How to Leverage a 3PL’s Expertise with Packaged Applications
Using adaptable applications doesn’t force customers to fit into a single box, but rather creates a unique box for each customer.
Last-Mile Logistics: How Sellers Can Make It a Strength and Not a Setback
The last mile, defined as the movement of items from a transportation hub to the final delivery destination often residential, is often the most challenging, costly, and technologically deficient portion of the delivery process. But as more and more consumers use e-commerce to order and ship everything from medicine to artwork, the shipping and logistics […]
IT Gap? 3PLs Close the Loop
To help shippers meet technology needs and manage customer relationships, 3PLs come armed with solutions and expertise.
Integrating Multiple Data Sources in a TMS
Q: What are some of the data management challenges to expect in a transportation management system (TMS)? A:The most important thing is to decide what data you want/need, which trading partner has it, and how you will obtain it in a format that will be required for standardization of reporting and data mining. Typically, for […]
2019 Top 100 Logistics IT Providers
Inbound Logistics’ annual list of the top 100 companies offering effective IT solutions.
2019 Logistics IT Market Research Survey
What’s hot in logistics IT? Which innovations are taking hold?
Can You See Me Now?
New technologies including blockchain and IoT, as well as advances in existing tools such as RFID, are helping companies gain greater supply chain visibility.
On-Demand, One Package at a Time
From launching Silver Top Taxi service in the 1980s, which morphed into Silver Top Delivery, to running American Expediting today, Victor Finnegan puts his entrepreneurial spirit and business expertise to work to move thousands of packages a day, one delivery at a time.
Choose Your Own E-Venture
With e-commerce fulfillment as their endgame, retailers are making their move. From stepping up automation to strategically setting up DCs and integrating inventories, here’s how retailers chart a path to e-tail success.
Advanced Optimization Techniques For Enhanced Solutions – Hub Group
Hub Group’s technology improved efficiency in a leading retailer’s network, maximizing capacity in constrained markets.
Leading a Supply Chain With Dogged Determination
Matt Cantatore is chief operating officer of Ollie, a national service that sells healthful, high-quality pet food direct to consumers. Responsibilities: Oversight of day-to-day operations, including sourcing, supply chain management, fulfillment, logistics, and customer service. Also an executive team member responsible for recruiting, goal-setting, and managing the P&L. Experience: Director of operations, Blue Apron; analyst, […]
5 Insights to Industry 4.0
Nearly all middle market manufacturing executives are at least moderately familiar with Industry 4.0, according to BDO’s Middle Market Industry 4.0 Benchmarking Survey. But while more than half (54%) have either developed or are in the process of developing an Industry 4.0 strategy, only 5% are currently implementing one. Another 25% plan to develop an […]
Alaska: The Last Frontier
Successfully tapping into Alaska’s growth depends on the perseverance, innovation, efficiency, and resources of logistics providers whose experience has withstood the test of time and travel in this most extraordinary state.
Securing Truckload Capacity
2019 promises continued growth and above-average truckload demand. While there are no shortcuts to fixing the capacity gap, shippers can take steps to ensure their freight moves on time.
The World Wide Web Turns 30: Can the Supply Chain Emulate its Technological Feat?
This year, the World Wide Web celebrated its 30th birthday. In honor of the milestone, we take a look at some of the most fascinating parallels between what launched the Internets success and what the supply chain must do to fulfill the same ambitions.
Don’t Gamble With Trade Compliance
Recent trends in tariffs, enforcement, and e-commerce shipping complicate the international trade landscape. To avoid significant fines, businesses must learn to dot every i and cross every t in the compliance process. Even existing allowances and privileges are being threatened, challenged, or taken away from shippers who violate trade regulations, creating an immediate threat to profitability.
