Less than Truckload shipping company in Atlanta, GA
Statistics from the US Department of Transportation show more than 700,000 registered motor carriers are traversing our highways and roads. These trucks, which can be packed with everything from bricks and stone to dog food and grocery items, keep thousands of American businesses afloat. For business owners shipping these products across the country, precise planning and high-level tracking are required. But with increasing rates and a wide range of delays to overcome, overseeing a shipment of LTL freight is easier said than done.
For overworked business owners, managing multiple shipments can seem impossible in today's freight landscape. But the reality is that many businesses rely on less-than-truckload shipments to keep their doors open. When these shipments are compromised, their business is too. But there's a viable solution: LTL freight brokers in Atlanta, GA like RelyEx provide reliable solutions to common LTL shipment problems, eliminating the stress and worry of LTL shipping.
With more than 30 combined years of LTL experience and a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx is your go-to choice for streamlined, efficient LTL shipping services. To understand the true value of RelyEx's less-than-truckload shipping options, it helps to understand first what LTL shipping is and why it's used.
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ShippingThe Basics of LTL Freight Shipping
In the freight industry, LTL stands for "less-than-truckload." It is a widely-used method of transportation for smaller shipments that don't require the space of a full truckload. In an LTL shipment, several customers' loads are placed onto one truck, which helps reduce how much it costs to ship those products.
In fact, if your freight doesn't fill an entire trailer but weighs 150-15,000 lbs., LTL freight shipping in Atlanta, GA, may be the most efficient, cost-conscious way to transport your products. That's because, in an LTL setup, you're only paying for the space your freight takes up. LTL shipping companies like RelyEx optimize LTL loads by choosing the most efficient routes at the best rates so your cargo gets to where it needs to go without any issues.
Business owners often choose LTL freight services in the following circumstances:
- When freight is dense, large, or bulky
- Freight exceeds a weight of 150 pounds
- Crated or palletized shipments
- When freight passes through distribution centers and local terminals
- When a cost-effective freight solution is needed
- When an entire tractor-trailer isn't needed for shipments
When it comes to LTL delivery options, there are a lot to choose from. But not every LTL broker is created equally. Some LTL companies do not have the tools or technology to track your shipments and optimize your routes. In worst-case scenarios, they may not be insured or reliable. If you're looking for an experienced LTL carrier that exceeds expectations with time-tested strategies and innovative technologies, look no further than RelyEx.
DifferenceThe RelyEx Difference
With more than two decades of experience in LTL operations, our team utilizes the power of GlobalTranz to compare rates across hundreds of approved carriers in the blink of an eye, while also providing the most cost-effective options for moving your freight. When you choose RelyEx for LTL shipping, you can leverage our expert team to handle your shipments. You can also manage the process yourself via GTZShip, which is Globaltranz's user-friendly management system. With GTZShip, you can access and compare LTL shipping rates, track your shipments, and manage your financials, all from one intuitive platform.
When it comes to LTL freight in Atlanta, GA, clients trust their products with RelyEx for many reasons, including the following:
Industry-Leading Rates
Because GTZShip keeps outsized freight available, it can negotiate the best LTL rates on your behalf. Our clients can access these extra-low rates in one of two ways:
- Work directly with our team of LTL shipping experts
- Book your freight directly through GTZShip
Regardless of the option you choose, RelyEx's knowledgeable customer care reps will cover all of your LTL shipping options, so you can make an informed shipping and purchasing decision for your freight.
No-Cost LTL Freight Management Technology
Yes, you read that right - in addition to giving you access to industry-leading rates, RelyEx's partnership with GTZShip gives you full management of your freight. We're talking about access to reporting, tracking, and much more. This extensive visibility is essentially a one-stop shop for everything related to the status of your freight.
Unlike some LTL shipping software, this system requires no contracts or signup fees, making it simple to provide quotes and book immediately when you're ready. Whether you use GTZShip directly or rely on our team to book your freight, your company will always have access to this free technology.
Commitment to the Customer and Quality
While it's true that RelyEx provides customers with the best rates and technology in the LTL industry, we go above and beyond the normal call of duty. Why? Because we strive to treat your shipment as if it's our most important one. Put simply, we put a lot of time and effort into making sure we do things right the first time around. Our fierce commitment to the customer and to quality protects not only your reputation, but your bottom line by preventing lost customers and sales.
RelyEx excels at LTL shipping because we are:
- Proactive problem solvers
- Reliable partners who manage your LTL freight from beginning to end
- Partners with strong vendor relationships
- Attuned to client needs, with 30+ years of combined experience on the client side
- Committed to accuracy, promptness of information, and transparency with every transaction
From dedicated LTL solutions to transactional relationships, RelyEx is here to help. Unlike other LTL companies, we get the job done right with customer-focused service, industry expertise, and Globaltranz's industry-leading Transportation Management System.
Expertise and Reliability When You Need It Most
Our dedicated team of LTL specialists provides you with the best freight visibility available, whether you need a few shipments a week or you need hundreds. In order to do so, we communicate with carriers throughout the entire shipping process, so you know your items are delivered on time. Though rare, if we spot an issue, we'll provide you with an alternative solution immediately.
Plus, if you have large quantities that need to be shipped, our team is happy to provide you with customized reporting for free. That way, you can access at-the-moment updates and important shipment documentation with a few clicks or taps.
Why Use an LTL Company in Atlanta, GA?
When your freight is too light for full truckloads but too heavy for basic parcel carriers like UPS, LTL shipping is a great option to consider. When you use an LTL shipping company like RelyEx, you get even more value. We've been over some of the basics associated with LTL freight shipping - now let's touch on some of the biggest benefits of using a company to handle logistics from start to finish.
