
Caffeine Fix: Mug Maker Meets Brewing Demand
With their temperature-controlled mugs in high demand on a global scale, manufacturer Ember turned to SEKO Logistics to handle an influx of orders and help establish a supply chain.

Inland Ports: An Efficient Alternative
Coastal seaports remain pivotal components of many supply chains. Yet, for U.S. manufacturers and distributors scouting new locations, nearby real estate options are pricey, scarce, and/or stuck in a web of congested roadways. One viable solution is inland ports—intermodal terminals directly connected to seaports by rail or road.
Is Your Supply Chain Resilient? How Manufacturers Can Map Dependencies and Minimize Risk During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically disrupted many global supply chains, and there is no way of knowing when the disruptions will peak or begin to return “normal.” Presently, the focus on public health and welfare is paramount—the ability of nations to contain the pandemic comes first. But the health of the global economy is also […]

Why Hub Group?: ‘100% End-to-End Visibility at the SKU Level’
A growing CPG company benefits in multiple ways as Hub Group optimizes its supply chain with a streamlined outsource strategy.

State of Retail Tech
Equity funding to retail tech companies slowed globally in 2019—down 31% to $45.2 billion—largely due to a slide in funding to e-commerce platforms and enabling technologies, finds CB Insights’ State of Retail Tech report, a comprehensive look into retail trends from 2019 and what to look for in 2020. Specifically, funding to supply chain and […]

Warehouse 2020
From materials handling workhorses to voice-activated picking systems and DC reconfigurations, let’s take stock of the warehouse solutions powering e-commerce success.

5 Steps to a Contract High
In the mid-2000s, a U.S. computer manufacturer signed a long-term contract with an overnight delivery service to transport its products. By the eighth year of the 10-year contract, both the manufacturer and carrier wanted out. But both companies knew ending the agreement would be a lose-lose. The result: two years of distrust, retaliatory measures, and […]
Streamlining E-Commerce Fulfillment
Creating an efficient e-commerce fulfillment strategy isn’t easy. Here are tips every digital retailer needs to know to simplify the process.

Automated Materials Handling Gets a Lift
A labor market in which it is increasingly difficult to recruit, train, and retain workers is a major factor driving growth of the automated materials handling equipment market in North America, finds a report by BCC Research. The market expects a compound annual growth rate of 7.1% through 2024 and may be worth $28.7 billion. […]

VERTICAL FOCUS | Automotive
On the Road to Sustainable Mobility Mercedes-Benz, working with Circulor, a startup specializing in blockchain technology, is conducting a pilot project dubbed Ambition 2039 that aims for a carbon-neutral new passenger car fleet in less than 20 years. This transformation will require detailed knowledge of all climate-relevant processes associated with the entire vehicle value chain. […]

Predicting the Future of Consumer Demand
Improving demand forecasting is a priority for manufacturers—61% of respondents to a recent AIMMS report say that improving forecast accuracy is either important or extremely important for their organizations. However, only 2% of respondents are extremely satisfied with their forecasts. Many bet on new technologies such as machine learning and demand sensing to improve forecast […]

Going in Reverse in the Circular Economy
While 70% of supply chain leaders plan to invest in the circular economy in 2020-2021, only 12% have aligned their digital and circular economy strategies so far, according to a recent survey by Gartner. About 27% of respondents currently use digital technologies to improve reverse logistics, and 39% plan to do so in the next […]
3PL Market Revenue to Cross $1.8 Trillion by 2026
Growing demand for low-cost services and a rapidly expanding e-commerce sector will boost the market valuation of third-party logistics (3PL) to $1.8 trillion by 2026.
Useful COVID-19 Information & Guidance
The following links provide practical information and official guidance related to COVID-19, including new workplace guidelines, frequently asked questions, and updates from the government. CDC’s official guide for business OSHA’s guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 EPA’s list of disinfectants suitable for use against COVID-19 John Hopkin’s Coronavirus Dashboard showing real-time data on COVID-19 spread […]

Map Mishaps Throw Last-Mile Drivers Off Course
Nearly all last-mile delivery drivers say they would be more effective if they had better maps, according to a new report from Mapillary, a street-level imagery platform that uses computer vision to automate mapping. The delivery industry is racking up $2.5 billion in wasted salary and $611 million in extra miles due to bad maps, […]

How 3PLs Can Minimize Claims and Help Customers Understand Liability
3PLs can become an ally for their customers in the event of a loss, damage, or delay, providing outstanding customer service and support during the claims process.

