Month: May 2015

4 LTL Shipping Tips To Improve Freight Carrier Relationships

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Following the rules of less than truckload freight shipping is the most important thing you can do to make sure you maintain a positive relationship between shipper and carrier.  The tips below will help to ensure you continue to improve your relationship with your LTL carriers while helping yourself reduce costs and improve the shipping efficiency of your company.

Don’t Falsify Freight Weight: When it comes to creating a relationship with an LTL carrier one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to falsify the weight of your shipments.  It is important to accurately report all of the cargo’s correct weight.  This information is critical to less than truck load freight carriers as incorrect reporting of weight increases the expenses on their end.  Note that LTL shippers re-weigh eighty percent of their freight as this is the key element to keeping down their expenses and improving their efficiency.

Accurate Bill of Lading:  Decrease the errors in your transportation mananagment system by automating the intergration of your address and commodities books.  Accurate bill of ladings are important for carriers.  LTL carriers are becoming increasing aware of inaccuracies and are working to prevent them.  You can imporve your reputation with your frieght carrier by providign an accurate bill of lading each and everytime you ship a less than truckload shipment.

Lessen or Avoid Accessorial Charges:  Accessorial charges are the fees charged for extras such as residential services, lift gates, set appointment deliveries and more.  In parcel shipping there is a great deal of accessorial charges whereas in LTL shipping there are around fifteen.  When the load capacity is tight many shippers will choose the shipments with less accessorial charges as these are the things that slow the pickup and delivery of shipments.

Properly Packing Your LTL Shipments:  It is important that your shipments are packaged correctly to travel via the mode of transportation chosen by you and the LTL carrier.  If a shipment is not packaged correctly the shipper will have to repack it to prevent damage.  This takes away from the carrier’s efficiency.  If a shipment is packed improperly it can drop off the forklifts when being transferred damaging the contents thus creating more work for both you and the carrier.  This can all be avoided with proper packaging.

By abiding by these simple tips when shipping freight with a LTL carrier you can greatly improve the relationship between you and the carrier.  Following these basic tips will allow you both to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Jefferson Diversified Group, LLC is a Global Logistics expert offering LTL shipping and more. Check out available rates today at http://www.detroitltl.com.

Detroit LTL

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Avoid These Mistakes When Securing a Mortgage

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Applying for and securing a mortgage is not as simple as filling out an application, being approves and getting funds for a home.  The mortgage process is complex and a time consuming process.  Preparation is the key element for one of the most significant events of your life; securing a mortgage to secure your American dream.  Here are some pitfalls to be aware of and to avoid when applying for a mortgage for your new home or refinancing an old home.

Not Checking Your Credit Report

Long before you think of actually buying a home you need to know where you stand with your credit report.  A bad credit score will increase your mortgage rate so it is important that this step is taken long before you are actually thinking of applying for a mortgage.  Take steps to fix inaccuracies within the report with each of the three different credit bureaus.  This process can take several months.  It is important to step up and take control of your credit rankings.

Applying For More Credit While Applying For a Mortgage

 Don’t apply for more credit while you are looking to secure a mortgage.  Put off buying a new car or opening any credit cards in the months before and during your home loan search.  The more credit you look like you are trying to secure the higher the greater the credit risk you appear to be.  If you do apply for credit during this process be prepared for the backlash.

Failure to Look At the Total Housing Amount

A common mistake that is made when applying for a mortgage is the failure to look at the total picture.  Not only do you need to consider the mortgage payment but also the interest, the taxes and the insurance.  Also it is important to take into the consideration the amount that your household bills will increase.  Look at your debt to income ratio.  Make sure that you are comfortable with the amount of money coming in verse coming out.  Are you still going to be able to be comfortable with the payment on the home considering all the extra costs that are incurred with homeownership?

Not Seasoning Assets

Another aspect people often forget is that mortgage lenders are looking to see what type of assets are behind the payment.  Having assets in the bank, back up funds is important when trying to secure a mortgage.

Job Hopping

Starting a new job when applying for a new mortgage is not the end all of end alls however showing a steady source of employment and income needs to be accomplished.  Getting a new job in the same field may not be a problem but changing careers all together may be a deal breaker, especially if looking to become self employed.

