Global Logistics—August 2010
CEVA’s Triumph Iconic British manufacturer Triumph Motorcycle —famous for giving Steve McQueen the wheels to leap reality in an equally iconic scene from The Great Escape —signed a three-year contract with CEVA Logistics to streamline, integrate, and optimize the global logistics flow of components, accessories, and finished goods. Triumph, which produces 50,000 motorcycles a year, […]
What We’ve Got Here is Failure to Communicate
Remember that great line from the movie Cool Hand Luke, “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate”? That’s what popped into my head as I reviewed the more than 4,700 responses from readers and 3PLs participating in our annual third-party logistics survey. We asked both 3PLs and their customers the same question: What is […]
Flower Power: John Kuehn
NAME: John Kuehn TITLE: Senior vice president of supply chain operations, since 2009 COMPANY: Provide Commerce Inc., San Diego, Calif. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: Various operations and supply chain positions, Hewlett Packard; senior director of worldwide logistics, Apple Computer; vice president of planning and logistics, Gateway; senior vice president of planning and logistics, Provide Commerce. EDUCATION: Iowa […]
Value Added Services Bring Flexibility to the Supply Chain
A new wave of demand for value-added services requires more capabilities of retail vendors and their logistics providers.
The Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards
MORE TO THE STORY: 3PLs to Watch What’s the worth of a true partner? Someone you know you can depend on when you’re not sure which way to go. Someone you can count on to help you make things right after they’ve gone wrong. Someone you trust to look out for your best interests. In […]
Global Logistics–July 2010
Prince Rupert’s Princely Returns As the rest of the world deals with the aftershock of a global economic recession, British Columbia’s Port of Prince Rupert keeps steaming along with record traffic. Because the port is two days closer to Asia than any other West Coast gateway, isn’t bottlenecked with congestion, and has made considerable investments […]
Humanitarian Aid: The Logistics of Doing Good
Nonprofit organization MedShare distributes recovered medical supplies to the places of greatest need.
3PL Perspectives 2010: A Paradox Bound by Demand
Inbound Logistics’ exclusive market research compiles shipper and 3PL input to illustrate the outsourcing sector’s rapidly changing dynamics.
Ties That Bind: Sewing Up U.S.-Canada Trade
A steady stream of goods passing north and south across the U.S.-Canada border stitches the two nations tightly together, complicated by factors such as customs regulations, security protocols, data exchange, and infrastructure projects.
Amazing Race: Questions & Answers with Brigadier General John O’Connor
Inbound Logistics goes behind the scenes of a five-month pursuit to move the U.S. military from Iraq to Afghanistan with Brigadier General John O’Connor, director of logistics, Third Army, and commanding general of the Army Materiel Command.
Trends—July 2010
21st annual State of Logistics Report: Beating the Recession; Making dollars and Sense out of Jabulanis and Vuvuzelas; Mergers and Acquisitions Show signs of Recovery
Tying the 3PL Knot
Meet shippers who quit playing the field and settled down with a 3PL partner.
Inbound Logistics’ 2010 Summer Reading Guide
Grab one of these knowledge-boosting supply chain and logistics volumes as you head for the hammock. Then when colleagues ask how you spent your summer vacation, you can share your new insights.
Are You Talkin’ to Me?
