Trucking Industry Keeps the Bloom on Valentine’s Day Flower Deliveries
February 14, 2018
Bright, fragrant flowers, the universal symbol of love, will be in abundance today as consumers shower loved ones with bouquets on Valentine’s Day.
<p>Heart-shaped holidays, like Valentine’s Day, are busy times for the floral industry, which depends on trucking companies, including <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/" rel="noopener">Penske Logistics</a> and <a href="https://www.pensketruckrental.com/commercial-truck-rental/" rel="noopener">Penske Truck Rental</a>, to help ensure perishables like flowers and candy arrive in top condition.</p><p>“Most consumers want their flowers on Valentine’s Day, so it is vital that florists have their product on time and of the freshest quality,” said Jennifer Sparks, vice president of marketing for the <a href="https://safnow.org/" rel="noopener">Society of American Florists</a> (SAF), based in Virginia. “Trucking companies and their drivers play a big role in helping to make that happen.”</p><p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="83cf0dc0ae94d85e8d455dcff349e2da" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="7d9ab" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyODQ4Ny9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTcxNDg4NH0.dgKGJoobHPt19JA216aeNwE1NN7_qguI4Y9j6rouYZo/img.png?width=980"/></p><p>Consumers are expected to spend $19.6 billion on Valentine’s Day this year or an average of $143.56 in Valentine’s Day gift giving, according to a survey by <a href="https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/nrf-says-consumers-will-spend-near-record-196-billion-valentines-day" rel="noopener">the National Retail Federation</a> (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics.</p><p>“Americans are looking forward to pampering and indulging their loved ones with flowers, candy, dinner and all of the other Valentine’s Day stops,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “With the holidays behind them and the winter months dragging along, consumers are looking for something to celebrate this time of year.”</p><p>Flower sales alone were projected to reach $2 billion, according to the NRF. Which stands to reason since Valentine’s Day is the number one holiday for floral purchases, second only to Christmas and Chanukah in spending, according to the SAF.</p><p>In fact, this year, more than 250 million roses were produced to shower on loved ones on Valentine’s Day, and roses lead the way in flower purchases, followed by tulips, carnations and lilies, according to the SAF.</p><p>Why are flowers synonymous with love? Science may have the answer.</p><p>According to a <a href="https://aboutflowers.com/quick-links/health-benefits-research/emotional-impact-of-flowers-study/" rel="noopener">Rutgers University study</a>, “the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.”</p><p>The researchers studied participants’ behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers, with the results showing flowers are a “natural and healthful moderator of moods.”</p><p>The study also found that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness, impact moods long-term and make intimate connections.</p><p>The science connection extends to deliveries as well.</p><p>“Scientific research is overwhelmingly conclusive when it comes to cold chain and longevity of flowers,” said Chris Drummond, president of<a href="https://www.pflorist.com/" rel="noopener"> Plaza Flowers</a> in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and SAF's president-elect. “Temperature is the most important factor in the process of getting flowers from the farm to the consumer.”</p><p>Vase life decreases substantially when the temperature of the freight rises above 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Drummond said.</p><p>“Since airplanes are not refrigerated, trucks are the obvious choice for transporting fresh flowers,” he said. “Partnering with a reliable trucking company that properly maintains their refrigerated trailers is critical for floral wholesalers and large retailers. “</p><p>New technologies allow retailers to monitor the temperature of the freight, and professional drivers who understand the perishable nature of our products are invaluable, Drummond said.</p><p>“During the loading and unloading process, flowers can get too cold or too warm. A good driver understands how to monitor the temperature of the trailer and manage the loading and unloading procedure to minimize temperature fluctuations,” he said.</p><p><a href="https://www.citycommerceflowers.com/" rel="noopener">Commerce Flowers</a> is among the many florists who have experienced a spike in business leading up to Valentine’s Day.</p><p>“It’s been very busy,” said Duke Nomura, treasurer at Commerce Flowers, which has a fleet of its own trucks but rented additional Penske units to meet the need this Valentine’s Day. A long-time customer, Nomura said he rents with Penske because of the quality trucks and nice people.</p><p><em>Penske offers a wide variety of rental trucks from large commercial semi-tractors and trailers to small box trucks. Penske encourages retailers and businesses to make reservations by calling its hotline for business rentals, 1-800-PENSKE1. New business truck rental customers can enjoy an additional </em><a href="https://www.pensketruckrental.com/commercial-truck-rental/renting-from-penske/new-customer-discount/" rel="noopener"><em>20 percent off</em></a><em> your first truck or tractor rental.</em></p></div>
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Rental Trucks Help Fleets Deliver for the Holidays
December 01, 2017
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, attention turns to retailers and parcel delivery companies, charged with making sure those packages arrive in time for holiday celebrations.
