Carrier Network Plants Seeds of Delivery Efficiency
By cultivating a partnership with a technology-based 3PL, a fruits and vegetables distributor quickly gets fresh deliveries to customers, with full visibility.
Incoterms: Playing by the Rules
When doing business globally, who pays the freight, you or your vendor? Who assumes the risk if cargo is damaged? Enter Incoterms, a set of international rules that interprets the most commonly used trade terms.
Most Mid-Market Supply Chains Are Under-Served
On average, mid-market supply chains ($50M to $150M) replace their supply chain providers every two to three years. The two overwhelming reasons why are because they don’t realize continuous return on investment (ROI) improvement and they lack strategic account support. Mid-market supply chain owners are caught in a conundrum: They’re too big for the small […]
Redefining Globalism?
Not long ago, Deutsche Bank, Thomas Friedman, and many economic experts announced that globalism is dead. Even technology visionary Peter Thiel recently said, "The tide on globalism is going out." Deutsche Bank chief strategist George Saravelos frames globalism’s death notice this way: "The world has been on a ‘globalizing’ trend since the end of World […]
GOOD QUESTION | What part of working in supply chain do you find the most rewarding?
We have a material impact on the experience our clients deliver for their customers. The convergence of technology and physical movement makes supply chain automation exciting and rewarding. The ability of leaders in the space to use logistics as a competitive differentiator has made it even more interesting. Chris Lingamfelter President, White Systems For me, […]
Clear Direction, Abundant Communication
Manny Calandrino got his first job in a trucking company in 1976, in the customer service and overage/shortage/damages department. Working his way from this entry-level position through every department, he discovered that what had started as just a job had grown into his career. MORE TO THE STORY: Wanted: Well-Rounded Entrepreneurs “I fell in love […]
Tom Ciepichal: Centered On Supply Chain Strategy
Tom Ciepichal is vice president, operational excellence and supply chain, with Dover Energy, a segment of Dover Corporation, a global manufacturer of equipment, components, and specialty systems in energy, engineered systems, fluids, and refrigeration and food equipment. He has held this position since 2016. Responsibilities: Continuous improvement, transformation, and operational excellence in the supply chain. […]
Trends—March 2017
Freight Rails Make Federal Case for Funding Private funding for infrastructure is a valuable tool that can save money for the American taxpayer, but it isn’t a be-all, end-all solution to U.S. transportation problems. Transportation executives took to Capitol Hill in February 2017 to plead with the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation subcommittee to provide […]
Global Logistics—March 2017
Canada and EU Spell Out Free Trade Agreement to Reduce Tariffs, Open Market Access After much debate, the European Union (EU) and Canada approved the controversial Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). While some parts of the deal regarding foreign direct investment still require approval from individual governments—a process that could take years—CETA will soon […]
Efficient Order Picking Speeds Distribution
Classic Distributing increases pick rates by 22% with the Jungheinrich® low-level order picker.
Enabling a Faster-to-Market Solution
Fast growth in ever-expanding global markets, and the need to serve its retail and online clients in Asian markets, drove home furnishings retailer Cath Kidston to approach SEKO for a solution.
