Logistics and Transportation

Guide: 5 Ways to Cut Costs on High-Value Freight

justyn.faber@gmail.com (Justyn Faber) — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 22:07:31 GMT

Guide: 5 Ways to Cut Costs on High-Value Freight

1. Optimize Your Route Planning

Efficient route planning can reduce fuel costs, delivery times, and overall expenses while ensuring timely deliveries.

Leverage Technology:
Use route optimization software that considers factors like traffic, weather, and tolls to find the most efficient routes.
Consolidate Shipments:
Whenever possible, combine multiple shipments heading to nearby locations to maximize truck space and reduce trips.
Avoid Costly Delays:
Identify and plan around potential bottlenecks such as construction zones, peak traffic hours, or restricted-access areas.

Pro Tip: Partner with a logistics provider that specializes in route optimization to save time and resources.

2. Invest in the Right Packaging

Proper packaging can reduce damage risks, insurance claims, and associated costs.

Choose Protective Materials:
Invest in high-quality, reusable materials like custom crates, padding, and shock-absorbing systems designed for high-value items.
Reduce Excess Weight:
Use lightweight but durable packaging materials to cut costs associated with weight-based pricing.
Standardize Packaging:
Create a standardized packaging process to minimize waste and reduce material costs over time

Pro Tip: Evaluate your packaging methods annually to identify opportunities for savings or improvements.

3. Use Freight Insurance Strategically

Freight insurance is a critical safeguard, but unnecessary coverage can inflate costs.

Understand Your Coverage Needs:
Assess the actual value of your goods and purchase coverage that aligns with your risk tolerance.
Compare Providers:
Shop around for competitive rates and evaluate policies from different insurers.
Leverage Carrier Liability:
Ensure you fully understand and utilize the carrier’s liability coverage before purchasing additional insurance.

Pro Tip: Work with a logistics provider that offers in-house insurance for high-value shipments, often at a lower rate.

4. Negotiate Carrier Contracts

Building strong relationships with freight carriers can lead to better pricing and terms.

Volume Discounts:
Commit to shipping a certain volume or frequency in exchange for discounted rates.
Long-Term Partnerships:
Establish long-term agreements to lock in lower rates and gain access to premium services.
Flexible Scheduling:
If possible, opt for off-peak shipping times to take advantage of lower rates.

Pro Tip: Periodically renegotiate contracts based on current market conditions to ensure you’re always getting the best deal.

5. Leverage Technology for Visibility and Efficiency

Advanced logistics technology can help identify cost-saving opportunities while improving efficiency.

Track and Monitor Shipments:
Use GPS tracking to monitor shipments in real-time and avoid costly rerouting or delays.
Analyze Freight Data:
Collect and analyze data on shipping routes, costs, and performance to identify inefficiencies.
Automate Processes:
Use automation tools to streamline booking, invoicing, and communication with carriers.

Pro Tip: Choose a logistics partner that provides access to an advanced freight management platform.

Conclusion

Cutting costs on high-value freight requires a mix of strategic planning, technology, and strong partnerships. By optimizing routes, refining packaging, using insurance wisely, negotiating carrier contracts, and leveraging modern logistics technology, you can lower expenses while maintaining the reliability and security your customers demand.

For more insights on how to manage high-value freight efficiently, contact Donovan Logistics t oday. Let us help you streamline your logistics and boost your bottom line.

The Growing Complexity of High-Value Freight Routing

justyn.faber@gmail.com (Justyn Faber) — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 20:21:10 GMT

In the world of logistics, efficiency is king. For logistics managers, particularly those handling high-value freight, the stakes are even higher. Missteps in routing, delays, or unexpected costs can mean not just lost revenue but damaged reputations. In this blog, we dive into the most pressing challenge faced by logistics managers today: optimizing complex trucking routes for high-value shipments.

The Growing Complexity of High-Value Freight Routing

Modern supply chains are intricate, with freight often passing through multiple hubs, jurisdictions, and modes of transportation. High-value freight adds another layer of complexity due to stringent security requirements, time sensitivity, and specialized handling needs.

