Blockchain in Logistics: Definition, Role in Logistics, and Benefits

Blockchain in Logistics: Definition, Role in Logistics, and Benefits

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the logistics industry, promising enhanced transparency, efficiency, and security in supply chain operations. Blockchain in logistics ensures that all parties involved have access to validated, immutable records, thus reducing errors and increasing transparency. The blockchain technology market in the transportation and logistics industry is estimated to increase by USD 2.23 billion, […]

IoT in Logistics: What It Is, Applications, and Benefits

IoT in Logistics: What It Is, Applications, and Benefits

As the world becomes more interconnected, the logistics landscape is significantly transforming. Technology has become the backbone of supply chain management, propelling logistics companies into a new era of efficiency and connectivity. Internet of Things (IoT) is a transformative force reshaping the fabric of logistics and transportation. IoT in logistics isn’t just a trend; it’s […]

3 Keys to Strengthen Safety

3 Keys to Strengthen Safety

Safety is a top priority for any supply chain organization, and communication is paramount to safe operations. Here are three ways that effective communication can mitigate operational risks and strengthen safety across the supply chain.

Outbound Logistics: Definition, Key Components, Benefits

Outbound Logistics: Definition, Key Components, Benefits

Logistics is like the invisible glue that holds businesses together. It’s how companies move and manage goods from one place to another. Imagine a puzzle where each piece is a part of the supply chain, and logistics fits them together. Outbound logistics is a significant part of this puzzle. It’s all about getting products from […]

What is a Counterbalance Forklift? Definition, Types, and Uses

What is a Counterbalance Forklift? Definition, Types, and Uses

Counterbalance forklifts are vital machines in commercial shipping, offering versatility and efficiency in handling heavy loads. Whether using an electric forklift for indoor applications or a diesel-powered model for outdoor tasks, these forklifts are designed to meet various operational needs.

Optimizing Warehouse Efficiency

Optimizing Warehouse Efficiency

Tremendous growth in warehousing and related industries in the past decade brings real challenges—inexperienced labor, safety concerns, and squeezing productivity out of limited space. The right strategies and technology can meet these challenges.

Logistics vs. Distribution: Their Key Similarities and Differences

Logistics vs. Distribution: Their Key Similarities and Differences

Distribution and logistics are integral aspects of supply chain management, yet it’s important to recognize that these terms aren’t interchangeable. While both oversee the movement of goods within the supply chain, they possess distinct meanings. Contrasting distribution with logistics offers a valuable opportunity to grasp their unique definitions and disparities.  Businesses need to discern between […]

75 Green Supply Chain Partners

75 Green Supply Chain Partners

From 3PLs to air cargo carriers, and from ports to trucks, Inbound Logistics recognizes 75 supply chain visionaries who have come full circle by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability every day in every way.

Friendshoring: Definition, Benefits, and Challenges

Friendshoring: Definition, Benefits, and Challenges

Friendshoring is shaping international trade by reinforcing supply chains and fostering economic ties. It boosts supply chain resilience and strengthens diplomatic relations, helping businesses manage global market complexities. However, challenges like higher costs and limited country choices require careful consideration.

6 Types of Wholesaling: A Comprehensive Guide

6 Types of Wholesaling: A Comprehensive Guide

Wholesaling is vital to the supply chain, connecting manufacturers with retailers and consumers. It involves buying goods in bulk from manufacturers and wholesale selling them in smaller quantities to retailers or other wholesale businesses. There are different types of wholesaling, each serving different purposes and markets.  This comprehensive guide will explore six kinds of wholesaling […]

By Ram Ben Tzion, CEO & Co-Founder of Ultra Global

As Russia Greases Up Oil Exports, Sanctions Need to Get a Grip

As the U.S. Treasury Department refocuses its efforts to stifle Russia’s war in Ukraine, the latest (and certainly not the last) round of ‘blocking’ sanctions has refreshed the focus on Russian energy and startups in the petroleum market who have, despite all the red tape, managed to maintain a steady stream of income for the Kremlin.

YMS: Your Yard, Optimized

YMS: Your Yard, Optimized

Yard management systems optimize a sometimes-overlooked supply chain link, helping shippers maximize the potential of their yard and strengthen KPIs.

