Three Ways 5G Will Benefit the Logistics Industry
Fundamentally different from previous generations, 5G, the next generation wireless network technology, is engineered to greatly increase the speed and responsiveness of wireless networks. It promises data rates 100x those of 4G, with network latency around 1 millisecond, support for 1 million devices/sq. km., and 99.999 percent availability of the network. A connected world enabled […]
Breaking News – Walmart Canada and DLT Labs™ launch world’s largest full production blockchain solution for industrial application
TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2019 /CNW/ – Walmart Canada and DLT Labs™ today announce the launch of Walmart Canada’s blockchain-based freight and payment network, the world’s largest full production blockchain solution for any industrial application. The new system uses distributed ledger technology to track deliveries, verify transactions, and automate payments and reconciliation among Walmart Canada and […]
GOOD QUESTION | What’s the 2020 supply chain buzzword or phrase?
GIG WORKER. Embracing this growing segment of workers is the key to helping companies handle variability—from last-minute orders to seasonal swings—while remaining agile. Robert O’Dwyer Logistics Industry Principal Kronos Incorporated AI. It has only just begun to transform freight and logistics. With innovation comes new services and opportunities for cost savings or efficiency gains. Oren […]
Sites of the Stars
These logistics sites reach for the stars and deliver stellar performance.
Noted: The Supply Chain in Brief-Nov 2019
Shovel Ready Transportation management company Ruan broke ground on its new Iowa operating center, which will provide transportation and warehousing services to customers across the Midwest. Construction of the Ankeny Operating Center, which will serve as the provider’s flagship operation, is scheduled to be completed in September 2020. Transwestern Development broke ground on the Sam […]
IN BRIEF: New Services & Solutions-November 2019
Products UNEX Manufacturing’s new Keg Flow Solution for distribution centers keeps beer kegs flowing smoothly through supply chains. Keg Flow stores traditionally hard-to-handle kegs in an ergonomic and space-saving fashion with room for more kegs per pallet and a versatile steel roller track. Toshiba introduced the BA400 thermal barcode printer, which has a compact design allowing top […]
A Greener Supply Chain
Much has been written about the recent US-based Business Roundtable event, where 181 CEOs announced their commitment “to lead for the benefit of all stakeholders,” not just shareholders. The implications will ripple through boardrooms around the country, as the event redefined the purpose of a corporation as one that serves — equally — shareholders, communities […]
19 Intermodal Tips for Success
Experts share advice on how to get fast-enough service while saving money with domestic intermodal transportation.
Unpacking the Biggest Threat to a Multi-Trillion Dollar Industry
It may not incite the most technology hype or attention-grabbing headlines, however the centuries-old logistics industry is a critical sector that provides an enormous impact on our global economy. According to the annual State of Logistics Report, spending on logistics in the U.S. rose to $1.5 trillion in 2017, which represents 7.7 percent of U.S. […]
VERTICAL FOCUS | Furniture
Sofa So Good What is the outlook for the U.S. furniture market moving forward? Here’s what to expect, according to Coresight Research’s U.S. Furniture Report, May 2019: A steady growth curve for the U.S. furniture industry is being driven by a strong economy. Consumer spending on furniture reached $114.2 billion in 2018, up 6.7% from […]
Tackling E-Commerce Shipping
E-commerce is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives—putting pressure on retailers. Here are tips to help shippers keep costs down and customers happy.