Some results from our annual third-party logistics survey caused the publisher of this magazine to quote a line from Cool Hand Luke: “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” When 3PLs and their customers were asked the same question, but provided diametrically opposed answers, the publisher suggested that more shipper/3PL communication may be called for. […]
Choosing the Right Product Packaging
With today’s complex supply chain and compliance requirements, manufacturers have a lot to consider when making packaging decisions. Here are some tips on choosing the right packaging for your product from Michael Smyers, CPSM, business development manager, and Matthew Paul, supply chain consultant, of Fort Myers, Fla.-based supply chain management and customs firm Allyn International […]
Warehousing Firm Thrives on Modernization
Customer satisfaction based on timely, accurate, and cost-effective services has always been our mission,” exclaims Fred Ferber, president of Ferber Warehousing. Just ask one of the more than 650 clients who have faithfully utilized Ferber’s warehousing facilities. One example is Jason Twymon, project manager, IAC, who was in a quandary on how he was going […]
Managing Labor Boosts Warehouse Operations
When up against competition, service is the name of the game, and your labor force is the most important tool you have to win business and increase profitability. Labor management tools help you determine whether your workforce is able to perform at the level necessary to deliver cost-effective service to your customers. With the data […]
Digitizing the Global Supply Chain
At one point, we all had a rabbit-eared TV or a clunky cell phone that took muscle to carry. Numerous electronics innovations have made life not only easier, but also more productive. So why are so many international supply chain professionals still living in the dark ages when it comes to supply chain efficiency and […]
Time to Reconsider Your 3PL Strategy
Third-party logistics companies come in many different forms, and for a while there was not much barrier to entry into the marketplace— particularly the less-than-truckload segment. Until even recently, the following recipe could be utilized to form a 3PL: Ingredients: Freight to leverage Growth potential Industry knowledge Technology— in any form Instructions: Take one former […]
How to Run a Logistics Job Fair
A stressed economy and tight financial market have forced downsizing and job cuts in nearly every industry. In the logistics sector, jobs have been disappearing at two ends of the spectrum. At one end, highly paid positions have been displaced in an effort to cut costs; roughly one executive position equals 10 operating jobs. At […]
10 Paths to Supply Chain Innovation
Leaders ask, “How can businesses be more innovative?” But successful innovation is rare. It requires hard work and creative thinking, and its value as an activity is often viewed skeptically. To move your business along the road to supply chain improvement, take a journey down the following paths to innovation. Borrowing. Many of the past […]
Demanding Response
Inexpensive transportation and sophisticated IT tools allowed us to operate extended supply chains. But that tide may be turning.
What’s Ahead in Transportation Forecasting?
Transportation forecasts enable planners to shift from reacting to orders to proactively managing capacity. By synchronizing transport forecasts with manufacturing and distribution plans, your entire company can respond to the same demand signals. Q: Why isn’t transportation planned with the same level of rigor as finished goods? BYRNE: Transportation cannot be planned with the same […]
Tap the Potential of SaaS and Cloud Computing
Supply chain strategies built around software-as-a-service (SaaS) or Cloud computing eliminate many headaches that often come with supply chain investments. They eliminate the need for presence overseas, cut the time spent integrating systems across internal departments, and greatly reduce the time spent integrating with hundreds of partners and suppliers. Q: Why is SaaS the next […]
The Evolution of Transportation Buying Practices
It is interesting to witness the changes that have occurred in transportation purchasing. For one, the annual bid mentality is gone. With access and visibility to posting boards, SaaS transportation networks, and optimization technologies, transportation procurement has evolved to the point where it is truly a continuous management function. Q: How has innovation affected the […]
Can You See Me Now? Achieving Supply Chain Visibility
Manual data inputs. Multiple data sources. Data latency. Point-to-point interfaces. These are just a few key obstacles to achieving supply chain visibility. But, there are solutions available that deliver visibility and intelligence as a service with process, security, and environmental monitoring. Q: What are some of the challenges companies face when trying to achieve supply […]
Getting the Most from Advanced Planning Tools
Third-party logistics providers that use advanced planning tools to model complex routing operations and streamline the bid process have a significant advantage in both demonstrating results and helping clients cut costs. When they cut modeling time to a fraction of what it was, and utilize new tools, 3PLs can uncover opportunities and quickly implement changes that provide benefit for their clients.
