Action Transport, Inc.

12/05/2025

Happy December!

I hope everyone is having a great and wonderful December so far. This is the merriest month after all.
For me, it’s all about being with my family and having a good time with them. I strongly hope you will enjoy every moment of it as well!

I know the holiday season is upon us, but there’s still work to be done. What we want is you to sit back and enjoy December while we take care of all your less then truckload, full truckload, expedited, and many other logistic services - we’ll handle the process from start to finish.
We want to make this month easier for you, all our team is ready to help.

Thanks for having Action Transport in mind.

Best wishes,

Joe

Send a message to learn more

08/19/2025

There’s a potato chip truck blocking the highway.
Expect de’Lays.

Send a message to learn more

02/05/2025

We couldn’t let Valentine’s Day pass by without thanking you for being such a great customer. We appreciate you and your business.

Hope the coming day is filled with family, friends and happy moments that become favorite memories.

Send a message to learn more

09/18/2023

07/28/2022

We had a nice surprise this week when a customer came to see us.

06/24/2022

The Impact of Natural Disasters on Freight Carriers


Our country’s economy is reliant upon trucks and other freight carriers to connect manufacturers and suppliers with consumers across the country. In most cases, freight companies are able to meet deadlines and provide the safe delivery of products. However, companies that are dependent upon the timely delivery of goods should be aware that there are circumstances and events that can hinder the trucking industry and prevent goods from being delivered as originally promised.



Of all of the events that can result in transportation delays, natural disasters tend to be the most disruptive to the freight industry. The natural disasters that have the most devastating impact on the trucking industries are floods, hurricanes, blizzards, earthquakes, ice storms and volcanos. Each of these disasters produces hazardous road conditions that can seriously compromise the safety of truck drivers. In some cases, trucks become stuck in traffic due to poor driving conditions. In more severe cases, roads wash away or become completely impassible, resulting in the need for drivers to turn around or completely alter course.



In addition to impacting road conditions, natural disasters can cause damage to airports and seaports. While damage to airports and seaports may not directly impact roadways or truck drivers, this type of damage often produces serious repercussions for freight carriers. Trucks that are awaiting the arrival of goods via shipping containers are unable to retrieve or load goods because containers are prevented from unloading at seaports due to the effects of a flood or hurricane. And trucks attempting to retrieve or deliver goods to an airport that has been closed due to a natural disaster must either wait until the affected airport is operational again or be rerouted to another airport. Both of these alternatives erode time and delay the delivery of freight.



While all types of natural disasters can have devastating consequences on the trucking and freight industries, it is flooding that has produced the most devastating effects. Since the start of the twentieth century, floods have resulted in more lives lost and more property damage than any other type of natural disaster. With approximately one half of all flood-related deaths involving vehicles, truck drivers and other delivery personnel are at increased risk of danger when flooding occurs.



When a natural disaster strikes, trucking companies and other logistics firms must assess the severity of the disaster and consider the safety of their drivers in conjunction with road conditions. And there is good news for people who worry that a natural disaster may completely halt the arrival of an expected shipment. Nearly every freight carrier has a disaster response team and is prepared to make detours if necessary. They also have backup drivers and vehicles available to help prevent deliveries from being completely halted. Regardless of the existence of a backup plan, the impact of natural disasters on the freight industry should never be minimized.

06/24/2022

Keeping the Freight Process Simple

At first glance, the concept of freight seems simple. Commonly known as the transfer of products or goods from one location to another, freight plays a vital role in our economy by linking manufacturers or providers with customers.

In spite of its simple concept, the freight process is full of complexities. These endless details can become overwhelming to people who are not familiar with the intricacies of the freight industry. Between the wealth of carrier options, different pricing structures, hidden surcharges and potential legal issues, the simplicity of the freight process can get lost.

Fortunately, you can rediscover the simplicity of the freight process and narrow your freight options by considering a few key factors. Before you evaluate your freight options, you should have the following information on hand for your shipment:

*A brief description of the goods that you need to ship.
*Your shipping destination, including city, state and country.
*The delivery timeframe, including any special deadlines.
*Any special packaging requirements.
*The size and quantity of the goods being shipped.

Once you have summarized the details of your shipment, you can begin to evaluate the various modes of freight to transport your goods. While there are countless means by which you can choose to transport your goods, the most common types of freight carriers are parcel carriers, LTL freight carriers, TL freight carriers, air freight carriers and ocean freight carriers.

Parcel carriers deliver envelopes and small parcels such as boxes. Two of the most commonly known parcel carriers are UPS and FedEx. Parcel carriers are ideal for smaller shipments and home deliveries. They are also more widely used by the general public than other modes of shipping.

LTL freight, or less-than-truckload freight, is ideal for shipments that are too large to be accommodated by parcel carriers but too small to fill a 48 foot trailer. LTL freight typically involves the use of a 28 foot trailer to consolidate several smaller shipments from one or more different origins. The consolidation process often considers the destination and delivery requirements.