Inside Innovation
What are the top supply chain differentiators and innovation drivers? According to the findings of BluJay Solutions’ Focus on Customer Experience: Research on Supply Chain Priorities and Investments report: Customer experience reigns supreme. 61% of survey respondents agree or strongly agree that customer experience will overtake price and product as the number one brand differentiator […]
Barriers to Scalable IIoT Execution
By providing visibility into the assets and processes that historically had no data feedback loop, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has allowed manufacturing organizations to leverage their incoming data to implement crucial initiatives such as condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. In addition, by establishing a constant and secure channel for data to flow from […]
Take the Current When It Serves
I recently participated in a summit of supply chain and business leaders who shared the many ways they are successfully navigating the turbulent waters of global trade. Despite the headwinds, they were determined to find new supply lines and expanded market opportunities. Determined and, yes, even optimistic about their economic future. It reminds me of […]
DHL Gives Mio Better Inbound Logistics Control
DHL International Supply Chain has developed a purchase order (PO) management and visibility solution for the Swedish home furnishings retailer Mio. The solution provides Mio more control over inbound orders from eight countries to reduce detention and demurrage costs while improving intake planning for distribution centers. DHL will provide PO management and visibility for […]
Uber Plans to Expand Freight Services into Canada
Uber Technologies Inc. is expanding its freight division into Canada to snag a piece of the country’s US$74-billion trucking market. The San Francisco-based company has been gradually expanding its services beyond ride hailing in recent years with ventures including food delivery, e-bikes and e-scooters. Uber announced last month that it would invest US$200-million into its […]
Calm Before the Storm
Though Hurricane Dorian may be behind us, U.S. supply chains continue to feel its effects. And it’s possible that another large storm could still be on the horizon. Even if manufacturers aren’t located in a hurricane impact area, they can still experience business disruptions if a customer, supplier, or transportation route is affected. In the […]
Going the Distance: Securing Supply Chains From Cyber Attack
All over the world, business are achieving their goals with more ease than ever before, thanks to digital disruption. Ambitions that would have taken decades to achieve in the past can now be attained in significantly less time, whether you are expanding globally, automating low-level tasks or scaling up. But this digital awakening has also […]
3PLs: Responsive, Cost-Effective, and Green
The modern supply chain is complex, and in order for the world’s leading companies to deliver their goods and services in an expedient, cost-conscious, and environmentally friendly fashion, they are increasingly turning to third-party logistics (3PL) companies to achieve these goals. These are among the themes of the 2020 Third-Party Logistics Study, created and supported […]
Data on Loading Dock Activities Improves Operations, Boosts ROI
Warehouse managers have long been forced to base decisions about their loading docks on assumptions rather than data. That’s starting to change, thanks to new technology that assembles objective information to support well-informed decisions. Q: For shippers in retail, high-volume distribution, and similar industries, what kinds of data about activities at the docks could help […]
Control Tower Approach Drives Visibility, Aids Planning and Supply Chain Reliability
LANXESS, a global specialty chemicals supplier, selected Odyssey Logistics & Technology to track multiple assets for four business units that provide products across 33 countries.
Noted: The Supply Chain in Brief-Oct 2019
Good Works MSC Group, parent company of MSC Cargo, worked with South Carolina Ports Authority and other industry partners to fill two 40-foot shipping containers in Charleston, South Carolina, with critical supplies to send to the Port of Freeport in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian. The maritime partners filled the shipping containers with more than […]
Crane Worldwide Logistics Announces New Vice President, Customs Brokerage and Trade Advisory Services
Houston, October 23, 2019 — Alexandra Kleinschmidt joins Crane Worldwide Logistics in Houston to lead the customs brokerage and trade advisory team. Kleinschmidt is a licensed customs broker, certified customs specialist and has an experienced background in leadership roles covering customs brokerage, compliance, ocean product and sales. Throughout her career, she has lived in multiple […]
GREEN SHOOTS: How to Implement GSCM
Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) can be integrated into almost any industrial business. The key to implementing this concept is to identify areas where sustainable practices can be applied to an existing supply chain. These areas include: Cleaner material sourcing. For retailers, this may involve partnering with companies to redesign packaging using recyclable or biodegradable […]
S.C. Ports makes a $63.4 billion annual economic impact on S.C.
CHARLESTON, SC – Oct. 22, 2019 – South Carolina Ports Authority has long been a powerful economic engine for South Carolina, and as container volumes have doubled over the past decade, the Port’s positive economic impact on the state has significantly increased. S.C. Ports Authority (SCPA) makes a $63.4 billion annual economic impact on South […]
Fostering a Data-Centric Culture in Fulfillment Operations
With more customers shopping from their couches, there’s never been a greater need for distribution center efficiency. Items are flying off the shelves, and both pickers and management are feeling the pinch. It’s no surprise, then, that technologies designed to help unlock and leverage data are rising in importance. According to Zebra Technologies, 61 percent […]
Optimizing the Last Mile
Doing last-mile logistics correctly leads to repeat business and loyal customers, but final-mile processes involve more than just a truck and driver.
