Now, it’s time to turn your attention to 2025. This guide will offer strategies you can use for a successful next 12 months – and beyond. We’ll be looking at ways to prepare for profitability through solutions, easy compliance, and the power of predictive insights.  But first, a quick summary of where the market stands as 2025 draws near.  What’s the outlook for 2025?  The outlook for the freight market in 2025 is marked by both cautious optimism and significant challenges, as mixed economic signals and evolving industry trends shape the landscape.  The trucking industry has started to see signs of recovery from the freight recession that began in late 2022. Analysts point out that some key indicators — like tonnage and load-to-truck ratios—are gradually improving. For instance, the ATA’s Tonnage Index ticked up by 0.3% in July 2024, and flatbed load-to-truck ratios jumped by 8%, signaling growth in construction and manufacturing.  However, spot rates remain under pressure, and Class 8 truck orders have slowed, indicating that the industry’s recovery is still fragile​.  One major concern for 2025 is a potential decline in truck demand, particularly if broader economic conditions, such as inflation and interest rates, continue to impact consumer spending and freight volumes. According to reports, some analysts have lowered their truck forecasts for 2025, expecting a softer market for new orders as inventory levels rise. Additionally, supply chain or labor disruptions could still linger into 2025.  Despite these headwinds, the ongoing push towards digital transformation and automation in the logistics sector is expected to bring efficiency gains. More companies are adopting real-time visibility tools and leveraging data to streamline operations. Automation projects accelerated during the pandemic, and this trend is likely to continue as companies seek to enhance profitability and adapt to fluctuating market conditions.   After an industry-wide recession for the past two years, there’s definite optimism in the freight market. That optimism isn’t of the unbridled sort, though. By and large, carriers probably won’t see a return to the COVID boom era, and significant challenges will persist. But the outlook is certainly more promising than it was this time last year.  Preparing for profitability  Today’s carriers need to be equipped with a variety of tech solutions to transport goods efficiently and profitably. From a transportation management system to mobile driver apps, telematics, and back-office automation, fleets that put an emphasis on tech-forward operations will have a greater chance of succeeding in the current market.  But while adoption of tech solutions is crucial for on-time delivery, visibility, safety, timely payment, and more, carriers can also benefit from how they purchase tech.  Let’s delve into a hypothetical, with two carriers who each have a few hundred trucks.  Carrier A uses a range of tech providers for mobile driver apps, TMS integrations, app integrations, back-office workflows, and telematics. Generally, its fleet managers, drivers, and executives are pleased with how the solutions work, but they don’t get the best level of customer service or configurability. The variety of solutions also means contract renewals come up at different points in the calendar, complicating service consistency at times.  Carrier B, meanwhile, bundles its solutions, which helps streamline customer service and gets any technical issues resolved promptly. And while not every solution comes from the same software company, they are all seamlessly integrated. This carrier doesn’t have to worry about the revolving door of contracts or the confusion that comes with onboarding drivers and the back office to new platforms. And perhaps most importantly, bundles offer multiple price points, many options, and can deliver cost savings compared to piece-meal solutions.  Carrier A may be perfectly satisfied with the software it’s using, and not notice that small inefficiencies are costing it time and money – whether that be switching between apps, integrations that cause friction, unclear document scanning, a lack of visibility, or tools that don’t get drivers paid as quickly as possible.   Carrier B is much less likely to lose out on profit, time, and visibility because of the tech it chose. Since it bundled what it uses for the fleet, its operations can be streamlined easily.  Uncomplicated, intuitive compliance  In the world of freight, compliance is not optional. Every fleet needs to ensure its vehicles are equipped with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to meet regulatory requirements, and proper documentation is crucial to completing jobs efficiently. As a result, there’s a huge market for tools, particularly ELDs, video telematics, document scanning, document management systems, and other solutions that help keep fleets within the legal guidelines and eliminate friction in the supply chain.  However, the abundance of providers in this space means many companies offer compliance solutions that tick the necessary boxes but do little else. While these basic offerings may help fleets stay compliant, they don’t contribute significantly to growth or provide much added value. This is where choosing the right partner, rather than just a vendor, becomes essential.  When selecting compliance tools, it’s crucial to work with a provider that goes beyond just selling a product. A true partner helps fleets integrate solutions seamlessly into their operations, contributing to their long-term success. The goal should be to ease the burden of compliance through simplicity, scalability, and customer service that actively helps the business grow.  