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Hello again, my CLDA and Industry colleagues,
We are in the home stretch of this year’s CLDA Final Mile Forum. With only 4 weeks to go until we gather at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, you should be getting fired up – a blazing fire (probably a bad pun and segue into today’s CRESCENT CITY CULTURE, as you will learn). However, if you HAVE NOT registered yet, remember that it will be MARDI GRAS, and our hotel block ends THIS MONDAY, January 16th. Let’s use them and not lose them.
Over the last few weeks, I have brought a New Orleans vibe to you by sharing some of New Orleans’ culture and introducing you to some of the personalities who have left an impression on and within New Orleans. There were, and are, some unique individuals that have shaped the landscape of your city and state. To say that we have had some unique characters here is an understatement. You could look to our politicians whose stories and antics could provide enough material for a good fiction novel, except that many of them happen to be TRUE. Meet two of these colorful characters – The Governor and the Stripper. And a little sidebar story relates to me and my quest to find a name for our company. I think you will connect those dots shortly.
Earl K. Long was the Governor of Louisiana for three separate terms; he was the younger brother of one of our other Governors, “The Kingfish” Huey Long. He got his taste for politics by campaigning for his older brother. Both were very flamboyant men.
When Earl Long returned to the top spot in Louisiana in 1948, he was known for many things. “Uncle Earl,” as he was called, was known for his advocacy for the “common man” and his entertaining behavior. His rambling “all over the map” one-hour speeches were also a trademark of Uncle Earl, and he even spent some time in a mental institution towards the end of his last term. But there was one other thing that this flamboyant man was known for…his open affair with Fannie Belle Fleming, better known as Bourbon Street burlesque dancer Blaze Starr.
Fannie Fleming was 15 and working in a doughnut shop in Washington DC when Red Snyder walked in and “discovered her.” She was a beautiful girl, and he convinced her she could be in show-biz. Soon after, her stripping career began in Baltimore. It was Snyder who came up with the Stage Name Blaze Starr. She brought style and glamour to the world of Burlesque with her elaborate costumes and colorful performances, such as the “exploding couch.” She would eventually stretch out on a couch in her routine and press a hidden button to release smoke. She earned the nickname the “Hottest Blaze in Burlesque.”
As her fame grew, she traveled around the country, eventually finding a new home in New Orleans, specifically at the Sho-Bar on Bourbon Street. It was 1959 when a married Earl Long and company walked into the Bar. Long was so taken by her beauty that upon the conclusion of her act, he went to her dressing room and asked her out to dinner. The romance began. Long was not timid about his relationship with Starr, although he never did get divorced from “Miss Blanche,” his wife.
Blaze Starr was loved by many. Her glamour, combined with a man in his 60’s trying to reinvent his life, led to this unusual and unique love affair. Blaze Starr’s memoir, written in 1974, led to the 1989 movie about her life and romance with Governor Earl K Long… “Blaze” starring Paul Newman as Uncle Earl.
Here is a little more about the romance between the Governor and the Stripper.
I think you have connected those dots, but one night in 1991, my quest for a name for our company culminated with us popping a “tape” into our VCR (Remember those). I was looking for a name for our courier division to separate it from some of the other types of transportation services we were offering, thus giving that division its own identity. What we call today re-branding. I wanted the new name to depict speed and yet still be able to tie it to our main company and logo. After going thru all of the typical “express” and “fast” names, I was at a loss. Then on that night in 1991, after deciding to chill at the house, the opening marque shined on our TV – “Blaze.” My lightbulb finally lit up.
February 9th will be here soon, so make your plans NOW to join us in the Big Easy and learn more about our unique characters as you experience the CRESCENT CITY CULTURE!
See you in four weeks!
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, Jan. 4, 2023 – Mark McSweeney, CAE has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA). McSweeney is the Vice President of Association Strategies for Raybourn Group International (RGI), which assumed management of CLDA on Jan. 1, 2023.
