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 Minneapolis, MN 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.
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.
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:
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.
QUOTE REQUESTRelyEx 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 Minneapolis, MN, 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:
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 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:
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.
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.
Based in the port city of Minneapolis, 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
QUOTE REQUESTBased in the port city of Minneapolis, 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.
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.
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:
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.
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 REQUESTPaperwork 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:
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.
Local communities, restaurants, distilleries and breweries are pulling out the stops for Cinco de Mayo celebrations this weekend. There is no shortage of places rolling out feasts and specials to celebrate Mexico's 1862 military victory over Napoleon's French forces, but if you need ideas, here are 10 to get you started.City HouseIt's Cinco de Mayo all weekend long at this eatery along the Mississippi River. Highlights include beer specials and ceviche and housemade chicken al pastor. Oh, and that view. Open daily from 11 a.m...
Local communities, restaurants, distilleries and breweries are pulling out the stops for Cinco de Mayo celebrations this weekend. There is no shortage of places rolling out feasts and specials to celebrate Mexico's 1862 military victory over Napoleon's French forces, but if you need ideas, here are 10 to get you started.
It's Cinco de Mayo all weekend long at this eatery along the Mississippi River. Highlights include beer specials and ceviche and housemade chicken al pastor. Oh, and that view. Open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 258 Mill St., St. Paul, cityhousemn.com
Grab a margarita and listen to live music from the Twin Cities Latin Band in the hotel's back alleyway on May 5 from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $20 and includes a margarita. 300 Washington Av. N., Mpls., hewinghotel.com
On Cinco de Mayo, this Coon Rapids eatery will feature a Champagne margarita, with lime juice, Campo Bravo blanco tequila, Cointreau and Wycliff brut, as well as spicy mango, strawberry and pineapple margaritas ($9). Food specials include nachos ($11) and chips and salsa ($5). 12800 Bunker Prairie Road NW., Coon Rapids, kendallstc.com
Attention night owls: this Latino brewery's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Weekend is from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. on May 3 and 4, featuring a Salsa Night Extravaganza (the dancing, not the condiment) with music from the Tropical Zone Orchestra and Expresion Tropical. There will be tropical beer cocktails to complement the menu. 241 Fremont Av. N., Mpls., dameladona.com
From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 5, the speakeasy-style restaurant at Hotel Ivy will have $10 margaritas, $5 tacos and bottomless guacamole. Specials will include breakfast tacos, and there's live music from 3-7 p.m. 1115 2nd Av. S., Mpls., masaandagave.com
Ahead of Cinco de Mayo, the food hall will celebrate its newest restaurant, El Taco Torro, on May 4 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be live music and performances. Jose Francisco Haro is following his successful food truck with his first brick and mortar space. The menu includes tacos, gorditas, tortas, burritos, quesadillas and more. 920 E. Lake Street, Mpls., eltacotorromn.com
For the sixth year, the St. Paul location is holding its annual family friendly block party — now over two days. The free celebration is May 4 from 1-9 p.m. and May 5 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. There's love music, kid-friendly fun as well as margaritas, Mexican beer and street-food specials (think tacos, elote-style corn, housemade tortilla chips, salsa, guac and more. Note: Food is cash only. 605 W. 7th St., St. Paul, pajaritorestaurant.com.
They're celebrating in Edina, too, with festivities on May 4 from 5-10 p.m. and May 5 from 2-8 p.m. Along with live music, there will be a variety of margaritas, Mexican beer and Mexican street fare. 3910 W. 50th St., Edina, pajaritorestaurant.com.
It's food, music and drink special time at Punch Bowl Social May 3-5. While the celebration lasts all day, from 5-9 p.m. there are free chips and salsa for each table, drink specials (with souvenir glasses!) and chances to win prizes. Reservations recommended. 1691 Park Place Blvd., St. Louis Park, punchbowlsocial.com
It's a little after the fact, but still worth celebrating. The Art of Taste Dinner featuring Don Julio is May 17 from 6-8:30 p.m. The six-course dinner that celebrates the Mexican spiritmaker and its traditions with guided tequila pairings is $175 per person. 350 Market St., St. Paul, saintpaulhotel.com
The Wisconsin branch of the distillery is debuting margaritas starting May 5, and will be celebrating with $11 margs all month, featuring a classic margarita made with tequila or mezcal and Tattersall's Orange Crema. 1777 Paulson Road, River Falls, Wis., tattersalldistilling.com
The new outdoor taproom is being considered for the Dangerous Man production facility in Maple Lake.MAPLE LAKE, Minn. — One of the handful of taprooms that closed up shop late last year may be getting a revival.In an Instagram post, the owners of ...
The new outdoor taproom is being considered for the Dangerous Man production facility in Maple Lake.
MAPLE LAKE, Minn. — One of the handful of taprooms that closed up shop late last year may be getting a revival.