Preparing for the New World of Work
The first, second, and third industrial revolutions were built around some form of energy: The first was fueled by steam, the second by electricity, and the third by nuclear power. Enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution, powered by smart, autonomous systems that use data and machine learning as their fuel.

Finding a Strategic Supply Chain Partner
Q: Companies have many choices when looking for transportation solutions today. What are the important factors to consider when selecting a strategic partner? A: In this ever-changing environment marked by varying availability and unpredictable market behavior, you need a partner who can handle these challenges while you focus on growing your business. You need a […]

From Sea to Supermarket: Tracking the Catch of the Day
In an age when consumers keep pushing companies to prove their sustainability, social responsibility, and fair trade track record, Bumble Bee Foods is counting on its blockchain project with SAP to earn high marks.

Shippers Have Hope for 2020
What supply chain challenges did shippers experience in 2019, and what supply chain services held their interest compared to previous years? The Averitt Express 2019 State of the North American Supply Chain survey of more than 1,800 shippers from a variety of industries throughout North America finds: 66.2% of shippers anticipate increased shipping volumes in […]
6 Work From Home Tips for Manufacturing Professionals
When you begin working from home, you may feel a sense of freedom wash over you. Telecommuting means more free time and no stressful commute. However, after a few days, you may start to feel isolated, uninformed, and less effective than usual—especially if you’ve been asked to work from home because of a traumatic event, […]

GOOD QUESTION | What Supply Chain Terms Do People Sometimes Confuse?
Carrier vs. broker or 3PL. Shippers often don’t recognize the value difference—and motivations—of an asset owner versus a non-asset player. We’re measured the same, but when the rubber meets the road, it’s the asset provider who has to deliver. The key is to understand where a broker brings value. Greg Orr President, CFI Savings vs. […]
Swinging for the Fences
Before a single major leaguer steps up to the plate on opening day March 26, 2020, industry players are already scoring with supply chain team-ups and spring training send-offs.

Eliminating Extra Costs From Double, Triple Orders
Multiple orders moving the same day to the same customer but on different bills of lading add up costs for shippers. The solution is to consolidate them.
The Global Economic Impact of COVID-19
When the novel coronavirus, now named COVID-19, first crept up in the city of Wuhan, China, in early 2020, no one could have predicted how this new virus would ultimately disrupt the global economy. Now, many around the world are contemplating how global supply chains may be affected and how things will play out in the next few months.

Making Sense of Supply Chain Education
Class is in session! Professors at some of the country’s leading supply chain education programs join Inbound Logistics for a lesson in how they are preparing the next generation of professionals, whether they come from business programs or engineering schools, for tomorrow’s challenges.
Warehouse Sustainability Doesn’t Measure Up
Only a small number of warehouse operators—18% of those surveyed—currently use sustainability metrics to analyze their environmental impact, finds a new Transport Intelligence warehouse benchmarking survey. Of those who do use sustainability metrics, not one was able to say how much energy they used per square meter or how much carbon dioxide they produced at […]

Gearing Up for a Bright Supply Chain Future
Logistics providers, retailers, and other large global movers are applying a mix of enabling technologies and innovative business models to drive the efficiency and supply chain orchestration needed to meet tomorrow’s package volume demand and capture market share, finds Deloitte’s recent Future of the Movement of Goods study. With growing e-commerce, shifting trade patterns, and […]
Last Mile Delivery Strategies During COVID-19 and Other Supply Chain Disruptions
Supply chains and carriers keep the global economy working amid the unprecedented conditions resulting from COVID-19, but they can seize up under extreme strain.

AI Powers Sustainable Manufacturing
One of the greatest potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) is helping the world become more sustainable. This includes addressing the three P’s of sustainability—people, planet, and profit—in manufacturing.

Plan B: 5 Ways to Weatherproof Your Supply Chain
From establishing secondary suppliers to setting up alternative routes, here’s how Plan B strategies can keep you up and running, even during extreme weather events.

