Solving the Emissions Challenge
Companies need to gain a 360-degree view of their operations – including their Scope 3 impacts. When tackling emissions oversight, decision-makers must have tools in place that can help them capture, aggregate, and synthesize data in real-time to make any necessary tweaks to remain compliant.
Master Bill of Lading: What It Is, Key Features, and Issuing Process
In navigating the complexities of global shipping and logistics, the Master Bill of Lading emerges as a cornerstone document, orchestrating the seamless movement of goods across oceans.
10 Tips for Becoming a Shipper of Choice
In today’s “carrier’s market,” it’s more important than ever for shippers to become a shipper of choice—to go the extra mile and make it easier for carriers to do their jobs. Here’s how to strengthen your carrier relationships and achieve this coveted status.
North America: Navigating Cross-Border Trade
U.S.-based companies are looking to master cross-border trade in North America—amidst supply chain upheavals, rising production costs in many other parts of the world, and a strengthening initiative to produce closer to primary markets.
What is Cartage in Shipping and Logistics? Definition, Types, and Process
Cartage services play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of cargo transportation, especially over short distances. Through various types, such as local, terminal, and pier cartage, these services ensure that freight reaches its final destination promptly and securely.
What is Flexible Warehousing? Definition, Benefits, and What to Look For
Flexible warehousing stands at the forefront of modern logistics, offering scalability, cost savings, and operational efficiency. It empowers businesses to swiftly adapt to changing market demands and seasonal fluctuations without the long-term commitments of traditional warehousing.
Surrender Bill of Lading Explained: Benefits, Applications, and Role in Shipping
Understanding the complexities of global shipping demands a thorough understanding of documents like the surrender bill of lading. This guide explains its role in transferring legal ownership, streamlining the shipping process, and minimizing legal problems.
Top Supply Chain Management Schools
Here’s a roundup of some of the top programs to consider, whether you’re looking to major in supply chain at the undergraduate level, obtain an MBA with a supply chain concentration, or find the right executive education or certificate programs to further your career.
How Hopewell Logistics Drives Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement for Top Canadian Brands
The Canada-based 3PL offers warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation services as well as various value-added solutions.
Supply Chain Technology: What’s Coming Online?
The next wave of supply chain technology includes exciting innovations such as closed AI systems, non-human customers, edge processing, and LEO satellites. Are you ready?
2024 IL Market Research: Logistics IT Steps Up
IL’s annual report illuminates how companies are increasing supply chain technology investments to become more efficient and light up return-on-investment.
Stale Bill of Lading: Definition, Importance, and Benefits
A bill of lading plays a pivotal role in logistics and shipping. This legal document, which serves as a receipt for the shipment of goods, outlines the terms under which cargo is transported. It covers various types, from straight bills to negotiable ones, each with specific functions and purposes. Central to ensuring a smooth transaction, […]
What is Wholesaling? Definition, Components, and Challenges and Solutions
Wholesaling is a critical aspect of commercial shipping. But what is wholesaling? It acts as the intermediary link between manufacturers and retailers in the supply chain. Efficient wholesale shipping ensures smooth logistics operations and timely delivery to the end consumer. In this guide, we will clarify the definition, components, challenges, and solutions of wholesale shipping […]
Alaska: Terrain for the Tenacious
The logistics challenges of Alaska are met—and overcome—by enterprising and innovative logistics professionals who make it their mission to serve the people of the Frontier State.
Providing Cost Savings and Customer Service
Hub Group provides reliable, nationwide white glove service for a large furniture manufacturer, solidifying a long-term business relationship. Hub Group ensures continuous improvement and service consistency.
Unlocking Success in Heavy/Specialized Transportation & Logistics
Navigating heavy/specialized transportation can be complex—just like the loads themselves. Here’s how companies can manage these shipments.
How to Use Automation for Increased Transportation and Logistics Visibility
By embracing automation and mobile devices, transportation and logistics managers have the real-time information they need to reduce the cost of delivery operations, get the most value out of assets and personnel, and improve the quality and consistency of their customer service.
IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions
ArcBest’s new Vaux Smart Autonomy offering combines autonomous mobile robot (AMR) forklifts and reach trucks, software, and remote teleoperation capabilities to autonomously handle materials movement within warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. The materials handling technology is flexible out of the box to handle variability in facilities, processes, and product characteristics.
Behind the AI Hype
Industry insiders agree: The impact of artificial intelligence on supply chain management will be transformative. But how soon are we talking and who will be most affected? Wrap your mind around these projections:
10 Challenges in Retail Warehousing
Embracing solutions like automated systems and strategic space utilization are essential steps in overcoming warehouse management challenges and enhancing the performance of retail warehouses.
FTL vs LTL: Understanding the Differences
How do you choose the best shipping method for your load? This FTL vs. LTL guide delves into the nuances of each shipping method, helping you make informed decisions regarding your transportation needs.
NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights
↑ Estes partnered with Watershed, an enterprise sustainability platform, to assess and set benchmarks against its sustainability program. The initial phase will be to complete Estes’ first carbon footprint, which it will use as a baseline to analyze its emissions data and identify emissions hot spots.
Big Box Shipping: Definition, Key Components, and Challenges
Big box shipping is a cornerstone for efficiently transporting large quantities of goods across vast distances. However, you must understand every detail about shipping large boxes or oversized packages and its key components. With globalization fueling business expansion, there is a growing demand for big box shipping. An oversized package and large box help you […]
House Bill of Lading vs Master Bill of Lading: Their Key Differences
Bills of lading play a critical role in the shipping and logistics industry. They serve as a legal contract that acknowledges the receipt of goods and outlines the terms of shipment. They are evidence of the contract of carriage between the actual shipper, carrier, and recipient. So, they facilitate smooth transactions and ensure accountability throughout […]
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: AMRs & AGVs
↑ Automated Compact Truck (ACT): The ACT line is ideal for heavy-duty lifting in narrow spaces. The latest offering from Rocla AGV Solutions, part of Mitsubishi Logisnext, is suitable for higher warehouses, where it works as a companion for other high-lifting vehicles and manually operated forklifts. ACT can operate between warehouse and production or inbound and outbound areas, and it fits in existing warehouse environments with minimal rack
Global Trade Compliance: How to Play by the Rules
Complex government requirements will create new impacts for many shippers in 2024. Which rules and regulations affect your business, and what steps should you take right now to comply?
New Global Sourcing Hotspots & Other Logistics News
Are companies moving their supply chains away from China? Plus, reactions to the White House’s update on cybersecurity and new data on same-day delivery.
Preventing Another Supply Chain Groundhog Day
Rising prices, long delays, and mounting backlogs are factors reminiscent of the 2020 shipping crisis. But businesses still experience some of the same challenges, which are, unfortunately, tracking well ahead of where we were during the pandemic. It’s imperative that we prevent another supply chain Groundhog Day.
8 Types of Warehousing Processes
Warehousing is a critical link in the supply chain. It facilitates the storage, handling, and distribution of goods. Effective warehouse management can optimize inventory control and meet customer demands efficiently. Within this context, warehousing processes ensure smooth operations and maximize warehouse efficiency. This article discusses various warehousing processes that contribute to efficient warehouse management. From […]
Claused Bill of Lading: Definition, Key Characteristics, and Process
This articles explores everything related to the Claused Bill of Lading and its unique role in the shipping industry, uncovering its implications for shippers and carriers.
Cross Docking vs Drop Shipping: Their Key Differences
In the fast-paced world of business logistics, shipping methods play a key role. Cross docking vs drop shipping–it may be difficult to choose but this logistics guide will help you understand the differences and make the right decision. These two approaches can facilitate your supply chain management as a business owner. This guide delves into […]
Taking a Peek at Peak Season
It’s never too early to prepare for the holiday peak season, especially with disruptions mounting amid solid consumer spending. Shippers and carriers are employing automation, data-based decision making, and smart inventory management strategies—and tapping into lessons learned from last year—to get into position for 2024.
