Study Finds U.S. Retailers Lead the Way in International Expansion

The retail industry’s international expansion slowed a bit in 2016 from its strong pace of a year earlier as retailers adjusted to e-commerce and shifting exchange rates, according to CBRE Group Inc.’s 10th annual study of international retail expansion. The study found that retailers’ activity in entering new markets increased by 2 percent last year, […]
Port of Baltimore Sees Record First Quarter
The public marine terminals of the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore got off to a fast start in 2017 by posting a record first quarter with 2,560,065 tons of general cargo. This record surpassed the previous record for the best January through March performance of 2,443,062 tons set last year. General cargo includes cars, […]
Supply Chain Commentary: 4 Ways to Cut Transportation Spending
Transportation represents a significant expense within many company’s supply chains and is vital to ensuring that goods and services are delivered on time. Due to the line item cost, transportation can be under constant pressure for cost reduction. And given how critical it is to the success of a company, those running the department must […]
Midwest Association of Rail Shippers Opens Summer Meeting Registration
Registration is now open for the 249th meeting of the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) that will be held July 10–11, 2017 at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wis. The theme for this meeting is What’s Coming Down the Tracks for Rail Shippers? “It is unclear what impact regulatory, economic, and trade […]
Companies Preparing for Supply Chain Digital Disruption
In today’s digital supply chain landscape, electronic linkages between customers and suppliers is on the rise, and double-digit growth is expected in 2017 and beyond, according to new research released from B2Bi Managed Services provider DiCentral, in partnership with SAP and the Global Supply Chain Institute at the University of Tennessee (UT) Haslam College of […]
Four Tips for Cargo Theft Prevention
Although Memorial Day can mean a three-day weekend for most, it’s also the perfect time for thieves to steal cargo. Memorial Day weekend is one of the most popular times for cargo theft with 98 cargo thefts reported in the past 4 years, according to CargoNet. In contrast to non-holiday weekends, Memorial Day weekend has […]
Technological Advances That Will Improve the Supply Chain
Technological advances to improve operations and profit margins are prominent within the supply chain services industry. Optimization and integration are two areas where technology continues to play a prominent role in logistics, while machine learning and Uberization are significant trends to watch. Supply chain optimization and efficiency are targets every logistics provider is aiming for […]
Schneider Expands Intermodal Network With Baltimore Ramp
Intermodal shipping in the Mid-Atlantic region just got easier. Schneider, a truckload, intermodal, and logistics provider, has started offering inbound and outbound intermodal ramp service in Baltimore. The Baltimore ramp allows Schneider to provide customers with more efficient intermodal services by creating additional Mid-Atlantic southbound/northbound lanes previously unavailable in Schneider’s network. The new lanes connect […]
Commentary: Wearable Technology Set to Permeate the Supply Chain Workforce
Often viewed as consumer-facing, wearable technology also presents a huge B2B opportunity particularly when it comes to helping businesses and their workers accomplish tasks and drive success in manufacturing and the supply chain. Seventy-five million wearables will permeate the workplace by 2020. And since this technology is often more mobile than laptops or tablets–and provides […]
How to Prepare for the Digital Future
Digitization is rapidly transforming the ocean container shipping industry, according to INTTRA, an ocean shipping electronic marketplace. In a new whitepaper – Blueprint 2032: How Technology Transforms Ocean Container Shipping – INTTRA reports that the pace of technology innovation is accelerating as businesses seek new and more efficient ways to optimize. “Digitization is now a […]
The Search for Digital Solutions That Drive Down Costs
Senior executives have set their sights on digital and automated solutions that drive down costs and plan to invest in a number of key areas over the next two years, according to the 2017 State of the Outsourcing, Shared Services, and Operations Industry report by HfS Research and audit, tax, and advisory firm KPMG LLP. […]
Enhancing Supply Chain Continuity: What We Learned from the Port of Tianjin Explosion
Just as the Chinese word for crisis contains the characters for danger and for opportunity, a disaster in China was the catalyst for creating an enhanced business continuity management system and a more robust supply chain offering. Challenges in supply to China There are challenges in supply of gases and chemicals to China. Import/export lead […]
How to Get Accurate Counts from Your Scales
In any business venture that sells vast amounts of product at a time, fast and accurate counting methods are essential. The smaller the product and the more items processed at once, the harder it is to keep track of accurate counting. This can waste time and money in incorrect counts. In the past there wasn’t […]