BREAKING – UPS Launches New Tech-Enabled Healthcare Solutions, Forms Healthcare Unit
UPS Premier is a new critical healthcare product portfolio using next-generation sensor and tracking technology to help pinpoint tracking accuracy, combined with a new operating model featuring priority handling from origin to destination. Company deploys consistent quality management system across 114 UPS, Marken and Polar Speed facilities globally. New UPS Healthcare and Life Sciences unit […]
5 Tips for Choosing a Logistics Provider
Especially during times of global volatility and evolving marketplaces, an experienced logistics provider is a critical business decision. Vincent Touya, managing director of Dachser USA, offers these considerations for choosing a provider that will meet your expectations and business objectives. 1. Strong reputation and knowledge of your industry. The reputation of a logistics provider plays […]
Kicking the Tires on an IoT Solution
Tire manufacturer Michelin is a shipper with a massive global footprint and complex demands. With headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin operates 121 production facilities in 17 countries; those facilities produced approximately 190 million tires in 2017. With a presence in 170 countries, distributing products across the globe is a challenging and sophisticated operation.
VERTICAL FOCUS | Metals
Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: What’s Happened So Far To help make sense of the confusion around current steel and aluminum tariffs, IHS Markit offers this timeline. March 23, 2018: President Donald Trump imposes import tariffs on steel and aluminum. June 1: Significant–and supposedly final– changes are imposed. June 15: President Trump approves tariffs on Chinese […]
Driving the Efficiency of the U.S. Supply Chain
The recent surge of domestic manufacturing and the overall growth of the U.S. economy has required suppliers and carriers to re-examine and seek out new ways to streamline their operations. As the economy has continued to grow over the past decade, the American truck driver has become one of the most important facets in the […]
Sensing a Supply Chain Career
Rising through the leadership ranks at Ryder System, Steve Sensing stays resilient and collaborative, while always maintaining a sense of humor.
Automated Bidding Tools Benefit Shippers, 3PLs, and Carriers
At the start of a new year, it’s common for shippers striving for an optimized supply chain to review their carrier options to make sure they use the ideal mix of freight transportation providers. In 2019, this bidding business has lasted the entire year, as shippers and 3PLs look to take advantage of a softer […]
GOOD QUESTION | What’s the first thing to look for when selecting a logistics partner?
Common goals and transparency.
Leveraging System Design and Optimization for Supply Chain 4.0
Supply Chain 4.0 is an integrative approach to operational digitization, where existing and nascent technology applications are leveraged to transform the supply chain ecosystem. This is seen as an essential response to evolving business requirements and the gradational manifestation of industry 4.0 evolution. Q: How should companies prepare for the potential change to their business? […]
Tariffs: Is it Time to Rethink What Goes Where?
Did you think the U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods were temporary bargaining chips to get concessions from China? Now that essentially every item imported from China is subject to tariffs, are you thinking again? As the U.S.-China trade war shows little sign of ending, supply chain managers have to find new ways to keep costs […]
Employee to Entrepreneur: Transitioning to Freight Agency Ownership
Leaving a job to start a company is a high-risk/high-reward decision. For those transportation and logistics professionals who have been toying with the idea of entrepreneurship, there are some points to take into consideration to help make the right choices. Q: When is the best time to open a freight agency? A: There’s never a […]
2019 – The Year of Brazilian Trade
With continual shifts in the global landscape, countries from around the world are increasingly looking to Brazil as a partner ripe for trade and investment. Brazilian stocks have already reached an all-time high in the first half of the year, showing that the country is truly starting to make its mark as a key, competitive […]
The View From the Control Tower
As discussed in my last column, Integrated Business Planning (IBP) is a process that uses “outside-in” thinking by integrating demand forecasts, supply plans, inventory projections, and financial plans into one medium-term strategic model. That’s a great starting point. But the leading-edge way to manage your short- to mid-term global supply chain in real time (or […]
Reusable Packaging Maker Increases Savings and Reduces Waste with Transplace Solution
By adopting Transplace’s Dynamic Continuous Moves solution, Tosca was able to reduce transportation costs by more than 10% while continuing to provide exceptional service to its customers.
Blockchain-as-a-Service: Building Transparent Supply Chains For All
Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS), which gives businesses the ability to connect their supply chains through simply an internet browser, will add more fuel to Blockchain adoption.
JetBlue Ups Its Cargo Game
As part of its plan to gradually expand cargo operations, JetBlue will partner with Miami-based consultancy Aeronex Cargo. Initially, JetBlue will utilize flights to and from Fort Lauderdale to interline cargo moving through Miami International Airport. Aeronex will organize the Miami to Fort Lauderdale road-feeder transportation. Prior to 2018, the low-cost carrier did not transport […]
Syfan Logistics Delivers Time-Sensitive Load for Automobile Manufacturer
Syfan coordinated 36 full truckloads to ship 6,000 transmissions to its customer’s Allen Park, Michigan, warehouse within the one-week deadline.
