Drayage Brokersin Atlanta, GA
Contact RelyEx today to quote your next shipment.
Unique Logistics Solutions to Complex Container Drayage Issues
Today, more than 80% of global shipping involves containers. They're packed with everything from personal storage items in dry containers to heavy machinery on flat rack containers. For business owners shipping products, getting a container from point A to point B requires precise planning and high-level tracking. But that's easier said than done when global supply chains become over-congested, leading to loading time issues and delays.
That's bad news for business owners who are already under a massive amount of stress. The truth is that container storage delays can cripple a business, but there's a viable solution: drayage brokers in Atlanta, GA like RelyEx. Drayage companies provide unique solutions to minimize demurrage and help ensure the successful delivery of your freight.
With more than 30 combined years of experience and a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx has quickly become the first choice for streamlined, efficient drayage services. To understand the true value of RelyEx's offerings in the global logistics industry, it helps to understand first what drayage is and why it's used.
What is Drayage and Why Is It Important?
If you're a seasoned business owner who uses port drayage to transport your products, you know exactly how important the service can be. But if you were to poll a group of random people, you may get five different definitions of the term "drayage." That begs the question, how is one of the most crucial steps in the supply chain and most vital components of global trade such a confusing concept? When you break it down, it's not too difficult to grasp.
Drayage, by definition, means the transportation of freight from an ocean port to another destination. Today, drayage is also used to describe the process of transporting products and goods over short distances or over "the first mile."
While drayage often means short-distance movements during the supply chain process, it's primarily used in the container shipping space. Drayage loads usually have arrival and departure points in the same city and don't include long-haul, national transportation.
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Because a drayage load can mean a few different things, confusion among carriers is common. Many carriers link drayage with going into a port, but that isn't always true. While all drayage loads typically originate from a port of entry, there are often several legs of a drayage journey before a container turns up at its final stop. Legs of a drayage load may include:
Why Are Drayage Companies in Atlanta, GA So Important?
You may be thinking, what's so important about drayage? It's such a small step in the container storage transport process. In reality, it's an integral piece needed in the logistics industry and a crucial part of U.S. supply chain management.
To truly understand the importance of drayage, let's use flowers as an example. Most cut flower shipments enter the market from areas in South America until they end up at Dutch auction houses. Once there, wholesalers purchase flowers in bulk and send those products to retail outlets worldwide. Because flowers are perishable, they typically need to be refrigerated and are often shipped in reefer containers. These refrigerated vessels must maintain a certain temp to prevent loss.
Drayage companies like RelyEx allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services. Drayage companies allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind, because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services.
If port drayage is compromised, it can cause delays and even fines. You know the packages you get delivered to your front door from apps like Amazon? Without drayage and drayage brokers, one or two-day shipping times wouldn't even be possible.
As a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone, it seems like drayage shipping issues shouldn't exist. But the fact is inefficiencies and congestion are still major problems at ports. Whether it's a lack of carriers, absent chassis, or overburdened terminals, delays lead to missed deadlines, lost revenue, and worse.
But anytime challenges exist, so too do innovative solutions.
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The RelyEx Difference
RelyEx was created because our founders saw a need in the logistics space for more reliability and efficiency. The reality of the shipping and logistics industry is that it has become very transactional. It's an odd evolution, because most businesses seek a third-party logistics partner that is accessible, transparent, and committed to providing solutions.
As the logistics space continues to grow, it creates newfound expenses and complexities. Clients like ours know that and need a supply chain partner who is genuinely interested in their business. By understanding the needs of our customers and carriers, we can provide the most reliable, effective drayage services possible.
Unlike some drayage companies in Atlanta, GA, we begin managing your containers before they ever hit the ports by mapping out the most efficient pathways of delivery. That way, our team can discover the best drayage pathways to expedite delivery time and reduce fees that cut into profits.
Our valued drayage customers choose RelyEx because:
RelyEx Solves Problems
At RelyEx, we like to consider ourselves problem solvers. The nature of the container drayage industry presents new challenges every day, but we're firm believers that there's a solution to every hurdle we encounter. And while some drayage businesses implement a reactive approach, RelyEx customers choose us for our proactive mindset. We take pride in solving your company's drayage challenges to help you avoid frustrating fees, missed expectations, and delayed shipments. We strive to make every transaction successful and streamlined by partnering with shippers who prioritize transparent, prompt, and accurate communication.
RelyEx Has a Unique Vantage Point
RelyEx approaches your business from the customer's perspective - a unique approach that helps us provide high-quality, effective drayage services. We've been in the customers' shoes, know their pain points, and because of that, provide first-hand solutions to stressful supply chain issues. With over 30 years of collective knowledge, our team excels in:
- Inventory Management
- Logistics
- Purchasing
- Finance
Our varied, high-level drayage shipping experience helps us achieve our overarching goal: expertly managing your freight movement needs. That way, you can direct your time and focus on growing the core aspects of your business while we handle the heavy lifting. Throw in proactive planning to avoid bottleneck situations and strong communication for transparent customer relations, and you can see why so many companies trust RelyEx.
RelyEx Nurtures Strong Carrier Relationships
When it comes to shipping logistics, it only takes one mistake by a mediocre worker to disrupt your business. That's why, at RelyEx, we pride ourselves on forming and nurturing relationships with carriers who match our standards of care. Our founding partner started his career transporting freight for companies as an on-demand carrier. He uses that knowledge to maximize the resources of our carriers so that our customer's expectations aren't just met - they're exceeded.
Why Choose RelyEx as Your
Drayage Company in Atlanta, GA?
