by Scott Frederick | Nov 26, 2024 | News
As you look to 2025, now may be a good time for shippers to conduct an RFP (Request for Proposal) for their transportation needs, especially as the market has stabilized compared to the disruptions of the past few years. Here are a few reasons why it might be advantageous:
- Market Stability: The transportation market has become more stable, which can lead to more predictable freight rates and better carrier performance.
- Capacity Availability: January is traditionally a slow month for freight, making it a good time to send out bids as capacity tends to be more available.
- Strategic Planning: Conducting an RFP allows shippers to align their transportation strategies with their business goals for the upcoming year.
However, to find the best transportation and logistics solutions partner, preparing for the RFP process is important. You must understand your current challenges and cost structures, set clear goals, and ensure you have the necessary technology and resources.
Are you considering conducting an RFP soon? If so, what specific goals are you hoping to achieve?
Conducting a transportation and logistics RFP involves several steps to ensure you find the best partners and rates for your needs. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:
- Define Your Objectives: Determine what you want to achieve with the RFP (e.g., cost reduction, improved service levels, increased capacity).
- Gather Data: Collect data on your current transportation needs, including commodity or product information, shipment volumes, lanes, service requirements, and historical costs. Additional data points like freight dimensions, freight classification, and accessorial service needs might also be helpful and will lead to greater rate accuracy.
- Develop the RFP Document: Include detailed information about your company, your transportation needs, and the criteria for selecting partners. Specify the format and deadline for responses.
- Identify Potential Partners: Research and list potential logistics partners that meet your requirements. Consider factors such as service capabilities, reputation, flexibility, technology, and financial stability.
- Distribute the RFP: Send the RFP to the selected companies and provide a clear timeline for responses.
- Evaluate Responses: Review the proposals based on your criteria, such as cost, service levels, and capabilities. Use a scoring system to compare the responses objectively. In many cases, it may make sense to interview finalists to ensure there is a good “culture fit” between your organization and the potential partner’s organization.
- Negotiate Terms: Engage in negotiations with your top candidates to refine terms and conditions. Focus on achieving a balance between cost and service quality.
- Select Your Partner(s): Choose the partners that best meet your needs based on the evaluation and negotiation process.
- Implement and Monitor: Finalize contracts and implement the new transportation or logistics arrangements. Continuously monitor performance and maintain open communication to ensure service levels are met.
- Review and Adjust: Periodically review the performance of your partner(s) and make adjustments as needed to optimize your transportation strategy.
Are you ready to conduct an RFP? Logistics Plus is a solutions-oriented transportation and logistics provider with a solid reputation for adding value and helping companies be successful.
Contact Logistics Plus if you’d like us to participate in any upcoming RFPs for transportation or logistics solutions.

