FREIGHT FRAUD & THEFT: OVERCOMING CURRENT CHALLENGES AND EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION

The furniture industry faces unique logistical challenges, from managing imports to ensuring damage-free delivery. As competition intensifies, having a reliable logistics partner can be the key to staying ahead. ARL Network excels in providing customized solutions to overcome these obstacles, ensuring your supply chain remains efficient, scalable, and cost-effective.

In the Building & Construction industry, time is money—and so is reliability. When construction timelines hinge on precise deliveries of essential materials, any disruption can lead to costly project delays, resource misallocation, and significant financial impact. At ARL Network, we understand that shippers in this sector face unique challenges, and we bring over 45 years of logistics expertise to meet those needs head-on. By providing flexible, dependable, and expert transportation solutions across our entire asset-based network, we help building and construction professionals keep their projects on schedule, their costs under control, and their operations running smoothly.

As we continue to innovate and stay on top of the evolving landscape of the transportation technology industry. The integration of technology is not just about current efficiency but also about preparing for future advancements. Our commitment to working closely with vendors, providing feedback, and being part of the development process ensures that we remain at the forefront of industry innovations.

Since 1978, we have been dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of agents across the United States. We understand that a longstanding reputation of reliability isn't given; it's earned. By consistently listening to our clients' needs, confidently navigating challenges, and maintaining transparency in all our dealings, our success, longevity, and national recognition in the industry speak for themselves. This reputation extends to all of our agents throughout our network.

Efficiency and reliability are essential in the world of logistics. For companies involved in drayage and transloading, the complexity of operations requires robust infrastructure and a streamlined communication process. ARL, with its 40+ years of experience and a network that includes over 50 agent terminals and 1000+ trucks in our agents' fleets, stands out by offering a Single-Point-of-Contact for all logistical needs. This approach is not just a differentiator; it's a crucial component of our value proposition, ensuring seamless operations and enhanced customer satisfaction. Understanding Drayage and Transloading Challenges Drayage and transloading are integral parts of the supply chain, transporting goods over short distances, often from ports to warehouses or distribution centers. These operations are time-sensitive and require meticulous coordination. Here are some of the common challenges faced: Complex Coordination: Involving multiple parties such as shippers, carriers, port authorities, and warehouse operators. Time Sensitivity: Strict deadlines to avoid demurrage charges. Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to various local, state, and federal regulations. Risk Management: Ensuring the safety and security of goods during transit. A single point of contact can significantly mitigate these challenges, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability. Benefits of a Single Point of Contact Streamlined Communication: A single point of contact simplifies communication, reducing the risk of miscommunication and errors. Clients no longer need to navigate through a maze of contacts to get updates or resolve issues. At ARL, our dedicated contact person provides timely and accurate information, enhancing transparency and trust. Enhanced Efficiency: With a single point of contact, the coordination between various stages of drayage and transloading becomes more efficient. This ensures that operations are carried out smoothly, reducing information delays and improving the process. Our extensive network and cutting-edge technology facilitate this seamless coordination. Improved Accountability: Accountability is more transparent when a single point of contact is responsible for the entire logistics process. At ARL, we take great pride in our accountability and commitment to our clients. Personalized Service: A single point of contact makes it easier to understand each client's unique needs. This personalized service approach allows us to tailor our solutions to meet specific requirements, providing a competitive edge in the logistics industry. Our Expertise in Drayage and Transloading At ARL, we leverage our decades of experience and extensive network to offer top-notch drayage and transloading services. Here’s how we stand out: Vast Network: With over 50 agent terminals and 1000+ trucks in our agents’ fleets, we have the infrastructure to handle logistical challenges. Our agents' fleets are well-equipped to manage drayage operations efficiently. Comprehensive Solutions: From drayage to transloading and beyond, we offer comprehensive logistics solutions. Our single point of contact approach ensures that all aspects of the supply chain are covered. Conclusion In the competitive world of logistics, the value of a single point of contact cannot be overstated. At ARL, we combine experience, technology, and a vast network to offer unparalleled drayage and transloading services. Our commitment to a single point of contact ensures streamlined operations, enhanced efficiency, and personalized service. With ARL, you’re not just getting a service provider; you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your success. Let us handle the complexities of drayage and transloading, so you can focus on what you do best – growing your business. Connect with us and see how we can transform your supply chain with our strategic alliances and expert solutions.

