With the upcoming National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system changes — Docket 2025-1 — poised to boost carrier efficiency and potentially lower shipping costs, this discussion examines past classification challenges and outlines the future benefits, along with crucial preparation resources for shippers.

Host Samantha Jones of SJ Consulting is joined by Seth Bauer, Director of Traffic Services at Old Dominion Freight Line, and Keith Peterson, Director of Operations for the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).

Key Takeaways:

·       Why did the NMFTA change to density-based pricing? [5:54]

·       How will updates to the National Motor Freight Classification system impact shippers? [8:48]

·       Benefits and challenges of the NMFC Docket 2025-1 changes. [17:11]

·       Resources and tools that help shippers prepare for the upcoming changes to the NMFC system. [20:31]

 Shareables:

·       “Freight today, a lot of it is on pallets so it makes sense to look at it from a density-base. You need the dimensions and the weight. It just keeps it nice and simple and uniform across the board.” — Keith Peterson, Director of Operations, NMFTA

·       “From a classification standpoint, simplification is going to be great. And it’s going to create a better experience for the customer.” — Seth Bauer, Director of Traffic Services, ODFL

·       “We want a pallet that is composed well. It’s never been incumbent on the shipper in the past to make sure they are stacking their pallets so they are filling all the spaces.” — Seth Bauer, Director of Traffic Services, ODFL

·       “I don’t know any carrier that doesn’t appreciate getting the dimensions so they know what to plan for as far as picking up.” — Keith Peterson, Director of Operations, NMFTA

·       “From a carrier perspective, the best resource we have is the Solutions Specialist.” — Seth Bauer, Director of Traffic Services, ODFL

Resources

·       Connect with Samantha Jones

·       OD's NMFTA Resource Page

·       OD Outlook

·       ODFL.com

·       NMFCChanges.com

·       Cargo Shorts podcast

·       Shippers can direct freight-related questions to [email protected].

Must Arrive By Date (MABD) shipping has become a cornerstone for retailers and supply chains alike. Born out of the need for efficiency and precision, MABD’s mandate that freight must be delivered within highly specific date and time windows. There are strict penalties for non-compliance, presenting challenges for shippers. Understanding and navigating these requirements is essential for those involved in the movement of goods.

Host Samantha Jones of SJ Consulting, is joined by Greg Plemmons, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Chris Kelley, Senior Vice President of Operations at Old Dominion Freight Line to discuss best practices for shippers and carriers to ensure scorecard compliance.

·       What is Must Arrive By Date (MABD), and are requirements different from LTL shipments? [2:10]

·       How can carriers ensure external challenges do not inhibit MABD shipments? [11:05]

·       Scorecards and penalties prompt shippers to engage with trusted partners. [13:28]

·       Identifying which shipments require an MABD level of attention. [20:55]

·       “Make digital connections with your carrier to streamline the flow of communication.” — Greg Plemmons, COO, ODFL

·       “As the economy picks back up, warehouse space at the DC’s will get more constrained and that will continue to push more MABD.” — Greg Plemmons, COO, ODFL

·       “We have conversations with customers every day about the improvement in their scorecards after signing on with our MABD program.” — Chris Kelley, Senior Vice President of Operations, ODFL

·       “It’s important for these retailers to be careful with what type of inventory they are holding, and how fast they are turning products.” — Samantha Jones, Host of Cargo Shorts Podcast, ODFL

·       “Communicate with your carrier early and often and we will do the same.” — Greg Plemmons, COO, ODFL

·       “It’s more critical than ever to get the product out there.” — Chris Kelley, Senior Vice President of Operations, ODFL

·       Connect with Samantha Jones

·       Learn about OD’s MABD services

·       OD Outlook

·       ODFL.com

·       Cargo Shorts podcast

·       Shippers can direct freight-related questions to [email protected].

The domestic supply chain has changed in ways few could predict. It has rebuilt itself in new, dynamic ways, with a stronger version of Just-in-Time shipping emerging. It is called “Just-in-Time 2.0.” This new model keeps the best parts of the old system while focusing on shorter, resilient lines of transport with greater redundancy.

Host Jonathan Betz is joined by Dr. Thomas Goldsby, the Professor of Supply Chain Management at Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, and Greg Plemmons, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Old Dominion Freight Line.

Their conversation explores the advantages and challenges of Just-in-Time 2.0, near-shoring options, and the new AI tools companies can access when planning for future demands.

