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. […]
NS Makes Tracks to Atlanta
Norfolk Southern Corporation plans to move its headquarters from Virginia to Fulton County, Atlanta, joining other transportation heavyweights such as Delta Air Lines and UPS in leveraging Atlanta’s major transportation hub. NS is investing $575 million in the move, which it says will create 850 new jobs. In addition to its headquarters, the new campus […]
The Hassle Quotient: A New Formula for Industry Domination
Market domination starts with a customer-first attitude.
Fighting Counterfeit Products
As pharmaceutical and food supply chains become more global, the risk of fraud, substitution, and counterfeiting increases. Consumers are demanding more transparency and safety adherence as these issues arise. Consumers are also increasingly concerned about the source of their products and the conditions under which they are manufactured. In the pharma supply chain, patients are […]
International Intermodal: Containers on the Move
As container volumes rise, shippers hop on board with new IT solutions to contend with chassis and driver shortages.
Good Question: What’s your best supply chain tip?
Industry professionals share their best supply chain tips.
Solving the USPS Dilemma
In 1775, the first postmaster general was appointed for the United Colonies, and since 1775, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has operated on the principle that every person, no matter who or where, has the right to equal access to secure efficient and affordable mail service. The agency has changed a number of times […]
When Worlds Combine
Inbound Logistics continues to provide actionable content to help drive supply chain change.
FedEx Abandons Cuba Airfreight Service
Improved relations between the United States and Cuba have hit an impasse, leading FedEx Corp. to drop a plan to begin cargo flights to the communist country. FedEx “will not be filing for an extension of the startup date for U.S.-Cuba cargo air service between Miami and Varadero,” according to a recent statement. The company […]
159 Expert Tips to AMP Your Supply Chain
The internet, cloud-based systems, mobile devices, and the Internet of Things have already improved logistics and supply chains. Use these tips to better manage your digital transformation.
When Worlds Collide
In retail there are two worlds or approaches: online and traditional. It appears the online retailers have been winning in the market with all types of consumers, even in manufacturing and industrial products. But don’t count the traditional retail world out yet. Good supply chain management practices, along with blended approaches to serving the customer, […]
Manufacturers Laser-Focused on Technology
Digital transformation is truly underway in manufacturing. While digital technologies such as cloud, mobile, big data and analytics, and Internet of Things have been industry drivers for years, manufacturers now have high expectations for the business value of technologies—edge computing, artificial intelligence (AI), collaborative robots (cobots), autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR)—that are […]
A New Argument for Pool Distribution as More Specialty E-Retailers Set Up Shop
As consumer demand intensifies and changing shopping behaviors put pressure on the industry to adapt, retailers have continued to redesign their networks to keep up. When distributing high-volume retail goods, determining the right model is key. So what’s the quickest and most cost-effective way to keep fast-turning retail products moving from DC to store shelf? […]
Making a Dry Run
Shipping in containers is an economical and safe way of shipping most types of cargo. But putting cargo into an enclosed steel box also entails a constant risk of moisture damage for almost every kind of cargo on every voyage, according to Absortech. When damage occurs, it may result in substantial losses and costs. In […]
Collapsing High Container Costs
The global shipping sector has a container problem. To be precise, it has a $30-billion container problem, and that price tag is increasing every year. In addition to their financial costs, empty containers congest deck spaces and crowd ports. And forcing ships to transport millions of empty containers around the world every year creates unnecessary […]
Deconstructing Global Supply Chains
Despite a shift toward regionalization, the era of complex supply chain ecosystems is far from over.