Not Getting Pre-Approved

If you don’t secure pre-approval you may end up falling in love with a home that is out of your reach.  You never want to start looking for a home without first being pre-approved.  An experienced real estate agent will guide you in this process so that you have a basic understanding of a price point to consider.  It is crucial to remember that just because you are approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you have to purchase a home at the highest point of pre-approval.  You may not feel comfortable with making that payment along with keeping up with your current lifestyle.

Whether you are buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage take your time to find a home loan that works best for you.  Find a lender or mortgage broker that will help you through the process making it as easy as possible for you to secure the best possible mortgage.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Minimizing The Stress Involved In Selling Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

  • Be aware of the three major causes of sellers stress:  Selling your home is never easy.  You are emotionally attached, not necessarily to the home itself but to the memories that took place in it.  To minimize stress it is best to work with an experienced seller’s agent.  A real estate agent that is used to working with homeowners looking to sell has experience in the process and understands the needs of the seller.  This all benefits you as the seller.  The three highest areas of stress when selling your home includes during the appraisal process, home inspections, showings and open houses.
  • Be prepared to repair:  Instead of waiting until your home is days away from being listed for sale take time to repair the things in your home that are not suitable to buyers.  This process can take anywhere from six to nine months.  Preparing ahead of time allows you to hire a reputable handyman to come in and service the areas within the home that need to be fixed before your home goes on the market.  Waiting until the last minute only causes more stress and tension between you and the person making the repairs.  Compile a list of things that need to be done and within what time frame in order to minimize down time.  Make note of all of the recent updates for home buyers to access when looking into purchasing your home.
  • Prepare to be fair:  Having your home appraised is one of the most difficult events in selling a home.  Not every repair that was done on the home will recoup its value in the asking price of your home.  Some repairs or upgrades done to the home will only be for you and will not cause an increase in the asking price.  Being prepared for the appraisal process will alleviate a great deal of stress for you as the seller.  The memories you made in the home are not valuable to anyone else.  The home is being valued on what it is in comparison to other homes available on the market with similar offerings.  That is it.  The process should not be taken personally as that will only add stress. 
  • Prepare your home:   Preparing your home for sale is one of the most cleansing experiences and should be thought of as just that.  Take the stress out of preparing by organizing and eliminating unnecessary furniture, knick-knacks and clutter.  Create a routine that allows you to prepare your home for showings without really doing anything out of the ordinary new normal routine.  In the morning before you leave for the day take time to make beds, put dishes in the dishwasher and do one complete load of laundry.  Then you will be prepared in the evening when the realtor schedules a viewing or if someone wants to see your house during the day.  Minor preparations, spending ten to fifteen minutes in the morning and at night can keep you from being stress during unexpected showings.
  • Keep all things in perspective:  Don’t worry if the house doesn’t smell like fresh baked goods or if pillows aren’t all fluffed perfectly.  Buyers that are really interested in buying your home are not going take those things into account as much as they will that the house looks well kept and is clutter free.  

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Help In Choosing A Shingle Color For Your Homes Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you are updating your homes roof you are not only making a large financial investment but also an extreme makeover on the overall look of your home.  The shelf life of your roof can be upwards of thirty years.  It is crucial you choose a color shingle that is not only strong and reliable but also pleasing to the overall look and style of your home.  Below are some tips to help you when choosing a color for the shingles for your homes new roof.

Don’t rush it

The shingle color of your new roof should not be rushed.  A new roof is something that takes serious consideration and considerable thought.  The color of the shingle is something you will have to live with for a substantial period of time.  It will also affect the value of your home in years to follow.   Don’t rush choosing a color of shingling for your new roof.

Talk with your roofing contractor

Ask for an opinion from roofing contractors that are estimating the cost of your new roof.  They have presumably seen a million different combinations of shingle colors and exteriors that work well with one another.  They can share colors that compliment your home’s exterior structure and current siding.  When choosing a shingle color choose one that does not clash with the trim and siding as these larger pieces have the biggest impact on your homes curb appeal.

Go over all of your options

Within the shingle market there are many different, unique options.  Consider your homes architecture to help guide your new shingle purchase.  Does your exterior mix better with a singular color shingle or a blend of multiple color shingles?

Use available technology

Technology is one of the greatest tools in home renovations of our generation.  Many shingle manufactures and roofing contractors have the ability to download a photo of your current home while uploading different color shingles and roofing combinations.  This can help you visualize the new roof with the current exterior or future updated exterior changes.

