NEWSLETTER

THE GREAT LAKES TRAFFIC SERVICES, INC.

All Shook Up!

Recently, we received a call from a company frantic about lost exhibition material that was needed for a Thursday show in Los Angeles. In trying to help we found that the shipment was being railed to Los Angeles and would not be delivered in time. We did help this company get their critical shipment delivered just hours before the exhibition. But when we asked why they chose to to ship something so critical in this manner. We were informed they had a good discount.

Undoubtedly, many of us overlook the operational side of transportation. It surely makes no sense regardless of price if our shipment is not shipped or delivered on time. Certainly time critical shipments should be prioritized regardless of price.

Surely, economics does play a vital part in the way we choose a carrier. With deregulation we can say so long to collective rate making as we once knew it. No longer will we expect or receive the same rates and charges as other carriers. Sure a few rate bureaus are still around and some carrier tariffs are based on these bureau rates. However, in reality most carriers have their own tariffs. So what does this all mean to us the public and the way we do business with a transportation provider? It means selection of the proper carriers is more important then ever before.

The main object is to do the right thing right. Looking at this company they surely chose the wrong trucking company or service. The shipment in question was shipped on the last Friday of the month. Then to make matters worse it was sent on the rail that almost always takes more time. Lastly, enough time was not allowed and no one took the time to expedite or trace this important shipment to destination.

Surely, they did have the right idea about saving money. However, if they missed the exhibition it would have cost them. This is good example of doing the right thing wrong. But what could they have done different?

Our frantic company did not know it but this trucking company had a number of programs that guarantees service, including an in-route expedited service. Furthermore, many other carriers offered specialized service to this convention sight with discounts.

Bottom line, don't take anything for granted. Consider the the consequences of your actions. Above all follow through with the tracing of something so so important. Remember the objective is to do the "right thing right"

Keep Right to Great Lakes Traffic Serivce Inc.