Based in the port city of Atlanta, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
Customers choose RelyEx because:
- We are a reliable drayage logistics partner that manages your freight from beginning to end
- We have a rare industry vantage point with 30+ years of client-side experience
- We foster and fortify the strongest vendor relations
- We take a proactive approach to problem-solving, not a reactive approach
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843-885-3082
Your Drayage Shipments Managed from Start to Finish
Some drayage brokers don't care how customers feel about their service as long as they sign a contract and get paid. As a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx takes the opposite approach. We're motivated by the opportunity to overachieve for our customers and to provide them with the best logistics experience possible. With professional experience as carriers and shippers ourselves, we know the roadblocks and challenges you're facing. We excel at mapping out the best plans of action to solve those problems. But that's just the start.
Our tracking experts monitor and manage every aspect of your drayage shipment from booking to delivery, 24/7. Once booked, we look for the availability of your containers hourly once they're at port. When they arrive, our team acts quickly to access your storage containers when they're available.
Plus, RelyEx ensures your company's requirements are met by the carrier during loading and delivery and provide necessary documentation as fast as possible. With real-time tracking updates and access to our customer service professionals, your team has complete visibility throughout the shipping process.
We Source Top-Notch Operators at the Best Prices
Over the years, RelyEx has built a strong network of drayage carriers, transloading locations, and container storage spaces to provide you with the best possible options to match your drayage service needs. We know that searching for quality service presents an added layer of complexity and stress to our customers. That's why we work hard to take that off your plate by connecting you with our reliable shipping partners.
With a background moving freight as an on-demand carrier, our founding partner understands how to maximize the resources and equipment of our carriers to match your needs.
We Make Transparent, Timely Communication a Priority
Like other industries, the global logistics space is complex. Mistakes will be made, and problems will happen. With those truths in mind, RelyEx has built its reputation as problem solvers. Unlike other drayage companies, we don't shy away from this industry's complexities because we take pride in solving problems. Even better, we aim to do what's needed to avoid those problems altogether.
As your logistics partner, we will provide your company with accurate, transparent, and prompt communication. If there are unexpected issues, we'll notify you immediately and will provide several options to remedy the problem. We even offer custom reporting for large clients who need at-the-moment updates and quick access to shipment documentation.
We Have Robust Project Management Experience
Why let the unpredictability of your industry dictate your success? With a background working in manufacturing, our founders are familiar with the demands of managing production schedules and sales orders. That experience makes it abundantly clear to us that every business and industry is different. If you struggle with seasonal surges or other factors, our team supports your business with a mapped-out plan and schedule, so you stay ahead of the game.
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How to Avoid
Demurrage Fees for Your Business
Based in the port city of Atlanta, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
What is shipping demurrage?
Demurrage is a charge issued by a port, carrier, or railroad company for storing containers that do not load and unload their cargo promptly. Once the daily limit of free time is exceeded, shippers are charged daily demurrage fees until their cargo is shipped. Though different ports have different policies, charges can range from $75 to $150 per container, per day, for a set number of days. Additional demurrage fees are incurred if a shipper exceeds the port's parameters.
What causes demurrage charges?
Even when shippers maintain a tight schedule for unloading freight, external factors can play an uncontrollable part. Typically, shipping mistakes caused by human error trigger the most demurrage charges. Some of the most common causes of demurrage include:
- Paperwork Errors
- Payment Delays
- Documents Received Too Late
Paperwork Errors
Typically, shippers need four specific documents to clear shipments through customs: A Bill of Lading (or BOL), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and an arrival notice. Seasoned drayage brokers like RelyEx are used to preparing these documents, but new shippers tend to miss this step due to inexperience.
Payment Delays
If a shipper only pays for part of their shipment, a vessel operator may refuse to release their freight until their bill is fully paid. Payment delays lead to cargo detention at the port of entry, which triggers demurrage charges.
QUOTE REQUESTDocuments Received Too Late
Paperwork is needed when you're shipping goods with a drayage company. When documents like the Certificate of Origin or Bill of Lading arrive at their destination late, you can expect demurrage fees. RelyEx avoids this situation entirely by being proactive when submitting paperwork.
Additional causes for demurrage fees can include:
- Damaged Container Storage
- Custom Released Containers
- Storage Containers Are Too Heavy
Free Consultation
RelyEx:
The Supply Chain Partner You Can Count On
At RelyEx, we know first-hand how stressful supply chain problems can be for business owners. Though drayage shipping might seem minor on the surface, it affects every stage of your shipping process. And when inevitable hurdles manifest, RelyEx propels you over the proverbial roadblocks with a proactive mindset and a passion for challenging projects. We believe that all problems have a solution, and our unique vantage point allows us to provide first-hand solutions to customers in a wide array of industries.
When it comes to your business, don't settle for anything less than RelyEx. Contact our office today to learn more about how we make your shipping experience streamlined and stress-free.
843-885-3082
Latest News in Atlanta, GA
History supports Bijan Robinson as a first-round pick in 2023 fantasy drafts
ESPN.comhttps://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/story/_/id/37474786/2023-fantasy-football-draft-rankings-bijan-robinson-atlanta-falcons
When it's increasingly argued, year after year, how unwise it is to spend a first-round NFL draft pick on a running back, we as fantasy football managers sometimes develop irrational fear of spending such a lofty pick on a rookie back in our own drafts.But when a generational running back talent like Bijan Robinson comes along, we need to just tak...
When it's increasingly argued, year after year, how unwise it is to spend a first-round NFL draft pick on a running back, we as fantasy football managers sometimes develop irrational fear of spending such a lofty pick on a rookie back in our own drafts.
But when a generational running back talent like Bijan Robinson comes along, we need to just take the plunge.
You might've noticed we've ranked Robinson as a clear first-round fantasy football selection. It's a generous valuation, but it's not one dished out blindly considering his impressive skill set, prospective role and status as the No. 8 overall selection from this year's draft, the earliest a running back has been picked in five years and only the eighth time in the past 15 drafts that a running back was selected among the NFL draft's top 10 players.
