The peak season for logistics companies is near, and this year, we’re noticing new logistics insights and supply chain trends. While consumption of products continues to increase, the need for reliable logistics and transportation is more present than ever within the supply chain. However, there are several obstacles that present themselves this season that are hindering many logistics companies’ ability to deliver.
Full Tilt Logistics has been closely following these supply chain trends and logistics insights to fully prepare for the work ahead. Take a look below to learn more about our findings.

The supply chain trends of the 2021 peak season are somewhat different than what was expected originally. While it is true that e-commerce and in-store shopping are projected to continue increasing throughout the holiday shopping season, as is true of previous trends, the peak season itself is likely going to shift. In past years, the peak season typically sees its height around Black Friday. However, in 2021, roughly 25% of consumers claimed that they plan to have their holiday shopping done before Black Friday, shifting the peak of the season to be earlier than anticipated.
Another supply chain trend we’re noticing is the growing backlog of container ships being held offshore. In 2020, the U.S. ports held their worst historical numbers of backlogged ships, and though many people believed this would improve, the backlog has only continued to accrue more vessels. More than 100 ships were backlogged in October off the ports of Southern California, waiting to be unloaded. To fully clear this up, there would need to be a hold on all incoming vessels for about 2 weeks — a feat likely to never occur.

Challenges in logistics faced during peak season vary, but the most prominent we’ve seen thus far include the strict California regulations and taxes on logistics distributions, historically high fuel and insurance costs, inclement weather impeding the ability to safely travel, and, finally, the nationwide labor shortage.
Doing business in California as part of the supply chain is not an easy task. California taxes and regulations significantly limit transportation opportunities in and out of the state. Take, for example, California’s state fuel tax rate, which sits at 62.5 cents per gallon while the national average is at just 24.4 cents per gallon.
Fuel costs have risen significantly in the past year for both gas and diesel. Diesel fuel itself is up 57% from 2020. With the ever-changing fuel efficiency standards occurring in the nation, we’re bound to see costs continue to rise. Similarly, insurance costs are getting out of hand as well. With the cost of insurance going up, trucking companies are held responsible for more liability than ever before, which drives up costs.

During the second quarter of 2021, more than 25% of open job positions were in the logistics industry. The biggest issue with this is that logistics require nearly 3x the labor force than traditional warehouses. With the demand for transportation being higher than the labor capacity allows, it’s evident that a large number of drivers are still needed, and this number is likely to continue growing with the supply chain trends.
As it stands right now, roughly 110,000 drivers will need to be hired each year to keep up with the demand. Unfortunately, driver retention and recruitment continue to pose a constant threat to logistics businesses.
To operate a successful logistics company, your team must show exemplary problem-solving skills and strategic competency. As a knowledgeable logistics company with experience with almost every type of shipment there is, and that includes winter freight shipping, we continue to lean into the situation and grow the company regardless of the challenges. With tested processes, robust technology, and talented professionals, we’re confident in our ability to navigate this peak season and deliver top-notch service.
Connect with us today at fulltiltlogistics.com and see firsthand how quality logistics management operates.
At Full Tilt, we have two companies involved with moving freight across the country. Full Tilt Transportation, the asset-based company staffed with professional drivers and a fleet of power units and trailers, and Full Tilt Logistics, the freight brokerage company. People often ask, “What is a freight broker?” Well, here is the answer…
A freight broker is someone who assists shippers with freight ready to haul by finding carriers who are qualified to haul the load. They are responsible for brokering deals with shippers and then facilitating the movement of a shipper’s freight. Good brokers are responsible for keeping a line of communication open with the carrier to update the status of the shipper’s load. Brokers arrange the transportation and track the load hauled by a carrier. The responsibilities of a freight broker are not limited to connecting carriers with shippers. They must communicate with both parties and track the load to verify pickup and delivery. A freight broker serves as a liaison between shippers and carriers.
Brokers make it easier for shippers to find quality carriers that are proven to be reliable in hauling a load, since most shippers do not have the experience or time to determine if a carrier can perform the task. Freight brokers also help carriers earn more by having available loads to haul.
Freight brokers looking to move freight need to find carriers who are available to haul a load. Broker load boards are used by freight brokers to connect with the freight carrier and are one of the easiest ways to network and build a carrier base.
Using a load board, freight brokers can quickly find approved carriers who may be interested in hauling a load by posting the load details onto a load board and then contacting carriers who may be qualified to move the load. Time is money, and the more loads a freight broker can move, the more they can earn, placing a premium on the use of load boards.