Examine the shingles in person

Look at the shingles in person.  The colors of the shingles will look different in person.  You should have your roofing contractor take the different color samples up on to the roof while you roof at them from below.  Something that is busy up close may be the perfect blend at a distance.

Check out the roofs in your neighborhood

Don’t go radically different when choosing a color for your shingles than that of our neighbors especially within a neighborhood where homes are lumped closely together.  Your home will look out of place and will garner unwanted negative attention.  You don’t want your house to be known as the house that is totally out of place.

Understand your home’s unique style

Although you don’t want your home to stand out as radically different from the others you do want it to stick out.  Compliment your home’s unique style with shingles that are unique but flattering in a positive way.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Popularity In Choosing Reconditioned Manufacturing Parts and Equipment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many reasons to consider buying used reconditioned electrical equipment to replace or repair equipment within your manufacturing facility.  Feeling confident when purchasing refurbished and reconditioned electrical supplies is simple; the market demands high quality equipment and that is what you can expect out of electrical equipment that has been reconditioned.

There are many reasons why the popularity of equipment and supplies that have been reconditioned has risen.  In this article we will explain how price, availability, warranties and quality testing help to create a positive return on your investment when purchasing and using reconditioned electrical equipment over new surplus.

Price: On average a company can save anywhere from fifty to seventy five percent on the cost of electrical equipment when buying reconditioned equipment over the cost of new surplus.  Over time this savings can really add up for your company.  Why not save money where you can especially when there is very little difference between purchasing new over reconditioned electrical equipment.

Availability: The availability of reconditioned products over new is a huge benefit when it comes to making a purchase.  New inventory, equipment and replacement parts, often take a substantial amount of time to come in.  Most manufactures do not keep inventory in stock of a wide selection of new equipment. Lead times to order these products can take anywhere from a week to several months.  This is not conducive to fixing an issue right now.  Used reconditioned equipment can be in hand as fast as it takes the product to ship.  Electrical supply companies tend to stock an abundance of reconditioned electrical equipment so that when an issue arises they can ship the product directly to you minimizing additional down time for your business.

Warranty:  Another benefit of purchasing reconditioned electrical equipment is the warranty that is issued.  Reputable companies will offer a one year warranty on all reconditioned electrical supply purchases.  This is equivalent to what most manufactures offer on new surplus.

Quality: The standards when purchasing equipment that has been reconditioned is fairly stringent.  Electrical parts are fully disassembled.  From there each and every part is cleaned and thoroughly inspected.  Parts are then painted, reassembled and tested.  Products are tested to ensure that they are as close to new as possible.  Each product must meet or exceed the manufacturers UL certification.  Voltage withstands all tests from one phase to another to the ground.

When equipment is not longer manufactured you may not have a choice other than to purchase reconditioned parts.  This is something that occurs frequently as technology changes.  Components are reconditioned to ensure that your manufacturing equipment doesn’t also become obsolete when parts fail.  Equipment is an expense that most business owners don’t want to make until they have exhausted all other options.  Another major benefit in when it comes to the reconditioned electrical component market.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Selecting a Quality Aluminum Fence

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As you are choosing which style of decorative aluminum fence to install it is important to understand that not all aluminum fencing is created equally.  If low quality aluminum is used in the making of your fence you could be in for troubles down the road.  Lesser quality materials lead to weak fence panels that will not withstand normal wear and tear, let alone the beating pool fencing takes throughout the summer months.  Low grade material used in aluminum fence also leads to an inferior finish making your fence age fast and take away the aesthetic beauty of aluminum.

Do research on the company you are looking to purchase fencing from to ensure the quality of your new fence.  One thing to look for is the warranty offered.  Top model fencing will offer a lifetime warranty against manufacture defects.  It is crucial to find out about the warranty that is offered when looking into ordering aluminum fence panels online.  If you don’t see a lifetime warranty it is time to move on to another company no matter how inexpensive the fencing is.

Another choice you have when it comes to aluminum fencing is picking a style that suits your home, landscape or pool area.  There are a variety of options when it comes to ornamental fencing options, handrails and bottom panel designs.  Not only do you have choices when it comes to the decorative options in aluminum fence but also the grade of fencing, the color and the height.