Robinson brings one of the most complete packages any rookie running back has had at the time of his NFL debut. In three seasons for the Texas Longhorns, he totaled 4,215 yards from scrimmage and 41 touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards per rush. Pro Football Focus credited him with a single-season-record 104 missed tackles forced in 2022. Robinson has it all: size, speed, agility, elite chops in the receiving game and he's tremendous at making quick cuts on runs. The Atlanta Falcons selected him with the clear intent of making him their starting, every-down running back from day one, regardless of the presence of Tyler Allgeier. You don't make a draft pick investment like this and then limit the player's opportunity.
Even more encouraging, history supports Robinson's first-round fantasy candidacy and fully backs his likelihood to make that level of an impact.
In the past 10 seasons, seven running backs were selected in the first round of the NFL draft and the first 35 selections (and first 15 running backs) on average in ESPN fantasy drafts during their rookie seasons. These criteria were carefully selected to mirror Robinson's path entering 2023 -- that of highly touted prospects who were drafted by a team that immediately gave them the opportunity to lead its backfield.
Five of these seven running backs delivered a fantasy point total that ranked higher at the position than their ADP ranking. The group was selected ninth on average among running backs (9.4, to be exact) and finished 10th on average (9.7) in fantasy points scored. Three of them, Saquon Barkley (385.8) in 2018, Ezekiel Elliott (325.4) in 2016 and Najee Harris (300.7) in 2021, exceeded the 300-point threshold, one that has been reached by only 14 rookie running backs in history and is generally regarded the benchmark for "elite" positional status. Additionally, four of these six rookies totaled more than 300 touches as rookies, with the group averaging 296.7, further backing up their leading-man status.
Here is the full group:
Barkley and Elliott were similarly heralded first-round picks, each going sixth overall in the NFL draft, and both serve as ideal comparison points for Robinson. Barkley, in fact, might be the ideal comp, particularly in terms of receiving ability, and it's important to point out that some scouts hailed Robinson either as good as or potentially an even better prospect at the time of their selections.
Fantasy managers might be hesitant to invest in Robinson after hearing Barkley's name as a reference point, recalling instead his 2019-21 injury issues, but it must be stressed how phenomenal Barkley was as a rookie. Barkley finished only 6.4 PPR fantasy points shy of Eric Dickerson's rookie record and his 385.8 points from that season rank 19th among running backs in history. He managed 352 touches, a number Robinson could certainly reach, and he did so for a 5-11 New York Giants team that had Eli Manning playing in his final full season as a starter. The Giants' below-average offense that season didn't hamper Barkley's fantasy prospects, just as the 2023 Falcons' offense shouldn't be much of a hindrance to Robinson's.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the most notable disappointment on the list. He got off to a good start, scoring 19.8 PPR points in Week 1 of 2020 and was 11th among RBs in scoring through Week 6, only to cool thereafter. His season would be cut short after 13 games due to hip and ankle injuries. From a scouting standpoint, however, Edwards-Helaire was not the prospect that Robinson is, as he lacked Robinson's size and faced questions about his ability in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Josh Jacobs was hardly the letdown that it might seem from a quick glance at the chart. A shoulder injury cut his rookie season short by three games, but through 15 weeks of that season, he was 12th in fantasy points among running backs, right on pace to be profitable. Jacobs also entered the NFL not quite as highly regarded as Robinson is, nor was he drafted in fantasy as early as Robinson will be.
Robinson might, in fact, be headed for the highest ADP by any rookie running back this century, beating Barkley's and Ezekiel Elliott's No. 6 overall. It's not an absurd notion to select him among the top five picks, considering the other names from within that group include a pair of players with injury histories (Christian McCaffrey and Barkley) and one coming off a disappointing, also injury-affected 2022 (Jonathan Taylor). In an era where most any first-round running back comes with some risk, Robinson as a brand new player is no greater risk than that of any of his positional brethren.
So if you're still sweating the prospect of spending that critical first-round pick on Robinson, having heard all that chatter at the NFL level ... don't! History -- along with Robinson's skill set and prospective role -- certainly supports his value.
Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young sounds off on Nikola Jokic
Jackson Stonehttps://soaringdownsouth.com/2023/05/17/atlanta-hawks-trae-young-sounds-off-nikola-jokic/
On Tuesday night, the Denver Nuggets opened their Western Conference Finals series at home against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 132-126 win, and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young was impressed with Nikola Jokic’s performance for the home team.His unorthodox skill...
On Tuesday night, the Denver Nuggets opened their Western Conference Finals series at home against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 132-126 win, and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young was impressed with Nikola Jokic’s performance for the home team.
His unorthodox skillset was on full display on Tuesday night, as the Serbian big man finished with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists, including a 19-point, 16-rebound first half.
Joker is ridiculous
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) May 17, 2023
Atlanta Hawks star impressed with NBA MVP
Jokic is a two-time league MVP, having won the award back to back in 2021 and 2022 and finishing top three in voting this year, losing to Joel Embiid.
Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ star big man and one-half of this series’s marquee positional matchup, was dominant in his own right, registering 40 points and 10 rebounds, but still was outshined by Jokic, who certainly now has an argument for being the best player alive.
“Joker” of course is a player on Jokic’s name, referencing the famous, or infamous, villain of the Batman comics and films.
Young didn’t play in either game against Denver this year. The first one, a game in which Young did not show up at State Farm Arena amidst his public feud with then-head coach Nate McMillan, resulted in a surprising 117-109 win for the Hawks, including 24 points from rookie and NBA rising star AJ Griffin.
The second matchup took place on February 4th in Denver, with Young missing that game due to flu-like symptoms and the Nuggets taking home a 128-108 victory led by a 14-point, 18-rebound, 10-assist triple-double from Jokic. Dejounte Murray scored 28 points for Atlanta in the losing effort.
