4 Types of Pallets and Their Uses

Understanding and selecting the correct type of pallet—considering factors like load capacity, compatibility with goods and handling equipment, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with international standards—is vital for optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring safe, compliant transport of goods. 

What Grade Would You Give Brands on Reverse Logistics Operations?

I would give a range of grades from A to F for how brands are handling reverse logistics. There is still a lot of variation in this area—from consumer spending to B2B direct spend. A stellar reverse logistics program can lower the bar to buy. It’s so much easier to make a purchase decision when you know you can send the product back if needed, with no hassle. This is an area for improvement.

–Doug DeLuca
Product Marketing Manager
SAP Business Network, SAP

Tips for Closing the Visibility Gap

With modern supply chains being so intricate and involving numerous stakeholders, maintaining full visibility is becoming increasingly challenging. However, many businesses operate with fragmented and legacy systems where data lives in different silos and across different platforms. This lack of integration makes it difficult to track and monitor the entire supply chain in real time.

Taking a Shine to Lab-Grown Diamonds

Marketed as an eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds and offering more transparency, lab-grown diamonds are disrupting gemstone supply chains. Here’s some clarity:

Readying the Supply Chain Workforce

Educators reveal how they’re preparing future supply chain management professionals for growing complexity and advancing technology.

Securing an Unmatched, Fully Streamlined Solution

A private equity firm engaged Hub Group to evaluate its supply chain network and improve operational efficiencies for one of its prominent CPG companies. Hub Group delivered an end-to-end solution.

Micro Warehousing: Definition, Trends, and Benefits

Micro warehousing presents both advantages and challenges. Its benefits include faster delivery, reduced shipping costs, and improved customer satisfaction. However, it also involves higher operational costs and increased complexity in inventory management.

Manufacturers Are Optimistic; Truck Drivers Want Better Pay and Equipment; and Other Supply Chain News

Takeaways that are shaping the global supply chain.

EV Battery Investments Surge; Other Clean Energy News

DHL Group is expanding its charging infrastructure for electric trucks, thanks to a partnership with energy provider E.ON. The contract calls for E.ON to establish fast-charging infrastructure at DHL Group distribution centers. DHL service partners will also have access to the new charging infrastructure.

Are We Ready for Fully Digital BoLs?

While the advantages of electronic bills of lading (eBoLs) are clear, several hurdles—complex implementation, legal concerns, and a reluctance to let go of established processes—hamper its adoption.

What Can Rail Shippers Expect?

The rail industry finds itself at a critical juncture, poised for transformative progress that extends well beyond individual companies. Building on the progress freight rail companies made in 2023, this year holds the promise of a secure future marked by reliability, resilience, and commitment to sustainability.

Are Supply Chain Managers Running the Company?

Supply chain managers are playing a greater role in directing company operations and creating shared enterprise value as silos between suppliers and customers start to come down. Technology plays a part in opening those pathways because it cuts across company barriers. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers promise to do the same by cutting across inter-company barriers […]

Revolutionizing Local Delivery: The Future of Multi-Store Order Fulfillment

Implementing new shipper types for business deliveries, optimizing capacity, and adopting an income model based on stops are key strategies in reshaping last-mile delivery services.

A Supply Chain With Beauty and Brains

While selling beauty products may seem like a straightforward endeavor, “When you talk about cosmetics, it’s a world of complexity,” says Germán Ricardo Rodríguez Parra, operations strategic planning senior manager, supply chain, for Latin American direct-sales beauty firm Belcorp.

Hawaii Logistics: Shoring Up Supply Chains

The Aloha State offers a stunning location and presents unique challenges for shippers. Here’s how top logistics companies ensure smooth sailing—and seamless air and ground movement—for cargo.

Supply Chains Stabilize, But Risks Ahead

In 2023, it seemed like the supply chain was finally starting to calm down from the turmoil and instability that the pandemic set in motion. But storm clouds are appearing on the horizon, and manufacturers and distributors should pay close attention to them.

NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights

GOOD WORKS: DHL Group expanded its GoHelp program to Europe due to the growing number of recent catastrophes. With the launch of GoHelp Europe, the program now covers all global disaster hotspots.