Where’s My Stuff?

By Len Batcha

President

Technical Transportation, Inc

Not long ago when a manufacturer wanted to transport large equipment or technology to a customer or designated facility, the tracking and management of that order was done via paper waybills and phone calls. These methodologies were extremely cumbersome, inefficient and prone to erroneous or misleading information.

But as time and technology has progressed, the industry has been able to recognize improved benefits, accuracy, and efficiencies of electronic shipment tracking and information reliability.

The emergence of the Amazon Effect has accelerated this trend, as real-time electronic tracking from seller to consumer (and all points in between) has become both the expectation and the norm.

In today’s business and consumer world, you want the affirmation and reliability that comes with knowing your shipment order is on pace to deliver on time and is delivered successfully. This is especially true for high-valued equipment that, in some cases, is being shipped across continents.

Any quality logistics provider today will have electronic shipment tracking as part of their strategic business process in the form of a mobile app or online portal. But the top providers will go a step further and include additional features in their offering that help you manage your business. Those include:

• Customization to fit your brand and your needs
• User-friendly and seamless interface
• Shipment details and tracking
• Waybill visibility
• Invoicing services
• On line order placement
• Proof of delivery (POD) information with consignee and delivery time
• Picture uploads
• Setup and installation confirmation
• Instant quality feedback
• On-demand activity reports
• Private and multi-level access options

One of the key features on that list is customization, because if your partner isn’t willing to work for you and provide you with the information and service that you require, then they’re likely not a partner at all. They’re simply a service provider.

So if you’re looking for a true logistics partner that will provide you with the tools, knowledge and transparency to get the job done, then feel free to reach out to us today to learn more.

Your Logistics Partner Should Be an Expert on YOU

By Len Batcha

President

Technical Transportation, Inc

If you’re looking for a logistics partner, there is a plethora in the market, but not all are created equal. So how do you find the right partner that will best meet your needs?

One determining factor to consider is, does the provider understand you? That means:

• Knowing your industry
• Knowing both your company and culture
• Knowing your products intimately

And it’s this last point that we want to focus on in this blog. Think about it, you’re a manufacturer of complex, sensitive equipment or technology, where untrained handling could mean serious (and expensive) consequences and delays.

If your logistics provider is not willing to learn and understand the required processes and nuances of your products to minimize mistakes, then they’re not the partner for you.

Delivering specialized equipment requires skill, experience and product knowledge. The ideal partner would have a fully scalable, in-house training program to certify that their field service teams can properly handle your equipment.

At TechTrans, our customized training program features:

• Training videos
• Written instructions/documentation
• Online testing
• Certification of completion

A good training program assures that your logistics provider’s field service technicians understand your delivery expectations and how to best represent your brand to your customers. This includes:

• Complying with your procedures
• Understanding proper equipment handling
• Maintaining consistency for all deliveries
• Meeting quality control and assurance standards

So when searching for the best logistics partner for your company, make sure they’re willing to learn the details about you and your products. And make sure they’re willing and able to train their field service teams as well as everyone who comes in contact with your product. The effort will prevent many future headaches, both operationally and financially. It will also mean success for you with your end customers.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about finding the right logistics provider for your company, feel free to Contact us today and we can provide answers and guidance.

Real-Time Shipment Transparency is the New Norm

By Michael Pyle

Information Systems Manager

Technical Transportation, Inc

Logistics technology has had more than its fair share of impressive advancements over the past few years. But for the most part, advanced shipment technology has still been a “nice to have,”” rather than a business requirement for logistics providers.

Not anymore.

Technology has now advanced to the point that virtually every stakeholder can see where a shipment actually is in real-time, regardless of where it may be in the supply chain. Such powerful technology not only makes it easier for companies to share information, submit orders, track shipments and access informational updates-it also raises the bar on what customers expect from a shipment company.

Electronic paths with real-time transparency are fast-becoming the new norm for logistics providers. Because of the great influx of data now available, shippers can provide customers and suppliers on both ends of the spectrum with more information than was ever possible before.

Greater transparency, greater benefits.

Technology now allows us to better assess how much product is actually being used in the field. This offers a number of both business and consumer benefits because it’s now possible to:

• Get a clear picture of the condition of equipment in transit
• More accurately assess inventory needs
• Reduce overhead that was previously needed to ensure sufficient supply
• Actively utilize GPS trackers to monitor inventory
• Give precise locations for product in transit at all times
• And many more important benefits to transportation professionals and novices alike.