Building a Case for Blockchain
Asset-tracking and traceability are the top uses for distributed ledger technology (see chart), highlighting the need for improved management as supply chains evolve from linear models to multitiered networks, says a PwC report. About 52% of business leaders say asset-tracking and traceability are the best applications for blockchain technology. Among those respondents, 52% identify trade […]

Robot Return Ratios
More robots are on the way to Walmart, says John Crecelius, the retailer’s vice president in charge of in-store innovations. Walmart will add shelf-scanning Bossa Nova robots to 650 more U.S. stores in 2020, for a total of 1,000 or more by the fall. Either Bossa Nova or Simbe robots will be in “the majority” […]

Transporting Cars: RoRo or Containers
The automotive supply chain is global and complex. The integration of smart solutions such as containerization maximizes the safety of the product, no matter how far it will travel to the final destination. Using containerization in place of traditional roll-on roll-off, or RoRo, transportation offers many advantages to the driver, the automotive supplier, and the consumer.

How Supply Chain Drives Business Value
World-class companies such as Apple, Cisco, Amazon, and Unilever have found a way to foster strong collaboration between their supply chain and commercial teams to execute business strategy, and this is a key driver in their success.

Leveraging Your Suppliers: What You Can Do for Me
Engaging in strategic partnerships with suppliers can net big gains.

2020 Reading Guide
It’s time to open up that book you’ve been meaning to read. These titles will help you catch up on the latest deep dives into the world of logistics.
Atlanta Hits the Spot
Atlanta, Georgia, takes the top spot as the easiest market to find spot truckload van freight in 2019, according to a DAT Solutions report. Because spot freight is unscheduled, it can be a useful indicator of economic activity. Take a look at the top 10 markets in 2019 for outbound truckload freight by equipment type. […]
How Does Coronavirus Impact the Supply Chain, and How Can Retailers Minimize Disruption?
With the new coronavirus impacting supply chains globally and shifting consumer spending habits, retailers must assess their response on a daily—or even hourly—basis. COVID-19 has impacted the supply chain by limiting access to employees due to quarantines, closing factories or slowing down manufacturers, and limiting access to logistics to move goods, according to Gartner. Retailers can minimize these disruptions in three ways:
SPOTLIGHT | Technology Innovations
These innovations connect supply chain stakeholders to enable instant booking, seamless collaboration, and increased visibility.

The Ultimate RFP Checklist for Shippers: Essential Things to Include in Every Bid
When it comes to creating a successful request for proposal (RFP), it’s all about dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s. The clearer your RFP, the easier it will be for third-party logistics (3PL) providers to understand your requirements and provide the information you need to make an informed selection.
Surge Protector
About 35 years ago, Mark Hogan left a successful career as an accountant to pursue a job in freight transportation. He hasn’t looked back.

Autonomous Ship: Maiden China?
China’s first unmanned cargo ship completed its test voyage in December 2019, marking a significant milestone in autonomous shipping. The ship, Jin Dou Yun 0 Hao, successfully delivered cargo from Dong Ao Island in Zhuhuai to the No. 1 pier of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Measuring about 42.2 feet long and 12.5 feet wide and […]

Coronavirus Precautions
The Chinese government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak has impacted 280 supplier sites near Wuhan, China, according to Bindiya Vakil, chief executive officer of Resilinc, a provider of cognitive supply chain monitoring and mitigation solutions. Businesses could experience supply chain disruptions for three to six months, which is comparable to disruptions caused by the swine […]

Ship More, Pay Less: Controlling Transportation Costs
Better matching demand to supply and adjusting contracts, tendering, and invoice auditing strategies can help control transportation costs when rates are on the rise.

Crossing the Final-Mile Finish Line
Total e-commerce revenue in 2020 will reach $3.52 trillion, growing year-over-year at nearly 19%, according to global tech market advisory firm ABI Research. This explosion is forcing retailers to find faster and more convenient modes to reach the final mile. Retailers will likely trade profits to continue investments in the e-commerce explosion. This growth depends […]

3PLs Do It All
Third-Party logistics providers are building future-proof supply chains, filling their toolbox with business insights, predictive capabilities, and other new solution sets.