In an Instagram post, the owners of Dangerous Man Brewing Co. launched a crowdfunding campaign to build an outdoor taproom and beer garden outside of its production facilities in Maple Lake, west of the metro.
Last fall, Dangerous Man closed its longtime taproom in northeast Minneapolis after a decade in operation. The owners noted at the time that they never owned their building at the corner of 13th Avenue North and NE Second Street and their "future there has always been uncertain."
"During the last 192 days without our beloved taproom, so many folks have reached out and shared lovely memories and hopes for something new," Dangerous Man posted Thursday on Instagram. "We are ready to create another space."
View this post on Instagram
The immediate response on social media, however, has been decidedly mixed, with some fans questioning the proposal's location and crowdfunding campaign while others express support for the company and a potential new taproom.
Dangerous Man was one of several breweries to cease operations in the Twin Cities in the second half of 2023; Lakes & Legends Brewing Company shuttered its taproom on LaSalle Ave. at the end of the year after eight years in operation. Eastlake Craft Brewing in Minneapolis and Clutch Brewing Company in St. Paul announced also announced closures last fall.
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A new contract has put Minneapolis Public Schools' teachers in line for 4% raises this year and 5% next year.The big picture: MPS faces a $110 million shortfall that has already forced drastic cuts in next year's budget, with the ...
A new contract has put Minneapolis Public Schools' teachers in line for 4% raises this year and 5% next year.
The big picture: MPS faces a $110 million shortfall that has already forced drastic cuts in next year's budget, with the real possibility of school closures looming in the near future.
Why it matters: The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers hopes the deal marks a turning point for the district.
The latest: After announcing the tentative agreement last week, the union released full details on Tuesday.
Zoom in: The new deal also makes teachers eligible for a raise every two years instead of every three.
By the numbers: MPS spokesperson Mary Alice Rosko told Axios the tentative agreement with the teachers "would not require MPS to increase the current projected $110 million-dollar budget gap."
Yes, but: The district still has other labor agreements to settle, including with the classroom aides who yesterday filed a strike notice. The earliest they could walk out is May 14.
Friction point: MPS is already shaving $47 million from next year's budget and leaning on rainy day funds to stave off deeper cuts.
Threat level: Sara Spafford Freeman, a parent who watches district finances closely, told Axios she worries MPS' spending on the labor deals could force "another round of significant budget reductions for schools."
Behind the scenes: The union hopes the agreement signals a thaw in a chilly relationship with previous district management.
What's next: Union membership will vote on the deal next week, and the MPS board could ratify it later this month.
ON THE AIR FRIDAYAUTO RACING TIME TV RADIOF1: Chinese G.P. Sprint Shootout 9:55 pm ESPNUBASEBALLNL: Miami at Chicago Cubs 1 pm MLBNClass AAA: Saints at Indianapolis 6 pm 96.7-FMCollege: Florida at Vanderbilt 6 pm ESPN2Interleague: Texas at Atlanta 6:20 pm AppleTV+College: TCU at Texas 6:30 pm ESPNUAL: Detroit at Twins 7 pm BSN 102.9/830NL: Milwaukee at St. Louis 7 pm MLBNCollege: Penn State at Michigan State 7 pm BT...
ON THE AIR FRIDAY
AUTO RACING TIME TV RADIO
F1: Chinese G.P. Sprint Shootout 9:55 pm ESPNU
BASEBALL
NL: Miami at Chicago Cubs 1 pm MLBN
Class AAA: Saints at Indianapolis 6 pm 96.7-FM
College: Florida at Vanderbilt 6 pm ESPN2
Interleague: Texas at Atlanta 6:20 pm AppleTV+
College: TCU at Texas 6:30 pm ESPNU
AL: Detroit at Twins 7 pm BSN 102.9/830
NL: Milwaukee at St. Louis 7 pm MLBN
College: Penn State at Michigan State 7 pm BTN
College: LSU at Missouri 7 pm SECN
NL: Arizona at San Francisco 9:15 pm AppleTV+
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NBA play-in: Chicago at Miami 6 pm ESPN
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PGA: Corales Puntacana Championship 7 am GOLF
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AL: Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees noon MLBN
AL: Detroit at Twins 1 pm BSNX 102.9/830
NL: N.Y. Mets at L.A. Dodgers 3 pm FS1
Class AAA: Saints at Indianapolis 5:30 pm 96.7-FM
Interleague: Texas at Atlanta 6 pm MLBN
College: TCU at Texas 6 pm ESPNU
BASKETBALL
NBA playoffs: Orlando at Cleveland noon ESPN
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FOOTBALL
College: Michigan spring game 11 am Fox
UFL: Memphis at St. Louis 11:30 am ABC
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GOLF
PGA: The RBC Heritage noon on GOLF; 2 pm on CBS
PGA: Corales Puntacana Championship 2 pm GOLF
LPGA: Chevron Championship 2 pm NBC