The 3 Elements of a Successful Private Label Program
Globally sourced, private label products allow merchants to maximize margins while maintaining price points, ensuring a good return on investment. But sourcing product globally is complex. By focusing on visibility, intelligence and collaboration, retailers, brand owners and wholesalers who globally source private label products can ensure a successful return on investment. Q: Today, globally sourced, […]
Finding Hidden Profits in Your Warehouse or Transport Operations
Sometimes it’s easier than you think to find hidden profits in your warehouse or transportation operations. Many successful companies are doing more with less by simply optimizing their slotting practices, pick paths, truckloads and delivery routes. Q: Given the volatility and uncertainty in today’s logistics environment, how are logistics providers remaining profitable? ELLIOTT: Sometimes it’s […]
Freight Forwarders: The Vital Link in Logistics Communication
Building a logistics system for today’s sourcing needs requires a quantum leap from past shipping practices, in which companies too often neglected transportation in their strategic planning. A poorly constructed or outdated supply system with inadequate communication can create unnecessary delays and expense caused by information snags, missing or ill-prepared shipping documents, and inappropriate cargo […]
Choosing Between Hosted And On-Demand Technology
Software-as-a-service (SaaS), otherwise known as on-demand, is becoming increasingly popular among logistics professionals. For some companies, however, a hosted managed service may still be a viable solution. Learn to differentiate between the two and determine which is right for your business with these tips from Sterling Commerce’s Peter Wharton, manager, applications product marketing. 1. Understand […]
Mapping Distribution to Demand
For a fictional company looking to expand its franchise nationally, DC network optimization is a measure of real success.
Deregulation Amended and Upended
Dust off your legal textbooks. It’s time to revisit transportation deregulation’s rocky history and defend what we have.
Shading Green
We know the positive arguments for embracing green. This magazine regularly demonstrates how shippers and service providers are developing sustainability practices across their supply chain touchpoints. Reducing fuel, cube, weight, packaging, waste, and power consumption in the supply chain blends the two shades of green—sustainability and profits. You’ll find measurable examples of both in this […]
The Green Rule: Measuring Progress
Government, industry, and consumers are creating new standards for supply chain sustainability excellence.
Mexico Takes Flight
A booming aerospace sector south of the border offers tremendous opportunities for U.S. and Canadian manufacturers.
Mentoring’s Long Reach
A mentor’s advice and attention can make a world of difference to professionals trying to rise to the top of the logistics field. Here’s how three companies in the industry help their employees scale new heights.
Global Logistics—June 2010
Panama Canal Sets Great Expectations Geographically it’s not much of a stretch and historically there’s precedence. But the famous locks linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans will become the transportation and logistics hub of the Americas when expansion is complete, says Alberto Alemán Zubieta, administrator/CEO of the Panama Canal Authority. Speaking at the Panama Business […]
Greening the Supply Chain Through Warehouse Automation
As part of the trend toward greener warehouses, businesses are seeking more efficient materials handling tools. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and their accompanying warehouse management systems (WMS) help achieve this goal by maximizing storage space while reducing operating costs. Flexible, hybrid AS/RS designs use one or more cranes in an aisle. They can […]
The Power of Flexible Transportation Management
A primary concern for shippers today is how the recent economic downturn will increase transportation expenses. Capacity will continue to shrink as the economy strengthens. Many carriers are no longer in business, and with 3PL and carrier consolidation, there is concern that service offerings will be less flexible. Shippers want to reduce transportation costs and […]
Gregory Cross: Keeping the Wheels Turning
NAME: Gregory Cross TITLE: Director of Logistics and Operations COMPANY: USA Cycling, Colorade Springs, Colorado PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: Freelance graphic designer and photographer; mechanic, NYC Velo; mechanic for Team Lipton, Velocity Sports Management; service course mechanic for Team Lipton and Navigators Insurance Pro Cycling Team, EDJ Sports. EDUCATION: Virginia Commonwealth University, BFA in communications arts and design, 2000 To […]
ALDO Boots Up a New System
Global shoe retailer ALDO implements a high-stepping, end-to-end inventory and distribution system.
Trends—June 2010
Patagonia and Walmart Grow Green Together Sustainability mandates are fast becoming competitive differentiators for many companies, outwardly attracting green-thumbed consumers while inwardly reducing inefficiency and waste. But for outdoor clothing company Patagonia, being green is simply a matter of corporate karma. The Ventura, Calif.-based clothier has been on the "greening edge" of environmental best practices […]
Strengthening Your China Operations
The consumer goods industry has been hurt by the economic chill on both sides of the Pacific. In the United States, declining sales, inventory cutbacks, and limited credit are affecting demand. In China, the decline in exports has caused significant instability, widespread factory closures, and growing unrest among a labor force that has lost millions […]
Keeping Surprises Out Of The Warehouse
Warehousing risks can spring out at any moment. Some are meant to be shared, others avoided. Successful warehousing operations strike a balance.