Avoiding Social Media FOMO

Avoiding Social Media FOMO

Generating speed-of-light word of mouth, social media can trigger demand surges and trip up supply chain strategies for ecommerce retailers. Here are some approaches that work, even if you aren’t ready to livestream shoppable content just yet:

Through Bill of Lading: What It Is, Functions, and When to Use It

Through Bill of Lading: What It Is, Functions, and When to Use It

A Through Bill of Lading is a comprehensive contract for shipping goods across multiple modes of transportation, from origin to final destination. Mastering shipping documentation, including Through Bills of Lading, is important for success in the commercial shipping and logistics industry. 

Sustainable Supply Chain: Definition, Components, and Benefits

Sustainable Supply Chain: Definition, Components, and Benefits

Businesses across various industries increasingly prioritize sustainability in commercial shipping and logistics. Sustainable supply chain management now stands at the forefront of strategic planning, driven by consumer demand for environmental responsibility and fair labor practices.  Companies recognize that adopting sustainable practices addresses climate change and social responsibility, leading to cost savings and improved financial performance. […]

Conestoga Trailers: Definition, Types, and Advantages

Conestoga Trailers: Definition, Types, and Advantages

Conestoga trailers are a testament to innovation in the trucking industry, transforming the way we transport goods with efficiency and care. With their unique retractable tarping system that shelters goods from the elements while facilitating easy loading and unloading, these trailers have become a linchpin in moving freight efficiently.  A survey highlighted that about 65% […]

Bill of Lading vs. Waybill: Their Key Differences

Bill of Lading vs. Waybill: Their Key Differences

Documentation serves as the backbone of the intricate web of global trade and logistics, ensuring the smooth flow of goods from one point to another.  The bill of lading and the waybill are essential documents in this realm. Understanding the disparities between these documents is essential for anyone involved in shipping and logistics operations. Understanding […]

The Waiting Game: Forecasting a Potential Freight Recovery

The Waiting Game: Forecasting a Potential Freight Recovery

In contrast to the dramatic spikes of the COVID era, a potential freight recovery is likely to happen in a more measured, gradual fashion and will likely extend into 2025. Eventually, the market will reach an inflection point in which the recovery kicks off in earnest.

Advance Shipping Notice: Definition, Role in Supply Chain Management, and Benefits

Advance Shipping Notice: Definition, Role in Supply Chain Management, and Benefits

Efficient communication and documentation are the backbone of successful shipping and logistics operations. Staying ahead in today’s fast-paced commercial environment requires adopting advanced tools and strategies.  One such tool is the Advance Shipping Notice (ASN), which is important in modern supply chain management. This comprehensive guide will explore ASNs, their significance, benefits, and impact on […]

Supply Chain Resilience: Definition, Strategies, and Best Practices

Supply Chain Resilience: Definition, Strategies, and Best Practices

Supply chain management faces unprecedented challenges in today’s global market, from natural disasters to fluctuating markets. A robust approach to these hurdles is not just beneficial but necessary. Resilience in supply chains allows businesses to respond swiftly and effectively to unforeseen disruptions, maintaining operational continuity and safeguarding revenue streams. Companies that improve supply chain resilience […]

Box Trucks: Definition, Types, and Cargo

Box Trucks: Definition, Types, and Cargo

Box trucks, also known as cube or straight trucks, are the core component of the logistics industry. Their box-like cargo area makes them a favorable choice for wholesalers and manufacturers.  They are helpful for local deliveries and long-haul transportation. Box trucks facilitate the movement of goods and materials with ease. Their versatility, accessibility, and capacity […]

ProvisionAi and Riviana Foods: Get a Load of This

ProvisionAi and Riviana Foods: Get a Load of This

Walk through any grocery store, and you’ll likely come across products from Riviana Foods. It’s one of the largest processors, marketers, and distributors of branded and private-label rice products in the United States. Its brands include Minute, Success, Mahatma, Adolphus, RiceSelect, and others.

IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions

IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions

The Movu 3D shuttle system escala is a flexible robotic automated bin storage and retrieval sub-system, suitable for even the smallest applications of bin-compatible products. Robots move along a rail track that connects every location point within the dense storage and retrieval rack, transferring between levels via ramps. Intelligent management software allows sequencing of bins at multiple points within the system and at the goods-to-person workstations.

Is Your Supply Chain “Blocked”?

Is Your Supply Chain “Blocked”?

People like me constantly champion the benefits of collaboration and visibility in the supply chain and warn that a lack of traceability and transparency can lead to delays, errors, and increased costs. To achieve this, supply chain participants need a unified view of data, while still being able to independently and privately verify transactions such as production and transport updates.

