Trucking Companies Want To Work With Freight Brokers, Why?

Trucking company proprieyou upyou up-to-date operayou recentrs have found themselves in a technological leap where all people are trying you upyou up-to-date learn, recognize, and in most of our cases installation ELD technology inyou up-to-date our vehicles. generation has slowed our transport time down with ELD and HOS hours Of service Mandate you recent the you recent that its effecting you recentmyou up-to-date traces on every small trucking business enterprise and freight brokerage in america.

These motives are the very last selection for most of us this year you recent force us you recent begin focusing on better paying lanes and less useless head. The gas costs for country wide average of diesel retain you up-to-date upward push and Trucking company owners are faced with strategic making plans. every other foremost hit the small trucking agency owners you upyou up-to-date in the usa is driving force scarcity. it's far becoming increasingly you recentughyou up-to-date you recent discover drivers who just don't end or over harm your equipment. For those essential issues you upyou up-to-date dealing with us, we need you upyou up-to-date be organized you up-to-date discover alternative measures you recent location inyou recent our business shape you up-to-date cozy extra regular freight and gain better exposure you up-to-date extra shippers.this is the job of a real freight broking who's coping with freight lanes to your trucking agency. it's vital you up-to-date that we learn the way essential a trued freight broking is you upyou up-to-date for small trucking corporation you recent you recent construct relationships with.

During the last decade truck companies have been faced by many new freight dealer retailers no longer handing over on their promises and exiting commonly with a one load quick freight load for a $ buck. The influx in freight sellers actually sent a trickle affect you up-to-date the point that shippers and vendors are having hard instances on freight rates for the inconsistency floating round within logistics you recent nonprofessional freight broking dealers since past due 2008 until now.

For these reasons vendors discover themselves these daysyou up-to-date handling agree with issues and average commercial enterprise ethics that freight dealer sellers have represented. those forms of assumptions are legitimate because everyone who very own trucks have handled shady freight brokers. In you recent world of logistics, trucking organisation you recentrsyou up-to-date these daysyou up-to-date can nevertheless locate many terrific expert Logistical service providers who are professional and able you upyou up-to-date construct freight lanes.

Overcoming the stigma and you recentyou up-to-date understand how the connection among freight agents and providers will in no way depart, its time greater you recentryou up-to-date operayou recentrs where open you up-to-date the idea of truly running with a logistics dealer who can understand their truck employer and assist develop freight lanes on behalf of their truck organization's gain.

Trucking organisation proprieyou upyou up-to-date need you up-to-date understand that the countrywide common of freight moved within the back of vans you recentday in america is 70%. this means that a variety of freight can't be had by means of going direct with the shipper. The shippers of america you up-to-date are connecting you recent EDI systems (digital Distribution Interchange generation lets in shippers you recentyou up-to-date their supply needs you up-to-date an online community of logistics options inside one most important system). inside logistics we geeks call this a laugh and exciting because it allows us you recent higher manage freight lanes and see destiny forecast within lane fees.

Asset groups s who are smaller in length discover it you upyou up-to-date you recent connect you upyou up-to-date better loads or you recent recreate lanes that they formerly misplaced and preserve vans on the road with much less lifeless head miles and higher fees. a real fright dealer organization will help you over those limitations and represent you inyou recent more solutions through generation that offers actual freight loads that pay.

You up-to-date logistical you recentryyou up-to-date's you recent search for whilst working with 3pl organizations and freight agents are:

A real Freight dealer shouldyou up-to-date provide your business with those services:

• a real freight dealer may have a longtime logistical area of interest inside sure industries. He or you recent have the capability you recent manage your freight needs and be you recentyou up-to-date forecast with new direct freight loads that permit your system you up-to-date benefit consistency.

• a true Freight broking Agent will have your vans within positive geographic areas that permits you you upyou up-to-date the sort of drivers and equipment you've got inside key markets.

• a real Freight broking will construct your freight lanes inyou recent solid consistency with masses that connect you immediately you recent the freight source shifting out of your vicinity and returned inyou up-to-date freight terminal places.

• a real Freight broking is spot on when they dispatch your vehicles and manipulate your test requires timely deliverance. They insure the motive force has all of the information needed and on name for help with pickup and delivery of their assigned load.

• a true Freight dealer will help you along with your compliance and IFTA reviews by using imparting you with exact reporting to your freight loads for your convenience.