Oil’s Well That Ends Well
Knowing that his company is doing good for people and the planet guides Salim Benjelloun, vice president of operations at Pompeian Inc., through even the most difficult days and challenges.
Clean Bill Of Lading: Definition And Importance
A clean bill of lading is essential in international trade, guaranteeing that goods are shipped in perfect condition. It serves as a contract between the shipper, carrier, and receiver and a vital assurance of the shipment’s integrity. This article examines the critical role and definition of a clean bill of lading, highlighting its significance in […]
Outsourced Fulfillment: Definition, Advantages, and Disadvantages
When considering outsourced fulfillment, carefully assess your business’s growth stage, seasonal demands, expansion plans, cost-saving goals, focus areas, and technological needs.
Warehouse Vs. Factory: Purposes and Types of Each
Warehouses and factories, each integral to supply chains and manufacturing, serve distinct yet complementary functions. To optimize logistics, warehouses focus on efficient storage and distribution centers, often situated near key transport routes.
Georgia: Magnet for Growth
Leadership in logistics propels the Peach State’s success in attracting business and driving growth.
2024 Top 100 Logistics & Supply Chain Technology Providers
The Inbound Logistics editors selected the Top 100 Logistics & Supply Chain Technology Providers—companies offering the innovations their customers need to optimize and streamline supply chain operations.
What’s One Supply Chain Misconception That Needs to Be Cleared Up Now?
A lights-out supply chain? A systemic truck driver shortage? Cost-prohibitive sustainability? Readers tackle these misconceptions and more.
Kuehne+Nagel’s Sea-Air Logistics: Quality, Cost-Effective, and Reliable Service
Shippers of all sizes and verticals use Kuehne+Nagel’s Sea-Air product to save time and money, and minimize carbon emissions, when compared to air freight alone.
Supply Chain Sector Bracing For Impact From Baltimore Bridge Collapse
As the supply chain sector grapples with the aftermath of the bridge collapse in Baltimore, experts say it is crucial to mitigate the impact on operations and minimize disruptions to the flow of goods along the U.S. East Coast.
Global Logistics: Key Trends and Takeaways
The only certainty when it comes to global logistics is ongoing uncertainty. Agility, technology, and an appreciation for geopolitics are among the abilities essential to navigating the current environment.
Women’s History Month – Supply Chain Style
In honor of Women’s History Month, we take a look at some remarkable women leading the charge in the supply chain sector.
How to Attract Younger Generations to Truck Driving
With a shortage of more than 60,000 truck drivers due in large part to an aging workforce, the idea of recruiting millennial and Generation Z workers into the profession is gaining traction.
February U.S. Container Imports Show Strong Growth
U.S. container import volumes showed continued strong performance in February, surpassing 2019 numbers for the same period.
Bill of Lading (BOL): Definition, Example, and Importance
The Bill of Lading (BOL), derived from the old English word hladan, is a vital document in the logistics and transportation sector, serving as a legally binding contract of carriage and a detailed record of goods in transit. It is governed by strict regulations, including the Pomerene Act, ensuring legal compliance and providing a comprehensive […]
Drayage vs Cartage: Key Differences
Commercial shipping relies heavily on two essential methods for moving freight: drayage and cartage services. Each plays a distinct role in guiding goods to their final destination, from a port to a nearby facility or across short distances within a city. Though they serve similar purposes, the differences between drayage vs cartage are significant, and […]
Convergint Technologies Ensures Safe Shipping with EchoInsure+
Security solutions firm Convergint found peace of mind with Echo Global Logistics’ supplemental cargo insurance offering EchoInsure+. Through an expedited claims process with faster resolution, Echo made shipping Convergint’s high-value freight stress-free.
NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights
As a result of a continued relationship with BioNatur Plastics, which manufactures biodegradable plastic products for use in air cargo operations, American Airlines Cargo reduced long-term plastic waste by more than 150,000 pounds, the equivalent of 8.6 million water bottles, in 2023.
