Happy Holidays from TLC
Happy holidays to you and your family from your friends at The Logistix Company!
Check out Brian Burns, Jameson Mielde, and Joe Hassenfratz of the TLC crew on The Chemical Company’s View from Jamestown Podcast as they recap the year in logistics, discuss the trends we’re currently watching, and what we’re expecting to see in 2026.
As the year closes out, TLC expects the usual holiday turbulence: last-minute shipping, midweek closures, and tighter capacity as drivers prioritize getting home.
Winter adds another layer—especially for liquid bulk—where freezing temps can reduce trailer availability (tank wash slowdowns) and trigger costly time tradeoffs like steaming.
Looking ahead to Q1, the message is simple: earlier forecasts unlock better outcomes. When shippers provide lead time, TLC can widen the carrier search, negotiate more effectively, and present clear tradeoffs (speed vs. savings) without compromising service.
What to do now
Share your Q1 lane forecasts early to improve price + execution.
For bulk, plan for cold-weather delays and potential steaming time/cost.
Expect lane-by-lane variability (rates “all over the map” depending on region/weather).