McSweeney has been with RGI for 10 years and has served in CEO capacities for 29 years, including national and international trade associations. He is a Certified Association Executive and received the Executive of the Year award from the Indiana Society of Association Executives. He is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives, Indiana Society of Association Executives, and Association Societies Alliance.
“We look forward to working with Mark and the rest of the RGI team,” said Jason Burns, CLDA’s president. “We chose to work with them because of their impressive record of growing membership, member engagement, member retention and the net assets of the associations they manage. We were particularly struck by their track record of increasing membership among those ages 18 to 40 by 60% over the last five years. These younger members of our last-mile community are the future of our industry and our association.”
RGI is an accredited full-service Association Management Company. The organization has managed associations with members in 107 countries that serve over 60,000 members. Headquartered in Indianapolis, RGI is one of just 15% of association management companies accredited by the AMC Institute. Since 1988 they have worked with trade and professional associations, individual membership societies, foundations, nonprofits and other membership-based organizations throughout the world.
“I am excited to work with the CLDA to help them achieve their membership and association goals,” McSweeney said. “After meeting the Board of Directors and several members, I am confident RGI is well-suited to drive membership growth, provide strategy, and a high level of service to the membership.”
An experienced transitional leader, McSweeney will serve in the role until a permanent executive director is identified. In the coming months, RGI will establish a staff team with the ideal skillsets needed to serve the CLDA priorities and ensure long-term best-in-class service in membership, marketing, meeting planning, financial, and association management.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) represents the first to final miles of the supply chain in the US and worldwide. This non-profit professional association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices. For more information see www.clda.org.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155
Hello again, my CLDA and Industry colleagues,
It’s getting close! We have now flipped the page from 2022 to 2023. That means we will be together at our Final Mile Forum here in New Orleans in about a month. And that means if you haven’t registered yet, time is running out. But it also means that you might want to start thinking about something that is definitely part of our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE and something New Orleans is known for – great food! And great food in NOLA isn’t just where you will see a white tablecloth. Some of the best food can be found where elbows on the table are allowed – our sandwich shops. Get hungry, my friends.
Hoagie, Hero, Sub. We all know the names of sandwiches served on a “submarine” or “tubular” shaped bread roll stuffed with cold cuts and cheese. However, when you venture down to Bayou Country, one name reigns supreme when it comes to the sandwich of choice…. THE PO-BOY!
Upon your descent into the Big Easy next month, and as you walk around the French Quarter, you will notice places where the glow of neon announces the sandwich as if it was a Marquee promoting the hottest Jazz Band in town. This hand carriable meal of French Bread stuffed with your favorite meat or seafood is served in varying lengths, usually from 6 inches to a feast size of 15 inches. Although, I would argue that trying to “carry” a Roast Beef Po-boy (the most popular and arguably the first) is extremely difficult. For that, you must be stationary and have plenty of napkins while preparing for your gravy bath.
The “POOR BOY” sandwich has a long history in New Orleans. Today’s modern version hasn’t changed much since the original Poor Boy sandwich was introduced many years ago. I say “many” years ago as opposed to “X number” of years ago because there is a bit of controversy as to when and from whom the term Poor Boy originated.
It has been written that as early as 1910, references to the Poor Boy Sandwich were made. Jazz great Sidney Bechet referred to the sandwich when he had recently hired an unknown cornet player named Louis Armstrong. After paying Armstrong and the other members of the band 50 cents for their gig, he said they went out and got a beer and a “Poor Boy” sandwich with their earnings. Bechet made this reference several years later as he reflected on those times in the early 1900s. Some believe that he learned of the Poor Boy name later on and just made reference to it at this point in his life.
The most accepted version of the origin of the name came around 1929. Bennie and Clovis Martin, who were Street Car Conductors originally (Yes, there are Street Cars in New Orleans, not Cable Cars or Trollies), opened a small coffee shop and Restaurant in the French Quarter in 1922. When their street car brothers went on strike in 1929, they vowed to ensure they would be fed. “We fed those men free of charge until the strike ended. Whenever we saw one of the striking men coming, we would say, ‘Here comes another poor boy.”
