Springtime Logistics: Common Challenges and How Your Freight Broker Company Can Help

It’s technically still winter, but Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring, so why not talk about how springtime impacts the trucking industry? 

Here at the Nashville office, we’re already experiencing the effects of spring. Granted, we don’t really have one winter here. We have five or six of them. Most of them are in February. We’re hoping that this spring is the one that takes, but we digress. 

No matter the weather in your location, your business will probably experience some springtime changes. A freight brokerage company can help you navigate them. Let’s explore how.

Freight Brokers Work with Weather Changes 

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At Pearce, a lot of our shippers work with produce. This means that several of our clients have food safety concerns. They may need cold storage for their freight during the trip, for example. 

When the weather heats up, this concern becomes even more important. Even if you don't ship produce, changing weather patterns impact your business. This is especially true when those weather patterns become unpredictable. 

Like we mentioned earlier, some places, like Nashville, flip back and forth between temperatures. Our Chicago office is well acquainted with Winter's Revenge, no matter what the groundhog says. And as we're writing this, our Florida location is seeing heavy rain and even tornadoes. 

The United States is a big place, and that means a huge variation in weather. Depending on your place in the supply chain, your trucks or loads may see all of these weather patterns on their journey. 

So, where does your freight brokerage company come in? 

Freight brokers connect shipments with the best carriers to do the job. Maybe you're a shipper who needs to send a refrigerated truckload or dry van truckload. Freight brokers, who have large networks, can connect you with the trucking company your load needs. 

Or maybe you have a trucking company and want to make sure you manage your vehicles well. Getting the most out of your trucks means keeping them on the road. Freight brokers work with many shippers who need exactly what your trucks can provide this spring. 

Freight Brokerage Companies Understand Springtime Route Challenges 

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It's not just the weather that changes in the spring. Supply chain challenges can arise, too. 

For instance, road conditions change. Carriers have to deal with the potholes that winter left behind. Plus, construction companies begin major projects as the weather warms up. Meanwhile, traffic becomes more congested, as many people take vacations or go on day trips in the spring. 

By helping with things like route optimization and load optimization, freight brokers minimize delays for both the shipper and the carrier. They help carriers navigate these issues as efficiently as possible so they can save money on fuel and truck maintenance. Likewise, shipper clients can keep their freight moving. 

Freight Brokers Navigate Seasonal Demand Fluctuations 

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We recently discussed how freight broker services help clients through the post-holiday season. One of the biggest post-holiday challenges comes from seasonal demand fluctuations. 

Springtime can amplify these challenges. You'll see an increased demand for specific types of goods, like construction materials and outdoor equipment. If you ship produce, you may have to shift your routes based on seasonal suppliers. Both trucking companies and shippers will need to alter their strategies this time of year. 

Fortunately, freight broker services are experts in efficiency. A logistics company is the perfect source to help transportation services get from point A to point B. The best freight brokers notice details that others may not notice. As a result, they can help your business adjust to seasonal changes within your routes. 

Find the Right Freight Brokerage Company this Spring 

When your supply chain faces transportation challenges, load boards alone are not enough. Freight brokerage companies can help your business no matter the season. When you meet seasonal challenges head-on, both you and your clients can enjoy the results.