Convenience and Higher Level of Service - When working with a broker, the shipper can make one call and have confidence that their load will be moved by a reliable carrier. With frequent communication regarding the status of a shipment.
Large Carrier Network - Established brokers like Full Tilt Logistics typically have carrier networks of more than 10,000 approved carriers able to ship any type of freight.
Increased Productivity and Reduced Costs - Partnering with a broker can eliminate the need to hire more employees and can improve productivity during a shipper’s busiest times.
A freight broker earns money by finding a carrier willing to move freight for less than what his customer is willing to pay to ship the freight. This difference creates a profit for the freight broker known as the margin.
Is this company financially stable? Are they paying their carriers in a timely manner? Ask to see their most recent credit report, or pull it yourself from Dun and Bradstreet.
What type of insurance does this broker provide, from General Liability to Cargo? Ask to see copies of their insurance documents.
How do Brokers Select their Carriers? All brokerages have minimum requirements and contracts that carriers are required to sign. Request a copy of the new carrier packet that they send out to make sure it meets all your corporate needs.

Full Tilt has the experience, knowledge, and carrier base to handle every aspect of your shipping needs. Our employees are well-trained in the business with excellent customer service skills. Working with Full Tilt will prove to be a valuable resource for your company, big or small.
To find out why partnering with Full Tilt is the right solution for your business, connect with Full Tilt Logistics today.
We're excited to announce that our Lead Driver, Heath Blackmon, was featured on KTVN's Someone 2 Know. Check out his interviews to learn about the impact he's making on our company and community during this difficult time!
As leaders in our industry, Full Tilt is dedicated to providing clients with exceptional logistics and transportation solutions that are innovative, cost-effective, and efficient, not only for us but for our clients as well. To accommodate the growing amount of transportation, logistics, and distribution needs of our ever-expanding industry, we’ve mastered the art of problem-solving to deliver reliable services at every step. This year, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET) has presented Full Tilt Logistics with the Logistics Company of the Year award for the hard work and commitment they’ve shown throughout their work.

Full Tilt is a Certified Women-Owned WBENC Company that was founded in 2014 by the Novichs, who are native to the state of Nevada. They pride themselves on being a different kind of freight logistics service provider - one that strives to develop and maintain superior value for their customers and clients. Not only are Full Tilt’s drivers and other team members friendly, professional, and helpful, but the owners are fully engaged in the day-to-day operations of the business and are actively seeking to continually improve the company.
Full Tilt’s full-service trucking enterprise is conveniently headquartered in Reno, Nevada, which is a prime location for west coast distribution. They’re able to service the eleven western states with expedited, one-day shipping times at competitive rates. Staying within your budget and timelines is among their top priorities. Full Tilt aims to give its clients the best logistics solutions that utilize the best people, services, and technology available. Unlike other Reno trucking companies, Full Tilt commits itself to service and the community.
NCET is Northern Nevada’s largest educational and networking organization, which is solely supported by memberships, sponsorships, and program revenues. It was founded to be a state-wide organization that encourages and empowers entrepreneurs to promote an environment of high-growth entrepreneurial companies that can succeed and flourish. NCET’s initiatives include a wide range of events and programs that help the community discover business and technology opportunities for continued growth.
NCET’s Logistics Company of the Year award is presented to the company that best represents the following goals and objectives:
To find out more about how Full Tilt Logistics incorporates the latest innovative technology and equipment to meet modern-day shipping and logistics demands, connect with us. We are happy to answer questions about pricing and more. Join the growing number of shippers who choose Full Tilt Logistics – it could be the best business move you’ll ever make.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 13-19, is a time to recognize and thank the freight industry’s 3.5 million truck drivers for their hard work and service. This year takes on special significance due to the critical role truck drivers have played in the face of the COVID pandemic. Over the years, and throughout the COVID pandemic, truck drivers have delivered household goods, groceries, and other critical supplies safely and securely. Nearly every aspect of daily life is made possible because a truck driver delivers the goods and resources people need.
Full Tilt is fortunate to have so many dedicated and qualified drivers delivering our freight. Many of our drivers have been with us since the day we opened Full Tilt Transportation in July of 2017. Full Tilt Logistics opened in 2014. We are selective in who we hire to operate our equipment, and because of our high standards, we truly do have the best drivers on the road today.
Communities, businesses, and Americans in all fifty states appreciate truck drivers, realizing the essential role drivers play in their lives. From children passing out lunches to "I Heart Truck" signs across America's highways, the public has taken notice of the essential role truck drivers play in their lives. President Trump and Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said, "Thank God for truckers."
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week offers a great opportunity to recognize and thank all the professional truck drivers! Their hard work and commitment touch nearly every aspect of our daily lives. It is an important time for America to pay respect and thank all the professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of our economy's most demanding and important jobs. These 3.5 million professional men and women not only deliver our goods safely, securely, and on time, but they also keep our highways safe.
Full Tilt wants to extend its gratitude and deep appreciation to all drivers.
Obviously, the past several weeks have had a devastating impact on individuals, families, local and state governments, our national economy, and well-being. Along with the wreckage of the greatest economy in the world, many Americans have experienced a toll on their lives, and related social issues have been significant. No one saw this coming.
The COVID-19 situation has significantly impacted Full Tilt, and we have had to furlough employees and do more with less. Over the last several years, we’ve provided transportation services to many large trade shows, exhibits, and other large events. This year, these events came to an abrupt stop, forcing us to move in other directions and get creative in our ability to navigate through the situation. Many customers have stopped paying, yet we continue to pay our carriers and drivers. How long this will last is uncertain.

