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Maintaining Cross Border Relationships In Cold Chain | Running on Ice

Introduction

Welcome to "Running on Ice," the coolest community in Freight. I'm your host, Mario Conell, bringing you the latest tech updates, warehouse news, and everything happening in the cold chain world. Not only is this the coolest show in freight, but there's also "Running on Ice," the newsletter that could not be colder. You can subscribe to that on freightwaves.com/runningonice.

In this episode, we welcome Mike Teresinski, the head of Managed Transportation and Cross-Border Services at TA. Mike shares his insights on the critical role of cross-border logistics for the supply chain while providing a background of his journey in the industry.

Background on Mike Teresinski

Mike has been with TA for about a year and has previously worked at Uber Freight and Echo Global, gaining diverse experience across logistics. At TA, he has embraced a service-first mentality, emphasizing results and innovation within the cold chain landscape. His experiences have shaped his understanding of tailored services that go beyond merely moving freight.

The Importance of Tailored Solutions

Teresinski emphasizes the significance of customizing logistics solutions to meet unique customer needs. While providing tailored services is challenging, TA manages to balance this by maintaining a sustainable and partnership-driven approach. He mentions, "What is most important is to understand customer requirements and provide consistent, high-quality service that addresses individual needs."

Mike points out the industry's tendency to focus on transactional relationships; however, he believes fostering genuine partnerships is vital for long-term success in the logistics sector. This ensures that shippers can focus on their core businesses, like developing the next muffin flavor, trusting their logistics providers to handle the complexities of freight management.

Cross-border logistics poses unique challenges, particularly concerning regulations, customs paperwork, and shipping compliance. Mike acknowledges these complexities and notes that having bilingual experts and localized knowledge is essential for navigating these obstacles effectively.

He emphasizes the importance of clear and timely communication between shippers and logistics providers to prevent any surprises or compliance issues. Transparency in sharing potential problems can cultivate strong partnerships and reduce misunderstandings in the supply chain.

With an eye towards the future, Mike predicts that cross-border logistics will continue to be a crucial part of the supply chain in 2025 and beyond. As markets evolve and new challenges arise, the need for reliable partners who prioritize service, communication, and responsiveness will be critical.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion

  • Building sustainable partnerships is essential in logistics.
  • Customizing solutions helps providers meet shippers' diverse needs.
  • Transparency and communication are key in managing cross-border logistics.
  • Cross-border logistics will gain importance in the upcoming years due to evolving market conditions.

Keyword

  • Cold Chain
  • Cross-Border Logistics
  • Customized Solutions
  • Transparency
  • Partnership
  • Supply Chain

FAQ

What is the main focus of TA's cross-border services? TA's cross-border services prioritize building sustainable partnerships by offering tailored logistics solutions that address unique customer needs.

Why is transparency important in logistics? Transparency fosters trust between shippers and logistics providers, helping to manage expectations and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

How can shippers and logistics providers build stronger partnerships? Effective communication, setting realistic expectations, and sharing both successes and challenges can strengthen partnerships and improve service reliability.

What trends do you foresee in the cold chain sector by 2025? As market conditions evolve, cross-border logistics are expected to play an increasingly vital role, necessitating reliable partnerships focused on service and communication.