This isn’t the first time that Young has expressed his thoughts on this year’s playoffs on social media.
Last week, when Boston Celtics’ star and Atlanta first-round opponent Jayson Tatum overcame a horrendous first three quarters to finish with 16 points in the fourth and help Boston stave off elimination against Philadelphia, Young also took to Twitter to express his motto that, well, shooters shoot.
The scariest hoopers are the ones are the ones that KEEP SHOOTING !!
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) May 12, 2023
Young has certainly never been one to shy away from taking the big shots in the biggest moments, which Boston saw up close and personal when he buried a cold-blooded game-winner on the legendary TD Garden floor a few weeks ago in Game 5 of the first round series.
Young also has shown interest in keeping up with Lakerland recently, as he was spotted at the Lakers’ Game 6 victory over the Golden State Warriors last Friday in the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles.
Young was accompanied by his agent Rich Paul, who also represents Lakers star LeBron James as well as Davis. The Hawks point guard purchased a house in Calabasas last offseason, joining the plethora of NBA players and other athletes who own real estate in southern California.
Trae and the Atlanta Hawks have a busy offseason ahead of them, starting with the NBA draft which will take place shortly after the Finals, in which one of the Lakers and Nuggets will be participating, concludes, and then quickly transitioning into free agency, where a number of marquee names will hit the market this summer.
With new head coach Quin Snyder at the helm, Young will look to establish a more identifiable synergy with his running mate in Murray and hopefully fill out the roster with more of the kind of three-point shooting, versatile defending wing players best tailored to fit around the Hawks’ All-Star backcourt.
Next: 4 Hawks that improved their trade value in 2023
But for now, it’s good to see Trae enjoying some high-level hoops along with the rest of us.
15 things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta: Porchfest, Wing Fling and more
ajchttps://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-atlanta-this-weekend/N3EUBM4NMBBO5HSZO5JYQISYYA/
Looking for something to do in metro Atlanta this weekend? Music takes center stage at several events, including the Virginia Highland Porchfest and the Roswell Music Festival. If you’re craving food in a fun atmosphere, head to the Loganville Wing Fling to sample wings and vote on your favorites.Check out the following 15 things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend:Intown AtlantaVirginia Highland PorchfestC...
Looking for something to do in metro Atlanta this weekend? Music takes center stage at several events, including the Virginia Highland Porchfest and the Roswell Music Festival. If you’re craving food in a fun atmosphere, head to the Loganville Wing Fling to sample wings and vote on your favorites.
Check out the following 15 things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend:
Intown Atlanta
Credit: David Goo
Noon-6 p.m. with finale from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Free. Various Virginia Highland locations with finale at John Howell Park, 797 Virginia Ave. NE, Atlanta.
Listen to music from bands performing on porches throughout the Virginia Highland neighborhood. You’ll find food trucks and other vendors scattered around the area as well.
2 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Piedmont Park meadow, 1320 Monroe Drive, Atlanta. 470-869-6002.
Support black-owned businesses and culture while enjoying great entertainment.
Celebration of Timeless Music 25th Anniversary Concert
7 p.m. Friday, May 19. $99 and up. State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta. 404-878-3000.
Celebrate some of the South’s most iconic names in hip-hop with performances from Trick Daddy, Plies, Rick Ross, Webbie, Juvenile, Trina, JT Money, Yung Joc, Ball Freezy, Tela, Ice Billion Berg and Pastor Troy.
Cobb
4 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday, May 19, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 21. $5 per person general admission, free for kids age 12 and under. Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 3431 Trickum Road, Marietta. 770-924-8080.
Enjoy homemade Greek goodies, music, dancing and culture at the Marietta Greek Festival.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 20 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 21. Cobb Galleria Centre, Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 866-618-3434.
Come to the Atlanta Women’s Expo to learn a new hobby, buy a unique gift, relax with free massages, get inspired by keynote speakers and more.
Comedy Squared Featuring Lace Larrabee
8 p.m. Friday, May 19. $25 plus fees. Marietta New Theatre in the Square, 11 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 770-426-4800.
Laugh along with Lace Larrabee, who was a semi-finalist on “America’s Got Talent,” and openers Shaunak Godkhindi and Brittany Dent.
DeKalb
Credit: From eventbrite.com
1 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, May 20. $45 just metal, $85 beer and metal, $130 VIP. Town Green Park, 64 N. Avondale Road, Avondale Estates.
Head to Avondale Estates’ Town Green Park for Atlanta’s first and only craft beer and metal music fest, which returns for its second year in this new location.
7 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, May 19. $5 general admission, free for members. Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody. 770-394–3322.
Grab a group of friends to enjoy an evening of beer and brain teasers outside at Dunwoody Nature Center. Beer and pizza by the slice will be available to purchase, and the winning team will receive tickets to the Butterfly Festival.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Free. Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. 678-382-6700.
Bring the kids to Brook Run Park for entertainment from The Music Class, DJ SBB, balloon artists, face painters and GA Bubble Man. Food and giveaways will also be offered.
North Fulton
Star Wars and More: The Music of John Williams
Credit: NYT
6 p.m. Sunday, May 21. $19.50 and up. Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5013.
Listen as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs popular works from renowned composer and conductor John Williams, including his film scores for “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter” and “Jaws.”
1 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, May 20. $70 general admission, free for kids 12 and under. Vacant parking lot at 37 Magnolia St., Roswell.
Listen to music from six bands playing classic rock, soul, funk, country and blues music. Food and drink will be available to purchase, and tent vendors will be onsite. A portion of the proceeds will go to Gold Star Mentors.
