The most seasoned logistics specialists know that no two shipments are alike. From strict timing and equipment constraints to last-minute disasters, our industry is full of challenges that require flexibility, logistics know-how, and inventive solutions.
Here are four instances of unique challenges we have faced at Shaker Logistics, along with some advice on how to handle unprecedented difficulties in transportation.
When Failure is Not an Option, Communication is Key
A high-profile shipment can be stressful for shippers and everyone else involved in moving the freight. How do you manage a job that absolutely must go right? When in doubt, over-communicate.
The Masters Tournament is one of the most iconic broadcasts in all of sports. Shaker’s customer, New York City Lites, provided lighting equipment for the 2024 tournament’s television production. It was up to Shaker to ensure that all the equipment made it to Augusta — and there was no margin for failure
“The Masters is an internationally televised event for which timing is a critical factor,” said Brian Lucia, a team lead at Shaker Logistics. “An unbending schedule governs television networks, vendors, golf pros, and yes, transportation partners. We take pride in approaching each job with equal care, but this particular job requires intense attention to detail. Any shipping delays would have a ripple effect of consequences and potentially imperil the broadcast.”
This is where the importance of strong carrier relationships made all the difference.
We needed a reliable carrier with top-notch communication, punctuality, and dedication. Our operations team selected a local carrier we had a longstanding relationship with and knew we could trust. This load was all about dialogue. Our team maintained open communications with New York City Lites, the carrier, and even facilitated communication between the carrier and the shipper directly to ensure that everything was on time. Our carrier more than delivered, traveling far outside of their typical service area to ensure the freight made it to Augusta without a hitch.
Since this success, we’ve done more work with New York City Lites, facilitating delivery and pickup of their equipment for both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. When it comes to a high-stakes job, vigilant communication before and while the load is in transit makes everyone breathe easier.
When The Market is Niche, Get Granular
Unique shippers have unique needs. It’s a broker’s task to ask questions and adapt, but what do you do when the mainstream infrastructure doesn’t serve? Get down and dirty with the details.
As a global tank container operator, Newport Tank is a customer with incredibly niche carrier needs. Their liquid and gas chemical tanks are moved via flatbed trailers, with some requiring hazmat certification to transport from depot to depot before going overseas.
Austin Celii, one of Shaker’s logistics specialists, outlined the challenges of these shipments: “Here’s the problem – flatbed carriers are few and far between, and those who are hazmat certified are even fewer as there’s less of a market for them. Location is also a factor since the shipper needs qualified carriers stationed along their regular port-to-port lanes on a weekly basis. Finally, dealing with third-party movers at depots complicates the process and risks sending the wrong tank to the wrong place.”
Detail is everything, and no task is too small. We compiled a list of carriers that meet each of the customer’s qualifications. By understanding our customers’ needs, we can build up our carrier network to create specific capacity partners that we know will work for them, so we’re prepared with options every time.
As for issues at the depot, we created a confirmation system. Shaker’s operations team instructed drivers to send us pictures of the tanks when they were loaded up to ensure that tank numbers matched those provided by the shippers. If there was a mix-up, we coached drivers on how to work with the depot laborers to get the right tank on the right truck. With lots of communication and a willingness to get granular with your duties, even the most specific job can get done right.
When in Uncharted Territory, Consult the Experts
Shipping to a new location requires answering critical questions. You need to figure out the best mode of transportation, who you can trust to carry it out safely, and what barriers the new lane might present. This can be a daunting task, so what do you do when you don’t have the answers? Consult the experts.
A shipper asked if we could broker a load from Washington to Alaska. Alaska was a new destination for Shaker, and we were eager to take on this logistics puzzle with a solutions-oriented approach.
“A successful broker must be an expert in their field,” said Sean DeRosa, a team leader at Shaker Logistics. “But even experts are continuously improving every day. We found a carrier within our network who specializes in Alaska transport and tapped into their knowledge so we’d be prepared to meet our shipper’s budget and time constraints.”
We advised the customer that rates to Alaska can be volatile and often exorbitant due to distance, isolation, and weather. Our carrier partner successfully moved the load overseas from the continental US to Alaska, with only an eight-day turnaround time from pick-up to delivery.
Acting with uncertainty can create risks you’ll be liable for. It’s far better to ask questions, strengthen relationships, and put your best service forward.
When Plans Go Awry, Get Inventive
Last-minute problems are a standard industry challenge when it comes to transportation, but how do you deal with them when it matters most? Think (and act) outside the box.
Our customer, Adirondack Studios, makes beautiful scenic displays for large theme parks, escape rooms, and more. Their products are custom, delicate, and non-standard shapes and sizes. It’s imperative that these works of art arrive unscathed, so transporting them requires thoughtful loading and lots of protective equipment.
Kristin Traynor, one of Shaker’s logistics specialists, shared her experience with a last-minute challenge we handled for this shipper: “The shipper needed to send a large Bible display from their headquarters in Argyle, NY to Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY for a theater production. Everything was set to go smoothly until the day before shipment when the carrier was unable to pick up the freight. Even with vetted carriers, these things can happen, so it’s a broker’s job to be prepared for anything.”
Kristin was able to think on her feet and secure two vans from our own fleet to take on the project last minute. However, our warehouse didn’t have enough protective equipment on hand to adequately secure the pieces. We asked around, and a local carrier partner stepped up to loan us extra moving blankets to get the job done right. Kristin saw it through, transporting the blankets from our carrier partner back to Shaker in her own car.
With quick thinking and the kind of passion you can only get at Shaker, the delivery was made safely and on time. A willingness to think beyond what has been done before and go the extra mile will make a huge difference in solving last-minute problems.
Conquer Your Shipping Challenges with Shaker Logistics
Don’t let unexpected shipping hurdles derail your business. Contact Shaker Logistics today and discover how we can help you overcome any obstacle.