and dependable accuracy, Wes’ hard work came to fruition. 

Though Wes’ highest motivation is his family, he takes inspiration from his mother, who he calls “the glue that held our family together.” A woman of immeasurable value and grit even as she supported her late husband through an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Before his passing, Wes’ father passed down a message to his son, which still impacts him. “The key to living a fulfilling life is always to put [your] family first and to love what [you] do for a living.” 

Outside of the office, Wes has a passion for sports, fantasy football, and follows his favorite sporting teams religiously, including the Arkansas Razorbacks and Chicago Bears. When he’s not cheering on the Hogs, Wes and his wife are full-time little league parents. They often shuttle their two children to and from various activities and events so they too can find their passions. 

Passing on his own piece of advice to new and current Priority1 employees, Wes encourages them to enjoy the ride and remember your hard work will consistently be rewarded. When asked for his favorite quality about Priority1, Wes emphasized his team’s infectious enthusiasm. “I love the positivity and the contagious energy. Everyone I interact with daily is always friendly and extremely positive. I’ve never worked somewhere with so much positivity. I also love being a charter member of Phillionaire and the Data Dawgz.” 

According to Phillip Scholtes, Vice President of Technology, “Wes has proven to be one of the most impactful members of the technology team. He has provided Priority1 with countless reporting improvements, efficiencies, and optimizations to both our TMS and the organization as a whole. In a world where data is king, I’m confident that Wes will continue to position Priority1 as a leader in the digital freight era.” 

Congratulations from all of us at Priority1 for this incredible accomplishment, Wes. Your achievements within our development team have been immeasurable, and we’re thrilled to shine a light on your diligent and impressive work. 

Tune in next quarter to reveal who Priority1 will name our final Employee of the Quarter for 2021! 

By: Caela Fugate

At Priority1, we are taking the time to celebrate and commemorate our hard-working truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which falls on September 12th through 18th, 2021. This year’s celebration takes a special significance in all businesses and homes for those dedicated drivers who continued to stock our shelves and stores during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This week is a prime opportunity to witness our appreciation to the 3.6 million professional men and women who not only deliver our goods safely, securely, and on time but also keep our highways safe.

“Americans in all fifty states have taken extraordinary steps to show their appreciation for the important work that professional truck drivers have done as we navigate our way through the coronavirus pandemic. From children passing out lunches, to “I Heart Truck” signs across America’s highways, the public has taken notice of the essential role truck drivers play in their lives.” — American Trucking Associations (ATA) 

Wondering how you can pass on a special thank you to truck drivers across the country? Donating to any of the non-profits/organizations below can genuinely impact a driver’s life right from your home!

Truckers Final Mile 

Due to their unpredictable occupation, truck drivers are more likely to experience nonfatal injuries than other professions. In 2018, 840 drivers died in the United States alone. When tragedy strikes on the road, Truckers Final Mile reunites truck drivers and their families in the event of loss of life, debilitating injury, serious illness, a crisis at home, or the need to make mobility improvements at a driver’s home. They are available 24/7 for assistance and will verify any task within four hours of submission. The charity also offers grief counseling with an on-staff Chaplain or an Independent Grief Counselor through their voucher program. 

Meals for 18 Wheels 

Ever wonder how a driver locates a hot meal during a bind on the road? Meals for 18 Wheels is an organization comprised of volunteers covering 48 states and Canadian areas to deliver hot meals to drivers. Suppose a driver finds themself without food, broken down, or sitting overnight at a customer’s location due to circumstances beyond their control. In that case, this organization works around the clock to pair them with a volunteer to deliver a hot meal. Truckers can contact Meals for 18 Wheels from anywhere in the country, and a central coordinator will locate a nearby volunteer to provide a home-cooked meal as soon as possible. However, please note this is a holiday-heavy organization and a temporary service for drivers as they are only allowed to provide aid three times in six months.

St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund 

Every American relies on truck drivers to deliver goods and stock our stores. However, have you ever wondered what could happen to a driver if an injury leaves them without work? The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF) aids over-the-road/regional semi-truck drivers and their families when an illness or injury has recently left them out of work. Assistance may be in the form of direct payment to providers for household living expenses such as rent/mortgage, utilities, vehicle payments, and insurance. The SCF provides all applicants with information on negotiating price reductions with medical providers and hospitals but does not directly pay for medical bills. The organization has assisted more than 3,200 truckers and provided over $3.5 million towards drivers’ expenses.

