On Saturday, we received a message from a follower on Instagram warning us about someone in our Telegram chat group who was selling DAT login accounts from hacked accounts. This is part of a new double brokering scam where hackers have been obtaining brokerage and carrier accounts on DAT and impersonating other companies. We’ve been exposing these fraudulent companies on our Instagram stories, and it’s led to a factoring company reaching out and thanking us for helping them save numerous invoices from being paid to these fraudulent accounts.
Unfortunately, with the dwindling freight market, double brokers who used to make money off of just double brokering loads are now turning to other schemes to make money. It’s up to each company and individual to protect themselves from being scammed. While transportation owners have been upset that law enforcement agencies have not responded to their calls to stop this scheme, the reality is that these scams are often too small in scale and spread out across various companies for agencies to get involved.
We’ve also been asked why DAT hasn’t done more to stop double brokers and scammers. While we can’t speak for DAT, we do believe that legitimate companies should go through a process to legitimize their use of DAT and that there should be a process to authenticate every login. For now, we need to rely on ourselves to protect our companies, but we hope DAT takes a more proactive approach to solving this problem.
If you use DAT, please make sure to change your password immediately, as there is a possibility it may have been hacked. It’s also important to turn on multi-factor authentication if it’s available. Stay safe out there!
Rapido Solutions Group is a top nearshore staffing company providing logistics and supply chain talent to companies in the United States. Based in Guadalajara, Mexico, Rapido offers a unique combination of cost savings and access to a skilled workforce, making it an attractive option for American logistics businesses.
Responding to Customer Needs
There is a growing shortage of cost-effective, quality logistics talent in the US capable of scaling growing organizations. Carriers, shippers, and 3PLs frequently cite the difficulties of attracting, training, and retaining talent in a highly competitive market where losing talent means slowed growth or, worse – lost customers.
But growing your business while preserving company culture with outside providers can be daunting. To bridge the gap, Rapido invests heavily in new employee training and culture building.
New Employee Training
One of the standout features of Rapido Solutions Group is its comprehensive training program which brings new hires up to speed in just one week. Starting with Logistics 101, team members learn logistics operations, communication techniques, and how best to work with US clients.
Successful onboarding includes deep dives into multiple subject areas followed by testing, presentations, and interactive role-playing scenarios to ensure a rich learning experience.
· Industry terminology, equipment types, modes, and US geography
· Track and Trace best practices and challenges
· Compliance, regulations, and security training
· Carrier operations and carrier sales essentials
New Employee Results
Rapido’s week-long training program prepares new employees for real success. Team members are prepared to make an immediate impact by stepping into roles like Carrier Sales, Tracking and Tracing, Lead Generation, POD Retrieval, Data Entry and Load Building, Customer and Carrier Operations, Driving Recruiting Representatives, and more.
When team members step into their first role with a client, they understand the importance of the move-fast, learn-quickly nature of the logistics industry. They are also ready to embrace their customer’s company culture as their own. With communication and partnership, new team members quickly become part of the client’s own team.
Ready to Go Fast?
Rapido is built on delivering value. Fast.
· If you need high-quality logistics talent that can integrate seamlessly with your team
· If you want to grow profitability by reducing expenses
· If you want increased coverage so you can focus on growing your business
Rapido Solutions Group is a top nearshore staffing company that provides logistics and supply chain pros to companies in the United States. Based in Mexico, Rapido offers a unique combination of cost savings and access to a skilled workforce, making it an attractive option for American logistics businesses.
Rapido on New Recruit Training
One of the standout features of Rapido Solutions Group is its comprehensive training program. The company can get new hires up to speed in just one week. They get a strong foundation in Rapido’s Logistics 101 course that covers everything from logistics operations to communication and working with American clients. If you’re a logistics company looking to scale up your business, you don’t want to miss out on what Rapido offers.
Rapido is the real deal when it comes to recruiting and training top talent in the logistics industry. They’ve got a team of experts who take the time to understand your company’s needs and goals to create a customized staff training plan. As a result, your nearshore team stays on brand and aligned with company goals.
