Warehouse Automation Growing, But For How Long?

Warehouse Automation Growing, But For How Long?

During the past few years, the warehouse automation market has seen double-digit growth rates driven in part by the rise of e-commerce and omni-channel retail, finds new research from market intelligence firm Interact Analysis. Consumer demand for faster and cheaper online delivery options has many retailers investing in warehouse automation to cut order processing times […]

The IoT Supply Chain of the Future

There are many reasons why supply chain management could be affected in the coming years; political unrest, wars, Brexit, and even environmental concerns such as rising fuel costs, the conversion to low-sulphur fuel, and unpredictable weather conditions. All of these will impact the shipping of goods globally, and the inherent costs associated. And we mustn’t […]

2019 Top 100 Truckers

2019 Top 100 Truckers

Inbound Logistics’ annual Top 100 Truckers directory offers an in-depth review of carriers that match shippers’ diverse and demanding needs.

The Value of a Trucking Company Offering 3PL Services

On-time delivery has remained a singular focus for shippers, supply chain engineers and freight handlers for decades. Only now, they have more options available to alleviate delivery disruptions and expedited costs. A multi-modal strategy — combining truck assets with 3PL carriers — gives shippers more capacity choices and consistency that can be the difference between […]

Managing Logistics Chaos With the Next Wave of Artificial Intelligence

Most of us have heard of the “Butterfly Effect” — the phenomenon where the flapping of butterfly wings in one location can affect how weather plays out in a distant location. This is an example of nonlinear system behavior, or how a small change in conditions in one location can result in large changes in […]

The Impact of E-Commerce Growth on Logistics Companies

The rise of e-commerce and the digital marketplace phenomenon, also known as “The Amazon Effect,” has changed the composition of consumer buying behavior and expectations, as consumers now expect fast, free shipping and competitive pricing. This demanding delivery schedule challenges traditional logistics and supply chain models, and companies are now forced to adjust their strategies […]

FSVP Inspections Are Underway—Is Your Foreign Food Supplier Ready?

According to the FDA, the United States imports about 15% of its food supply. More than 200 countries and about 125,000 food facilities and farms supply 32% of the vegetables, 55% of the fruit, and 94% of the seafood that Americans consume annually. Imported food can be hazardous, picking up harmful contaminants along its journey […]

5 Key Things to Consider in an ERP Software Selection Project

5 Key Things to Consider in an ERP Software Selection Project

Picking the right ERP solution can be tough. There are lots of options when considering an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system today, partially because generic ERP solutions that must be customized are being replaced with cloud-based, industry-specific solutions. From agriculture and transportation to entertainment and banking, there now are specific solutions for many industry verticals. […]

How to Maintain Composure During Trucking Capacity Shifts

When logistics executives and decision-makers get together, the conversation often turns to transportation and truck capacity—currently a conundrum for many. Loosening capacity means spot market rates are down 20% on average, which can be a tempting proposition for shippers, despite inherent volatility. On the other hand, a tougher pricing environment means trucking company failures are […]

Consumer Demands Put Pressure on Furniture’s Final Mile

While brick and mortar stores remain the shopping venues of choice for the majority of US furniture buyers, the battleground is shifting. By 2012, 27 percent of total home furnishings revenue will come from online sales (Statista), and that share is growing at a double-digit rate. The trend has ramped up the pressure for fast, […]

Walgreens Brings the Goods to You With New Drone Delivery Program

  Walgreens is taking steps to make their customers’ experiences as seamless and stress-free as possible.  In a new partnership with Alphabet’s drone service, Wing, the company will be testing a new on-demand option that delivers foods and beverages to customers. Eventaully, Walgreens hopes to incorporate over-the-counter medications into its offerings.   The move comes in […]

Solving the Trucking Labor Shortage

The convenience of e-commerce is quickly driving up the number of product shipments across the U.S. In fact, Pitney Bowes’ latest shipping index reveals an 8% year-over-year growth in U.S.-based shipments. As more consumers start shopping with e-commerce giants such as Amazon, it remains to be seen whether the trucking industry can keep pace. According […]