<p><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2017/11/27/cyber-mondays-still-got-it-840-million-spent-10-00-am/897831001/" rel="noopener">Record-setting</a> Cyber Monday sales signal increased demand for deliveries, as well as higher consumer expectations, as more shoppers ventured online to find the perfect holiday gift.</p><p>Many retailers and parcel delivery companies will turn to <a href="https://www.pensketruckrental.com/commercial-truck-rental/" rel="noopener">Penske Truck Rental</a> to provide the much-needed additional commercial trucks to help meet the holiday demand.</p><p>“We work closely with some of the largest companies in the world to make sure they are able to get packages to their customers,” said Zac Bugay, manager of national rental accounts for Penske Truck Rental.</p><p><strong>Holiday Shopping Snapshot</strong></p><p>The <a href="https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/consumers-and-retailers-win-big-over-thanksgiving-holiday" rel="noopener">National Retail Federation</a> (NRF) credited good weather and a robust economy with drawing shoppers to brick-and-mortar stores as well as online.</p><p>“All the fundamentals were in place for consumers to take advantage of incredible deals and promotions retailers had to offer,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “From good weather across the country to low unemployment and strong consumer confidence, the climate was right, literally and figuratively, for consumers to tackle their holiday shopping lists online and in stores.”</p><p>More than 174 million consumers shopped in stores and online between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday, according to a survey by the NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics.</p><p>The most popular day for in-store shopping was Black Friday followed by Cyber Monday, while Cyber Monday and Black Friday were the top two days for online shoppers, according to the survey.</p><p><strong>Meeting the Need</strong></p><p>Well before thoughts turn to holiday shopping, Penske Truck Rental’s Bugay said the company is preparing to accommodate the <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/27/retailers-e-commerce-fulfillment-centers-ready-for-cyber-monday-surge.html" rel="noopener">expected need</a> for additional rental trucks.</p><p>“There is a lot of build-up going into the holiday season, and we are working with the large packaging companies to make sure we provide them with what they need,” Bugay said.</p><p>The preparation includes initiating contact with parcel delivery companies as early as August. “We start talking about peak season in the second quarter at a national level to see what they will need year over year,” Bugay said.</p><p>The need for more trucks does not just extend to delivering consumer purchases, but also includes inventory deliveries to restock retail shelves and online retailer warehouses.</p><p>“Volume increases, which means more trucks need to be on the road to deliver more, which means normal fleets for our customers won’t handle the volume, so we need to provide them with rentals,” Bugay said.</p><p>So, don’t be surprised if a Penske truck shows up to your door to deliver your holiday packages.</p><p>“I think about the young child whose parents want to get him or her the latest toy that will make their day on Christmas morning. Our trucks help do that,” Bugay said.</p><p><em>Penske offers a wide variety of rental trucks from large commercial semi-tractors and trailers to small box trucks. Penske encourages retailers and businesses to make reservations by calling its hotline for business rentals, 1-800-PENSKE1. New business truck rental customers can enjoy an additional </em><a href="https://www.pensketruckrental.com/commercial-truck-rental/renting-from-penske/new-customer-discount/" rel="noopener"><em>20 percent off</em></a><em> your first truck or tractor rental.</em></p><p><em>By Bernie Mixon </em></p></div>
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No Tricks. Penske Logistics Keeps the Treats Coming.
October 25, 2017
Thousands of young ghouls and goblins are getting ready to break out their goody bags as trick-or-treat gets closer.
<p>Thousands more are making their shopping lists for Halloween-themed dishes for their costume parties.</p><p>Kids and adults alike can thank <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search_Brand_Logistics_E&utm_term=penske%20logistics&gclid=CMLu0Z3X-tYCFdaCswodKZEN3Q">Penske</a> drivers for getting all that delicious candy and other goodies onto the shelves.</p><p>According to the <a href="https://nrf.com/">National Retail Federation</a> (NRF), nearly 180 million people are planning to celebrate the spookiest day of the year by throwing Halloween parties, trick-or-treating or decorating their homes.</p><p>Our <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search_Brand_Logistics_E&utm_term=penske%20logistics&gclid=CMLu0Z3X-tYCFdaCswodKZEN3Q">Penske Logistics</a> drivers do their part in making sure those millions of pounds of candy and food get from the distribution centers to the grocery stores to your goody bags on trick-or-treat night.</p><p>“We take pride in what we do for our customers,” said Penske Logistics Senior Vice President of Sales Joe Carlier. “We provide them with reliable logistics solutions from product pickup through delivery.</p><p>“We not only offer logistics solutions to ensure the shelves are stocked, but also the most sophisticated enabling technologies to make it all happen.”</p><p>This year, the NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics conducted their <a href="https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/halloween-spending-reach-record-91-billion">annual survey</a> to gauge how much money consumers will spend for this haunted holiday. They expect Americans to spend a record $9.1 billion for Halloween. That’s an increase from last year’s $8.4 billion. This includes spending on candy, costumes and party decorations.</p><p>With all of this heavy-duty spending, the question is, “Where are people doing their shopping?”