Did Just-in-Case shipping solve Just-in-Time 1.0 supply chain issues? [1:41]

Advantages and challenges of Just-in-Time 2.0 shipping. [8:53]

Current geo-political business challenges and near-shoring opportunities. [12:26]

Has near-shoring improved supply chain resilience and can companies bear the cost? [17:30]

Does 3D printing or Additive Manufacturing lessen dependence on distant suppliers? [22:41]

The data analytics companies can use to predict demand accurately. [24:28]

OD Outlook

ODFL.com

Cargo Shorts podcast

Shippers can direct freight-related questions to [email protected].

Every inch counts when it comes to shipping, and accurate dimensioning can tip the scales in your favor. When weighing options, precise pallet dimensioning can make shipping faster and more efficient while reducing surprises on the final bill.

Host Jonathan Betz is joined by Todd Polen, Vice President of Pricing Systems at Old Dominion, and Glenn Zalusky, the Vice President of Strategic Business at Rice Lake Weighing Systems to discuss the benefits of accurate measurements.

Their conversation explores how accurate pallet dimensioning is a game changer for the LTL industry, the downstream benefits to shippers, including improved speed, accuracy, and more predictable pricing, and how this cutting-edge technology is changing the industry by streamlining shipping and boosting the bottom line.

Dimensional freight and LTL carrier considerations. [1:02]

How technology increases the accuracy and speed of measurements. [4:50]

Pallet dimensioner: Pros and cons. [7:53]

Dimensioners and the challenges of irregular freight. [12:43]

How dimensional weights affect a carrier’s bottom line. [14:55]

OD Outlook

ODFL.com

Rice Lake Weighing Systems

Cargo Shorts podcast

Shippers can direct freight-related questions to [email protected].

Whether you are shipping across the country or around the world, the right packaging makes all the difference. As the emphasis on sustainability intensifies, the industry is rapidly evolving, with data playing a vital role. But cost and fragility of freight are factors that need to be considered.

Host Jonathan Betz is joined by Dr. Greg Batt, an Associate Professor of Packaging Sciences at Clemson University, and the director of the Sunoco Package Testing Laboratory in the Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences Department. Dr. Batt holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Packaging Science. Also joining the conversation is Geoff Stephany, the Director of Cargo Claims and Security at Old Dominion.

The conversation explores the principles that underpin product packaging and protection. Tune in to learn more about the intricate design hurdles faced by packaging professionals, making data useful, and efforts toward more sustainable packaging solutions.

A glimpse into the opportunities that exist in proper packaging. [1:08]

Why should packaging be a priority for shippers? [2:21]

Clemson’s Package Dynamics Lab. [4:58]

The changing and complex landscape of packaging and distribution. [8:02]

Tips for carriers on balancing packaging requirements and cost. [15:49]

The future of data analytics in packaging design. [18:53]

Government mandates and company commitments. [25:04]

OD Outlook

ODFL.com

Clemson Packaging Dynamics Lab

Cargo Shorts podcast

Shippers can direct freight-related questions to [email protected].

Automation and digitization are rapidly transforming the LTL industry, enabling greater transparency and visibility. Seamless technology fosters improved planning, pricing, service, and relationships among carriers and shippers.

Host Jonathan Betz speaks with Barry Craver, VP of Technology at Old Dominion, who served OD on the business side for twenty years and took responsibility for IT in 2023, and Paul Dugent, Executive Director of the Digital LTL Council under the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. Paul is responsible for bringing together LTL motor carriers, technology providers, and shippers to standardize and digitize the data stream of an LTL shipment.

What tech trends and breakthroughs are reshaping LTL shipping? [1:23]

Looking forward, opportunities in automation and API standardization are promising. [4:42]

Why will standardizing APIs transform the relationship between carriers, shippers, and 3PLs? [5:33]

The biggest challenges for shippers when it comes to adopting the standardized APIs. [7:40]

How has the industry adopted and implemented the single standard eBOLs and other technological changes? [10:12]

Is the National Motor Freight Classification system being reimagined? [14:18]

From a technology standpoint, what will the LTL industry look like in 10 years? [20:20]

OD Outlook

ODFL.com

National Motor Freight Traffic Association

Cargo Shorts podcast

Shippers can direct freight-related questions to [email protected]

The findings from Mastio’s annual study of LTL carriers help shippers evaluate carriers based on many important attributes.

Shippers need to choose the right partner when selecting a carrier. Shippers want to ensure that their freight will make it to their customers on time and damage-free. What tools are available to help shippers choose the right carrier for their business? How can collecting independent, third-party logistics data assist them with the decisions?