Today, take some time to donate to the charities above or simply thank a truck driver for their dedication to providing goods and services nationwide. From all of us at Priority1, thank you, truck drivers, of America!

By: Caela Fugate   

At Priority1, we are dedicated to making our customers’ experience our top priority. By providing access to cutting-edge technology, dedicated back-office support, and on-the-spot customer service, Priority1 sets itself apart in the 3PL world. Specifically, in our Key Account Rep (KAR) and Pricing Departments, we adjust our processes to provide supreme services at an unparalleled pace.

“Our team is dedicated to making sure our customers receive the best freight experience possible. The Key Account Rep team does not settle on just being ‘good’ at their jobs; they strive to be freight superstars. Everyone on the team takes the time to build customer relationships and listen to the customers’ needs. When we can understand the customer’s business, we can provide a tailored approach to the freight audit process.” — Deirdre Guice, Vendor Relations Manager.

Priority1’s KAR team coordinates the freight bill and audit process, intending only to bill our LTL customers when we are confident of an accurate invoice. Though we are aware this vetting process is far from the norm, it ensures that our customers receive an accurate and completed invoice for their records. It is not uncommon, specifically in LTL, for a shipper to receive an invoice and utilize it to invoice their customers only to receive another invoice later because an additional service was performed while the shipment was in transit. When this happens, it creates a cumbersome and complicated situation for the shipper as they struggle to go back and secure additional funds from their customer successfully. Ultimately, they absorb the extra cost, but because we attempt to provide an accurate invoice at the forefront, Priority1 minimizes this troublesome situation.

“In the over-arching environment we are in, the access to quality carriers with competitive rates is what sets the top 3PLs from the pack. The work we’ve done to date to establish and maintain these relationships is the foundation of our business, and without these relationships, our agent network and sales teams wouldn’t have anything to sell.” — Grant Crawford, Chief Financial Officer.

In our Pricing Department, Priority1 also ensures we maintain our relationships to provide our customers with competitive pricing in an ever-changing freight market. According to Will Sison, Priority1’s Director of Pricing, “[Priority1’s] carrier partners are always looking for ways to serve our customers better. Through cutting-edge technology, P1 is making strides with the latest pricing methods available.” Those methods also include dynamic, dimensional, industry-specific, and customer-specific pricing. Regardless, Priority1 strives to go above and beyond for its customers, starting with the right price.

“While the current pricing environment is extremely fluid and unprecedented, Priority1’s pricing team works to balance our customer needs with our carrier partner needs…and the pricing we have available is a collaborative effort to service those needs.” — Will Sison, Director of Pricing.

If you are interested in booking with Priority1, please reach out today to partner with a 3PL that guarantees a seamless shipping experience from start to finish.

By: Caela Fugate

Priority1, a modern transportation company that prioritizes experience without cutting corners, takes great pride in every one of its motivating offices nationwide, including its corporate headquarters located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Previously, these corporate locations were spread out over three separate offices in varying parts of Little Rock. However, in an exciting effort to merge our headquarters closer together and further our overall productivity, Priority1 has completed a corporate-wide relocation.

“We are extremely excited about upgrading to our new facility. We believe the facility we have built is a showpiece all of our employees can be proud of and thoroughly enjoy. We are confident that our office culture will propel Priority1 as a nationally recognized leader in the 3PL space and stake our name as the leading employer in Central Arkansas.”  — Chris Olsen, Vice President of Truckload.

As of May of 2021, Priority1 now holds two corporate locations in the hub of Downtown Little Rock, separated by a single crosswalk. In this incredible expansion, Priority1 has progressed from mere humble beginnings to occupying the entire sixth floor of the Lyon building—an area of over 22,000 square feet.

“Bringing Priority1’s offices together in Downtown Little Rock creates productivity and cultural synergies that will propel our future growth. As we look at our previous track record of success, future growth opportunities, and required cadence of personal interaction in a post covid work environment, I am excited to have the team together as we march towards increased expectations.” — Daniel Berardi, Chief Executive Officer

Projected to grow by over 90% in 2021, Priority1 is taking massive strides in providing its staff with the resources, technology, and office culture necessary to further its journey as an influential infrastructure in the transportation industry.