On a positive note, we have been able to be part of the solution to keeping critical support services moving through the supply chain. This has been extremely rewarding for our company. In addition to moving critical items, we have been partnering with FEMA and called into action to fulfill contracts and provide support services during this deadly virus outbreak. Full Tilt’s partnership with FEMA goes back to Hurricane Harvey, and we have seen firsthand the devastation nature can bring. The current situation is much different.
Our drivers and carriers are critical in maintaining the lifeline supply chain. As sickness and death surround everyone, people realize that logistics and supply chain operations are needed for survival, with a sincere appreciation for the trucking industry. As part of the supply chain industry during these times, we are thankful to be able to do our part. Every day, we see or hear about an act of selflessness completed by someone making their contribution to the fight. We are so thankful to our drivers and carriers who continue to drive. Their commitment and willingness to stay on the road during this time keep supply chains open. It’s uplifting to know that people are communicating and collaborating as needed to service our frontline responders, our foodservice industry, and other vital needs. We are proud that Full Tilt Logistics is supporting the needs of FEMA and other industries responding to the war with the virus.
Full Tilt Logistics is known in our community for shipping freight throughout Nevada and across the country. We can help any business size, from Mom & Pop stores that are going to reopen to FEMA and other government agencies. Through our ability to react in this crisis, we have demonstrated that we change as business needs dictate. At Full Tilt, we hope everyone stays safe. Keep on trucking for the win against COVID-19!
Thanks to our many loyal customers and our excellent service, Full Tilt Logistics and Full Tilt Transportation were able to continue our upward trajectory in terms of growth and employee hiring in 2019. We have been blessed this year with healthy families and robust business growth. Year over year, Full Tilt Transportation is up 17% while Full Tilt Logistics posted a steady 8% growth. In addition, we were able to create additional jobs in the Reno area by bringing on five new employees.

Our owners have deep roots in the local community, spanning four generations, and have watched the area grow from a dusty gambling town to a rapidly growing, energized city with high-tech companies such as Google, Switch, Tesla, Microsoft, and others locating in the area. Also, the revitalization of several areas of the city, unlimited outdoor recreation, and available job opportunities have driven the population growth and the desire to live in the area. With increased growth comes issues such as traffic, housing, and the need for additional community services.
As business owners and stewards of our community, at Full Tilt, we understand that contributing and giving back to the community is as important as growing our business. This year, we were able to help many organizations through financial contributions, volunteer hours, and in-kind contributions. Some of them include:

In addition, Full Tilt was awarded the prestigious Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) Employees First Award, which recognizes companies that have invested in innovative programs to retain, develop, encourage, and reward existing employees and have implemented special programs that support the hiring of members of the National Guard, Reserve, or Veterans.
Our President and CEO, Tiffany Novich, was also selected as one of the 20 young business leaders under 40 years of age who have made a significant impact on the local business community.
We are fortunate to live and work in such a vibrant and dynamic community and feel blessed to be able to continue growing our business and giving back to the community that has made our companies successful. Here’s wishing everyone a healthy and successful 2020. Remember, for the best trucking, logistics, and warehousing services available at competitive prices, contact Full Tilt.
Full Tilt Logistics and Full Tilt Transportation are growing companies that provide the highest level of services available for anyone needing to transport any type of product anywhere in the US or Canada. We work hard, communicate frequently, tell the truth, and exceed customer expectations. Make the switch to Full Tilt and watch your bottom line improve and stress levels go down. Contact Full Tilt today.

Full Tilt Transportation is one of the trucking companies in Reno, Nevada, that is a part of the SmartWay Transport Partnership, an innovative collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and industry that provides a framework to assess the environmental and energy efficiency of goods movement supply chains.
Full Tilt Transportation will contribute to the Partnership’s savings of 279.7 million barrels of oil, $37.5 billion in fuel costs, and 134 million tons of air pollutants. This is equivalent to eliminating annual energy use in over 18.2 million homes. By joining SmartWay Transport Partnership, Full Tilt Transportation demonstrates its strong environmental leadership and corporate responsibility.
“Full Tilt Transportation has always been focused on being a responsible business, constantly working to improve efficiency and effectiveness across every aspect of our business. Since our inception, we have operated only the most fuel-efficient equipment on the road today. Our partnership with SmartWay Transport is yet another example of our company’s commitment to our environment by helping achieve savings in fuel consumption while continuing to provide the highest level of transportation services available anywhere,” said Cris Novich, Managing Director - Transportation.
Developed jointly in early 2003 by the EPA and Charter Partners, represented by industry stakeholders, environmental groups, American Trucking Associations, and Business for Social Responsibility, this innovative program was launched in 2004. Partners rely upon SmartWay tools and approaches to track and reduce emissions and fuel use from goods movement.
The Partnership currently has over 3,000 Partners, including shipper, logistics companies, truck, rail, barge, and multimodal carriers.
Full Tilt Transportation is a rapidly growing full-service trucking company headquartered in Reno, Nevada. Being in the Reno area, we are familiar with harsh weather conditions, but it's nothing that we can't handle, which is why we still offer winter freight shipping. The ability of trucking companies in Reno, Nevada, to reliably move goods around the nation is one of the cornerstones of the U.S. economy, and truck drivers play a major role in that arena.
Not only is Reno a major distribution center and supplier of warehouses in Reno, Nevada, with a rapidly expanding economy, it is also strategically positioned for west coast distribution with service to the eleven western states with a one-day shipping time. We can reach the eight most western states overnight, utilizing the cost savings of ground rates. Access to the I-5 corridor is roughly 90 minutes for service to the California market.
At Full Tilt, we only use expertly maintained, state-of-the-art equipment. Our drivers are friendly, clean, knowledgeable, experienced, and safety-conscious. We present cost-effective and creative solutions and strive to maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with our customers. Our on-time and on-budget deliveries are what other companies strive for. With Full Tilt, you can properly manage trucking costs and adapt to the ever-evolving market. Work with people you trust at all levels with transactional, contractual, route planning, and all-outsource solutions.
Full Tilt owners have a passion for the business and are fully engaged in the operation and actively seek to improve the company on an ongoing basis. The trucking component of the business is headed up by Cris Novich, Managing Director of Transportation. He is personally engaged with the company’s top clients.
Cris gets out from behind his desk to meet Full Tilt trucking clients face-to-face to form strong bonds with them. He takes a keen interest in his clients’ businesses. He also seeks to establish a personal rapport with all Full Tilt clients that extends beyond the office.
Good leaders understand the trucking business, but no one is an expert in all facets of the trucking business. Over time, they learn those aspects of the business that are not their core competence. Cris has immersed himself in all facets of the trucking business so he can operate the company from a position of strength.