Cost-Effective Option
One of the most common reasons clients use LTL services is because they're able to save money. LTL shipping is much less expensive than the alternative, which is to hire a private driver and truck. When you go in on LTL services with other shippers, you can have your products delivered at a fraction of the cost of going private. In this setup, you pay for space you use, not the space you don't use, which is common in full truckload freight shipping.
As an added benefit, relying on an LTL freight company like RelyEx can lower your warehouse costs since more shipments can be sent at a time. That means you don't have to wait weeks or even months for a trailer to fill up.
Flexibility
When you use a parcel carrier like FedEx, you can only ship up to 150 pounds at a time. That means you'd have to break down your shipment into separate boxes in order to ship. With LTL freight shipping, your packages can be palletized and shrink-wrapped so they're shipped in a single load.
Protection
At RelyEx, our team knows how important your shipment is, whether you're sending thousands of pounds of products or a single pallet. That's why we ensure your products are packaged correctly and have security protocols baked into every service we offer. Plus, by keeping your freight together, we decrease the chance of damaging your cargo, which pleases your clients and boosts your customers' satisfaction.
Eco-Friendly Efficiency
The magic of LTL shipping lies in the fact that we fill fewer trailers with more freight. Doing so reduces global emissions and makes the process much quicker. Imagine using a semi-truck to haul products that only fill a quarter of the trailer. It would waste money, time, and space that could be used for other products. With LTL shipping, you're protecting the environment and reducing the number of partially-filled trucks on the road. This, in turn, saves you money and makes you an eco-friendly company - something you can use as a selling point for your business.
Advanced Technology
LTL providers like RelyEx use advanced logistics technology to ensure your cargo arrives on time and without damage. By investing in technology like GlobalTranz, we save our clients from doing so themselves. With GlobalTranz, our clients gain access to robust tracking options like real-time freight locations, so you can monitor your shipment's progress. With GlobalTranz, you get more than just a way to book your LTL cargo — you benefit from our qualified network of carriers, expert logistics support, and leading technology features.
What is the Cost of LTL Shipping in Atlanta, GA?
It's impossible to say exactly how much your LTL shipping may cost because the NMFC, or National Motor Freight Classification, determines those prices. Using this standard, pricing is dictated for commodities moving in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce. Items are grouped into 18 different classes, based on four characteristics:
Liability
If you're shipping a product that is more likely to be damaged, stolen, or cause damage to other items, it may affect LTL shipment pricing.
Handling
Does your product require specific care or handling instructions? If so, you can probably expect higher prices.
Density
This factor accounts for how much space your item occupies in relation to its weight or the weight per cubic foot for each piece of freight you are shipping.
Stowability
How easy is it to load and transport your commodity? Can it be loaded and transported with other items?
When combined, these characteristics are used to establish an NMFC code for your LTL cargo. These codes are crucial, as they help your LTL carrier understand the challenges of shipping your products. If the item you need to ship has a high NMFC code, it's because it's more difficult to transport, which usually means it's more expensive to ship.
Popular Methods of Shipping LTL Freight in Atlanta, GA
Depending on where and how often you ship LTL freight, your broker may choose a regional or national LTL carrier. Regional carriers often service a group of states within a region. National carriers have a larger footprint and can often eliminate the need to use several carriers for your shipments. RelyEx has the infrastructure and strategies for all of your LTL shipping - contact our office today to learn more about your options.
Though regional and national carriers are different, they often use similar models for shipping. Two of the most popular types of shipping methods include hub and spoke distribution and LTL consolidation.
What is Hub and Spoke LTL Freight Shipping?
In this traditional model, your shipments go through a network of warehouses, terminals, and hub facilities where your products are grouped with other shipments. Your freight then travels to local "spokes" (or terminals), where they are delivered. If you need to ship freight over short distances, this model may be a good choice to consider.
Some common benefits of the hub and spoke model include:
- Economical and efficient
- Improved pickup times
- More regular delivery times
- More visibility and easy tracking
What is Consolidated LTL Freight Shipping?
LTL consolidated shipping is a model where LTL carriers bring several shipments from different shippers to a final destination. Instead of using hubs and spokes along the shipping route to bundle freight and move cargo, LTL consolidation works by taking multiple shipments and turning them into a single truckload. This truck then makes multiple stops, where your products are delivered.
Some of the most common benefits of LTL consolidation include:
- Less freight handling
- Good for fragile or large freight
- Fewer claims
- Less cargo damage
- Cost-effective pricing
At RelyEx, our goal is to expertly manage the movement of your freight so you can focus on your core business. With more than 20 years of combined experience with LTL freight shipping in Atlanta, GA, our team can select the most efficient and cost-effective model for your needs. That way, you can accomplish your day-to-day tasks while we handle the heavy lifting and any logistical challenges.
An LTL Shipping Partner You Can Trust
At RelyEx, we believe that trustworthy, comprehensive, and streamlined LTL shipping options are better for your business. And for us, what's better for your business is better for ours. That's why, when it comes to LTL shipping, we work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of your freight experience is embedded excellence. We take this unique approach because our management were once customers like you. They were people who, for one reason or another, had to deal with frustrating and often unsolved shipping and logistics challenges. Today, we take pride in solving those challenges and only partner with carriers who match our high standards.
If you're looking for an LTL company in Atlanta, GA that prioritizes customer service, strong communication, and proactive thinking, we're here to help you avoid delayed shipments and missed expectations.
(843) 885-3082
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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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