Growing up, I also was told that the original Poor Boy sandwich was a roast beef “debris” sandwich. My version of the story points out that the Martin Brothers would offer the men a large piece of French Bread. After slicing lengthwise to open it up, they would ladle the gravy onto both sides with just the “debris” of the cooked roast beef included. This was a “cheap” or “poor” version of a sandwich, but because of the bread and its size, it was quite filling. Today, the “Po-boy” is prepared with anything you can think of.
The name and where it originated might still have some uncertainty. And one person’s version will differ from another, as this 2016 article point outs. But, no matter how, when, or who gets the naming credit, one thing for sure is that the Po-Boy is an ingrained part of our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE!
Since most of our FMF attendees will be spending time downtown, here are some great places to get a good Po-Boy in or near the French Quarter.
Killer Po-Boys http://www.killerpoboys.com/
Johnny’s Po-Boys 511 St Louis NOLA 70130 (no website)
Mahony’s (two locations) https://mahonyspoboys.com/
Another place that had some good Po-Boys back in the day was Mothers. Still good but has gotten to be a little touristy. I think you would still enjoy it and be a little closer to the FMF hotel. https://www.mothersrestaurant.net/
For those who want to venture outside of the French Quarter, here are my two favorite places in the city for Po-Boys:
Parkway Bakery – Mid City New Orleans – Get the Roast Beef. https://parkwaypoorboys.com/
Domilise’s – Uptown New Orleans – you can’t get any more “neighborhood” than this. http://www.domilisespoboys.com/
Can’t wait to see you next month!
Hello again my CLDA and industry colleagues,
As I begin edition four of the CRESCENT CITY CULTURE, I would like to look back a bit before moving forward, especially for those who may be reading this weekly glimpse into our rich culture for the first time. For those who don’t know, I am introducing New Orleans to you one week at a time as we lead up to our CLDA Final Mile Forum in February. Which, if you’ve checked your calendar, is about 6 weeks away. Don’t delay to reserve your spot. I know that each FMF always turns out to be a great meeting. However, this year’s FMF is shaping up to be one of the best FMF Meetings that I can remember. And as a charter member of the CLDA (MCAA then) that is a long look back and a lot of remembering. It is my hope and goal that through these weekly peeks into the Big Easy way of life, you will feel like a true New Orleanian when your feet hit our below-sea-level ground in February.
Over the first three weeks, you have learned about our Mardi Gras tradition, and know we will be in the heart of it during our FMF; you have been introduced to our city’s founder, Bienville, and discovered the origination of the Crescent City nickname; and met one of our most interesting and mysterious citizens, Marie Laveau, as well as learned that because of our above-ground cemeteries we have been also known as the City of the Dead.
As we continue our excursion through the New Orleans way of life and its geography, I have a question: what is the most familiar scene of New Orleans that you can picture in your mind? Could it be the one below of the St. Louis Cathedral with Jackson Square in the foreground?
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Well, if you said yes, then you are in the majority. According to Trip Advisor, this is the most photographed scene in New Orleans and one of the most photographed scenes in the entire country.
To me, Jackson Square is the heartbeat of the French Quarter. To some that might be Bourbon Street. Although our French Quarter night life is as publicized as is spirited, I want you to know that the French Quarter, and Jackson Square in particular, takes on its own unique ambiance during the day. So, please take the time to experience the Place d’Armes, as it was called before bearing the name of our seventh president and hero of the Battle of New Orleans. But experience it during the DAY also.
The St. Louis Cathedral is the centerpiece of the square and is flanked by historic landmarks, the Cabildo and the Presbytere, both now museums filled with history and worth visiting during your trip. Lining the wrought iron fence around Jackson Square you will find artists ready to immortalize you with the Big Easy backdrop and street performers filling the air with the sound of jazz. Jackson Square is also surrounded by the elegant architecture of the upper and lower Pontalba buildings in which you will find both shops and dining. And to round out this carnival-like atmosphere, don’t forget Café Du Monde, where you can enjoy beignets and café au lait for breakfast, an afternoon delight or even a nightcap after indulging in a hurricane or two from Pat O’Brien’s.