Good trucking companies in Reno know all elements of financial statements and challenge every number that is not consistent with normal readings or last year’s numbers. At Full Tilt, we know what to look for and where to get it to set in motion action plans to keep our business on track. We know when it is time to say, “this is not good enough”, “it is not acceptable, and we need to do better. We don’t tolerate customer complaints or sub-standard service and encourage all employees to find solutions that significantly enhance the value of our customers’ experiences.
The trucking business is competitive and challenging. Dealing with driver turnover, rate cuts, and equipment shortages takes its toll. It is easy to “lose your cool” and throw a temper tantrum or use inappropriate language. These acts can undermine the confidence of employees and customers and hurt the credibility of Full Tilt leaders. We are constantly aware of maintaining a calm composure, which we believe inspires confidence and stability with our employees. At Full Tilt, we emphasize listening to what employees and customers say without interruption. We try to respond in a thoughtful and respectful manner. We believe this will instill openness and trust. This allows problems to surface rather than festering and being hidden from view.
It’s a priority at Full Tilt to hire and train quality people. We are not afraid to hire great people with ideas that are different from ours. We encourage employee input and are always seeking ways to do things better. There is no such thing as a dumb question. We support our employee team so they can help the company on new and productive paths. We always follow through on a commitment, and if we say we’ll do something, we will do it. This consistency and transparency a cornerstone of our company culture. We evaluate the information and make timely decisions. At Full Tilt, things happen quickly, and we must make decisions without procrastination.
Full Tilt trucking and transportation services provide the highest level of customer service available at competitive rates. If you are interested in using one of the top trucking companies in Reno, Nevada, contact Full Tilt today!
Full Tilt Transportation and Full Tilt Logistics are rapidly growing Women-Owned companies located in the beautiful Reno – Tahoe area. Owners Tiffany Novich, Jessica Novich, and Cindy Novich have broken barriers in male-dominated industries by surrounding themselves with the best people, providing excellent customer service, and following through on their commitments. They continue to support qualified women truck drivers striving to better themselves and prove they are up to the challenge of transporting products in 80 feet of muscle, carrying up to 80,000 pounds of freight.
One example is Tamlynn Hegdahl, one of Full Tilt’s most reliable drivers. She has been with Full Tilt for almost three years. When we spoke with Tamlynn about being a female truck driver, she was waiting in a warehouse watching a gang of men load her truck for a cross-country trip back east. Tamlynn is earning her stripes as a cross-country big-rig driver, hoping to attract more women to cope with an industry-wide driver shortage.
The trucker lifestyle can be hard on men and even harder for women. Far from family and friends, women can face harassment, sexism, personal hygiene challenges, safety concerns, and living in a rolling home on wheels, sometimes for extended periods of time. “There was one time I didn’t have a shower for five days, and that was hard.” Tamlynn has learned to take precautions when it comes to safety. “I avoid parking in rest stops because of the poor lighting and higher crime areas than truck stops.” She also likes to park in the fuel line at the truck stops to run inside for food or to use the restroom. “Confidence is the key…. walk briskly and don’t make eye contact.” Men can park anywhere, but Tamlynn parks in lighted areas and avoids walking between parked trucks and never lets anyone know she is alone. “I’m always on guard. I draw the curtains in my cab as soon as I stop and keep them drawn so no one knows I’m alone.”
Downtime is valuable to a long-haul driver. “I’m not home often, so relationships can be hard, but you adjust and make it work.” Tamlynn sees favoritism on a regular basis, as many women truck drivers do. “Shippers and receivers can be condescending, and some still don’t think I’m the driver. On the other hand, they may load me first because I’m a woman. It’s all part of the job.”
Tamlynn says she sees more and more women truck drivers. “The other day I was fueling up, and there were women drivers on both sides of me, so it’s definitely changing.” It’s a lot of responsibility when you get behind the wheel, and she says she is probably more cautious than many of her male counterparts.
Bottom line…. Tamlynn loves the job, and the money is great. “I have a degree in psychology and sold insurance for many years, and last year I made more money than I ever had.” She loves the long hauls and seeing new places. “My office has the best view in the world, and I feel like I’m my own boss. I would never have the chance to see so many places if I weren’t behind the wheel. I have a great life.”
Full Tilt is always looking for qualified drivers. At our rapidly growing Logistics and Transportation company, we employ personable and dedicated team members and like to provide an engaging and constructive environment for all employees. We offer rewarding careers with unlimited potential. If you’re interested, contact us today!