Key challenges include:

Dynamic Route Optimization
Adapting to real-time disruptions such as traffic, weather, or road closures is crucial. Standard GPS tools often fall short when accounting for the unique demands of high-value freight.
Regulatory Compliance
From adhering to weight restrictions to ensuring compliance with hazardous material transportation laws, logistics managers must navigate a maze of regulations that vary by state and country.
Cost Efficiency Without Compromise
High-value freight often demands premium services like climate-controlled trailers, air-ride suspension, or dedicated lanes. Balancing these requirements with cost containment is a constant challenge.
Minimizing Risk of Theft or Damage
High-value freight is an attractive target for theft and fraud. Managers must invest in secure routing, vetted carriers, and advanced tracking technologies to mitigate these risks.

The Impact of Inefficient Routing

Suboptimal routes or mismanaged logistics can have a domino effect:

Increased Costs: Fuel, labor, and penalties can escalate quickly.
Delays: Late deliveries can disrupt downstream supply chain activities.
Customer Dissatisfaction: In the high-value freight sector, trust is paramount. A single misstep can erode years of goodwill.

Proven Strategies for Success

To tackle these challenges, logistics managers are increasingly turning to advanced technologies and specialized partners. Some strategies include:

Leveraging Predictive Analytics
Tools that analyze historical and real-time data can help anticipate potential disruptions, enabling better route planning.
Implementing Robust Tracking Solutions
GPS tracking, geofencing, and sensor-based monitoring provide real-time visibility and enhance security.
Collaborating with Specialized Partners
Partnering with experts in high-value freight logistics ensures access to premium equipment, experienced drivers, and established networks.

At Donovan Logistics, we specialize in solving complex routing challenges for high-value freight. Our asset-based operations include climate-controlled trailers, air-ride 26’ trucks with lift gates, and warehousing solutions tailored to your needs. With our team of skilled drivers and cutting-edge logistics technology, we help logistics managers achieve efficiency, security, and reliability. And as part of the extensive UniGroup network, we can solve any logistics challenge.

Complex logistics problems require specialized solutions. At Donovan Logistics, we thrive on tackling the toughest routing challenges to protect and deliver your high-value freight on time and in perfect condition.

Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can streamline your supply chain, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Let's build a logistics strategy that works for you.

Donovan Logistics: Your Partner in High-Value Freight Solutions. Contact us now to learn more!

CORNING MUSEUM of GLASS

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 18:04:54 GMT

Donovan Logistics is excited to be the trucking partner of choice for Corning Glass to transport their beautiful mobile Corning Museum of Glass across the country.

The Show...Is off!?

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 15:07:22 GMT

This should have been avoided...don't let this major trade show shipping blunder happen to you

I just heard a sad, but all too common story this morning from one of our over the road, Van Operators.

He received a panicked call from a friend of his yesterday looking for some advice and probably a shoulder to cry on. This friend is responsible for managing trade show logistics for his company….

”Harry, we can’t locate the truck that is shipping our exhibit! But that’s not even the worst part! When the driver tried to deliver to the show the other day, he was refused by drayage.”

Harry, having years of experience transporting trade show exhibits, knew where this was headed. You see, his buddy only books his tradeshow shipping with a freight broker who outsources to low-cost freight haulers and common carries…not van lines that specialize in trade show transportation. Huge Difference.

So, why did his freight get refused by drayage anyway? Well, the freight hauler, not really understanding how the trade show shipping process works, decided to do what he always does. He thought it was a good idea to stack freight from two different shippers directly on top of each other! Not decked…I’m talking stacked. This is a big NO with drayage.

They’ll refuse you every time .

His friend decided to gamble and go with a low-cost carrier that really has no experience with trade shows. And it ended up costing them A LOT…in this case, they had to cancel their show appearance altogether.

They had no time to readjust. So, all in all they paid around $2,000 for their shipment to go from NY to Vegas. (this is extremely low). But it ended up costing them much much more in lost time, booth space rental that they couldn’t use, freight costs, and more importantly lost revenue opportunities that should have been generated from the show.

Now the second question was…Where is my expensive booth now!? As I’m writing this, I don’t know if they found the driver yet, I’m sure it’ll turn up. But, I’m guessing this truck did not have GPS tracking, or maybe it does, but it’s broken.