</p><p>Nine out of 10 people celebrating Halloween bought their candy at grocery stores, department stores and specialty stores.</p><p>Of those same people, more than 60 percent of them wait until the last few weeks to do their Halloween shopping. This last-minute rush can make it difficult for store owners to anticipate how much inventory they should have for their customers.</p><p>Penske Logistics works with those grocery stores, department stores and retailers to make sure their businesses stay ahead of the curve and are prepared.</p><p>“We work with our customers in making sure their logistics needs are met,” said Carlier. “Our <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/industries/">industry</a> knowledge and expertise allow us to not only meet their expectations but to exceed them.</p><p>“We live in a world where convenience is important to our customers, and that has an impact on the supply chain. It’s the shippers’ responsibility to make sure that need is met for their customers.”</p><p>So from now on, when you think of Halloween, don’t think of ghosts, pumpkins or haunted mansions. Be sure to think of Penske Logistics and how the transportation leader gets your favorite candy and decorations to your favorite stores.</p><p>Below are some more Halloween 2017 <a href="https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/halloween-spending-reach-record-91-billion">stats</a> from the NRF.</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Consumers are expected to spend about $2.7 billion on Halloween candy.</li> <li>Around 70 percent of people celebrating Halloween will hand out candy on trick-or-treat night.</li> <li>Consumers are expected to spend an average $86.13 this year on things like candy, costumes and decorations.</li></ul><p><em>By Chris Abruzzo </em></p></div>
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Penske Logistics Lends Cupid a Helping Hand on Valentine’s Day
February 13, 2017
Saying “I Love You” with candy and flowers this Valentine’s Day has become a little easier thanks to Penske Logistics’ Transportation Management Services.
<p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ed0671147c54bae2175c4ebee7befa80" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="dafc8" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyODE1NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDQ0MjU0NX0.t03OD_txdiFmtFRAjlVoJ8mFX2JjG9ORrem1sF2QMGE/img.jpg?width=980"/>U.S. consumers are expected to spend about $18.2 billion this Valentine’s Day, according to the <a href="https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/nrf-says-consumers-will-spend-182-billion-valentines-day">National Retail Federation</a> (NRF). That includes $2 billion on flowers and $1.7 billion on candy alone, according to estimates.</p><p>Making sure perishables like candy and flowers arrive from warehouse to marketplace in top condition is a key role of Penske Logistics as well as the company’s team of professional drivers.</p><p>“If there is any delay in transit, you will have a problem, or very poor flowers and chocolates,” said Bob Daymon, vice president of transportation management for Penske Logistics. “Products like flowers and chocolates need to be moved via temperature-controlled equipment, and that equipment can be a challenge to find because it’s not as common as dry van.”</p><p>Whether managing perishable supply chains or dry goods and materials, Penske Logistics recognizes timing is key for all customers. The company takes steps to identify the best freight modes, consolidate shipments, manage carriers, and optimize air, sea and ground routes.</p><p>Through these efforts, Penske Logistics can offer customers reduced costs, improved labor productivity, better asset utilization and superior customer service.</p><p>The company takes special care when it comes to perishables.</p><p>“We are connected with hundreds of temperature-controlled carriers. This allows us to meet the capacity demands for those customers who require temperature-based equipment. We also have the ability to monitor real-time location and temperature of the equipment,” Daymon said.</p><p>“This allows the end customer to know when their product arrives; plus monitor the temperature while the product is in-transit,” he added. “We assure the customer the product will arrive on-time and in perfect condition.”</p><p>Penske Logistics’ experience in temperature-sensitive deliveries has grown by four times over the last three years, mainly driven by the company’s growth as a leader in the <a href="https://blog.gopenske.com/logistics/penske-logistics-named-to-food-logistics-2016-top-3pl-cold-storage-providers-list/">food and beverage</a> space.</p><p>“The learnings, as skills from the food and beverage vertical, can be applied to moving flowers and chocolates,” Daymon said. “We pride ourselves on applying industry knowledge gained in one vertical and bringing best practices into other verticals to support our growing customer base.”</p><p>Here are some sweet Valentine’s Day <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/13/us/valentines-day-fast-facts/">facts</a>:</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li><strong>496 A.D.</strong><strong>-</strong> Pope Gelasius I names February 14 as St. Valentine's Day.</li> <li><strong>1847 - </strong><a href="http://www.americanantiquarian.org/509027.htm">Esther Howland,</a>of Worchester, Massachusetts, becomes one of the first U.S. manufacturers of valentines.</li> <li><strong>1868 - </strong>The first "chocolate box" is introduced by <a href="http://www.cadbury.com.au/about-cadbury/the-story-of-cadbury.aspx">Richard Cadbury,</a>when he decorates a candy box with a painting of his young daughter holding a kitten in her arms. Cadbury also invented the first Valentine's Day candy box.</li></ul><p><em>Learn more about Penske Logistics and how it can offer custom-fit transportation solutions for your business </em><a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/solutions/transportation-services/"><em>here.</em></a></p><p><em>By Bernie Mixon</em></p></div>
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