Act of God or Act of Government?
International airlines expect to lose more than $2 billion due to disruptions resulting from the recent volcanic eruption. And, they are setting the stage to ask for government support.
Advance Your Career Through Online Learning
Traditional classroom education is a viable option for some logistics professionals seeking new skills. But for many, online learning presents a better alternative for acquiring additional training, degrees, or certifications. Irvin Varkonyi, adjunct professor and marketing manager of transportation and logistics management at American Public University, provides tips for advancing your career through online learning. […]
Deere Customer
Any devoted demand-driven logistics practitioner might take issue with the catchy headline on a recent Bloomberg BusinessWeek article: "Low Inventory Angers John Deere Customers." The article quotes unhappy dealers who can’t get equipment from Deere as quickly as they want. One reports losing "half a dozen deals a month." Farmers aren’t happy, either. The culprit, […]
From the Service to the Supply Chain
Can you really model best practices from the military? After all, they invented the acronym SNAFU. But companies are finding veterans’ experience and skills help promote ship-shape supply chains.
Georgia: Fueling Logistics Competitiveness
A flourishing transportation and logistics sector keeps Georgia on the business community’s mind.
Global Logistics—May 2010
Netherlands Harvests Rail Efficiencies Combining two of the country’s national pastimes, flowers and trade, the Dutch are taking an innovative approach to exporting floriculture. Last year the GreenRail project—a partnership between flower auctioneer FloraHolland, the VGB (Association of Wholesalers in Floricultural Products), rail operator HUPAC, and 4PL e-Logistics Control—began arranging transportation for products along conventional […]
Crack the WIP for a Leaner Supply Chain
As the nation begins to emerge from the economic downturn, companies are focusing efforts on reducing costs and streamlining work to prepare for the increased demand recovery will bring. Implementing a lean culture to eliminate waste in every area of the value stream will be a key focus for many operations. At the core of […]
TMS Evolved: Intelligent Execution Tools That Add Context
Evolution is inevitable, isn’t it? It makes sense that transportation management systems should evolve as well. While the concept of Moore’s Law does not necessarily apply to TMS advancements in its short lifespan, there are current improvements available that are making shippers stand up and take notice. The newest improvement has been the ability to […]
Alison Dennis: Local and Loving It
NAME: Alison Dennis TITLE: Director of sustainability programs, since 2010 COMPANY: Burgerville, Vancouver, Wash. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE INCLUDES: Administrator, Portland Art Museum; ballroom dance teacher; various temp jobs; buyer, then purchasing manager, Oregon Health and Science University; director of supply chain, Burgerville. EDUCATION: Bennington College, B.A. liberal arts, 1994 Alison Dennis got her supply chain […]
Trends—May 2010
Despite Interruptions European Integrators Express Themselves When an ash cloud from Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano forced the closure of most European airports and airspace in April 2010, express carriers TNT and DHL activated contingency plans and ramped up ground operations to cope with the service disruption. "The ground network allowed TNT to keep delivering customers’ goods […]
Why You Should Vest With Your Outsourcing Partners, Now!
We hear and read constantly about the critical need for lean, green, transparent, collaborative, efficient, and cost-effective supply chains and logistics partners. But how have your partnerships fared lately? How have things progressed over the past three or four years? Are your outsourcing and logistics contracts living up to their initial promises and premises? Do […]
Giving Intermodal the Green Light
Manufacturers and retailers know moving freight by rail and using trucks on the origin and destination ends—a combined service approach called door-to-door intermodal—can help cut logistics costs. What many shippers don’t realize is that, in addition to being a more cost-effective method of transporting goods, intermodal offers significant environmental advantages as well. LAW OF AVERAGES […]
Boosting Loading Dock Efficiencies
Inefficient loading dock operations open the door to delays, accidents, and product damage. They can also derail on-time performance and result in customer dissatisfaction. Make small changes that can deliver a substantial difference with these tips from Walt Swietlik of Milwaukee-based Rite-Hite Corporation. 1. Improve employee comfort. More comfortable employees are more productive employees. Install […]
Just Chill: Moving Live Tissue
A precise temperature-controlled packing and shipping procedure helps Advanced BioHealing ensure its biomedical product’s safety and integrity.