• a true Freight broker is retaining with protection and renovation compliance statistics and any new mandates or laws that affect your trucking corporation. it's miles their process you up-to-date make sure your continually informed and prepared for over the street compliance through nation.

• a true Freight dealer maintains your drivers satisfied with GPS and TMS services with outstanding conversation competencies you recent assist the motive force with load issues or compliance problems with the weight motion.

• a real Freight dealer Agent is someone who does not work alone and has a stable team who help them in maintaining your trucking agency shifting ahead.

There are many other attributes that handiest you recent describe you up-to-date what I consider is a real freight broking agent and running with one can help any trucking company get a higher solid basis for boom and stability for his or her complete truck loads. Freight brokers shouldyou up-to-date constantly preserve the service first with constructing more lanes that offers steady freight and they you recentyou up-to-date constantly be representing your organization you recent extra shippers with freight options. through both parties operating you recent these lanes can without difficulty be created quickly and each benefit from the volume of consistency. I individually feel that a small trucking enterprise can be extra worthwhile faster by using running intently with their freight dealer.

Operating with a freight dealer can be profitable if each events are targeted on the same industry. because of this, trucking business enterprise you recentrsyou up-to-date want you recent choose freight agents who are targeted at the right enterprise that suits their equipment. Trailers determine the freight which you haul, so trucking business enterprise you recent do now not want you recent reinvest inyou up-to-date new trailers, because of this it is higher you recent construct with what you have got and develop inside the niche with the proper freight broking who is currently running inside this niche for freight offerings. The antique pronouncing of do one component nicely and do it the pleasant is authentic in this case. provide consistency on your trucking agency with the same system. This enables the freight dealer you recent reach out further in growing better shipper options on behalf of the trucking organization and the services the dealer is you recentcapable of provide the shipper can create better outcomes for each teams.

What You Must Know About Getting Your Bank Instruments

This methodology in its truest essence dates again to the 1940's quickly after WWII whereby heads of states and banks got here collectively to think up ways wherein cash could be generated to rebuild Europe which as completely devastated as a result of the battle. This assembly was called Bretton Woods.

Rapid forward to nowadays, the method can and is used to raise money for infrastructure initiatives around the sector. big economic our bodies inclusive of the world bank and the IMF use specialized trading applications which generate sufficient cash to move closer to huge infrastructure venture investment.

There is a commonplace false impression about monetizing bank units and most people, brokers protected, have very little to no expertise on what it takes to effectively monetize a financial institution device.

Financial institution device Misconceptions

It isn't uncommon for plenty individuals to think that if they have a bank instrument such as a Standby Letter Of credit (SBLC) from a bank, they are able to coins it in. these individuals expect that the service issuer (Monetiser) will routinely give them several million in cash much like that. but the fact is a whole lot unique.

In truth, there are many folks who buy a Standby Letter of credit and are then taken aback to analyze that their newly bought financial institution instrument was never designed to be monetized initially. The bank tool is consequently deemed nugatory for his or her intended functions.

Reason Of A bank instruments

SBLC'S issued for monetization or for the purpose of securing lines of credit have a tendency to be worded specially and should consist of positive terminology. now not all SBLC's are supposed for monetization so it's miles important to understand what you paying for and what you are becoming to make certain that it will work on your meant reason.

The reality of the matter is that having the cash to buy a bank device does not robotically imply that your SBLC can or will be monetized. As properly, there are constrained carrier providers who are within the enterprise of Monetizing financial institution units.

If the motive of having a bank tool issued is for task investment, it's miles critical to word that all the 'components' have to be in place. some other words the SBLC company, bank provider, Monetiser and trader all have to be in sync with each other to face the satisfactory danger of raising funds for project investment.

SBLC concerns

# Provider company

preferably, you need to understand who can be monetizing your financial institution device earlier than you buy it. this can now not be impending to begin with if you are using the offerings of a broker and are taking an tool you already have to your ownership to them. agents will have a tendency to ask for a duplicate of your device first and run it beyond their company to see if indeed it could be monetised? You need to also remember that not all SBLC's are the identical.