Ease of use is a key element, too. Compliance solutions that are difficult to navigate can frustrate drivers, fleet managers, and back-office personnel, potentially leading to costly mistakes or delays. Platforms that are intuitive and offer helpful setup assistance ensure that everyone in your operation understands how to use the technology effectively.  Additionally, the best compliance partners continually evolve their products to meet the changing needs of the industry. New features and capabilities, such as enhanced data analytics and integrations, can make compliance less of a chore and more of a strategic advantage. Scalable solutions that can grow with a fleet are also important, especially as it looks to adapt to future regulations and increasing freight volumes.  In short, your compliance tools should not just help you avoid fines or stay legal – they should also be assets that contribute to your overall operational efficiency and profitability.  The power of predictive insights But telematics aren’t synonymous with ELD compliance. Today, telematics offer a wealth of information about your fleet that can help improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance profitability.  For starters, modern telematics solutions gather a vast amount of data on both the vehicle and the driver. This includes everything from real-time engine diagnostics and fuel usage to driver behavior like speeding, idling, and braking. This data, when properly utilized, is a powerful tool for running a more profitable and efficient fleet.  One of the biggest ways predictive insights can drive cost savings is through proactive maintenance. By monitoring engine health and other critical components, telematics can help you predict and prevent costly breakdowns before they occur. This reduces unscheduled downtime, minimizes repair costs, and keeps your trucks on the road when they’re needed most.  Driver behavior is another area where telematics data can have a significant impact and can be supplemented with video telematics devices like dash cams. Insights into driving habits allow fleet managers to coach drivers on safe, fuel-efficient driving practices. Plus, safer driving leads to fewer accidents, lowering insurance premiums and avoiding the costly disruptions that come with vehicle repairs or replacement.  Beyond vehicle and driver performance, telematics also play a critical role in improving overall fleet visibility. With real-time location data and route optimization, fleets can ensure on-time deliveries, minimize deadhead miles, and improve customer satisfaction. This kind of visibility also allows for more accurate scheduling and better asset utilization, which can be especially important during peak periods of demand.  Ultimately, leveraging predictive insights from telematics goes beyond simply complying with regulations — it’s about turning data into actionable intelligence that drives better decision-making.   Make the most of a promising 2025  As the freight industry navigates the evolving landscape of 2025, preparation and adaptability will be critical to success. By embracing technology solutions that prioritize profitability, ensure compliance with a focus on growth and ease of use, and leverage the power of predictive insights, fleets can position themselves to not only survive but thrive in a competitive market.  The challenges of the past few years have underscored the need for operational efficiency and innovation. Carriers who invest in integrated, scalable solutions and proactive strategies will be better equipped to manage fluctuating freight volumes, regulatory changes, and market shifts. Whether it’s through streamlined compliance tools or data-driven insights, the future of freight demands more than just meeting today’s requirements — it calls for staying ahead of tomorrow’s challenges.  By acting now, your fleet can ensure continued success and profitability in the coming year and beyond. The strategies outlined in this guide are designed to help you seize opportunities, mitigate risks, and optimize your operations for a successful 2025. 

We’re not here to dwell on the recession. Instead, we’d like to take a forward-focused view of how brokers and 3PLs can use automation and other innovative strategies to survive and thrive now and long into the future. In a changing industry, we want you to be equipped with this guide and its potential tools.  Brief insights about brokerages since 2022  I swear, we’re not going to dwell on the recession. But a couple of quick, high-level data points will help put the brokerage sector in better context.  In late 2022, there were 31,235 active freight brokerages registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In July 2024, that number was 26,653, meaning approximately 1 in 7 brokers has closed since the start of the downturn. Additionally, active brokerages were down 11.6% year-over-year from July 2023 to July 2024.  Those statistics point to a broker market that will feature increased levels of competition today and in the years to come. You’ll have a better chance of success by employing the right tech and business approaches.  Let’s look on the bright side with automation and AI  Enough of the bad news – we’re here to help you survive and thrive. Automation and artificial intelligence can help brokers improve operational stability and increase efficiency. Better yet, a slowdown – even one that may be ending soon – presents a great opportunity for brokers and 3PLs to invest in tools that will have them off and running once the boom times return.  Why, then, is automation powered by AI so important for brokers to use at this time? The following reasons are crucial:  The industry, including carriers and their drivers, is much more likely to embrace new technologies than it once was. With the largest portion of the workforce now belonging to the digital-native millennial generation, it’s no longer concerning for freight professionals to work with tech-forward brokers.  