CtrlChain Launches Managed Transportation Service, Adds Multi-stop Shipments

CtrlChain, an innovator in logistics and transportation management, continues to transform the industry with its expanded services in the US market. While CtrlChain has been operating successfully in the United States since last year, the company is now focusing on advancing its offerings, particularly in transportation management. With the launch of its managed transportation service […]

Distribution Channels in Logistics: Definition, Types, and Components

Distribution Channels in Logistics: Definition, Types, and Components

Distribution channels in logistics are the lifelines that connect the dots between production and consumption, ensuring that goods find their way to the final customer efficiently and effectively. These channels are not just routes on a map but the strategic networks underpinning efficient supply chain management.  They make sure that inventory management aligns with customer […]

Solving the Emissions Challenge

Solving the Emissions Challenge

Companies need to gain a 360-degree view of their operations – including their Scope 3 impacts. When tackling emissions oversight, decision-makers must have tools in place that can help them capture, aggregate, and synthesize data in real-time to make any necessary tweaks to remain compliant.

10 Tips for Becoming a  Shipper of Choice

10 Tips for Becoming a Shipper of Choice

In today’s “carrier’s market,” it’s more important than ever for shippers to become a shipper of choice—to go the extra mile and make it easier for carriers to do their jobs. Here’s how to strengthen your carrier relationships and achieve this coveted status.

North America: Navigating Cross-Border Trade

North America: Navigating Cross-Border Trade

U.S.-based companies are looking to master cross-border trade in North America—amidst supply chain upheavals, rising production costs in many other parts of the world, and a strengthening initiative to produce closer to primary markets.

Top Supply Chain Management Schools

Top Supply Chain Management Schools

Here’s a roundup of some of the top programs to consider, whether you’re looking to major in supply chain at the undergraduate level, obtain an MBA with a supply chain concentration, or find the right executive education or certificate programs to further your career.

Stale Bill of Lading: Definition, Importance, and Benefits

Stale Bill of Lading: Definition, Importance, and Benefits

A bill of lading plays a pivotal role in logistics and shipping. This legal document, which serves as a receipt for the shipment of goods, outlines the terms under which cargo is transported. It covers various types, from straight bills to negotiable ones, each with specific functions and purposes. Central to ensuring a smooth transaction, […]

What is Wholesaling? Definition, Components, and Challenges and Solutions

What is Wholesaling? Definition, Components, and Challenges and Solutions

Wholesaling is a critical aspect of commercial shipping. But what is wholesaling? It acts as the intermediary link between manufacturers and retailers in the supply chain. Efficient wholesale shipping ensures smooth logistics operations and timely delivery to the end consumer.  In this guide, we will clarify the definition, components, challenges, and solutions of wholesale shipping […]

Alaska:  Terrain for the Tenacious

Alaska: Terrain for the Tenacious

The logistics challenges of Alaska are met—and overcome—by enterprising and innovative logistics professionals who make it their mission to serve the people of the Frontier State.

Providing Cost Savings and Customer Service

Providing Cost Savings and Customer Service

Hub Group provides reliable, nationwide white glove service for a large furniture manufacturer, solidifying a long-term business relationship. Hub Group ensures continuous improvement and service consistency.

IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions

IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions

ArcBest’s new Vaux Smart Autonomy offering combines autonomous mobile robot (AMR) forklifts and reach trucks, software, and remote teleoperation capabilities to autonomously handle materials movement within warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. The materials handling technology is flexible out of the box to handle variability in facilities, processes, and product characteristics.

Behind the AI Hype

Behind the AI Hype

Industry insiders agree: The impact of artificial intelligence on supply chain management will be transformative. But how soon are we talking and who will be most affected? Wrap your mind around these projections:

10 Challenges in Retail Warehousing

10 Challenges in Retail Warehousing

Embracing solutions like automated systems and strategic space utilization are essential steps in overcoming warehouse management challenges and enhancing the performance of retail warehouses.

NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights

NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights

↑ Estes partnered with Watershed, an enterprise sustainability platform, to assess and set benchmarks against its sustainability program. The initial phase will be to complete Estes’ first carbon footprint, which it will use as a baseline to analyze its emissions data and identify emissions hot spots.