A typical training week for a Rapido new hire might look something like this:
Lessons on terminology, equipment types, basics of shipping and modes, and US geography.
Learning Track and Trace best practices and problem-solving.
Getting compliant with transportation laws and regulations, including security training.
Gaining essential knowledge of carrier operations and carrier sales.
Ending the day by testing new skills through interactive scenarios, presentations, and exams.
Quality, time, and range are top of the list for staff training, but new hires aren’t just being thrown anything and hoping it sticks. Rapido’s week-long program follows a method of learning, practice, testing, and feedback to prepare recruits for real success. The targeted training prepares staff for various roles, including Tracking and Tracing, Lead Generation, POD Retrieval, Data Entry and Load Building, Customer and Carrier Operations, Driving Recruiting Representatives, and more.
Whether you’re looking for customer support, sales reps, back office admins, or IT service professionals, Rapido has you covered.
Rapido is big on culture.
You know how important cultural capital can be in the industry–things move fast, and people don’t have much patience for misunderstandings. It’s going to take more than just adopting an American-sounding nickname to bridge the gap. Rapido has developed training that prepares its hires to work with American clients.
Rapido operates as a US-based company would, and they prioritize that cultural knowledge in their recruitment and training practices. They equip recruits with the standards and procedures relevant to meet expectations in the industry without a problem.
Ready to Work With Rapido?
So, if you’re looking to scale up your logistics business, you need a team ready to hit the ground running. And that’s where Rapido Solutions Group comes in. With their comprehensive training program, they can get new hires up to speed in just one week and give them the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Rapido takes a one-of-a-kind approach to training that results in a high-quality staff ready to mesh seamlessly with your company and the industry as a whole.
We were curious when we saw that Trimble spent a whopping $2 billion USD on a freight tech company in Europe called Transporeon, especially after Trimble recently closed down another recent acquisition called Kuebix that they just bought in 2020 for $201 million USD.
So, we asked our resident expert, Tim Higham, the CEO and founder of AscendTMS, a popular freight TMS software company with our readers (and a FreightCaviar sponsor) what this means for the industry and freight tech in general.
Paul-Bernard Jaroslawski (PBJ): Tim, will this deal by Trimble fix all the problems we all face in logistics in North America?
Tim Higham: Ha! Good one, Paul. No, it won’t. But it’s another piece of the puzzle. Digitizing trucking and logistics is going to be an ongoing two-decade process, and this is a vote of confidence by Trimble in that process. Also, Transporeon mainly operates in Europe, and it will take time for an Americanized version to be brought to the United States.
PBJ: Why did Trimble spend $2 billion USD on them? That’s a lot of money, especially after the Kuebix closure. Is Transporeon profitable?
Tim Higham: I have no idea if Transporeon is profitable as they are (were) privately held. But, Trimble stated publicly that the deal would be immediately accretive to Trimble’s revenue growth and margin profile and that they (Transporeon) generated profitable growth over the past 15-plus years. So, this leads me to believe that they are indeed profitable. To me, being profitable means that Transporeon is proven and they have a product that clearly meets a need in the market. Profitability says a lot about market acceptance for any product.
PBJ: Can Trimble easily bring Transporeon to the North American market?
Tim Higham: As a Brit, yet growing our own highly profitable TMS software company in North America, I can tell you that there are a lot of differences between how logistics work in Europe versus North America. Today, AscendTMS is the most widely used TMS platform in the USA, with paying customers, mainly by accident, in over 30 countries today. So, I can tell you from the front lines that every jurisdiction around the world has particular needs, and there is no all-in-one solution that will translate easily between Europe and the USA. So that’s why the major US freight tech providers aren’t big in Europe and vice-versa.
Moreover, the largest companies in North America already have very sophisticated supply chain technology in place, so displacing that will be challenging and take time. When Transporeon started in Europe in 2000, their technology solutions had little competition, and thus it was easier to get a fast market share. However, today in North America, there’s a lot of entrenched technology that will need to be displaced in order to get a foothold, especially in the top end of the market.
PBJ: So, how does Transporeon get a share of the market in the US?