ATA Seeks Trucking Industry’s Future Leaders
American Trucking Associations opened the application window for its premier industry leadership initiative, LEAD ATA. Heading into its fifth year, LEAD ATA is searching for the 2018-2019 class of diverse trucking industry leaders looking to grow their careers and meet other ambitious trucking professionals. “LEAD ATA continues to be an avenue for trucking professionals to […]
Supply Chain Management: Soft Skills Required to Maintain Relationships
Supply chain management is often viewed as solely a statistical endeavor, but soft skills are often required in maintaining buyer and supplier relationships, according to new research from Penn State. Researchers suggest that levels of trust between companies may be an important influence on how they operate and perform. “In business settings, we tend to […]
3 Main Sources of Supply Chain Complexity
The concept of “less is more” does not so easily apply to supply chain management. As organizations look to increase revenues by expanding their product portfolios, they’re also introducing complexity and risk into their supply chains. While it might seem like a good idea to just reduce your portfolio overall, that’s not always an option. […]
Gelnius Launches Supply Chain Management Software
Gelnius’ new technology platform has the ability to save money based on customers achieving reduced transportation cost and better management of administration overhead, as well as cost savings linked to visibility of all freight transactions on a single platform, managing non-compliant suppliers and improved reporting, business intelligence, and supply chain visibility. This Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution […]
Why Supply Chain Visibility Is Vital to Company Success
If you manage or help coordinate a logistics operation, you likely wear many hats throughout the workweek to keep things running smoothly. Your role might require you to keep track of an inventory, confer with carriers, optimize shipping methods and routes, monitor performance reports and activity, and apply management skills to move efficiencies into action. […]
Study Finds Growing Demand for Retail Click and Collect
Nearly one third of shoppers purchased products online and subsequently picked them up at a store during the 2016 holiday season, according to a study conducted by Bell and Howell. The 2017 Click and Collect Retail Consumer Preference Study reveals consumers’ preferences and behaviors when it comes to this practice. As part of the study, […]
Biggest Vessel on the U.S. East Coast Calls
At 1,200 feet long and 158 feet wide, the containership COSCO Development is the biggest containership to call The Port of Virginia and the U.S. East Coast. The vessel can carry 13,092 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The previous record was held by the MOL Benefactor when it sailed to Norfolk International Terminals last summer. By […]
ICS Aims to Reduce CO2 Emissions from Global Shipping
On behalf of the international shipping sector, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) agreed to urge the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt dramatic CO2 reduction objectives to match the ambition of the Paris Agreement on climate change. In a submission to IMO member states, being made in conjunction with other shipping organizations, ICS will propose […]
Commentary: How to Compete with Amazon’s Lower Free Shipping Threshold
Amazon recently announced another slash to its free shipping requirements and is now down to $25. Amazon understands their data better than any retailer in the industry. The company is quite literally built on the ability to understand and take action on data, be that customer buying patterns, price optimization, or competitive information. This move […]
Supporting the Next Generation of Logistics Leaders
When Inbound Logistics began its commitment to advancing logistics and supply chain education, traffic and transportation were taught as subsets of business courses. Today, global supply chain courses are available in countless schools, and through distance learning programs worldwide. To celebrate that achievement, Inbound Logistics – in association with our partners at APICS – proudly […]
Supply Chain Commentary:
5 Ways Shippers Can Go Green
I’ve been in the custom shipping and transport case business for decades. Because my team isn’t limited to working with any one industry segment, we’re able to observe subtle industry fluctuations, trends, and movements—everything from changes in the popularity of certain shipping materials to the types of things being shipped most often. Lately we’ve noticed […]
E-commerce Logistics: Warehouse Slotting and Space Utilization
Slotting – determining the locations of your SKUs in your warehouse – used to be an easy concept. But in the new world of warehousing focusing exclusively to a large degree on e-commerce sales, this is no longer simple. E-commerce sales in the United States grew to over $348.9 billion last year and it is […]
Whitepaper: Who Pays for Customs Compliance Violations? It Could Be You.