If you coordinate trade show shipping for your company, please don’t let this happen to you.

Here are a few tips to make sure it doesn’t:

Use a carrier, preferably a van line, that specializes in transporting high-value exhibit booths.

Make sure that they have years of experience transporting trade shows. They understand how to work with drayage companies, how to check in, understand the importance of target delivery dates and times, and fully understand the move-in and move-out procedures.

Check to see how long their van operators have been hauling trade shows.

Make sure they have the proper equipment on their trailers. (Decking, logistics bars, pads/blankets, straps).

Ask if they have a dedicated trade show group. The best logistics companies and van lines will have local support, a central trade show coordination department and regional onsite reps for most major shows. These reps are vital because they make sure the drivers are checked in properly, have their paperwork, and that you have everything you need.

Ask if the trucks have GPS for tracking. (I wonder if they found that truck yet?)

See if the company has warehouse facilities in most major cities so you can take advantage of advanced warehousing in between shows- This tactic can reduce your shipping costs.

If you have a carrier that does all that, then you should be good to go and the above scenario should never happen to you.

Now, while I can certainly empathize with Harry's friend, I still have to scratch my head and wonder...Why risk an important show that has a major upside for your company and your career to save a few bucks on shipping?

If you want to learn more about Donovan Logistics and how we help our clients ship their trade show exhibits then schedule a call to see if we’re right for you. (hint, we do all the mentioned above : )

If you want to make sure you are doing everything to maximize your booth shipping, then should check out our Trade Show Shipping Cost Reduction Checklist

Donovan Logistics Delivers New TSA Equipment to Logan Airport

justyn.faber@gmail.com (Justyn Faber) — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 16:22:36 GMT

Donovan Logsistics recently transported new automated TSA equipment that helps speed the check-in process to Logan airport.

Due to the sensitive nature of this equipment, it had to travel in a safe and stable environment. Donovan Logsitcs handled the final mile from our facility in Franklin MA to Boston.

Check out the Boston 25 News story about what the these new checkout lanes mean for travelers.

ELD Enforcement Begins

justyn.faber@gmail.com (Justyn Faber) — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 20:47:40 GMT

Enforcement of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ‘s rule requiring drivers to use electronic logging devices to record duty status and hours compliance began Monday, but nationwide, blanketed enforcement of the mandate hasn’t truly begun in earnest, according to reporting from CCJ sister publication Overdrive .... Read more at CCJ.

Trade Show Shipping Cost Reduction Checklist

justyn.faber@gmail.com (Justyn Faber) — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 20:04:14 GMT

There’s no doubt that trade shows are critical in positioning your company to your ideal audience. Most professionals that attend industry specific trade shows are excited by the education they will receive and motivated to find solutions their challenges and goal attainment.

Trade shows serve as a near perfect environment to gather qualified leads and opportunities. So, investing in these types of events are critical. However, they are not cheap! Sponsorship fees, hotel, travel, meals, staff training, drayage, and one the most expensive aspects - shipping.

Yes, shipping can be quite expensive, especially if you have a rather large, complex booth that requires full trailer loads. But the good news is that through proper planning and strategic thinking, you can reduce your shipping cost, in most cases significantly.

Here at Donovan Logistics, our trade show logistics experts are constantly looking for ways to add value for our clients. One way we do that is to proactively collaborate and suggest all the possible ways to reduce their shipping costs. This helps our client maximize their trade show budgets as well as positions us as strategic long term partner for them.

With decades of trade show experience, here are our top suggestions for reducing your shipping cost.

How Are Shipping Costs Calculated?

If your company exhibits at a lot of shows and has a pretty decent sized booth, then you are familiar with Van Lines vs. Common carriers. In most cases, you’ll want to use a Van Line that specializes in trade show logistics. (more on that later).

When using a specialized trade show van line, shipping costs are based on the linear feet used in the trailer, the miles traveled, and the fuel used. Weight isn't typically a factor in pricing unless your shipment is extremely heavy. In addition, these charges are governed by tariffs, which are basically U.S. and international regulations regarding transportation costs

Van Lines like Mayflower for example offer the fastest service besides of course small package carriers such as UPS and FedEx. This is because these loads go directly to its destination venue without any additional stops. As, opposed to common carriers which typically make multiple less than truck load (LTL) pick up stops along the way. Common carriers cost less, but the risk of damage and late arrivals are real.

