Feature Stories
Study Highlights Strategic Role for Logistics (Online Exclusive)
For all the operational advances chemical logistics achieved in the past few years, and for all the savings producers and shippers have realized, large opportunities for gaining efficiency and saving money remain. The most important advance would be for logistics to be included in the strategic planning stages with an equal seat at the table with production and sales.
Congress Plans Changes to Chemical Regulations (Online Exclusive)
Within days of the late-January deadline for chemical producers and distributors to file their ≥top screen≤ hazard-assessment questionnaire to the Department of Homeland Security, a Congressional subcommittee approved legislation to further tighten handling, transportation, and reporting rules for hazardous materials. Chemical producers, distributors, and carriers responded with a quick and loud call for legislators to wait for current rules to work before changing them.
Brenntag Acquires Schoofs, Names New Regional President (Online Exclusive)
Global chemical distributor Brenntag is not just California dreaming. It recently acquired West Coast specialty chemicals distributor Schoofs, Inc. based in Moraga, CA, and named Steven M. Pozzi as president of Brenntag Pacific, based in Santa Fe Springs, CA. No price was disclosed for the acquisition.
Tracking Totes Turns to Technology (Online Exclusive)
As totes and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) become more sophisticated and more expensive, chemical producers and distributors view them more as a fleet such as rail cars or tank trailers rather than as a disposable cost of doing business. Strict new rules on tracking and tracing hazardous materials also make it imperative for shippers to know where their containers are.
Globe Spinning
As the world flattens, global sourcing invariably becomes more dynamic. Sophisticated technologies and an emerging crop of offshore suitors are forcing today's intrepid explorers to balance reason with instinct.
Made in China: Perspectives on the Global Management Giant
What makes logistics in China so challenging? Who's really to blame for its much-publicized product quality failures? What's the secret to outsourcing success? A trio of industry experts responds.
Snap Shot: Furniture Logistics
Will the shift to global sourcing - combined with an economic downturn, housing slump, high fuel costs, and lack of visibility - unseat the furniture industry?
Case Studies
DC Solutions
The ABCs of WMS
I.T. Toolkit
Holiday Creations Sees the Light
A holiday lights manufacturer takes a shine to its new export management system.
Reader Profile
Michael Strauss: Putting Military Training On the Line
Commentary
How-To
Digital Editions
Checking InKeith Biondo
Up and Atom
IT MattersDr. Moshe BenBassat
Location-Based Services Put Efficiency on the Map
Supply Chain PerspectivesRobert A. Malone
Hamilton on Wry
ViewpointThomas L. Finkbiner
Can We Create a Viable National Transportation Policy?