Besides the ability to precisely pinpoint every product’s location, advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT) will soon be able to harness unforeseen benefits with the increasing amounts of internet-equipped products Examples include:

• Remote diagnostics
• Remote service and upgrades on some equipment
• Easily accommodate software upgrades
• Provide real-time access to any damages or equipment failures in the field
• And, of course, countless benefits we haven’t even thought of today.

Think of a world where drivers can have real-time communications back and forth to dispatch; instantly transmit paperwork and images including proof of delivery; share information to resolve issues immediately; enable dynamic shipping that begins the delivery process even before the paperwork is completed; and speeds up time of delivery without sacrificing quality.

It’s a world that’s already here today and will continue to provide significant advancements in the future. With the ability to share real-time shipment transparency at every stage in the delivery supply chain, everybody wins.

Have Questions?

Do you need help or have questions about simplifying your logistics? Contact us today and we can help point you in the right direction.

New Year’s Resolution: Make Logistics Simple

By Len Batcha

President

Technical Transportation, Inc

If you’re still considering making your new year’s resolutions and setting your business goals, here’s one that can be quickly achieved:

Make your logistics simple.

Many manufacturers oversee complex supply chain operations, with separate providers for each step of the journey, starting at their warehouse and ending at the end-user’s location. From packaging, to transportation and delivery, to set-up and installation, there are a lot of moving parts to manage.

And for some manufacturers, simplifying this process may seem like a huge hurdle to overcome. But it can be achieved quickly with the right logistics partner that has the right mix of skills, expertise and capabilities.

The right third-party logistics (3PL) company could simplify your logistics by:

1. Consolidating Vendors – There’s no need for you to juggle and manage all the moving parts of your supply chain. The right 3PL partner will ideally be a one-stop, single-source provider for you. They should be able to do it all, or at least have a network of partners that they manage to get the job done without any hassle or haggling for you.
2. Providing a Single Contact – Even better, with the ideal partner, you should only have to interface with a single contact for all of your logistics needs. This person would get to intimately know your company and provide concierge-like service, helping you meet your supply chain goals. They should be your go-to person and an extension of your internal team.
3. Simplifying Billing – In addition to managing the operational side of your logistics, the right partner for you will also handle the administrative side of logistics, and simplify any scheduling, contracting and billing so you only have to deal with a single invoice.
4. Representing Your Brand – Your ideal partner, their employees and any other connected constituents should always have your brand values at the forefront of everything they do for you. From handling with care during shipping and delivery to providing friendly and helpful service and support during the final mile, the right partner should be your brand ambassador every step of the way.
5. Single Point of Contact — The best supply chain partners will be single source providers that handle all of the moving parts for you, while proactively keeping you and your stakeholders updated on important deliverables and outcomes. Even better, they’ll supply you with a single contact person to further simplify your logistics processes.

Have Questions?

Do you need help or have questions about simplifying your logistics? Contact us today and we can help point you in the right direction.

Why the Last Mile Should Be Your First Consideration

By Phil Burnette

VP, National Accounts Sales

Technical Transportation, Inc

Of the hundreds or thousands of miles your products might travel to reach their final destinations and end-users, the last mile may be the most important.

It’s where all the magic happens, and where a truly valuable logistics partner can shine, and make you shine in front of your customers. But it can also be where most of the mistakes are made, which end up costing you more in terms of repairs, time in the field or returns/replacement of product.

When looking for a third-party logistics partner (3PL), make sure their last mile services consist of the following:

• Brand Ambassadors — Your logistics partner should be a seamless extension of your brand. That means they must be eagerly willing to learn about your company’s values, culture and expectations. They should then deliver upon those values with a high level of customer service by seeing each project through until it meets the customer’s ultimate satisfaction.
• White Glove Delivery — Sometimes typical delivery and freight services aren’t enough, especially in the realm of highly complex equipment where even a minor bump can have major consequences. You need a partner that understands the intricacies of your products and how transportation and delivery processes can affect them. Your provider should also be able to create customized procedures that will serve the best interests of you, your products and your customers.
• Expert Installation — Your provider of choice should have the capability to not only transport and deliver your products, but expertly set up and install them to full working capacity. At the end of the process, your customer should be able to use the product as it’s fully intended.
• Real-Time Confirmation — Tracking and real-time confirmation of where your product is during transport is critical throughout the whole process, but is especially critical in the last mile, once it reaches its final destination. You provider should have a robust IT infrastructure in place to make it possible to track your shipment at any time, and also receive real-time confirmation, with signature and photo evidence, of the successful delivery and installation of your product.
• Single Point of Contact — The best supply chain partners will be single source providers that handle all of the moving parts for you, while proactively keeping you and your stakeholders updated on important deliverables and outcomes. Even better, they’ll supply you with a single contact person to further simplify your logistics processes.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about last mile services, contact us today and we’ll provide our advice, or a helping hand if needed.