( For easier reading, you can download the PDF checklist here!)

1. Van Line vs. Common Carrier

Although specialized van lines tend to be more expensive, they are typically safer and more reliable. So, avoiding common carriers or carriers that do not normally move trade show exhibit booths is the safe bet in the long run.

Your best bet is to select a carrier with a dedicated trade show division such as Mayflower. Van Lines like UniGroup/Mayflower are equipped with air-ride suspensions, blankets, logistics bars, etc. - all designed to haul sensitive and high value equipment.

2. Strategically Plan Your Tour

Instead of shipping to and from each show separately, look at the big picture. Decide when it makes financial sense to ship your exhibit properties back to your exhibit house or carriers warehouse, and when it makes more sense to ship them directly to your next show site and store them there until you need them next.

An experienced carrier is able to help you think through what makes the most sense from a cost and efficiency standpoint based on your show schedule. Typically, you can store your exhibit at an advance warehouse for your next show for free for 30 days before the show.

For example, at Donovan Logistics, we have affiliated local warehouse spaces that can accommodate our clients’ booths.

3. Show-to-Show Shipping

If you exhibit at multiple shows a year, it will probably be more cost effective to ship materials from one location to the next consecutively. This will save shipping costs because you won't have to t have to ship from the first trade show location, back to your office location, and then to the next trade show.

It is potentially cheaper to ship the materials directly to the city of the next trade show and briefly hold it in storage until the next show date.

The most cost effective way to ship from show to show is to use less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. This is where you only pay for the space you use.

4. Ship to Your Hotel

If you cannot consolidate boxes, or you have last-minute shipments, it is usually less expensive to ship to your hotel business center or a local FedEx office to avoid paying material-handling minimums.

Shipping to your hotel can also save time, since small-package freight shipped to the convention center must be weighed, and inbound material-handling forms must be written. This can delay delivery to your booth anywhere from a few hours up to a full day.

5: Weigh and Measure Your Materials

To get the most accurate shipping rates, the first thing you should do is weigh and measure each item that you will be shipping. Many freight companies will estimate the size and weight of your shipment. Make sure you have all your weights and dimensions written on each box or crate.

▢ Height X Width X Height

▢ Weight

6. Shipping Case

Shipping cases are no doubt expensive. We’ve seen some tip the $10,000 mark for just one! However, these cases are designed to safely store high value items such as electronics and computer equipment and components.

Damaged items will cost much more in the long run vs the investment in high quality, durable shipping cases.

7. Consolidate Freight

A big advantage of using a van line is the fact that you can stack crates which helps to consolidate your loads.

Common carriers do not allow this. Common carriers only allow floor loaded freight. So, if you’ve always used two or more trucks to haul all your exhibit freight with common carriers, then you can consolidate it all into one van line trailer. Even though van lines can be more expensive per load, consolidation will save you a substantial amount, sometimes thousands.

Our customer support specialists typically work with our clients to come up with different configurations that will fit best and be the most cost effective.

8: Fully Pack Crates

Make sure to pack all your boxes as full as possible. When possible, build your pallets taller instead of creating another separate one. Use industrial plastic cellophane to wrap your freight tall and strong.

9. Rent Tables vs. Shipping Your Own

Tables are large and hard to pack. It can become unnecessarily expensive. Save the expense by renting tables from the trade show venue.

10. Transportation Booking (Exhibit House or Yourself)?

Sometimes having your exhibit house arrange transportation makes the most sense. It’s one less thing for you to worry about.

In exchange, your exhibit house will typically add a surcharge ranging from 20-30 percent of your shipping costs as their transportation service fee. If you want to maximize your cost savings then you should think about arranging the shipping yourself. If you do want to stick with your exhibit house to handle this, then make sure they are also gathering competitive bids and passing on the savings to you.

11. Expand Shipping to Strengthen Leverage

If you can work with a carrier that is open to offering discounts contingent on them shipping for other departments in your company, then that gives you great leverage. This can include product shipments and employee relocation programs.