Dawson Pediatrics Peach Kids Triathlon
7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 21. $60 USAT members, $70 non-members. Wills Park Recreation Center, 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta. 770-851-9706.
Get the kids moving in a triathlon with swimming, biking and running distances that vary depending on their age.
Gwinnett
Exploring Archaeology at Fort Daniel
Credit: From thefortdanielfoundation.org
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Fort Daniel Historic Site, 2505 Braselton Highway, Buford.
Celebrate Archaeology Month in Georgia with tours of the Fort Daniel Museum and Archaeology Lab and active archaeological digs within the Fort.
10:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20. $20 to sample wings from all contestants. $10 for kids’ activities wristband. Loganville Town Green, between Pecan and Covington streets, Loganville. 478-256-0277.
Sample wings and vote on your favorites, let the kids enjoy activities and compete in a chicken dance or wing eating contest.
AAPI Heritage Month Celebration
Noon-8 p.m. Friday, May 19. Town Center Park, Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee. 770-945-8996.
Join the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration with cultural performances, traditional costumes, dance, music and food.
'Anybody, anytime' can play hero for Braves
Jalyn Smoothttps://www.mlb.com/news/ronald-acuna-jr-orlando-arcia-spark-braves-comeback-win
ARLINGTON -- In the series finale against Texas at Globe Life Field, the Braves' offense was firing on all cylinders, sparking a late comeback in a 6-5 victory over the Rangers and Atlanta's first series win over Texas since 2003.Eddie Rosario got the party started early with a two-run blast in the second inning, driving in ...
ARLINGTON -- In the series finale against Texas at Globe Life Field, the Braves' offense was firing on all cylinders, sparking a late comeback in a 6-5 victory over the Rangers and Atlanta's first series win over Texas since 2003.
Eddie Rosario got the party started early with a two-run blast in the second inning, driving in Austin Riley, on base after drawing a walk. Rosario's homer snapped a 29 2/3-inning scoreless streak from Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi.
“It can be anybody, anytime,” Riley said of the threat of Atlanta's lineup. “For Rosario to set the tone like that, [it’s huge] because you know it’s going to be a good game between [Spencer] Strider and Eovaldi. We look forward to those types of matchups. That’s what we come to the yard everyday for, and it was good to see Rosario swing the bat well there.”
Not to be outdone, the Rangers tacked on a few early-inning runs as well, taking advantage of an uncharacteristically poor start from Strider.
In the fourth inning, Adolis García drilled an opposite-field solo homer to put Texas on the board. Following a Jonah Heim walk and Robbie Grossman single, Ezequiel Duran tied the game with a double down the right-field line. Later that inning, Leody Taveras hit an RBI single to give the Rangers their first lead of the night at 3-2.
The following frame, García once again took Strider deep, launching a center-cut fastball 401 feet into the Rangers' bullpen.
It marked the first time in his career that Strider has surrendered multiple home runs to the same batter in one game.
Strider was tagged for four earned runs on six hits in five innings, finishing his night with seven strikeouts -- ending a 12-game streak in which he recorded 8+ strikeouts.
“I didn't really compete very well,” Strider said. “And sometimes you don't feel great. You sort of put a limit on how you compete or what you're doing out there and I didn't feel great. [That] doesn't matter [though]. You don't always feel good. So, [I've just] gotta figure out how to get outs. There are multiple ways to do that, and I just have to get it figured out and do that next time.”
Thankfully for Strider, his offense had a few more fireworks in store.
With Atlanta trailing 4-2 in the sixth, Ronald Acuña Jr. trimmed the deficit to one run with a thunderous solo home run -- his fourth consecutive game with a long ball. The homer had an exit velocity of 105 mph and sailed 429 feet over the center-field wall.
“What he’s done has been incredible,” Riley said of Acuña. “You catch yourself on the edge of [your seat] watching every swing, because you think something magical is going to happen. [He’s] just incredible.”
Acuña now has 11 home runs on the year to go with his 18 stolen bases, putting him on pace to become the first player in history to hit 30+ home runs and swipe 60+ stolen bases in a single season. Acuña would also join Eric Davis (1987) and Barry Bonds (1990) in an exclusive group of players to record 30+ home runs and 50+ stolen bases in a single season.
• On pace for what?! How more milestones could be met in '23
“He’s the best player I’ve ever seen,” Strider said of Acuña. “I don’t know what else there is to say [about his production]. Words can’t really do it justice. He’s the best player in the game right now and I’m just glad he’s on our team.”
But that "anybody, anytime" mentality came up again when the Braves staged a comeback in the eighth inning.
Acuña got things started by drawing a walk and quickly swiped second base. Then, with Acuña in scoring position, Ozzie Albies poked an RBI single to right-center, before Riley cracked a game-tying double to left-center.
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That set the stage for Orlando Arcia's clutch go-ahead homer in the ninth off the Rangers' Brock Burke.
“We had been struggling lately, so it’s nice to get this victory,” Arcia said through interpreter Franco Garcia. “This team is meant for great things.”
Is Michael Harris II experiencing a sophomore slump?
Sam Peebleshttps://www.batterypower.com/2023/5/17/23726883/michael-harris-sophomore-slump-atlanta-braves
The Atlanta Braves are having some bullpen woes, and there is no doubt about it. But, one player that has not been talked about much is reigning Rookie Of the Year, Michael Harris II.The Braves do still hold a strong lead in their division thanks to the other teams struggling early, so fortunately they have had some room to where their recent struggles has no...
The Atlanta Braves are having some bullpen woes, and there is no doubt about it. But, one player that has not been talked about much is reigning Rookie Of the Year, Michael Harris II.
The Braves do still hold a strong lead in their division thanks to the other teams struggling early, so fortunately they have had some room to where their recent struggles has not put them in a huge hole.
