Articles
3PL Line: Third-Party Logistics Perspectives
How 3PLs Build Resilient Supply Chains
As we come up for air after three years of unrelenting challenges caused by the pandemic, supply chains must prepare now for the next disruption by focusing on resiliency and adaptability.
Read MoreThese Three Trends Will Define the Future of 3PLs
From accelerating ecommerce demands and sustainability requirements to a growing emphasis on brand value, these are the trends shaping the way third-party logistics providers plan their business strategies and assist retail partners.
Read MoreThinking Inside the Box Truck
While most people are at least somewhat familiar with box trucks, these little workhorses don’t get enough credit. Also known as straight trucks or bobtails, they are usually 26 feet long and can carry up to 10,000 pounds of freight. They can also come in small (12 ft.) and medium size (14-18 ft.) configurations.
Read MoreThree Considerations for Choosing a Cross-Border 3PL
Whether to solve existing supply chain issues or to make good supply chains even better, many companies are now cultivating shorter supply chains that boast greater agility during disruptive circumstances. As a result, North American warehouses and distribution centers are increasingly shifting to Mexican and Canadian-based suppliers, rather than overseas counterparts, to simplify supply chains and improve fulfillment processes. While this is a step in the right direction, companies are finding that shorter and simpler doesn’t mean easier.
Read MoreDebunking 7 Misconceptions about Logistics Performance Metrics
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are an essential part of sound supply chain management — at least that’s what 83% of your peers think.
Read More5 Ways to Improve and Optimize Driver Retention
COVID tightened up the supply chain with shortages of medical supplies, computer chips, consumer products, and household goods. Not only has demand increased relative to supply, but employee and customer satisfaction continue to be on the decline.
Read MoreA Supply Chain for the Next Normal
The fluctuating economy over the past year impacted how companies across industries responded in a pinch. Now that crisis responses have passed and the pandemic settled into a new normal, many companies are looking for ways to adapt their long-term supply chain strategy for the unexpected.
Read MoreFTL vs. LTL: What’s the Difference?
Understanding these seven key differences between shipping full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) allows shippers to achieve the best possible results and support planning.
Read More3 M’s to Cut Supply Chain Costs
As the global supply chain settles into the COVID-19 technology-driven and customer-centric decade, there’s no time to pause and reflect on what has happened. Now is a time for action. Pick up the pace and ensure your processes are leaner and faster, and you are equipped to meet your customers’ expectations.
Read MoreAddressing Shippers’ Top Concerns
Due to the current uncertainty of the global economy, shippers are experiencing new, unique challenges. As they navigate these challenges, understanding the shifts in consumer behavior and how they impact their supply chain is critical.
Read MoreWhat to Look For in a 3PL
The field of third-party logistics (3PL) service providers has grown fiercely competitive, and the services and capabilities a 3PL can offer become difficult to differentiate.
Read MoreChoosing a 3PL: How to Make a Mature Decision
Relationships between shippers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers commonly focus more on tactical and operational elements rather than strategic elements. When sourcing to 3PLs, the shipper’s RFP often focuses on lane costs rather than strategic elements such as systems integration, real-time visibility, and total-cost performance. The transactional lane-focused relationship is appropriate for companies looking for […]
Read MoreLeveraging Real Time Information to Better Manage Logistics
When it comes to shipping freight around the world, costs and on-time delivery top the list of concerns for everyone from shipping managers to CEOs. Having strong, accessible data is essential.
Read MoreUsing Technology to Cut Freight Costs
The bad news: Tight capacity and higher freight rates are the new normal. The good news: There are ways to handle the impacts far better than your competition. Aside from securing reduced freight rates from your carriers, here’s how you can cut freight expense while improving service: Coordinate business intelligence Improve load planning Provide carriers […]
Read MoreSimplifying Supply Chain Complexities
Manufacturing has never been more global, productive, profitable, or vulnerable. Despite tremendous advances in breaking down global barriers and adding efficiency to the supply chain, there are still challenges to move products quickly, safely, and seamlessly. To appreciate the complexity of today’s global supply chain, consider Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner passenger jet. Each jet is comprised […]
Read MoreTrouble Finding Capacity? How a 3PL Can Help
Partnering with a 3PL could be the best solution to improved visibility and lower costs over the long haul.
Read More5 Ways Your 3PL Can Help Meet E-commerce Challenges
With unlimited e-commerce potential on the horizon, it is worth exploring if an experienced third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help you accommodate growth and ensure an optimal customer experience. If you’ve just launched your e-commerce channel or are striving to make that channel more seamless, scalable, and cost-effective, an experienced 3PL can be a valuable […]
Read More3 Ways Your 3PL Can Help You Overcome E-commerce Challenges
To meet consumer demands, e-commerce requires adaptable and flexible supply chains, no matter how short the lead time. Companies can support this fast-moving supply chain by leveraging a collaborative 3PL relationship. By collaborating with a knowledgeable third-party logistics (3PL) provider, shippers can add both scale and visibility to their supply chain. With greater control, companies […]
Read MoreGoing for Brokers
Over the past 18 months, we have seen a significant shift toward shippers utilizing brokers as their primary carriers. Many shippers abandoned the strategy of focusing on asset-based carriers, and now load their routing guides with brokers as the choice of record. We also see brokers being able to meet the detailed requirements of many […]
Read MoreHow to Stand Out From the Crowd
The changing needs of today’s manufacturers, coupled with the intense challenges third-party logistics (3PL) providers face—from greater reliance on just-in-time inventory and the increasing role of technology, to port congestion and the truck driver shortage—have led to a landscape ripe with competition. Arguably more diversified and sophisticated than ever, the 3PL sector is seeing an […]
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