How to Reap the Benefits of Asian Free Trade Agreements
Asian governments began developing bilateral free trade agreements (FTA) in addition to region-based multilateral agreements in 2000. These bilateral agreements were viewed as easier to negotiate and provided a quicker way to open up new export markets. The growth of bilateral FTAs in this region has led to what many economists refer to as the […]
Mastering Logistics Complexity: How to Take Control With Technology
There was a time when road distribution was either local delivery from local producers, or the ‘final mile’ delivery of goods that had been transported longer distances by rail or interstate highway first. The typical journey was either point to point or a regular circuit of collections and drops. An experienced transport manager, or even […]
Winning on Your Terms
In an age when so many conversations begin with, "Have you heard what Amazon just announced?," wouldn’t it be nice to have your competitors worry about your latest supply chain success? It’s rather easy to become distracted by the daily activities of the world’s largest retailer. But keeping our collective eye on the ball has […]
What Your Transportation Management System Should Provide
The transportation and logistics world is abuzz with the need for ever stronger and more diverse transportation management systems (TMS). This is apparently true for small and large shippers alike. And in today’s world of diverse rates and worldwide shipping operations, both inbound and outbound, the need grows stronger each year. So what should a […]
Testing the Quality of Logistics-Critical Applications
Deploying applications quickly and affordably, and ensuring those systems perform as promised, will be a key to success in tomorrow’s freight and logistics sector. You no doubt recognize the need for robust apps testing. Often the challenge is finding the tools and capacity to break the testing logjam—and to accelerate your time to innovation. Software […]
How 3PL Warehouses Can Capitalize on the Escalating Demands of Prospects and Customers
2017 is looking to be a memorable year for the warehousing industry. For the first time since the mid-2000s, 3PL warehouses are not only in demand, but in a position of strength. This will provide 3PL operators with a unique opportunity to build lasting relationships with key customers, suppliers, and retailers of their choice. However, […]
Predictive Analytics Takes Forecasting to a New Level
Technology users in 2012 generated 2.5 exabytes of data per day, three-quarters of which is text, audio, or video messages. That’s a lot of data for companies to review and potentially leverage, and is one reason for the increasing use of predictive analytics, a cost-effective way to filter through and utilize large amounts of data. […]
Today’s Competitive Supply Chain: Digital, Smaller, More Resilient
Historically, the supply chain and manufacturing industry has been relatively slow to embrace the opportunities presented by the digital revolution. Technology is advancing quickly, and it’s time to buck this trend. Whether it’s recognizing the crucial strategic strength and impact offered by the Internet of Things (IoT), taking advantage of the dramatic increase in automation, […]
Defending Your Supply Chain Against Hackers
As organizations continue to outsource, form partnerships, and share data with third parties, a strong vendor risk management (VRM) program that stays ahead of risks in the information supply chain has to be a top priority. Hackers stole confidential data from tens of millions of Target customers during the height of the holiday shopping season. […]
GTM Solutions: Making a World of Difference
How Global Trade Management (GTM) solutions automate complex international supply chain sourcing, logistics, cross-border trade, and regulatory compliance activities.
Retail Logistics Bets on E-Commerce
For retailers, e-commerce—and its impact on supply chain management—is no longer a roll of the dice; it’s a sure thing. Here’s how successful retailers beat the odds.
Georgia: Setting the Pace in the Logistics Race
An ideal location, reliable infrastructure, talented workforce, and best-of-breed technology position companies locating in Georgia to take the lead.
Extending the Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
In the life science and pharmaceutical area, an inefficient supply chain can cause serious problems including product degradation and late deliveries of life-saving medications. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers specialize in streamlining their customers’ supply chains, merging logistics expertise with state-of-the-art innovations. While manufacturers search for ways to distinguish products in a competitive marketplace, many do […]
Advantages of Digital Technology
Q: INTTRA recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. Can you describe how digitization in ocean shipping has evolved since 2001? A: Some carriers and shippers moved to adopt standardizing form exchanges early on; then bespoke, single-process products (e.g., rates management), and later ERP systems. Cloud-based Transportation Management Systems (TMS) allowing shippers to avoid expensive in-house implementations […]
How to Meet Global Shipment Compliance Challenges
Q: What role does technology play in meeting today’s challenges of global shipment compliance? A: Today’s complexities in managing export and import shipments are evident. When U.S. Customs announced the requirement of Sea AMS filing, which is also known as the 24-Hour Rule, it started a wave of technology enhancements throughout the globe requiring all […]
Walmart’s ShippingPass Has Ended. What Retailers Should Do Next.
The shipping wars between Walmart and Amazon are heating up. On Jan. 31, 2017, Walmart halted its ShippingPass delivery service in exchange for free two-day shipping—signaling their latest move against Amazon. As more retailers offer free shipping, today’s consumers now expect online purchases to be delivered “fast and free.” Evolving customer expectations for delivery are […]
The Whole Industry Is Struggling to Define TMS. Here’s My Take.