Transformative Technology
Yes, technology continues to transform transportation. But your demands also transform those providing technology to you. For example, JDA Software’s acquisition of i2 Technologies in January 2010, and their shared roadmap for future integration, serve as a telling bellwether for the logistics technology industry and its customers. From a macro perspective, consolidation among IT companies […]
Technology Drives Supply Chain Excellence
Growing companies harness a variety of IT solutions to help them maintain outstanding performance.
Global Logistics—April 2010
Kiwirail Kudos The Port of Auckland, New Zealand, is bringing marine transport directly to shipper doorsteps with the debut of its new Wiri-to-Waitemata seaport rail link. The intermodal shuttle connection helps exporters and importers drive efficiency and increase flexibility by enabling them to drop off and pick up containers without negotiating Auckland’s motorways. Shippers can […]
Nation Building at Home
After generations of change, one transition is still difficult—how we integrate military veterans into the private-sector workforce.
Crossdocking: A New Vision for an Old Idea
Manufacturers and distributors know crossdocking—the practice of immediately converting inbound deliveries to outbound shipments—can help create more efficient supply chains. But there’s an obstacle to crossdocking that can undermine those efforts: the need for continuous, real-time shipment visibility. Without the shipper’s ability to track and trace individual parcels, shipments may be delayed, misplaced, or duplicated. […]
Jason Ballard: Distributing Ammo and Hot Chow
NAME: Jason Ballard TITLE: Major, student in the Command and General Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, since 2010 COMPANY: U.S. Army PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: U.S. Army Reserve: field artilery. U.S. Marine Corps: ammunition technician. U.S. Army: second lieutenant (recruiter, later cargo transfer company platoon leader); first lieutenant (assistant battalion operations officer); captain (battalion logistics officer, later assistant division […]
Sharing Efficiencies Through Collaboration
Q: How can value chain partners cooperate to create and share efficiencies? Timmer: In today’s challenging economic environment, transportation professionals need to take advantage of every opportunity for collaboration with trading partners to increase efficiencies across their supply chain. As one of the largest networks in the U.S. transportation industry, LeanLogistics On-Demand TMS® attracts more […]
GTM Software: Read This Before You Buy
Q: How can a logistics operation contribute to a company’s overall profit margin in a meaningful way? Mabry: Recent research studies confirm transportation and handling fees, insurance, duties, and taxes make up more than 40 percent of an imported item’s cost. Additional costs often hidden within operating accounts can include quote administration, sourcing, and quality […]
Keep Partners In the Loop
Q: How can value chain partners cooperate to create and share efficiencies? Caudill: Efficiencies can be gained by increasing the fidelity, transparency, and velocity of data that value chain partners share about inventories, shipments, capacities, and sales. Everyone wins when you get all partners on the same page and today there is no reason this information […]
Drilling Down Into Supply Chain Data
Q: How can today’s manufacturers deal with increasing regulations, demand volatility, and shifting global trade currents? Hazen: First, recognize that complying with increasing and changing regulations is a requirement. Second, allow longer lead times in holding inventory and making shipments; use expedited service when necessary. Third, placing inventory nearer the customer’s location may be needed […]
Strong Relationships Net Long-Term Value
Q: From your perspective as a sourcing technology provider, what trends and challenges do you anticipate shippers will encounter in 2010? Wilson: 2010 will be an interesting year for shippers and carriers alike. Some reports show that spot rates have been rising since last fall, and most analysts believe they will continue to rise as […]
Ditch the Spreadsheets, Implement a TMS
Q: How can value chain partners cooperate to create and share efficiencies? Vanselous: It amazes me that so many shippers and carriers still rely heavily on manual processes in daily transport operations; only 38 percent of companies currently use transportation management software, says AMR Research. Ongoing cooperation with value chain partners is possible with integrated […]
Be the Captain of Your Fleet
Q: How would a business interested in optimizing its fleet operations decide where to start in evaluating technology? Brown: Most companies decide by asking those they know—relying on word-of-mouth from friends, colleagues, sometimes even competitors. Of the few companies offering solutions in this space, some will claim they are the best, so assessing credibility and […]