10 Tips for Securing Your Supply Chain Against Cyber Attack
While cyber attacks are becoming more common, more precautions are available today to protect your supply chain. Ensuring the best outcome against cyber attacks breaks down into three basic areas: avoidance, reaction, and preparation.
The Power of Diversity in Transport Tech
Transportation technology, once a world dominated by traditional infrastructure, has now become a hotbed of innovation driven by technology such as autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and advanced driver assistance systems. While these advancements have reshaped the industry, it is the evolution of gender diversity that has the potential to revolutionize it further.
How a Winning Auto Industry Forecast Relies on a Well-Calculated Expedited Strategy
I predict a roller coaster year for electric vehicles. The pressures of balancing cost alongside mass production, building out infrastructure, mapping accessible charging stations, procuring mass quantities of materials, particularly for batteries, all while meeting demand and participating in the race to net-zero emissions is a tall order.
DDP vs. DAP: Definitions, Differences, and Key Considerations
In international trade, understanding shipping terms is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions. This article will compare two delivery methods: Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) and Delivered At Place (DAP). By exploring their definitions, differences, and factors to consider when choosing between them, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the complexities of international shipping. Definitions: […]
Load More Per Container to Cut Freight Costs
Containers that reach maximum weight capacity before the container is filled have a high price tag to ship. Cut freight costs by loading more in every container.
What is a Liftgate? Definition, How It Works, and Benefits
Liftgates facilitate the loading and unloading of heavy materials from trucks using hydraulic power to bridge the gap between the ground and the cargo space of a truck, proving indispensable in various commercial settings.
Next-Gen Logistics: AI and Innovation Trends in 2024
The logistics industry is on the brink of a major transformation, fueled by artificial intelligence and technological advancements. These changes target improvements in operational efficiency and customer experience. As these trends emerge, they’re reshaping logistics from its traditional role into a key driver of business success and customer satisfaction.
Warehouse Management: Meaning, Advantages, And Systems
Warehouse management is essential for businesses, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and accurate inventory management. Its success requires industry knowledge and strategic resource management. Explore further for key insights into warehouse management. What Is Warehouse Management? In supply chain operations, warehouse management refers to the comprehensive process of supervising and controlling all aspects of a warehouse’s performance, […]
Have Companies Made Progress Toward Supply Chain Resilience Since the Pandemic?
Most readers agree supply chains have become more resilient since the pandemic. But some note caveats and potential pitfalls.
Supply Chain Career Hacks
Supply chain management professors and practitioners share advice and strategies for leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to boost your skill set and supercharge your career trajectory.
Stop Thief! Cargo Theft Terms and Tricks
From freight trains and trucks, from warehouses to parking lots to consumers’ porches, the conveyances and touchpoints of the supply chain present opportunities for thieves to pilfer and plunder cargo. Here’s what to watch out for:
IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions
Clustag’s MOT Station can drive inventory accuracy up to 99.92% and scan 400 tags per case at speeds of up to 1,000 cases per hour. The RFID-based solution for distribution centers and warehouses aggregates three pieces of data—RFID identification, case volume, and case weight—to improve the inventory management process.
Dump Trucks: Industry, Types, and Applications
Dump trucks are multifaceted vehicles, with wide-ranging applications across the construction, mining, and transportation sectors. Understanding the industry and the benefits and applications associated with the various types of dump trucks is key for maximum efficiency of use.
Courier vs Freight: Which is Best for Your Shipping Needs?
The choice between freight and courier shipping depends on the specifics of your shipment, including size, weight, urgency, and cost considerations. Here is a closer look at the two transportation types as well as their benefits and drawbacks.
Digital Twins Gaining Ground; Intermodal Projects Get Green Light; More Supply Chain News
What’s shaping the future of the global supply chain? Digital twins, disruption mitigation, intermodal investments, and AI, among others.
The Independent Contractors Rule Raises More Questions than Answers
Employee or independent contractor? The answer to that question under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) relies in great part on the Department of Labor rule on evaluating the relationship. That rule changes yet again on March 11, 2024.