Today’s Technology, Tomorrow’s Demand
The late actress Carrie Fisher said, “instant gratification takes too long.” Her prescience is spot-on. Consumers don’t just want convenient, personalized products and services—they want them immediately. Speed and flexibility are the most significant aspects of meeting this heightened sense of “must have it now.” Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are in a fierce race […]
Tariffs Sting U.S. Supply Chains
The tariffs President Donald Trump imposed on Chinese goods have caused sharp increases in expenses for some companies, and even businesses that have yet to feel the sting of the duties on imported Chinese goods are taking a closer look at their supply chains to see how they can minimize the damage. As businesses scramble […]
Six Ways to Develop Character in Leaders
One of my hardest days in the military came in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. I was leading a Special Operations Planning Team and we were using an event tracking system to predict where, what type, and when acts of violence would occur. We predicted a huge rise in attacks with little end […]
A No-Fail Mentality and Sheer Force of Will
Many years ago, a few days into a new job as an analyst at Sears, Roebuck and Co., Jeff Cohen was working at his desk when the chief financial officer, Ed Liddy, walked by. “He stopped, introduced himself, and sat down to chat for a few minutes,” Cohen says. “I don’t remember what we talked […]
Mark Bakker: Change Agent
Mark Bakker, head of supply chain operations, Americas, HP Inc. Responsibilities: Manage supply chain operations for owned and channel inventory for commercial and retail markets for the Americas; meet financial goals for the printing, graphics, and personal systems product categories. Experience: Vice president, supply chain operations, Asia Pacific and Japan; director of operations, EMEA; director, […]
Supply Chain Automation Surges
Supply chain automation is gaining ground, particularly in warehousing and middle- and last-mile logistics.
Project Logistics: Taming the Details
Whether they involve moving endangered animals or perishable delicacies, special projects demand teams that know how to plan thoroughly, collaborate with multiple partners, and prepare for every eventuality.
Beer Maker Boosts Warehouse Operations with Forklift Tracking Solution – Sewio
Budweiser Budvar Brewery increased warehouse utilization 19% by replacing RFID-powered forklift tracking with SEWIO RTLS.
Automated EDI Brings Benefits as Far as Eyebobs Can See
A direct, automated EDI connection between its ERP system and retail partners gives eyebobs 20/20 visibility to its omnichannel orders.
Using Technology to Cut Freight Costs
The bad news: Tight capacity and higher freight rates are the new normal. The good news: There are ways to handle the impacts far better than your competition. Aside from securing reduced freight rates from your carriers, here’s how you can cut freight expense while improving service: Coordinate business intelligence Improve load planning Provide carriers […]
The 10 Most Read Articles 2018
Inbound Logistics reveals the 10 articles that drew the largest audience and reader response during 2018.
Pay Your Own Way
New supply chain finance strategies let shippers and carriers keep cash in their wallets.
Transport Decision Makers: Prepare for the Future
What is happening and what will happen to trucking capacity and costs? Here’s the data you need to help plan for the coming months.
The Secret to Combatting the Hidden Costs of Detention Time
Lengthy loading dock wait times have plagued the trucking industry for years, with serious consequences for drivers and shippers alike. Detention time—typically defined as greater than a two-hour wait—affects driver efficiency, shipping capacity and safety, with a negative financial impact for all stakeholders. And the problem is widespread. According to a survey by data analyst […]
Customs Broker vs. Freight Forwarder: Use a Customs Broker for Added Compliance – A.N. Deringer
Having a consistent point of contact that is familiar with your account, your product, and your business, can help you avoid a lot of headaches associated with importing.
Using FTZs to Treat Pharma Challenges
Every day, pharmaceutical manufacturers navigate complicated regulations while managing costs and reducing risk. Foreign trade zones (FTZs) can help, but only if manufacturers understand what they are, their potential benefits, and how to best use them. FTZs—areas in or next to U.S. ports of entry under the control of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) but […]
Consumer Electronics FTZ – MD Logistics
The Challenge MD Logistics has partnered with a leading global supplier of mobile and consumer electronics products since 2007, when a newly acquired product line prompted the company to seek third-party logistics (3PL) services. A majority of their products originate overseas and therefore require numerous customs filings as well as costly annual duty and brokerage […]
Get IT Together
Integrated WMS and TMS solutions increase visibility and communication and optimize the movement of goods.
NOTED | The Supply Chain in Brief-2019
Green Seeds DHL rolled out a new fleet of electric delivery vans to serve U.S. markets, moving closer to its target of operating 70 percent of first- and last-mile delivery services with clean transport modes by 2025 and eventually reducing logistics-related emissions to zero by 2050. Equipment manufacturer Workhorse Group produced the fleet of 63 […]
Improving Ocean Shipping: Blockchain Reaction
Waves of hype surround blockchain technology. What are the true implications for the maritime industry?