13. Track Your Driver

If your driver misses your inbound target time or does not have a current certified weight slip, charges can add up quickly. In addition to material-handling penalties from the general services contractor (GSC) for being late (up to 25 percent of your total material-handling invoice), your truck will be sent to the end of the line to unload, which can start a domino effect of detention charges, overtime material- handling fees, and overtime charges by your installation labor.

Download this checklist for easy reference here!

About Donovan Logistics

Donovan Logistics helps Trade Show Managers reduce their shipping costs while reducing the risk of delayed delivery and damaged exhibit materials. We are different than most carriers because our vans are specifically designed to haul trade show exhibit booths.

Our clients tell us that we have helped them:

Reduced risk of costly damage to high value exhibit materials

Lower the risk of delays and late check- ins.

Our team consists of trade show logistics experts that build long term partnerships with our clients, where we proactively seek out all possible ways to reduce your shipping costs without compromising service.

Warehouse Space Available - Greater Boston

justyn.faber@gmail.com (Justyn Faber) — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 18:10:48 GMT

Warehouse and Logistics Managers: Are You Looking for Additional Local, Clean, Secure, Well Maintained and Professionally Managed Warehouse Space?

Are you running out of storage space for your excess inventory, aftermarket parts, or high-value products? Do you need a clean, well maintained, local warehouse facility?

Donovan Logistics offers short or long-term warehouse storage; order fulfillment programs; kitting and distribution and asset management programs.

Also, with our transportation and logistics expertise, we can assure shipments are implemented in a timely manner with destinations anywhere in the world to meet your commitments to your customers, partners and/or manufacturing facilities

Here's What You Will What You Will Get With Donovan Logistics' Warehouse Solutions

1st year Price Guarantee -No surprises
Temp Controlled – Perfect for high-value equipment and products (electronics, med device, aftermarket parts, fixtures, large parcel furniture, trade show exhibits)
On-site Warehouse Manager to handle any issues and incoming freight
Clean, Well Maintained Facility
Cross Docking Available
Outbound Logistics – Air Ride 53’ and 26’ Vans
Easy Access to Major Highway – Right off 495 in Franklin MA.
Additional Rack Space As Needed - We can grow with you
24-Hour Digital Surveillance System – Secure Premise

Contact us today if you need extra warehouse space: 617-512-2498
Located at 20 Liberty Way, Franklin MA 02308
www.donovanlogistics.com

Logistics Management- Inside Look at How Donovan Logistics Plans, Packs and Ships High Value Products and Equipment

justyn.faber@gmail.com (Justyn Faber) — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 20:29:28 GMT

Logistics, shipping, and operations leaders....

If you are responsible for shipping or managing logistics for a company that provides sensitive, high-value equipment then this post will highlight how Donovan Logistics custom packs, loads and ships each of our client's loads.

We just finished an important delivery for one of our local clients. They had to ship out a few units to their customer's site. These units were high- value, and needed to be protected and transported with extreme care. We do these types of projects everyday. But, this specific job was for my personal client, so I decided to take a closer look at the entire packing and shipping operation from start to finish. This also got me thinking...why don't we share our process? That way our clients can see how their freight is handled, packaged and transported. I thought it would be helpful to give them an inside look of we do it here.

A major concern that our clients have is ensuring that their customer's products get to
their location on time. And, even more importantly, that those products arrive undamaged, in pristine
condition, and in proper calibration (if it's a technical unit). When we talk about high-value, what we;re referring to products and that includes medical equipment, specialty electronics and machinery with sensitive components, retail store fixtures and kiosks, and custom trade show booth materials.

Your clients have invested significant amount of money into purchasing your products. It's safe to say that the sales cycles on these purchases were anywhere from 6 months to a year, and in some cases 2 years. Your company's product development, marketing, sales, and management teams have invested countless hours tailoring a solution that meets the client's exact needs. Legal and sales have worked hard to structure a deal that will provide the most value for the both parties. On top of that, everyone has made sure that great a customer experience throughout the buying process has been delivered.

Now that the contract is signed, it’s up to you to make sure that the product is delivered on time and in perfect condition. So, it only makes sense that you’ll want the safest, most reliable way to transport the final products.