The new whitepaper “Customs Compliance– Has Your Business Taken the Necessary Steps?” is an in-depth overview of the compliance process – including areas of particular vulnerability and recommendations for improving internal compliance management. You could be held accountable for customs compliance violations. And we don’t just mean your company but you – personally. A landmark […]
5 Ways to Prevent Forklift Accidents
Forklift accidents have a devastating effect on warehouses – and they happen more often than you think. In the United States, there are nearly 97,000 serious forklift-related injuries each year – 100 are fatal. Whether an accident results in an injured worker or loss of product, an accident always puts a spotlight on safety. Every […]
Celebrating the Greatest Logistician of All Time: Mom
Who’s the greatest logistician of all time? Mom, of course. Logistics is about taking care of those hundreds of invisible details that make supply chains (or life!) go smoothly. This Mother’s Day, let’s remember all the little things Mom does to demonstrate her love and make our homes and our lives happier, healthier and “fully […]
Spring Cargo Numbers Signal Better Year for Great Lakes-Seaway Shipping
Spring cargo numbers from the St. Lawrence Seaway and U.S. ports are signaling a better year for Great Lakes-Seaway shipping. According to the latest figures from the St. Lawrence Seaway, total cargo shipments via the Seaway from the start of the shipping season (March 20 through April 30) reached 3.7 million metric tons, up 8% […]
Supply Chain Commentary: Manufacturing Returns to the U.S.
Despite being one of the oldest job sectors, manufacturing is experiencing an interesting reversal. Chinese companies are now moving manufacturing jobs to the United States at an accelerating rate, with job investment in the United States tripling in one year to $45.6 billion, according to the Rhodium Group. Chinese manufacturers are plagued by wages in […]
The Complex Role of Innovation in Supply Chain Management
Supply chain innovation (SCI) is important for companies of all sizes. With new enabling technologies causing disruptions across the supply chain, the supply chain space is ripe for innovation. According to a recent study by the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, most innovations in supply chain management build on existing achievements and reconfigure known […]
Same-Day Delivery Powers Grocery
E-commerce Revolution
Consumers spent nearly $675 billion on groceries in 2016, and approximately 90% shopped for food and household supplies every week. Largely because of the convenience it offers, e-commerce grocery delivery saw massive growth. It is expected to continue to shake up the traditional grocery industry as online grocery sales are forecasted to account for as […]
Supply Chain Insights: Three Key Logistics Movers and Shakers
The growth of e-commerce, technology change, and other cyclical and structural factors, such as the crisis of the shipping industry, are reshaping supply chains and have major implications for industrial property portfolios/markets according to a new research from Colliers International. The report also found the three key movers and shakers. 1. The e-tailers taking on […]
U.S. Sales Fluctuation Offers New Threat to Automotive Supply Chain
The dip in April vehicle sales in North America is synonymous with the fluctuating demand experienced within the automotive industry, which can lead to increased inventories, production rescheduling, and subsequent supply chain ramifications, advises emergency logistics expert Evolution Time Critical. The potential supply chain turbulence caused by production fluctuation is indicative of the factors that […]
SC Ports Has Strongest April on Record for Container Cargo
South Carolina Ports Authority had its strongest April container volumes on record, with 189,315 twenty foot-equivalent units (TEUs) handled last month. In addition to being the strongest April in SCPA history, last month’s volumes were the second-highest ever handled by the Port. Nearly 1.8 million TEUs have moved across the docks of SCPA’s two container […]
Calling All Logisticians: Assist the Military to Bridge the Gap
Military missions are complex logistical efforts, requiring a significant understanding of supply chain and transportation management. Service members at all levels have logistical knowledge. Whether moving to a new location, planning training, or executing maneuvers, all military personnel are intimately familiar with mission execution and the associated logistical operations. As professional logisticians and supply chain […]
Tesla Warehouse Lease Deal: Largest in San Francisco Bay Area History
Originally published on Teslarati. Tesla has inked a deal to lease three warehouses totaling a massive 1.3 million square feet in the Oaks Logistics Center in Livermore, Calif., just 20 miles northeast of the Fremont factory. The deal is being billed as the largest industrial lease signed in San Francisco East Bay history. The deal […]
ATA Searching for Trucking’s Greatest Advocates
American Trucking Associations started its search to find and honor trucking’s greatest industry advocates with this year’s Mike Russell Trucking Image Award. “The trucking industry has seen increasing respect in Washington in recent months, but we still have work to do on improving the image of our industry throughout North America,” said ATA President and […]
Commentary: Are ELD’s All That Bad?
