Logistics Perspective

Featured image: Wyoming highways as of October 30, 2019, 9:50 am

Cain Adams with Trinity Logistics/Longboard Logistics in Meridian, ID, adjacent to Boise told us in late October that “the switch is now flipped.”

He said, “Flatbeds are being put away, Wyoming is iced over, and Montana passes are seeing snow. Trucks have chains hung and ready for the winter months.” Cain continued, “As of Oct. 29 we saw trucks tighten up on lanes from the Treasure Valley and Washington. Yerington, NV, isn’t as bad because California freight is going down. Utah and the Treasure Valley are about $1 per bag difference. Colorado is light on freight for us. We finished up in Ulysses, KS, last week as well. Potato country, in Idaho, is starting to pick up and will push the Utah market up a bit.”

In his travels, Cain said, “We toured a few farms in Parma and Ontario a few weeks ago. Farmers were working hard to get everything in. A few did the right thing and tilled onions back under. Quality over quantity was their mindset. If onions were not out of the ground by Oct. 26, then they stayed where they were.”

Fuel prices have gone up, he said. “This week we saw diesel at our local Chevron in Meridian go to $3.25. This is up from $2.99 a month ago. This will push truck rates up over the next month. Shippers out of Idaho should expect to see $8 a bag to Florida soon.” And, he added, “The East Coast went up overnight from $6 to $7. Shippers out of Washington should see the East Coast lane go up to $8 as well.”

He continued, “Concerning freight rates, we think this is the time for shippers to hold their pricing as much as possible. Rail may be a good option for some.”

Customers, he said, “are pricing and getting ready for next week’s increase in demand.” Also, he said, “It’s about to get busy, guys. The best thing we can say is do your best to hold your pricing. Work with guys who are not going to fall out on you. Look ahead at the weather. https://wyoroad.info/ Roads close and can put a truck behind one to two days. Talk to your customers now and let them know flatbed pricing is gone. They need to adjust to half the amount of trucks and twice the freight. It’s not only onions being loaded out there. Meat products, Wine and holiday displays are starting to move. We hope everyone is able to make their money and move some great loads. It’s time to organize some chaos!”