Tim Higham: They’ll probably start by getting one or two of their niche products into a company that meets a particular need, and they’ll likely use that success as a door opener. Then, over time, they’ll hope to further open the door to more of their products as opportunities arise.
Also, their new owner, Trimble, already has a substantial market share of their own existing trucking and logistics technology in North America. So, as the natural technology replacement cycle takes place, Trimble will now have a series of new products and services to offer their existing customers rather than losing them to newer freight tech competitors. So it’s a smart strategy, but it’s a long-ball game.
PBJ: Will this deal help digitize the industry?
Tim Higham: As I’ve said publicly many times, the main issue with freight technology is that getting the top 5% or so of shippers, carriers, and brokers connected and integrated digitally is pretty straightforward. This is because the largest players have big tech budgets and large IT teams. But, if only 5% of the industry is ready to connect with each other, it only works as long as they are working with each other.
Unfortunately, the fact is that the other 95% of the industry, the SMB player, has little to no technology budget and no IT team. So, how do they participate in this digital evolution?
The smaller market players with under 20 trucks or under $20 million USD in sales (as a 3PL) or freight spend (as a shipper) represent over 95% of the entire market, and they need cheap, simple, and fast to deploy solutions in order to participate with the more sophisticated top 5%.
If you leave the smaller companies out of the freight tech evolution, true digitization across the industry will never become a reality. It’s on the entire industry to invite them in.
PBJ: So how can that be fixed?
Tim Higham: It’s already happening. The largest shippers, 3PLs, and technology players are already handing out tools, like AscendTMS, to the smallest players to help to get them digital.
Don’t be fooled that this is a purely altruistic endeavor, though. The most prominent players have realized that if they want to truly see the efficiencies of digital freight and logistics processes hit their balance sheet, they need every single vendor, customer, and partner to be capable of doing business digitally. That’s why many of them today literally give away AscendTMS to their SMB partners so they can participate with them. And in turn, both parties see a rapid reduction in costs and the resulting increase in profits.
PBJ: How long will this all take?
Tim Higham: To use an American baseball analogy, my guess is that we’re only in the 2nd inning in North America. Today over 51,300 trucking, logistics, and shipping companies use AscendTMS, and they all benefit from digital freight technology. But that’s still a tiny part of the total addressable market in North America and even smaller when you look globally.
The good news is that we see more and more large industry leaders helping to educate the smaller players about the available freight software solutions, like AscendTMS, so they can easily participate and realize cost savings themselves.
The pace and urgency are already increasing, and there’s a lot of opportunity for the likes of Trimble and Transporeon over the coming decades to help bring the entire market toward a fully digital future.
Yes, this will all take time. But the good news is that AscendTMS, like Trimble and Transporeon, have shown that there is an eager market for our solutions, and it can be done profitably along the way.
PBJ: Tim, as always, thanks for your expert insight on this subject and for helping us all to understand the freight tech world.
The right truck buying is an essential first step in becoming an owner-operator. It is a thrilling experience and a significant financial commitment. While it’s simple to get carried away and become excited, it’s also simple to purchase a vehicle without fully understanding what it includes or how you’ll utilize it. This error, which might cost you tens of thousands of dollars, is much more likely to occur if you’re new to the pickup truck industry.
However, after buying the first truck, everyone who decides to become an owner-operator faces many tasks that need to be solved. Where to get the loads? What licenses and documents are required? How to make your business grow and prosper? Fortunately, there are services that provide any necessary support to the owners of operators in the conduct of their business, which is especially important during an unstable market situation in times of crisis. For example, Logity Dispatch helps you search for loads, negotiate the highest rates, manage all the paperwork, and coordinate the details.
There are certain crucial factors you should consider if you’re an owner-operator looking to purchase your first vehicle. You may focus your search using this guideline and purchase your first vehicle confidently.
A new truck or a used one?
New vs. used trucks is an old yet never-ending argument. New automobiles are more dependable, have priceless warranties, and have modernized technology and safety features. Buying used will save you money since you won’t have to repay a loan with interest, and the purchase price will be lower. While purchasing a used truck has benefits and drawbacks, there are three reasons why doing so is preferable to buying a brand-new vehicle.