2019 Trucking Perspectives
Inbound Logistics’ exclusive survey of shippers and truckers reveals where the wind is blowing in the trucking industry today.
Choosing a 3PL: How to Make a Mature Decision
Relationships between shippers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers commonly focus more on tactical and operational elements rather than strategic elements. When sourcing to 3PLs, the shipper’s RFP often focuses on lane costs rather than strategic elements such as systems integration, real-time visibility, and total-cost performance. The transactional lane-focused relationship is appropriate for companies looking for […]
Carriers Cough Up Hiring Fee
As part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse rule, trucking companies soon will be required to pay the agency a fee prior to hiring each driver—in addition to an annual fee for currently employed drivers. Starting Jan. 6, 2020, carriers will be mandated to query an FMCSA database […]
CPG Brands Find Their Place Online
How CPG brands large and small meet the needs of evolving customers who crave product information, access, and near-instant gratification.
(Not So) Forever 21
On September 29, 2019, Forever 21 filled for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The young-adult fashion emporium’s decision will primaily affect locations outside of the United States. The company plans to shut down nearly all of its facilities in Asia and Europe. It plans to close nearly 200 stores in the United States, and plans to continue […]
Freight Bill Audit & Payment: It’s More Than The Money
FBAP service providers use big data and business intelligence to drive global enterprise change.
Supply Chain Skills of the Future and How Organizations Can Prepare
A recent CEO survey by Gartner1 cited “lack of appropriate talent and capability” as the top most inhibitor to a company’s digital progress. Supply chain organizations are no exception. The gap between the skills needed to compete in an increasingly digital world and those available in the organization is widening. Rise in robotics, algorithmic intelligence, […]
How to Detox the Pharma Supply Chain
Advances in technology, new regulations, and more personalized medicine can make managing pharmaceutical supply chains a tough pill to swallow. Successful supply chains leverage new IT, share information, and embrace change.
Maersk, Blackbuck Create Containerized Trucking Platform
To help India’s government reach its goal of reducing logistics costs from 14% of the GDP to less than 9% by 2022, integrated container logistics company Maersk is partnering with BlackBuck, India’s largest online trucking marketplace. BlackBuck will own and operate a new containerized trucking platform, which Maersk will support by developing industry-specific solutions. The […]
The Sky’s the Limit for UPS With New FAA Drone Approval
On October 1st, 2019, UPS was the first company to receive approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for a broad plan to use a fleet of drones to expand its package delivery options. The milestone sets the pace for what many companies hope will become the norm in last-mile service. While other enterprises like Walgreens […]
The Business Value of Managed Transportation Services
Shippers are turning to managed transportation services (MTS) to help address logistical challenges. Here are the advantages.
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
Inbound Logistics’ annual Top 100 Truckers directory offers an in-depth review of carriers that match shippers’ diverse and demanding needs.
Optimizing Coca-Cola Consolidated’s Post-Expansion Distribution Network
Red Classic created a complex regional transportation solution to optimize Coca-Cola Consolidated’s distribution network following a multi-year expansion effort.
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 […]
Trucking Strategies for Whichever Way the Wind Blows
Just because there’s more trucking capacity available today than there was a year ago doesn’t mean that shippers can overlook the basics. Here’s how to maintain capacity in all market conditions.
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
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 […]
The Top 3 Logistics Challenges for the Rest of 2019
Amazon’s network, increasing reverse logistics volumes, and tariffs are the issues that will define the supply chain for the remainder of 2019.
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 […]
Carrier Relationships: Core Carrier, Long Term, or Bid?
Shippers must understand their supply chain, capacity challenges, and customer requirements before deploying a carrier management strategy.
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 […]
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
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, […]
GOOD QUESTION | How Can Brick-and-Mortar Retailers Compete with Amazon?
Don’t try and compete with Amazon. Identify what your customers want most and over deliver. Optimize the supply chain to provide flawless execution.
Incentives Power Economic Development
Sparking site selection decisions, energy, tax, and land incentives juice logistics projects.
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
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 […]
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
From exceptional ports to state-of-the-art e-commerce services, Florida’s logistics assets encompass everything under the sun.
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
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 […]
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.
Automating Labor-Intensive Tasks Cuts 3PL’s Costs by 50%
Javelin Logistics reduced its reliance on manual labor and now thrives in the e-commerce marketplace by partnering with 3PL Central.
Aftermarket Auto Parts Supply Chain: No Time To Spare
To compete in this fast-shifting sector, aftermarket auto parts companies have to speed into e-commerce and get their supply chains in high gear.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.