If the Braves do want to turn things around, they will need some players to step up, and that includes fan favorite, Money Mike.
To be fair, Harris is coming off of an injury and has only played in nineteen games at the time of this writing. However, he currently sits at a 0.0 fWAR which is alarming considering his high defensive floor in WAR calculation. It is safe to say that without even looking at his slash line that his bat is struggling.
Last year, Harris had an excellent slash line of .297/.339/.514 which equated to a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 136 (36.0 percent better than league average). This season he has a slash line of .217/.319/.317 which equates to a wRC+ of 79 (21.0 percent below average). This is a massive drop-off of 57.0 percent in terms of wRC+.
The biggest drop off has been against right handed pitchers. Harris is actually doing better against lefties this year than last (albeit still below average). He has a 90 wRC+ this year against them when he had an 80 last season. That being said, it is clear that strength against righties has dwindled quite a bit.
Last season he had an exceptional wRC+ of 161 against righties with a slash line of .323/.363/.580. This season his performance against righties has taken a nosedive. He is hitting .211/.333/.263 and a 73 wRC+. That is a drop-off of 88.0 percent in terms of wRC+.
This is discouraging for two reasons. First, you always want to see players continue to do well. Second the Braves’ lineup is set up very well to crush lefties, but struggle at times against righties. Harris was a big part last season in ensuring that the lineup would be potent against righties as well.
Some regression was imminent
To give Harris some credit, he had high odds to regress some this season due to his high BABIP of .361 in 2022 and his wOBA of .368 (which was top 7.0 percent in MLB) was much higher than his xwOBA of .335.
Of course, most of us probably did not expect a drop-off this severe.
So, should we be worried?
From a very high level, we can look and see that his xwOBA .337 is actually higher this season than his .335 last year (at the time of this writing). His current wOBA is .292, so this points to some progression coming this season. His BABIP is also sitting at .267 where the league average BABIP is currently .296. Based on these two metrics alone, there is hope that his on field output will increase.
His walk rate and strikeout rate is also promising. His strikeout rate of 18.2 percent is 6.1 percent lower than last season. His walk rate of 10.4 percent is 5.6 percent higher than the 4.8 percent he produced in 2022.
We talked about Harris’ drop-off against righties already, but more specifically, he is struggling against the fastball. You can see in the graphic below that his production in terms of xwOBA has taken a massive hit.
He had an xwOBA of .428 on the pitch in 2022, but he has dropped all the way down to .286.
Last season his xBA and xSLG on fastballs was .331 and .630 respectively. This season they have dropped to .151 and .286.
Of course, Harris has been injured and small sample sizes can be deceiving, but the fastball seems to be a problem for him this year.
Specifically, the 4-Seamer has seen the biggest drop-off. His xBA and xSLG have dropped from .310 and .571 to .129 and .136. Essentially, his power has disappeared.
Against righties, his swing and miss percentage on fastballs has jumped from 22.7 percent to 39.1, and on off speed pitches it has jumped from 25.2 to 42.9 percent.
When you see a swing and miss percentage jump, typically it is because a player is chasing pitches. However, with Harris, his chase and miss rate on fastballs thrown by righties has actually dropped from 37.0 to a much more palatable 15.4.
Like Austin Riley, he is struggling with swinging and missing at fastballs inside the zone. In 2022 his swing and miss percentage inside the zone was 17.5 percent. This year, it is an insanely high 48.5 percent. It is no wonder he is struggling.
He is also struggling to make quality contact when he actually makes contact with fastballs against righties. He has a barrel percentage of 0.0 percent. This has resulted in many things that have already been listed, but it has also resulted in his launch angle dropping from eleven degrees, to negative one, and his average exit velocity has dropped from 91.9 MPH to 83.8.
On a positive note, Harris is doing an exceptional job of hitting the slider and a decent job hitting the curve. He currently has an xBA .452 and xSLG of .945 on a slider and .236 and .413 on the curve respectively.
In Summary
It has been a small sample size so far, so things can change. But, Harris’ greatest strength in 2022 has turned into a weakness. He went from being well above average against RHP to struggling mightily against them.
When a player swings at a fastball inside the strike zone and misses nearly half the time, it is going to be difficult to be successful.
Like stated earlier, his xwOBA and BABIP do show that over a larger sample size, Harris should see his numbers improve. Here is to hoping that is the case.
Atlanta Hawks star pushes back on recent comments from Jimmy Butler
Joshua Buckhalterhttps://soaringdownsouth.com/2023/05/18/atlanta-hawks-young-comments-heat-butler/
The Atlanta Hawks were arguably closer to the Eastern Conference Finals than their first-round exit after just five games might suggest.Atlanta beat the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament and took two games off the Boston Celtics in their opening-round series. In that Play-In tilt – and over the last couple of years — Hawks star ...
The Atlanta Hawks were arguably closer to the Eastern Conference Finals than their first-round exit after just five games might suggest.
Atlanta beat the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament and took two games off the Boston Celtics in their opening-round series. In that Play-In tilt – and over the last couple of years — Hawks star Trae Young has gotten an up-close look at the phenomenon known as “Playoff Jimmy”, a reference to Heat star Jimmy Butler whose game elevates in the postseason.
“Jimmy definitely at a different level in the playoffs .. no matter what he say,” Young tweeted after Butler led Miami to a 121-116 win over Boston in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 17.
Jimmy Butler leads the #8 seed @MiamiHEAT to a road win in Game 1 of the ECF!
35 PTS7 AST 6 STL (Playoff career high)
Game 2: Friday, 8:30 PM ET on TNT pic.twitter.com/GXX7eHrOxy
— NBA (@NBA) May 18, 2023
Butler’s game-high 35 points in the victory are the same as he had in Game 1 of the Heat’s first-round matchup against the New York Knicks, a series they won in six games. He has already had games in which he’s scored 42 and 56 points during Miami’s run through the postseason.