By: Caela Fugate

As Priority1 closes its record-breaking first quarter of 2021, it is time for another Employee of the Quarter highlight. This quarter, Priority1 takes great pride in showcasing the hard work of Nathan Sebren as one of P1’s dedicated Truckload Logistics Specialists. Before joining Priority1 over six years ago, Nathan graduated from Bryant High School and currently resides in the Benton area of Arkansas. His position includes aiding the Truckload Sales team and Agent Channel in quoting and setting up shipments while producing the best solutions for Priority1’s customers. Nathan has proved to his team time and time again that he has an unparalleled dedication to constant growth and the grit for success. In December of 2020, which he called the best month of his career, Nathan successfully partnered with a customer who provided Amazon goods. His motivation for success stems from an innate nature to provide for his family.

“I look at [my position] as a career, not just a job. As far as getting it right? I’m not sure if I have it right just yet, but I still learn every single day how I can better myself to make the best impact possible with our customers.” — Nathan Sebren, Truckload Logistics Specialist.

Nathan strives to make a positive impact on a day-to-day basis. His driven nature originates from the best advice he has received. “Even the hardest problems you face have an ending, good or bad. Make the best of what is presented to you and work on a resolution instead of stressing out over what happened.”

Nathan’s father is a monumental influencer in his life and has been “a great help in showing [Nathan] how to be a great human being and love anyone and everyone, even when it’s hard.” Outside of the office, Nathan enjoys getting back to nature and partakes in hunting and fishing seasonally. Nathan also shared a brow-raising fact with the P1 team. While island camping in his youth, he was tragically struck by lightning on the outskirts of Lake Ouachita, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Though Nathan made a full recovery, the memory sticks with him daily.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Nathan’s personal and professional growth over the past six years. Nathan was shaking as he answered the phone on the first day, and now he is one of the most respected members of our Truckload Operations team. There is nothing more rewarding as a manager than to see an employee like Nathan recognized for his hard work and success.” — Matt Watson, Truckload Logistics Manager.

Nathan hopes to work his way up into management in the near future. He often recalls the beginning portion of his career when the Truckload team consisted of just a handful of individuals. He looks forward to additional growth inside of P1 and more record-breaking quarters. Nathan’s best advice for new hires is to “be yourself and do not be afraid to ask questions.” From all of us at Priority1, thank you, Nathan, for your hard work and commitment to our Truckload team. Tune in next quarter for another employee highlight!

By: Caela Fugate

As spring is in full bloom for most of the country, job hunting and interview season will be in full swing in the coming months. With this in mind, Zach Kyle, Priority1’s Senior Vice President of Sales, has released seven noteworthy tips for anyone attempting to jumpstart a career in sales. Whether you are a recent college grad looking to secure your first post-graduation gig or an experienced sales representative, each of these tips could aid you in obtaining a sales-related position within an established company.

Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date.

An updated LinkedIn profile and solid resume are essential starting points. Sales Recruiters and Hiring Managers are constantly combing through LinkedIn profiles for new talent, so make sure you take the extra time to create a unique product that will attract these people to your profile. For additional benefit, you should also research “Sales Recruiters or Headhunters” in your local area as these companies will be able to bring new sales opportunities directly to you.

Build your interview skills.

Interview at as many places as possible. Good interviewing skills come with practice and repetition, so give yourself more opportunities to flex that muscle. Through these interviews, you will also obtain exposure to numerous sales roles and companies across many different industries. It is vital to educate yourself on what is out there to find what is the best fit for you.

Practice, practice, practice for every interview.

Come fully prepared for your interviews. You do not need to know every detail about the company you are meeting with and their hiring role, as they will explain that to you. With that said, make sure you have some basic information about the business and the person you are meeting with, preferably written down in a notepad that you bring to the interview. Presence is also essential, so dress sharp, bring that energy, and smile, smile, smile! Show off those beautiful, pearly whites because we all want to see them. Also, be prepared to deliver a strong briefing about yourself and your background, even if it is your first job post-graduation. Storytelling is vital in interviewing, and it is crucial that you can tell your story effectively and chronologically. While at the same time, you should maintain a genuine tone and simultaneously sell yourself by being yourself. Finally, once the interview wraps up, always end each interaction by setting up a date and time for the next steps. Close every time!