Free TMS Software: The Price is Right
Q: What will be the biggest change to Transportation Management Systems (TMS) technology in the next three to five years? Higham: The leading TMS technologies will be offered at no charge to customers in the next few years. True innovators offer free TMS technology as a means to an end; to move more freight for […]
Global Trade Compliance: See it All, Know it All
Q: What do you see as the key changes on the horizon in managing regulatory compliance globally? Barnes: As different countries implement both security and trade-led initiatives around the world, it is critical to improve global regulatory knowledge and visibility. Global trade is growing and so are the associated regulations. The only way for regulatory […]
FTZ Solutions: Zoning in on the Right Fit
Q: Are companies missing a great opportunity by not using Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), given the market advantage they can provide? Slossberg: The simple answer is ‘maybe.’ The best way to identify whether the ROI justifies the investment is to engage an FTZ consultant. This professional can walk you through the process and make a […]
Trends—April 2010
Logistics IT: Keying Into Shipper Demand Inbound Logistics’ annual Top 100 Logistics IT Providers survey and outreach canvasses solutions providers to understand the challenges and opportunities their customers confront as they navigate the global supply chain. How and where shippers direct logistics technology spend exposes broader trends in the transportation and logistics space. Companies invest […]
Reducing Risk with Trade Disruption Insurance
Because doing business in the global marketplace has become more risky, U.S. companies need to be their own best advocates. Exporters and importers should take precautions to minimize risks to profitability and viability in world trade. One step is investing in trade disruption insurance (TDI). SMART PROTECTION First written for the London Market in the […]
Growing Together: Promoting Government and Industry Collaboration
In Michigan, a state that’s undergoing an unprecedented shift in its economy, Governor Jennifer Granholm established a new committee to create opportunities for the logistics and transportation sector. The group, comprised of politicians, business leaders, community organizers, and supply chain professionals, advises the governor and state agencies on supply chain management initiatives to help the […]
Growing a Greener Warehouse
If plans for your warehouse/distribution center include becoming more green, consider these tips from Rajiv Saxena, vice president of supply chain solutions, APL Logistics. 1. Focus on site. If you can do only one thing to make your DC operations greener, select the most accessible, well-connected facility possible – one that’s optimally located in terms […]
Retail Week at a Glance
Ispent one week last month immersed in retail logistics. After attending Fashion Week in New York, I headed straight to the Retail Industry Logistics Association meeting. Retailers are adapting and evolving at an ever-quickening pace. Here’s the latest: Monday: Emerging Markets. Some global fashion and apparel brands expect emerging markets to drive 70 percent of […]
Let’s Go Europe: Touring Transportation Best Practices
U.S. companies exploring uncharted markets to expand their global presence might consider taking a second pass through Europe for a fresh perspective on transportation best practices.
Wind Logistics: A Mighty Wind
Rapid change follows rapid growth in the wind power industry. Here’s how logistics providers are working to go any way the wind blows.
Prime Location for Logistics: Nebraska
Centrally located and boasting a highly trained workforce and low industrial power rates, Nebraska offers an ideal site for logistics operations.
Global Logistics—March 2010
CEVA Goes Zoom Zoom Mazda has signed a three-year agreement with Dutch 3PL CEVA Logistics to manage spare parts distribution throughout Italy. CEVA collects parts daily from the automobile manufacturer’s warehouse in Klagenfurt, Austria, and transports them to its DC outside Bologna. The 3PL sorts and distributes an estimated 120,000 packages to 140 Mazda dealers […]
Hold Everything: Adopting Protective Packaging Practices
Evaluating a company’s distribution and fulfillment processes can play a major role in reducing its environmental impact while enhancing its corporate image and reducing overall costs. Protective packaging is an important part of this analysis. Packaging supports and balances a company’s broader sustainability goals and initiatives for reducing carbon emissions, creating operational efficiencies, conserving resources, […]
I Brake for Quality
When a network news anchor said Toyota’s problems were good news for U.S. automakers, it was irresponsible. And it missed the point.