Technology, including AI, has become more accessible. That said, there’s still an adoption gap for AI across the supply chain. Recent research found that only 23% of supply chain professionals have integrated AI into the supply chain, but more than 80% believe tech advances will significantly change the industry in the next five years.  Automation can help accelerate common back-office processes while still providing accurate information. No longer does a team in an office have to pour over every data field, bill, or invoice by hand.  How automation alleviates common broker pain points  Merely investing in automation without a keen eye for the problems you want to address might not get you very far. However, there’s no shortage of broker challenges that AI can tackle.  Manual data entry: If a broker is doing all or most of its data and indexing by hand, not only does it use many manhours, but it will also inevitably run into issues with basic human error. Even if the data entries are over 99% accurate, that 1% can lead to major issues.  Duplicate invoicing: When including internal invoices and those from carriers and factors, many brokers end up seeing at least 20% duplicates. If there’s no way to quickly delineate the duplicates, you’re going to end up with a lot of unhappy partners.  Exception processing: Inconsistencies are bound to occur in the day-to-day running of a brokerage. Employing a tool that makes them visible as soon as possible means fast attention can be paid to them.  Struggles with business scalability: Someday, a roaring market will return. When that day comes, you want to be able to take advantage of increased demand with confidence – which might not be possible with outdated manual processes.  Missing documents and billing requirements: Assume your invoices are ready and accurate, but a crucial document is missing that will delay billing. You need to know what needs to be resolved for cash flow.  Associated fraud risks: Double brokering and other forms of fraud are arguably the costliest headaches for brokers today. AI won’t stop bad actors from trying out scams, but it can help show actionable insights to make it less likely and more addressable.   Automation for brokers can solve these issues by:  Increasing billing speed  Boosting cash flow  Improving days sales outstanding (DSO) and days payable outstanding (DPO)  Enabling 24/7 processing  Increasing data extraction accuracy  Improving business scalability and stability  Reducing fraud risks  But automation can’t be a one-size-fits-all proposition. It pays to work with a company that has a strong reputation for creating solutions for brokerages of various sizes, understands the ins and outs of how this sector of freight works, and has plenty of current happy customers to talk to. It’s also crucial to partner with a vendor who is accustomed to working with many different document types and can train an automation platform for the specific differences in how a brokerage employs documents.  Unlocking new sources of revenue and better carrier relationships  The core purpose of freight brokerages and 3PLs isn’t going to shift considerably. The name of the game is brokering loads. But there are other sources of revenue brokers can take advantage of. Let’s look at fuel as an opportunity.  Research shows that as much as 30% of the value of a given load is in the cost necessary to move a load from point A to point B. This cost is obviously crucial for fleets, but it can be prohibitive at times for small carriers and owner-operators. Additionally, it can be difficult for these small carriers to access the fuel card and fuel discount programs available to massive fleets.  Traditionally, a broker wouldn’t receive any part of the revenue from a fuel discount program or would have to go through a fuel advance platform that is hard to manage. But today, a broker can capture part of this revenue stream without much friction or financial bureaucracy.  By using digital or virtual fuel cards, brokers can share the discount amount – up to 50 cents per gallon in some cases – with their carrier partners. Unlike plastic fuel cards that may easily be forgotten about or lost by drivers, a digital fuel card is pre-approved for a certain amount and uses a one-time PIN. Both brokers and carriers can add cash flow easily with this arrangement, creating a win-win situation.  There are additional ways brokers can forge stronger bonds with carriers, including:  Adopting technology with an eye towards next-generation drivers who are quick and natural learners with new tools and devices.  Tools, such as a portal, to validate information or documentation for accelerated payment.  Familiarizing partners with your billing and invoicing processes.  Adding incentives and savings for carriers.  Survive and thrive with automation and forward thinking  Today’s freight economy still presents its fair share of challenges, but there are also significant opportunities for brokers willing to embrace automation and innovative strategies. By leveraging AI-driven solutions, brokers can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and build stronger relationships with carriers, positioning themselves for success even in fluctuating markets.   As the industry continues to shift, those who adapt and invest in technology will not only survive but thrive, unlocking new revenue streams and ensuring long-term stability.  To take advantage of automation and tools like virtual fuel cards at your brokerage, reach out to a member of our sales team and learn more today. 