Tips for Residential Delivery of Big Ticket Items this Holiday Season

By Louis Black

VP, National Account Sales

Technical Transportation, Inc

The holidays are once again upon us, which means a busy shopping season, as well as a busy season for logistics companies that deliver online sales directly to consumers.

According to Coresight Research, “total online sales excluding automobiles will rise over 16 percent year over year during the holiday period.” In addition, “e-commerce will capture 20 percent of all non-food retail sales, up from around 18.5 percent for the final quarter of 2017.”

This translates to lots more packages being delivered this holiday season. And while the USPS, UPS and FedEx handle many of the smaller items, big-ticket items such as consumer electronics, furniture and appliances still require more skilled transportation and delivery.

Manufacturers and retailers should consider the following when looking for a value-added logistics partner this holiday season (and really, any time of year).

• Handle with Care — Unlike smaller boxed items, larger furniture and electronics require more care during transportation and delivery. Logistics partners should have the tools and know-how to properly navigate a variety of home environments, from single-story homes to multi-level apartments of any size or age. For consumers, these are expensive purchases and should be treated as such.
• Installation Needed — A residential logistics partner should offer the expertise and capability needed to install your products if requested by the customer. Whether it’s a TV, washing machine or refrigerator, a good partner would be well-versed in residential installations.
• Customer Service a Priority — Since there are many buying options for consumers in the new omnichannel retail world, it’s important that logistics providers demonstrate good customer service, and go the extra mile for customers if needed.
• Efficiently Efficient — Part of good customer service is a commitment to efficiency. Time management is important for your customers, as well as for you as the manufacturer or retailer. An efficient partner can fit in more deliveries in a day, which helps you move more merchandise and keeps everyone happy.

Good timing and an eye on the sky is also important. Weather can potentially affect schedules for deliveries, and residential areas that are experiencing heavy snow or flooding may be difficult to access. That’s why many carriers are advising to have products shipped by Dec. 14 in order to have them delivered before Christmas Day.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about residential deliveries, feel free to contact us today and we’ll get right back with you.

Carriers are advising to have products shipped by the 14th in order to have a chance of delivery before Christmas Day.

The Responsible Disposal of Old Medical Devices

By Louis Black

VP, National Account Sales

Technical Transportation, Inc

As we all know, existing medical equipment and technology begin to go out-of-date almost as soon as they hit the market for use. Medical equipment manufacturers prepare for obsolescence by developing new products with approved technologies and ergonomic enhancements, all while existing products are still in production. This ensures the constant development of new-generation products, but also leaves a continued supply of obsolete equipment in its wake.

When new products go to market, marketing and sales are tasked with developing strategies to replace existing products in the field with the new-generation products. Logistics departments are tasked with developing strategies to transport, deliver, and install the new equipment to minimize downtime for the end user, and ensure they meet sales- and corporate-defined budgets and goals.

Certainly, these new product roll outs are exciting and include involvement from production, sales, logistics and the customer to implement processes to deliver the new equipment and configure for immediate use. However, what is less exciting is managing the process for removing the equipment they are replacing.

When mature devices are finally taken out of service, are decommissioned, reach their end of life, or are traded in, the end user often turns to the original manufacturer for help.

However, the manufacturer may not want the equipment back. They may not have the space to keep or store the out-of-date devices, and they may not need it for spare parts either. But they certainly don’t want to see their legacy products show up on the secondary market to compete directly against their newer offerings.

Since medical equipment that has reached its end of life cannot simply be put into a dumpster, what are the proper steps for disposal?

Out with the Old…

In most cases, obsolete equipment needs to be destroyed, recycled, disposed of, or all of the above. It’s a process that is not glamorous to deal with, as its time consuming and means dealing with product that can no longer yield a return on investment.

To complicate things, many old medical devices may be exposed to bio-hazard contamination, having come in contact with human fluids, tissues and/or other exposures. A manufacturer’s worst nightmare would be having such a device show up in a landfill without proper documentation of decontamination or disposal.