Jackson Square is certainly filled with history. This story was written a few years ago in preparation of New Orleans’ 300-year anniversary. It will give you a little more insight to Jackson Square and allow you to enjoy a little more of our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE.
See you in February!
Hello again my CLDA and industry colleagues,
Get ready for NOLA – the CLDA FMF is getting closer and will be here before you can say alligator sauce piquant. And when you get to New Orleans, I hope you know much about our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE and really feel the ambience of the city. But for today’s little bit of fun, I think the word “aura” would be more appropriate.
New Orleans is known for many things; great food, jazz music, miles of bayous, the French Quarter, the Superdome and hosting Super Bowls, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and, of course, its below-sea-level terrain. Well, as a result of that last item there is another little thing that New Orleans is identified with… our cemeteries. That’s right. Many are above ground because of our negative elevation. Here’s another little thing you may not know… we have also been called the “City of the Dead” because of our many above-ground graves. There has always been a colorful aura and infatuation with the mystique of this part of our city.
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With that in mind, let’s explore another curious aspect of our storied past and meet one of New Orleans’ more mysterious citizens… Marie Laveau, the queen of Voodoo.
Now, most New Orleanians don’t talk much about Marie Laveau, let alone, Voodoo, other than to speak about it in novel ways. Such as, we might say “don’t put the Voodoo on me,” when hoping bad luck doesn’t come our way. Or we may speak about the Gris Gris, which, honestly for years I thought it was someone putting a bad spell on you, but learned it is actually the opposite.
Not sure about you, but I know I was a little off regarding my understanding of Voodoo and Marie Laveau. Maybe your perception of this might not be exactly correct either. My perception was a result of the “Hollywood” version as depicted in movies. Some dark, evil ceremony done in the shadows as Voodoo Dolls inflicted pain on its victim. Well, I learned it is actually a mixture of religious and African culture that was practiced here during the dark days of slavery. Of course, there is much more to it than just that.
Marie Laveau’s mystique fell right into place with my “perception” of the Voodoo experience. I always thought she was sort of a witch doctor as described in New Orleans folklore. Well, as it turns out, Marie Laveau was many things. A hairdresser, a nurse and healer and fairly well connected with many people. And she certainly practiced Voodoo. As she took care of people in her healing role, she would use herbs and potions. This, and her practice of Voodoo, combined with her extremely large circle of acquaintances is in part why she has become a New Orleans legend.
If you want to find out more about Marie Laveau, then get to know her here.
And when you come to New Orleans if you now have that mysterious curiosity to explore “what is this Voodoo thing?” Then maybe you should visit the Voodoo Museum.
And what about this “City of the Dead” thing? Check out one of the cemeteries when you’re here for the FMF. I would suggest St Louis Cemetery #1. It is right on the edge of the French Quarter and that is also where you will certainly get some of our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE and find the resting place of one of this city’s most mysterious and possibly misunderstood citizens… Marie Laveau.
See you in February!
Hello my CLDA and industry colleagues,
I hope everyone enjoyed learning a little bit about Mardi Gras in our first edition of the CRESCENT CITY CULTURE. Our Final Mile Forum 2023 in New Orleans, which is only about 9 weeks away, will be going on as the city ramps up the Mardi Gras season with major parades beginning to roll that weekend. So, dust off your dance shoes and get ready “second-line” your way to the Mardi Gras Celebration… of course, after a day of engaging content and networking at the FMF 2023.
Today, meet the founder of New Orleans, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville and how New Orleans became New Orleans.
I am sure that most know that one of the nicknames of New Orleans, which is the namesake of these weekly articles, is the Crescent City. This moniker came about because of the bend in the Mississippi River at The French Quarter. Well, it was Bienville who coined this name as he called it his “Beautiful Crescent.” Bienville, along with his older brother, Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville, explored the Northern Gulf of Mexico in the late 1600s. When D’Iberville departed, Bienville went on to discover the swath of land in the lower Mississippi that would become New Orleans. The first two streets in the French Quarter running parallel to Canal Street are named for the brothers.