Technology Lifts Global Forklift Market
The global forklift truck market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecasted period of 2017-2024, according to Research and Markets’ latest report. Technological advancement to help improve forklifts where they are integrated with sensors and other components, growth in manufacturing industries and e-commerce, along with rising demand in the construction […]
China Turns Attention to Logistics
China is thinking logistics. To prioritize market growth, improve productivity, and reduce costs, the country plans to build 30 high-tech logistics hubs by 2020. By 2025, China predicts these hubs will include 150 devoted logistics facilities, according to China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Within the 127 cities qualified for the project, China will […]
New Freight Train Could Boost Cross-Border E-Commerce in China
China is taking new steps to improve cross-border e-commerce, adding a new route to its China-Europe freight train service. The freight’s maiden voyage was from Zhengzhou to Liege in Belgium. The service, the first of its kind to depart from the capital of central China’s Henan Province, operates under customs surveillance code 9610. China’s General […]
The Leader of the Pack
To meet e-commerce demand for quick deliveries, accessories company Randa finds a solution that enables it to pick, pack, and ship orders in less than two hours.
dexFreight Offers Early Bird Special
U.S. shippers, carriers, brokers, and forwarders interested in receiving exclusive access to early release versions of the dexFreight decentralized, blockchain-based logistics platform, can participate in the company’s Early Adopters Program. The dexFreight platform provides supply chain stakeholders with an efficient solution for transparent and secure transactions and collaborations. The Early Adopters Program will allow the […]
Why Talent Management Is Business-Critical
As traditional approaches to hiring and maintaining talent have gradually evolved, so has the importance of supporting and investing in people within a company. The results from a recent McKinsey Global Survey confirm the positive effects of talent management on business outcomes. According to respondents, organizations with effective talent management programs have a better chance […]
Planning for Unplanned Spend
2017 and 2018 saw an uptick in unplanned spending as companies struggled with new trucking regulations, brutal weather, and tariff changes. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have high expectations of suppliers, pushing them to comply with production requirements. But because life is unpredictable, suppliers may fall behind on component production. If suppliers don’t meet their deadlines, […]
Bernice Cannon: Shooting for an Optimized Supply Chain
Bernice Cannon is supply chain manager for Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals company, formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals. Responsibilities: Oversight of logistics and supply planning; liaison between the business and the production plant. Experience: Supply chain manager, North America, and customer service manager, both with AkzoNobel; account service manager, FMC Corporation; management trainee, Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Education: […]
ERP Drives ROI
In the past, studies have shown a lack of success in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations. But those statistics may be out of date, according to a survey conducted by Mint Jutras and published by Ultra Consultants. Sixty-seven percent of manufacturers and distributors responding to the survey rate their ERP implementations as successful or very […]
The 8th M for Supply Chain Success
In the competitive world of business, every organization is seeking an edge—a catchy marketing phrase, an innovative product launch, improvements in efficiency and productivity—something to create a little separation to provide that illusive competitive advantage. Companies with a strong Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) program constantly use analytics to evaluate their processes to ensure maximum efficiency […]
Find and Fight Forced Labor
The following strategies can help shippers reduce their risk of unknowingly using forced labor in their supply chain, says Danny Shields, vice president of industry relations at risk management company Avetta: Warning signs: Determine if forced labor is part of your supply chain—at any level. Social media can help monitor what people say about your […]
No Light at End of Retail Tunnel
The decline of physical retail stores isn’t expected to slow down any time soon, finds a Coresight Research report. U.S. retailers have announced 2,187 closings to date in 2019, including 749 Gymboree stores, 251 Shopko stores, and 94 Charlotte Russe locations. Payless ShoeSource also is reported to be considering its second bankruptcy. Online retail growth, […]
GOOD QUESTION | What advice would you give someone just starting out in logistics/supply chain?