Most companies offer a variety of grades including residential, commercial, industrial and pool grade.  Colors vary a great deal from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Black aluminum fencing continues to be the most popular options but other color options include bronze, white, green, beige and sandstone to name a few.  The height of your fence also will vary depending on what look you are going for.  It is important to note that standard regulations for pool fencing and B.O.C.A. regulations state the fence enclosing the pool area must be a minimum height of forty eight inches.  It is also important in aluminum pool fence have a self closing, self latching aluminum gate.

There is a lot to think about when ordering your new fence.  The best advice I can give to you is to find an online company to work with that also offers expert fence contractors to speak with when going through the entire fence process from measuring your yard, ordering fencing and the installation process.

iFenceUSA offers a variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying aluminum fences shipped factory-direct from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Basic Principles in Product Packaging and Labeling Design

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Within business it is common knowledge that the products packaging is a distinctive part of marketing and production.  The package plays a vital role in the success of your product.  Learning about the role of the packaging process as well as label design can help you achieve the best marketing mix for your product.

In order to guide you there are significant principles that need to be pursued in terms of product packaging and label design.  Below you will find some key considerations that will allow you to determine how to successfully package your product and label your product.

  • Influential Packaging:  Your products package and label can influence the buying behavior of consumers.  One of the newest, most economical packaging options includes flexible packaging.  The best part about flexible packaging is that it not only contains the product but also the products label as well.  A package that is not only aesthetically beautiful but also functional is one that will draw consumers to purchase your product.  Your package must allow consumers to compare competitive products while allowing them to identify the benefits that your product offers over the competition.
  • Call to Mind Packaging: Another thing your package and label must do is create something that is easy to recall.  Competition amongst products can often be quite overwhelming.  When looking at a shelf of comparative products it is important that your package and label stand out and are easy to recall when a choice needs to be made.  Brand recall is an important aspect of your marketing mix.  If consumers can’t find your product quickly while shopping they will look elsewhere.  Create a package and label that is quick to recall amongst the competition.
  • Enhanced Over Competitors Packaging:  Your products package and label needs to stand out over the competition.  One way that odd shaped product packages can do this is with shrink sleeve labeling.  Shrink sleeves allow for three hundred and sixty degrees of design while allowing the package to be any shape desired.  Shrink sleeve labels allow you accentuate the worth of your product as well.

In order to achieve the maximum benefits of your products package it is important to follow the basic guidelines and principles above.  When you follow the basics above you can ensure your time, effort and money will not be wasted on a worthless packaging and labeling design.  Your products package and label are truly one of the most important aspects of the marketing mix.

 

Anchor Printing

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Overcoming The Challenges Summer Brings To Divorced Parents

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Summer vacation is a difficult time for many working parents.  It is stressful to consider what your children will be doing day in and day out throughout the summer while you are working.  Will they be at summer camp?  How will you afford that extra expense or that of child care?  The challenges faced double when it comes to couples that are divorced and sharing time and expenses.  Below are some of the most common mistakes when it comes to summertime with divorced parents.

Summertime is not the time to have a vague parenting plan or a non-existing one.  A detailed parenting plan is necessary in the summer to make for hassle free planning.  It can also help to avoid the monetary issues related summer plans and your children.  Before summer begins have a detailed written plan that states exactly what weeks the children will be with each parent as well as who is to pay for camps, childcare and other extra activities that come about during the summer.  This will help circumvent issues before they arise.

As a result of the divorce there are fewer finances available for summertime fun.  With this in mind it is important to remember that not everything your children did during the summer prior to the divorce is going to be financially able to be done now.  Money is divided differently and therefore activities that are done are different as well.  This is also the case if one parent stayed home with the children during the summer before you were divorced.  This luxury is most likely not available to parents that are newly divorced and childcare will need to be planned and budgeted for.   It is important to remember that fun times and memories of childhood summers don’t come from money spent rather time spent.

With divorce comes conflict between parents and differences of opinions.  This happens a lot with divorce, parental styles tend to change and summer time makes this more evident than ever before.  When parents are not on the same wave length when it comes to parenting the children can often feel the stress.  Don’t allow yourself to be succumbed to arguing over each and every detail that summer brings.

To avoid chaos over summer vacation it is important that you meet with your divorce attorney to ensure that your parenting plan is detailed and realistic.  If nothing is in place addressing summer directly it is important to have a meeting of the minds.  If there are drastic differences you may want to meet with your divorce attorneys and a mediator to establish a plan, a routine and a financial order to cover the bases of summer.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce throughout Trenton and the surrounding Michigan areas. Find us at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Longton Law

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Planning For Summer As A Divorced Parent

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Summer is a tricky time for divorced parents.  Below you will find some hands on tips to create a summer with less stress and minimal conflict.