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Bienville wrote to the Directors of the Company in 1717 that he had discovered a crescent bend in the Mississippi River which he felt was safe from tidal surges and hurricanes and proposed that the new capital of the colony be built there. Permission was granted, and Bienville founded New Orleans on May 7, 1718. By 1719, a sufficient number of huts and storage houses had been built that Bienville began moving supplies and troops from Mobile. (You might remember in the last CCC, Mobile, AL was once the capital of Louisiana.)
Following disagreements with the chief engineer of the colony, Pierre Le Blond de La Tour, Bienville ordered an assistant engineer, Adrien de Pauger, to draw up plans for the new city in 1720. In 1721, Pauger drew up the eleven-by-seven block rectangle now known as the French Quarter or the Vieux Carré. After moving into his new home on the site of what is now the Custom House, Bienville named the new city “La Nouvelle-Orléans” in honor of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, the Prince Regent of France. New Orleans became the capital of French Louisiana by 1723, during Bienville’s third term.
Take a look at the street names in the French Quarter. You won’t find Main St, or 1st Avenue. The street names have purpose and meaning. Parallel streets to Canal Street start out with brothers, Iberville and Bienville as mentioned above. From there the streets alternate with Catholic Saints and illegitimate sons of King Louis XIV. Beginning with Conti, then St Louis, Toulouse, St Peter, Orleans, St Ann, Dumaine and St Phillip. The crossing streets are named for French Royal Houses. Decatur, Royal, Bourbon, Dauphine, etc.
So, when enjoying the ambience of the French Quarter, you can also enjoy a little history of the street on which you are partaking in your food, fun and libation and know that you are really enjoying our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE.
See you in February!
WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 15, 2022 — The Customized Logistics & Delivery Association’s (CLDA) Final Mile Forum & Expo will be held from February 9 to 11, 2023 in New Orleans. Mardi Gras will be in full swing during this, the industry’s largest gathering of last-mile providers and shippers. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency, which is minutes from the historic French Quarter, Arts District and Mississippi Riverfront.
The three-day event will be built around the theme of “Winning the Next Mile.” “The current final-mile environment continues to challenge many of us in this space,” says Event Chair Thomas Jowers. “This conference will be the year’s best opportunity for last-mile providers to expand their knowledge, connect with shippers, build their networks and explore the latest products and solutions to take on these challenges.”
Educational sessions will include:
In addition, there will be intimate round tables with shippers where couriers can discuss how to gain their business and learn more about what they are looking for. The conference will also offer ample opportunities for couriers to network with each other, to expand their footprints and to pick the brains of their peers to solve common problems.
Registration is now open at clda.org with discounts for CLDA members. Members receive more than a 45% discount. The conference also has a special rate for non-members who join when they register. Twelve vendors have already reserved their spots in the CLDA Exchange Hall, but there are still a few booths available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve one of those spots, contact info@clda.org
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) represents the first to final miles of the supply chain in the US and worldwide. This non-profit professional association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices. For more information see www.clda.org.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155
Hello my CLDA and industry colleagues,
As you may know by now the CLDA will be holding its Final Mile Forum 2023 in New Orleans. Plan to attend now because that is only a couple of months away. Come join us February 9 through February 11, 2023. This is one FMF that you should not miss. Of course, all attendees will benefit from the great educational content, the networking opportunities and for all the programs the CLDA will be offering at this year’s gathering. It is always a great benefit to mingle amongst your industry peers to learn of their struggles and successes and of course, to share your own. However, this year I am also hoping all will attend for another reason… and that is, to enjoy the hospitality and charm that my hometown has to offer. Come experience the CRESCENT CITY CULTURE… 2023
Welcome to New Orleans!
Over the next 8 weeks be on the lookout for the CRESCENT CITY CULTURE where I will be sharing some interesting facts about New Orleans through articles, pictures, and my own take on what I call the Ambience of New Orleans.
