Cross Docking: Definition, History, and Process

Cross docking is a shipping method that transfers goods from one transportation mode to another to get them directly from the source to their destination. Cross docking is widely used in freight transportation because it helps reduce costs and storage space, among other benefits. This article covers cross docking definitions, history, types, methods, advantages, disadvantages, […]

Combatting the Chip Shortage with Cloud Adoption

As the economy grapples with the new normal of post-pandemic buyer behavior and businesses move forward, many industries continue to experience a demand surge that has overwhelmed the supply chain. Shortages of critical components such as semiconductor chips are at an all-time high for manufacturing, transportation, and logistics.

TEU: Definition, History, and Vessel Sizes

TEU, or a twenty foot equivalent unit, is the standard measure of container capacity on a ship. In other words, it tells you how many 20-foot-long containers can fit on particular container ships. TEU is important because it allows for easy comparison of vessel sizes. For example, if one container ship has a capacity of […]

Freight Forwarding: Meaning, Stages, and Pros and Cons

Supply chain management is an integral part of any company’s efficiency. Transporting goods from one place to another can be time-consuming and expensive. The process can be complex and challenging, but if you approach it correctly, it will go smoothly and leave lasting effects on your overall business. Many companies employ third-party logistics services to […]

Retail Warehousing: Definition, Types, and Benefits

Retail warehousing is an essential part of the supply chain, especially as businesses across the United States face a significant decline in storage capacities, according to the Wall Street Journal. E-commerce ventures are also on the rise, and these online retail shops need space to store, package, and brand their inventory to get it ready […]

Export Compliance: Definition, Controls, Penalties

Export compliance regulations are the rules, guidelines, and procedures that control how goods, services, and technology move across international borders. United States export controls are primarily governed and enforced by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control […]

The Global Food Crisis and Technologies That Help to Cope with its Effects

How technologies enable companies and governments to find the solutions to mitigate the effects of crises.

Intermodal vs. Transloading: Definitions and Process

Intermodal and transloading are two methods of shipping products. They are similar, but understanding the difference between intermodal vs. transloading can help you choose the shipping method that works best for you logistically and financially. The key differences between transloading vs. intermodal transportation are the methods of moving products. Intermodal is self-contained, while transloading physically […]

Warehousing Automation: DCs Level Up

Now that achieving efficiency is more pressing—and more challenging—than ever, distribution center operators turn to flexible automation solutions to boost productivity and optimize space utilization.

Air Cargo Capacity Comes Back

For more than two years, demand for air cargo vastly exceeded supply. But now, at the end of 2022, air freight capacity is approaching pre-pandemic norms. What happens now?

Expedited Carriers Guide 2022

With enterprises running just-in-time and e-commerce accelerating customer expectations, shipment speed is more urgent than ever. From managing time-sensitive medical shipments to meeting last-minute capacity needs, shippers seek fast services, at reasonable costs.

These carriers can answer your need for speed. Offering same-day and next-day options, ground expedite and air charter solutions, to name a few, the carriers on this list can handle tight timeframes, specialized equipment needs, and mission-critical shipments.

GOOD QUESTION: Is supply chain globalization in retreat? Why or why not?

Industry insiders reveal if there has been a pullback on supply chain globalization amidst volatility and disruption.

Devanning: Definition, Process, and Benefits

Devanning is a process of warehouse and logistics management that uses digital technology to systematically unload loose items and shipping containers from a vehicle’s load space.  Container devanning involves loading and unloading cargo using a sealed container and heavy-duty equipment like counterbalance forklifts to manage the entire operation.  When goods devan at the destination, companies […]

Reverse Logistics: All You Need to Know About What It Is

If you’re a retailer or e-commerce seller, you need to know about reverse logistics, also known as reverse logistics flow. Reverse logistics is a supply chain management system used to manage the return of products that were originally sent out with an order. Here’s what reverse logistics is, why it is essential, pros and cons, […]

Pumpkin Spice Pandemonium

Pumpkin spice mania is a fall tradition in the United States. Here’s how seasonality blended with limited supplies jacks up demand.

Business as Unusual

A new IBM survey of 1,500 chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) reveals that supply chain leaders have accepted their fate: Business will continue to be anything but typical for the immediate future. The main focus for CSCOs now is to prepare for what happens next.

Nearshoring Picks Up Steam

All of the global supply chain snafus that have taken place over the past two years have caused many manufacturers to reexamine their supply chain and production networks. The question they all seem to be asking is: Should we bring production closer to consumption? A new report from Accenture indicates that answer is “yes.”

Acquiring Minds Want To Know

A new report by Barclays Corporate Banking finds that nearly half of all UK logistics businesses are likely to make an acquisition in the next 12 months as they look to expand operations and become more competitive—the highest figure recorded in the survey’s 10-year history.

Manufacturers Feel the Disruption Burden

Supply chain disruptions over the past 12-18 months—including shipping delays and parts shortages due to truck driver issues and congested ports—have heavily impacted manufacturers (see chart). That’s the consensus of Deloitte’s new study, Meeting the Challenge of Supply Chain Disruption, which was conducted in partnership with Manufacturers Alliance. (see chart).

How Macy’s Avoids Inventory Glut

Retailers across the country are struggling with inventory pileup due to 2021’s massive supply chain delays. Unloading these previous-season goods has become a top priority for the upcoming holiday and winter season. But Macy’s is singing a different tune: the retailer managed to avoid most of this inventory glut, and reported to the Wall Street Journal that more than half of its offerings for the holiday season will be new.