Inventory Cycle Counting: Definition, Benefits, and How-To

Cycle counting is a crucial method in inventory management that helps businesses maintain accurate records without halting their daily operations.  Unlike traditional physical inventory counts, which can be disruptive and infrequent, cycle counting involves regularly auditing small portions of inventory.  The main advantage of cycle counting over traditional physical counts is its ability to provide […]

2024 Elections Could Shake Up the Global Supply Chain—Here’s Your Voter’s Guide

With elections in roughly 50 countries worldwide and U.S. voting day right around the corner, supply chain executives must understand how major shifts in trade policies could impact their operations. Here are some tactics for using supply chain design to prepare for election outcomes.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Warehouse Robotics

LocusHub: Locus Robotics’ real-time, business intelligence engine optimizes real-time coordination of Locus’ AMR fleets. A component of the LocusOne platform, LocusHub uses advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning to provide insights that can maximize productivity, lower costs, and increase warehouse intelligence. LocusHub’s reporting capabilities process operational data to forecast labor requirements, identify optimization opportunities, and give recommendations to warehouse operators.

How ESG Policy Impacts Truckers

How do ESG mandates impact trucking? Let’s take a look at some examples. Leading global transportation and logistics player DSV, with headquarters in Denmark, just ordered 300 electric vehicles from Volvo Trucks. If those trucks get the job done, DSV plans to order 2,000 more, making those EVs 10% of the 20,000 total DSV fleet […]

5 GenAI Trends, Freight Forecast & Other Supply Chain News

Today’s top supply chain news stories.

2024 Trucking Perspectives

In its annual market report, Inbound Logistics looks at the road ahead for the trucking sector, and explores the issues of greatest concern to carriers and shippers.

10 Tips for Managing Inventory Effectively

Effective inventory management starts with a proactive philosophy. Here are 10 steps to take that can help you improve accuracy, increase efficiency, and control costs.

Direct vs. Indirect Distribution Channels: Understanding the Differences

Distribution channels are essential in business, serving as the routes that products and services take to move from producers to consumers. The efficiency of a distribution channel directly impacts a company’s ability to meet customer demands, manage costs, and maintain competitiveness in the market.  Selecting the right distribution channel is important for making sure that […]

Lean Six Sigma in Supply Chain: Definition, Importance, and Implementation

Lean Six Sigma blends rigorous quality controls with strategies to cut inefficiencies, making it a top choice for improving supply chain operations.  It roots out waste and enhances product consistency by merging the strengths of Lean methodologies and Six Sigma principles. This approach not only sharpens competitive edges but also ensures products and services meet […]

Reader Profile: Autonomous Trucking “Oddball” Reveals What’s Ahead for Driverless Trucks

Pivoting from entertainment to the trucking industry, Kodiak Robotics Chief of Staff Lauren Harper considers herself an oddball in autonomous trucking. While her path to her current position might be unexpected, she’s clear-sighted about her goals for driverless vehicles. She believes autonomous trucks can save lives on the road and U.S. soldiers on the ground.

Global Online Shopping Revolution: How Online Retailers Can Thrive

Now that ecommerce is a global phenomenon, what can online retailers do to captivate shoppers, ensure repeat purchases, and tap into new revenue streams? The latest Online Shopper Trends Report by DHL reveals the trends that small and medium-sized businesses cannot overlook.

What Song or Lyric Best Describes Your Supply Chain Experience or Approach?

From Beatles classics to pop hits, here are the tracks that capture supply chain professionals’ experience and work approach. Tune in:

Alternative Routing: Go Another Way

In the face of constant supply chain disruptions and unexpected events, shippers must be ready to reroute at a moment’s notice. Finding the road—or waterway— less traveled can sometimes make all the difference for transportation success.

FCL vs LCL: Understanding the Differences

Selecting between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) is a strategic decision that impacts every aspect of international shipping.

2024 Inbound Logistics Top 100 Truckers

Inbound Logistics’ annual Top 100 Truckers list helps identify carrier partners that can best fuel your diverse and demanding needs, especially in today’s challenging and ever-changing business climate.