You will get to know a little bit about the history of the city, places to eat and drink, and things to do. You will learn about our culture … like our music and food to name a couple. It is my hope that by the time you get your first whiff of grilled oysters after stepping off the plane, our local vibe will be instilled in you, and you will in fact be an honorary New Orleanian!
If there is ever a time to come to New Orleans, it is this year. WHY? Well, let me jump right into our first edition of the CRESCENT CITY CULTURE
Happy Mardi Gras!
♫ Down in New Orleans where the blues was born, it takes a cool cat to blow a horn ♪ Ah yes, those opening lyrics to the quintessential sound of Mardi Gras, sung by The Hawketts, “The Mardi Gras Mambo,” gets both locals and visitors alike in the mood to dance in the street. You can get your Mambo Grove on here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1fBDVNn1pU
Yes, my friends, it will Mardi Gras time down in New Orleans when you are here for the FMF 2023. Friday February 10th is the first night of the major parades that will lead up to Mardi Gras Day. And three will roll that evening passing about five blocks from the hotel.
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How much do you know about “Fat Tuesday” and the Mardi Gras Season? Tuesday, February 21 is Mardi Gras Day in 2023. That day marks the end of the Mardi Gras season, and the beginning of Lent is the following day.
The Mardi Gras season is actually determined by two Christian holidays, Christmas and Easter. The season varies in length because Christmas is a stationary holiday, whereas Easter is not. Easter is the first Sunday following the first full moon after the Spring Equinox. Mardi Gras Day will be 47 days prior to Easter Sunday. So, Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 23 and April 25, thus making Mardi Gras Day fall on any Tuesday between February 3 to March 9.
As for the beginning of the Mardi Gras season, well that is the same every year. It is always 12 days after Christmas, which is January 6. This day is celebrated in Christian religions as the Epiphany, and also known as King’s Day. This day has also been referred to as Twelfth Night. In New Orleans we also know it as the day that the King Cakes come out. What’s a King Cake? Check this out to learn more about it.
Here are some other interesting things about Mardi Gras that you may not know:
The Colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. They represent justice, faith, and power, respectively.
Mardi Gras Day is the only day it is legal to walk the streets of New Orleans with a mask on. But you have to remove it at 6PM.
The French Quarter, and particularly Bourbon Street, is known for its partying atmosphere that extends well into the wee hours of the morning. However, the one time of the year that revelry comes to an end early is when the clock strikes Midnight on Fat Tuesday night, thus marking the end of Mardi Gras and the beginning of Lent. The NOPD will clear Bourbon Street on this day with the assistance of their Mounted Division.
The first Mardi Gras Celebration was held in 1699 about 60 miles south of present-day New Orleans on the opposite side of the Mississippi River at a point named by explorer Iberville as Point du Mardi Gras.
Although the first celebration dates back to 1699, the first Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans was in 1837.
Now, as far as the first Mardi Gras Parade celebration in the US, well it is believed that it was held in Mobile, AL in 1703…when Mobile was the capital of LOUISIANA. What? After doing a little research on that, I did find evidence to support that…Hmmm??
No matter where the first Mardi Gras parade was celebrated, who celebrates it today or how it is celebrated around the world, the ONE PLACE that puts on Mardi Gras with the passion, revelry, parades, and festivities like no other place in the world is… NEW ORLEANS BABY!!
Check out more here from Arthur Hardy, THE Mardi Gras Historian.
In closing here is one more fun fact about our culture:
New Orleans is eccentric if nothing else. The first Carnival Krewe was Comus in 1857. The second Krewe didn’t come along until 1870, but today there are more than 50. Don’t worry if your Cajun French is rusty: “laissez les bon temps rouler” is a phrase that you will hear much during Mardi Gras, and many others for that matter. Pronounced “Lay-say le bon tom roll-lay”, it means “let the good times roll.”
I hope to see everyone in February – “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
HAPPY MARDI GRAS!
WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 8, 2022 – Supply chain disruptions have had a positive impact on expedited final-mile providers. Shipments that used to go LTL are now going to last-mile carriers. “The delays in the supply chain mean that shippers can’t depend on LTL transportation to get things where they need when the customer needs them. In these cases, they are turning more and more to last-mile delivery partners,” points out Tim Cocchia Chief Operating Officer, Xcel Delivery Services, Phoenix, AZ and Board Member of the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA). “Before the disruptions, LTL could get products to their destinations in a timely manner. But with the disruptions that’s no longer the case so they are turning to last-mile providers. We take delivery of the items, store them in our warehouses until they are needed and deliver them when it’s time. We have always done some of these deliveries, but the demand has dramatically increased.”
One industry that’s shifted to this approach is construction. “Builders that need products on specific days have really felt the sting of supply chain disruptions,” points out Cocchia. “Today, they can order kitchen cabinets, and have no idea when they’re coming in. So, they are ordering them ahead of time and having members of our industry store them in our warehouses. That way, they know they are there when they need them. They can contact that last-mile carrier, schedule the delivery and we get it there right when they need it. This is fueled by a lack of trust in the supply chain. We heard that from a builder doing a remodel of an apartment complex here in Arizona. They were waiting to schedule the labor to do the installs until they had all the products. They didn’t want to start the installs and be missing one piece and have to reschedule all the labor to come back later. They worried that if they released those guys, and they started on other jobs they might not be able to get them back. People have been burned and so now they’re being more cautious.”
Impact on Just-in-Time
Supply chain issues have had a dramatic impact on companies that depended heavily on the just-in-time model. “Right now, just-in-time doesn’t work,” says Cocchia. “In the past, just-in-time made economic sense. It worked because those in procurement knew they could wait until the last minute to order what they needed and get it right away. The customer could keep their money in their bank account, order at the last minute possible, and have it show up on the day it was supposed to without redelivery and warehousing fees. Not anymore. Today, companies must order products ahead of time because they’re not sure when they’ll come in. They’ll ship those products to last-mile providers’ warehouses to hold them for as long as needed, and then deliver them exactly when they need them.”
A Change or a Temporary Reaction?
Given that this is an offshoot of what most people think of as a temporary situation, does Cocchia believe it will result in a permanent change in the way companies do business? Will it mean this new business for last-mile providers will disappear in the future? Yes and no. “There may be a small drop in business for these carriers, but it will not go back to pre-COVID, levels, even when the supply chain disruptions settle down,” he says. “I think there’s a trust factor there that will take a long time to return. Many businesses had to make huge changes. Some of them really got burned and they will probably never go back to the way it was. It will certainly get better. I just don’t know that it will be enough for people to trust in the old way of doing things completely ever again.”
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) represents the first to final miles of the supply chain in the US and worldwide. This non-profit professional association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices. For more information see www.clda.org.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston
aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155
WASHINGTON, D.C. Aug. 25, 2022 — If you’re not planning for peak season right now, you’re already behind. It may be summer outside, but the chill of winter and the heat of an on-fire holiday season is already upon us.
These are among the observations from Millie Tarallo, Chief Revenue Officer at Dropoff as she looks towards what could become, given recent industry trends, the highest volume holiday season to date. “We have ecommerce and retailers inquiring with Dropoff about adding same-day courier services to their shipping suite as they look for ways to diversify and meet increasing demands,” she says. Bringing over twelve years of field, transportation, and logistics experience to new her role at Dropoff, Tarallo has managed these holiday peaks before. “It’s very telling when companies shift away from traditional carriers to seek new opportunities for capacity.”
Dropoff is a tech-enabled, same-day, last-mile delivery platform based in Austin, TX that has been providing businesses nationwide with 24/7 logistics support since 2014. The company, just recently named one of Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing private companies for its fourth consecutive year, is an active member of the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA).
It’s more than the anticipation of the growth in ecommerce and the current labor shortage that’s causing these shippers to expect carriers to get an early start on the season, “These shippers are looking at their logistics and wondering if their current network has the capacity and how they can both increase their market share while identifying alternative shipping channels with that capacity,” says Tarallo. “Many expect to bring on new providers. That takes time. There’s a lot of technology integration needed to get out the kinks in a new relationship with a carrier. If you haven’t done that by September, you’re going to be far behind and your service is going to suffer. We advise all new customers we’re speaking with to complete integrations early; test data and delivery service levels way before peak season.”