Incoterms 2020: Embracing the Rules
International Commercial Terms, commonly known as Incoterms®, standardize the responsibilities of the buyer and seller in an international transaction and are now used frequently in domestic transactions in the United States.

I Like Big-Box and I Cannot Lie
Nearly half of small to mid-sized business (SMB) decision-makers involved in distribution, logistics, and/or procurement estimate an increase in shipping spend in 2020 compared to 2019, and big-box retailers are influencing their strategy, finds logistics technology platform uShip’s 2020 SMB Shipping Strategies report. About 25% of decision-makers say the logistics strategies of Amazon and Walmart […]

Can the New Silk Road Compete with the Maritime Silk Road?
The more I hear and read about the New Silk Road, the more grand the expectations. Politically, the trade corridors between China and Europe, as well as Africa, seem to be China’s key to becoming a leading global power in the 21st century. Logistically, infrastructures and networks are emerging on an entirely new scale, taking a gigantic economic area—representing 60% of the world’s population and 35% of the global economy—to the next level. The New Silk Road could act as a high-speed internet for transporting goods.

Supply Chain Predictions 2020
Industry leaders look to the future, offering advice and strategies to help you successfully navigate the year ahead.

Small Ports, Big Benefits
Smaller, lesser-known ports often deliver substantial benefits to shippers, letting them bypass congestion while leveraging advanced technology. Here are seven reasons to consider these less-trafficked cargo destinations.

VERTICAL FOCUS | Fast-Moving Consumer Goods
4 Things FMCG Retailers Need to Know FMCG retailers need to be aware of four key areas as they build their future omnichannel supply chains, finds RSR Research’s Supply Chain Management 2018 report. 1. Change signals. Retailers are increasingly aware that new digitally enabled consumer behaviors are challenging a key operational assumption—that consumers will start […]

Logistics Leaders Into Outsourcing
Outsourcing logistics services has become common—85% of logistics leaders expect their outsourcing budget to increase by more than 5% in 2020; 85% reported a similar budget increase in 2019, finds Gartner’s 2019 Logistics Outsourcing Strategy survey. One reason leaders expect budgets to increase is that logistics outsourcing supports their business objectives. About 70% of respondents […]

6 Supply Chain Risks Worth Taking
From technology investments that stretch budgets to supply chain partnerships that share proprietary information, these moves may give small businesses pause. Here’s why they should dive right in.

Navigating Amazon’s Move into Freight
Amazon’s quiet but successful launch of a full-service freight brokerage has a number of implications for supply chain professionals—some obvious and some not so clear.

How Zulily Optimizes its Supply Chain on Cost, Not Speed
Zulily started in 2010 with the idea of making online shopping fun—delightful even.
7 Notable Women in Supply Chain & Logistics
Meet the women who are succeeding at high levels in their companies, driven by a passion for supply chain and logistics, self-confidence, authenticity, and the ability to untangle the spaghetti of information that drives business decisions.

5 Ways to Manage Warehousing Requirements During Peak Periods
Managing peak period shipment volume is a structural challenge in the U.S. economy. Those preoccupied with executing order fulfillment services spend much of the year thinking about and planning for it. The surge is a three- to four-month peak in first inbound, and then outbound shipments, with overlap. Shipments to retailers come first, followed by […]
Which ERP Trends Will Catch On in 2020?
Supply chain management involves planning, execution, control, and monitoring, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions handle the physical aspects of supply. Next-generation ERP technologies have come to the forefront, and their powerful capabilities are having a great influence. Here are three ERP supply chain trends to watch in 2020. 1. Warehouse operations managers are more […]

Charging the Electronics Supply Chain
Electronics suppliers, distributors, and retailers address high-voltage challenges—from shorter product life cycles to price erosion and unpredictable tariffs—with technology and changing business processes.

How Is Coronavirus Impacting E-Commerce?
The number of people infected by the new coronavirus globally surpassed those infected in China as of February 2020. As the virus continues to spread, new ramifications are revealed daily. How is the coronavirus impacting e-commerce operations, and what can retailers do in response to those challenges?

