NCET Biz Tips: Navigating the supply chain future from Reno

Times are a-changin'.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us took the supply chain for granted.  In fact, many people didn't think of the logistics industry at all, much less appreciate its importance to our economy.

It was reported that even The New York Times confessed to not having a logistics newsbeat before the pandemic.  How times have changed in the space of two years.  Today, manufacturers, warehouses, transportation providers, distribution centers, and retailers are mainstream media topics.  Now the logistics industry has everyone's attention.

How often have you experienced or read news stories about package delivery delays, congested ports, or what Amazon is doing next?  Yet as the heart of the supply chain, logistics is transforming an industry with 3PL (Third Party Logistics) operations and warehouses at the epicenter.

Enter companies like Full Tilt Logistics (FTL), a 3PL company based here in Reno, transforming how consumers receive goods.  Founded in 2014 by Nicolas and Tiffany Novich, FTL started in a house with zero capital, a phone, and a computer connected to the internet.  Today, Full Tilt Logistics is a much larger 45-people family-owned business with many other Novich family members part of the operation too.  FTL strongly believes that its family environment encourages a stronger bond for all personnel resulting in a "go the extra mile" attitude.  FTL customer service lives it every day.

With a rapidly shifting marketplace, today's manufacturers and end users demand more of companies than moving freight from point A to B.  The traditional manufacturing business model of handling many or all operations in-house simply is not as productive in today's world.

How is Full Tilt Logistics leading the way?  FTL is redefining what a full-service 3PL provider can be with process innovation and customer-centric fulfillment strategies second to none.

Full Tilt Logistics encompasses three significant freight service pillars under one umbrella.

First, Full Tilt Transportation.  FTL's 22-truck fleet optimizes the best freight delivery solutions for its customers.  Time-sensitive loads can be handled at a moment's notice.

Second, Warehousing & Distribution.  FTL and its new state-of-the-art 220,000-square-foot facility can accommodate everything from basic warehousing to the most complex distribution and fulfillment requirements.

Third, Freight Brokerage Services.  With real-time geo-tracking and scalable integrations, FTL employs, as needed, other freight carriers to provide their customers with a simple and stress-free experience.  FTL customers can then focus on other important matters such as sales, marketing, and product development.

Why is the Reno area a key location for FTL?  Over the past decade or so, Reno has become the logistics center for the West Coast.  Our "Biggest Little City in the World" has become a hub and powerhouse for transporting goods to all points in the western U.S.  As many already know, Reno has an attractive business climate when it comes to regulations, taxes, and ease of doing business.  More importantly, Reno is blessed with a geographical location that can service the entire west coast in less than 24 hours.

It's no secret that logistics is a tough business.  With a rapidly shifting marketplace, today’s manufacturers and even end users demand more of companies than moving freight from point A to B.  Fortunately, FTL saves the day with its full-service offerings to meet those demands daily.  Diversification to many different industry segments rather than reliance on one or two has also proven to be a smart strategic move.

Full Tilt Logistics has had many successes, evidenced by its organic growth since its inception.  But the COVID pandemic and supply chain problems hit 3PL companies hard.  FTL was no exception.  During the pandemic, FTL had to measure its success by how many FTL employees could be provided jobs that enabled them to support themselves and their families.  The pandemic was a humbling experience.  It’s a new day now with the pandemic and its restrictions no longer a limiting factor.

Challenges remain for FTL and other 3PL companies.  Economic events can't easily be controlled.  Rising fuel costs and recruiting new talent are high on the challenge list.  It doesn’t help that the transportation industry has been dealing with a driver shortage for years.

Government regulations pose their own set of challenges.  Most 3PL firms, like FTL, transport goods to different cities, states, and even countries.  As such, they must adhere to the rules and regulations of these other areas.  Staying compliant and updated with all these rules is a challenging task, to say the least.

Full Tilt Logistics is a success story of a core family group pursuing a dream while addressing the transportation of goods and logistics needed in our growing region.  Tough challenges due to the COVID pandemic have been met head-on and overcome.  The future remains bright for FTL and 3PL.

NCET Tech Wednesday, January 11, is your opportunity to learn more about Full Tilt Logistics and what goes into moving freight efficiently and meeting tight delivery deadlines.  You will also hear a 3PL industry assessment of current and future market conditions for 2023 and how those conditions may impact you and your family.

Sign up early for Full Tilt Logistics’ presentation from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and networking from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.  More information at NCET.org.

Bill Leonard is VP of Communications at NCET and a freelance copywriter for B2B and B2C companies seeking to showcase their success with in-depth lead gen case studies.  Connect with Bill on LinkedIn.  NCET produces education and networking events to help people explore business and technology.