I’ve been in the transportation sector for more than 30 years and wrote the first transportation management system (TMS) as a developer back in the ’80s. Since then, the term “TMS” has come to mean many different things. Today, it covers different product classes; many transportation software vendors refer to themselves as a TMS provider […]
Why the ‘Shareconomy’ Is the Future of Logistics
The idea of a global shared economy—which has given rise to businesses such as Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb that share resources among user bases—is projected by PwC to generate revenue of at least $335 billion by 2025. An increasingly popular concept made possible by new technology platforms, fueled by the idea of collaborative consumption, the […]
Weighing In on the Latest Trends in Weighing Technology
Professionals involved in logistics, transportation, and the supply chain can attest to the weighty role that weighing technology plays and how it has evolved to help organizations achieve commercial goals and stay competitive. Weighing systems play a critical role across the gamut of industry, providing companies with vital information that enables them to improve their […]
Download the Inbound Logistics Planner App Today
Find the right solutions, carriers and partners to drive efficiency in your supply chain operations and enable your enterprise to navigate the twists and turns, ups and downs of the coming year. The Logistics Planner, 25 years strong, is updated this month with profiles of leaders in transportation, technology, logistics, supply chain management, education and […]
Supply Chain in the Cloud: How Tech Is Reshaping Logistics
In warehouses, on roads, and in corporate offices, technology is evolving every facet of logistics. From basic improvements like streamlining operations and increasing process efficiency to fully automating delivery trucks, technology is enabling much smarter, simpler supply chain management. Below are three emerging technologies reshaping the logistics industry: RFID Technologies The replacement of traditional barcodes […]
Flight of Fancy (Revisited)
[This was originally published in June 2003, but with Amazon’s recent drone patent filing, we thought you’d enjoy the look back.] Back in 2023 Paul MacCready’s famous company, Aerovironment Corp., brought to market an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that revolutionized expedited and emergency transport services in America. That was seven years ago. Since then, the […]
GOOD QUESTION | Who would be on your Mount Rushmore of transportation and logistics visionaries?
R. Gene Richter, the logistics visionary. President Eisenhower, who made possible the U.S. Interstate Highway System. Henry Ford as a founder of the automobile industry and creator of the assembly line. And Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who developed one of the most dynamic global supply chain operations. Senior Vice President Institute for Supply Management® MORE […]
Choosing a Yard Management System
A yard management system (YMS) can provide significant benefits to your operation. Despite this, the yard is often the last area to automate and many operations still manage their yards with radios and clipboards. Greg Braun, senior vice president of sales and marketing with C3 Solutions, provides these pointers to help you select a YMS. […]
Sound Strategy, Talented Team
If there’s a secret to Cliff Otto’s leadership, it’s his focus on people. “One of the most important things I’ve learned is to hire the best people you can find, and challenge them with opportunities that make them grow,” he says. MORE TO THE STORY: Advice for the Next Generation Otto joined Saddle Creek Logistics […]
Jonathan Parks: Planning is Key, to Say the Leased
Jonathan Parks is vice president of global logistics and distribution with Rent-A-Center, which offers name-brand furniture, electronics, appliances, and computers through flexible rental purchase agreements. He started with the company in 2010 and has held this position since 2015. Responsibilities: The design, management, and continual optimization of distribution and logistics operations. Experience: Positions in logistics, […]
Trends—February 2017
Trump Administration: Make America Freight Again Promises to repair, restore, and improve U.S. infrastructure became one of Donald Trump’s primary campaign themes. Now that his term has officially begun, his administration has taken steps to follow through on those promises. The President’s team created a list of 50 infrastructure projects that will be a top […]
Global Logistics—February 2017
Mexican Border Wall Becoming Trade Barrier The battle over NAFTA renegotiation and trade between the United States and Mexico has been tied into the building of the border wall between the two nations promised by President Donald Trump on the campaign trail. Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto refused to discuss the idea of Mexico paying […]
7 Ways to Digitally Transform Your Supply Chain
To keep the supply chain working at top efficiency, companies need not only a flexible and adaptable culture, but also a highly adaptable underlying IT infrastructure. Companies invest a lot of time, effort, and money in developing systems to power the supply chain. The amount of data can be overwhelming. However, by connecting data and […]
Share This, Post That. How to Get Millennials on Your Team
Employment in the logistics sector is shifting as millennials are expected to make up about 75 percent of the supply chain workforce by 2025. Companies need to revamp their recruiting and interviewing practices to appeal to this generation. Companies can create the environment and experience millennials are looking for by following these five steps: 1. […]
5 Steps to Reduce Supply Chain Risks When Going Global
Natural disasters, huge economic swings, supply shortages, and security issues present considerable challenges to supply chains. One critical area that can bring a supply chain to a screeching halt is international trade compliance. Whether you’re starting out in the global market or already dealing with supply chain issues, these five tips will help you mitigate […]
Supply Chain Education: Aiming High
The 6 essential competencies for gaining a foothold in a supply chain or logistics career.
Placing a Premium on Cargo Insurance
Buckle up! Cargo insurance protects your goods if they are damaged, stolen, or lost while in transit.
Build-A-Box
To help subscription box services manage orders amidst rapidly increasing demand, logistics providers bring the whole package—from kitting and tying bows to delivery and returns.