Scott Fisher

EFW’s Net Promoter Score Program Measures Customer Satisfaction

Q: Why implement a Net Promoter Score Program? A: The Net Promoter Score (NPS) has become one of the most popular approaches to measure and improve customer service. It’s a metric that a growing number of our clients are adopting to gauge not only customer satisfaction, but our performance. Along with recognizing the transformative business […]

Eric Mautner

M&A: What You Need To Know

Q: What is the most common hurdle a buyer and seller face when attempting to consummate a transaction? A: The most common hurdle is the gap between what the seller feels the business is worth, and what the buyer is willing to pay. For the seller, it can be an emotional decision and they may […]

Selecting a TMS

For those involved in managing freight movement, selecting the best transportation management system (TMS) is a crucial decision. Here’s how to evaluate a solution.

IN BRIEF: New Services & Solutions-October 2019

Products UniCarriers Americas unveiled its BXC65 4-wheel, cushion tire, electric forklift. With a 6,500-pound capacity, the BXC65 features on-board diagnostics and provides immediate truck status to reduce downtime. Materials handling company Crown Equipment made its Crown WP Series pallet truck available for purchase through the Crown online store with free, five-day shipping. Crown WP Series pallet trucks maneuver […]

The Transformer

The Transformer

Michelle Dilley energizes her company by challenging the status quo, standing her ground, and allowing her team to make mistakes.

Debbie Lentz Goes For It

Debbie Lentz is president of global supply chain at RS Components and Electrocomponents plc, an industrial and electronic products provider. Responsibilities: Global distribution oversight, including distribution centers, transportation, inventory, export and import trade compliance, and pricing. Experience: Senior VP, chief supply chain officer, Toys R Us. Various executive-level positions with Kraft Foods, including senior VP, […]

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT | Fulfillment Innovations

Kardex Remstar vertical buffer module: The LR 35 vertical buffer module is designed to pick small parts quickly in warehouses. It comes with picking software that lets users optimize routes and accurately pick goods. Additionally, the module easily integrates into existing systems and serves as a storage solution as well. UNEX roller rack: Designed to […]

VERTICAL FOCUS | Apparel

VERTICAL FOCUS | Apparel

Quick-Changing Supply Chains As trends in the fashion industry constantly change to keep up with evolving consumer needs and expectations, supply chain and logistics professionals need to be just as nimble and flexible to keep up. The apparel industry used to be divided into two seasons: spring/summer and fall/winter. Today, however, with the desire to […]

Keith Biondo

I Was a Shipment at Disney

On a recent trip to Disney World with my family, I felt like one of the shipments you manage. I experienced firsthand the recent technological magic Disney has invested in. The impact of that technology investment starts before you hit the park—advance planning, if you will. Disney encourages everyone seeking information about park attractions to […]

Nestlé’s Tasty Tactics for a Greener Supply Chain

In a revitalized commitment to ecofriendly practices, Nestlé has created a goal of reaching zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To be sustainable, though, the company is going to need to make some major changes within its supply chain.  To start, the food producer will need to begin implementing more sustainable ingredients within its […]

Florida: Clear Sailing

Florida: Clear Sailing

From exceptional ports to state-of-the-art e-commerce services, Florida’s logistics assets encompass everything under the sun.

Culture Builder

Culture Builder

While credentials and experience are important factors to consider when building a team, Dante Fornari believes that it’s cultural fit and chemistry that really make a difference.

Seeking Autonomy

Seeking Autonomy

What factors go into creating a successful supply chain? According to the EY Americas Supply Chain Reinvention Survey 2019, which surveyed senior-level supply chain executives on topics ranging from adopting technology, retaining leadership and talent, and prioritizing investment to supporting sustainability, here are the notable trends: A long road to 2025: More than 50% of […]

John Sheehy

Eight Ways to Minimize Supply Chain Risk

Supply chain attacks aren’t anything new, but threat actors continue to find new ways to breach networks. The 2013 Target breach and more recent NotPetya, Trisis, and Wipro compromises serve as not-so-gentle reminders that supply chain attacks are damaging and costly and present many risks to both businesses and their suppliers.