# Bank instrument Issuance and bank score

next, take note of wherein the Standby Letter Of credit is coming from? this can have a large impact on now not simplest whether the tool may be monetised but additionally how a great deal LTV (mortgage to value) you may anticipate to acquire? as an instance units from say the United Kingdom might have a far higher credit score than an instrument from Argentina. The jurisdictions and felony ramifications are not the equal and you have to recognise and apprehend the variations. this can also have an effect on the bank tool's fee and acceptability to Monetizing 1/3 events.

# Bank tool Wording

If possible, ask for a replica of the DOA which must have a sample of the wording of the quick MT-760 (the actual SBLC) and study it cautiously. be aware of every word and have it reviewed by means of professionals and the beneficiary prior to paying for it. affirm if the financial institution device is suitable for monetization and if feasible, try to find a carrier company who will monetize it in advance. at the same time as it involves greater paintings up front, it'll pay off inside the long time. There are  key phrases you want to search for whilst reviewing the text being "coins backed." maximum monetisers will not be able to do something with a financial institution tool which is not cash sponsored.

# Buying An SBLC For A Line Of credit

if you are organising a credit score line together with your bank, it'll be helpful to them if you can display them the textual content in advance of time. but, simply displaying someone your SBLC textual content might not be enough to set up a credit score line. Of direction the text is the primary element a Monetiser will examine however its far from the best component we are able to don't forget.

Monetizing financial institution contraptions; matters To consider

There are several matters well worth considering. as an instance while the usage of a financial institution tool to raise price range for a mission, a strong marketing strategy and stable relationships are an amazing begin. In different phrases, you have to have an actual undertaking and a pro business plan.

If your entire marketing strategy become to get the Standby Letter Of credit after which ship emails to organizations worried in monetizing bank instruments in hopes of locating someone to provide you coins, then this would now not be taken into consideration as a 'marketing strategy.'

# Different supporting Documentation

If you have a stable written business plan for a brand new organization say within the strength zone in addition to PPA's and stale-take agreements in area and need a bank guarantee to cozy credit traces, this would more than likely bode nicely with the financial institution.

The key's that you should have your office work collectively and you must have a tangible manner to make cash out of your venture or funding. those are the things which credit score companies are looking for. ultimately the bank should like and consider to your challenge in case you are trying to them to raise credit score towards a financial institution tool. anybody should buy an SBLC however handiest those who've executed the hard paintings and homework will stand a great chance to get the device monetized or have a credit score line initiated if this is your quit purpose.

# Your own credit Line

In case you are happening the direction of getting a 3rd party block tens of millions of bucks to set up a credit line for you subsidized by way of a bank instrument, be prepared to listen and follow instructions from the credit provider - they're supporting you and no longer the opposite manner spherical. you are propositioning the investor, now not the other way around. It is not uncommon for the mission sponsor to be of the notion that theirs is the most essential venture and that their demands have to be met. It would not paintings that manner.

If the credit score line company has set tactics and pointers to adhere to, it is nicely cautioned to conform with their strategies. One issue for positive, service carriers are in need given the lack of liquidity inside the banking international and consequently they could pick out and select whom they want to paintings with. we have witnessed many provider companies walk away from transactions due to clients being tough and uncooperative.

Be organized to submit a complete corporate statistics Sheet (or Biography/utility) to your employer and its officials along with a entire business plan. in the case of monetising an tool, be organized to submit the text of your SBLC. explain the way you received the bank tool and why you need it monetized.

# Your exit approach Plan

Cross into detail approximately how you plan to exit this approach and how you intend to go back the tool at the give up of the time period. however inside the case of monetising an tool, the monetiser could be accountable for returning the instrument on the quit of the term. In essence you will be assigning the tool to the monetiser so as for it to be monetised. Be conscious that you may need to expose proof Of funds (financial institution statements, not blocked budget) in lots of instances. in case you follow the instructions and what's required of you, there should not be a hassle in having your line of credit score hooked up and/or having your SBLC monetised.

Working Spaces for Business Travelers

Traveling is a totally simple factor of each commercial enterprise group. meeting with the partners and remote coworkers sometimes is critical to heighten the increase of the enterprise. generally, the commercial enterprise executives decide on conferences in man or woman. For endless reasons you could should journey to specific cities or countries and host enterprise meetings.

But, the work ethics has modified extensively in the world, making things extra digitalized however there are not enough ideas inside the international which could placed an cease to commercial enterprise traveling. while hotel conference rooms are always a select for the business visitors, the meetings can also be held in the coworking spaces.

