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 Phoenix, AZ 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.
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 Phoenix, AZ, 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 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.
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 Phoenix, AZ, clients trust their products with RelyEx for many reasons, including the following:
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 â you benefit from our qualified network of carriers, expert logistics support, and leading technology features.
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:
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.
Does your product require specific care or handling instructions? If so, you can probably expect higher prices.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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 Phoenix, AZ, 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.
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 Phoenix, AZ that prioritizes customer service, strong communication, and proactive thinking, we're here to help you avoid delayed shipments and missed expectations.
PHOENIX - A woman and her kids are safe after a fire broke out on May 18 at an apartment complex in Phoenix.The fire happened just after 4 a.m. near 19th Avenue and Indian School Road. Claudia Jimenez says she had to throw herself and her two daughters from a second-story unit to escape the flames."W...
PHOENIX - A woman and her kids are safe after a fire broke out on May 18 at an apartment complex in Phoenix.
The fire happened just after 4 a.m. near 19th Avenue and Indian School Road. Claudia Jimenez says she had to throw herself and her two daughters from a second-story unit to escape the flames.
"We were sleeping, and I just heard someone knocking, it sounded on a window, so I went out to look at the window and I didn't see anyone, so I just opened my front door and I seen flames halfway already covering my front door, so I just panicked. I woke up my daughter, I told her to grab our puppies, and I just went to my room, I closed my door, and I started screaming out the back door for help," she said. "This gentleman that was passing by jumped over the fence, he said, ‘I'll help you, throw your girls out the window' so I started throwing them each, one by one, and he caught them, and then I looked back, and my room was already filled with smoke, so I had no other choice but to throw myself out the window as well."
Joseph Collins lives in a tent on the canal behind the apartment building.
"The lady was screaming and crying," Collins said. "I told her to hand me the babies down. She was like, ‘Don’t drop them.’ She handed me one at a time, [I] safely put them down. I told her to come on down. She jumped down."
Hollins says he was at the right place, at the right time.
"There was a lot of smoke. It was dark, but other than that, anyone could've done it," he said.
Jimenez says it was more than that and as she surveyed the damage, saving what she could, she was grateful for the hero who was there for them.
"He saved our life," she said. "He saved her life. He saved my daughters. We're grateful."
Jimenez moved in less than two weeks ago after struggling to get back on her feet. Her family set up a GoFundMe account to help her financially after the fire.
As for the rest of the apartment complex, four units were affected by the fire, and 10 people were displaced. No injuries were reported.
Phoenix Fire is investigating the cause of the blaze.
Area where the fire happened:
A wet winter is causing the invasion of grasshoppers, but they aren’t dangerous and won’t cause any damage.PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Most of the time, rain is a good thing in Arizona. But this year, It’s presenting a new challenge. Parts of the Valley are getting inundated with a grasshopper invasion! If you want to get rid of them, it won’t be as hard as you think.Valley residents may have had a run-in with an unwanted friend or a few hundred. This year, we’re seeing tons of grasshoppers but w...
A wet winter is causing the invasion of grasshoppers, but they aren’t dangerous and won’t cause any damage.
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Most of the time, rain is a good thing in Arizona. But this year, It’s presenting a new challenge. Parts of the Valley are getting inundated with a grasshopper invasion! If you want to get rid of them, it won’t be as hard as you think.
Valley residents may have had a run-in with an unwanted friend or a few hundred. This year, we’re seeing tons of grasshoppers but why? “It is not typical for us, and probably we haven’t seen numbers like this in six or eight years,” said Mike Boyle, an insect control expert with Burns Pest.
Grasshoppers are jumping into Phoenix by the millions this spring. “Our heat mapping is showing us up about 30% in grasshopper calls from last month and about 50% over the past year, so it’s a significant increase,” Boyle said.
The cause is a wet winter. According to the National Weather Service, we have had the most rain on record this year since 2009. “The grasshoppers we have here typically in Arizona is the pallid-winged grasshopper, and they feed and eat on grasses, weeds, things like that. We had a ton of rain this spring, and we had a ton of rain in the winter. That means more weeds and a lot more grasses. More eggs, more grasshoppers,” Boyle said.
As a result, the grasshoppers are just one of many pest issues Boyle anticipates this year. “Stinging insects are on the rise, bees and wasps. We anticipate this to be a horrible mosquito year,” he said.
The grasshoppers are now a main discussion point among local Facebook groups like Go Gilbert. “They are everywhere. They navigate celestially, so they come into the cities at night. So we get calls in the morning of people freaking out that they have thousands of grasshoppers in their backyard or on their card,” he said.