Ask every question you can. Figure out the "why" and not only will you learn more about the overall process, you’ll understand how a seemingly small change could create significant problems for someone else. Mary O’Connell Pricing Analyst Sunset Transportation Make what it means to be emotionally intelligent a priority and embrace the principles as […]
Let’s Get Digital
Transitioning to a cloud-based platform with real-time visibility and automation capabilities is crucial for retailers to maintain full control of their supply chains. Yet 85 percent of U.S. retailers haven’t digitized their supply chains, finds research from Gravity Supply Chain Solutions. Although only 15 percent of U.S. retail businesses have digitized their supply chains, 60 […]
AMH Equipment Gets a Lift
The Automated Material Handling (AMH) equipment market is expected to reach $53.59 billion by 2024, according to a Research and Markets report. One major motivator behind the market boost is a growing presence of start-up companies that employ robotic solutions for warehouse automation. The increasing popularity of AMH equipment among leading industries, significant recovery in […]
Southeast Asia Connects
Southeast Asian nations Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam are among the most connected companies in the world, beating expectations by the widest margins. That’s one finding of DHL’s Global Connectedness Index—an analysis of globalization as measured by international trade flows, capital, information, and people. Improved supply chain networks within the region and ASEAN policy initiatives […]
2019 Global Logistics Guide
Inbound Logistics’ 15th annual Global Logistics Guide provides an around-the-world look at the issues, opportunities, and concerns likely to affect global supply chain networks. Supply chains don’t thrive on uncertainty, but that is what they are getting in 2019. Uncertainty regarding the U.S.-China relationship is motivating many companies to spread their manufacturing and logistics bets […]
Transport Companies Mail It In
In 2018, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) spent nearly $16 billion on outside purchases, and six of its top 10 contractors provide transportation services or equipment (see chart), according to Husch Blackwell’s annual Top 150 U.S. Postal Service Suppliers list. As a whole, air transportation suppliers increased their USPS revenue in 2018 from 2017’s totals: […]
Keeping Air Cargo Safe
Here are a few tips for keeping your air cargo safe during large freight shipments: Audit and analyze processes to find potential threats. Go over the shipment process from start to finish. At each step, determine what security threats are present and where extra precautions are necessary. Revisit this plan each time a process changes […]
Getting Up on the Right Side of the Bedding
Direct-to-consumer bedding e-retailer Buffy Inc. woke up in a logistics world where quick-turn, no-hassle deliveries and returns have become routine.
Back to School
Developed countries need to “urgently” boost adult training and education programs to deal with future mass job upheaval brought on by automation, recommends an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report. One in seven jobs is at risk of being fully automated while another 30 percent will likely be overhauled, the OECD analysis finds. […]
Digital Supply Chains: The Modernization Gap
In supply chain and logistics, a wide chasm separates digital innovators from those that still rely on traditional, manual approaches to optimizing their operations. Janeiro Digital, a digital business consultancy, surveyed 98 mid- and senior-level supply chain managers to learn about this disparity in digital maturity. With notable giants such as Amazon dominating the supply […]
Dan Martin: Emotional Quotient
Dan Martin’s leadership philosophy encompasses building a collaborative leadership team, staying close to the customer, and acknowledging that failure can be as important to career development as success.
Omnichannel Retail: 4 Rules for Success
While it’s not possible to be truly omniscient when it comes to omnichannel retail and your supply chain, it is possible to try to anticipate some of the challenges ahead.
AI for Logistics: Turning Complexity into Predictive Outcomes
Despite Artificial Intelligence (AI) entering beyond-hype territory, its true value proposition is far from evident for most logistics leaders today.
Women in Logistics: Support Matters
Women in logistics need support from their companies to succeed in their careers.
Global Trade Resilience
Global trade analysts predicted the sky was falling, but that is not currently the case. How did they get the projections so wrong?
The Tricks Of Trade
5 regions and countries that merit serious thought by any company doing business globally.
Today’s Distribution Center: You Say You Want an Evolution?
Today’s distribution centers provide far more than just short-term storage and cross-docking. By locating closer to urban areas, leveraging technology, and adding amenities to attract skilled workers, DCs are morphing to accommodate e-commerce demands and rapid delivery expectations.
Georgia: The Logistics Advantage
In the world of logistics, Georgia offers both the ways and the means.
Optimizing a 3PL Partnership
Taking time to invest in a strong relationship with your 3PL can have a remarkable return on investment for your business.