By December 2017, The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) will require every motor carrier to implement an electronic logging device (ELD). The ELD connects directly to the engine’s electronic control module and records vehicle data including ignition status, geographic location, mileage, and current speed. ELD technology will replace the manual logging of Hours of […]
Future-Proof Your Warehouse: 6 Tips for Split Case Picking
The rise of eCommerce has precipitated a sea change in logistics that has massive implications for 3PL warehouses. Global online retail spending reached nearly $2 trillion USD in 2016 and is expected to double by 2020, putting tremendous pressure on warehouses and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). Like me, you’re probably doing more online shopping than […]
Commentary: Will the Panama Canal Correct Problems?
Larger ships, known as Neopanamax, were expected to visit ports on the Eastern Seaboard this year, bringing shipping containers from Asia through an expanded Panama Canal. But due to insufficient operational resources within the Panama Canal, far fewer ships than expected have made the passage. The $9.4 billion investment by the Panama Canal Authority in a […]
Commentary: 8 Sustainable Freight Trends Smart Supply Chains Need to Embrace
Sustainability in the freight industry has sometimes been treated as a necessary evil: something to be balanced against profit margins and industrial growth. However, the most sustainable solutions offer efficiency from both an operational and environmental perspective. Those are the ideas that save money, increase performance, and steward environmental resources most effectively. The following eight […]
7 Solutions to Mitigate Global Supply Chain Risks
In a globalized economy where finalized products have components manufactured all over the world, effective management of supply chains is critical. Each party in the supply chain is dependent upon the other parties performing their responsibilities. If one party fails to perform its responsibilities the consequences can cascade both up and down the supply chain, […]
Global Air Freight Demand Sees Fastest Pace of Growth Since 2010
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released March 2017 demand growth results for global air freight markets are showing a 14% expansion measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs) compared to the same period last year. This was the fastest pace of growth recorded since October 2010. Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs), […]
Embracing the Circular Economy in the Supply Chain
Thanks to digital technologies like IoT, analytics, and sensors, adoption of circular economy business models has accelerated, moving from a specialized concept to a more mainstream business strategy. But according to a recent set of insights from Accenture Strategy, too often programs remain “skin deep.” Too few companies are embracing the “full circle” approach to […]
Bayonne Bridge Project Will Wrap Up Six Months Early
Governor Chris Christie announced the $1.6 billion raising of the Bayonne Bridge roadway will complete by June 30 – six months ahead of schedule. The raised bridge allows the world’s ultra-large, environmentally friendly container vessels to pass beneath the span, gaining access to the Ports of Newark, Elizabeth, and Staten Island. “The ‘Raise the Roadway’ […]
Commentary: New Alliances Unlikely to Increase NAFTA Ocean Freight Competitiveness
The new shipping alliances that came into effect a month ago are unlikely to increase ocean freight competitiveness between the United States and its NAFTA partners, according to iContainers, an online freight forwarder. According to data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the dollar value of U.S.-NAFTA goods shipped by […]
Looking Beyond Your Desktop
The latest Ransomware attack lays bare hidden risks in your manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain network. You can protect against the ever-evolving threat of Bitcoin pirates by looking deeper into your operations. The attack is introduced into networks with Spear Fishing emails. Once activated, the malware locks and ecrypts your files, and files across all […]
GOOD QUESTION | How will the Internet of Things affect the supply chain?
Like the air we breathe, IoT in logistics is becoming omnipresent. Go without it…and you’ll notice! J.P. Wiggins Vice President of Logistics 3Gtms The concept of IoT has been in the supply chain for years through the use of intelligent sensors. Current IoT technology extends the concept to a wider variety of devices that give […]
From the Front Lines to the Boardroom
David Congdon was 14 when he joined the family business: less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier Old Dominion Freight Line. “I started working on the dock in the summer,” he says. “Making $1.65 an hour beat the heck out of a $3 weekly allowance.” MORE TO THE STORY: Next Step: Advanced Algorithms At 16, Congdon started traveling to […]
How to Decide if You Should Outsource Your TMS
The days of the in-house transportation management system (TMS) are fading. Sure, there are a few benefits to building a custom system. It’s designed for a shipper’s specific needs, and all the data gathered stays in the family, so to speak. Yet, there are problems. Many shippers find their custom systems don’t communicate properly with […]
TMS Improves On-time delivery and Increases Supply Chain Visibility – Kuebix
Kuebix saves a National Powertrain Supplier over $270K by increasing visibility, empowering better decisions.