Know the job description.

Upon considering a position, make sure you fully understand exactly what you will be doing before making any decision. If you like what you hear after your first in-person interview, inquire if you can shadow current reps and your future manager for at least half a workday, if not an entire workday. You always want to inspect what you expect before signing an offer letter.

Love your leader.

Pick a leader, not a company. Success in sales means different things to different people. To some, it means financial stability. To others, it might mean furthering their leadership opportunities. And to you, it may mean less work and more personal time. Whatever your motivation is for choosing a career in sales, make sure you find a leader that understands what you want and one that will do everything in their power to help you get to where you want to be.

Be confident in your decision.

It’s always a good idea to discuss each opportunity you consider with your loved ones. They are the single source of emotional support you have more often than not. So, their opinion matters, but you know what is truly best for your career path at the end of the day. Though deciding a course for your career can be daunting, be confident in your direction, and the rest will follow.

Weigh the pros and cons.

Finally, take the time to research a company, including the reviews left by previous and current employees. However, in the same instance, take anonymous internet reviews with a grain of salt and do not let one or two passive comments influence your decision. Use your best judgment to sift through the reviews and weigh the pros and cons of a company. Throwing it back to the previous tip, be confident in your decisions and managers. What did not work for some might work for others!

If you’d like to learn more about career opportunities, culture, and news at Priority1, visit our Careers Page now for more information and apply today! 

By: Caela Fugate

Each quarter, Priority1 aims to highlight a hard-working, dedicated employee who continues to fly high above their pre-set expectations. This quarter, Priority1 has the great pleasure of highlighting Jessica Smith. Originally a local of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Jessica’s formal title is Financial Services Analyst, but her job description leans more towards Accounts Receivable. She manages a portfolio of direct and indirect sales accounts, working as a liaison between Priority1, the sales teams, and Priority1’s customers. Jessica is a problem solver through and through, and her second employment anniversary will be in March of 2021.

“Jessica is a huge asset to the Financial Services Department and Priority1. She is always going above and beyond to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.” — Carrie Alexander, Financial Services Manager.

A significant milestone of Jessica’s career occurred in June 2020 when she smashed her goal of less than 25% on beyond terms, ending with 11% total. Jessica is motivated by “the profuse ability we have to change our circumstances at any given time.” When asked, she compares life to standing in an endless valley. “When you’re standing in the valley, looking up at the peaks, it can seem intimidating, but when you just take one step, then you’re already one step closer to an entirely different view.”

Jessica sows her positive attitude into province or family with two children, two dogs, and a house on four beautiful acres of land. Hiking, fishing, and road trips are the mere tip of her passions, including studying law. With a bachelor’s degree in Science from the University of Central Arkansas, Jessica plans to attend law school this Fall. Her advice for new employees is short and sweet: take ownership of your position by using your problem-solving and analytical skills.

“The one thing that drew me to Priority1 was how it takes care of the employees. From great benefits, incentives, flexible schedules, and understanding management teams, it is effortless to give your all, plus some, for a company that does the same.” — Jessica Smith, Financial Services Analyst.

From all of us at Priority1, thank you, Jessica, for your hard work and commitment to our Financial Services Department. Tune in next quarter for another employee highlight!

By: Caela Fugate

Priority1 is a modern transportation company that prioritizes experience without cutting corners. We intertwine this policy throughout our company, including how we treat our employees. Priority1 strives to go beyond simply offering jobs. We foster careers by creating a stable and ever-growing working environment. We hire talented individuals who will provide the best support and quickly adapt to the rapidly changing world of logistics. These talented men and women drive our business, and we are committed to their success. With that in mind, we strive to provide them with the best benefits, profit-sharing opportunities, and a family work environment.

Unmatched Benefits 

At Priority1, we have an array of lucrative benefits offered to all our full-time employees. These benefits can range from dental insurance to a 401(k)-retirement account and more. The health and safety of our hard-working employees rank above all in our minds. Because of this, we also provide medical insurance with a premium paid at 100% for your family. This benefit is the most appreciated and indispensable, especially for Priority1 employee Hunter Alford.