You need a logistics partner that understands the proper means of disposal and can create solutions customized to your needs. Whether it’s simply removing a retired model from the end- user site and recycling it, or handling the proper decontamination process, an experienced logistics partner can manage the entire process for you. Properly handled, you should expect to receive a “Certificate of Destruction” with the make, model, serial number, date of recycling and the location of disposal / recycle facility.

The best providers will manage the entire process for you and trust that all compliance requirements are met. Particularly, look for a partner that will act as a single source provider for your disposal and recycling needs. Even better, your provider will assign a single point of contact to your account, further simplifying the entire process for you, leaving you to focus on the equipment that can still make money for you.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about medical device destruction, recycling and disposal, feel free to send us a note and we’ll get right back with you.

Giving Thanks for Our Employees

By Len Batcha

President

Technical Transportation, Inc

This Thanksgiving week, many families will gather together and reflect on the people, good fortune and gratitude that abounds. As a company, it gives us a moment to show our appreciation and thankfulness for our most valuable asset – our employees.

At TechTrans, our employees are the biggest reason why we have been a successful company for almost 30 years. And they’re the number one reason why companies continue to turn to us for their supply chain and logistics needs.

Incentives for Success

Our company structure centers around a dedicated account coordinator and/or team for each customer, which ensures deep knowledge about the customers and end-users we serve. This also means our customers have one point of contact who knows the history of the account and real-time information on where their products are in the supply chain. In fact, our employees become an integral part of those customers’ teams.

As with most dedicated teams, the more we help our customers succeed, the more we as a 3PL provider succeed. Which is why we give thanks to our employees by offering the opportunity to share in incentives for success. Through bonus structures, we let our employees share in company profits if they help:

• Improve supply chain processes
• Increase volume of activity
• Increase revenue or growth profit margins
• Enhance productivity through technology and other tools

Employee Empowerment

As an organization, we are set up to empower our employees to make decisions that can best meet the needs and expectations of our customers, from both a financial and customer service perspective.

This approach gives our employees ownership in the company, as well as a sense of pride in their jobs. We also offer a flexible work environment for employees, allowing them to shape their work hours around times that best serve the needs of their customers or internal teams. A culture that embraces work-life balance means a more satisfied workforce, and a better ROI for the company.

In the end, this philosophy has given us:

• A stable company that has operated profitably each year for almost 30 years
• Longevity in the workforce, with employees who have been with the company for decades
• A management team with 25+ years in the company, providing a senior mentor base for new employees and stability for clients
• A family-based environment, built around compliance standards and operational structure

We’ve got a great company at TechTrans, and it all comes down to our people. So this Thanksgiving week, we acknowledge their hard work and dedication, and gives thanks for all the ways they prove to be our most valued asset.

The Renewed Case for Third Party Logistics

By Len Batcha

President

Technical Transportation, Inc

As the logistics and transportation industry continues to evolve, many headlines speak to keeping up with Amazon, Uber and Lyft, and the benefits those companies provide to consumers. But when you turn to big-ticket items, the conveniences of two-day delivery by virtually anyone with a driver’s license goes out the window.

Such items still require a level of training and expertise that can’t be virtually realized overnight. For manufactures of complex and highly valuable equipment and technology, you have two primary choices: 1) invest internally in developing a logistics staff for transporting, delivering and installing the products yourself, or 2) hire a third-party logistics provider (3PL) to handle it for you.

In this blog, we look at the case for hiring a third-party partner.

Single Source Logistics 

One top reason is cost. With a 3PL, you don’t have to build and manage it all yourself. From the capital investments to the HR implications to your bottom line, a third-party provider already has everything in place, eliminating a burdensome department budget for finances, headcount, and capital equipment. 

The top providers will be your single source for all logistics matters, from scheduling, documentation, compliance for regulatory entities, invoicing and beyond. This also means you only have to deal with one provider to manage all those needs, and ideally only one point-of-contact within your vendor’s organization for a truly seamless experience.

Driver Shortage 

The transportation industry is in the midst of a driver shortage that will likely get worse before it gets better. If you bring the logistics function in house, your company must not only manage the hiring, training and retention of those drivers, but you must also recruit from a highly competitive pool, which adds to your recruiting, benefits, training, insurance, and HR expenses. 

By choosing to outsource your logistics program, your third-party logistics partner manages and carries the burden of having the appropriate driver personnel and equipment available to fulfill the job.

Regulations 

Hiring a third-party provider also shifts the burden of complying with government regulations, such as the recent electronic logging device (ELD) rules that many logistics companies are adjusting to this year. However, it’s always recommended that you remain aware of regulations and ensure your 3PL provider is compliant.