If you want them gone, Boyle says there’s an easy fix. “We can take care of these but honestly, if your yard is neat and trimmed and mowed, the grasshoppers are gonna move along. What really causes the problem is the overgrowth of the weeds everybody has had. If you look at desert landscaping a lot of people that don’t maintain their lawns, that’s bringing in the grasshoppers,” he said.
The good news is that the grasshoppers aren’t dangerous and won’t cause any damage. They only live about five days and don’t last well in the heat.
Copyright 2023 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
IT’S A VAI HEAT: An 8,000-capacity amphitheater is under development at the $1 billion VAI Resort in Greater Phoenix, expected to open in 2024. (Courtesy venue)A $1 billion resort near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, is throwing its hat into the live music ring by building a state-of-the-art amphitheater in the middle of the complex.Expected to open in 2024, the desert oasis VAI Resort intends to attract top acts to the 8,000-capacity outdoor venue, said Howard Weiss, the resort’s vi...
IT’S A VAI HEAT: An 8,000-capacity amphitheater is under development at the $1 billion VAI Resort in Greater Phoenix, expected to open in 2024. (Courtesy venue)
A $1 billion resort near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, is throwing its hat into the live music ring by building a state-of-the-art amphitheater in the middle of the complex.
Expected to open in 2024, the desert oasis VAI Resort intends to attract top acts to the 8,000-capacity outdoor venue, said Howard Weiss, the resort’s vice president of entertainment.
The multilevel concert venue, a $40 million project, will be equipped with a 360-degree stage to host global touring acts, comedians and DJs, designed with hotel room balconies facing the amphitheater. Servers will cater to those patrons with upgraded ticket packages. The amphitheater will feature 3,000 fixed seats.
“The hotel tower will transform into a premium concert viewing from room balconies alongside a multilevel amphitheater with VIP skyboxes, stadium-style seating and VIP booths for more than 8,000 showgoers,” Weiss said. “One of the unique features of what we’re building here is the outdoor amphitheater is interconnected with the music hotel tower, which has 350 rooms. Not only do you have a hotel room, but you get access to the show from your balcony.””
Weiss said he isn’t worried about competition in the area, which includes neighbors State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena.
“I’ve spent half of my career in Vegas, where everywhere you turn is another concert venue,” Weiss said. “We’ll be able to attract artists from around the nation on tour. We can do residencies. The Red Hot Chili Peppers were just at State Farm Stadium, drawing 45,000 on Mother’s Day. We believe Arizona is craving new entertainment experiences and artists are always looking for new venues to play.”
The venue is designed to “plug and play,” cutting down on the equipment artists provide, Weiss said. Backstage amenities include an elevator and underground tunnels connecting the Rockstar Suite directly to the performance green room, ensuring privacy and convenience for artists. TAIT is supplying its Navigator automation platform, with other suppliers including L’Acoustics for audio.
“The artists can come in with limited gear and support and turn on a show here relatively quickly,” he said.
The resort itself features a five-acre pool and temperature-controlled white sand beaches. Konos Island, the country’s largest man-made party island, encompasses 52,000 square feet, complete with a restaurant, private cabanas, a DJ booth and a 16-person aerial bar with panoramic views from 150 feet in the sky. The hotel has 12 upscale restaurants; 10 bars and lounges; a high-end shopping corridor and the Mattel Adventure Park.
“We wanted to create a venue that captured the essence of VAI: a place where music is the foundation of the guest experience,” Weiss said. “It represents the pinnacle of that vision, boasting unparalleled acoustics, stunning views and cutting-edge technology that will create a fully integrated concert experience in a way that’s never been before.”
VAI Global Development is owner and developer of the resort, led by by president and CEO Grant Fisher, an under-30-year-old hospitality entrepreneur and Arizona native. It is the company’s first resort.
A new taco festival in downtown Phoenix is bringing together over a dozen taco makers for a party that includes agave tastings, specialty cocktails, cervezas and live music. Taco Fest PHX will be held Saturday, May 20 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at First and Moreland Streets. Guests must be 21 or older to attend and ...
A new taco festival in downtown Phoenix is bringing together over a dozen taco makers for a party that includes agave tastings, specialty cocktails, cervezas and live music. Taco Fest PHX will be held Saturday, May 20 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at First and Moreland Streets. Guests must be 21 or older to attend and tickets ($40) are required.
Ticketed guests will receive a wristband with 6 tabs that can be used for drinks, including margaritas, cervezas and agave spirits sampling. Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks are available from Vita Coco, Topo Chico, NUTRL, Mucho Aloha and Alani Water. A limited number of $15 designated driver tickets are available.