He added seven assists, six steals, and five rebounds.
But Butler has remained defiant that there is no such thing as “Playoff Jimmy” and that he is just doing what his team needs.
“I really feel as though with anything in life, if you get the opportunity, and you have the belief that my teammates, my coaches, coach Pat [Riley], ownership have in me to kind of lead the charge along with Bam [Adebayo] right now, anything is possible,” Butler said via NBA.com.
“I’m playing at a incredible level because they’re allowing me to do so. They’re not putting a limit on my game. They’re trusting me with the ball on the defensive end, and I think that’s what any basketball player wants. That’s what anybody wants out of life, is just to be wanted, be appreciated, and just let you go out there and rock.”
Despite Butler’s claim, he is one of just two players to improve his shooting efficiency, blocks, and steals per game in the postseason, per ESPN’s Andrew Lopez.
Young has been vocal about many of this postseason’s top performers and activities.
He’s given props to the likes of Celtics star Jayson Tatum, Denver Nuggets big man (and two-time MVP) Nikola Jokic as well as got the internet going during the NBA Draft Lottery.
His time to be lauded may be coming back around.
Young committed to giving better effort on defense this past season even before the arrival of Quin Snyder as head coach and should continue to improve with another offseason to work. He also averaged 31.8 points with 10.6 assists and 3.8 rebounds over the final five games of the series against Boston.
Dejounte Murray weighs in on NBA MVP debate
Young isn’t the only Hawks player who is tuned into the action this postseason. Dejounte Murray has also kept a watchful eye. Enough so that he weighed in on the MVP debate which ultimately saw Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid take the award over Jokic who is averaging a triple-double in the playoffs and up 1-0 in the Western Conference Finals while Philly has been eliminated.
34/21/14 As A Center And He Ain’t The MVP?????? Lol,” Murray tweeted on May 16. “JOKIC DIFFERENT.”
Nikola Jokic has a spectacular Game 1 as the @nuggets secure a 1-0 lead!
34 PTS (12-17 FG)21 REB14 AST
Game 2: Thursday, 8:30pm/et on ESPN pic.twitter.com/hK0GG8l5Db
— NBA (@NBA) May 17, 2023
Murray set career-highs across the board this postseason, five years after his last foray into the playoffs with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 23 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2.0 steals, and canned 37.8% of his threes.
Like with Young – and for them as a duo – having the full offseason under Snyder should only serve Murray well as he grows more comfortable going back to an off-ball role.
4 valedictorians to be celebrated at 2023 Spelman College commencement
11Alive.comhttps://www.11alive.com/article/news/education/spelman-college-2023-commencement-four-valedictorians/85-b4616cb1-f870-4dcb-95f3-b04b313d24bb
ATLANTA — Graduates at Spelman College are making history and their college commencement for its Class of 2023 just got even more momentous.For the fourth time in history, the school will have multiple valedictorians.The all-women historically Black college will celebrate four valedictorians at this year's ceremony.Maya Blasingame, Amaia Calhoun, Sydney DuPree and Chandler Nutall have all been named the valedictorians for their class. They are a...
ATLANTA — Graduates at Spelman College are making history and their college commencement for its Class of 2023 just got even more momentous.
For the fourth time in history, the school will have multiple valedictorians.
The all-women historically Black college will celebrate four valedictorians at this year's ceremony.
Maya Blasingame, Amaia Calhoun, Sydney DuPree and Chandler Nutall have all been named the valedictorians for their class. They are all reaching for the stars – coming from an array of backgrounds in their educational careers.
Blasingame is leading her class as a biology major. She will be heading to medical school this fall where she hopes to help underrepresented communities as an aspiring physician, according to Spelman's website.
"I feel just really excited and grateful. I think for me, coming in as a biology major, I was like, I'm just trying to make it through it," Blasingame said.
Blasingame added her greatest challenge came during the onset of the pandemic. At one point she said she had to adjust to going completely virtual and then returning to in-person classes.
Calhoun, who is a senior economics major, is heading to Ivy League Princeton University's Investment Company after she receives her degree, the website stated.
Another valedictorian, Nutall, plans on attending law school after she completes a fellowship in New York once she graduates, Spelman's website said. She will be receiving her degree in English.
DuPree, who holds a 4.0 GPA, is set to stay in Atlanta and work on her dreams of becoming a casting director. She's currently signed with Atlanta's Forward Agency, the website said.
I had THEE BEST assignemnt today. I went to my alma mater, @SpelmanCollege, to interview the four valedictorians. I’m so proud of these young women. Congratulations class of 2023! Catch this story only on @11AliveNews pic.twitter.com/l7mCOjnOoT
— Karys Belger (@KarysBelger) May 17, 2023
Maya Phillips is the salutatorian who will be receiving her degree in sociology. After she graduates, she will begin a career as a strategy analyst.
The historically Black women's liberal arts college will bestow Tracee Ellis Ross with an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.
"I'm excited to join the Spelman sisterhood," Ross posted on her Instagram. "What a wonderful honor."
Learn more about each valedictorian and about the ceremony here.
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young causes stir with cryptic message
Joshua Buckhalterhttps://soaringdownsouth.com/2023/05/17/atlanta-hawks-trae-young-cryptic-message/
On a night when the Atlanta Hawks were as far from the center of attention as any team in the NBA, Trae Young still found a way to steal the spotlight however briefly.May 16 marked the start of the NBA Conference Finals with Game 1 between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles. But the game was preceded by the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery which the Hawks we...
On a night when the Atlanta Hawks were as far from the center of attention as any team in the NBA, Trae Young still found a way to steal the spotlight however briefly.
