A dependable carrier can save you thousands of headaches. But a lot of brokers treat carriers like one-time transactions. The truth is: Carriers are partners, not temps. Consistent lanes, clear communication, and fair rates go a long way. How do you keep your best carriers coming back?

How many of you work remotely? I travel year round for work. Every now and then my remote work takes me to Waikīkī. Not a bad location to sling freight. lol #PapaFreight

Believe all have read enough about tariffs and understand how they work. The challenge when reading comments on LINKEDIN, many do not understand that the tariff uncertainty resulted in 44% less vessels from shipping to the USA. This creates what I refer to as PENT up freight, shippers just put orders on hold and did not ship. Pent up freight is a negative and a positive. The biggest negative is carriers and brokers did see drops in volumes and rates. 1- positive it will create more inland freight when it arrives. 2- Carriers should be seeing increased freight volumes now and for the next 90 days-120 days based on sailing times. 3- Cross border rates are up 30% -50% - lack of capacity due to tariffs- this I understand is also a negative for shippers. This also results in lack of inbound to Canada, opportunity for brokers and carriers with the right networks 4- confusion, congestion, will all create opportunities 1- negative the SSLs have levied GRIs- in addition to a tariff of 30% or more- shippers now have a $2000-$5000 GRI to add to each container. One NVOCC stated we may see GRIs similar to COVID as much as $15,000 per container to the USA. 2- Ocean is about selling capacity not rates with 90 day window to ship - shippers have had contracts negated, they will all pay GRIs. 3- Wal-Mart is only one retailer amongst many that will not absorb the increases- prices will go up and affect consumer confidence and spending. 4- Many retailers we work with like Home Depot will not raise prices based on CEO comment- he did also comment if tariff raises rate too high they will not stock the item. I did go this weekend, HD prices for my deck VS last year quote are 30% higher. NO they will not match the quote I did not use last year. 😎 The next 90 days with freight flowing from China will create volumes and opportunity. The EU, India imports are also flowing at higher volumes. Higher prices or not, volumes will increase, carriers and brokers should benefit with higher rates which our industry has needed for 2.5 years.

How many cities across America will cancel their 4th of July Independence Day Fireworks Events due to high tariffs on Chinese Fireworks? lol 💥

Anybody else part of a networking group that meets in person? Local Traffic of transportation club? Chamber of Commerce? Marketing and Sales social Groups? Do you find good value in Networking with fellow professionals in person?