Cheaper Price
Trucks are costly. If you’re searching for a full-size version, many of them have an MSRP that starts at approximately $30,000. But not with a secondhand vehicle. Due to depreciation, a used model is substantially less expensive. Granted, pricing will be slightly higher than when they aren’t in great demand since trucks and SUVs are now in demand. However, even if you purchase a used vehicle between 10 and 20 years old, it will still be much less expensive than a new one.
Is that beyond its prime? Okay, so it’s not. Full-size trucks are often employed for demanding tasks, but if you avoid purchasing one of those models, everything should be alright.
A More Durable Design
The two terms, reliability and durability, are distinct, and durability has declined with some vehicles on the road today. Most new versions are built of aluminum. Although most of the
body is, the frame is not. Both the truck bed and the hood are constructed of aluminum. The vehicle’s integrity is compromised, and its safety is compromised. The appropriate force will cause a vehicle like this to collapse like a tuna can in a collision.
However, some older, used ones were constructed of steel. The majority of the new Silverados and Rams are still built of steel. However, others contend that the versions with older designs are still more robust.
CPO Programs
If you are concerned about its dependability, you can purchase something other than an older secondhand vehicle from the 1990s. There are several CPO programs available that can offer you a used vehicle with a maximum age of five years and a warranty that will be dependable and of excellent quality had no problems.
Is it worth financing your first truck?
Most drivers choose to finance when purchasing a vehicle for the first time when given a choice between the two. You don’t have to spend a lot of money all at once, and if you have a solid credit history, you will be given favorable financing terms. Additionally, there are a few advantages to financing:
There is a wide range of truck finance options
Finance Lease
Commercial Hire Purchase
Chattel Mortgage.
Novated Lease
Business Loan
Numerous business tax benefits
Your company may qualify for tax benefits depending on how much you spend and the business vehicle financing option you choose. For instance, if your company’s yearly income exceeds $10 million, you may instantly claim a tax deduction on a vehicle under $20,000.
Nevertheless, depending on the truck loan option, there are significant differences in how much of the corporate vehicle you may deduct from taxes.
Business vehicle finance is flexible
“Flexible” means you have a variety of financing alternatives at your disposal, and most of them let you choose a repayment plan that works for your small business’s demands and budget.
The length of the term associated with your business vehicle financing is significant because it can affect the amount of money you must pay to acquire ownership; alternatively, for loans that grant you ownership immediately, the term is also significant to take into account the purpose of budgeting payments in the future.
Most truck financing choices have durations of between 12 months and five years, but if you want more flexibility, you should put a finance lease at the top of your list of possibilities.
Should I buy a truck from a transport company?
If you are a company driver for a large fleet, they could be trading in some good vehicles. Consider purchasing one of their old vehicles that you can see the maintenance and repair records on and that you know have been professionally taken care of. Not all fleet vehicles would fit into this category, but certain trucking businesses take great care to keep their cars in top condition.
This is an excellent approach to switch from business driver to owner-operator if you’re one. This can be a wise approach to becoming a truck owner if your working relationship with the firm has been good and you love working there.
You may have your eye on a particular vehicle at your business. It can be a vehicle you’ve operated since beginning your work with the industry. This is a smooth and straightforward method for switching from a corporate driver to an owner-operator.
Which type of truck to choose?
It’s essential to be clear about the kind of work the vehicle will do. This is crucial since the vehicle’s specifications will determine the truck you get. For instance, a double frame is optional if you want to transport ordinary freight. A powerful engine is also optional if your payload will be at most 80,000 pounds.
You’ll also save money since you won’t be paying for extra features. Only what you want to use the vehicle should dictate how adaptable it is.
How much money should I have for the initial truck maintenance?
Get the greatest vehicle you can afford, but retain at least $5,000—$10,000—or perhaps more—in funds set up just for the truck. Keep in mind that you will require more luck the less money you have.
How do you understand when you are being deceived when buying a used truck?