TL freight, or truckload freight, is ideal for shipments that weigh more than 15,000 pounds, or which fully occupy a 48 or 53 foot trailer. In most cases, TL shipments are transported to the destination using the same trailer that retrieved the shipment from its origin. Some TL carriers are customized to include a refrigerated trailer or a flatbed surface to accommodate the specific needs outlined by the shipper.

Air freight involves the shipment of goods by airplane or cargo plane. This mode of freight is typically more expensive than other modes of freight and is ideal for international shipments or deliveries with urgent time requirements. Air freight is appropriate for most shipments that can be shipped via LTL, though there may be some height restrictions with some air freight carriers.

Ocean freight or sea freight is ideal for large shipments that are shipping from one hemisphere to another or which must cross a large body of water. Goods are typically housed within a shipping container and then loaded onto a vessel such as a barge or ocean liner. This mode of freight is typically less costly than air freight but is much more time-consuming.

Once the mode of freight is selected, the shipper can compare pricing offered by various carriers and book the shipment. When comparing freight quotes, it is important to ensure that all variables (such as insurance, pickup fees and fuel charges) are constant and delivery tracking information is easily accessible. By following these steps, you will be able to rediscover the simplicity of the freight process.

06/22/2022

Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is an affordable way to transport a relatively small collection of goods. Most LTL shipments consist of 10 or fewer pallets or small crates. The average LTL shipment would only occupy a small portion of the space inside a semi-trailer. While LTL transit times are typically a bit longer than transit times for a dedicated truckload, LTL shipping is usually more cost-effective compared to shipping via dedicated truckload.

Excellent Rates and Customized Service

In addition to the excellent rates that we can offer with LTL shipping, our exclusive partnerships with trusted carriers enables us to pass even more savings along to our customers. We work with an extensive group of LTL carriers with whom we have built lasting relationships. With our knowledge of exactly how each carrier operates, we are able to choose the best carrier for our clients based upon the customer’s shipping requirements.

Lift-gate and Other Special Services Are Available

In addition to serving as a cost effective freight option, LTL shipping includes a variety of special services that are not always provided by full truckload carriers. These optional services are available at additional cost and include inside delivery, lift-gate services, delivery notification and others. Lift-gate services are particularly valuable because many facilities do not have a loading dock, making some deliveries nearly impossible without the assistance of a lift-gate.

Reduce Delays and Extra Charges with our LTL Services

Our knowledge of the LTL industry enables us to help clients avoid excess charges and delays that result from inaccurate weighing and missed pickups. We routinely analyze lane patterns and tracking reports from our carriers to familiarize ourselves with shipping patterns. This data helps us to choose the best carrier for each customer based upon the client’s destination. We also work with our clients to ensure that weight estimates are as accurate as possible, thereby helping to reduce extra fees.

LTL Versus Other Modes of Shipping

There are some cases in which LTL may not be the most ideal shipping option for a client. The primary drawback to LTL shipping is the relatively lengthy transit time. If a customer is facing strict time constraints, it is better to use a dedicated truck or another alternative. LTL shipping is also not necessarily the most ideal mode of shipping for smaller parcels that can be delivered faster and more economically by a carrier that specializes in the delivery of small packages.

With 40 years of experience in the transportation industry, we have the experience and resources to help your company receive customized LTL shipping at an affordable price. Contact us today for a complimentary quote! 800-820-2797 or email us at [email protected]

Action Transport, Inc. has distinguished itself from other freight brokerage by offering remarkably low shipping rates & outstanding customer service.

06/22/2022

No one who utilizes freight carriers is immune to the possibility of freight damage. While it may be impossible to control damage-inducing events such as natural disasters, there are measures that can be taken to help lessen the negative impact of freight damage. If damage is suspected, there are steps that should be followed to help ensure that damaged goods are replaced or that reimbursement is provided.

A number of factors can contribute to the likelihood of freight damage. The most common contributors include the warehousing conditions of the shipper and receiver, the presence of special loading requirements, the way the freight is packed on a truck, and adverse weather conditions. Freight damage is typically sustained after goods have been collected from the company of origin but before the goods arrive at their destination.

The single most important step that you should follow in the damage-control process is to ensure that all parcels and loads are thoroughly inspected before providing a signature for the truck driver. If you are unable to personally inspect the delivered goods, then the individual(s) who will be receiving the goods should be instructed to carefully inspect each parcel or container. It is important that receiving staff are advised to never assume that the goods within a crate or other parcel are intact simply because there is no apparent damage to the exterior surface of the parcel.

