Inbound Logistics

Truckers and Shippers Prepare to Meet Over-the-Road Challenges

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST

Maximizing truck utilization, managing Hours of Service regulations, and finding enough drivers pose major challenges for trucking companies, says Scott Vanselous of TMW Systems.

Loadboards & Exchanges: Finding the Perfect Match

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Shippers, carriers, brokers, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers use electronic loadboards to communicate opportunities, whether it's freight to be shipped or trucks to be filled.

Expedited Transport: It’s All in the Timing

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST

Expedited services transport cargo by air, sea, or ground to meet shippers’ demands for consistent, on-time delivery with short lead times.

How to Make Driver Recruitment a Competitive Differentiator

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST

Whether a company is looking to reduce driver turnover costs or vet a business partner to make sure it has the necessary resources to deliver acceptable customer service, maintaining a dedicated recruitment and retention strategy communicates a strong message both internally and within the extended value chain.

Rail Intermodal: Where Rail Meets Road

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

Shippers such as Ste. Michelle, Welch’s, and Michaels Stores are using intermodal transportation to move freight quickly, efficiently, and sustainably.

Cutting Through the Noise

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST

Inbound Logistics' annual trucking issue assesses the challenges and opportunities that await the trucking industry during this period of rapid change, writes Editor Felecia Stratton.

Perspectives 2012: Exclusive Trucking Industry Research

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST

The results of our trucking industry research report include in-depth analysis of the trends, challenges, and regulations that affect both shippers, truck drivers, and trucking companies.

For Truck Financing, Bank on a Transportation Expert

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST

Having a financing partner that specializes in the transportation industry is important for trucking companies because it will understand their capital needs, collateral values, and financing alternatives, says Nick Weaver, Regions Bank.

Asset-Based Carriers Give Shippers an Advantage

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST

When capacity becomes tight, maintaining relationships with asset-based carriers gives shippers the peace of mind of knowing their supply chain and service will remain seamless and fluid, says Terrence M. Gilbert, CEO, New Century Transportation.

Available Capacity Brings Value to Today's Logistics Buyers

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST

Unless the trucking sector adds drivers and equipment, shortages will continue, says Bo Bates, The Evans Network of Companies.

Reliable Transportation: A Key Ingredient to Baking Success

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST

When it needs equipment and consistent service, Dawn Food Products turns to RWI Transportation as one of its core carriers to deliver.

Trucking Communications: Goin' Mobile

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST

Mobile trucking communications technology signals new productivity gains for truckers, and helps improve truck driver safety.

Regulation & Legislation: Truckers Get the Message

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST

Some new trucking regulations – and proposed changes to rules and legislation – have a major affect on motor carriers. Here’s a look at these changes, and how they could affect shippers.

FMCSA Abandons Carrier Oversight

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST

Recent pronouncements by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration signal the agency’s retreat from its statutory and historical oversight of carrier safety in favor of placing more due diligence responsibilities on shippers and brokers.

Urban Delivery: Getting Into the Grid

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST

Traffic congestion and infrastructure limitations can complicate shipment deliveries in major cities. Carriers such as DHL and UPS use network engineering, communication tools, and contingency planning to ensure they meet customer needs.

Load Boards Evolve Into Social Networking Tools

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Trucking load boards have evolved from bulletin boards in truck stops to sophisticated social networking-style tools on handheld computers. Charles Myers of uShip.com outlines the benefits of the evolved load board.

Cross-Border Shipping: The Road Now Taken

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Electronics manufacturer Siemens switches from air freight to over-the-road transport for cross-border shipments from Mexico to the United States and Canada, cutting 35 percent from its transportation costs thanks to CFI Logistica.

Wes Kemp: Portrait of a Leader

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

Recently retired from a 40-year career with less-than-truckload carrier ABF, former president and CEO Wes Kemp shares his insights on the transportation industry, trucking regulation, and the importance of logistics and supply chain education.

Protecting Your Company Against Load Board Scams

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Shippers can avoid load board scams by taking the time to research the companies with which they do business, writes Jeff Vielhaber, TTS.

How Carriers Keep Great Drivers Behind the Wheel

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Driver turnover takes a significant hit to motor carriers’ bottom lines, undermines safety performance and customer service, and exacerbates the capacity shortage. Trent Dye of Paramount Freight Systems explains why focusing on retaining drivers makes more sense than trying to recruit new ones.

Smarter Trucking Saves Fuel Over the Long Haul

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Trucking companies around the world are looking to boost fuel economy by improving driver behavior, and they are using on-board technology to monitor and control what goes on behind the wheel.

Getting a Handle on Transportation Costs

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST

Plumbing fixture manufacturer TOTO Global Group’s U.S. division tapped third-party logistics provider Transplace to benchmark its truckload, less-than-truckload, and intermodal freight spend.

Refrigerated Trucks Haul More Than Just Perishables

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

No longer hauling just fresh produce and other groceries, today’s truck and trailer refrigeration systems also keep other high-value loads at ideal temperatures and humidity levels so they arrive safely at their final destinations, writes Thermo King’s Tom Kampf.