“My wife and I recently had a beautiful baby girl.  We were in the hospital with my wife for seven days before her birth, and after my daughter made her appearance seven weeks early, she had to spend 24 days in the NICU receiving care as a preemie. You can only imagine how expensive the medical bills were racking up during that time.  Our insurance providers were extremely helpful, being just a phone call away and consistently sending us letters in the mail explaining what was going on with the billing. We are still in the process, but with Priority1’s benefits, they have covered close to 100% of the medical bills that we have gotten so far, which is phenomenal. It is great to know that you work for a company where the owners care about their employees and are willing to take money out of their earnings to provide health care for their employees.” — Hunter Alford, Inside Sales Representative

Below is a complete list of our offered benefits for P1 employees. 

• Competitive pay 
• Medical insurance (with a premium paid at 100%) 
• Vision insurance 

• Dental insurance 
• Prescription medical drug program 
• Life insurance 
• Short & long term disability  
• Profit-sharing plan

• 401(k) plan 
• Paid holidays & vacation leave 

Profit-sharing 

Historically, Priority1 has also offered a 15% annual profit-sharing opportunity to every employee. Our unique profit-sharing opportunities allow each employee a transparent look into our company and promote productivity and loyalty amongst each department. 

According to a Human Interest blog post, “In a profit-sharing plan, an employee receives a percentage of a company’s profits, either in cash or company stock, based on the company’s quarterly or annual earnings…Profit-sharing is a great way for owners to share business profits with the rest of the company and compensate them in a tax-friendly way — both employers and employees benefit from this approach.” 

We have found each employee benefits from this by incorporating a small piece of their hard work into the growth of the business, thus feeling more connected and included in the company’s inner workings.

Family Atmosphere 

Priority1 has a work culture unmatched by other industry-leading companies outside of our high-quality benefits and profit-sharing plans. We have an open-door policy that allows every employee to come to their superiors for assistance and advice. Our CEO, Daniel Berardi, or our VP of Truckload, Chris Olsen, welcomes each employee into our corporate office with a building tour and personally introduces our new hires to the current staff. In our minds, each position is valued and provided with the resources necessary for success.

So, if you are considering a position at any of our nationwide locations, please apply today to get started! 

By: Caela Fugate

The freight industry sees a monumental rise in its business from October through December. One fundamental reason for the shipping spike during these months is the holidays.

According to US Cargo Link, “Trucks travel an average of 500 million miles during the holidays — to put it in perspective, the distance between the Earth and Jupiter is 483 million miles!”

During these months, shippers scramble to get their products on the shelves or to customers’ doorsteps before significant holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. With longer weekends approaching, the pressure is on for the freight industry to meet deadlines and deliver promptly, despite certain circumstances set against them.

“Peak holiday shipping is projected to be even more elevated in the latter portion of 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic has affected consumers’ purchasing habits. This combined with the already limited trucking capacity has put heavy pressure on the freight industry this holiday season.” — Chris Olsen, Vice President of Truckload

Below is a list of the upcoming holidays for the United States that impact the freight industry:

Thanksgiving — Thursday, Nov. 26 

Black Friday — Friday, Nov. 27 

Hanukkah — Tuesday, Dec. 22 – Friday, Dec. 30 

Christmas Eve — Thursday, Dec. 24 

Christmas Day — Friday, Dec. 25 

Kwanzaa — Saturday, Dec. 26 – Friday, Jan. 1  

New Year’s Eve — Thursday, Dec. 31 

New Year’s Day 2021 — Friday, Jan. 1, 2021

Outside of these dates, let’s dive into three factors to consider when shipping during a peak freight season.

Weather

Whether we like it or not, the weather is an uncontrollable factor of every shipment. Snow, rain, heat, or hail, drivers brave it all to deliver their loads. However, when delivering during a peak, shipments may be stalled due to special circumstances like weather. This is a factor that should be considered before, during, and after a shipment.

Customer Service

We all know that communication is key, but do we practice what we preach? Communicating with your lead customer service reps during a delay or stall could be a serious step in meeting your deadlines or obtaining an extension. Outside of the drivers, logistics and shipping companies must put customer service as their top priority during peak seasons as drivers and customers rely on communication to guide them throughout the shipping process. Stellar customer service is a key factor to a successful shipment.

Relationships

Keeping weather and customer service in mind, a relationship with your insurance provider or supplier can make or break a vital shipment.

According to the International Business Times, “If a shipment is damaged in transit, basic carrier liability typically does not cover the full value of the shipment. With shipment insurance, you are more likely to recover your loss and the process for filing a claim is often easier.”

