Trans-formative 

1. Small group captivates large group.  I like the quote: “Some people make things happen, some watch things happen and still others wonder what the heck happened”. Usually those watching and wondering far outnumber those making things happen.  It’s the Pareto Principle, the 80/20 rule, in action.  And just like in life, the best projects and events (and flash mobs) are well planned, rehearsed and executed.  An activity is chosen and rehearsed for the spectacle.  A location is selected, a time set, communications coordinated.  When done well, these components will captivate, energize, inspire and perhaps even involve the larger group – the watchers and wonderers.

2. Small group exudes energy, enthusiasm and joy.  As the spectacle begins, the small group breaks into their exuberant activity and the unsuspecting crowd gradually awakens from their routines and becomes aware that something is not normal here.  People are doing something crazy, people are acting in an unconventional way, OMG, people are having fun!

3. Small group risks embarrassment, ridicule and sometimes legal action.  In the words of Berry Grove, ultra-successful Nuclear Physician, businessman and early mentor to me, “When you stick your head above the crowd, expect somebody to chuck a tomato at it”. But he also often said “If you wish to be successful in life, observe the masses and do the opposite”.  So flash mobbers, like anyone who chooses to step out from the crowd and do something different, risk tomatoes. More often though the crowd just stands in awe, phones videoing, and no doubt wishes they had the guts to do something a just little bold.  And then sometimes…

4. Eventually a few from the large group may begin to participate. If the mobbers are enthusiastic enough and having a good enough time, often some of the 80 percenters will begin to join in.  Interesting to note, in flash mobs or in life, I’ve never seen an onlooker join in and then go “crap that wasn’t any fun”.  They are ALWAYS laughing and genuinely joyful. Sometimes they’re even inspired to become a full time 20 percenter!  Halleluiah!

Three ways LTL carriers are moving dollars from your pocket to theirs:

1. Excessive Length Shipment charges and Linear Foot charges

Exact names may vary and some carriers have only one or the other of these charges.

Excessive Length Shipment fees apply to any shipment that requires more than a certain length in the trailer, regardless of width, 12 feet for example.

Linear Foot Charges may apply to a shipment that exceeds half the width, length and height of the interior of the trailer, typically a 28 foot pup trailer.

These charges can add from $50 to $150 dollar flat charge to a shipment.  Linear Foot Charges actually change the freight charge factor and can drastically increase overall freight costs.

2. Reclassifying Shipments

Every commodity has a freight classification.  In the U.S., these are assigned by the NMFTA National Motor Freight Transportation Agency.  NMFCs, National Motor Freight Classifications relate to Freight Tariffs (carrier pricing agreements) and determine the charges that apply. 

If you get a freight quote based on an incorrect NMFC class and the carrier later inspects and changes the classification, you will get an unpleasant surprise on your freight bill.

Your freight sales rep can be a good (and free) resource if they are knowledgeable and will devote the time to help.

3. Reweighing Shipments

Shippers need to ensure that the weight they put on the Bill of Lading is accurate.  This is another area where carriers are currently working to recover lost revenues.  At least one national LTL carrier reportedly adds several million dollars per quarter to their bottom line simply by adjusting shipping weights.  Carriers have invested massive capital in forklift scales that allow freight to be weighed as it is moved about the dock.  They would not be making these multimillion dollar investments if they didn't expect to recover those costs rather quickly, particularly in the current economy.