Beyond the Rack: Retail Supply Chain Strategies That Work

In the challenging retail sector, supply chain efficiency can be the difference between succeeding and just barely hanging on. From weaving together disparate systems into a single information flow, to ensuring products appear effortlessly on shelves, to fulfilling online orders with lightning speed, here’s how thriving retailers rack and roll.

How Does Integrated Business Planning (IBP) Drive Supply Chain Efficiency?

6 ways that Integrated Business Planning (IBP) improves supply chain efficiency.

Contract Manufacturing Explained: Benefits, Tips, and Challenges

Contract manufacturing plays a key role in modern supply chains. It can enable businesses to focus on core competencies while leveraging specialized expertise and cost efficiencies. This strategic outsourcing approach enhances operational flexibility and positions companies to scale rapidly in response to market demands.

Be Prepared, Post-Pandemic

The events of 2020 pulled back the curtain on procurement and supply chains. Despite lessons learned, are organizations and procurement teams any better equipped to handle another ‘black swan’ event?

Best Practices for Effective Cold Storage Management

Effective cold storage management requires a combination of precise temperature control, robust inventory management, and strict safety measures. By following these best practices, businesses can ensure the quality and integrity of their temperature-sensitive products.

10 Tips for Ensuring Transportation Sustainability

Eight of 10 supply chain executives are investigating sustainable transportation practices, according to EY. This is an excellent focus area because transportation represents 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Here’s how to ensure sustainability.

Warehouses Need Ecosystem Integration to Ensure Supply Chain Survival

As the dust settles after the pandemic ecommerce boom, the warehouse industry is returning to a new normal. Consumer activity over the past few years catapulted warehouse construction into overdrive to accommodate increased consumer spending. Now, the warehouse industry is adjusting to a new pace of slower demand.

Port Profiles

These leading U.S. gateways make gains in operational efficiency and offer robust infrastructure to support increased cargo demands.

Better Service, Lower Cost – The LTL Electronic Bill of Lading

You can future-proof your shipment lifecycle with electronic bills of lading.

4 Strategies to Reduce Rail Demurrage Costs

3PLs can take a proactive approach to significantly reduce demurrage fees charged by rail carriers. Here are four ways to minimize these costs.

NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights

Walmart Canada unveiled a new hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric semi-truck—a first of its kind for a retail fleet on North American roads. Operating with zero tailpipe emissions, the tractor can avoid 97 metric tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions on average.

Last Mile Puts Talent, Technology First

Serious changes are happening in the supply chain as the ecommerce market continues to grow. The uptick in more online sales means an increase in the back-end logistics that go into getting a package from an online sale to the customer’s doorstep.

Back(haul) to the Future

Backhauling is a logistics strategy in which commercial truck drivers transport a load on their trip back to their origin point. It is the opposite of deadheading, which is when drivers make the return trip with an empty truck.

IntraLogisteX USA Is Set To Welcome An Industry-Leading Selection Of Exhibitors Next Month

IntraLogisteX USA, a tradeshow dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations in logistics, supply chains, and warehousing, will open its doors October 22 & 23, 2024 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The exhibition boasts an unrivalled selection of exhibitors which includes some of the sector’s leading organizations. Furthermore, the event will host more than 30 […]

Leveraging Warehouse Robotics

Maximizing storage density, improving picking dexterity, and gaining prowess through artificial intelligence, these robotic innovations and recent deployments are enabling new levels of warehouse efficiency.

IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions

Ocean Network Express’ ONE Modern, the first ship on the ocean carrier’s West India North America (WIN) service, called on the Port of Savannah in June 2024, establishing the latest connection between India and Georgia Ports. The new WIN service offers a weekly route from Bin Qasim, Hazira, Nhava Sheva, and Mundra to New York and Savannah. The service is provided by a fleet of nine vessels, all of which are operated by ONE.

A Sense of Fulfillment

Reflecting on ways to sharpen fulfillment operations and keep up with growth? Ease your mind by partnering with experienced providers.

