The Strategic Broker: Unlocking Opportunities in Bulk Shipping Markets

Summary In the latest episode of Check Call Community Update, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Mary O'Connell, the insightful host and writer of Check Call. We dive into the intricacies of bulk commodity shipping, discussing its pivotal role in the supply chain and its predictive power for the shipping industry's future. We also tackled the nuances of customer acquisition in this sector and debated the suitability of bulk shipping for different 3PLs. To cap it off, Mary teased an exciting upcoming Check Call⁠ episode featuring Nick Shipe from Circle Logistics. Key Highlights - Bulk shipping is a vital cog in the supply chain, transporting large quantities of commodities that are foundational for various industries. - A familiar example of bulk shipping is the delivery of gas to stations by tractor trailers, a visible and integral part of the bulk shipping landscape. - The bulk shipping market upstream can serve as a crystal ball, hinting at future trends in downstream products and industries through shifts in rates and volumes. - Understanding the upstream manufacturers and suppliers is key to customer acquisition in bulk shipping, as it reveals who is producing the raw materials for end products. - Bulk shipping encompasses diverse transportation modes, including trucking, rail, and barge, and a 3PL specializing in this area must master these to offer full-service solutions. - Bulk shipping isn't a one-size-fits-all for 3PLs; it's best suited for those whose focus aligns with the demands of this specialized market. - Carrier vetting is paramount in bulk shipping due to its specialized nature, and fostering strong carrier relationships is beneficial for recommendations within the market. - Nick Shipe from Circle Logistics will join the next Check Call episode, offering a deep dive into the essentials of bulk shipping. Guests Meet Mary O'Connell, the voice and mind behind Check Call, a podcast that sheds light on the shipping industry's multifaceted nature. Her expertise offers listeners a treasure trove of insights. Action Steps - Immerse yourself in the bulk commodity shipping world to grasp its critical role in the supply chain. - Pinpoint upstream manufacturers and suppliers to better navigate the bulk shipping landscape. - Explore the various transportation modes integral to bulk shipping, such as trucking, rail, and barge. - Assess whether bulk shipping is a strategic fit for your 3PL business's focus and expertise. - Cultivate robust relationships with carriers in the bulk shipping realm to secure dependable and effective transport services.

Listener Challenge We challenge you to spot the elements of bulk shipping in your everyday life. Observe the products you use, trace their raw material origins, and discover the transportation methods behind them. Next Steps Don't miss the enlightening episode of Check Call with Nick Shipe from Circle Logistics for an in-depth look at bulk shipping. Make sure to subscribe to Check Call for a wealth of knowledge on the shipping industry.