This week, PartnerShip joins the American Trucking Association (ATA) in celebrating a group of workers playing a large part in the American economy – truck drivers. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 13-19, 2015, is when America takes the time to honor all professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in tackling one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs. These 3.4 million professional men and women not only deliver our goods safely, securely and on time, they also keep our highways safe.

If you would like to learn more about National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, visit trucking.org for more information on the event and the ATA. Also, watch the short video below from ATA that salutes America’s truck drivers.

Knowing how to properly check your inbound freight can save you from a big headache when handling any resulting claims. To help you understand exactly what you need to do in these situations, we’ve developed a new white paper on how to accept freight and handle claims. You’ll learn:

• What procedures to follow when receiving freight
• How to check for damages or shortages
• How to make notations on the delivery receipt
• The steps you need to take to file a claim
• How to improve your inbound shipping management

Click here to download the white paper!

If you receive shipments from your vendors, this white paper is a must-read. For more educational resources, visit PartnerShip.com/WhitePapers.

When you work with PartnerShip, you benefit from the personalized attention of a dedicated account representative who can provide you with routing management, claims assistance, and the competitive freight rates your business needs. Request a free inbound shipping analysis today by visiting PartnerShip.com/InboundAnalysis.

Trade shows are commonplace for just about every industry you can name. Millions of attendees flock to trade shows each and every year, and, for the exhibitors, trade shows provide a unique opportunity for face-to-face interaction with their customer base. However, before an exhibitor can get in front of customers, they need to get their exhibit materials to the show.

Shipping to a trade show comes with its fair share of pitfalls that could leave you high and dry at an event. Learn from other’s mistakes and shy away from the following top trade show shipping blunders:

1. Using the decorator – Most shows will use a third-party partner to manage the specifics of their show. Shipping falls under these specifics and the decorator will often times offer shipping solutions to exhibitors at a hefty mark-up. However, it’s important for all exhibitors to know that they have options and are under no obligation to use the decorator’s shipping rates. Shop around and find a great rate with a shipping partner you trust. You’ll be glad you did and most likely positively impact the show’s overall ROI for your company.
2. Paying extra drayage – Drayage is the charge for moving your exhibit materials from the dock to your booth space before the show. As well as moving your materials back to the dock at the end of the show. Drayage fees will vary based on the type of shipment, the amount of handling, the time of day, and other factors. Avoid paying extra by consolidating to one pallet/shipment and paying close attention to shipping deadline dates.
3. Mistakes in documentation and labeling – Properly documenting your shipping preferences are important before and after the show. On your shipment to the show, abide by the same methodology and rules you would on any freight shipment you send – accuracy in your freight class (trade show shipments are typically class 125), on the shipment weight, billing information, and consignee information is key. Also, provide ample labeling on the items contained on your pallet to guard against lost pieces in transit. After the show, fill out your material handling form carefully. List the shipment information provided by your carrier partner and pay extra attention to the “Bill To” section of the form. Leaving the "Bill To" blank could jeopardize previously agreed on pricing and leave you on the hook for a larger bill.
4. Not using the advanced warehouse - You have two options to ship your trade show shipment to your show: the advance warehouse or directly to the show site. Shipping to the advance warehouse gives you the ability to track your freight and ensure that it has been received, with time to double-check. Your freight will already be in place when you arrive for setup. Although some show decorators may charge slightly higher drayage for a shipment sent to the advance warehouse, the pros generally outweigh this cost.
5. Not planning for weather – If you do not ship early to the advanced warehouse and decide to go to the show site, be sure to build in a least an extra day or two for shipping. As we all know, weather in most parts of the country is unpredictable and doesn’t care if you’re left without a booth at your show. Plan ahead, give yourself extra time, and have your exhibit materials ready to go at the show when you are.

Avoid making these rookie mistakes and you’ll be shipping to trade shows efficiently and worry-free!

We attend and exhibit at over 50 trade shows a year and we’ve accumulated a great deal of knowledge, tips, and tricks to make your trade show experience a smooth one. Download our white paper, the 411 on Trade Show Shipping, or email us at sales@PartnerShip.com for more information or with any questions! 