If damage is detected during the inspection process, the details of the damage should be noted on the shipping paperwork that is provided to you by the driver. It is very important to be as specific as possible when you document the damage sustained to the goods. For instance, if five damaged parcels are delivered but you only reference damage to one parcel, then this reduces the likelihood that you will receive a refund or that the purchased goods will be replaced at no cost. Additionally, rather than simply stating, “Shipment incomplete”, it would be more advisable to state, “Five parcels were ordered and shipped but only three were received.” It is always better to be a bit excessive in your description as opposed to a bit brief.

After clearly detailing all damage incurred, the consignee should sign the paperwork and keep a copy of all documentation. Whenever possible, it is helpful to ask the driver to provide a signature next to your notes on the paperwork. It is also a good idea to take time stamped photos of the damaged goods with the delivery truck and/or driver in the background to provide further verification of the damage. Also, the consignee should find a safe place to store the damaged freight in case a representative of the freight company wishes to perform an onsite inspection.

Following the completion of the above steps, the consignee should file a claim with the carrier. As in the case of the completion of the delivery paperwork, the consignee should be extremely detailed when documenting the details of the damage. If possible, include a copy of your delivery paperwork containing your notes and the driver’s signature. Photos of the damaged goods should also be included. In many cases, the carrier or freight forwarding company will send a representative to your office to inspect the goods, so it is important that the parcels containing the damaged goods be properly stored.

While the series of steps above many not help you prevent freight damage from occurring in the first place, these measures will help you regain control of an unpleasant situation. By providing a detailed written description of the damage on the delivery paperwork, you will increase your chances of receiving reimbursement for damaged goods.

05/25/2022

Factors That Contribute to a Decline in Transportation

Decline in Transportation as Economy Barometer
Activity within the trucking industry is often viewed as a barometer for the U.S. economy. The trucking industry often feels the effects of economic slowdowns before the rest of the people in the U.S. When transportation begins to slow during historically busy times of the year, some economists begin to worry that our country is facing an economic downturn. Others begin to scratch their heads in an effort to determine whether industry-specific factors are contributing to declines in transportation.



The recent decline in transportation comes as a shock to many people in the freight industry. After all, 2014 was a record-breaking year for many trucking companies. The American Trucking Association reported revenues of over $700 billion for 2014. This impressive record was largely propelled by a combination of lower fuel costs and an increase in truck freight shipments.



Given the successes of 2014 and the upcoming Christmas holidays, it is particularly surprising that the trucking industry is not seeing more activity. The last quarter of the year is typically very busy for transportation providers. There is usually a large influx of products exported to California from China and other countries for the Christmas season. The demand for trucks normally increases to distribute products to consumers across America.



There are a number of factors that can explain this departure from normal transportation activity. One of the key factors is the trend of some shippers to obtain their required trucking capacity through contracted partners. Loads are consolidated and fewer shipments are booked with other carriers. While the decision to use contracted partners can help to streamline the freight process for shippers, this trend can have a depressing impact on freight companies that tend to rely upon new customers for business.



Other trends impacting U.S. transportation activity are related to economic factors in other countries. Events in countries such as China can be particularly impactful because the U.S. is dependent upon them for products. The economic slowdown in China and the impact of striking truck drivers in China’s ports have resulted in delayed shipments and a shortage of goods arriving in California. The end result is a decrease in truck shipments leaving California.



Finally, many people fail to consider the impact that decreased exporting has on the trucking industry. For instance, the slower economy in China has reduced the number of shipments of scrap metal and waste paper from the U.S. to China. This has resulted in an increase in the number of empty shipping containers being dispatched to China. With this reduction in exports, there are fewer trucks on the road delivering goods to California ports.

05/20/2022

The Impact of Unionized Carriers on Freight Costs


Many people do not realize the profound impact that unions have on freight costs. In fact, when a customer notices a sudden increase in freight costs from their regular carrier, it is likely that the increase can be traced to pressure from unionized truckers to raise wages for drivers.

While the majority of truck drivers in the United States are not part of a union, the fact remains that non-unionized carriers are influenced by trends occurring within unionized carrier companies. When freight companies increase wages in response to union pressure, the end result is often an increase in shipping costs. Many non-unionized carriers then find themselves under immense pressure to remain union-free as unionized carriers utilize social media channels and union organizers to put carriers on the hot seat.

Only about two percent of all truck drivers in the United States belong to a union. Nevertheless, the influential role played by unionized carriers should never be underestimated. Drivers are drawn to union jobs because they tend to offer better benefits and a higher rate of pay. Many unionized trucking positions also offer a guaranteed pension with employment. These benefits outweigh the requirement for union truckers to pay monthly dues to belong to a union. The dues are typically used to support union events and negotiations with employers.

Unionized carriers continually face the possibility of organized demands from union members. Demands related to rate increases and better working conditions require the expenditure of money on behalf of the carrier. One of the most common means of offsetting these costs is to increase shipping rates. Some LTL carriers raise their rates twice a year in order to accommodate demands from unionized employees. In many cases, non-unionized carriers end up raising their rates as they face the pressure of offering wages that are competitive in the trucking industry.