The State of Logistics

The State of Logistics

CSCMP’s annual State of Logistics Report presents an overview of the economy during the past year, key logistics trends, and the total U.S. logistics costs for 2018 (see chart). Here are some top takeaways. Macroeconomics: Economic slowdown expected and trade uncertainty volatile. The U.S. economy is flashing warning signs, as economic growth is forecast to […]

Gabrielle Griffith

Training: The Hidden Value-Add

Any business involved in import and export activities falls within the scope of all laws and regulations applicable to those activities. These laws and regulations are far-reaching and can be highly complex.

Noted: The Supply Chain in Brief-Sep 2019

Good Works To support a remote mountain elementary school in Yunnan, China, cargo-partner donated and delivered 200 desks and chairs, 130 bunk beds, and 260 bedding sets for a new dormitory building. In addition, the logistics provider will help the local government build a charity supermarket for people living in the mountain area to raise […]

5 Tips for Efficient Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management (SCM) involves the flow of goods and services in an efficient manner. It encompasses all the steps involved in procuring raw materials through to the finished goods, in a way that is streamlined and provides value to the customer. As any successful business owner will tell you, SCM is an extremely crucial […]

IN BRIEF: New Services & Solutions-September 2019

Products The Rite-Hite Dok-Guardian XL Safety Barrier helps facilities with loading docks comply with Walking-Working Surfaces regulations mandated by OSHA. At nearly 5 feet tall, the Dok-Guardian XL provides a physical barrier at loading dock openings and can stop up to 30,000 pounds of force. Transflo Trailer Tracking is a solar-powered device that provides near real-time communications and […]

Tara Meier

Choosing the Right 3PL and Supporting Supply Chain Excellence

Choosing the right third-party logistics (3PL) provider can make or break your goal of achieving supply chain excellence and have a significant impact on your company’s brand. Q: What are some top factors to consider when evaluating a 3PL’s potential to deliver supply chain excellence while upholding your brand? A: You want to ensure that […]

Mary Lamie

Collaboration Grows Freight Economy

At the heart of St. Louis’ strategy to advance as a global trade hub is a focus on collaboration to strengthen and promote the region’s already robust freight network. The entire bi-state region has united behind that common goal—establishing partnerships that bridge government boundaries, public and private sector, various industries, and multiple transport modes. The effort is paying off.

Anne Sexton

4 Steps to Streamline Global Shipping

For global manufacturers, managing logistics and carriers across locations, countries, and regions is no easy task, particularly given the current unpredictable business environment. But while shippers can’t control fickle global relations, they need not be at their mercy.

Destination: The Corner Office

Destination: The Corner Office

Got your sights set on the C-Suite? It’s no pipe dream. As the supply chain exercises more influence over business outcomes, its managers are rising to top leadership positions. The journey begins with expanding your skill sets and seeking job experiences that prepare you for the role.

Getting Shipments on the Right Track

Getting Shipments on the Right Track

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) provides wireless and broadcast infrastructure products and solutions to customers around the globe. Because many of the company’s products require installation, on-time delivery is critical. Late or damaged shipments raise costs when installation crews must wait for the equipment to arrive.

2019 Top 100 3PLs

2019 Top 100 3PLs

Providing innovative and reliable supply chain solutions, these third-party logistics providers drive home the goods. Presented in alphabetical order, these are the 100 3PLs Inbound Logistics editors selected as the best of the best.

E-Commerce Raises the Snack Bar

E-Commerce Raises the Snack Bar

To succeed in today’s competitive marketplace, brands need to deliver a strong, direct-to-consumer experience across all their e-commerce and physical platforms, including social media, online marketplaces, website, and brick-and-mortar stores.

Avoiding the Trade War Squeeze

As trade volatility between the United States and China escalates, shippers find few options for avoiding a painful squeeze. While some are shifting production to other nations in the region, others find those countries are less than ready to handle the spike. In the thick of peak season preparations, here are some ways to ensure […]

The IoT Reality: How to Prepare Your Warehouse

The smart warehouse is here, and it’s powered by an ever-increasing number of “things.” The Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced tags, cameras, sensors, robotics, and more, all generating and needing a steady flow of data to run your warehouse. Countless case studies have found them to be faster, more efficient, and less prone to […]

3PL Power

3PL Power

Whether brand new, solidly up and running, or decades old, shipper-3PL partnerships thrive on open communications, flexibility, and trust.

