Avoid Price Gouging During Times of Crisis

There’s no doubt that adaptability is a key ingredient when successfully navigating through crisis. COVID-19 is forcing companies to develop contingency plans to mitigate risk. The trucking industry is certainly not immune to the COVID-19 crisis. If there’s one thing we know, there will be an impact, we just don’t know how significant the long term effects will be. Manufacturers all over the world are analyzing market predictions, trends and data to develop plans to overcome COVID-19. #SleekPOV Most are juggling supply-chain disruptions, while others are managing unprecedented spikes in demand. Shippers are working around the clock to get their products not only to the distribution centers, but to the end customer’s home. Capacity and cost weigh heavily on their minds. If 2018 taught us anything, it’s that preferred/primary networks can- and will- breakdown, and that rates will skyrocket. Shippers need to make sure they have enough capacity to move their goods-- especially as the market tightens-- while effectively managing associated cost. Analysts have said capacity is tightening, especially as more truck drivers are granted immunity to stay at home and/or take paid vacation time to aid social distancing. As this happens, unsavory actors will swoop in with price gouging tactics to take advantage of the situation. Here are a few tips to help overcome the challenges ahead: #1. Be Proactive. Identify your contingency plans now so you are prepared to overcome any challenges thrown your way. Have conversations with your suppliers to understand their limitations and make plans to adjust accordingly. #2. Arm Yourself With Data. Look for new data sources to help make better informed decisions. You will need more than...

CDC Statement on Self-Quarantine Guidance for Greater NYC Transportation & Delivery Workers

When we issued the self-quarantining guidance for greater New York City residents leaving this area, it was out of an abundance of caution to help protect U.S. areas with lower levels of COVID-19 spread. In line with our recommendations for other essential critical infrastructure workers, this guidance does not apply to critical transportation and delivery workers who are desperately needed for New York residents to continue their daily lives and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.   Truck drivers and other people driving into the city to deliver needed supplies should stay in their vehicles as much as possible as supplies are loaded and unloaded, avoid being within 6 feet of others as much as possible when they exit their vehicles, and move to electronic receipts if possible. If these drivers need to spend the night in the greater New York City area, they should stay in their hotel rooms or sleeper cab, when available, to the extent possible and continue to practice social distancing. Drivers who take these precautions should not need to self-quarantine when they leave the greater New York area, unless self-quarantine is recommended by state or local officials for all residents in the areas where they live. Truck drivers and other workers who obtain or deliver needed supplies who live in the greater New York area may continue to work both within and outside of the greater New York area but should stay at home and practice social distancing according to instructions of state and local officials when they are not working. While they are working either within or outside of the greater New York area, they...

Sleek Offers Drivers Free Fast Pay & Maximized Margins During Crisis

CHICAGO, March 23, 2020 (Newswire.com) - As the world begins to shut down, truck drivers continue to work around the clock to move medical supplies, water, groceries, and more across the US. "Unfortunately, truck drivers don't get a break. Without drivers on the road our economy would stop," said Mike Nervick, Sleek Fleet CEO. "These men and women don't get the credit they deserve."To help drivers during this time of crisis, Sleek Fleet, a transportation technology company, is offering an industry-best payment time of 4 hours or less at no charge to the driver. "Once a driver submits an electronic proof of delivery, we'll pay within 4 business hours, typically closer to 1 or 2 hours," said Mary Murphy, Sleek Fleet VP of Operations. The average payment time is 30-35 days. Drivers also have direct access to large shippers via an exclusive mobile app for small carriers with 50 trucks or less. The app allows drivers to bid on loads directly. They name their price and know instantly if it was accepted or declined. To maximize margin, the driver keeps 100% of their bid. "The goal is to cut out waste – the middle man – so drivers can maximize margins on their hard work," said Nervick. It is free and easy for small carriers to register. They register online at www.sleekfleet.com/get-started. Once verified and approved, a new driver can log into the exclusive mobile app and start bidding on loads. Join our newsletter. click here

Sleek Offers 100% Transparency to Keep Freight Moving at Fair Cost

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., March 24, 2020 (Newswire.com) - Multiple sources, including DAT, are reporting massive spikes in spot market load volumes and rates because of increased demand with essential goods.   Front lines workers, such as warehouse employees and truck drivers, are working endless hours to keep America moving forward, while other manufacturers experience declines in demand, and are re-forecasting and cutting costs to stay afloat in an uncertain market. “Regardless of a shipper’s unique situation, now is a smart time to think about capturing true market cost on specific loads so informed decisions can be made when navigating future unknowns”, said Dean Corbolotti Sleek Fleet Director, Shipper Engagement. Without transparent rate data, shippers do not see their rates broken down by driver cost and 3rd party markup cost. Therefore, they do not know how each variable is impacting total cost. Sleek Fleet, a transportation technology company, has closed the unknown rate gap by providing 100% rate transparency on their customer’s individual loads. Shippers have real-time access, fed directly into their TMS platform, to see the number of driver bids per load, winning bid per load, and 3rd party markup per load. Sleek Fleet also has a margin cap guarantee. “Instead of taking advantage during times of crisis, Sleek Fleet empowers shippers by providing vital rate data to help them make informed decisions, while supplementing their preferred network with added capacity at fair prices,” said Mike Nervick, Sleek Fleet CEO. For more information visit www.sleek-technologies.com/shippers. Join our newsletter. click here