Choosing a Freight Bill Processor
As freight payment processor IPS Worldwide heads to bankruptcy court, shippers are reminded how important it is to be diligent when choosing a freight bill processor. Stanley Black & Decker learned it the hard way, alleging in an interview that IPS "diverted, stole or otherwise misappropriated" its funds and owed the company an estimated $41 […]
Robots on the March
A growing number of warehousing and logistics companies are incorporating robots to remain competitive in a market driven in large part by consumers that demand rapid fulfillment. At the same time, robotic warehousing and logistics technologies are advancing in capability and becoming more affordable each year. The demand for robots and the supply of advanced […]
Trade War Threatens Sourcing Ethics, Quality Control
The U.S.-China tariff standoff in 2018 triggered challenges to global sourcing and there may be subsequent threats to ethics and quality control, according to a recent report by global quality control and supplier compliance service provider QIMA. The geographic sourcing diversification movement away from China is already underway, confirms QIMA’s year-end survey of 100+ businesses […]
Leveraging Data for Speed and Efficiency
Constant optimizations drive transportation and logistics (T&L) processes. To compete in this ever-evolving sector, you need to be able to take full advantage of the data at your disposal. Here are the critical steps you can take to manage your T&L data to best optimize for efficiency, price, and speed. Share information. Data is generated […]
Is Technology the Solution to Global Supply Chain Complexity?
As global trade continues to transform the way companies are producing, moving, buying, and selling goods across borders, it’s important for supply chain leaders to know about trade trends that can help them benchmark their company against the leaders and laggards. To sort through emerging and existing technology, a recent survey by global trade management […]
Despite Challenges, Shippers Forge Ahead
Shippers experienced a range of supply chain challenges in 2018, according to results from Averitt Express’ fourth annual State of the North American Supply Chain survey. More than 2,300 North American shippers from a variety of industries participated. The results provide a clear view of the road that shippers traveled in the previous year. The […]
Virgin Atlantic, Delta Cargo Fly Away Home to Heathrow
Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Delta Cargo are poised for takeoff to their new home: the new purpose-built dnata City East, London Heathrow’s state-of-the-art cargo facility. The move supports the airlines’ growing cargo businesses, enhances their trans-Atlantic partnership, and future-proofs the joint venture’s position in the UK market by doubling the size of their cargo footprint […]
Walmart Rolls Back Driver Shortage Concern
Even the mighty Walmart is not immune from the challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified drivers. To combat the driver shortage, Walmart is giving its drivers a $0.01 per-mile increase and a 50-cent increase in activity pay for arrive and arrive/drop occurrences. That means Walmart drivers will now be paid up to one dollar every […]
Canada Bupkus on BOPIS
Canada lags behind several other countries, but is still ahead of the United States when it comes to Buy Online Pickup In-Store (BOPIS) options, according to a new survey from OrderDynamics, a Tecsys company. Omni-2000 Research: Canada highlights the country’s retail market efficiencies in a host of omni-channel capabilities. Compared to 37.6 percent of global […]
Intermodal’s High Five
Full-year results for intermodal freight are the strongest in five years, finds the Intermodal Association of North America’s (IANA) Q4 and year-end Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics report. Intermodal freight volumes posted a fourth-quarter growth rate of 4.2 percent year-over-year, while quarterly international intermodal volume increased by 5.5 percent and domestic containers grew by 3.4 […]
Supply Chain Education: Building the Skill Set That Lands the Job
University faculty members describe the materials that make up the ideal supply chain education.
Super-sizing E-commerce Deliveries
Companies that manufacture, sell, and deliver an increasing number of e-commerce oversize goods face a unique set of challenges when delivering to homes. Delivery teams not only need access to home interiors for set-up, they must also communicate in real-time with recipients so they’re home when orders are delivered. What’s more, they need far more customer service skills than the typical delivery driver.
Knowledge is Power
There are 13,000 unfilled supply chain positions nationwide, according to recent labor surveys. I think there are more. A lot more. To fill those positions, we need young professionals who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the supply chains of the future. Schools and universities are doing their part to develop curriculums that […]
Time to Get Cracking on Compliance
As the global marketplace expands and countries start to flex their economic muscle, the rules that keep goods moving across borders will only get more complex. How can your company keep up? Automating your import/export processes is one smart step. A future-oriented customs management suite that goes beyond electronic customs declarations, with flexible integration and […]
Retail Combats a $351-Billion Problem
The next time you think about returning an item to Amazon, be forewarned: Return too many items in one year, and you might just be exiled for good. Amazon’s controversial decision to ban return-happy customers in an effort to reduce returns costs shows the lengths retailers are willing to go. Last year, total merchandise returns […]
The ABCs of Supply Chain Cybersecurity
Supply chain cybersecurity is one of the biggest issues facing logistics planners.