Hotel convention rooms fee immensely to set up meetings. And seeing that these conferences are quite frequent, you continually search for an outlet which could save you a few cash. So today, we can be discussing a number of the picks that you have to keep conferences or presentation for your business-

Commercial enterprise facilities- initially, we would really like to introduce commercial enterprise facilities as your preliminary choice of holding enterprise meetings. This alternative does now not require any former investment. The presentation rooms and business assembly rooms are rented on hourly basis or for days. you could rent the room as in line with your needs. most of those places are ready with net, printers, workstations, assembly tables in unique sitting capacities, projectors, and many others. The business centers are designed to offer you actual-life workplace enjoy on a remote location.

Commercial enterprise resorts- As we have been discussing earlier, commercial enterprise motels is the not unusual-most preference of every enterprise traveller to host enterprise conferences. those resorts commonly have meeting rooms, classrooms, personal office, character desks and so on. the atmosphere is brilliant and you can additionally quick set up lunch for the customers. The commercial enterprise inns are commonly ready with all the important amenities that you may need to preserve conferences. The rent but is a difficult detail. you may discover enterprise hotels to fee hugely for the services delivered. you can hire it for hours or days, as consistent with your needs. Of path, you can additionally stay on the same lodge and make preparations for the meeting.

Coworking spaces- one of the most pragmatic option that is available on an lower priced fee are the coworking areas. Coworking spaces are nevertheless developing their market as not many commercial enterprise humans recognize approximately it. those offices are available at low charges and may be rented for hours or days. they have got exceptional suitable for specific sorts of specialists. The services which you get at coworking areas are net, projectors, meeting rooms, and many others. you could also behavior conferences inside the dedicated coworking locations and meet new human beings. this can also help you to hook up with experts that may assist you together with your business as nicely. it's miles an excellent desire for the experts with finances constraint.

What You Must Know About FOB

FOB is an vital term related to the delivery of products. It stands for "freight on board" or "loose on board" indicating the designation while the ownership or liability of goods gets transferred from the vendor to the buyer. The term FOB is often puzzling for plenty in the delivery enterprise. but, it's miles essential that each dealers and consumers need to recognize the proper FOB definition and scope so that they do now not grow to be in losing greenbacks. This time period determines the responsibility of the birthday party for bearing the prices of freight and also decides the point of time when the cargo is surpassed over from the sellers to the buyers.

As an instance, in case of worldwide shipping, FOB indicates that the consignor is going to bear the loading price and the transportation value for sending the goods to the port. The consignee bears costs related to coverage, ocean freight, unloading and the transportation cost of the goods from the port to the actual destination. the seller in this case passes over the danger of the goods to the buyer while there's the loading of products at the port for shipment.

Difference between beginning And destination:

FOB beginning indicates that the possession of the goods is transferred as soon as in receives out of the arms of the vendor. If transport of the goods is needed then it is the buyer's obligation and he or she has to endure the fees. This form of transaction is regularly noted the city name like FOB Boston, FOB San Francisco, and many others.

FOB vacation spot, then again, suggests that ownership of goods is transferred to the customer when the original products reach your step of the client. right here, the vendor has to set up for the transportation of the goods for which either he will pay or fees the customer for the charges. the vendor additionally has to be accountable in case the goods go through any harm at the same time as en path.

FOB comes extra into the image when there are wholesale or B2B shipments of big items

There are four approaches wherein the FOB time period is included inside the files for transport:

1.     FOB (location of origin)- Freight accumulate
2.     FOB (location of beginning)- Freight prepaid
3.     FOB (vicinity of vacation spot)- Freight gather
4.     FOB (place of vacation spot)- Freight prepaid

It's far vital that the shippers apprehend the FOB designations nicely specifically in case of damages to the products. some of the receiving docks completely deny the shipping of the broken items with out accepting the damage notation. however, when a cargo is special well, it's far clear that the harm hazard has to be borne by using the vendor or the customer. In such cases, there may be no question of confusion. moreover, the Incoterm 2010 has additionally amended the definition of FOB which has made the sale contracts easier and understandable via all.

Why Does FOB be counted?