You could choose to go with a common carrier because they tend to have the cheapest line-haul rates. However, this comes with a high-risk factor. Common carriers are all about volume and speed. Speed is a good thing, however, when it comes to products with price tags ranging from $250k to $1M, I'm willing to bet you’d rather that your freight is bulletproof during a long transit time. The main factors our clients care about include:

Time - Your company has an agreement in place to deliver the product at certain date so the install or implementation team can get the client up and running. Usually, there is a penalty clause built into the contract, meaning for every day it's late, your company gets charged a fee. This fee is a usually a percentage of the final purchase price, which eats into
the company’s profit.

Damage - Neither you nor your client want the headache of dealing with the damaged product. In most cases, the product is custom built for the client's specific needs. Insurance will cover the damage, but it won’t make up for lost time. Not to mention the potential lost revenue this unit will be responsible for producing for the client.

Customer satisfaction and experience - Customer experience is a soft cost that cannot be overlooked. Delivering a great customer experience is what world class organizations strive for. The customer experience should extend to your transportation and shipping phase as well. On time delivery, pre-calls made to delivery sites, good customer relations on your behalf, clean trucks and professional and courteous drivers are all part of making sure customer expectations are met.

So how do you place a higher guarantee that your product will arrive at your end client on time, undamaged and in proper calibration? One way is by choosing a logistic partner that specializes in high-value freight management and delivery. Padded van lines like Donovan Logistics's main priority is secure transportation.

Let me illustrate the difference in service provided by padded van line, by walking you through each
crucial step of my client's recent project.

Our Unique Process

1. Site survey - When we start a new business relationship with a client we would prefer to conduct a thorough site survey. This gives us a chance to see the actual units up close. This allows to get a good sense of the size, dimensions, weight and note any critical components to be extra cautious of. In addition, it gives a feel for the loading area. This will help ensure we get the right truck. In some cases, a full 53’ trailer won’t be able to get into the driveway or parking lot because it's too tight. After we know all the specifics of the job, we can provide an accurate quote on the line-haul, fuel, labor, insurance, materials, and packing, etc.

2. Schedule pickup - After we determine the cost to wrap, secure and haul the freight, we will schedule the pickup. If this is a time-sensitive delivery with a short window, then we have some choices to talk through.

For one, it may have to go on its own dedicated full truckload to ensure there are no additional stops along the way. Full truckload is more expensive because you're basically purchasing the entire trailer regardless of the amount space being used. However, we've also seen LTL being more expensive in some cases. So we always to do a comparison when providing pricing.

It would be wise to calculate and compare the penalty cost of not delivering on time vs. the higher transportation FT rate. The other route is to go with the less than truckload (LTL) option (where you only purchase the space for your freight that is loaded with other customer's freight).

With a specialty van line like Donovan Logistics, your freight never leaves the trailer that it's originally loaded onto. Alternatively, if you decide to go with a common carrier for an LTL option, it can be less expensive, but there is a real risk of damage occurring. This is because common carriers tend to have multiple breakpoints or hubs that have a constant flow of trucks in and out every day. In other words, your freight is loaded and unloaded and handled up to 12 to 15 times before it arrives at its final destination. If you do not have a tight time frame, then your safest bet is to go with an LTL padded van line over a common carrier.

A padded van line can be more expensive than a common carrier based on the fact that the trailers are, air-ride equipped, have logistics bars and other equipment to secure the load, and the drivers are more experienced and skilled in hauling high-value freight.

The transit time will also take a little longer than a common carrier because the same driver is responsible for all of the stops. Nothing leaves his truck until it reaches its destination. Drivers can only drive 500 miles a day or 1000 miles if it is a team (2 man driver team). The big upside and the primary reason most companies with high-value freight go with a premium van line is freight security factor.

3. Shuttle Pick Up - Next, we send out a straight truck to shuttle the freight back to one of our local warehouses. For this last job, we needed to send a 26’ dry van into Cambridge MA because the area was just too tight to get a full-sized trailer in and out. Plus, we needed to get the units to our own warehouse, which is a controlled environment. Here we have all the necessary resources to get it properly packed, secured and loaded onto a full 53' air-ride trailer.

