Gaining More From 3PL Relationships
Whether your third-party logistics (3PL) service provider is a niche player or a global behemoth, you can take steps to draw more value from the partnership. Valerie Bonebrake, senior vice president at supply chain consulting firm Tompkins International, offers the following tips for getting your 3PL to do more for you. 1. Become an expert […]
Read MoreCapt. Kazimir Kostrubala: Winging It
Capt. Kazimir Kostrubala, USAF, is squadron operations officer and installation deployment officer with the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 19th Airlift, at Little Rock Air Force Base (AFB) in Arkansas. He received the 2011 Beyond the Call of Duty: Logistician of the Year award for his work with the Institute for Defense and Business. Responsibilities: Supervising 550 […]
Read MoreTrends—March 2012
Nissan Rides Waves of Sustainability What could be more sustainable than a slow-steaming solar-powered ocean vessel transporting electric cars? Japanese automaker Nissan recently debuted the Nichioh Maru, a roll-on/roll-off coastal transporter ship that replaces traditional diesel-powered electricity generators found on most vessels with 281 photovoltaic solar panels mounted above deck. Global automotive manufacturers have been […]
Read MoreGlobal—March 2012
New Zealand Port Tries to Strike Labor Balance As yet another reminder of how global labor strife can impact supply chains, the Ports of Auckland is trying to ease the pressure of three week-long strikes by the Maritime Union of New Zealand during the country’s busy export season. With an impasse expected to run through […]
Read More3PLs: Going Beyond Savings to True Value
Although shipping is an integral and expensive part of daily operations, other considerations often take priority. This may result in unhappy customers, increased shipping costs, and time wasted resolving issues. Companies looking to increase efficiency and maximize shipping dollars often turn to third-party logistics (3PL) providers, one-stop resources that facilitate shipping and logistics needs. 3PLs […]
Read More5 Ways to Excel in China
China and the wider Asia-Pacific market present an incredible opportunity for businesses seeking to manufacture products, source suppliers, or tap into end markets and sell products to consumers. But a strategic business shift into China takes careful consideration, especially when it comes to supply chain, warehousing, and distribution decisions. Here are five strategies for successfully […]
Read MoreGetting in the Zone: FTZs Fuel Improved Logistics
For decades, America’s foreign trade zones (FTZs) have provided a valuable platform for U.S. companies competing in global export markets. The FTZ program was established in 1934 to expedite and encourage foreign commerce. The nation’s 500 zones and subzones are secured areas, often near or adjacent to U.S. ports of entry, and are considered outside […]
Read MoreManaging Supply Chain Disruptions
These are challenging times for supply chain managers. During the past few years, a range of events and natural disasters has severely disrupted global supply chains, causing far-reaching effects across diverse geographies and markets. Yet today’s logistics landscape also holds huge potential for supply chain technology developments that help organizations better manage catastrophic events, as […]
Read MoreAs the World Turns, Supply Chains Spin
Continental instability, national volatility, and economic vulnerability force shippers to confront their own global challenges.
Read MoreNearshoring Latin America: A Closer Look
Do the advantages of locating production near the point of consumption outweigh the region’s drawbacks?
Read MoreWind Power: Generating Logistics Opportunities
The wind power industry continues to grow, expand, and excel domestically—and equipment manufacturers and specialty transportation providers are growing with it.
Read MoreJumping Through Hoops: The Importance of Vendor Compliance
Companies execute acrobatic leaps to ensure they satisfy customer shipping specifications. For small businesses, meeting supplier requirements calls for extra agility.
Read MoreTrying on a Tailor-made TMS
Ralph Lauren dresses up supply chain operations with a custom-fitted international airfreight transportation management system.
Read MoreOcean Freight Carriers Weather Rough Seas
Capacity gains in ocean container shipping continue to outpace demand. Here’s how shippers, carriers, and intermediaries ride out market volatility and uncertainty.
Read MoreUnderstanding INCOTERMS 2010
An Inbound Logistics article in October 2003, “Understanding Incoterms,” does an excellent job of explaining the concept of Incoterms, why they are necessary and how they work. We’d like to bring this article up-to-date with a discussion of the changes to Incoterms that began in January 2011. To recap, Incoterms are an internationally accepted set […]
Read MoreSouth Carolina: Invested in Logistics Excellence
Businesses reap big benefits when they locate manufacturing facilities in South Carolina, an established leader in logistics, supply chain, and distribution.
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