Delivering the Final Smile
It’s dangerous to take a "hands-off" approach to customer service. That’s the conclusion of a recent CAPS Research report authored by Mei Li, PhD at Lehigh University. Relying only on carriers and service providers to drive the final customer service experience, warns Dr. Li, puts you at risk of having service failures that can trash […]
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Safeguarding Your Supply Chain Against Rising Fuel Prices
Rising fuel prices have affected most supply chains through fuel surcharges or increased component and operating costs. By planning ahead and evaluating where your supply chain activities are performed, as well as your current processes, you can face these challenges head-on and reduce the impact on your operations and the bottom line. Prepare your supply […]
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The Safety Measurement System: A Flawed Assessment of Motor Carrier Conduct
Developed to support the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) initiative, the Safety Measurement System (SMS) methodology is intended to monitor motor carrier and commercial motor vehicle driver safety performance. It must pass rigorous review before it becomes law. Under the Administrative Procedure Act, the FMCSA must consider the effect these […]
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VMS Lifts Warehouse Labor Productivity
Tracking lift truck operator time can be a challenge for warehouse managers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires lift truck operators to complete a pre-operation checklist before starting each shift. This inspection involves ensuring that the truck is working properly, and looking for signs of potential problems, such as hydraulic leaks. A recent […]
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Warning! Dangerous Lack of Support for Hazmat Professionals Ahead
It is often said that dangerous goods handling compliance becomes an issue only when a non-compliant situation is discovered. The better dangerous goods professionals perform, the less necessary they appear. Lack of recognition for dangerous goods management professionals’ contributions, increasingly complex global transportation regulations, and insufficient career development opportunities may prevent the most qualified management […]
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Global Logistics—December 2011
Japanese Ocean Carriers Mull Merger In a move reminiscent of Air China/Cathay Pacific’s recent joint venture cargo agreement, Japan’s three largest container lines are considering a merger to stave off rising costs and capture greater market share in the region. MOL, NYK, and “K” Line are in ongoing discussions to consolidate operations, reports French container […]
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Trends—December 2011
Transportation Management Breaks Out Transportation management system (TMS) solutions and TMS-managed services have been evolving at hyper-speed over the past few years, largely driven by an economy in a tailspin, corporate mandates to reduce costs at all costs, and the emergence of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and cloud-connected networks. The facility with which companies can develop and […]
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Jill Hesselroth: Opportunity Knocks
Jill Hesselroth is vice president, global supply chain at Nortech Systems in Wayzata, Minn. An electronics manufacturing services provider, Nortech Systems produces wire and cable assemblies and printed circuit board assemblies, and provides diagnostic repair and integration services. Responsibilities: Analyzing the company’s supply chain to identify opportunities for improvement, then implementing those improvements. Experience: Various […]
Read MoreBoosting Supply Chain Sustainability
Sustainable business practices and supply chains reduce waste, cut costs, and improve profit margins. Alan Amling, director of global logistics and distribution marketing at UPS, offers the following tips to help businesses improve supply chain sustainability. 1. Avoid reinventing the wheel. Minimizing waste is the first step in sustainability. Before investing in your own supply […]
Read MoreThe Invisible Discipline
For all of its name recognition, supply chain management can be almost invisible within an organization.
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