2024 Summer Reading Guide

Cool down with some hot insights into logistics and supply chain management this summer. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or killing time while traveling, our handpicked book list will keep you informed and entertained.

Precision Shipping: The Rise of Item-Level Visibility Solutions

Whether shipping fruit, pharmaceuticals, high-value commodities, or any other goods, solutions that precisely track individual items throughout their supply chain journey are becoming increasingly accessible and valuable.

Sizing Up Project Logistics

Navigating extraordinary challenges, from coordinating national concert tours to delivering aid in war-torn regions, is all in a day’s work for project logistics providers. How do they get the job done? Strategic planning, innovative problem-solving, and meticulous execution.

Ranking the Top U.S. Ports; Warehouse Taxes on the Rise; Global Trade as Election Issue; and Other News

Find out which U.S. container ports rank top for imports; see how global trade policies will impact the presidential election; and catch up on other supply chain news.

How to Find and Recruit Supply Chain Talent

When searching high and low for supply chain talent, companies employ tactics such as using multiple channels to reach candidates, offering opportunities for training and advancement, and focusing on development and retention.

Team Up to Deter Supplier Fraud

Despite their best technology and efforts, finance leaders continue to battle the ever-evolving tactics of fraudsters. A key reason is that finance’s fraud management strategies are seldom considered in the context of supplier information. Their peers in procurement, meanwhile, manage supplier information daily but the processes they use aren’t designed to prevent fraud.

Four Steps to Mitigate Risk

Supply chain regulations are in constant flux. In March 2024, the SEC announced new rules regarding climate-related disclosures, and there have been calls to strengthen the enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Meanwhile, the EU is also enhancing regulations regarding corporate sustainability, deforestation, ambient air quality, waste, and forced labor.

VERTICAL FOCUS: Toys

The toy industry faces several complex supply chain challenges. Here are three of the most significant at play.

Canada Rail Lockout: Will Container Ships Be Diverted?

Will container ships divert to alternative ports in the United States with the worker lockout at Canada’s two big railroads? Here’s the immediate forecast:

Driver Shortage? Japan Conveys a Solution

The Asian country envisions a 310-mile conveyor belt network that can carry the freight of 25,000 trucks a day.

Healthcare Supply Chain: The Prescription for Success

The magic pill for today’s healthcare supply chain is composed of equal parts strategy, flexibility, and disruption mitigation—plus a healthy dose of technology.

The New Retail Equation: Better, Not Bigger?

In this new retail landscape, companies that innovate and adapt by refining their operational models to be more agile and responsive will be best positioned to thrive.

Backward vs. Forward Integration: Their Key Differences

When looking at backward vs forward integration, each offers unique advantages within supply chains. 

How to Become an Employer of Choice

While millions of federal dollars are being poured into rebuilding America’s manufacturing sector, top talent is tough to find and keep.

The Power of Regionalizing Inventory

Regionalizing inventory and spreading stock across multiple locations near consumers can help mitigate rising shipping costs, expedite delivery, and drive a better consumer experience.

Wholesale Distributors Put AI to Work

Looming above all the day-to-day business pressures that wholesale distributors face is one overarching strategic imperative: Find ways to grow profitably—without increasing staffing levels. To meet that challenge, companies must attack it from multiple angles.

What’s the Word? The Language of Logistics

What are the components of supply chain diversification? What’s the difference between GenAI and general artificial intelligence? Here are explanations of some oft-used but not often well-defined supply chain terms.

Supply Chain Metrics: Definition, Types, and Importance

Supply chain metrics critically enhance logistics and shipping operations by providing precise, actionable data to streamline processes and optimize efficiency. These key metrics, from inventory turnover to freight cost analysis, empower businesses to make informed decisions that improve overall supply chain performance.

Cold Chain Logistics: Definition, Industries, and Elements

Cold chain logistics is important in maintaining the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive products. By understanding and implementing the key elements of cold chain logistics, businesses can ensure that their products remain safe and effective throughout the supply chain.