Shippers looking for capacity, Tarallo suggests, “Should think about differentiating their offerings with same-day service. Speed of shipping is a critical decision point for buyers and you may gain incremental sales while finding new capacity for shipping.”
Capacity challenges are part of the business, but Tarallo says this doesn’t mean carriers have to say no to a customer if their capacity demands are too high for them. “If you know in your heart of hearts that you can’t handle all the deliveries they expect to give you, you don’t have to walk away from the business completely,” Tarallo says.
1. Be Honest About What You Can Manage
“There are several alternatives. One is to candidly share, ‘This is not a volume I can handle on my own, but what I can do is work with my network of other carriers to meet your needs.’ Another alternative is to carve out the part of the business you can handle and meet your service levels and be honest with the shipper upfront so they can diversify their network to cover what you can’t handle.”
2. Partner Up
She points out that COVID showed shippers that it’s critical to partner with several carriers. “Since COVID, it’s been about carrier diversity with shippers. Even for those that previously used major carriers. They now recognize the need to diversify in particular markets if they’re going meet customer demands,” Tarallo says.
3. Be Cautious; Be Smart
And just how high does she expect those demands to be for Holidays 2022? “It’s going to be the most challenging season ever,” she says, “because consumers expect to get their orders faster. Faster shipping is often a key decision-maker when it comes to what they will purchase. We know the expectations of consumers are growing and that they are demanding we meet higher expectations. Before COVID we expected to scale to this level of demand in eight years; it’s happened in three.”
Tarallo shares that regional carriers should be cautious about accepting all of this business. “You have to be able to take what you can handle and make a profit on it. There’s a reason that large carriers are being more selective with their customers. Some of those jobs simply aren’t profitable. I’d suggest regional carriers only take the ones that fit their current capabilities; ones where they have a unique capacity.”
Tarallo also urges carriers to line up their people resources earlier than they have in the past. “The number one challenge carriers are going to face when coping with the upcoming holiday season is the labor shortage,” she says. While this may be starting to trend in a better direction, here are some ways to ensure you’re ready:
1. Prepare Your Current Workforce
Tarallo suggests preparing your current workforce now for what lies ahead during peak: “We’ve already discussed communication with your customer, but communication with your team is as critical at this time of year. Let them know what you’re doing today to get ready for peak. Prepare them for the fact that they’re going to be working long, hard hours. Think about how you can support them.”
2. Support Your Drivers
There are a lot of sacrifices that drivers make. Consider what you can do for them that’s a little bit extra. Can you have breakfast or lunch for them? Those little things go a long way. Tarallo encourages everyone to, “Do what you can to recognize the efforts that these people are making to help you deliver top-notch service to your customers.”
3. Take Action Against Your Postmortem
She also advises that carriers talk to the people who got them through the peak season once things slow down. “By definition, there will be misses during that hectic time,” she says. “It’s your people out front who have the information that can avoid those misses next time. Capture it right after the season with a holiday postmortem. While things are fresh, ask everyone on your team, ‘What did we miss in the last quarter of this year, and how can we prevent it next year?”
Tarallo summarizes her advice for making it through Holiday Season 2022 this way: “It’s all about preparation. Prepare your customers. Prepare your resources, and then have a plan to make sure all that communication is shored up in both directions.”
About Dropoff
Dropoff provides nationwide, same-day custom courier services in the healthcare, retail, and industrial industries. The company’s proprietary logistics platform empowers enterprise businesses to gain full visibility throughout the chain of custody with real-time track and trace and intelligent dispatch. Discover how Dropoff is shaping the future of last-mile delivery by visiting Dropoff.com
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) represents the first to final miles of the supply chain in the US and worldwide. This non-profit professional association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues, and best practices. For more information see clda.org.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston
aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155
