Managing Risk in a Chain of Fire
Supply chain dominoes keep falling far and wide. In addition to man-made disruptions such as political instability, piracy, terrorism, and war, natural disasters such as the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011, and the tidal waves that rippled throughout the Pacific ring including Alaska and Hawaii, have rattled the world over […]
Read MoreEstablishing a Successful Core Carrier Program
It’s easy to assume that the “core” in core carrier is synonymous with “one of just a few.” But the success of a core carrier program has less to do with the number of carriers than it does with ensuring that each provider selected is equal to the task of meeting your company’s needs in […]
Read MoreConsuming Confidence
America is consuming again. More importantly, it also appears to be producing.
Read MoreBrian Hatfield’s Supply Chain Stylings
NAME: Brian Hatfield TITLE: Vice president of supply chain COMPANY: KPSS Inc., Linthicum, Md., since 2006 PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: Production supervisor, The Dial Corp.; logistics manager, Sealright/Hutemaki; general manager, Lake River Corp.; regional logistics manager, director of supply chain, Alcoa Corp. EDUCATION: BS, finance and production management, Illinois State University, 1985; MBA, Keller Graduate School of […]
Read MoreTrends—March 2011
Texas Holds ‘em, Amazon Folds In 2005, Amazon.com announced plans to build a new distribution center in Irving, Texas, near the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The city council cleared the way for the facility by approving an economic development incentive package that provided tax rebates to the company for six years, with options to extend […]
Read MoreGlobal Logistics—March 2011
A New Suez Crisis? The 2011 revolution in Egypt and eventual overthrow of President Hosni Mubarek’s regime reminded global shippers how quickly political undercurrents can gnarl supply chains. Rumors persist about a closure at the Suez Canal, extended delays at nearby ports, and a shortage of ocean capacity between Asia and Europe as a consequence. […]
Read MorePETCO’s Pet Project
For pet supply retailer PETCO, honoring its commitment to superior customer service meant finding a loyal logistics partner.
Read MoreEfficient Use of State Resources Keeps Transportation Flowing
States have fewer dollars to spend on transportation these days, but that does not mean that highways and roads are destined to fall into disrepair. How can transport departments ensure the smooth, safe travel of goods and people in cash-strapped times? The Show-Me State’s answer: Change the way business is done. Missouri, on track to […]
Read MoreRetail Recovery Depends on an Integrated Supply Chain Strategy
Although retail sales have shown some increase in early 2011, many economists caution that spending will remain modest as long as wages stay flat and job creation weak. Even as consumers begin to loosen their purse strings, it is essential for retailers to remain cautious and operate at the most efficient levels possible to ensure […]
Read MoreFive Market Concerns Driving Shipper Cost Increases
It has never been more expensive or frustrating to be a shipper. Rates are up, capacity is down, and, while Wall Street analysts are bullish on the transportation sector, many businesses are still struggling. It’s a disparity that contributes to billions of dollars of shipper overspending each year. The following market concerns will have the […]
Read MoreAsia: Manufacturing Dynamo or Consumer Powerhouse?
Asia today is not just about manufacturing; it’s also emerging as a consumer powerhouse. To seize the opportunity, manufacturers and retailers alike are rewiring their global supply chain strategies.
Read MoreSouth Carolina: The Logistics Advantage
Boasting proximity to major U.S. markets and a wealth of transportation resources, the Palmetto State leads the Southeast in serving the nation’s distribution needs.
Read MoreNorthern Exposure: Navigating the Alaskan Supply Chain
Intermodal transportation stitches together Alaska’s 663,268 square miles of rugged terrain, presenting challenges and opportunities for intrepid shippers.
Read MoreHarnessing the Winds of Change
The wind power industry blows gusts of opportunity for project sites, equipment manufacturers, and specialty transportation providers.
Read MoreThe Last Mile’s Lasting Impact
From traditional heavy goods shipments to the new influx of e-commerce-fueled home deliveries, the last mile plays a crucial role in the supply chain. Get it wrong, and you risk alienating consumers; get it right, and you may just gain a customer for life.
Read MoreGlobal Air Service That Inspires Customer Confidence
When you buy global air transportation services, what you are really buying is confidence. That’s because when you send freight by air— and when your customer is anxiously waiting for that shipment to meet production schedules or avoid penalties— no one can afford uncertainty. The freight has to be there on time, period, no matter […]
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