The National Truck Driving Championships are here again and the country’s top truckers are ready to compete for the right to be crowned the Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion! More than 400 top professional truck drivers from across the country will head to St. Louis for the 78th annual “Super Bowl of Safety,” the 2015 National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships, hosted by American Trucking Associations.

“Safety is the trucking industry’s top priority,” said ATA Chairman Duane Long, chairman of Longistics, Raleigh, N.C., “and each year, the industry’s commitment to safety is displayed at the NTDCs. The competitors here are the safest drivers on the highway and an example for us all.”

Over three days, 431 competitors from all 50 states, including 39 first-time participants, representing 85 different companies will vie for honors in one of eight different classes and the title of Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion.

The festivities begin on August 13 with the Breakfast of Champions, followed by three days of competition behind the wheel on a challenging driving course and other tests of their knowledge of safety and of the industry.

Competition concludes on August 15 with the crowning of the Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion, as well as with awards for drivers in every vehicle class and for the top state delegation.

The Allied Committee for the Trucking Industry is premiere sponsor of the 2015 National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships, taking place August 11-15 at the America’s Center Convention Complex and Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Many of the PartnerShip core carrier partners have drivers competing this week and PartnerShip is proud to maintain alliances with some of the most safe and reliable carriers in the industry!

Thinking about checking out the competition first-hand? Click here to take a look at the schedule of events for the competition. We’ve also included the video below of highlights from the 2014 National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh to give you a better idea of the competition makeup and what to expect.

There are many stress-causing challenges that can come along with shipping freight and, as Your Shipping Connection, we've put together a new, detailed white paper designed to ease your mind and have you shipping like a pro! The subject of the white paper is based on information gathered directly from shippers about their challenges and concerns when sending freight. We identify your main shipping concerns and then provide tips and best practices to off-set the stress of those concerns.

Click here to download this free white paper!

Visit PartnerShip.com/WhitePapers for a number of PartnerShip white papers on various shipping topics. Be sure to check back periodically as we continue to add new content! As always, the freight shipping experts at PartnerShip are here to lend a helping hand. Give us a call at 800-599-2902 or email sales@PartnerShip.com.

PITT OHIO, one of the PartnerShip carrier alliances, plans to expand service to Kentucky, specifically the Louisville market, starting Monday, August 17^th.

PITT OHIO is headquarted in Pittsburgh, PA and services the mid-Atlantic and Mid-West regions. PITT OHIO has continuously grown over the last 35 years and is expanding into the Louisville market to increase their services and direct coverage area.

"Our focus on providing customer-centric solutions to shippers has lead PITT OHIO to expand our core service area to include the metro Louisville market," said Geoffrey Muessig, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President. "Customers tell us that we can enhance their supply chains by providing reliable and dependable LTL service between the Mid-Atlantic states and Louisville."

"Current PITT OHIO clients and new customers can anticipate the same level of performance in Louisville expected from PITT OHIO elsewhere," Brad Caven, Vice President of Operations remarked. "Our Cincinnati terminal is well-equipped to exceed expectations to and from these markets in Kentucky."

Standard service times will be 1-2 days in most areas of PITT OHIO’s direct service area. Service to Louisville Kentucky will start Monday, August 17. Customers with freight in PITT OHIO´s current direct coverage area destined for Louisville can begin scheduling pickups on Friday, August 14.

If you are interested in receiving a PITT OHIO rate quote for an upcoming freight shipment, log on to PartnerShip.com, or create a web account if you haven't already done so.

When you think about shipping internationally there are probably a lot of things running through your head. How do I know what documents I need? What regulations do I need to follow? Am I doing this right? We get it – it can be daunting. Luckily, you have us to put your mind at ease. When you use our alliance service partner, FedEx, and follow these 5 simple steps for your international small package shipment, you won’t have to worry.

1. Research your destination country
Check out the country snapshots on fedex.com to find detailed shipping requirements and service availability for the country you’re shipping to. These snapshots provide a great summary that includes general clearance information, standards, and restrictions that could affect what you’re trying to ship.

2. Pick your service
There are several international shipping services to choose from with FedEx. Whether your shipment is time sensitive or you have more time, there is a service that’s right for you. The best way to determine which one you should use is to find your rates and transit times. When you put in your shipment information this tool provides you with a list of service options with their costs and delivery times.