GOOD QUESTION | Should the United States Postal Service be privatized? Why or why not?
Readers weigh in on whether the USPS should go private.
Global Game-Changer
Bob Farrell, executive chairman of technology and logistics company GlobalTranz, reveals his leadership tenents.
Brexit: Supply Chain Opportunity or Threat?
The UK leaving the European Union is no longer an uncertainty. Brexit is a reality that businesses around the world have to face and prepare for. Whether you import/export to the UK directly or indirectly, Brexit will impact your business operations in terms of cost and timelines. This can be an opportunity or a threat […]
DHL Writes Prescription for Medical Express Service
DHL Express has launched DHL Medical Express Service (WMX) between Brazil and the United States for pharmaceutical and clinical research sector shippers.
Supply Chain Workers: High Demand, Short Supply
Over the next decade, nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed and 2 million are expected to go unfilled due to the skills gap.
GPA’s Triple Crown
The Georgia Ports Authority’s Big Berth/Big Ship program will allow the Port of Savannah to simultaneously handle six 14,000 TEU vessels by 2024.
The Future of Trucking Rides on Employee Experience
Today’s logistics environment is not the same point-to-point delivery system companies dealt with 10 or even five years ago. It’s smarter, more agile, and more people-centric. Carriers have invested in technology to optimize routes, loads, fuel consumption, and improve safety for their fleets. Logistics managers are increasingly able to collect, analyze, and leverage real-time data […]
The Degrees That Deliver: Preparing the Next Generation of Industry Professionals – The University of Wisconsin-Superior
“I had a fantastic experience in the T&L program, which set me up for success. I get to work in tandem with a dedicated team, surrounded by a big industry, in a fast-paced and engaging environment—a dream come true.”
The Next Frontier in LTL – SMC³
n the first-of- its-kind LTL certification program, SMC³ hopes to share its lifetime of LTL expertise with shippers, 3PLs, carriers, freight forwarders, and future supply chain leaders.
Jennifer Daniel: Mastering the Art of Logistics
Jennifer Daniel is head of global logistics for Redbubble, an online marketplace that connects independent graphic design, fine art, and photography artists with customers. Responsibilities Oversees all inbound and outbound shipping from 32 locations around the world. Experience Senior logistics manager, Redbubble; transportation operations and analytics manager, customs compliance manager, Restoration Hardware; foreign freight and […]
Looking Forward to it
Here are seven global logistics trends that will impact freight forwarding in the next few years. 1. Environmental footprint and sustainable solutions will become top of mind. The transportation industry plays a big part in greenhouse gas contributions. Having a sustainable agenda and bringing insight and solutions to help shippers lower their ecological footprint will […]
Costco Chickens Out
A handful of companies—think Tyson and Perdue—all but control poultry production in the United States. They’ll soon be joined by a retailer known more for chicken sales than chicken production: Costco. The big box retailer is building a farm-to-table production system to ensure a steady supply of rotisserie chickens. The center of the operation is […]
Sustainability’s Missing Link
Economic performance is the top-ranking corporate sustainability priority for the majority of organizations, reveals a global survey of supply chain decision makers. When directly asked whether profitability or sustainability is more important, however, 60 percent give equal priority to these objectives, with another 25 percent leaning towards sustainability. Conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, the […]
Port of Wilmington’s Darling Clementines
The Port of Wilmington, Delaware, has set a record for the largest single shipment of fresh Moroccan citrus received by the port, with more than 1.75 million boxes of cargo. This record volume was transported from Agadir, Morocco, to Wilmington onboard the specialized refrigerated vessel M.V. Ditlev Reefer, arriving at the port Nov. 28, 2018. […]
Ryder Redefines the Smart Warehouse
Supply chain solutions provider Ryder System has successfully transformed its smart warehouses in the Miami, Dallas, and Chicago markets. The facilities feature the four technologies Ryder defines as definitive benchmarks of an effective smart warehouse: Robotics. The implementation of robotics throughout one Ryder-managed warehouse produced a 25-percent increase in productivity and 20-percent operating savings, simply […]
