Is the future of logistics brokerage shifting? VP of Strategic Capacity Services, David Joiner, sits down to give his insight

Is the future of logistics brokerage shifting?

An interview with David Joiner of Dupré Logistics

There have been many companies that have decided to work with a preferred 3PL to gain consistency in processes and technology, where working with a variety of smaller operations lack. But as supply chain issues are front and center in the news, are companies changing how they work? We interviewed our head of brokerage services, David Joiner, about what he has observed in the transportation brokerage world and what may lie ahead.

Future of Business

How have you seen brokerage impacted by Covid or changes in the industry over the last few years? Is the new environment going to weed out smaller firms?

Production was down for almost everyone at some point with supply issues or because they had delays from overseas. We would notice some areas where the amount of loads were down, or there would be empty containers waiting to go back. A lot of small companies went out of business, but we have seen new opportunities and expanded opportunities during this same time. I think because we have specialized services like heavy haul, flatbed, bulk and tanker, and hazmat in addition to traditional freight, it helps us to stay busy. Since we have assets as well as our brokerage arm, that is an advantage we offer as well.

The last few years really gave us a chance to showcase our employee’s and drivers’ talents and become a trusted partner during a period of increased complications to get freight delivered. There is a significant cost for our customers in not having their products on the shelves. With all the supply chain issues, there has been an added sense of urgency to get product moved. Our customers relied on us to make it happen so their brand recognition doesn’t suffer from not being on the shelf when their customer is shopping.

Future of Technology

How is software or artificial intelligence changing our industry??

I think sometimes people may just be implementing technology just for technology’s sake. We implement it when it can improve our processes and add real value. However, having the right tools must also be backed by the right people and the right training. While technology helps us streamline processes and load matching, the people are still really critical. A person with industry experience and training can best help customers & improve efficiency. A highly trained employee can ask better questions, provide real-time support, and make a big difference in the overall customer experience.

Future of Trucks

With production and price increases, what do you see in the future for commercial trucks and carriers?

Autonomous and Electronic Vehicles are coming, however, I think it is a ways out due to our infrastructure and the high cost of entry. Much of the capacity in the industry comes from small carriers who are unable to afford the technology. Their biggest costs have been increases in fuel, insurance, and maintenance. ?In addition to our brokerage services, Dupré has the advantage of operating a large fleet of our own assets which provide purchasing leverage in the market.?We are working with several of our small and medium sized carriers to allow them to share that leverage when possible & to drive out costs.?We are always looking for ways to improve our partnerships with our customers and carriers. That’s what success in this industry looks like: working together, doing the right thing, and being willing to adapt to changing times.

Are you ready for the future of logistics? We can help keep your shipments moving! Dupré operates?a logistics brokerage in addition to having approximately 750 trucks, employs over 1,100 professional drivers, and has established a network of 14,000 preferred carriers for its SCS group.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR ALL YOUR TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS NEEDS!