In other words, maintaining a stable relationship with your contacts, especially in insurance, will benefit you in the long run.

Though weather, customer service, and a relationship with your insurance provider can affect freight, especially during the peak holiday season, at Priority1, we prioritize your shipping experience year-round. Check out our previous blog posts to see our solutions to the top three challenges in shipping outside of the holiday season.

As always, drive safe!

By: Caela Fugate

Third-party logistics (3PL) companies thrive on numerous essential qualities to set them apart in the marketplace. At Priority1, we thrive on consistently bettering our business, software, and customer service to provide the best 3PL service available to all current and prospective Agents. Below you will find the top three qualities to look for in your partner 3PL company as an Independent Agent. 

1. A Strong Back-Office 

The backbone of a successful 3PL is its back-office. Qualities of a dedicated back-office could include, but are not limited to, strong communication skills, the ability to multi-task and understand specialized software like a complex TMS, a steady hand under heavy pressure, and deep-rooted professionalism in and out of the workplace.  

“Back office support is the financial powerhouse supporting an Independent Agent’s business. It is the reason that many utilize this service rather than operate under their own authority, bond, and insurance. Choosing the right company to run your business with should not be taken lightly.” — Omar Alami, Senior Vice-President of Business Development 

2. Innovative Technology 

Along with a steadfast back-office, a successful 3PL will have innovative technology available to its customers and Agents. This technology includes a web-based, proprietary TMS that is price competitive, innovative, and user-friendly. Having access to powerful technology saves users time and money. Priority1 offers its partners competitive and exclusive TMS technology that propels user experience into the future.  

3. Transparency 

Whether the 3PL you are considering is a smaller, family-run business or a larger corporation, it is vital to educate yourself on their reputation, including their level of transparency. Do their employees work well under pressure? How is their customer service? Are they honest about their history with freight and financials? The answers to these questions will lead you to the appropriate 3PL. At Priority1, we are looking for growth-minded entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or growing a successful logistics company. We are honest about our intentions, visions for the future, and plans to get there. 

We understand the difficult decision of choosing a stable 3PL partner to work within the ever-changing freight business, so we maintain each of these three qualities at the root of our company. With our premier freight Agent partnerships, we can offer you no hidden fees, no territory restrictions or restrictive covenants, and an unsaturated agent network. We take care of the billing, collections, and disputes, so you can focus on growing your business. With our premier back-office services and agency support, the right 3PL for you could be right around the corner. Give us a call today to get started! 

By: Caela Fugate

Each quarter, Priority1 aims to highlight a hard-working, dedicated employee who continues to fly high above their expectations. Though the company has taken a long hiatus from pointing out a specific employee in recent years, this quarter, Priority1 takes great pleasure in shining a light on Kyle Morton, one of our esteemed Software Engineers. Kyle’s diligence, self-motivation, and dedication to achieving the best possible results have not gone unnoticed.

“Kyle’s background and experience in enterprise software development make him an invaluable development resource on the team. He continues to be a major asset to the organization as we integrate the Truckload functionality into our TMS.” — Phillip Scholtes, Vice President of Technology.

A native of Paragould, Arkansas, Kyle’s motivation is his family, claiming, “I always want to be someone they can be proud of.” Kyle aims to be dependable in and out of the workplace for his peers and supervisors. He strives to improve his skills as an engineer daily and often admires others who do the same—though he admires his father most. His career goals include improving his skills in software development, project management, and mentoring while simultaneously never missing a basketball game. While Kyle has been with Priority1 for well over a year, he encourages new employees to learn as much as they can, always do their best, and “never be afraid to take a chance on something you believe in.”

A family man at heart, Kyle is surrounded by an extensive support system: two boxer pups, his spouse, Kaylee—who is currently expecting another child next month, Bennett—and his son, Dean. He spends most of his free time grilling and enjoying cartoons with his son.

“The people at P1 [are what I love the most]. You work hard like any job, but you always feel welcomed, appreciated, and like a part of the family… It’s been the best job I’ve ever had, without a doubt.” — Kyle Morton, Software Engineer.

From all of us at Priority1, thank you, Kyle, for your hard work and commitment to making our IT department as seamless as possible. Tune in next quarter for another employee highlight!

By: Caela Fugate