How to Build a Sustainable Supply Chain

Climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality are pressing issues, making sustainable supply chains increasingly important. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint, conserve natural resources and promote social equity while cutting costs through improved efficiency and reduced waste.

Increasing Efficiency with Third-Party Transportation

Working with 3PLs can bring challenges, including coordination issues and the need for precise planning and execution. Technology solutions can overcome these obstacles by enhancing coordination between stakeholders.

6 Steps to Diversify Your Carrier Portfolio

2023 was one of the most disruptive years in supply chain history… except that it really wasn’t. Even with the UPS/Teamsters negotiations, Convoy unexpectedly going out of business, and Yellow declaring bankruptcy—to name just a few—this level of supply chain disruption is starting to feel like Life.

4 Ways AI Provides Meaningful Impact

In transportation and logistics, the basis for impactful utilization of the full scope of AI capabilities lies with access to and understanding of data, which often is trapped in paper and manual processes.

IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions

Gather AI, a provider of computer vision-based artificial intelligence solutions for warehouse inventory monitoring, launched two new capabilities: inferred case counting and location occupancy. The capabilities enable warehouses to get automated, digitized counts and location utilization reports.

Interview with RXO CEO: Building Solutions and Relationships

Through innovation, valuable internal and external relationships, quality service, and technology, Drew Wilkerson helps keep customer supply chains moving, even during tough times.

NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights

Premier Trailer Leasing launched a new human trafficking awareness campaign that addresses the signs of human trafficking and how to report it.

Sealing the Deal: The Art of Balanced Shipper-Carrier Contracts

When shippers and carriers understand each other’s priorities, they can more effectively craft contracts that ensure handshake harmony for everyone. 

What Supply Chain Practice or Belief Would You Declare Dead ?

Is just-in-time no more? Time to put globalization norms to rest? Our readers share the supply chain practices that should be deemed defunct and the strategies that are approaching obsolescence.

Inventory Tracking Solution a High-Flying Success

The meteoric rise of On, a Swiss sportswear brand, started with a shoe. But not just any shoe. The company’s signature product, with its unique cushioning system and distinctive sole design, has attracted serious runners and casual wearers around the world. Since launching its premium footwear line 14 years ago, On has expanded offerings to include apparel and accessories.

Sorting Out Automation Needs: Finding the Ideal Partner and the Right Fit

Engineering Innovation CEO Don Caddy clears up misconceptions about automated sorting systems and reveals that finding the ideal fit for your sorting needs goes beyond the sorting function. Here’s how to get started on the selection process.

Greg Skrovan: Doing What’s Good for Intel and for the Environment

RESPONSIBILITIES: Leads the global organization responsible for warranty and reverse logistics strategy, service delivery, customer service and fraud mitigation for all Intel products, as well as more than $1 billion in returns. Oversees management of more than 15 3PL return depots and repair centers. EXPERIENCE: Global program director, circular economy, supply chain innovation and business […]

Modernizing U.S. Infrastructure

In a strategic effort to invigorate the foundation of the nation’s supply chain, President Biden’s 2025 fiscal year budget initiative marks a substantial commitment to modernizing U.S. supply chain infrastructure. By prioritizing the enhancement of highways and ports, this initiative directly tackles longstanding infrastructure challenges.

On Track for Major Savings: How RSI Logistics Helps Rail Shippers

Using a multi-faceted approach that involves data analytics and seamless communication, RSI Logistics secured 30% in savings for its clients through successful demurrage disputes.

From Dynamic Updates to AI: How Tech Turbocharges Last-Mile Delivery

Gone are the days of consumers gazing out the window waiting for a delivery to show up. Tech innovations make it faster and cheaper for shippers to deliver their products to the doorstep, while enhancing the customer experience.

Retail Inventory Management: Definition, Importance, and Key Components

Effective retail inventory management is crucial for the success of the retail and logistics sectors. By adopting automated inventory systems, demand forecasting, and supplier relationship management strategies, businesses can maintain optimal inventory levels and improve their inventory turnover ratio.