Spotlight on Freight Audit & Payment: Interest is Up in Keeping Costs Down
Optimizing transportation spend is top of mind for shippers today—and the emphasis is likely to grow as companies seek ways to maximize budgets across every department. As a result, the need for freight audit and payment services is growing.
To Catch a Thief: 5 Ways to Boost Cargo Security
With cargo thefts surging, bolstered by sophisticated new tech-based methods, it has never been more important for shippers and their partners to emphasize security best practices.
Top Supply Chain Challenges for Dangerous Goods and Other HazMat Shipping Updates
Dangerous goods professionals share insights on infrastructure, investments, regulatory updates, sustainability concerns and other top supply chain challenges. PLUS: More news from the DG/Hazmat supply chain sector.
Tanker Trucks: Types, Capacity, and Safety
Tanker trucks play a crucial role in the transport industry, efficiently moving various liquids and gases, including fuel, chemicals, and water. These vehicles come in various sizes, from small to large capacities, ensuring the safe and effective delivery of essential substances across distances.
Interview with C.H. Robinson CEO: Staying Close to the Work
As a leader in today’s trying business environment, C.H. Robinson CEO Dave Bozeman embraces lean principles, gains insights from his people, and gets close to the work so he can make decisions based on actual data and firsthand experience.
What Tech Trends Should You Prioritize?
Logistics organizations remain under pressure to control costs while dealing with unprecedented labor challenges. Historically, few have prioritized technology investment to help address these sorts of issues.
Ports Update: New Strategies for a New Age
In the post-pandemic era, U.S. ports are steering new courses toward improving sustainability, collaboration, and infrastructure efforts.
What Is Pick Pack and Ship? Benefits, Challenges, and Tips
In today’s fast-paced world of e-commerce, businesses strive to streamline their operations to provide the best customer service while maintaining profitability. One significant aspect of this efficiency drive is a procedure known as ‘pick pack and ship.’ It is a crucial aspect of the supply chain and fulfillment process that can directly impact a company’s […]
Channel Strategy vs. Logistics Management: Why They Matter and Their Key Differences
Channel strategy vs logistics management––here is everything you need to know. Understanding the differences and correlations between channel strategy and logistics management is paramount in the vast realm of the shipping, logistics, and supply chain industry. These concepts dictate how products move from manufacturers to consumers and influence the efficiency and profitability of the businesses […]
10 Tips for Building Brand Reputation Through the Supply Chain
In today’s competitive world, maintaining a positive brand reputation is critical to success. Every interaction and touchpoint across your supply chain is an opportunity to build trust and deliver an exceptional experience to clients, vendors, and stakeholders.
Expedited Shipping vs Standard: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the differences is crucial for making informed decisions that align with your shipping needs. The right choice depends on factors like delivery urgency, budget constraints, and the nature of the items being shipped.
Received for Shipment: Definition, How It Works, and Importance
Understanding the concept of ‘Received for Shipment’ is important in the shipping industry. This notation indicates that the carrier has received the cargo at the port facility for loading onto a specific vessel or voyage.
What Is Warehousing? Definition, Types, and Key Features
With different types of warehouses, such as private, public, and bonded warehouses available, businesses have choices to select a suitable warehouse based on their needs. Important elements to consider include locations, the technology available, costs per SKU, or additional features.
Channel Strategy: Definition, Types, and Tips
Businesses can significantly optimize the customer journey for better retention, meet business objectives, and ensure a successful marketing campaign—all by optimizing various marketing channels.
Pharmaceutical Warehousing: Definition, Handling Standards, and Supply Chain Rules
Pharmaceutical warehouses are specialized storage facilities that safely store pharmaceutical products, including medications, vaccines, and other health-related items.
Jumbo Trailer Trucks: Definition, Features, and Role in the Automotive Industry
A jumbo trailer truck stands out in the automotive industry due to its distinctive design and capacity to handle a much larger load volume than regular trucks.
