I don’t mean to be “Dougie Downer” but two weeks ago I was a bit shocked when I helped organize and participate in a Perfect Storm Webinar for Presidents, CEOs, and key associates. There were hundreds of C-Level executives signed up for this webinar which featured Derek Leathers, CEO for Werner, and Bob Costello, Chief Economist for the American Trucking Association, and yours truly.
If you'd like to get the presentation in full, you can download it here.
I say shocked because when Derek Leathers says that capacity is likely to get much tighter over the next 45 to 60 days, it makes one wonder: “How much worse can things get?” The answer to that question is: “We’re about to find out!”
Derek highlighted that the cold spring has delayed the produce season which will result in the rare occurrence where the produce season steps on what he calls the “blowers, mowers, and patio equipment season”. In other words, there will be additional demands for equipment at a time when capacity is already extremely tight.
That is why I like to caution those executives who tell me that they're waiting until the chaos in the transportation market dies before taking concrete steps to get their arms around their transportation costs. When I hear that I can’t help but think: "Are you kidding me?”
I ask this question because both Derek and Bob pointed out: We're nowhere close to seeing the end of this Frankenstorm! And they’re not alone because a whole bunch of experts are telling shippers to expect another 12 to 18 months until starting to see relief.
So here is an important question for you and your team: If Derek is right in stating that it will be very tough to find trucks in the next 45 to 60 days, and also during peak season (late August until late October), what is the plan or strategy that you and your team will use to keep your freight costs from going through the roof?
For the past two months we have been conducting a brief (one to two hour) C-Level presentation to help executives address this question as we explain in plain, simple terms what is going on in the freight markets and how it affects their operations and profitability.
Additionally, our Rapid Assessment Process has been an effective tool for helping companies prepare for the future by looking at all aspects of their transportation operations and making recommendations. We do all of this because we're on your team, we're here to help, and we're passionate about seeing you be successful.
Regards,
Mike Regan
P.S. One thing I was inspired by this Memorial Day and wanted to share with others is this video of taps from the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France where 9,385 of our heroes rest. Although Memorial Day is just one day a year, there's no end to the gratitude we owe to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for others.