4. Packaging and protecting - Now here is where you can really notice the difference in the service of van line vs. a common carrier.

Since most of the units that come into our warehouse for shipping have price tags in the six to seven figure range, it’s vitally important that we fully protect them. Now, van lines like Donovan Logistics offer pad wrap services. Crating is usually unnecessary because of the types of materials we use to package and protect. If a client really wants it crated, then we can accommodate the request, but we have to have them specially fabricated which adds more time and cost.

Here’s the process we went through for this client's project.

One of the units we were shipping required additional support and protection due it's size, weight, and sensitivity. It was going out West to San Francisco, and was purchased by a life sciences company from our client. It'll be used for important science things! In other words, it’s expensive- breaking it would be bad.

Once the unit was in our warehouse, we fully knew what we were dealing with and what had to be done to ensure the safest transit.

First, our warehouse manager and crew built a custom platform so that the unit could not move during transit. They built it using a standard sized pallet and then added a flat platform with sides.

Once the machine was loaded onto the platform, we had to lift it and place padded wooden blocks under the frame because the wheels could not touch the ground. A layer of dust-resistant wrapping was then placed around the unit.

We also took extra precautions with the sensitive internal and glass components. Our team placed additional padding and cardboard to further project those parts.

Next, we placed tough corrugated sides to all the exposed edges for extra protection. The crew then wrapped a couple layers of bubble wrapping to absorb any shock that may occur during the ride.

Finally, it was wrapped in high strength shrink wrap and banded to further ensure it doesn’t shift or move. We also drilled holes on each side of the platform and ran the banding through them, up and around the unit. One more thing to note is that we also built a ramp and attached it to the platform so that during unloading there would be two options...either a rigger could take it off the truck or it could be unloaded by wheeling down the platform. (See images below).

5. Transit - Once the driver is loaded, he will get on the road. His truck route progress is tracked through GPS where he updated it regularly so we know where he is. Our clients receive daily updates and we can report to their customers as well.

6. Delivery - Our drivers always arrive in clean, modern truck, make a pre-call and professional….ensuring that the customer is happy. For this job, when the driver delivered the unit, he was met by a third party rigging crew to assist with the unloading.

As you can see, our crew puts a good amount of time and effort to ensure that our clients' freight is handled with extreme care the entire time it is in our possession.

A specialty van line like Donovan Logistics can seem like a more expensive option upfront than a common carrier. However, our clients tell us that us that the peace of mind that comes with knowing their freight is in good hands is worth it.

If you would like to learn more about how we work with logistics professionals like you. Please contact us to schedule a time to talk. During our strategy call, we will identify the top ways you can improve your shipping.

Donovan Logistics helps shippers of high value equipment - such as trade show booths, retail fixtures, lab and medical equipment, electronics and machinery - deliver their products safely while ensuring they arrive on time.

Greater Local Coverage and Reduced Shipping Costs! Donovan Logistics Named Exclusive Mayflower Express Agent For New England

justyn.faber@gmail.com (Justyn Faber) — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 20:36:12 GMT

We're proud to announce that Donovan Logistics has been named the exclusive Mayflower Express agent for New England. As the exclusive Express Agent, we perform 100% of all pick-ups & deliveries registered across the Mayflower family of agencies that are under 3,500 lbs within the New England region.

This provides us with a larger local presence giving our clients even greater coverage. This also allows us to package client orders with Express orders to consolidate local routes, and reduce our clients costs.

We'd love to hear form you to see how we can help your logistics operation.

Exhibit Booth Transportation Cost Calculation

justyn.faber@gmail.com (Justyn Faber) — Thu, 18 May 2017 17:58:48 GMT

How van line transportation costs are calculated

If your company exhibits throughout the year, then you are familiar with the difference between van Lines and common carriers. In almost every situation, you’ll want to use a Van Line that specializes in trade show logistics versus a common carrier.

Van lines like Mayflower are specifically designed to haul high value equipment such as trade show exhibit booths because of they are equipped with air-ride suspension, bars, pads, blankets and lifts. In addition, van line drivers specialize in hauling this type of freight.