by logisticsplus | May 3, 2023 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Logistics Plus Ranks Among Transport Topics 2023 Top 100 Logistics Companies
Logistics Plus is also named a Top Dry Storage Warehousing Firm and a Top Freight Brokerage Firm.
ERIE, PA (May 3, 2023) – Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP), a leading worldwide provider of transportation, logistics, and supply chain solutions, is proud to announce that it has been named to the annual Transport Topics Top 100 list of North America’s largest logistics companies based on gross revenue for the most recent 12-month period. With domestic sales approaching a half billion dollars, Logistics Plus made the final 100th spot among all third-party logistics providers competing in North America. Logistics Plus also ranked as the 44th largest dry storage warehousing firm and the 61st largest freight brokerage firm.
“With the historic supply chain disruptions of the last few years receding into the past, third-party logistics providers have been adjusting to normalizing freight market conditions while working to build more efficient and resilient supply chains for the future,” said Seth Clevenger, Transport Topics’ managing editor of features. “The Transport Topics Top 100 Logistics Companies list offers an updated look at how the industry’s largest 3PLs are adapting to this shifting business landscape.”
“I always say we punch above our weight class,” said Jim Berlin, Founder and CEO of Logistics Plus. “Even though we have the global resources to be recognized among the largest 3PLs, we maintain a flat structure with lean operations that are responsive to our customers’ needs. No customer is too large or small for us. They are all equally important.”
To learn who made the list and read more about the issues facing logistics companies, visit Transport Topics at https://www.ttnews.com/articles/2023-top-logistics-highlights-growth.
Last month, Logistics Plus was named a Top 100 Logistics IT Provider for 2023 by Inbound Logistics magazine.
About Transport Topics
Since 1935, Transport Topics (TT) has been the news leader in trucking and freight transportation. When it comes to major issues, industry events, and new developments, TT journalists get the story first and get it right, keeping readers informed about all aspects of the trucking industry and helping them stay ready for what’s to come. Explore the latest at https://www.ttnews.com.
About Logistics Plus, Inc.
Logistics Plus, Inc. is a 21st-century logistics company that provides freight transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, and supply chain management solutions through a worldwide network of talented and caring professionals. Jim Berlin founded the company nearly 26 years ago in Erie, PA. Today, Logistics Plus is a highly regarded, fast-growing, and award-winning transportation and logistics company. With its trademark Passion For Excellence™, Logistics Plus employees put the ‘plus’ in logistics by doing the big things properly, plus the countless little things that ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
The Logistics Plus® network includes offices, warehouses, and agents located in Erie, PA; Aurora, CO; Buffalo, NY; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Chino, CA; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Colton, CA; Dallas, TX; Dayton, NJ; Des Moines, IA; Fontana, CA; Haslet TX; Honolulu, HI; Houston, TX; Jamestown, NY; Laredo, TX; Lexington, NC; Los Angeles, CA; Meadville, PA; Miami, FL; New York, NY; Norfolk, VA; Olean, NY; Phoenix, AZ; Riverside, CA; San Francisco, CA; Tulsa, OK; Vancouver, WA; Australia; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; China; Colombia; Czech Republic; Egypt; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Libya; Malaysia; Mexico; Netherlands; Poland; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; South Africa; Taiwan; Thailand; Turkey; UAE; Uganda; Ukraine; and Vietnam; with additional agents around the world. For more information, visit www.logisticsplus.com or follow @LogisticsPlus on Twitter.
Media Contact:
Scott G. Frederick
CMO & LTL Carrier Relations
Logistics Plus, Inc.
(814) 240-6881
scott.frederick@logisticsplus.com
Click the image below to download the Logistics Plus logo:

by logisticsplus | Nov 14, 2022 | News
U.S. Holiday schedules for Logistics Plus and ground carriers
As the year-end holidays approach, we want to help you avoid unnecessary shipping delays over the next several weeks. Shown below is the holiday schedule for U.S.-based Logistics Plus offices and warehouse locations, as well as the top U.S. ground (parcel and LTL) carriers.
If you have any transportation needs or expedited shipping requests, please get in touch with Logistics Plus in advance of the office closings noted below. You can reach out to our North American Division (NAD) by calling 1.866.335.7623 or emailing nadops@logisticsplus.com.
***Click the image below to enlarge it.***


Do you have any last-minute questions or concerns? Let us know how we can help!