Leveraging Logistics Communities to Find Capacity in a Tight Market – Kuebix
Finding truckload capacity is on everyone’s minds as the capacity crunch and driver shortage worsens. In fact, the Kuebix team surveyed over 550 logistics professionals in December 2018 to find out what they believed would be the biggest challenge for supply chains in 2019 and the capacity crunch/ driver shortage easily scored the highest with […]
Trends on the Horizon in 2019
The four trends that will have the greatest impact on operations in North America in the coming year, according to DHL Supply Chain: 1. Warehouse robotics come of age. Robotics are already proving their value in select warehouse applications, but the technology is expected to reach a tipping point in 2019. Expect the technology to […]
Finding Capacity and Savings In a Dynamic Market – Hub Group
Hub Group generated savings and efficiency for a leading national retailer.
U.S.-Mexico Trade: Strong But Shifting
Each year, billions of dollars of goods flow between Mexico and the United States. Trade between the countries shows no signs of slowing, but will recent events alter the flow?
Drivers Need Some TLC
With the American Trucking Associations projecting a shortfall of 174,00 truck drivers by 2026, it is important for organizations to understand and address driver concerns in order to retain a strong workforce and attract new talent. Third-party logistics provider Kenco and CarrierLists conducted a recent driver survey that reveals their frustrations, concerns, and priorities, thus […]
Mobile Warehousing & Storage: The Warehouse Manager’s Secret Weapon – Milestone
Low-cost, well-maintained trailers can readily supply needed warehouse flex space to meet the rising demands in the evolving supply chain.
News & Trends Impacting the Travel & Hospitality Supply Chain
Secrets to Good Hospitality These steps can springboard your organization to new heights of cost efficiency. 1. Stay up to date on pricing changes and market dynamics. Tracking price fluctuations, understanding supply and demand, as well as seasonality, is essential for every product in your pipeline. 2. Consider alternate brands and suppliers in your food […]
Technology Powers U.S. Manufacturing Renaissance
The impact of powerful forces such as digital transformation, Industry 4.0, the current regulatory climate, and automation on U.S. manufacturers is the focus of a new research report from ECi Software Solutions. The findings indicate the role technology is playing in the U.S. manufacturing resurgence, with 89 percent of respondents confirming they had increased technology […]
How Data Collection and Artificial Intelligence Are Building and Digitizing the Next-Generation Warehouse
Supply chain operations are largely planned around how events are expected to happen in an ideal world, with little or no ability to respond in real time to the millions of micro disruptions that may occur. These daily disturbances, even as simple as delayed arrival of a shipment due to traffic, create billions of dollars […]
The Unusual Suspect: Supply Chain’s Role in Recent FDA Recalls – SwanLeap
How the TMS should evolve to increase end-to-end transparency and centralize your supply chain’s data
Amazon Primed for New Regional Hub
In the first airport project of its kind in the Amazon Air network, the etailer has announced plans to open a regional air hub at the Fort Worth Alliance Airport in Texas. Construction has already begun on the new air hub, which will create hundreds of new jobs. Unlike other gateways and facilities within Amazon […]
Driving Disruption: Planning for the Future of Logistics – RPM
If things aren’t evolving in your supply chain to make room for operational improvement, it’s time to think about it and plan for it.
Maximizing Global E-Commerce Profits
With 7 billion prospective customers out there, how can e-commerce companies not grow wealthy by expanding internationally? But, as with most things in business, international e-commerce is not as simple as it sounds. It takes work, planning, and investment, but the profit potential is very real. When branching out internationally, you’ll be able to get […]
Riding Out the Rapids
It seems that we are moving from crisis to crisis—tariffs, a plummeting stock market, cyber-attacks, recalls—at an ever-increasing pace. While we can’t avoid these crises, we can minimize their impact with a lean, agile supply chain. While that’s easy to say, it’s hard to do. Some key components to focus on include: Supply chain visibility, […]
Disrupting the Future of Grocery Retailing
The concept of an online grocery auction is simple but the implications to the retail industry are enormous.
The Digital Revolution Is Here – Zero Down Supply Chain Solutions
As the supply chain industry begins to embrace new technologies, there are still many organizations not yet leveraging the solutions available to them. To stay competitive, technology will become essential. Q: How do you think the digital revolution will affect the supply chain industry? A: The supply chain industry is about to receive a wakeup […]