Timeline Logistics

NEW HUB

TBlog — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:39:57 +0000

Timeline Logistics warehousing distribution is now underway at the Dallas facility. This new phase of development has already seen a various array of goods inventoried for distribution and the transport of product by the company’s network of dedicated drivers. With the additional 10,000 square feet of warehousing space in our new hub, we can more than meet the demand that our clients require to successfully secure, expedite, and distribute shipments to their proper destination. We are constantly evaluating our processes for improvements and adherence to our warehouse management SOP’s. We are eager to put our unparalleled customer service to the test for the most efficient and predictable results possible.

- Lori Matthews

On Time with the Right Stuff

TBlog — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:52:50 +0000

Starting up your own courier service is a relatively cheap business to get
off the ground. Most delivery companies are begun by drivers operating out
of there own home. If you own a vehicle & know a little about the
logistics business, you have a starting point. In some cases, the
fledgling entrepreneur will call on customers he may have provided long
term, outstanding service to while contracting for another courier
company. Mind you it takes some ability to sell yourself & do research on
pricing & the nature of the companies whose business you’re pursuing,
before presenting a bid. It is no doubt a highly competitive field so one
has to start usually by low-balling on the pricing in order to entice
potential clients. That is okay at the onset, but it is not anywhere you
want to stay for any great length of time. The further you grow &
diversify, the more complicated the maintanance of a quality company can
get. That is the moment that separates the men from the boys. The lack of
knowledge & business experience on the part of the new biz owner may then
cause a backlash onto the customers that entrusted him with there
business, thus losing what client base he was able to acquire. So before
you put that notice in & run out to get some accounts, look beyond the
first 6 months to a year and be honest with yourself regarding your level
of ability, discipline & integrity. For these are the forerunner to any
successful & lasting endeavor.

Lori F. Matthews

Driver Pay Still Low after so many years

TBlog — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:24:13 +0000

I cannot help but be puzzled (& I know I’m not alone on this), as to HOW
the driver pay for IC couriers can remain relatively the same for several
years. I know a route guy doing a regular gig I used to do 6 years ago &
he’s making less than (He doesn’t know it), I was back in the day! It
used to be back 10 - 15+ years ago a person could get out there with
fairly little operating costs & make some good money. Now days it really
takes a lot with the gas prices being higher & cargo insurance as well, oh
& tolls..tolls to pay for roads you’ve already paid for! What’s the deal
with your credit being a factor in determining what your premium amount
will be on auto insurance? Legally we have to have insurance so why do
“they” make it more difficult for folks that are already struggling as it
is, to make ends meet? It is like the big bad wise guy whose gonna protect
you as long as you “pay up”…or else! I tell you it’s a legal form of
extortion! Ok, I’m getting off track a little.

There are about 250 - 300 (give or take), courier companies to drive for
in the DFW Metroplex at present. That has not helped the cause for a day’s
wage in the Logistics biz. More competition means lower bids to get the
business, at the expense of mostly the drivers. COURIER BEWARE of fast
double-talk from these lower end companies. When the driver turnover is
high it effects the quality of service. The customers will think twice
before they’re going to let their deliveries get burned again! They will
not gain/retain their client base in the long run & will not be able to
keep your wheels turning….”not earning.” Take the time to consider all
your option before signing a contract. Find out about the company upfront.
Good luck & drive friendly!

- Lori Matthews

Medical Deliveries….STAT

TBlog — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:20:36 +0000

Independent contract couriers are hired for many specific types of delivery work. There are bank , warehouse, & legal couriers just to name a few. But the type I would like to focus in on right now is the Medical Courier. What we generally do on a daily basis are specimen pickups from doctor’s offices & hospitals. It is crucial that these particular deliveries are transported at the called for temperature & in a timely manner. In order for the labs receiving the specimens to get accurate results from testing, the specimens must maintain their integrity while in transit to the Laboratories.

Then there are the most immanently vital medical deliveries. This would be for instance, a doctor about to perform a surgery that must have immediate supplies that are not readily available in order to successfully complete the operation. It is not uncommon for me as a dispatcher to see an order come up on my board with the instructions; “ Patient on the table deliver ASAP!” It is in those very moments that give me a sense of being involved in something of the utmost importance. I am grateful we have men & women out there ready to move with the urgency required, to get the needed supplies in the hands of the medical professionals. Working together as a team, we can meet any demands we may face with great success for our business, and for our communities as well.

-Lori Matthews

Don’t Text & Drive!

TBlog — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:22:50 +0000

There are new laws going into effect throughout the nation as we speak, banning text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Whether one believes this type of legislation is constitutional or not won’t keep the average Joe driver from getting slapped with a pricey ticket for replying back to, “Honey don’t forget to pick up the milk.” But how will these new laws impact the courier & logistic company’s ability to communicate with their drivers in the manner necessary to keep business moving forward in the mainstream?

Often times when new laws are established, addendums must be added to allow provisions under the law to include specific detail without compromising the integrity of the law. In this particular instance there could be exceptions such as, special licensing or permits in place for commercial drivers that would require a sticker displayed on the driver’s vehicle. This would prevent the law from tying the hands of the logistics industry for one, while enforcing the need of protection under the law from unsafe driving practices.

With today’s onslaught of statistics showing the sometimes tragic results of texting/talking while driving it is clear we must have laws in place to promote a more “focus driven” society behind the wheel. While this is true, I believe there is only so far the law can go constitutionally to ensure that our roadways are safe from careless drivers whatever their distraction might be. Maybe it’s just as simple as the old golden rule; “ A little common sense, makes the most sense!”

- Lori Matthews

Timeline video

TBlog — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:34:18 +0000

Timeline Logistics releases new video aimed at providing prospective customers with a brief insight into Timeline’s operation and professional culture.

Timeline is prepared for hurricane season

TBlog — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 06:08:23 +0000

Timeline logistics has moved it’s server to a remote server farm. The new off site location offers more redundancies in our systems. Timeline logistics will be able to offer courier services in Houston without any system failure this hurricane season.

Timeline Logistics acquires Dallas bases courier

TBlog — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:19:44 +0000

Timeline Logistics acquires the courier interest of Intechra (Intechra Logistics), a Dallas based courier company. The acquision increases Timeline’s footprint into Oklahoma.

Timeline does more than just deliveries, and now our name reflects it!

TBlog — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 20:57:33 +0000

Simply put, we took a moment to rethink our “name” because we’ve expanded our service offerings over the years, yet, our name did not reflect it. Timeline does more than just deliveries. For instance, in 2008 we opened a warehouse and began providing cross dock services to our customers. Timeline also stores, consolidates, and distributes parcels for national third party logistics providers.
In that light, we decided to drop the “deliveries” and operate only as “Timeline” and not as “Timeline deliveries”. Naturally, we continue to be passionate about our core business, our courier work, after all, that is how we got started and that is what we’ve specialized in.
The expansion of our service offerings was fueled in large part to the economic landscape. We felt (and continue to feel) a tremendous responsibility to keep our company healthy. Taking on the warehousing piece has secured our core courier busine

Timeline Makes Rural Deliveries for Medical Industry

TBlog — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:53:39 +0000

Timeline extends its services beyond the greater Houston area in an effort to service patients who have been released from the hospital but continue to have the need for medical treatment. Timeline delivers the supplies and medication needed for a full recovery.

The economic landscape continues to force our industry to diversify into market spaces that are more “recession proof”. The time sensitive aspect of medical deliveries has been a good foot hold for our company.

We are grateful for our new opportunity and will do whatever it takes (traveling further, going the extra mile, providing a better quality product, etc.) to provide the best service to our clients. We Appreciate You!