Caldwell Hospital Gets a Lean Bill of Health
A North Carolina hospital improves patient care by prescribing a lean and healthy supply chain.
6 Simple Metrics for Tracking and Improving Carrier Performance
While transportation service providers vary in size and ability, having an overall strategy to track carrier performance can drive long term operational and financial stability. By relying on simple data captured over time, over the road shippers are better positioned to make informed decisions on the fly or in future bids to ensure their desired […]
Weighing Solutions for All Facets of Warehouse Operations
Warehousing and distribution centers rely on efficient, accurate, and reliable data to ensure peak performance and guarantee the safety of employees. Investing in quality scales and systems helps ensure billing accuracy by monitoring the weight of cargo. Additionally, companies can ensure that vehicles are utilized optimally. With the rising demand for high-precision weighing solutions in […]
Reduce Supply Chain Costs with Consolidated Procurement Strategies
For sourcing agents and organizations involved in procurement, supply chain efficiency is a pressing concern. In addition to physical factors like the layout of the unit and machine capacity, procurement contracts and the manner in which they are implemented can account for a majority of supply chain and manufacturing costs. Working hand-in-hand with product design […]
What’s Eating The Health Food Supply Chain?
Healthful food—organic, vegan, non-GMO, local, sustainably or humanely raised, and allergen free, or any other variety—has whet consumers’ appetites. Satisfying that growing demand, however, poses unique supply chain challenges.
Omni-Channel Retail: Roadmap To Profit
Omni-channel retail supply chains are forging new paths to profitability. Here’s what they look like.
Wild Ride?
When the IL team came up with the original issue theme for the 2017 Logistics Planner—The Upside of Down—we were anticipating yet another long term of challenging economic stagnation. The theme was that our mantra of demand-driven or inbound logistics practices would help enterprise managers and owners squeeze every last ounce of value out of […]
Hold On Tight!
Just like in logistics, our editorial and design team meets many months in advance to forecast upcoming content and issue themes. So, when we met eight months ago to develop the Logistics Planner issue theme, we thought we had a good understanding of what was in store for 2017. After spirited discussion, we decided on […]
GOOD QUESTION | What’s your supply chain resolution for 2017?
“We need to double down on technology. Global supply chains are a chess match, and everyone still seems to want to play checkers with Excel spreadsheets, emails, and phone calls. I’m going to use technology to become Bobby Fischer.”
Leveraging Your Routing Guide
A routing guide plays an important role in setting the strategy for carrier selection. It is essentially a shipper’s guide to choosing a carrier to move a particular shipment. While there are many forms of routing guides, an increasing number of companies switched from paper to online portals and beyond to enhanced transportation management system […]
Aaron Leach: A Bird’s Eye View of the Supply Chain
Aaron Leach is senior director of supply chain with Wayne Farms, LLC, in Oakwood, Ga. He has held this position since 2013. Wayne Farms is the sixth largest vertically integrated producer and processor of poultry in the United States. Responsibilities: Inbound and outbound logistics, warehousing and inventory control, and supply and demand planning. Experience: Director […]
Russ Smyth: Geared Up for Growth
One day in 2010, Russ Smyth got a phone call from Ted Perlman. Smyth assumed that the reason for the call was a social occasion. At the time, Smyth was CEO of tax services company H&R Block. MORE TO THE STORY: Leadership Insights Perlman is one of the founders of HAVI, a global supply chain […]
Trends—January 2017
Amazon continues to rattle nerves in the transportation sector. In 2015, the company launched a fleet of branded trucks to help shuttle cargo between facilities. In 2016, it leased 40 cargo jets, and Amazon China registered as a U.S. freight forwarder. These moves made third-party logistics (3PL) and trucking companies understandably anxious, considering that Amazon […]
Global Logistics—January 2017
Manufacturing Supply Chains: What Does the Future Hold? Nobody can predict the future, but some are certainly qualified to make educated guesses. Over the next decade, manufacturing growth depends on successful engagement with consumers, according to IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Supply Chain 2017 Predictions, a new report from IDC Manufacturing Insights. The report makes the following […]
Deploying Pharmaceutical Foreign Trade Zone Services
MD Logistics leverages FTZ services to provide game changing benefits to its customer base.
Improve Warehouse Productivity With Reach Trucks
Jungheinrich® reach trucks help LeanCor’s mission to advance the world’s supply chains.