Outsourced Expertise 

The transportation, white glove delivery and installation of equipment and technology carry a unique set of challenges. High-end, heavy or sensitive equipment such as x-ray and MRI machines, in-store retail equipment, laboratory devices and the like require a high level of expertise and knowledge of the given industry, as well as the specific requirements of the machines and equipment being handled, delivered, and installed.

Rather than recruit, train and retain employees in-house, a specialized logistics partner that has experience in your industry can help solve these challenges. One tip, however, is to make sure the logistics partner you choose has the internal capability of quickly training their teams on the ins and outs of your products. Having the team who handles your equipment become de-facto experts on your products ensures you have a successful delivery and satisfied end-customer.

Customer Experience 

A service-minded 3PL can also maintain or enhance your customer experience. The ideal partner would become a brand ambassador for you and go the extra mile for you and your end-customers.

In fact, according to the 22nd Annual Third-Party Logistics Study, produced by Infosys Consulting, Penn State University, and others, 89% of shippers and 98% of 3PLs said that 3PL usage had translated into improving customer services “to the ultimate customers.”

Need Help? 

Would you like to learn more about third-party logistics providers, or do you have questions about how to select one? Contact us today and we’d be happy to provide some counsel. 

Q4 Logistics and Transportation Trends: Booming Economy Ties the Year’s Growth Numbers Up in a Bow

Len Batcha
President, Technical Transportation Inc.

The transportation and logistics industry is rounding out a great year, and we are on track to see some of our best growth numbers in recent years.

While the retail sector typically leads the way in Q4, with a good portion of their revenue coming during the holiday season, we believe–thanks to a broad-based booming economy–most sectors of the industry will ring in a prosperous new year as we welcome 2019.

But that’s just one headline out of several we see for this quarter.

The great economy. Gains across the board.

The entire U.S. economy is indeed expanding right now across all industries. Unemployment is low, consumers are spending discretionary income, and companies are making more capital purchases — all of which point to great things happening.

In addition, the tariffs implemented by the Trump administration seem to be working in our favor at the moment. The international community is responding by relaxing tariffs on their end as well, which is creating more opportunities for the U.S. manufacturing and services industries, including the logistics and transportation sectors.

Outside of a major geopolitical event or a complete overhaul in the U.S. Congress during this election cycle, we don’t see this trend changing dramatically as we end the year.

In the transportation industry, specifically, we’ve seen a lot more activity across the board. Over the past six months, we’ve noted that the industry is in fact ahead of its totals in tonnage per shipments from last year. More importantly, transportation companies are able to get fair market value for their services, encouraging growth in infrastructure and customer service across the board.

Short-term relief for the driver’s shortage.

The economic situation is also expected to provide short-term relief for our industry’s driver shortage. As transportation companies gain more financial health, they’re able to make their job offers healthier as well.

While that certainly helps attract new drivers, it won’t easily solve the problems that arise from government regulations on driver age and electronic monitoring devices. We will soon have to address those issues as an industry and form long-term solutions such as team driving and load sharing.

Renewed scrutiny on service and standards.

The booming economy is also providing more entrepreneurial opportunities for individuals. In the transportation and logistics industry, this has taken shape in the form of Uber and Lyft delivery drivers.

Traditional shipping procedures require a waybill, manifest, proof-of-delivery and sign-off. But with today’s new technology platforms, we’re able to use smartphones and tablets to obtain signatures, take pictures, and show proof of product delivery. Combine that with the easily accessible Uber and Lyft model, and you have the ability for individuals to deliver small products to homes for retailers.

In the past, holiday deliveries were largely performed by FedEx and UPS drivers who worked until 8 p.m. or later during the holiday season to ensure the “Amazon Prime protocol” of second-day deliveries was efficiently met. This year, you’ll likely see your local Uber driver in an unmarked car and casual clothes alongside them making similar deliveries.

While this shift is ideal for a free market society, we believe it will also open the door for more scrutiny on customer service and delivery standards. After all, will the Uber and Lyft drivers be effectively trained to perform any necessary white glove deliveries, or ensure the proper proof-of-delivery is made? Will the customer experience suffer?

One thing almost certain is that Uber and Lyft drivers won’t be able to deliver big-ticket items such as furniture and appliances in the home, or even new large or sensitive equipment to commercial locations. Those items will likely still be managed through the traditional network for some time to come.

What trends do you see?

Did we miss anything here that’s on your mind? Send us a note today at info@techtrans.com.