KDL Logistics

KDL is proud to recognize Estes Express Lines as our National Carrier of the Year, the highest honor we award among our LTL carrier partners. This recognition is earned through a rigorous, cross-functional evaluation across seven key areas of our business: Claims, CRM, Customer Service, IT, Procurement, Financial Operations, and Pricing. Estes earned the top overall score, with standout performance that included: • #1 ranking in CRM, Customer Service, IT, and Procurement • Top 5 ranking in Financial Operations and Pricing • Top 10 ranking in Claims Their consistent performance, responsiveness, and commitment to partnership set them apart as a leader within the KDL carrier network. Congratulations to the Estes team. We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to building on this success together. #PeopleDriveLogistics #LTL #CarrierPartner #Logistics #SupplyChain #Transportation #Freight @estesexpress

Tariff refunds could be a real opportunity for importers, but they are not exactly “click a button and get a check.” CBP has a process through ACE/CAPE, and some valid IEEPA-related claims may be refunded in 60 to 90 days. The key is knowing: • What duties were paid • Which entries may qualify • Whether ACE/ACH setup is ready • If your broker, data, and documentation are aligned Not every tariff is included, so this is one of those areas where clean data and good coordination really matter. Refunds may be available. Recovery takes process. #Tariffs #SupplyChain #TradeCompliance #Logistics #PeopleDriveLogistics

Automation isn’t failing, but many companies are using it the wrong way. Too often, businesses automate isolated tasks without connecting workflows or data, which limits visibility and prevents real financial impact. When applied strategically, automation reduces cost variability, minimizes exception-driven expenses, and improves labor efficiency without increasing headcount. Learn how freight supply chain automation can directly drive profitability in this article. kdlog.com/blog/freight-a…

After several months of rising fuel and shipping costs, diesel prices just posted their largest drop since late 2022. The shift is being driven mainly by increased fuel supply, not a major change in crude oil prices. Diesel had been running unusually high, and this move brings it closer to more typical levels. What it means: Lower diesel costs can ease pressure on trucking rates That can gradually reduce shipping costs across the economy It’s still early and not a full reversal yet—but it’s a notable change after a steady upward trend. freightwaves.com/news/biggest-d…

Freight policies often start with clear guidelines for carrier selection, routing, and service levels. But as supply chains evolve, many policies drift away from daily operations. Teams begin relying on individual judgment, and transportation decisions become inconsistent. When policies are redesigned and embedded into operational systems, they restore structure to freight execution. Discover how stronger freight policies bring consistency back to transportation decisions in this latest article. kdlog.com/blog/redesigni…

Recent reports have noted that even if the war ended today and the Strait of Hormuz were open, it could take half a year to become a viable shipping lane again. Why? • Unmapped naval mines • Ongoing security risks or new disruptions • Insurance costs up 10x “Open” doesn't necessarily mean functional when it comes to logistics. #supplychain #logistics #freight #riskmanagement #oceanfreight

We were proud to once again take part in the PITT OHIO Rock & Bowl, supporting two incredible organizations: the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Autism Speaks. This event has become a meaningful tradition for KDL over the past few years, and we always look forward to the opportunity to give back while connecting with others in our community. While we may not have claimed the title of best bowlers 🎳, we showed up with enthusiasm, team spirit, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact. Thank you to Pitt Ohio for hosting such a fun and impactful event, we’re already looking forward to next year! #PeopleDriveCommunities #Community #GivingBack #TeamKDL #RockAndBowl #AutismSpeaks #BoysAndGirlsClub #PeopleDriveLogistics

Freight performance is often measured through delivery speed, shipment volume, or carrier utilization. But these operational metrics rarely explain how transportation decisions affect margins. Effective freight metrics connect operational performance with financial outcomes. Learn how freight metrics can reveal the true financial impact of your transportation network in this article. kdlog.com/blog/building-…

Check out KDL's most recent Chain Reactions newsletter. Be sure to follow and subscribe! linkedin.com/feed/update/ur… #PeopleDriveLogistics #Newsletter #Logistics #Technology #SupplyChain #Consulting

