Freight Broker vs. Freight Forwarder: Definition, Benefits, and Differences

  There are many options and terms to know when it comes to shipping international and domestic freight. You may come across two standard terms: “freight broker” and “freight forwarder.” Though both facilitate and optimize shipping, there are critical differences between the two services in the freight industry, and understanding the key differences can help […]

Order Processing: Meaning, Importance, and Steps

The number of consumers who order products and services online has been steadily increasing in recent years. This increase has led to rapid growth in orders processed by the different parties involved, from businesses to delivery companies.  Order processing is essential in any business’ marketing and distribution strategy to save money on production costs and […]

What Is Dunnage? Definition, Uses, and Types

Dunnage is a type of material used to fill empty spaces on ships, trucks, and other vehicles. Dunnage trucking helps to prevent shifting and damage during transport. Common materials used for dunnage include wood, metal, and plastic.  This article will look at the definition of dunnage, its uses, and the available types. It will also […]

11 Types of Warehouses: A Complete Guide to Their Uses

Warehouses are essential to the supply chain and logistics industry. They provide storage facilities for a company’s upstream and downstream supply chain inventory until it is distributed to its final destination. These storage facilities ensure the smooth flow of goods through the supply chain from the manufacturer to the customer. However, not all warehouses are […]

Lessons Learned from the 1997 UPS Strike and Their Relevance Today

THEN: In August 1997, the UPS strike that not many thought would happen, did. Not only did it surprise many companies – but worse was its impact: It exposed companies’ reliance on a single carrier for their livelihood.  At the time, UPS dominated the ground network and had roughly 75% of the U.S. parcel market. […]

Artificial Intelligence in Fleet Management: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using AI Resources in Fleet Operations

Today’s highly sophisticated and evolving artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools and resources, including ones that leverage natural language processing like ChatGPT and Google’s new AI product Bard, are creating many new opportunities for organizations. However, the actual impact AI will have on transportation fleets in the areas of improved equipment asset management strategies, and operations such […]

Process Manufacturing: Definition, Benefits, and Industries

Manufacturing is the process of creating a finished product from raw materials or ingredients. This action is accomplished by using machinery, human labor, and other tools, with some manufacturing requiring chemical processes. There are various methods of manufacturing systems linked with producing final goods. Process is one of the main manufacturing methods. Modern manufacturing processes, […]

Commercial Invoice: Definition and Terms

A commercial invoice is a customs-required document for any internationally sold shipment of goods. As a legal document, a commercial invoice plays an important role in facilitating the processing of products and owed taxes or duties. The following summary covers all you need to know about a commercial invoice and its role in international trade. […]

The Ultimate Guide to Perpetual Inventory Systems: Benefits, Implementation, and Best Practices

In this guide, we’ll explore how a perpetual inventory system can revolutionize your business’ inventory management process and compare it to periodic inventory count systems. Throughout this guide, you’ll learn about the key differences between a perpetual system and periodic inventory systems. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of using a perpetual inventory system […]

Neo Bulk Cargo: Meaning, Types, and Examples

The shipping industry, the cornerstone of global trade, has witnessed the rising popularity of a distinct cargo category called neo bulk cargo. This innovative cargo type transforms the traditional bulk cargo model by integrating specialized equipment and practices for shipping various goods.  In this article, we’ll delve into neo bulk cargo, its various types, and […]

This Ain’t Your Parents’ Inventory Cycle

Speculation has been mounting that the inventory cycle is back. Profit warnings by major American companies such as GAP, Walmart, and Target that had taken on excess inventories and now needed to run them down raised concerns that a concerted drawdown of stocks could make a likely U.S. recession worse.

Is Goods-to-Person Technology Right for Your Business?
 Working With a 3PL May Be the Best Way to Find Out

Goods-to-person technologies can revolutionize each picking by turning traditional warehouse processes on their head. Instead of pickers walking miles each day to find and pick products, a goods-to-person system delivers the right product at the right time to pickers who remain stationary. The result can be an increase in picking productivity, faster order cycle times, […]

Green Supply Chains Come Full Circle

A growing number of organizations are incorporating circular supply chain approaches within their operations. Here’s a look at how they are closing the loop.

Hurricane Season – 11 Questions to Ask Yourself

Hurricane season for 2023 is upon us. And it’s never too late to be properly prepared. It’s always better to be over-prepared and then nothing happens than to be under-prepared and a major storm comes your way. Every business owner, regardless of the type of work they do, should address the following 11 questions in […]

Sriracha Brings the Heat

Hawaii Logistics: Moving on Island Time

As an island state importing most goods it uses and with limited storage, Hawaii challenges companies to keep shipments moving just in time. Here’s how logistics providers shore up supply chains and keep disruptions at bay.

GOOD QUESTION: What one supply chain adjustment would make the biggest impact on ESG?

Mature your data so you can use it like Google Maps. Sustained ESG marries continuous improvement with reporting and analysis—predicated on trustworthy data. Every company has a different origin, destination, and journey. Equip your organization with dependable navigation skills by building data intelligence and embedding a culture of data-driven action.

–Michael Ochi
Sr. Manager, Sustainability and Digital Manufacturing
QAD

Green Technology Partners

These solutions providers offer technology that empowers sustainable supply chains.

Shippers Gain Confidence

What can shippers expect next quarter? BlueGrace Logistics’ Q3 Logistics Confidence Index finds these key highlights: Anticipated revenue maintained a positive trend, decreasing by only 4% across all shippers surveyed. Inventory levels measured highest at neutral and therefore are not expected to expand or contract for Q3. Order volume (sentiment) increased by 5%. That suggests order volumes […]

State of Digitization in Forwarding

The pace of digitalization in freight forwarding has accelerated since 2020, as companies increasingly invest in technology solutions to streamline operations, finds a Magaya report. However, the industry still has a long way to go to capitalize on evolving technological advancements. Many organizations still rely heavily on inefficient manual processes. The survey’s key findings include: […]