The Nexus Way

The Nexus Way

Will Hansen Principal, Nexus VALUE-ADDED EXCHANGE We will honorably serve customers, adding value in every exchange, at every interface. PROVIDING SOLUTIONS We will formulate and execute creative solutions that allow customers to gain marketplace advantages, deliver superior service, and make wise investments across the supply chain. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT We will uphold standards of excellence, never […]

Robots and WMS: Living in a Materials World

Robots and WMS: Living in a Materials World

“Order any sample by midnight (EST). Get everything in one box, shipped FedEx Priority Overnight. Always Free.” That’s the first message users see on Material Bank’s website. It’s the promise the next-generation material sampling platform has built its entire operation around and will remain a driving force as it scales.

VERTICAL FOCUS | Jewelry

VERTICAL FOCUS | Jewelry

Blockchain clasps the supply chain Best known for its use in cryptocurrencies, blockchain is now making its way into the jewelry supply chain. In an industry where transparency is in high demand, the technology has a lot to offer. Aside from cost savings, which many other industries have realized by implementing blockchain to trace products […]

Ryan Webber

Reinventing Logistics in the Age of Amazon

n 1909, Henry Ford said, “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” Decades later, Jeff Bezos said, “Customers are divinely discontent. Their expectations are never static—they go up.”

Triple E Supply Chain

The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), a nonprofit supply chain association, released new standards for instituting a “triple E” supply chain—one that is ethical, ecological, and economical. Companies that meet the standards are eligible to apply for the ASCM Enterprise Certification, an industry benchmark demonstrating a commitment to clean supply chains. “More than ever, […]

3 Ways to Mitigate Cyber Risk in Your Supply Chain

In March 2019, when U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations Daniel Abel spoke at a panel for The Brookings Institution, he cited reports from shippers and ships: “I’ve had a cyber breach and I’m inbounding to your port.” Cyber risks to supply chains in shipping, transportation, and logistics have only intensified since then. “Cyber […]

Southeast Ports Close in Advance of Hurricane Dorian

Though it has yet to land state-side, Hurricane Dorian is already a force to be reckoned with. In fact, it’s considered one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. Supply chain professionals are bearing down and preparing for the worst after the Bahamas suffered severe blows from the natural disaster. With […]

Thomas Griffin

How to Choose a 3PL and Reap the Benefits – DLS Worldwide

Q: What are the benefits of using a 3PL company for your shipping needs? A: You can streamline your processes by freeing up your employees’ time to work on other priorities and objectives. You will save money and achieve greater flexibility by leveraging better economies of scale, established carrier relationships, and knowledge of the industry […]

Stop, Thief!

Stop, Thief!

TT Club and BSI have issued the second edition of their report on global cargo theft, the first to cover a full year. The report analyzes cargo theft by modality, theft type (modus operandi), commodities targeted, and the value of losses across the major regions of the world (see chart above). Among the notable findings: […]

Managing Risk and Building Resilience

Antonio Galvao is chief supply chain officer for DuBois Chemicals, which creates custom chemistry, equipment, and process solutions. Responsibilities: End-to-end supply chain, including manufacturing, planning, logistics, procurement, and quality. Experience: VP, logistics and distribution, Americas, and VP, global logistics GISC, Johnson Controls; VP of supply chain, Africa, Middle East, Turkey, and Central Asia, and VP, […]

Walmart-Owned Flipkart Aims for Sustainability 

Flipkart, an online electronics retail company owned by Walmart, is working to increase sustainability across its supply chain. The e-tailer has already reduced its usage of single-use plastic by 25% across its packaging value chain. By 2021, it hopes to achieve 100% recycled consumption. Flipkart also filed for EPR (extended producer responsibility), a policy under […]

Greg Satell

Blockchain Moves Beyond the ‘Walled Garden’ Stage

On Halloween 2008, a mysterious paper entitled Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System appeared on a cryptography mailing list. Its author used the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto and to this day no one is sure of their true identity. Nevertheless, the the paper unleashed a revolution. While the Bitcoin paper’s objective was to establish an alternative […]