May 16 marked the start of the NBA Conference Finals with Game 1 between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles. But the game was preceded by the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery which the Hawks were not a part of either having made the playoffs. With the festivities still in the early goings, Young tweeted out a seemingly cryptic message that got some traction.
“Expect the unexpected,” read Young’s tweet.
Naturally, speculation over the reason for the message varied wildly with some speculating things from a potential trade for Boston Celtics star (and Georgia native) Jaylen Brown or Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetkounmpo to Young himself demanding a trade.
see you in LA next year. https://t.co/hmaz6EtQbL
— Stokely Carmichael Jackson (@RioIsTrio) May 17, 2023
Of course, a simpler possibility could be Young’s own pre-draft experience. He told the story of thinking he would be drafted by the Chicago Bulls or Orlando Magic during an appearance on the ‘Gimme The Hot Sauce’ podcast, which is hosted by Bulls commentator Stacey King, in May of 2022.
“To be honest, the day of the draft, I didn’t think I was going to Atlanta,” Young said. “I thought I was going to go to either Orlando at six or, if I fell to seven, go to ya’ll.
“I didn’t think about any trades. I didn’t hear about the trade going on all day. I didn’t know that Dallas was thinking about trading with Atlanta until literally two picks before I got drafted. So, all day I’m thinking…I knew I was going either sixth to Orlando or seventh to ya’ll.”
Young was selected with the No. 5 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. But Dallas immediately traded him to Atlanta for Luka Doncic and a 2019 first-rounder that became Cam Reddish – who has since gone on to play for two other teams after two trades in two years – in a deal that is still hotly debated amongst Hawks fans.
Atlanta Hawks projected to select big guard with No. 15 overall pick
Tuesday did have some excitement with as the Detroit Pistons owned the worst record during the regular season but fell all the way out of the top-3 picks despite tying (three ways) for the best odds in the pool.
They weren’t the only ones, either, as the Houston Rockets went from No. 2 to No. 4 overall.
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers jumped up to Nos. 2 and 3, respectively. The San Antonio Spurs won the No. 1 overall pick and presumably French phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Atlanta is projected to take Indiana standout Jalen Hood-Schifino with the No. 15 overall pick, per ESPN Draft analyst Jonathan Givony. Hood-Schifino is a 6-foot-6 prospect who averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists for the Hoosiers this past season, though his efficiency – .417/.333/.776 – and 2.8 turnovers leave something to be desired.
But Hood-Schifino was just a freshman and offers tantalizing upside.
Next: 4 Hawks that improved their trade value in 2023
The Hawks have had projected lottery pick fall to them outside of the lottery in each of the last two seasons, first snagging Jalen Johnson No. 20 overall in 2021, and then getting AJ Griffin with the No. 16 overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft.
On Tuesday night, the Denver Nuggets opened their Western Conference Finals series at home against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 132-126 win, and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young was impressed with Nikola Jokic’s performance for the home team.
His unorthodox skillset was on full display on Tuesday night, as the Serbian big man finished with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists, including a 19-point, 16-rebound first half.
Joker is ridiculous
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) May 17, 2023
Atlanta Hawks star impressed with NBA MVP
Jokic is a two-time league MVP, having won the award back to back in 2021 and 2022 and finishing top three in voting this year, losing to Joel Embiid.
Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ star big man and one-half of this series’s marquee positional matchup, was dominant in his own right, registering 40 points and 10 rebounds, but still was outshined by Jokic, who certainly now has an argument for being the best player alive.
“Joker” of course is a player on Jokic’s name, referencing the famous, or infamous, villain of the Batman comics and films.
Young didn’t play in either game against Denver this year. The first one, a game in which Young did not show up at State Farm Arena amidst his public feud with then-head coach Nate McMillan, resulted in a surprising 117-109 win for the Hawks, including 24 points from rookie and NBA rising star AJ Griffin.
The second matchup took place on February 4th in Denver, with Young missing that game due to flu-like symptoms and the Nuggets taking home a 128-108 victory led by a 14-point, 18-rebound, 10-assist triple-double from Jokic. Dejounte Murray scored 28 points for Atlanta in the losing effort.
This isn’t the first time that Young has expressed his thoughts on this year’s playoffs on social media.
Last week, when Boston Celtics’ star and Atlanta first-round opponent Jayson Tatum overcame a horrendous first three quarters to finish with 16 points in the fourth and help Boston stave off elimination against Philadelphia, Young also took to Twitter to express his motto that, well, shooters shoot.
The scariest hoopers are the ones are the ones that KEEP SHOOTING !!
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) May 12, 2023
Young has certainly never been one to shy away from taking the big shots in the biggest moments, which Boston saw up close and personal when he buried a cold-blooded game-winner on the legendary TD Garden floor a few weeks ago in Game 5 of the first round series.
Young also has shown interest in keeping up with Lakerland recently, as he was spotted at the Lakers’ Game 6 victory over the Golden State Warriors last Friday in the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles.
Young was accompanied by his agent Rich Paul, who also represents Lakers star LeBron James as well as Davis. The Hawks point guard purchased a house in Calabasas last offseason, joining the plethora of NBA players and other athletes who own real estate in southern California.
Trae and the Atlanta Hawks have a busy offseason ahead of them, starting with the NBA draft which will take place shortly after the Finals, in which one of the Lakers and Nuggets will be participating, concludes, and then quickly transitioning into free agency, where a number of marquee names will hit the market this summer.
With new head coach Quin Snyder at the helm, Young will look to establish a more identifiable synergy with his running mate in Murray and hopefully fill out the roster with more of the kind of three-point shooting, versatile defending wing players best tailored to fit around the Hawks’ All-Star backcourt.
Next: 4 Hawks that improved their trade value in 2023
But for now, it’s good to see Trae enjoying some high-level hoops along with the rest of us.
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