We have a list of common red flags to look out for when buying a car. Be alert to the following warning signs while purchasing a truck, whether in person or online:
The cost is less than the going rate. A secondhand vehicle’s pricing is generally too reasonable to be true if it looks low. When you approach fraudsters regarding a rare or exotic automobile, they often claim that it is located in another state or outside of the United States while posting images of the vehicles for cheap rates. Before sending the automobile, they will try to get you to transfer their money, which is probably different.
Escrow services are a simple method to safeguard your funds, but scammers may try to persuade you to use a fraudulent escrow service. Before sending the automobile, they will ask you to pay the account, only to cancel the deal after the money has cleared.
Purchasing a vehicle online without first seeing it. Scammers may make excuses like being too busy or far to see you. If the automobile is real, they can even provide you with a bogus inspection report to persuade you that it is in good condition.
Check Special Fees and Regulations
Choosing a bigger vehicle can include additional costs or a special license depending on where you reside. Even a light-duty pickup truck is considered a commercial vehicle in California, for instance, and is subject to a weight tax of $80 or more; the heavier the truck, the higher the price.
Before committing to a purchase, check with the motor vehicle authorities in your state. Although these costs may not be dealbreakers, it’s still a good idea to be aware of them before making a purchase.
Buying Your First Truck – Take Your Time!
As an owner-operator, purchasing your first vehicle is a significant undertaking. It is a considerable investment. Taking your time to locate the greatest vehicle is worthwhile if you can do so.
Find the manufacturer, model, and specifications that best fit your requirements by doing some research. Find the best local dealership by researching, then pick a trustworthy technician. By taking your time, you’ll get a far better value and a vehicle that is reliable and best suited to your needs.
Who can help your transport company succeed?
Logity Dispatch is an honest dispatch company that takes care of its clients and has provided dispatching services for owner-operators and truck fleets since 2015. Broad experience in the trucking industry, streamlined processes, and professional staff provide you with high-quality services to make your business grow.
Logity Dispatch suggests not only searching for loads but an array of services for drivers and carrier companies:
negotiating the highest rates and coordinating the details
billing
document management
broker and shipper communications
SAFETY& DOT compliance
IFTA reporting
company formation
trucking Invoice services
And much more.
Logity Dispatch doesn’t embellish reality or oblige clients to anything. They take a personal approach and are ready to replace a personal dispatcher if you’re unhappy with them.
In October, FreightCaviar released an article reviewing the Glassdoor.com profiles of five well-known freight brokerages. We outlined the best and worst comments left by former and current employees there.
Today we are extending our list by focusing on the best bosses and the most highly referred places to work. Our rundown concentrates on companies that have at least 50 reviews.
Top 10 Most Recommended Freight Brokerages
First, we look at the rating for whether or not reviewers would recommend their company to a friend. During the review process, users can select whether they’d recommend their company to a friend, and a percentage rating is displayed. Here are the Top 10:
Trinity Logistics Seaford, DE
Sunset Transportation Sunset Hills, MO
MegaCorp Logistics Wilmington, NC
Worldwide Express/GlobalTranz Dallas, TX
Transfix New York, NY
PLS Logistics Cranberry Township, PA
ArcBest Corp. Fort Smith, AK
Spot Freight Indianapolis, IN
Allen Lund Company La Canada, CA
Total Quality Logistics Cincinnati, OH
Top 10 Most Approved Freight Brokerage CEOs
On Glassdoor, employees have the option to rate their company’s CEO. The ratings are then based on the percentage of employees who chose to leave a rating for that category. That number is converted into a percentage rating.
Jim Williams and Lindsey Williams-Graves of Sunset Transportation
Ryan Legg of MegaCorp Logistics
Edward Lund of Allen Lund Company
Donnie Burris of Trinity Logistics
Tom Madine of Worldwide Express/GlobalTranz
Sam Anderson of Bay & Bay Transportation (Eagan, MN)
Reggie Dupré of Dupré Logistics (Lafayette, LA)
Scott Fitzgerald of FitzMark (Indianapolis, IN)
Andrew Elsener of Spot Freight (Indianapolis, IN)
Chris Jamroz of Ascent Global Logistics (Belleville, MI)