Tickets do not include food. Tacos will be available from over a dozen vendors who will offer single taco options to encourage guests to sample as many different tacos as possible.
Here's your guide to Taco Fest PHX.
New:This popular chicken-and-waffles restaurant is coming to Arizona. Here's what's on the menu
The event will resemble a block party and will take place outside at First and Moreland Streets in downtown Phoenix.
Metered street parking is available nearby and parking spaces can be reserved at the ACE Garage at Roosevelt and First Street.
Tickets to the event are $40 ($15 for designated drivers) and include drinks (not food). Tickets can purchased in advance online at phxfest.com.
Details:phxfest.com.
Brunch, Mexican, sushi and cocktails:23 new restaurants opened in metro Phoenix
Reach the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com. Follow @EndiaFontanez on Twitter.
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Every Thursday AFL.com.au presents Inside Trading, with breaking news and the best analysis of the AFL trade landscape covering contracts, re-signings, free agents, the AFL Draft and industry insights.CLUBS TO COME FOR SUNS' TOP PICKGOLD Coast's first pick at this year's draft will be a prized trade target with clubs set to clamour for the selection.The Suns are in a unique position with three players from their Academy – Jed Walter, Ethan Read and ...
Every Thursday AFL.com.au presents Inside Trading, with breaking news and the best analysis of the AFL trade landscape covering contracts, re-signings, free agents, the AFL Draft and industry insights.
GOLD Coast's first pick at this year's draft will be a prized trade target with clubs set to clamour for the selection.
The Suns are in a unique position with three players from their Academy – Jed Walter, Ethan Read and Jake Rogers – all projected to be top-20 selections.
Key forward Walter, who had some exciting moments early in the AFL Academy's game against Carlton's VFL side last weekend and recently booted eight goals against the Northern Territory, shapes as a potential top-five pick while ruckman Read and smaller midfielder/forward Rogers are also in the first-round mix.
Rogers was a standout across the AFL Academy's two games against senior opponents, claiming the team's medal for his 27-disposal and seven-clearance game.
TRADE HUB All the latest player movement news
The trio's likely early bids means the Suns will need to stump up a large amount of points, which the club prepared for by loading up on future picks last year – the Suns hold one first-round pick, two second-round picks, three third-round picks and three fourth-round picks.
It also means a bid for an Academy player, likely Walter, could come before their first pick (currently No.8) and swallow it up, so the Suns would be able to trade it out for a player, more picks this season or future selections and still net their Academy guns.
It will see the Suns with a range of options and just as many suitors for the pick, with rival clubs expected to throw offers for the selection.
The Western Bulldogs were in a similar position in 2020 when they knew their first-round pick (then No.14) was going to be eaten up by matching a bid on Next Generation Academy prospect Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and were able to use that pick to land Adam Treloar in a trade with Collingwood. – Callum Twomey
MASON Cox is expected to kickstart contract discussions at the midway point of the year after enjoying one of the best games of his career on Sunday.
Cox has had a number of standout games throughout his career with the Magpies, including famous finals performances, with his two-goal and 19-disposal effort against Greater Western Sydney among his best showings.
The 32-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Magpies at the end of 2021 and last year hit a games trigger that saw him kept on for this year.
Two games away from his milestone 100th game, the American import has been critical for the Pies this season either side of a spleen injury that saw him sidelined for five games between rounds three and seven.
Cox also had 25 hitouts against the Giants, with his value increased at the club given the knee injury suffered by fellow big man Darcy Cameron.
The unrestricted free agent gathered interest from Fremantle before he signed on at the Magpies in 2021 and played 18 games last season in the club's run to the preliminary final. – Callum Twomey
RICHMOND free agent Kamdyn McIntosh is heading towards hitting a contract trigger to tie him to Punt Road for another season.
The consistent wingman signed a two-year deal in 2021 that included a clause for a third year.
McIntosh played 21 games last year for the Tigers and has played every match so far in 2023, averaging 15 disposals.
The 29-year-old played in the Tigers' 2017 and 2020 premiership teams and has played 155 games for the club since being a second-round pick at the 2012 draft.
The West Australian is one of seven remaining unrestricted free agents at Richmond, alongside Nathan Broad, Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Ben Miller, Bigoa Nyuon and Robbie Tarrant. – Callum Twomey
CLUBS are keeping tabs on Essendon youngster Massimo D'Ambrosio as one of 13 players from last year's mid-season rookie draft still unsigned going into the second half of the campaign.
The Bombers are yet to extend an offer to D'Ambrosio, with the running half-back understood to be attracting some interest from rival clubs elsewhere. Essendon's other pick from that mid-season intake – Jye Menzie – also remains unsigned after playing eight games this season.