In an era where most people are close to a smartphone all day, it’s easy to think of notifications as something synonymous with the phone or another mobile device. But on the road, commercial truck drivers see notifications via highway signage. Important signage notifications might include construction in an area, upcoming lane closures, or estimated mileage or minutes to a popular destination or exit.  Make no mistake, these traditional ways of highlighting road conditions are useful to everyone on the road. But for fleets, these “analog” notifications are one-way communications. They don’t always give a driver the best picture of road conditions, and they don’t produce data for fleets to analyze.  For example, what if the speed limit on one stretch of highway isn’t clearly marked? What if that same stretch of highway is a common place for speeding citations? You need something more significant and actionable than the usual black-and-white speed limit signs and orange road safety indicators.  In this case – and many more – it’s crucial to have actionable safety insights that help both the driver and fleet operate as safely as possible. In this blog, we’ll focus on in-cab safety notifications and automated driver coaching as ways to encourage safer driving behavior and improved fleet safety performance.  In-cab notifications  Due to the nature of their jobs and the size of their vehicle and cargo, commercial drivers have many more things to be concerned about than a commuter or road tripper, including:  Rollover risks  Low bridge clearances  Steep mountain grades  Cargo theft risks  High speeding violation areas  Parking availability  An in-cab safety notification platform that’s integrated with a truck’s telematics capabilities can warn and inform drivers about the above-listed items on a driver’s smartphone or tablet via a noticeable full-screen notification as they approach the area. It can also let drivers know about more traditional over-the-road conditions such as:  Weather alerts  Sudden or unexpected slowdowns   Construction zones  Road closures  Crucially for fleets, notifications can also be customized to specific geofenced areas. For example, if a carrier or private fleet has noticed that a usual pickup/drop-off location or yard is a common speeding or incident area, it can geofence the zone and alert drivers to be careful. Additionally, in-cab notifications produce extensive data-driven insights for fleets to see where drivers are adhering to various warnings – customized or not – and where they might need improvement.  Automated driver coaching  If a driver needs improvement and to improve his or her safety standards, it’s much better to be proactive about it. Only acting after a driver has had a ticket or an accident usually leads to increased insurance costs and, potentially, a lower carrier safety rating.  At the same time, traditional driver coaching is both time-consuming and inefficient for driver and fleet. And if all drivers – even the safest – are forced to do a one-size-fits-all coaching program, a fleet risks frustrating its drivers and creating retention issues.  With an automated driver coaching platform, a fleet can take every driver’s existing behavior into account with telematics when starting a new coaching program. If a driver has issues with harsh braking and cornering but not speeding, he or she doesn’t have to be assigned lessons related to speeding.  Automated driver coaching also means that drivers can access lessons on any device whenever they’d like. Fleet managers have complete visibility on the lessons drivers have completed, what they have yet to complete, and driver performance before and after the lesson.  Drivewyze, Predictive Coach, and Transflo are your partners for improved safety insights  Through Drivewyze’s groundbreaking Safety+ product using in-cab notifications, drivers have better information about road conditions and safety concerns. Fleets using Safety+ have reduced accidents by 22%. Transflo Mobile+ features a seamless integration with Safety+, so drivers can take advantage of both platforms’ capabilities simultaneously and without distractions.  Predictive Coach offers automated and tailored driver coaching using existing telematics data and is Transflo’s newest partner in its mission to provide existing customers with the most important tools in transportation technology. During an independent, third-party study, Predictive Coach was found to decrease risky driving events by 73%.  Interested in learning more about Transflo, Drivewyze, and Predictive Coach? We invite you to join us for an exclusive webinar on August 21, “Top 3 Ways to Turn Data into Safety Insights,” where all three companies will discuss how fleets can take steps toward improved safety and operational efficiency.  