The term is especially vital for those agencies who are engaged in shipping big portions of goods. A clean idea of the FOB time period enables in knowledge the legal responsibility of the birthday celebration concerning the safety in the shipping of the cargo. It additionally helps the customer and the seller in knowing which party owns the substances at a particular point of the shipping cycle. This facts is likewise useful for the accountants who can keep instant facts of the transactions on the basis of FOB. moreover, the time period is likewise beneficial in right logistics control.

Sales Tax And FOB:

In case you are falling within the nexus of any kingdom which charges promoting taxes on cargo, then FOB can be your buddy. For the packages which have FOB beginning marked on them, the client can pay the freight charges at once by means of contracting with a shipper. for that reason, the seller has no function here. The buyer does now not have to bear income taxes as he has already paid the freight costs which most of the states don't forget exempted.

When humans find the time period quite complicated to apprehend and interpret, they often take the help of specialists who are professional inside the discipline. This ensures that you comply with the terms with none faults and the shipments get controlled pretty fast. FOB incoterms is any other interesting factor which the delivery enterprise have to be aware of and know approximately in info.

How to Finding The Right Route Delivery Business - Services

There are various kinds of independent distribution routes. while shopping for a path, it's essential to become aware of and buy a earnings-generating and equity-constructing course shipping commercial enterprise. There are extraordinary forms of course delivery companies which can be to be had at exclusive places. mastering the one of a kind kinds of routes available and their precise functions will move a protracted way in helping you to make an informed selection approximately the right route business you need to task into.

The exceptional course sorts in conjunction with their specific functions are:

Snacks Routes: This a direction which is offered by using organizations along with Snyder's-Lance, project Tortilla, Tim's Cascade, Utz, and so on. This particular kind of path commercial enterprise calls for a decrease bodily level of as merchandise are added in packing containers. Its autonomy is very excessive although management from suppliers facilitates increase sales. Financing is sort of always to be had thru the supplier's banking accomplice.

Cookies Routes: This route which is offered via companies along with Pepperidge Farm, Voortman's and so forth. This precise sort of route commercial enterprise requires a decrease physical degree of as merchandise are smooth to transport and have very long expiration codes. Its autonomy may be very excessive even though management from suppliers helps growth income. Financing is to be had for larger corporations consisting of Pepperidge Farm while smaller organizations won't have any.

ATM Routes: This specific kind of direction enterprise has complete autonomy and requires very little physical effort as coins is the handiest product being disbursed. Financing comes via a 3rd celebration as it's miles nearly usually bought at once from the proprietor to the impartial operators.

Merchandising Routes: This a direction which is obtainable via groups which includes healthy You. This unique form of course business has complete autonomy and calls for slight bodily effort as drinks are the maximum bulky product. Financing comes through a third birthday party as it is almost continually offered without delay from the owner to the unbiased operators.

Bread Routes: this is Bread route which is offered by way of corporations which include Pepperidge Farm, Holsum, Bimbo, Sara Lee, Arnold, Martin's and lots of different neighborhood bakeries. This unique type of bread routes on the market business requires a higher physical stage of as products are heavy and are mostly introduced in big stacks. Its autonomy is very high even though control from suppliers allows increase sales. Financing is almost constantly available thru the supplier's banking associate.

Pool Routes: This particular kind of course business has entire autonomy and calls for moderate bodily effort. Financing comes via a 3rd party as it is nearly always bought immediately from the proprietor to the impartial operators

The capabilities mentioned above are normally proper for each of the business types, despite the fact that unbiased routes can range. knowing these types of info will permit you to make an tell choice approximately the route transport business that is right for you.

Benefits of Business in Multilingual Markets

This day and age has visible the rise of a brand new kind of small enterprise, the micro-multinational. The internet and globalization have opened up lots of opportunities for neighborhood companies to increase their attain to cowl a larger geographical vicinity. Going global is not the only purview of the "big boys." there's an issue, however, going through all organizations eyeing the global stage - the language barrier.

The function of language in extending geographical attain

Just outside the borders of the U.S., for example, you come upon two different predominant languages, French (in Canada) and Spanish (in valuable and South the usa). accomplishing geographically closer to those countries is logistically very possible. however, and it's a large but, attaining out linguistically is some other count number altogether.

You could have people who already talk French or Spanish. those humans, though, will in all likelihood nevertheless be homegrown people with an American mind-set reflecting an American "which means" underlying their use of these languages. This distinction in "meaning" that underlies usage can potentially cause negative miscommunication that cause unfavourable false impression. The result, in place of establishing a door, you're closing it.