As revealed in Inside Trading earlier this month, West Coast's No.1 pick from the mid-season draft Jai Culley also remains unsigned beyond this season. However, the talented prospect has since ruptured his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season.
North Melbourne defender and No.2 selection Kallan Dawson is also unsigned, with D'Ambrosio – the third pick from last year's mid-season draft – impressing to play in 12 of 19 games since making his debut.
It's led a handful of clubs to monitor his situation as the season progresses, with only one of the 17 players taken last year – Hawthorn ruckman Max Ramsden – to have extended beyond this season. Ramsden signed a two-year deal through to 2025 back in April.
DRAFT HUB Click here for the latest draft news
Port Adelaide ruckman Brynn Teakle is another whose 18-month deal is expiring, with discussions having started for an extension with the Power.
Three of last year's mid-season recruits – Adelaide's Brett Turner, Geelong's Zane Williams and Carlton's Will Hayes – did not have their initial six-month contracts extended by their clubs at the end of last year. – Riley Beveridge
THE EXPECTED No.1 pick at this year's draft Harley Reid said he is not keeping focused on the battle for the wooden spoon and where his future may lie.
Interest in the top pick has intensified this week as 18th-placed Hawthorn takes on 17th-placed West Coast on Saturday in a game that will have a bearing on the wooden spoon.
But the Bendigo Pioneers matchwinner, who joined this week's Gettable show on AFL.com.au, said he hadn't given the game, dubbed 'The need for Reid', much thought.
"Not really, not at all. We're still not even at the mid-season stage of the season so there's still a long way to go," Reid said.
The hype on the powerful 18-year-old has reached incredible levels, but the laidback Reid said he had focused on his form as he eyes a big national carnival for Vic Country.
"It doesn't really feel real. When it happens (the draft) I'll probably feel more of the reality. I look back a couple of years and you see all the hype about (Nick) Daicos and that, but when you realise it's you it still doesn't really feel like it's you," Reid said. – Callum Twomey
ADELAIDE defender Josh Worrell is in discussions for a contract extension with the Crows.
The fourth-year backman, who joined the Crows in 2019, is due to fall out of contract at the end of this year but is in talks for a new deal.
Worrell made his senior debut in 2019 and played four games the following year and has been close to selection this season after overcoming a hamstring strain in the pre-season.
The Sandringham Dragons product has been in strong SANFL form for the Crows, having last week picked up 23 disposals and nine marks after 26 disposals and 11 grabs the week before.
The 22-year-old tall was taken at pick 28 in the 2019 draft intake. – Callum Twomey
THE AFL's decision to tweak eligibility for this month's Mid-Season Rookie Draft has opened the door for a 25-year-old from the Northern Bullants and a bolter fresh from a country league to be recruited without requiring a draft exemption.
VFL, WAFL, SANFL or TSL players had needed an exemption in the past if they hadn’t nominated for the previous year’s draft, but that was changed on Tuesday with the announcement any state league player who has played three senior games – only reserves and colts games won't qualify – this year will be able to nominate.
It means 200cm Bullants forward Brandon Ryan, Richmond VFL third tall James Trezise, Sturt midfielder Tom Lewis, Box Hill wingman Ethan Stanley and North Melbourne midfielder Sam Lowson won't have to fight for an exemption in the lead up to the draft, which prevented Footscray captain Lachie Sullivan getting picked last year.
Ryan moved to Preston from Maribyrnong Park over summer and has made an instant impression, booting 18 goals to start the year. The 25-year-old has interest from more than a handful of AFL clubs, but won't play again before the mid-season draft after being hit with a three-game suspension for striking this week.
Trezise, 20, was recruited from Tooradin-Dalmore in the West Gippsland Football League over the off-season and produced his best performance yet last weekend, collecting 29 disposals and 10 marks to attract increased interest from recruiters, after not coming through the NAB League program and being spotted playing country footy.
Meanwhile, Will Elliott – the son of Australian Test cricketer Matthew – is garnering interest ahead of the mid-season draft, having attracted the attentions of a handful of clubs with available list spots. Elliott, a mobile 202cm key forward, missed the majority of his top-age junior season due to a knee injury but has made an impressive comeback in the Coates Talent League with Oakleigh Chargers this season.
Set to turn 19 in June, Elliott played in a Young Guns trial game at Ikon Park last Sunday and finished with one goal from nine disposals and three marks. His father, Matthew, played 21 Tests for Australia while his brother, Sam, is a contracted state cricketer for Victoria. – Josh Gabelich and Riley Beveridge