Hurricane Helene left behind a devastating path of destruction at the end of September in the Southeast U.S. When the final estimates are calculated, Helene will likely go down the most expensive and deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Hurricane Katrina.   As the storm ravaged through parts of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee, it demolished many roads, buildings, and businesses. Western North Carolina received the worst of the damage, and it may be months or years before the way of life in some communities in that region approaches how it was before the storm.  Numerous rescue missions are ongoing as officials search for the missing. As of the afternoon of Oct. 4, around 670,000 people in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia remained without power.  Immediate disruptions to the supply chain from Helene  In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, transportation has been significantly hampered by road closures. Entire sections of highways and smaller roads collapsed, isolating communities and making it extremely difficult for aid and supplies to reach the hardest-hit areas. This disruption is compounded by an already vulnerable supply chain.   Before Helene hit, supply chain professionals were bracing for the potential impact of the strike at East and Gulf Coast ports by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). The combination of the hurricane’s destruction and the strike, which tentatively ended Oct. 3 but will nonetheless produce backlogs at ports, creates a precarious situation for the transportation and logistics sectors.  With vital infrastructure wiped out, trucking routes are disrupted, and shipments have been delayed or rerouted to avoid the storm’s damage. Many expect that spot rates, which were already volatile, will react swiftly to the challenges caused by the storm, adding further uncertainty to freight operations. Moving essential goods, such as food, medical supplies, and construction materials, to affected areas may remain difficult for weeks, if not months.  What groups are providing aid?  Amidst the devastation and shock, numerous organizations are stepping in to assist affected communities. In western North Carolina, emergency supplies are being delivered to the areas most in need. National groups like the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, United Way, The Salvation Army, and numerous local and community-based organizations have mobilized resources to provide support and are accepting money and supplies.   In the supply chain world, the American Logistics Aid Network is working closely with nonprofits, public sector agencies, and private sector partners to ensure aid reaches the hardest-hit regions.  Long-term effects from Helene  For carriers and private fleets who haul in western North Carolina, and brokers who work with fleets and shippers in the region, closures caused by Helene will cause detours well into next year. Interstate 40 near the North Carolina-Tennessee state line could be closed for up to a year. Additionally, communications capabilities in the region may be limited for the foreseeable future.  But the long-term repercussions of Hurricane Helene on the supply chain could extend beyond road and cellphone or Wi-Fi disruptions. Spruce Pine, North Carolina, known for its quartz mines, plays a crucial role in the global semiconductor supply chain. This region’s natural resources are used in the production of microchips, and the hurricane’s flooding threatens the availability of this critical material. Any prolonged disruption to quartz production could have ripple effects across industries reliant on semiconductors.  As communities begin the long road to recovery, transportation and logistics will be pivotal in rebuilding efforts. However, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges as both the industry and affected regions adapt to the fallout from Hurricane Helene. 

TAMPA, Fla. – Sept. 26, 2024 – Transflo, the leading provider of mobile, telematics, and workflow automation solutions for the transportation industry, today announced a strategic partnership with Whip Around, the industry’s easiest-to-use fleet inspection and maintenance platform.  Today’s businesses and fleet operators are facing new challenges, from rising operational costs and stringent requirements to increasing customer demands for real-time visibility. This partnership addresses the industry’s pressing need for far-reaching solutions that streamline operations, enhance safety and make it easier to maintain compliance in a complex regulatory landscape.  “At Transflo, we’re committed to delivering solutions and partnering with companies that make our customers’ businesses more efficient,” said Bill Vitti, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Transflo. “Partnering with Whip Around allows us to offer fleet operators a more comprehensive solution that addresses both the maintenance and logistics aspects of their business.”  The partnership between Whip Around and Transflo will allow customers to leverage the strengths of both platforms, offering a more holistic approach to fleet management. While the two systems are not currently integrated, they can be used as complementary solutions to streamline operations and improve efficiency.  Key benefits of using Whip Around and Transflo together include:  Comprehensive asset management: Combine Whip Around’s inspection and maintenance capabilities with Transflo’s telematics capabilities to gain full visibility of your fleet’s health and operations.  Enhanced driver experience: Utilize Whip Around’s user-friendly inspection app alongside Transflo Mobile+ to simplify drivers’ daily tasks and enhance accountability.   Improved safety and compliance: Leverage both companies’ platforms to optimize preventative maintenance and ensure adherence to DOT regulations.  Data-driven decision making: Access rich insights from Transflo and Whip Around platforms to optimize fleet performance, reduce costs and increase uptime.  “We are thrilled to partner with Transflo to provide our mutual customers with an enhanced suite of tools for fleet management,” said Noah Hickey, CEO of Whip Around. “By combining Whip Around’s strengths in inspection and maintenance with Transflo’s expertise in telematics and logistics management, we’re creating a powerful ecosystem that serves the diverse needs of modern fleets.”  From customizable inspections and work order management to state-of-the-art ELDs and secure document storage solutions, these platforms offer tools that span the entire fleet management lifecycle.  To help customers maximize the benefits of this partnership, Whip Around and Transflo plan to host a collaborative webinar in the coming months to showcase how the platforms can be effectively utilized in tandem.  About Transflo  Transflo is the trusted industry leader in mobile, telematics, and workflow automation solutions for the transportation industry in North America. Transflo’s customer-focused mobile and cloud-based technologies deliver real-time communications to fleets, brokers, factors, shippers, and commercial vehicle drivers, and digitize 800 million shipping documents a year, representing approximately $115 billion in freight bills and 3.2 million downloads of the Mobile+ app. Learn more at Transflo.com.   About Whip Around  Established in 2016, Whip Around has quickly become North America’s easiest-to-use inspection and maintenance platform. Whip Around’s software and app help fleet managers, operators and mechanics improve safety and compliance and minimize costs through better inspection and maintenance processes. Learn more at www.whiparound.com.