The Secret Behind the Best Supply Chain Transformations
Even the most well-oiled supply chains have room for improvement. But what if you want to do more than just improve; what if you want to transform? Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) can disrupt—and, yes, transform—your supply chain.
Taking a Dip Into Supply Chain Management
Frank Armetta is global vice president of supply chain with Sabra Dipping Company, a division of PepsiCo. Responsibilities: Leads procurement, strategic sourcing, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution reports, global engineering, and global quality. Also oversees the Australian and Western Europe businesses. Experience: Vice president, global manufacturing with Sabra; global manufacturing vice president for PepsiCo Worldwide Flavors in […]

Turning Fixed Logistics Costs Into Variable Costs via Outsourcing
Variable costs offer an ideal way for many shippers to keep money in their proverbial pocket when things are slower without sacrificing service when orders pick up.

3 Big Barriers to IIoT Integration
From monitoring air quality in "smart cities" like Chicago and New York City to tracking health data in real time on smart watches, the Internet of Things (IoT) is everywhere. IoT applications look promising for the manufacturing industry as well: European aircraft manufacturer Airbus is developing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies to provide valuable […]

Applying Lean Thinking to Procurement
How to slate demand and supply initiatives and techniques into your procurement strategies.

Conquering Overflow Leads to a Long-Term Partnership
When a global medical device manufacturer turned to Suddath to manage overflow product, it found a long-term partner that also provided warehousing and value-added services.

Tips for Shipping Across the Mexico Border
Does your business have the knowledge and resources to manage cross-border shipping effectively? Review these five critical questions to ask before booking your next load across the Mexico border.

2020 Global Trade: It’s a Whole New World
From tariffs and trade wars to new trade agreements and updated INCOTERMS, 2020 is shaping up to be an interesting year for global shippers.

Technology Can Cure the Parcel Crisis at the Border
As e-commerce continues to increase globally, shippers have to streamline customs compliance to support their omnichannel strategy.
How Green Was My Tally?
Almost one-third of online shoppers are willing to pay more to have their items shipped in environmentally friendly packaging, with those buying health and beauty products leading the way at 33%, according to Macfarlane Packaging, which analyzed packaging performance among e-commerce retailers in the fashion, health and beauty, home and garden, and food and drink […]

Ten Minutes From Now—Do You Have a Plan?
While the publisher is focused on planning for a far-off future, I’m focused on providing practical information that you can use in the here and now. Leaf through this edition for the next 10 minutes, and you’ll find plenty of practical examples to help you navigate 2020. The content we provide is specialized because the […]

Ten Years From Now—Do You Have a Plan?
It’s a new decade and time to project and plan for the next one. Ten years from today, what will your market look like? What kind of customers will you have and where will they be located? What will they buy? How will they buy? And how will you adapt your supply chain operations to […]

What to Look For in a 3PL
The field of third-party logistics (3PL) service providers has grown fiercely competitive, and the services and capabilities a 3PL can offer become difficult to differentiate.

Stop, Thief! Five Ways to Protect Your Supply Chain
Today’s supply chain ecosystem is increasingly complicated. We rely on suppliers and buyers across the globe and use multiple transport modes, languages, currencies, and laws across borders.

Winning Moves for the Last Mile
With direct sales on the rise, retailers seek fast and efficient ways to deliver product over the threshold and into customers’ hands.
Most Read Articles of 2019
These Inbound Logistics articles caught your eye and claimed your clicks. From weaving sustainable practices into your supply chain to revealing how Impossible Burger met impossibly high demands, here is the 2019 content that got you buzzing.

You Have a Data Problem. Here’s What to Do About It.
To make 2020 better than years past, shippers must make this New Year’s resolution: Get the data right before the product leaves the dock.

Importer Maximizes Savings and Customer Service with Kuebix TMS
By leveraging Kuebix and an integration with NetSuite, equipment parts importer Summit Supply ensures every order is shipped with the quickest, least expensive option to maximize savings and service.
Noted: The Supply Chain in Brief-2020
Good Works Truck drivers and other employees at Averitt Express, a transportation and supply chain management company, raised $1 million in 2019 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through its Averitt Cares for Kids charity program. The donation is the largest-ever employee contribution to the hospital. Up the Chain H&M chief operating officer Helena Helmersson […]

Keeping Your Eye on the Prize: What Formula One Can Teach Us About the RFP Process
Bid management software is like a team boss, acting as the face—or rather, interface—of the complex data streams racing through your network.