Since our inception in 1978, ARL Network has been more than just a transportation company—we’ve been a testament to a vision rooted in empowering small business owners by supporting their entrepreneurial spirits, and prioritizing customer service. Ron Faherty, President of ARL Network, reflects on the foundational principles instilled by his father, the company's founder, and emphasizes the key factors driving our success today. "At ARL, we've always believed in creating a network where every small business owner has a seat at the table", Faherty explains. "From independent contractors to terminal agents to our valued customers, our focus has always been delivering exceptional customer service." Central to our approach is our status as an asset-based transportation provider—a distinction that sets us apart in the industry. Faherty underscores the benefits of this model, highlighting the day-to-day consistency, transparency, and negotiating power it affords both ARL and our customers. By operating a network of motor carriers, logistics companies, and divisional companies, we offer a platform for terminal agents to thrive as independent business operators while benefiting from the collective resources and support of our larger network. "Our asset-based structure allows us to offer our customers extensive geographical coverage and logistical expertise," Faherty notes. "Whether it's warehousing, transloading, or final delivery, our network ensures that we can meet our customers' needs efficiently and effectively." Furthermore, Faherty emphasizes the importance of our personalized approach to customer service. By handpicking representatives and ensuring that each terminal agent receives dedicated support from knowledgeable staff, we’ve cultivated a culture of excellence and accountability. This commitment to customer-centric service extends to every aspect of the business, from onboarding and training to ongoing support and communication. "With over 45 years of experience, ARL is not just a transportation provider—we're a recognized commodity in the industry," Faherty states proudly. "Our name and brand are synonymous with reliability, integrity, and innovation." In a rapidly evolving transportation landscape, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering small businesses, supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of all parties, delivering exceptional service, and driving positive change in the industry. As our company continues to grow and adapt to new challenges, our core values and dedication to customer satisfaction serve as guiding principles, ensuring a bright and prosperous future for ARL Network and our valued partners.

Document forgery in cargo theft is an emerging and growing problem, with significant increases in incidents and the value of stolen goods. The logistics and transportation industry faces a new level of sophisticated crime, leading to potential financial and operational challenges. Key states have seen substantial increases in thefts, with targeted goods ranging from small appliances to copper. The industry must adapt to these changes and develop strategies to combat this evolving threat. Here are the key things you need to know. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Emergence of Document Forgery: Document forgery has become a significant crime in cargo theft, according to Keith Lewis of CargoNet. Rising Cargo Thefts: The first quarter of 2024 saw an unusually high number of cargo thefts. We have not experienced this at ARL, but we are getting in front of the matter to ensure we don't fall victim to the activity. ‍  Key Statistics: Increase in Incidents: 46% year-over-year increase to 925 incidents. 10% increase from the fourth quarter of 2023. Value of Stolen Goods: $154.6 million worth of goods stolen. ‍ How They Do It - Document Forgery Explained: Criminals impersonate professional drivers to fraudulently secure loads. They partially unload the cargo at the destination. Bills of lading are altered to show the entire load was delivered. This method is easier to commit and evade detection. ‍ Industry Impact and Concerns: Increasing crime rates in the wrong direction. Potential cost burden on the industry. Insurance companies may soon push back due to rising claims. ‍ Regional Data - States with Significant Increases: California: 72% year-over-year increase. Illinois: 126% increase. Texas: 22% increase. Targeted Goods: Small appliances, liquor, energy drinks, and copper. ‍ Understanding the Criminal Rings: More people involved in cargo theft post-pandemic. Shift from smaller domestic rings to sophisticated international operations. Larger and more structured operations. Call centers as big as targeted freight brokers. Increased difficulty in tracking stolen loads. Expert Insights: Scott Cornell of Travelers: Cargo thefts have evolved in sophistication over the past four to five years. Organized cargo theft rings now operate with higher sophistication levels. Danny Ramon of Overhaul: Pre-pandemic, Q1 was typically a slow period for cargo thefts. Post-pandemic, theft activity continues into the new year without the usual slowdown. ‍ Frank Matarazzo of Fusion Transport: 2023 saw unprecedented levels of cargo theft attempts. Organized and strategic impersonations of legitimate carriers have increased. Rising number of bad actors with slim chances of being caught.