3. Find and prepare your documents
Using the FedEx Global Trade Manager you can find and print copies of the documents that will have to accompany your international shipment. All you have to do is fill out some information about your shipment and about the product you are shipping. Once you enter that in, the results will show you exactly what documents you need to complete.

4. Prepare your shipment
Packing and preparing your shipment correctly is imperative when you’re shipping internationally. FedEx offers a number of packaging options as well as a how-to guide so you don’t have to worry about wasted costs or issues.

5. Ship and track
Once you’re ready to ship, you can schedule a pickup or drop it off at a nearby FedEx location. After that you can easily track the status of your shipment until it reaches its destination.

Through an association shipping program managed by PartnerShip, you can receive discounts on your international shipments with select FedEx^® services. PartnerShip works with over 120 major trade associations, across many industries, to provide their members with the money-saving tools to help them be successful. If you belong to an association we work with, take advantage of our free shipping benefits today and save on your international shipping. If you're not sure if you qualify for one of our FedEx small package shipping programs contact us and we'll find the solution that's right for you.

Laura has been working for PartnerShip for over 17 years. As one of our most seasoned staff members, she’s seen it all and knows how to make sure everything runs smoothly. Want to get to know her? Read on to see what she has to say.

What do you do for PartnerShip?
I am the Operations Manager at PartnerShip. I am responsible for the management of services and processes that support the core business of the organization, as well as management of all events and meetings for employees, vendors and visitors and making sure all events and meetings run smoothly.

Tell us about your family.
My husband and best friend, Steve, and I are high school sweethearts. We met in High School and have been inseparable ever since. We have three amazing, gorgeous, intelligent, and all around fantastic children! Gabby is a junior at The University of Akron and plans on being a lawyer. Tyler is a sophomore in High School who plays the Tuba in the marching band, runs track and cross country. Hannah is in 7th grade and is a cheerleader. We are also raising our nephew, Robert, who is a freshman in high school. We also have two dogs, Leroy and Missy....who are just as much part of the family as everyone else!

What do you like to do in your free time?
I love hanging out with my family and friends, watching my kids in their extra circular activities and running. We like to have a weekly “family night” where we just hang out at the house with the kids and play games or watch movies.

What’s your favorite 90s jam?
Anything New Kids On The Block!

If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be?
My sister, Kym. She passed away 5 years ago and I would love the chance to sit down and just talk with her again. Tell her everything that has happened since she passed and let her know how her son is doing.

If your life was made into a movie, what would the title be?
Life is a present, appreciate it!

What is one of your proudest accomplishments?
My children, of course! Also, last year I ran my very first (and last!) full marathon. It was pretty hard, but definitely worth it.

What was the best vacation you ever went on?
My first trip to Vegas. It was with my husband for our anniversary.....and it was the most amazing vacation we’ve ever had. We spent every day seeing the sights, walking, talking and just spending quality time together. The entire week was perfect in every aspect.

What do colleagues say is your best quality?
I’m a very good listener. I like to think I give pretty good advice, too!

What do you like the most about working at PartnerShip?
The people! We have the most amazing group of people at PartnerShip, who truly care about each other. It is like having a family away from your family!

If you’re in the music products industry, Summer NAMM is the show for you. Appropriately located in Nashville at the Music City Center, Summer NAMM is alive with the sights and sounds of a music enthusiast’s dream. Attendees come from all over the world to network with their peers, learn about business tips, and pick up the latest product trends. PartnerShip is no stranger to the industry’s favorite mid-year event. Senior program manager Harry Centa has been attending for years and is a Summer NAMM veteran.

Harry set up shop near the member center, close to fellow NAMM endorsed service providers. The PartnerShip booth received a good amount of traffic and Harry was able to talk to a great deal of attendees and exhibitors about their shipping needs. As always, Summer NAMM provides PartnerShip with a great opportunity to connect with NAMM members.

A top highlight from the show was the Insight pre-show party, hosted by Vince Gill and Tom Bendell. Harry and the other guests enjoyed food and drinks…and music, of course. Tim Akers & the Smoking Section put on a great performance.

Thank you to NAMM and all those in attendance at this year’s Summer NAMM for making it a great show for PartnerShip!