Houston, we've optimized the supply chain

Many companies try to reduce freight costs by renegotiating carrier contracts or switching providers. But without reliable data, these changes often treat symptoms instead of the real cost drivers within the transportation network. Explore how accurate freight data reveals how routing patterns, shipment frequency, service levels, and accessorial charges shape overall transportation spend. Learn why reliable freight data is the foundation of effective cost control in this post. kdlog.com/blog/how-freig…

Most people watch retail sales to understand the economy. In freight, we watch lumber & steel. Both just moved higher 👀 Why that matters: Lumber = housing + construction Steel = manufacturing + infrastructure When those pick up, freight usually follows. It’s not a full recovery yet—but it’s often how it starts: 📦 Raw materials move 🏗️ Projects restart 🚛 Freight demand comes next Early signal, not confirmation, but worth watching.

Supply chains may look stable on the surface, but hidden gaps in processes, data visibility, and coordination often limit long-term growth. Many organizations rely on operational metrics that fail to reveal their true capabilities. Maturity models give leaders a structured way to evaluate systems, processes, and decision-making across the entire supply chain. Knowing where your organization stands can help guide smarter investments and stronger performance. Check out this article to learn more. kdlog.com/blog/organizat…

Freight markets rarely stay predictable for long, and companies that rely on reactive shipping decisions often see costs rise and service performance decline when volatility hits. But with the right data, technology, and carrier diversification, companies can maintain stable freight performance even during market swings. Learn how you can build a freight strategy that holds up when the market changes in this article. kdlog.com/blog/how-to-bu…

Freight isn’t just rebounding, it’s accelerating. New data shows: 📈 Rising tender rejections ⛽ Fuel costs climbing 🌍 Geopolitical tension adding pressure Result? A faster-than-expected shift to a tight, volatile market. Shippers: expect higher costs Carriers: gaining leverage 3PLs: data-driven execution is everything

Fuel spikes aren’t just hitting carriers—they’re being passed straight through the supply chain. Ocean lines are layering on emergency surcharges of $30–$300+ per container as war-driven fuel costs surge, and that cost doesn’t stop at the port. It shows up in higher landed costs, tighter margins, and ultimately higher prices for customers. This is how volatility turns into inflation. joc.com/article/war-re…

New CDL enforcement headlines are missing the bigger story. ~200,000 non-domiciled CDL holders are being targeted, but this isn’t an overnight capacity shock. The rule triggers a 5-year phase-out, meaning most of these drivers stay in the market… for now. What actually happens? → No immediate disruption → No sudden rate spike → Just a slow bleed of capacity over time The real impact hits when these drivers can’t renew their licenses. That’s when capacity tightens, rates move, and shippers feel it. This isn’t a disruption… it’s a delay. The industry isn’t losing 200K drivers today — it’s just kicking the can down the road. Smart shippers are already planning for that future tightening. #PepleDriveLogistics #Trucking #SupplyChain #Freight #Logistics #Capacity

Still relying on track-and-trace to manage freight performance? Predictive freight analytics reveals patterns and risk before issues impact cost and service. In this article, find out how analytics moves freight strategy from reaction to foresight and how KDL's solutions can help strengthen your freight strategy. kdlog.com/blog/what-pred…

The fuel shortage isn’t just an energy story... it’s an economic one. Diesel powers the backbone of the U.S. economy: trucking, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. And in just the last month, diesel prices have surged $1+ per gallon in 45 states. That increase doesn’t stay at the pump. It moves through every supply chain in America, raising transportation costs, pushing up prices on goods, and squeezing margins across industries. Consumers are already feeling it at the grocery store, in shipping costs, and in higher travel prices. And with global supply disruptions limiting fuel availability, analysts expect these ripple effects to linger well into the rest of 2026. Energy shocks rarely stay in the energy sector. They spread. #SupplyChain #Diesel #EnergyMarkets #Freight #Logistics #Economy