Shaking Up the Brown Box: Big Winners in Supply Chain Evolution
With the infusion of multi-modal, multi-channel platforms, e-commerce is shaking the supply chain industry upside down. The consumer is now able to outrun the industry, and shippers are questioning their competency to continuously evolve their supply chains. To implement transformational strategies, operations teams are facing broad and deep investments in diversified technology and human resources […]
Industry 4.0 is the X Factor that Will Transform Today’s Supply Chains
The enigmatic X Factor—that unknown element that will take supply chains to the next level. As is so often the case in our industry, there’s not just one transformative technology that will produce revolutionary change within our field, but rather many. The MHI Annual Industry Report examined the concept of the digital, always-on supply chain, […]
The Pragmatist’s Guide: 10 Simple Strategies to Reduce Freight Costs Now
https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/dunnage/Freight transportation is your biggest logistics expense, so it’s likely that you’re under constant pressure to drive down these costs. Here are 10 ideas to consider as we head into 2017. Some of these strategies may encounter resistance from the “not the way we do it here” crowd. But let’s face it, any meaningful cost […]
Cloud Collaboration Increases Supply Chain Efficiency
Defined as the art of working together to produce or create something, collaboration has become a focal point for organizations that want to work smarter, better, and more efficiently in today’s competitive business world. Enabled by technology, companies and individuals are working together to achieve common goals, open new lines of communication, and foster both […]
What supply chain resolutions are you making this year?
Another year is upon us and with it comes a new opportunity to do things differently; to do things better. No doubt you have things you didn’t get to last year, have ideas about what needs to change and maybe even have problems that keep you up at night. If you have been managing your […]
How the Right Shipping Software Impacts Your Bottom Line
Choosing the right shipping software is critical because it impacts your company’s bottom line. Here are eight steps to take to ensure you choose the right solution for your company’s individual needs. Guarantee that you’re paying the lowest freight costs possible on all your shipments. Combined with the costs and/or business rules that have been […]
Using Network Optimization Technology To Enable Your Lean Supply Chain
From a lean and agile supply chain perspective, an optimally designed supply chain can significantly improve margins, support expansion into new markets, enhance the customer experience, and reduce operating costs. Optimizing your supply chain network helps achieve more value and less waste through keeping lower inventories, maintaining the right stock levels, and choosing the right […]
Solving the E-Commerce Puzzle
Inventory is now on-demand, and predicting what consumers will want on any given day is tricky. Add to that the already challenging scenario that consumers want to shop and purchase goods at any time and from anywhere—and supply chain logistics for e-commerce inventory gets even more complex and complicated. Many retailers and brands haven’t solved […]
How to Find Value in Big Data
There’s an endless amount of big data, but only storing it isn’t useful. The value is in what you find in the data. Instead of aggregating all the data you’re getting, you need to define the problem that you’re trying to solve and then gather data specific to that problem. Today we have the capability […]
The Slow, Steady Decline Of the Owner-Operator Model
Today, we face the slow extinction of independent owner-operators. These self-reliant business owners are dealing with a myriad of regulations that will soon make the owner-operator model impractical, and its survival improbable. Of the 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States, about 350,000 are owner-operators, according to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. If you […]
Rethinking Reverse Logistics for Online Apparel Returns
As virtual shopping bags replace physical ones, it’s important for retailers to update their policies and logistics strategies to align with consumer behavior and expectations. This is particularly the case when deciding how to handle apparel returns, which boast one of the highest return rates: One in three purchases are sent back. This trend, and […]
Evaluate Partners Before You Sign the Contract
In an increasingly competitive global environment, every element of the supply chain must be effective and efficient—to deliver the right quality products, on time and at the right price. Empowering your procurement team before supplier selection is key. For companies that outsource materials, parts, and equipment, the potential for quality issues and hidden costs can […]
When to File Loss and Damage Claims: Know Your Rights
Damage, loss, and delays are inescapable. When these events occur, the shipper has to file a claim to recover the loss. Shippers should understand the claims process and law because the legal principles are unique to the shipping industry. First, it is important to understand that a cargo claim is based on a breach of […]
Going for Brokers
Over the past 18 months, we have seen a significant shift toward shippers utilizing brokers as their primary carriers. Many shippers abandoned the strategy of focusing on asset-based carriers, and now load their routing guides with brokers as the choice of record. We also see brokers being able to meet the detailed requirements of many […]
Tackling Retail Logistics: Build Your Team First
The retail industry is changing at a faster pace now than at any other time in history. We are only at the dawn of the new world order: connected retail. Supply chain is on the front lines of the ongoing revolution. When RILA and Auburn University recently surveyed retail supply chain executives, 98 percent rated […]
Automotive Aftermarket: Firing on all Cylinders
The popularity of classic auto restoration revs up an extensive multi-channel logistics network to meet the needs of enthusiasts. Buckle up, let’s go for a ride.