Getting Off the Bench and Into Benchmarking
While watching the Cubs battle the White Sox last summer at at Wrigley Field, I realized that baseball players and supply chain professionals have a few things in common. For instance, veteran ballplayers might try to get through a game by relying on experience and talent. But, by studying strategies, statistics, and individual players, they […]
William Cossey Jr.: Happy in the Middle of the Action
NAME: William Cossey Jr. TITLE: Executive director of supply chain integration, since 2009 COMPANY: Cox Communications PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: Transportation and logistics sergeant, U.S. Army National Guard; staff accountant, PricewatershouseCoopers; assistant senior auditor, senior auditor, Cox Enterprises; business manager, Gulf Coast Market, Cox Communications; director of business operations, Middle Georgia Market, Cox Communications; state director of […]
Want a Promotion? Get an Education
Success in any career is often measured by advancement, and logistics and supply chain management is no exception. Advancing to a C-suite job will likely require an MBA or a specialized master’s degree. To earn a degree, you don’t have to quit your job, sacrifice your life, and go away to school. If you have […]
Trends–March 2010
Alaska Gambles on Arctic ‘Pipeline’ America’s Last Frontier could be on the edge of a new front for global trade if Congressman Don Young’s (R-AK) vision for an arctic port becomes reality. Alaska, which is wild by nature, also has a reputation for bringing impetuous infrastructure projects to the table—for example, the much-maligned “Bridge to […]
Implementing an RFID Solution
Proper management and execution are key to a successful RFID implementation project. Santa Clara, Calif.-based semiconductor company Intel Corporation experienced this firsthand when it deployed RFID at its factory’s receiving docks to track inbound chemicals. Scott Thomas, senior engineer at Intel, shares what he learned to help ensure your smooth RFID implementation. 1. Evaluate tracking […]
Web-Based WMS Solutions Drive Automotive Supply Chain Efficiency
The U.S. auto industry is facing the greatest adversity in its history. One segment of the industry, however, has thrived—aftermarket auto parts. This segment has grown exponentially during the economic downturn, as consumers have been forced to repair their aging vehicles instead of buying new ones. In an industry where specialization and customer service are […]
Building Better 3PL Relationships
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are tremendously popular with shippers for surface transportation in North America. Freight brokers, forwarders, and intermodal marketing companies offer capacity, expertise, technology, and buying power on a scale no shipper can replicate on its own. Not all 3PLs are the same, however. Here are a few tips to help you get […]
E-fulfillment: Finding the Perfect Fit
Online haberdasher Bonobos focuses on details to guarantee pants that fit. Naturally, it demands the same diligence from its third-party fulfillment partner.
America’s Got Supply Chain Talent
Every state says it wants to attract logistics business that can keep its workforce employed. Florida is actually doing something about it. The state has gotten behind the Talent Supply Chain, an association of state, local, education, and business organizations whose goal is to boost Florida’s economy by encouraging and expanding workforce development, training, and […]
Logistics Education: More Is Better
Evolving to meet changing industry needs, logistics and supply chain education helps students hone their skills, gain a broader perspective, and bring bottom-line benefits to employers.
ISF Compliance: Solving 10+2
Importers and exporters must make sure CBP’s new 10+2 equation adds up. Here’s the formula for successful compliance.
Global Logistics—February 2010
Middle East Logistics Heads North The Middle East’s express, freight forwarding, and logistics sectors are expected to weather a global depression and experience considerable growth during the coming years, according to Middle East Transport and Logistics 2010, a new report from Transport Intelligence, a Wiltshire, U.K.-based research firm. Despite recent problems in Dubai, foundations are […]
Assemble the Fragments
A national transportation policy could help link some good fragments into a coherent plan.