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GYMNASTICS
College women: NCAA Championship 3 pm ABC
HOCKEY
NHL playoffs: N.Y. Islanders at Carolina 4 pm TBS, truTV
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ON THE AIR SUNDAY
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Formula 1: Chinese Grand Prix 1:55 am ESPN
NASCAR Cup: GEICO 500 2 pm Fox
IndyCar: Acura G.P. of Long Beach 2 pm USA, Peacock
BASEBALL
AL: Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees 12:30 pm MLBN
Class AAA: Saints at Indianapolis 12:30 pm 96.7-FM
AL: Detroit at Twins 1 pm BSN 102.9/830
College: Oklahoma State at Kansas State 3 pm ESPNU
NL: N.Y. Mets at L.A. Dodgers (JIP) 3:30 pm MLBN
Interleague: Texas at Atlanta 6 pm ESPN
BASKETBALL
NBA playoffs: TBA at Boston noon ABC
NBA playoffs: Dallas at L.A. Clippers 2:30 pm ABC
NBA playoffs: Indiana at Milwaukee 6 pm TNT
NBA playoffs: TBA at Oklahoma City 8:30 pm TNT
BOWLING
PBA: WSOB World Championships 11 am Fox
FOOTBALL
UFL: Arlington at Houston 1 pm FS1
GOLF
PGA: The RBC Heritage noon on GOLF; 2 pm on CBS
PGA: Corales Puntacana Championship 2 pm GOLF
LPGA: Chevron Championship 2 pm NBC
Champions: Invited Celebrity Classic 4 pm GOLF
HOCKEY
NHL playoffs: Tampa Bay at Florida 11:30 am ESPN
NHL playoffs: Washington at N.Y. Rangers 2 pm ESPN
SOCCER
Premier: Nottingham Forest at Everton 7:30 am USA
Premier: Liverpool at Fulham 10:30 am USA
Bundesliga: B. L'kusen at B. Dortmund 10:30 am ESPN2
Serie A: Fiorentina at Salernitana 11 am CBSSN
MLS: Loons at Charlotte 5 pm FS1, AppleTV 1500
NWSL: North Carolina at Angel City 6:30 pm CBSSN
MLS: San Jose at LA Galaxy 7:15 pm FS1
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College: LSU at Tennessee 1 pm ESPN2
College: Alabama at Arkansas 1 pm ESPNU
College: Indiana at Iowa 1:30 pm BTN
College: UCLA at Stanford 3 pm ESPN2
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Livestreams of high school sporting events in the metro area are available for purchase from Neighborhood Sports Network. Tap here for a link to the schedule. Other games throughout the state are available for a fee through the NFHS network
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Accusations of fraud, waste, and mismanagement have been leveled against the Minneapolis Department of Neighborhood Safety.Commissioner Todd Barnette says he was these claims during a committee meeting on Monday. In a sit-down interview with FOX 9's Karen Scullin, Commissioner Barnette discussed the concerns, which he says he does not take lightly."Some of these concerns include al...
Accusations of fraud, waste, and mismanagement have been leveled against the Minneapolis Department of Neighborhood Safety.
Commissioner Todd Barnette says he was these claims during a committee meeting on Monday. In a sit-down interview with FOX 9's Karen Scullin, Commissioner Barnette discussed the concerns, which he says he does not take lightly.
"Some of these concerns include allegations of fraud and abuse... but the concerns are racking up faster than they can be addressed," said Minneapolis City Council Member Robin Wonsley.
Commissioner Barnette was blindsided by the accusations, as he gave a presentation on restructuring the Department of Neighborhood Safety.
"I was surprised by those allegations. They are so serious that, as a former judge and attorney, if an individual proved they were not true, and sues for defamation, that’s how serious those accusations are," he noted.
Barnette believes if you have concerns, you have a conversation.
Barnette says he has now have discussions with some council members on the allegations -- but hasn't spoken with Council Member Wonsley.
Barnette mentioned that his appearance at Monday’s committee meeting was to outline a plan for improvements, emphasizing that change takes time. He has only been in his role for six months, with the new director serving for eight months. Part of the process is changing the reporting process for groups that are funded, like the violence interrupters, admitting there has been a lack of accountability on their spending.
Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw from Ward 4 raised concerns about financial practices. "I’ve also heard people who get contract funding are misusing money," she stated.
In response, Barnette stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility. "We want to be fiscally responsible to the residents and to the council and to the mayor about how we’re distributing funds," he stated.
Despite the criticisms, Barnette says he is not upset with Wonsley's accusations. "Mayor Frey is my boss. When Mayor Frey says something to me, I need to be concerned more than anybody else," he remarked.
Barnette told FOX 9 the city is in talks with an outside group to look at the funding groups, to identify overlap, and if Neighborhood Safety is operating as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Wonsley has requested an audit of the department, though there is no timeline for its completion.