13 Top Benefits of Automating Your Supply Chain
From attracting talent to boosting visibility, here are the advantages you gain from automating some or all of your supply chain.
Fulfillment Automation: What’s Driving Adoption and How It’s Changing Operations
The key to applying new levels of automation in the fulfillment center is to take a holistic approach and start with the basics of redefining the full operational process.
Bringing Order to Chaos: DDC FPO Unleashes the Power of Unstructured Data
Powered by machine learning, the latest addition to DDC FPO’s technology suite swiftly cleanses and structures unstructured data into crucial insights.
How to Future-Proof Your Supply Chain from Freight Embargoes
With CarrierConnect XL and transit service alerts, shippers can make better decisions during a freight embargo to mitigate disruptions in less-than-truckload service.
Leveraging Predictive Analytics to Gain a Competitive Edge
Predictive analytics helps companies make better decisions. The key is to have good data. For example, enterprises can use data to predict how much demand there will be for their products or services, how much capacity they need, how to manage inventory, and how to avoid risks.
U.S. Site Selection: How to Know Where to Go
Finding the right location to grow your distribution or manufacturing network can be tricky. Here are 8 tried-and-true tips to get you to the right place.
White-Glove Delivery: Giving Your Shipments the Red-Carpet Treatment
When a shipment needs VIP treatment, retailers give white-glove delivery services a royal welcome.
Getting to Big: SMBs Embrace Tech and Partnerships
Logistics can sometimes be challenging for small businesses that frequently have limited resources and a laser focus on core competencies. But with the right technologies and partners, SMBs can develop—and execute—supply chain strategies on par with even the largest players.
From Sky to Doorstep: Drones Deliver the Middle and Last Mile
The United States is in the midst of an aerial revolution, as the soaring potential and advancements in drone technology help reimagine middle and last-mile deliveries.
How to Write a Great RFP
Is it time to negotiate new carrier contracts? Here are the keys to successfully optimizing the Request for Proposal (RFP) process—from building a relationship with carriers to adapting to conditions as they change.
Technology Brings A New Dawn for Drayage
It’s a new day for the drayage industry as it attracts investments in technology to transform a crucial, but long-overlooked, component of the supply chain.
Logistics Solutions: Robots Step Up
Taking on repetitive and potentially dangerous tasks in supply chain operations—from unloading containers to materials handling—robots are driving efficiencies in warehouses and distribution centers. And they’re getting smarter, thanks to AI.
NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights
↑ South Carolina Ports awarded $253,000 to 116 South Carolina nonprofits and community organizations as part of its Community Giving program for fiscal year 2024, marking the highest number of grants awarded since the program began in 2013. Awards were given in amounts of $7,500, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.
2024 Supply Chain Predictions
Pencil in these tips, insider insights, and fearless forecasts from supply chain leaders.
You’re Writing a Book About How to Manage Supply Chains in 2025. What’s the Longest Chapter?
Readers reveal the most voluminous chapters of their imaginary supply chain management manuscripts.
Bringing Automation to Food Production
John Deere and SpaceX have partnered to bring new automation advances to food production. Automation in the food supply chain is nothing new and there are many examples of how automation has driven efficiencies by saving time and keeping costs down. Most of the existing examples are found in the middle mile—the warehouse and DCs—moving […]
4 Things to Expect from Logistics Providers in 2024
The logistics industry, though not quite back to pre-pandemic norms, has successfully weathered much of the chaos into which the pandemic had thrown it. 2023 allowed many companies to take a breath and return to more realistic inventory levels. As consumer spending eased, companies were able to eliminate expensive stockpiles of goods, which enabled logistics […]
What’s the Word? The Language of Logistics
What’s an antifragile supply chain? Should we expect humanoid warehouse workers in 2024? We explore some new logistics terms as well as revisit familiar definitions.
The Supply Chain Benefits of AI-Powered Decision Making
Leaders from eight countries and a range of industries were asked about the challenges and opportunities of AI-powered decision making. Here are the top takeaways.