Host Jonathan Betz speaks with Kevin Huntsman, the president of Mastio & Company, a market research consulting firm that conducts independent customer experience research across various industries. For over 20 years, Mastio & Company has been surveying shippers annually about their needs and what they look for in a carrier. On today's episode, Kevin shares insights on how Mastio & Company conducts the survey and what it means for the industry. Old Dominion was named the number one national LTL carrier for quality for the 14th consecutive year. Marty Freeman, president and CEO of Old Dominion Freight Line shares why this award means so much to the organization and how Old Dominion uses the data to continuously improve service for their customers. 

Who is Mastio & Company, how do they collect LTL survey data, and how is the data used in the logistics industry? [1:44]

OD builds its company culture around the results of the Logistic Professional Survey. [4:30]

The attributes shippers value are highly weighted when Mastio chooses the Logistics Professional Survey Award winner. [7:49]

How OD uses the Conscious Differentiator attributes when setting annual objectives. [11:02]

What is the Mastio value map and why is it important for shippers? [13:22]

The Mastio independent third-party study offers shippers and carriers the important data needed to make informed business decisions. [17:22]

OD Outlook

ODFL.com

Mastio & Company

Cargo Shorts podcast

Shippers can direct freight-related questions to [email protected]

Understanding freight classification is a critical part of the shipping process. If freight is not properly classified or wrong item numbers are used, the most accurate rates may not be applied, which can lead to an unwelcome surprise on the final bill. Understanding these classifications is critical to a business, but why is it a struggle for some, and what can be done to improve the system to streamline LTL shipments?

In this episode, hear from Old Dominion’s Director of Pricing Services, Erin Topper. Erin spent 18 years at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), where she was responsible for managing the classification development process, including reviewing and updating packaging-related content and writing proposals to amend the National Motor Freight Classification.

What are the components that go into determining the freight classification for LTL shipments? [1:36]

Why should shippers spend more time upfront in properly classifying their freight? [3:31]

What is being done to help shippers properly classify freight? [4:36]

How important is packaging, and what is the key for shippers to get packaging “just right”? [6:38]

Why does Old Dominion prioritize claim prevention? [13:06]

Erin answers shipper’s freight-related questions. [13:42]

OD Outlook

ODFL.com

Cargo Shorts podcast

Shippers can direct freight-related questions to [email protected]

Customer expectations are growing as economic stress factors remain, giving rise to an uncertain holiday season.

Retailers face their peak period during this season of shopping and shipping. This year appears to be shaping up like few others. Inflation remains a concern, interest rates continue to rise, and retailers are worried about weakened spending. So, where do things stand now? Do shippers expect this season to be naughty or nice?

In this episode, hear from the Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School, Dr. Tony Bell. Dr. Bell has 30 years of experience in supply chain operations and management with Johnson & Johnson, the Coca-Cola company, Whirlpool, and Maersk. And Old Dominion’s Senior VP of Sales, Steve Hartsell. Steve has over 20 years of experience and has held multiple positions, including Director of OD Expedited and Service Center Manager.

What can we expect for the holiday shopping season, based on the fall shipping season? [1:15]

Have post-COVID-19 supply-chain issues been solved? [3:21]

Are manufacturers and retailers managing their inventories sufficiently despite the multiple supply chain risks? [5:27]

How can risk-mitigation strategies reduce supply chain challenges? [8:35]

What can retailers do to prepare for this holiday season? [10:08]

How are labor shortages impacting the overall supply chain? [10:59]

OD Outlook

ODFL.com

Cargo Shorts podcast

How can carriers evolve to navigate retail supply chain complexities and future consumer expectations?

The pandemic caused a seismic shift in the industry and resulted in systemic changes to traditional retail supply chain strategies. What lessons did we learn and where have we landed to better meet customer demands?

In this episode hear from Joe Metzger, former Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Operations at Walmart and 30 year veteran in consumer product goods supply chain leadership at Kraft Foods and The Kellogg Company. Greg Plemmons is the Executive VP & Chief Operations Officer at Old Dominion Freight Line. Greg has over three decades of experience working in LTL and transportation.

What were the biggest retail and supply chain challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and do those issues still exist in the market? [2:06]

How can you overcome supply chain challenges to become more resilient and collaborative? [6:59]

How can manufacturers work with retailers to mitigate inventory issues still affecting the delivery of consumer goods? [9:03]

How can AI and machine learning capabilities benefit the transportation and logistics industry? [10:57]

How has the Amazon model affected the current state of retail shipping? [11:57]

Do customer scorecards drive efficiencies and a higher level of customer satisfaction? [14:32]

What future trends and expectations stand out within consumer goods and retail shipping? [16:41]

ODFL.com

Cargo Shorts Podcast