Scale to Meet Your Needs
Now more than ever before, shippers should consider working with an experienced managed transportation service provider that has a large, dedicated network of carrier partners.

Good Question: Will the Supply Chain Management Function Be Obsolete in 10 Years? Why or Why Not?
Zero chance. Supply chain success is dependent upon human relationships, collaboration, partnerships, leading and influencing, servicing customers, and the like. Robots, algorithms, and other new technologies will make certain jobs obsolete, but not the function of supply chain itself.

What if General George Patton was Walmart’s CEO?
General Patton would survey the e-commerce battlefield where Walmart competes and conduct a threat assessment of every major competitor, especially Amazon.

Come Together: Logistics and the Sharing Economy
Logistics embraces the sharing economy with supply chain collaborations, industry crossovers, and unexpected partnerships, bringing fulfillment and transportation efficiencies.

Reshaping the Supply Chain: How New Strategies, Goals & Technologies are Altering Supply Chain Operations
Picture trucking in the United States minus interstate highways. Global trade without shipping containers. Supply chain management with no internet.

Conviction, Clarity, Compassion
Bob Sappio starts his workday at 4:30 a.m. and sends LinkedIn messages to his team on Saturday night. He’s committed, passionate, and a straight shooter–and gives his all to SeaCube’s technological and cultural transformation.

The Show Must Go On
Leaning on 30 years of experience shipping in Mexico, CFI delivered concert equipment for a well-known pop music group tour in North America.

Formulating a Predictive Flow
BASF Corp.’s vision for the next six to 12 months is to continue to move from a proactive approach to predictive logistics and shipping operations. It expects operations to be about 80% predictive in 2020.

Let Data Lead the Way to Optimization
Using intelligent, actionable information, we work alongside our customers to proactively meet their own customers’ needs.

Supply Chain AI: This Time It’s for Real
Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are hot topics these days, especially in supply chain circles.

The Three Things You Can Teach Your Third-Party Logistics Provider
Just because your logistics provider is the subject-matter expert, it doesn’t mean there isn’t anything they can learn from you.

Mitigating the Flood of Post-Holiday Returns
Businesses across the country spend months gearing up for the holiday season. And while they survived this year’s frenzy, many are now bracing for a flood of post-holiday returns.
Modernizing Information Along the Supply Chain for Natural Disaster Response
When Hurricane Maria threatened Puerto Rico, it was already a Category 5 storm. Baxter International, which manufactures saline solution bags in the commonwealth, took a major hit in production. The slowdown crippled the flow of these essential medical supplies to Baxter’s primary hospital consumers in the continental United States. Despite dire forecasts about the hurricane, the medical industry could not react fast enough, resulting in a major shortage of saline bags.
Using Mentors and Technology to Close the Talent Gap
New logistics technologies can lead to major operational improvements. However, few organizations have the personnel—along with the right mindset and skills—to take advantage, much less the ability to adopt new processes and infrastructure.
Implementing Industry 4.0 to Streamline Your Supply Chain
How beneficial will the fourth industrial revolution be for manufacturers? Adrian Burton, from Harrison Castings, explores three ways Industry 4.0 may help streamline your supply chain.
Noted: The Supply Chain in Brief
Sealed Deals Robotics company Magazino signed shoe manufacturer and retailer Lloyd Shoes GmbH as a new customer. Magazino’s intelligent TORU robots will help employees select and store shoes in shelving racks at Lloyd’s dispatch warehouse in Sulingen, Germany. Magazino can integrate additional TORU robots into an existing fleet in less than half a day. Casio […]
Are You Ready to Join the Circular Supply Chain?
It may be time to revisit how your company produces and delivers products as consumers and retailers become more environmentally aware and shift to a circular supply chain.
UPS Drones Will Soon Deliver Medical Products Within the UC San Diego Health System
UPS Flight Forward, the company’s drone airline subsidiary, will use unmanned drones to deliver medical products between health centers and labs at the University of California (UC) San Diego Health system. The flights, which will begin in February 2020, will take only minutes to complete and will be monitored by remote operators. Medical professionals at […]