Retailer Reduces Transportation Spend – Unyson
A retailer teamed up with Unyson to create an out-of-the-box solution for its growing supply chain.
What’s Your Sourcing Strategy?
Having a current, flexible sourcing strategy can not only reduce costs and increase efficiency, but also serve as a competitive advantage to help organizations increase the top line. Supply chain costs, primarily procurement and transportation, can range from 50 to 70 percent of sales, depending on industry. So it is critical to spend considerable time […]
5 Steps to Protect Your Supply Chain From Cyber Threats
With cyber threats affecting organizations worldwide, warding off cyber attacks and protecting against cyber espionage is becoming a top priority across industries. Manufacturers, distributors, and organizations, however, are not doing enough to make supply chains more resilient and prepared. Whether your business is large or small, a startup or 40-year veteran, major security issues stem […]
Finding Untapped Value in Product Returns
The little-known, but dark secret of e-commerce is this: On average, for every three packages a retailer ships, one will be an eventual return. Retailers must shift their focus to processing the continuously increasing number of returns. As retail grows more reliant on analytics, retailers are seeing previously untapped value in data about who is […]
Blended Synergy: The Balance of Automation & Expertise – Unyson
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is becoming an important innovation across many industries and is beginning to catch the attention of many supply chain professionals. The idea of robots in the workplace might conjure up likeable characters such as Rosie from the Jetsons, Vicky from Small Wonder, or Bender from Futurama. Or maybe you went directly […]
Working Alongside Robots: No Longer Science Fiction
Working alongside robots in warehouses is the way of the present, rather than the way of the future. The recent ProMat and Automate conferences, in Chicago, featured robotics and automated materials handling equipment. “Solve for X,” the theme of the conference, emphasized the need for manufacturers, warehousing and third-party logistics companies to embrace change to […]
Planning for the IoT and the Future of Your Supply Chain
The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has been noticeable across every aspect of everyday life, from controlling the lights in our homes to tracking the way we shop. It’s no surprise that it’s also having a huge influence behind the scenes of the supply chain, altering and improving processes from end-to-end to enable […]
Warehouse Management & DC Optimization: Measuring What Matters
Selecting the best metrics at your company’s distribution centers requires the right tools, careful study, and constant collaboration.
TMS Solutions: The Big Picture
Transportation management systems streamline the information exchange between shippers and carriers, so freight moves reliably, efficiently, and at the best possible cost.
The St. Louis Region: Big Developments, Bright Future
An abundant, skilled workforce, outstanding multimodal transportation options, and plenty of space for expansion all fuel growth in the area’s logistics sector.
What You Need to Know About Selecting a Dock Appointment Scheduling System
Q: What is dock appointment scheduling? A: Dock scheduling is a means for managing the timeliness of inbound and outbound transportation (truck traffic) at your loading docks in order to maximize the efficient operation of those docks. Q: What is the difference between Appointment Management and a Dock Scheduling System? A: Appointment management usually takes […]
What to Expect From Your 3PL
Q: As supply chain operations continue the migration from an afterthought in the warehouse to a priority in the boardroom, what are some questions a shipper should ask before adding a 3PL to their supplier base? A: It largely depends upon what level of partnership a carrier is seeking. Managing spot capacity is very different […]
Supply Chain Complexity: What’s Behind Supply Chain Disruption and Why You’re Not Achieving Consistent ROI Improvement
In a 2016 Gartner survey, 63 percent of supply chain leaders reported “increasing supply chain complexity” as the highest risk to business continuity. A second survey from Gartner identifies supply chain complexity as #4 in the list of obstacles to achieving supply chain goals. As supply chain leaders face these challenges, they should focus on […]
How Small Retailers Can Compete with Retail Giants
Q: What is the biggest thing for shippers to consider in their supply chain? A: The one constant trend is the growth in the way we reach consumers. E-commerce sales increased 15.6 percent in 2016, and there are no signs that this trend will slow in the future. Direct to consumer is here for the […]
Does Your TMS Provide you a ClearView?