When using a specialized trade show van line, shipping costs are based on the linear feet used in the trailer, the miles traveled, and the fuel used. Weight isn't typically a factor in pricing unless your shipment is extremely heavy. In addition, these charges are governed by tariffs, which are basically U.S. and international regulations regarding transportation costs

Van Lines like Mayflower for example, offer the fastest service besides of course small package carriers such as UPS and FedEx. This is because these loads go directly to its destination venue without any additional stops. As, opposed to common carriers which typically make multiple less than truck load (LTL) pick up stops along the way. Common carriers cost less rate wise, but the risk of damage and late arrivals make a van line the smarter choice in the long run.

Want to make sure you're saving every way you can on your next trade show? Download our free "Trade Show Shipping Cost Reduction Checklist" by clicking the image below.

Trade Show Managers, has this ever happened to you?

justyn.faber@gmail.com (Justyn Faber) — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 18:07:19 GMT

Quick Trade Show transportation story to share so you don't have to deal the same issue.....

We had a long term client that every year booked a round trip order with us going to a private trade show. This client is based in MA and the first show was at a hotel in Washington, DC. After handling it successfully without any issues for 5 years in a row, the customer decided to go with an alternate option that provided them with a few hundred dollars in savings. The show location in DC had restrictions, so we would ship this on a dedicated straight truck with a lift-gate. In addition, this was a full white glove, blanket-wrap shipment. The product was lighting & staging equipment, very awkward sizes, tall pieces, odd stacking, etc. So something like this really takes someone with true moving company experience to ensure a safe & effective load/unload process.

The client called our of VP of Logistics, Dan, in a panic on the Sunday evening before the Monday show, stating that their alternate option was a disaster on the inbound load from MA to DC. This particular carrier didn’t provide the full amount of equipment, was unable to be reached for in-transit updates for weekend tracking, and showed up late for their delivery. Since this Trade Show transportation and logistics is our specialty, were able to help. By Monday morning, we had secured a replacement for the return shipment from DC to MA, and customer has booked it with us every year since. They were very impressed that not only were we responsive after hours on a weekend, but also able to secure capacity for them.

This is just one store of how we deliver value each and every time for our clients. If you've ever been in similar situation and want to learn more about our "On Time Guarantee" please visit our trade show page for more information .

Justyn Faber

Director of Business Development

Donovan Logistics Launches New Website

justyn.faber@gmail.com (Justyn Faber) — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 17:55:24 GMT

Our new look and feel provides a much better experience for our visitors

We're pretty excited over here at Donovan Logistics. On April 26th we officially launched our new and improved website!

Our previous website did it's job for a while and it allowed clients and potential clients to find us online and get an ok overview of our services and capabilities. But, we knew it was missing some key things.

For one, although it was a light weight website in terms of number of pages, it didn't exactly provide the full picture of what we specialize in. If you visited that site, you knew that we were a logistics and transportation company focused on trade shows and retail store roll-outs. That's good, since those are two main specialties of ours. What's not so good...is that we do much more than that and we needed to convey that to our market place. We needed to segment our offering s based on industry, as they all tend to have different needs. One thing that all the industries we serve have in common however is that they all require highly specialized logistics experts, operators, trailers and equipment.

Second, the site was really just a brochure that happened to be online. Back in the early to mid 2000's a company could maybe get away with that. We wanted our visitors to have more information, without overwhelming them. Our vision was to have a resource rich educational website that advised our market on best practices, tips and tricks, industry trends and news, and of course provided an even clearer more defined picture of our capabilities and how we can best serve our clients.

With this plan and vision in mind, we are committed to featuring great, useful content and insights that would help our audience, clients and potential clients make more informed decisions when it comes to transportation and logistics.

We've started on that journey and this site will be updated constantly as we receive user feedback. Our team will be adding valuable content regularly.

So, if you're job is to manage logistics and transportation for your company then this will be a great resource for you. This blog will also be updated regularly, so stay tuned. Our content plan includes articles for Trade Show manager, Trade show exhibitors, logistics managers, store operations, traffic managers and really anyone that needs to deal with challenging transportation issues.

We thank you for your support and please feel free to contact us with any feedback and ideas we can incorporate into our resources and site.

Justyn Faber
Director of Business Development