Take Two Tablets
Two-thirds (66 percent) of retail store associates believe that if they are equipped with tablets, they could provide better customer service and improve the shopping experience, according to the results of Zebra Technologies Corporation’s 11th annual Global Shopper Study, which analyzes the attitudes, opinions, and expectations of shoppers, retail associates, and retail decision makers. Fifty-five […]
Pursuing Eco-Efficient Logistics
By Ray Hatch President and CEO Quest Resource Management In 2019, expect sustainability to evolve into a critical priority. The transportation sector is already moving toward greener fleets, and pursuing innovative solutions to reduce waste and improve landfill diversion. The new year will bring even more pressure—and opportunity—to address eco-efficiency within logistics. Robust sustainability programs […]
News & Trends Impacting the Luxury Goods Supply Chain
Designers Supply Chains a Custom Fit Luxury brands are taking vertical ownership of their supply chains to ensure longevity, sustainability, and artistry and reduce risk. After all, what better way to ensure a designer’s collections are delivered on time than by owning the factory that produces the garments? Having the design team and development process […]
Shedding Light on New Tariff Impacts
Recent rulings have you tariff-ied? Relax. These steps will guide your way.
Panama Canal Keeps the Faith
The Panama Canal welcomed its 5,000th Neopanamax vessel through the waterway, reaffirming the value and impact the route has had on global maritime trade. The COSCO Faith container carrier (photo above) transited the canal traveling southbound from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The vesselhas a 13,345 total TEU allowance and measures 366 meters in […]
What, Me Worry?
Manufacturing professionals are among the most aware of industry change due to automation, finds The State of Intelligent Process Automation from Nintex. The survey of manufacturing workers finds that 75 percent don’t harbor concern for job security amid the rise of new technologies. In fact, 33 percent are worried these tools will make their jobs […]
CPG Success: Top-Shelf Solutions
To succeed in a challenging omnichannel marketplace, successful CPG businesses are reaching for efficient manufacturing operations and new supply chain and transportation models.
Tracking Resins Avoids a Sticky Situation
Thermoplastic compounds company Aurora Plastics turns to automation for all the right resins.
Mobile Trends Impacting the Enterprise Ecosystem in 2019
As we move further into 2019, technology is continuing to grow and innovate across industries. Enterprises must look to embrace this new wave of innovation and integrate their current employees and operations into agile solutions. From AI to incorporating personal devices, companies need to take full advantage of the advantages mobile technology offers that empowers […]
Putting the Brakes on Transportation Costs
As transportation becomes a larger portion of overall logistics costs, supply chain professionals are taking the wheel to stay on course.
Is Your Supply Chain Ready for 2019?
Some of the most relevant topics in today’s headlines—technology, commerce, international relations, the legal landscape, and even immigration policy—will impact supply chains over the next 12 months and beyond. The key for supply chain and logistics professionals is to contextualize these issues and think strategically about how they will play out. Here are a few […]
A New Day for U.S. Ports
A robust economy and capital investments help buoy record cargo volumes.
Setting Up Shop
New fulfillment strategies blur the lines between e-commerce and traditional retailers.
Minimize Returns While Improving Sales
The popularity of free shipping has led to a growth of online sales. It has also created a problem: a large number of online returns. The shipping world defines the returns process as reverse logistics. Minimizing costs and even making a profit in reverse logistics is critical to an e-commerce company’s health. Here are some […]
Container Loading System Helps Sawmill Meet Loading Challenge – SmartTEH
The Challenge In 2017, one of the biggest softwood sawmills in Latvia “AKZ” was facing a new challenge – how to load containers with timber without scratching the package, not to mention the product itself. Quality demands from potential customers overseas were so high that the previous loading system was not the way to go. […]