Then again, culturally appropriate conversation sends a completely unique subliminal message. It says in your could-be patron that you care enough to go to the hassle. It says you care enough that you are inclined to spend sources to be truely understood. It says you need to talk to them on their phrases, now not just yours, in a meeting of the minds.

Breaking the language barrier isn't always an in a single day aspect

Getting your message throughout cannot be completed "in a single day" through simple, truthful translation. it's far a manner, which must be repeated with every neighborhood subculture and nearby language or dialect you're pointing your commercial enterprise at.

You both lease a person who knows each your subculture and the goal culture from the factor of view of a local, or you could get a validated 0.33-birthday party professional in this subject, together with Multilingual Connections. the following step might be to tailor your organisation's branding, message and image so it "interprets" accurately into the local way of life and language. this indicates the words and the portrayal might also appear specific but the core and the cause is a mirror of yours on your language and subculture.

Then comes every other crucial juncture, key employees want to be trained in the quirks of the goal language and the nearby subculture the use of it. This knowledge ought to also be allowed to progressively seep in into your complete table of employer. if you have a satellite tv for pc infrastructure or enterprise already in place to your goal market, they want to mirror that procedure however with your subculture and your language because the concern of inner schooling.

Language is a key differentiator

Achieving beyond america's borders has by no means been more feasible than it's far nowadays. however, extending your geographical reach correctly manner addressing the language barrier successfully, too. it's miles a prime lengthy-term investment that entails the participation of anyone for your enterprise, particularly for key people and the relaxation to a point or every other as you may deem essential. it's going to in the long run differentiate you out of your opposition. just believe all of the other little matters clear conversation brings with it.

As marketers in a digital global trying to attain a worldwide market, the reality is that a massive part of your global target market does now not speak English, and lots of people who do are nevertheless now not looking for content material in English but rather in their own local languages. imparting your content inside the languages you are targeting, as part of your international advertising efforts, will translate some distance beyond simply delivering a bigger quantity of global visits: it's going to additionally assist broaden closer, greater engaging relationships together with your clients and power extra direct enterprise consequences.

Payroll Services Easy the Process of Small Business

Emerging groups are too busy developing center strategies and handling workflow and patron relations that they often make a hash of many important factors which call for their interest. One such factor is payroll.

Payroll is one of the essential elements of an corporation. some of small companies which are of their infancy forget about the importance of setting up a proper payroll department, proclaiming that their customers are greater essential for them. This approach frequently causes delays in income distribution.

Maximum of their reliable assets step lower back. Now the query that arises here is, would you be able to meet your clients' desires in case your dependable humans depart you? What could be you response in your consumer whose task is halted within the middle of nowhere?

Not even massive corporations need to lose their hardworking human beings. A small commercial enterprise can't truly come up with the money for this loss. To hold your first-class personnel with you, you want to make sure that their salaries are distributed on time.

Key responsibilities of Payroll department

•     Timekeeping
•     Recordkeeping
•     Processing paychecks on time
•     Accounting
•     paintings with HR department hand in hand

Coping with a lot of these responsibilities, your payroll department or accomplice makes an attempt to construct and keep a tremendous photo of your newly-installed enterprise in the marketplace.

Now not every small commercial enterprise has budget required for instituting an in-house payroll branch. if you are an emergent business enterprise and this seems like your case, maybe you could hire a small business payroll provider. these provider vendors can expertly handle your corporation's accounting, financial affairs, employee management, and income distribution.

Outsourcing payroll processing for small groups is of their interest. here's how:

Comfort: the burden of attendance, timekeeping, preparing exams, and transferring earnings into your personnel' financial institution account is in your payroll partner.

Rightfulness: Accuracy in profits calculation and at some point of transactions affects whilst you take charge of earnings distribution by way of your self whilst appearing other center activities for your commercial enterprise. A expert payroll associate can alleviate the possibilities of all such errors and blemishes.

Compliance: it's far quite commonplace for an entrepreneur like you to be blind to payroll- and revenue-related compliances mandated by the kingdom and federal governments. if your service issuer is the first-rate small commercial enterprise payroll company in your location, then you can make sure that your enterprise adheres to the policies and guidelines.