A key element to summer is structure.  Parents who are separated or divorced must have a plan in place that helps to define how their children time will be spent throughout the summer months.  If planning your children’s summer out together is too much for the two of you to handle alone meet with your divorce attorney’s present with a mediator to establish clearly the division of time.  This way each parent can structure their children’s summers as they see fit when they are in their custody.  If one parent is pro summer camp then set up an arrangement where they attend camp while with that parent and they also assume the cost.

Expenses throughout the summer need to be planned out carefully.  Childcare is large expense that may not have been a part of the equation in past summers.  Again, the cost of childcare is something that needs to be specifically addressed.  Clarity with these situations will help prevent surprises.  This process can be seamless with the help of your divorce attorney and a mediator.

Summer can often be a time of last minute changes.  This may not work well if you are not able to communicate with your ex-spouse.  To avoid any unnecessary conflicts for your children don’t assume that your last minute plans and changes will not be met with resistance.  When these occasions occur put yourself in their shoes.   The changes you are making may interfere with plans that they have set in stone.  Follow the written plan that is in place.  If you need to make changes or are asking for your ex to adjust time request the change in writing with as much advanced warning as possible.  Don’t put your children in the middle if your spouse declines and chooses to remain true to the schedule set in place.

Try to put all other personal conflicts aside when working out a parenting plan for the summer.  Detach yourself from other conflicts and divide them into smaller more manageable pieces.  Don’t let your feelings towards one another affect summertime fun.  Never try to outdo each other.  Your goal as parents throughout the summer should be clearly defined, financially reasonable and simple to accomplish.  It is only three months; a plan should be established and followed by both parents.

Don’t involve your children in summertime conflicts.  Make sure that summer is kept carefree and filled with memories.  Memories don’t cost money.   Make sure you understand even the simplest day trip can make a long lasting impression upon your child.  After a divorce it is especially important to understand that your children want your time and attention not fancy vacations and non-stop summer camps.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce.  For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Longton Law

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Upgrade Your Home With Kitchen Renovations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Nothing updates a home quicker than a kitchen renovation.  Don’t think that your dream kitchen and upgrades need to come with an extreme price tag either.  Using the tips below and by hiring the right contractor you can reinvent your kitchen with limited funds and little stress.

The first thing to any home renovation is with the materials you choose.  Always choose quality materials as they really do change the total feel of the space.  Many contractors have an inside relationship with local nters where they can get exceptional discounts or deals on quality merchandise that may be limited or soon to be out of stock.  With this inside edge it is easier than ever to avoid having to use subpar materials in your renovation.

Consider the height of the cabinets. If you have a small space it is important to utilize as much of it as you can for storage.  With this in mind choose cabinetry that goes from the floor to the ceiling.  This will allow you to use extra wall space for other uses.

Purchase naked cabinetry to lessen the expense.  You can choose to either stain or paint your cabinets.  Stained wood is often the most forgiving but quickly becomes dated.  Brush painted cabinets can lead to a unique look in cabinetry but if not done properly can cheapen the look of your cabinets.  This is really up to the homeowner’s style and the look desired for the kitchen space.

No matter what details you decide to forgo never should one be the countertop.  Using the right material on your countertops will provide elegance to any kitchen space.  Slate, limestone, granite and marble are all amazing choices for a sleek kitchen renovation.  Consider mixing and matching complimentary materials to create a unique kitchen space.

An open, airy style island works well in any space.  Try to avoid appliances within the island space.  This tends to create a clunky, closed in feel where as in a kitchen you are looking to create an open, clean, wide open space.

Keep the kitchen renovation simple.  Don’t overdo the details and accents.  The style of your kitchen should be compatible with the entire home.  You kitchen should be an example of what is to be found throughout the rest of your home.

For a kitchen to be nightmare free avoid high maintenance materials and appliance surfaces.  Materials such as slate, brick or terra-cotta are difficult to clean.  Smooth surfaces in light colors and ceramic floors are easy to clean but not necessarily able to hide flaws or dirt.  As popular as stainless steel is the material is difficult to keep clear of smudges.  So be careful when adding these materials to your kitchen space.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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