Chemical Warehousing: Definition, Types, and Safety

Understanding the complexities of chemical warehousing is crucial for ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Effective chemical storage solutions help manage diverse chemical properties and mitigate physical hazards.

Looking to Scale & Flex Your Supply Chain? 3PLs Don’t Toy Around

When you’re ready to play, 3PLs are the hit of the day, making sure supply chains stay scalable, flexible, and resilient.

Medical Warehousing: What It Is, Challenges, and Best Practices

Medical warehousing is vital in healthcare logistics, securing the safe and efficient storage and distribution of critical medical supplies. Facilities dedicated to medical warehousing manage everything from pharmaceuticals to medical devices, ensuring these items retain their integrity from the warehouse to delivery.  Effective management in these warehouses is essential for maintaining product safety and supporting […]

Inventory Turnover Ratio: What It Is, How to Calculate and Significance

Understanding the inventory turnover ratio provides invaluable insights into a company’s operational efficiency and financial health. It measures how often a business sells and replaces its stock within a given period, offering a clear snapshot of inventory management efficiency.  An optimal inventory turnover ratio measures indicates a company sells goods quickly, suggesting strong customer demand […]

Partnering with Customers and Leveraging Data to Boost Health

In May 2023, Kenvue, the company behind iconic brands such as Tylenol and Listerine, spun off from Johnson & Johnson, becoming the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue. The spinoff also meant Kenvue’s leadership team had to establish strong supply chain operations as a consumer goods company, rather than as part of a pharmaceutical firm.

American Standard: Flushed With Success

As a leading North American brand, American Standard has been offering innovative products for more than 150 years. One of its products—the humble but essential toilet—is practically synonymous with the company name.

The World Keeps Changing. When Change Happens, Logistics Plus Delivers.

Working behind the scenes, Logistics Plus, Inc. continues to help businesses address a constantly changing world filled with all-too-frequent supply chain bottlenecks and disruptions.

Synching Up for Demand-Driven Supply Chains

A demand-driven supply chain can help organizations glide through the choppy waters of today’s business challenges. It takes close collaboration and teamwork across the entire value chain to get there.

10 Tips for Shipping by Rail

Shipping by rail is a cost-effective and carbon-friendly way to move large volumes over long distances. However, managing rail shipments requires careful planning, coordination, and attention to detail. Here’s how to manage rail shipments effectively.

Is Your Enterprise Flexible Enough To Scale?

Scalability is important. In this annual Third-Party Logistics edition, you will find partners and resources to ensure your enterprise is flexible enough to scale.

How to Develop an Agile Supply Chain

Businesses need to prioritize building supply chain strategies that can effectively navigate today’s increasingly volatile environment marked by supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and ever-changing consumer demands. Agility, resilience, and outside-the-box thinking have become critical to protect the customer experience—and the bottom line.

2024 Inbound Logistics Perspectives 3PL Market Research Report

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are adapting to tougher-than-usual times these days. The industry has seen revenues fall, and demand for 3PL services isn’t growing at the pace we’ve seen in recent years. Also unfolding: Challenges such as inflation, high taxes, and government regulation increase costs for 3PLs. Those are some of the insights that uncoil […]

Top 10 3PLs: Readers’ Choice Excellence Awards

The votes are in. It’s no stretch to say these third-party logistics providers rule when it comes to customer service and responsiveness.

3PL Partner Is Instrumental in Guitar Amp Maker’s Growth

For an American boutique guitar amplifier manufacturer with less than 20 employees, the usual shipping route from Southern California to Japan typically involves enlisting a distributor for execution.

Watch as Inbound Logistics Reveals the Top 10 3PLs of 2024

Inbound Logistics’ highly anticipated 2024 Top 10 3PLs Readers’ Choice Excellence Awards list is here!  The prestigious Top 10 3PLs are selected by reader voting—and this year, we received more than 12,500 votes on our platform. Readers cast ballots for their favorite 3PLs based on a high degree of satisfaction with service, cost, and technology […]

What is Inventory? Definition, Types, and Challenges

Effective inventory control and management ensure that companies can meet customer demand efficiently while maintaining optimal inventory levels. 

