PFA Team

December 30, 2020
December 30, 2020
Categories

The Basics of Planning Still Apply During a Pandemic

The end of one year and the start of the next is always a good time to take stock of where you’re at. It’s particularly important coming out of the year that we’ve just been through and in preparing for economic uncertainty that still may be ahead. That’s as true for businesses in any sector – including the rapidly-evolving transportation industry – as it is for people. Perhaps it’s time to elevate your company’s planning for 2021 with a little bit of the old and a little bit of the new when it comes to goal-setting. In the eyes of many, planning has only become more important in recent years. That’s partly because so many industries are changing so quickly and not enough of the companies within certain industries are keeping their eyes on the early adopters and change agents. There’s no better year for your company to pay some […]
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December 30, 2020
December 30, 2020
Categories

Be Prepared to Pivot in 2021

As we said last year at that this time, failing to plan is planning to fail. Very few businesses can grow – let alone sustain themselves – without being well-organized and well-structured to achieve your priorities in any given year. Strategic and tactical planning have never been as important as they are going into 2021, where having some security in the face of continued uncertainty on several fronts is something to build on for Freight Brokers, Motor Carriers and others in the transportation sector. Being organized is the key to planning to do some new things in 2021. Sometimes, even a small shift can mean new business. You’ve probably been thinking about a few new opportunities over the last few months; now is the time to get serious and make them happen. A prominent question on the minds of many Freight Brokers is a simple one: What can increase business? […]
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December 30, 2020
December 30, 2020
Categories

Becoming a FEMA-Approved Transportation Service Provider – 2021 Program Year

Registration for the 2021 Program Year is now open! The FEMA Tender of Service Program serves as the gateway for Transportation Service Providers (TSPs) wishing to do business with FEMA. Consider this registration window (open until 2/12/2021) as an opportunity to be part of the FEMA transportation team. You can participate as a Freight Broker and/or Motor Carrier if you have an active FMCSA registration of either type of transportation operation. FEMA’s carrier selection process has specific requirements, including qualification of drivers, which add duties that are atypical to a traditional brokered load. Please read and understand those duties in order to be compliant. It is in your best interest to do your due diligence thoroughly and follow all FEMA requirements exactly; otherwise, your future payments could be jeopardized. One of the FEMA TSP requirements is a $300,000 limit for cargo insurance. PFA’s Insurance Team has several options to help transportation […]
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November 25, 2020
November 25, 2020
Categories

Seasonal Challenges

The sheer volume of holiday shipping this year is unprecedented due to people shopping online like never before. The truckers currently navigating America’s roadways are a sure sign that Santa Claus is coming to town. Add freezing rain and snow along with a global pandemic, and you may have yourself a headache, especially if you’re in the transportation business. Holiday and winter seasonal challenges for transportation industry leaders include: Bad weather: Snow, freezing rain, black ice. If you live north of the Mason-Dixon Line, you tend to be old pros when it comes to the ravages of winter. Most trucking companies cross into serious winter weather no matter where they are headquartered. All the safety precautions apply here – including knowing when to stay off the road. Equipping your drivers with the latest apps and weather media channels – including The Weather Channel and Weather Underground – is a smart […]
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April 30, 2020
April 30, 2020
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Your Expert Navigators: Even at Home, CyberSecurity is a Growing Concern

Cyber breaches happen when secure, private, and confidential information on your electronic devices is accessed by third parties and released in a way that can set you and your business back in unintended ways. Is My Computer at Risk for Fraud? You may believe your computer system is secure, but the fraudulent actions and targeted attacks upon computer systems – business and personal – only continues to increase. Often, unsuspecting people fall victim to a ploy that can put these systems and data into the hands of cyber thieves. Adopting an Everyday Cyber Security Mindset Cyber security should become part of your work culture, whether most of your systems are accessed at the office or – as in these challenging times – at home. Recurring training and constant self-assessment of you and your employees is an effective way to combat this problem. NXTsoft Cyber Education and Phising One of the […]
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March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020
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Ensuring Your Success – Spotlight on Shipper’s Interest

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. And there’s no question that the going is tough as Americans in all sectors and from all walks of life join together in the national and global fight against COVID-19. Network of Critical Shipments Despite the extreme adversity, today is an opportune time to be part of the network of critical shipments that are needed in our nation. This may mean you are suddenly facing new shippers, possibly higher cargo limits, commodities that are not common to you, and possibly a growing number of new motor carriers to deliver for you. Shipper’s Interest Cargo In the midst of all of this, we suggest that Shipper’s Interest cargo can help you with some peace of mind. Since the coverage limit is determined per load, you don’t have concerns of the trucker having adequate limits and acceptable deductibles. Shippers Interest is a quality […]
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March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020
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Bridging Solutions: Factoring & Small Business Loans

Many businesses are struggling to maintain regular business operations as their normal cash flow has been significantly impacted by current conditions. Not only is it important to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy, but your business as well. We have some suggestions to help you bridge this challenging set of circumstances. Perhaps factoring could be a solution to consider or even a small business loan to help navigate these uncharted waters. Small Business Loans The United States federal government is stepping in to help small business owners with small business loans. Your business could qualify, especially given the importance of maintaining the supply chain for our economy. For information on the most updated small business loan information. This current crisis is affecting many businesses in most sectors. Very few are being spared in the way of adversity caused by shutdowns and slowdowns. Even the biggest of transportation companies can […]
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March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020
Categories

Your Expert Navigators – Supply Chain Best Practices during COVID-19 Pandemic

According to SensiGuard, these times merit special measures for Freight Brokers, Freight Forwarders, Motor Carriers and others in the transportation industry: In-demand items (sanitizers, soaps, facemasks, pantry staples) should receive increased security protocols. These items will be targeted more aggressively during the pandemic. Allow additional time to search for parking. Do not leave cargo unattended, even for a brief period. Instruct drivers to inspect trailers and seals prior to initiating route and at all stops, to ensure curtains/doors have not been penetrated. Confirm receiver availability and hours of operation as they may have changed. Be prepared for notification mid-route that a receiving facility will be closed and be prepared to locate alternate destinations. If your organization has not done so already, conduct desktop assessments of your warehousing options and your provider’s security levels at any alternate sites. Example: Have your Logistics Service Providers (LSPs), provide feedback to you now on […]
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March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020
Categories

Roadmap To Success – Thinking Outside of the Box

With a supply chain in flux, those of you who think outside of the box and expand your horizons will come out of this period stronger than before. That calls for new specialties. In the same way that General Motors is manufacturing respirators and shoe companies such as New Balance are producing masks, there will be opportunities for you to move beyond your comfort zone in the immediate near future. When one door closes, others could open. It means taking advantage of opportunities that have arisen such as shippers with high demand. It also means considering specific regional freight needs. Do you need to shift some of your resources to other parts of the country? This kind of thinking is not only important for you in protecting your business and ensuring your success – to put it in PFA language – it is important for entire sectors and for the […]
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