Machine Learning Powers Smarter Warehouses

As part of its warehouse management functionality, ERP systems typically track information about products as they’re picked, packed, and shipped, so that orders can be filled faster and more accurately. However, real-time data can now be collected and analyzed using smart sensors, cloud technology, and self-learning algorithms to generate new insights. Powered by machine learning, […]

12 Tips to Identify Quality Suppliers

When most buyers plan to select a new supplier, they are usually tempted to focus on the best price. But shaving a few cents off the product price is no help if the quality is below standard or the component does not arrive when you need it. Focus on quality by incorporating these 12 tips […]

GOOD QUESTION | What’s the quickest way to improve return logistics?

Make sure information systems, distribution networks, and transportation capabilities work together seamlessly. Perry Belcastro Senior Vice President, Fulfillment Services Saddle Creek Logistics Services Leverage artificial intelligence to identify key drivers causing returns/claims. This can provide insights that can be used to optimize delivery, reduce volume, and provide critical information to engineering to improve products. Tom […]

2019 Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards

2019 Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards

MORE TO THE STORY: How to Find a 3PL-Third Party Logistics Provider AND THE WINNERS ARE: 1. Echo Global Logistics 2. Transplace 3. Hub Group 4. C.H. Robinson 5. Kenco 6. Werner 7. (tie). DHL Supply Chain. GlobalTranz 8 . Sunset Transportation 9 . (tie). SEKO Logistics. Penske Logistics 10 . R2 Logistics Our audience […]

7 Outstanding Women in Supply Chain and Logistics

7 Outstanding Women in Supply Chain and Logistics

Like their counterparts in many other professions, women have steadily advanced within the logistics and supply chain sector over the past few decades. The women we interviewed are succeeding at the top levels within their companies due to a strong work ethic, a passion for supply chain and logistics, and the ability to be comfortable as one of a few—sometimes the only—women in the room.

Keith Biondo

3PL Growth Spurt. Why?

The managed logistics sector thrives both in times of positive change and in times of uncertainty. We’ve recently had plenty of both. In today’s bipolar economy, it’s no wonder that U.S. 3PLs had their best-ever year in 2018. Forty percent of 3PLs report top-line sales growth of 20% or better in our annual 3PL Perspectives […]

The Politics of Expanding Into New Markets

The Politics of Expanding Into New Markets

A majority of U.S. companies (82%) would like to expand into new markets and 36% are considering expansion opportunities in the BRICS and MINT countries, according to a new survey of U.S. business decision makers by connected planning company Vuealta. However, 55% of respondents say political uncertainty and its impact on their supply chains is […]

3PL Perspectives 2019

3PL Perspectives 2019

What does the road ahead look like for shippers and logistics service providers? In our 14th annual 3PL market research report, Inbound Logistics explores potential speed bumps and market movers.

Find Air Shipping Success Despite Uncertainty in Today’s Air Market

In the past, air shipping has been somewhat predictable thanks to reoccurring annual events like the holiday season. But recent events have disrupted the typical peaks and valleys we’ve come to expect. Now more than ever you’ll need to find the right strategy to handle out of the ordinary events as well as the typical […]

Don’t Forget to QC Your Logistics

Effective quality control stretches from manufacturers all the way to the consumer. Historical data and experts claim that quality impacts 30-70 percent of the final cost of the product. This includes things such as: Rejected parts that need to be replaced, returned or fixed Delays impacting the production schedule Customer dissatisfaction after a product is […]

VERTICAL FOCUS | Utilities

VERTICAL FOCUS | Utilities

The Gas supply chain now extends to your car Recently fueled with more than $15 million in funding and an operating space that has grown from three to 18 cities in less than one year, California-based startup Yoshi offers a monthly subscription service that delivers gas for your car directly to your residence. In addition […]

How Tech Keeps Talent

For the logistics and transportation industries, the evolving on-demand economy means an increased demand for warehouse staff and commercial drivers. Thanks to the smartphone powered e-commerce shopper, perks like free shipping, two-hour shipping, and real-time delivery have fueled the acceleration of driver demand. In fact, the American Trucking Association estimates the commercial trucking industry will […]