Big Box Shipping: Definition, Key Components, and Challenges

Big Box Shipping: Definition, Key Components, and Challenges

Big box shipping is a cornerstone for efficiently transporting large quantities of goods across vast distances. However, you must understand every detail about shipping large boxes or oversized packages and its key components.  With globalization fueling business expansion, there is a growing demand for big box shipping. An oversized package and large box help you […]

House Bill of Lading vs Master Bill of Lading: Their Key Differences

House Bill of Lading vs Master Bill of Lading: Their Key Differences

Bills of lading play a critical role in the shipping and logistics industry. They serve as a legal contract that acknowledges the receipt of goods and outlines the terms of shipment.  They are evidence of the contract of carriage between the actual shipper, carrier, and recipient. So, they facilitate smooth transactions and ensure accountability throughout […]

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: AMRs & AGVs

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: AMRs & AGVs

Automated Compact Truck (ACT): The ACT line is ideal for heavy-duty lifting in narrow spaces. The latest offering from Rocla AGV Solutions, part of Mitsubishi Logisnext, is suitable for higher warehouses, where it works as a companion for other high-lifting vehicles and manually operated forklifts. ACT can operate between warehouse and production or inbound and outbound areas, and it fits in existing warehouse environments with minimal rack

Preventing Another Supply Chain Groundhog Day

Preventing Another Supply Chain Groundhog Day

Rising prices, long delays, and mounting backlogs are factors reminiscent of the 2020 shipping crisis. But businesses still experience some of the same challenges, which are, unfortunately, tracking well ahead of where we were during the pandemic. It’s imperative that we prevent another supply chain Groundhog Day.

8 Types of Warehousing Processes

8 Types of Warehousing Processes

Warehousing is a critical link in the supply chain. It facilitates the storage, handling, and distribution of goods. Effective warehouse management can optimize inventory control and meet customer demands efficiently.  Within this context, warehousing processes ensure smooth operations and maximize warehouse efficiency.  This article discusses various warehousing processes that contribute to efficient warehouse management. From […]

Cross Docking vs Drop Shipping: Their Key Differences

Cross Docking vs Drop Shipping: Their Key Differences

In the fast-paced world of business logistics, shipping methods play a key role. Cross docking vs drop shipping–it may be difficult to choose but this logistics guide will help you understand the differences and make the right decision.  These two approaches can facilitate your supply chain management as a business owner. This guide delves into […]

Blockchain in Supply Chain: Definition, Role in Supply Chain, and Advantages

Blockchain in Supply Chain: Definition, Role in Supply Chain, and Advantages

Modern advancements in logistics and supply chain operations have dramatically shifted how businesses manage the flow of goods from production to consumption. Technology innovations have paved the way for more efficient, transparent, and secure processes, fundamentally altering the landscape of global supply chains. Blockchain technology emerges as a pivotal force at the forefront of these […]

Taking a Peek  at Peak Season 

Taking a Peek at Peak Season 

It’s never too early to prepare for the holiday peak season, especially with disruptions mounting amid solid consumer spending. Shippers and carriers are employing automation, data-based decision making, and smart inventory management strategies—and tapping into lessons learned from last year—to get into position for 2024.

Oil’s Well That Ends Well

Oil’s Well That Ends Well

Knowing that his company is doing good for people and the planet guides Salim Benjelloun, vice president of operations at Pompeian Inc., through even the most difficult days and challenges.

Clean Bill Of Lading: Definition And Importance

Clean Bill Of Lading: Definition And Importance

A clean bill of lading is essential in international trade, guaranteeing that goods are shipped in perfect condition. It serves as a contract between the shipper, carrier, and receiver and a vital assurance of the shipment’s integrity.  This article examines the critical role and definition of a clean bill of lading, highlighting its significance in […]

Warehouse Vs. Factory: Purposes and Types of Each

Warehouse Vs. Factory: Purposes and Types of Each

Warehouses and factories, each integral to supply chains and manufacturing, serve distinct yet complementary functions. To optimize logistics, warehouses focus on efficient storage and distribution centers, often situated near key transport routes. 

Global Logistics: Key Trends  and Takeaways

Global Logistics: Key Trends and Takeaways

The only certainty when it comes to global logistics is ongoing uncertainty. Agility, technology, and an appreciation for geopolitics are among the abilities essential to navigating the current environment.

Bill of Lading (BOL): Definition, Example, and Importance

Bill of Lading (BOL): Definition, Example, and Importance

The Bill of Lading (BOL), derived from the old English word hladan (but sometimes mistakenly called a bill of laden or  bill of landing), is a vital document in the logistics and transportation sector, serving as a legally binding contract of carriage and a detailed record of goods in transit. It is governed by strict […]