Q: What are you seeing as the biggest opportunity for TMS functionality? A: Transportation management software (TMS) was developed for the simple task of enforcing carrier routing and producing a shipping label. Web rating, or rate shopping, was a major advancement to the TMS technology industry 10 years ago. Today, very few TMS companies offer […]
Advice for Transportation Departments on Gaining Corporate IT Buy-in for TMS Solutions
Q: What pushback should transportation leaders anticipate from IT when proposing a TMS implementation? A: Corporate IT departments are frequently ambivalent about cooperating; sometimes even actively working to undercut the proposed initiative because there’s a perception that any new enterprise software deployment adds significantly to IT’s workload during implementation, integration, and thereafter with respect to […]
Is a 3PL Not the Best Fit for You?
Q: While some companies have chosen to rely on 3PLs to manage their logistics, Progressive Converting made the choice to keep its logistics in house. Why? MR: Progressive Converting (Pro-Con) is a service provider to the major paper companies. As such, controlling all aspects of the supply chain is critical in delivering value to our […]
Managing Yard Work
By growing driver productivity, weeding out inefficiencies, trimming detention costs, and seeding visibility, yard management systems can fertilize your supply chain.
The Mighty Pallet: A Supply Chain Powerhouse
The workhorses of the supply chain, recycled, repaired, and re-used pallets help shippers save money while getting the job done.
Cosmetics Supply Chain Puts Its Best Face Forward
Countless SKUs, fickle consumers, and multi-channel distribution drive cosmetics companies to take on a supply chain makeover.
Customized App Puts Bat Distributor in the Big Leagues
When a paper-based process slowed a baseball bat distributor’s growth, the company took a swing at a digitized system, and hit a home run.
New Packaging Innovation Center
UPS and Sealed Air Corporation announced the opening of a Packaging Innovation Center in Louisville, Ky. The center will help solve the packaging and shipping challenges of e-commerce retailers by maximizing efficiency, minimizing waste, and reducing shipping costs. “One of the biggest challenges UPS customers have with e-commerce, and across other industry segments, is […]
Maersk Line Deploys Its First Second Generation Triple-E
On April 27, 2017, Madrid Maersk, a 20,568 TEU container vessel and the first second generation Triple-E, made its maiden voyage. Its first call was the Port of Tianjin in China. Maersk Line has deployed Madrid Maersk in its Asia – Europe service network. Madrid Maersk is the first in a series of 11 second […]
Supply Chain Talent: Increasingly Challenging to Find
Organizations looking to optimize their supply chain and logistics functions should be on the lookout: There will be shifting demand for supply chain and logistics talent within the next decade. Finding, training, and retaining supply chain and logistics talent is becoming increasingly difficult. In today’s competitive business environment it is crucial to team up with […]
Upcoming Events
MAY 4, 2017 Los Angeles, Calif. Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce 91st Annual World Trade Week Kickoff Breakfast worldtradeweek.com AUDIENCE: Supply chain stakeholders FOCUS: The importance and benefits of global trade on the local and national economy; key technology trends; advanced mapping and analytics MAY 16-17, 2017 Atlanta, Ga. Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics […]
3 Green Measures Your Fleet Provider Should Be Taking
These tips help reduce the environmental impact of fleets.
How Battery Shippers Can Find Compliance Gaps
Companies that ship lithium batteries can benefit from a compliance assessment to improve supply chain efficiencies and enhance dangerous goods compliance procedures.
Commentary: 5 Ways to Reduce Materials Handling Costs
Many behaviors and approaches you can support and reinforce in the workplace can help your business drive down materials handling costs. Space management and damage prevention are two examples of tactics you can take to minimize losses from your budget and drive the bottom line. Here are five ways to reduce the materials handling costs […]
Transportation & Services Update
Services • Maersk Container Industry expanded its reefer container system for the ocean transport of high-value fresh produce. By controlling the ripening process, the new Star Cool CA+ system keeps sensitive low-respiring perishables such as blueberries and lychee in optimal condition so they don’t over-ripen or decay in transit. Compared to high-respiring perishables such as […]
How to Survive and Thrive in China
Use this advice to expand your logistics business into the complex but lucrative Chinese market.
Global Air Freight: Unmanned
When air freight is too expensive and ocean freight too slow, can this drone carry the day?
Ocean Freight Visibility on the Horizon?