by logisticsplus | Apr 12, 2022 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Logistics Plus Ranks as a Top Freight Brokerage Firm and a Top Dry Storage Warehousing Firm
The 2022 rankings are based on updated annual lists published by Transport Topics magazine.
ERIE, PA (April 12, 2022) – Logistics Plus Inc., a leading worldwide provider of transportation, logistics, and supply chain solutions, has again been named to two top third-party logistics (3PL) provider lists in the April 11, 2022 issue of Transport Topics magazine. Logistics Plus ranks number 67 on the Transport Topics Top Freight Brokerage Firms list and number 44 on the Transport Topics Top Dry Storage Warehousing Firms list.
Industry research firm Armstrong & Associates estimates the U.S. third-party logistics (3PL) market grew 50.3% in 2021, bringing the total market to $347.9 billion. Domestic transportation management represents the largest segment of the U.S. 3PL market, followed by international transportation management, value-added warehousing and distribution, dedicated contract logistics, and logistics software.
Transport Topics publishes an annual list of the top 100 logistics companies along with its sector lists for freight brokerage, dry storage warehousing, refrigerated Warehousing, dedicated, ocean freight, and air freight services. To learn who made the list and read more about the issues facing logistics companies, visit Transport Topics at https://www.ttnews.com/logistics/rankings/2022.
About Transport Topics
Transport Topics is the news leader in freight transportation and has been for the last 87 years. When it comes to major issues, industry events, and new developments, Transport Topics journalists are there first and most often. Its hallmark coverage of the regulatory environment and the business and technology landscapes makes TT unique — a major multimedia channel, personalized for transportation. Read it daily at www.ttnews.com.
About Logistics Plus Inc.
Logistics Plus Inc. is a 21st-century logistics company that provides freight transportation, Warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, and supply chain management solutions through a worldwide network of talented and caring professionals. The company was founded 25 years ago in Erie, PA, by Jim Berlin. Today, Logistics Plus is a highly regarded, fast-growing, and award-winning transportation and logistics company. With its trademark Passion For Excellence™, Logistics Plus employees put the ‘plus’ in logistics by doing the big things properly, plus the countless little things that ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
The Logistics Plus® network includes offices, warehouses, and agents located in Erie, PA; Aurora, CO; Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; Chino, CA; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Colton, CA; Dallas, TX; Dayton, NJ; Des Moines, IA; Haslet TX; Houston, TX; Laredo, TX; Lexington, NC; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; New York, NY; Olean, NY; Ontario, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Rock Hill, SC; San Francisco, CA; Tulsa, OK; Vancouver, WA; Australia; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; China; Colombia; Czech Republic; Egypt; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Libya; Malaysia; Mexico; Netherlands; Poland; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; Taiwan; Turkey; UAE; Uganda; and Vietnam; with additional agents around the world. For more information, visit www.logisticsplus.com or follow @LogisticsPlus on Twitter.
Media Contact:
Scott G. Frederick
Vice President, Marketing
and LTL Carrier Relations
Logistics Plus Inc.
(814) 240-6881
scott.frederick@logisticsplus.com
Click the image below to download the Logistics Plus logo:

by logisticsplus | Nov 16, 2021 | News
Anyone involved in domestic transportation now knows all too well that freight rates have been skyrocketing to historic levels. According to Transportation and Warehousing produce price indices tracked by the U.S. Federal Reserve, year-over-year industry-wide less-than-truckload prices have risen between 8-14% in recent months, and full truckload prices have risen between 20-30% (and diesel fuel prices are up 27% on top of that).
The message is clear, reducing overall supply chain costs right now will be a significant challenge. In fact, in the 30th Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends published in the September 2021 issue of Logistics Management, only 8.2% of shippers surveyed feel that reducing costs is a primary objective right now. That compares with 21.8% in 2020 and 29.8% in 2019. What are the new primary objectives? 20.5% say maximizing asset utilization, 35.6% say increasing customer satisfaction, and 35.6% say maximizing profitability are all now higher primary objectives.

(Click to Enlarge)
So how can shippers try to offset these rate increases as they look to maximize profitability over the coming months and year? Here are some tips from your friends at Logistics Plus:
- Ship larger shipments less often. Even with truckload rates at all-time highs, a larger load of the product will generally ship more cost-effectively than multiple smaller loads.
- Minimize the cubic footprint of shipments (i.e., smaller, denser) to avoid overlength, minimum cubic capacity, and capacity load charges assessed by some carriers.
- Consolidate orders where possible to reduce unnecessary freight charges (the Logistics Plus Business Intelligence department can review your historical data to see about potential recommendations).
- Utilize the Logistics Plus North American Division (NAD) to help spot quote some of your larger shipments. Sometimes shipments over five pallets or 5,000 pounds (as a guideline) can be spot quoted for less money if it moves in a desirable backhaul lane for a carrier.
- Utilize regional warehousing to optimize/balance inventory to be as close to final customers as possible (Logistics Plus has multiple warehouses located across the United States).
- Improve BOL accuracy to minimize re-weigh, re-class, and inspection fees (carriers are getting punitive on inaccurate bills of lading).
- Improve order accuracy to minimize re-consignments and re-deliveries (don’t ship a shipment any more than you have to).
- Consider implementing a “prepaid and add” program (if you haven’t already) to mark up your freight costs by X% and pass that on to your customers/vendors to help offset your freight costs.
- Implement a freight invoice consolidation, auditing, and payment program to gain further visibility and insights into your freight spend and maximize recovery of refundable monies (e.g., guaranteed failures, orders paid but not tendered, address corrections, etc.).
Want to explore these and other ideas? Contact Logistics Plus, and let’s talk.

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