We are excited to unveil our company’s new Core Values, marking a pivotal moment in our journey towards unity, efficiency and continued excellence. Our management team recently rolled out the EOS Model - as we recognized the need to align our business components under a singular banner, that is ARL Network. By embracing a unified identity, we can better convey the breadth of our offerings to our valued clients and the rest of our nationwide network. Core Value #1: Everyone Is Our Customer We have always operated with the fundamental belief that "Everyone is our customer”, ever since our company was founded in 1978. This ethos underscores our commitment to treating all stakeholders with respect and prioritizing their needs. Whether it’s our clients, independent contractors, agents, vendors, or carriers each interaction is an opportunity to exemplify our dedication to operating the right way and to our standards. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration, we ensure that every transaction moves forward seamlessly, benefitting all involved. Core Value #2: Lunch Pail Mentality Embedded within our culture is the "Lunch Pail Mentality", a testament to our blue-collar work ethic and unwavering determination. In an industry as demanding as ours, success hinges on grit and perseverance. We seek individuals who embrace challenges head-on, understanding that hard work is not just a requirement, but a badge of honor. With this mindset we tackle each day with resolve, knowing that our collective efforts drive our success. Core Value #3: Own It Accountability is the cornerstone of our operation, encapsulated in the principle of "Own It." We empower our team members to take ownership of their responsibilities (or any situation), ensuring that tasks are seen through to completion. In a fast-paced environment with a myriad of moving parts, accountability fosters reliability & trust. By embodying a proactive approach to problem-solving we uphold our commitment to excellence not just for our customers, but for each other. Core Value #4: Passion for Greatness We are driven by a relentless "Passion for Greatness." This intrinsic motivation fuels our pursuit of innovation and the continuous process of improvement. We challenge the status quo by recognizing that complacency is the antithesis of progress. With a creative mindset and a desire to exceed expectations, we strive for greatness in everything we do, knowing that the road to excellence is not a destination but a journey. Our Core Focus: Small Wins, Every Day‍ Progress isn’t measured in leaps. It is measured in the culmination of daily wins (no matter how small), and the mindset of becoming better than you were the day before. By encouraging our team to celebrate small wins every day we’re laying the foundation for a stronger tomorrow. It’s in these small wins that we get better both individually and as a company. Aligning Our Actions With Our Values‍ As we embrace these Core Values, we usher in a new era of cohesion, resilience, and excellence at ARL Network. By aligning our actions with our values, we fortify our commitment to delivering best-in-class service to our customers; fueled by collaboration, accountability, and a shared passion for greatness. Welcome to the future of ARL Network — where every interaction is an opportunity and every success is another step forward on the road to excellence. 

The backbone of a successful logistics strategy lies in integrating Technology, Capacity, and Visibility. Our commitment to these core elements is unwavering in this rapidly advancing industry. They represent our dedication to excellence and the immense value we bring to every client partnership. Let's explore how these key pillars form the bedrock of our operations and position us in the logistics landscape. ‍ Technology: The Driving Force of Modern Logistics In today's logistics landscape, technology is interwoven as an indispensable thread. At ARL, we understand that to stay ahead, we must adapt to technological advancements and be at the forefront of their application. Our clients rely on our state-of-the-art systems to facilitate seamless communication, ensuring that every stakeholder is synchronized across the supply chain. Real-time tracking is no longer a luxury; it's an expectation. Our platforms offer a transparent window into the journey of each shipment, allowing for strategic planning based on real-time data. This visibility into the supply chain is not just about tracking; it's about leveraging information to optimize operations, anticipate challenges, and mitigate potential disruptions before they escalate. Optimization is crucial to our technological prowess. By continually refining our software solutions, we can streamline processes, from warehousing operations to delivery schedules. This efficiency reduces our clients' costs as we maximize route planning, consolidate shipments, and enhance delivery accuracy. However, technology at ARL goes beyond logistics management. We're investing in emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning to predict trends, analyze vast amounts of logistics data, and make more informed decisions. This commitment to innovation is not just about keeping up — it's about setting the pace in an ever-evolving industry. Capacity: Scaling New Heights in Logistics Capacity at ARL defines the ability to scale operations to meet our clients' diverse needs. Our expansive network, 50+ Nationwide Terminals, and 1000+ trucks in our asset-based network form the heartbeat of our logistics operations. Our capacity is not just measured in square footage or fleet size but in the caliber of our teams. It is their expertise that enables us to navigate the complexities of logistics with precision. Each ARL team member is trained to think like a client partner, ensuring we align with your growth trajectory at every step. We understand that growth is not merely about handling more—it's about handling better. Our commitment to continuous process improvement in our operations means that as your business expands, we're right there with you, ensuring that your supply chain is resilient, responsive, and ready to adapt to the ever-changing market conditions. Visibility: Clarifying the Journey of Your Cargo Visibility is the cornerstone of control, and at ARL, we ensure that 'out of sight' never equates to 'out of mind.' Our transparent tracking systems are designed to provide real-time insights into the status and location of your shipments, granting you the ability to make proactive, informed decisions. This level of visibility is a game-changer. It means you can access detailed information about your cargo's journey anytime. Whether it's en route, on hold, or being delivered, you'll have a clear picture of its progress. This transparency is vital for peace of mind and strategic decision-making that can significantly impact your bottom line. Our investment in these pillars is a testament to our dedication to your success. By continuously harnessing the latest technology, we offer you agility and precision in your supply chain operations. With our extensive capacity, we assure you that every logistical challenge is manageable. And through unwavering visibility, we provide you the confidence to make informed, timely, and impactful decisions. Let's navigate the future of logistics together with a partner who brings value, not just through services, but through an unyielding commitment to your growth and success. Connect with ARL, where your logistics needs are met with innovative solutions tailored to ensure your supply chain is always a step ahead.