Inbound Logistics attended the Digital Difference event in NYC where Maersk unveiled its partnership with Microsoft. What does that mean for ocean shippers? The possibilities are exciting. In the works… Connected vessels: Ships “talk” to each other to improve performance and make shippers’ supply chains more predictable. Actionable data: Shippers can see exactly where their […]
Latest Logistics Technology
• FR8 Revolution, a developer of cloud-based tools for freight transportation, launched the FR8Star Heavy Haul Marketplace at fr8star.com. FR8Star’s marketplace includes a rate calculator for pricing oversize/overweight loads. Shippers of these loads can get pricing estimates and shipping routes, and request quotes directly from carriers. Shippers and carriers complete their contract directly through the […]
Optimizing Your Distribution Center Site
Maximizing the efficiency of your distribution center (DC) site requires strategic planning and ongoing analysis. Stan Krawitz, executive vice president, founder, and head of Canada for real estate advisory firm Savills Studley, offers these tips to help you get started. 1. Select a site location with labor pool availability in mind. When selecting a DC site, […]
Where Global Logistics Brands Stand
UPS remains the world’s most valuable logistics brand at US$22 billion, while TNT Express’s brand value dropped 42 percent, making it the fastest-falling brand in 2017. That’s according to valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance, which values the brands of thousands of the world’s biggest companies. The company first evaluates brands to determine their power/strength […]
Warehouses Eye Robots
To better serve customers and remain globally competitive, warehousing and logistics providers are continuing to evaluate robotics solutions. While robotics technology has already made an economic impact on the manufacturing sector, it is now starting to transform supply chain operations to be faster, safer, and more productive. The demand for robots, and the supply of […]
Trade With China: A Question of Balance
President Trump hasn’t been shy about his desire to put America on more equal trade footing with China, but business leaders have traditionally fought against efforts to force the trade rival into an agreement that’s more equitable for both sides. Dissent is growing, however, according to the American Chamber of Commerce in China’s (AmChamChina) 2017 Business […]
Can Forwarders Survive an App Attack?
With rumors that Uber and Amazon may be about to launch their own global freight brokerage businesses, traditional forwarders and brokers are understandably nervous. But the British International Freight Association (BIFA) reacts to current speculation by underlining "the vastly challenging and circuitous landscape" that forwarders and brokers operate in daily. Uber has already soft-launched Uber […]
U.S. Infrastructure Still at the Bottom of the Class
Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) issues an Infrastructure Report Card that thoroughly analyzes and grades U.S. infrastructure in the form of a school report card. In 2013, the United States was at risk of failing its infrastructure class, squeaking by with a grade of D+. In 2017, after four years […]
Valerie Young: 2020 Vision
Valerie Young is vice president of global supply chain services and operations with 3M. She has held this position since 2016. Responsibilities Driving global supply chain strategy, regionalizing supply chains, leveraging disruptive technology, and harmonizing global processes for improved service, inventory position, and productivity. Experience Director of manufacturing and supply chain, business services director, Lean […]
The Answer to Logistics Problems is Always in the Data
Q: How can data solve logistics problems for shippers? A: The right data can create the intelligence required to know where to begin to solve many common problems. These can include freight costs that are too high, transit times that are too long or not charging enough for freight. Many shippers have good rates, but […]
The Keys to Dangerous Goods/Hazmat Shipping Compliance
Dangerous goods (DG)/hazardous materials (hazmat) transport safety and compliance can be challenging, but the right infrastructure and technology can mitigate risk and give your business a competitive edge. There has always been some degree of risk involved in transporting dangerous goods and hazardous materials, with the responsibility for compliance typically assigned solely to the compliance […]
Top 100 Logistics IT Providers & Market Research Survey-Apr 2017
Inbound Logistics surveys the logistics technology market to discover the latest trends and determine which providers are pioneers in their field.
5 Ways to Cut the Risk of Cargo Theft
Risk models provide a key advantage to firms operating globally, and are the first step in identifying key trade lanes, business partners, and the areas most likely to cause harm. The more you know, the easier it is to manage the risk. While risk modeling is an important part of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism […]
Alaska: Conquering The Last Frontier
Alaska has much to offer. It encompasses nearly 600,000 square miles, is home to one of the largest oil fields in North America, and boasts breathtaking scenery. It also presents logistics challenges and requires experienced service providers to weather any storm.
Hitting a Freight Management Bull’s Eye
Ben E. Keith takes aim at freight management inefficiencies with Crossbow technology.
The Advantages of a Pop Up Supply Chain
Q: How can I keep up with volume surges with minimal disruption? A: If you find yourself looking at a significant volume surge that is temporary, it is a good time to think about a pop up supply chain. Surges like this can put strain on the current infrastructure you have built and disrupt daily […]