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

When a construction materials company realized that transporting a massive rock crusher for repairs would put them between a rock and a hard place, it knew who to call: Landstar.

2024 State of the Supply Chain Labor Market

Over the past 28 years, MD Logistics has hired individuals who embrace and create its culture. The 3PL remains poised to use new technologies to find the best cultural fit for the organization.

How to Build Decades-Long Partnerships in a Dynamic Supply Chain Industry

Discover how Comprehensive Logistics can revolutionize your supply chain with cutting-edge 3PL solutions that foster long-term global customer relationships.

Overcoming Global Uncertainty and Wide-Ranging Supply Chain Challenges

Q. What does the future hold for domestic and global freight incoming to the United States? A. Since no one has a crystal ball, the surest way to look forward is to track the nuances in the global market. The economic recovery post-pandemic is expected to continue pushing the global freight market. We are starting […]

CtrlChain Launches Advanced Connectivity Feature for Shippers and Carriers 

CtrlChain, a pioneer in logistics and transportation management, continues to revolutionize the industry by enhancing logistics process visibility and transparency even further for shippers and carriers. CtrlChain has been focusing on advancing its offerings to make carriers’ lives even easier. Now, transport planners can easily provide live updates to their customers, from pick-up to arrival […]

Fast Fashion Forward: Apex Logistics Streamlines Global Shipping In Style

Thanks to its partnership with Apex Logistics, a fashion and accessories distributor delivers transportation visibility and cost-effectiveness to its garment and accessories customers.

Convergint Technologies Ensures Safe Shipping with EchoInsure+

Security solutions firm Convergint found peace of mind with Echo Global Logistics’ supplemental cargo insurance offering EchoInsure+. Through an expedited claims process with faster resolution, Echo made shipping Convergint’s high-value freight stress-free.

4 Types of Pallets and Their Uses

Understanding and selecting the correct type of pallet—considering factors like load capacity, compatibility with goods and handling equipment, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with international standards—is vital for optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring safe, compliant transport of goods. 

What Grade Would You Give Brands on Reverse Logistics Operations?

I would give a range of grades from A to F for how brands are handling reverse logistics. There is still a lot of variation in this area—from consumer spending to B2B direct spend. A stellar reverse logistics program can lower the bar to buy. It’s so much easier to make a purchase decision when you know you can send the product back if needed, with no hassle. This is an area for improvement.

–Doug DeLuca
Product Marketing Manager
SAP Business Network, SAP

Tips for Closing the Visibility Gap

With modern supply chains being so intricate and involving numerous stakeholders, maintaining full visibility is becoming increasingly challenging. However, many businesses operate with fragmented and legacy systems where data lives in different silos and across different platforms. This lack of integration makes it difficult to track and monitor the entire supply chain in real time.

Taking a Shine to Lab-Grown Diamonds

Marketed as an eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds and offering more transparency, lab-grown diamonds are disrupting gemstone supply chains. Here’s some clarity:

Readying the Supply Chain Workforce

Educators reveal how they’re preparing future supply chain management professionals for growing complexity and advancing technology.

2024 Top 100 3PLs

Seeking scalability for your supply chain? These third-party logistics (3PL) providers can help. Vetted and selected by Inbound Logistics editors, the Top 100 3PLs can support and streamline your logistics operations.

Here are the Top 100 3PLs in alphabetical order:

Securing an Unmatched, Fully Streamlined Solution

A private equity firm engaged Hub Group to evaluate its supply chain network and improve operational efficiencies for one of its prominent CPG companies. Hub Group delivered an end-to-end solution.

Micro Warehousing: Definition, Trends, and Benefits

Micro warehousing presents both advantages and challenges. Its benefits include faster delivery, reduced shipping costs, and improved customer satisfaction. However, it also involves higher operational costs and increased complexity in inventory management.