What a Ride!
How Monster Moto—with help from UPS—moved product assembly from China to Louisiana, a strategy that was no child’s play.
3PL Partnerships: You’re In Good Company
As product demand continues to rise, companies of all industries are partnering with third-party logistics providers and sealing the deal with on-time and cost-effective delivery to customers.
3PLs Up The Ante
A good third-party logistics provider can be your ace in the hole to keep supply chain operations running straight and your bottom line flush.
Alternative Port Strategies: Getting In With The In Crowd
Inland ports offer new global trade strategies and relief from congestion and capacity issues facing deepwater ports. Let us fill you in on what the In crowd knows.
Making a Run for the Border
Although the future of NAFTA is uncertain, and trade challenges remain, Mexico continues to attract foreign companies looking for easier access to the huge U.S. consumer base.
Latin American Logistics: Learning the Tricks of the Trades
Working with a specialist can remove the stumbling blocks that can impede trade between the United States and Central and South America.
Construction Logistics: Raise the Roof!
When building contractors converge on a site with their materials, equipment, and appliances, it takes planning, patience, and a good bit of luck to fit all the pieces together.
Cruise Control
When it comes to cruise supplies, logistics personnel have to run a tight ship—or risk missing the boat.
Baseball Logistics: Hitting a Home Run Every Trip
Off the diamond, truckers and clubhouse staff work tirelessly to execute the logistics of Spring Training. Here’s how they achieve this Haul of Fame accomplishment.
The Logistics of Franchising: Delivering the Basics
Fast food franchisees gain an appetite for supply chain success.
Global Trade Changes Course
6 global trade rule changes you should know before you move your next import/export shipment.
Expect the Best, Plan for the Worst & Prepare to Be Surprised
It’s not if your supply chain will be disrupted, it’s when. Risk assessment and advance planning will help minimize the impact on business.
Supply Chain Management Students: School of Thought
Idealistic and pragmatic, today’s college students find opportunities in supply chain management.
The Back & Forth of Reverse Logistics
Companies that have reverse logistics processes and systems in place to capture all the value possible can beat competitors coming and going.
The Who, What, When, and Why of Warehouse Wearables
Major technological gains in wearables and apps create intriguing new ways for workers to navigate the warehouse.
Winter Reading Guide 2017
Don’t let winter put a deep freeze on your logistics learning. Keep your knowledge evergreen by cozying up to books on wide-ranging topics, from food logistics to procurement practices.
Routing Software Separates Losers from Weiners
Kowalski Sausage implements a new in-house routing and dispatching system to improve how the piggies get to market.
Hardware Upgrade Unwraps DC Improvements
Kelli’s Gift Shop Suppliers gets a present: a mobile device that improves inventory control and boosts DC efficiency.
How Ariens Weathers Seasonal Demand
A 3PL partnership helps Ariens blow away logistics inefficiencies and mow down transportation costs.
Demand-Driven Logistics: Staying Right Side Up When Your Supply Chain Turns Upside Down
Even when times are uncertain, the benefits of demand-driven logistics are a sure thing.
Why Global Trade Needs a Rebrand
In 2016, doubts about the wisdom of trade deals factored heavily in the UK’s vote to leave the European Union and in the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. Skepticism about the benefits of free trade has been bubbling for years. In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to kill the 14-nation Trans-Pacific […]
Optimizing the Product Portfolio
Customer expectations are higher than ever, and the most successful distributors continue to accommodate their customers through multiple channels designed to attract and retain them. Despite all the business emphasis on community, engagement, and relationship, the importance of offering the right variety of products remains—and it cannot be overlooked. In this environment, the constant pressure […]
Alibaba Spends Big To Upgrade Logistics Network
Forty-three percent of Chinese consumers lived outside urban areas in 2016, many in remote, rural areas challenging to access via road, estimates The World Bank. To reach these consumers, e-commerce and logistics companies need to invest heavily in new logistics infrastructure. That’s why Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba will pour $720 million into Huitongda Network, a […]