Freight at Rest is Freight at Risk

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

Motor freight carriers employ a variety of strategies to keep cargo secure in transit, writes Editor Felecia Stratton.

Looking Down the Road

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

Inbound Logistics spoke to CEOs at five leading motor carriers and logistics service providers about the issues driving change for their companies and the industry.

Trucking Perspectives 2011: Exclusive Inbound Logistics Research

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

Inbound Logistics' annual motor carrier survey provides an in-depth look at the trucking sector, addressing growth areas and obstacles such as CSA, hours of service rules, capacity and driver shortages, fuel surcharges, and freight brokerage.

Truckers Play Role in Homeland Security

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

Curt Shewchuck, chief security officer, Con-way Freight discusses how the carrier's security protocols helped avert a terrorist threat.

Trends—August 2011

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST

Cargo theft is a greater concern than terrorism; University of Tennessee creates advisory board of shipper supply chain executives; Trucks to dominate tonnage and revenue over the next decade; State DOTs get lean and green; Inland ports grow in importance; Best Buy consolidates its brick and mortar presence

Switching to Emissions-reducing Fuel Technologies

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

Shipping and logistics professionals facing stricter emissions regulations and rising diesel prices will have an opportunity to take control of their fleets and realize the fuel and cost savings selective catalytic reduction brings, writes Chad Dombroski of Yara North America.

Looking Beyond Rates: The Road to Smoother Carrier Contract Negotiations

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

Carrier-supplied data can provide valuable insight for writing contracts, but shippers who want to pave the way to strong business relationships must dig deeper.

Green on the Ground

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST

When looking for environmental sustainability solutions, which ground transport mode -- truck or rail -- is greener?

The Surprising Upside to CSA 2010

Sun, 15 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

CSA 2010 guidelines can benefit shippers by increasing carrier attention to driver safety, writes David Strand, Wholesale Truck & Finance.

Establishing a Successful Core Carrier Program

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST

Charlie Hitt, 3PD Inc., offers tips for implementing a successful core carrier program.

The Perfect Storm: Weathering a Chassis Crisis

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Roadability Rule has shifted responsibility for obtaining and maintaining chassis to shippers and drayage companies.

How the Driver Shortage Impacts Capacity

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

Although a driver shortage is imminent, many supply chain professionals have yet to grasp how it will affect capacity. Here's a guide.

Supply Chain Gain: Trucking Tactics

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

Strategic transportation management puts shippers on the road to increased fuel economy and improved asset utilization.

Supply Chain Velocity: Shifting Into Overdrive

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

When expediting shipments, visibility, communication, and customer service get into gear.

How to Drive Collaborative Distribution

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

Collaborative distribution lets manufacturers, especially consumer product goods (CPG) companies, merge loads destined for the same end point to maximize trucking efficiency.

Trends—November 2010

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

David Bennett of Schneider Logistics addresses how shippers, ocean carriers, and trucking companies are struggling with responsibility for providing chassis for cargo container units at ports; Boeing appoints new VP to handle 787 Dreamliner delays; companies restructure outsourced technology contracts.

Memphis: America’s Aerotropolis

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

Geography, transportation infrastructure, and a strong distribution sector make Memphis a natural logistics hub.

Trucking Alert: Steep Grade Ahead

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

Faced with challenges such as a capacity shortage and lack of qualified drivers, companies that ship product by truck are learning that working collaboratively with carriers can benefit both parties.

Exclusive Research: Trucking Perspectives 2010

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

Our annual motor carrier survey provides an in-depth look at the trucking sector, addressing growth areas and obstacles.

Balancing Risk Management With Your Operations Strategy

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

Increased regulation in the form of CSA 2010 affects not only truckers, but also freight brokers providing insurance, according to Mike Williams, chief operating officer, Sunteck Transport Group.

First They Came For Our Trucks

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

Is there a war on trucking? CSA 2010, cap and trade, and Hours of Service changes are challenging the ability of truckers to operate profitably in America, says Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo

Want Better Service? Take the Driver-Friendly Approach

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

Weather the driver shortage by keeping detention low and utilization high, practicing good communication, staying flexible in scheduling, and taking advantage of dedicated drivers and equipment.

The Best Partner Carriers Provide Transparency

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

Shippers shouldn't assume all on-time performance is created equal. Make sure every dollar you spend counts by choosing carriers who provide honest, accurate metrics, and foster innovation to improve your business.

Trends—September 2010

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

News briefs: U.S. Ports Dig Panama Gold, Reducing the Carton Footprint, SaaS to the Rescue, BNSF Brings Shortlines On Line, Truckers Tackle Credit Crunch

It’s Time to Implement Cross-Border Trucking

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

Fully implementing cross-border trucking policy benefits both the United States and Mexico, writes Kyle Burns of Free Trade Alliance.

Trends—July 2010

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

21st annual State of Logistics Report: Beating the Recession; Making dollars and Sense out of Jabulanis and Vuvuzelas; Mergers and Acquisitions Show signs of Recovery

It's Time to Start Looking at the Future and Preparing for the Long Haul

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

As truckload prices starting to rise, more shippers are choosing stability over short-term cost advantages, writes Jerry DeMeuse of Schneider Logistics.