Illinois-Missouri Bi-state Region: Logistics Center of Attention
A central location, well-developed transportation infrastructure, emerging trade connections with Asia and South America, and unified vision for economic development have made the bi-state metropolitan area around St. Louis a global intermodal crossroads.
Trends—October 2011
Florida Transportation Infrastructure Shines Among states that are likely to benefit the most from the Panama Canal’s expansion, Florida has been very proactive investing in infrastructure improvements—notably expansions at the Port of Miami. Now, Florida Inland Port has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create a strategic alliance with the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT). […]
Improving Rail Infrastructure: On the Right Track
As railroads continue to ramp up capital spending on infrastructure and equipment, intermodal services have been significant beneficiaries, leading more shippers—and motor carriers—to adopt multimodal approaches.
Intermodal: A Means, Not an End
Intermodal transportation has always been an integral part of the supply chain. Around U.S. ports, it’s a capacity aggregator and transshipment accelerator for imports and exports flowing through congested hubs. On the domestic side, intermodal is a freight economizer, reducing transport costs by rationalizing long-haul bulk moves between road, barge, rail—and occasionally air. For many […]
Reading the Signs
When forecasting the future, it’s easy to be distracted by external indicators that sound significant. In supply chain management, indicators external to your enterprise, but internal to your supply chain, deserve your attention
Katie Reuland: Down to Business
Katie Reuland is operations director at Down, Etc., a San Francisco-based firm that makes and markets bedding items such as down comforters, pillows, featherbeds, and robes. The company markets its products primarily to upscale and boutique hotels in the United States, Ireland, France, Italy, and Panama. Responsibilities: Maintaining inventory; managing a third-party distribution partner; working […]
Global Logistics—October 2011
BMW Rides Orient Express to China As yet another sign that the Eurasian land bridge is becoming a preferred means for moving intercontinental shipments, DB Schenker Rail Automotive recently began overseeing auto part transports from Leipzig to Shenyang in northeastern China on behalf of BMW. Trains loaded with parts and components depart from DB Schenker’s […]
The Panama Canal Expansion Will Be a Supply Chain Game Changer
The upcoming Panama Canal expansion is much more than just a story of bigger ships and increased trade for East Coast ports. It will also have a substantial impact on the U.S. supply chain and its efficiencies. By lengthening, widening and deepening the locks, the Canal will accommodate much larger ships. In fact, the largest […]
Rails Give Agricultural Industry Seeds to Grow
Freight railroads represent a critical supply chain link for agricultural product shippers. It’s not enough that railroads haul a ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel—the equivalent of a standard mid-sized car getting 200 miles per gallon. To provide agricultural product shippers with the best value and service, freight […]
Is Intermodal Right For You?
Capacity and driver shortages plague the over-the-road (OTR) trucking sector, prompting shippers to consider the merits of other transportation modes. Intermodal freight shipping combines the resources of different transportation modes, such as trucking and rail, to move products from manufacturing site to final destination. Offering economic and environmental benefits, intermodal freight shipping provides an attractive […]
Building Operational Excellence Through EDI
While many companies leverage EDI (electronic data interchange) to comply with trading partner requirements, few take advantage of EDI to drive operational excellence. Limiting EDI use to fundamental transactions, such as purchase orders and invoices, leaves money on the table and misses an opportunity to strengthen customer service and overall competitiveness. Companies achieve the greatest […]
Intermodal Inroads
New facilities, upgraded equipment, and creative service options are making intermodal transportation more attractive and reliable than ever.
The Rise of the Supply Chain Executive
Supply chain professionals get a lift as more companies grow to appreciate the strategic value of a well-run logistics operation.
Mobile Communications: Managing Supply Chains on the Go
Mobile devices and applications have become the go-to tools for logistics and transportation professionals looking to stay connected and manage their supply chains from anywhere.
Strategic Logistics Sites: In the Right Place At the Right Time
Locating your manufacturing or distribution business in a great logistics site puts you where you need to be, when you need to be there.
CSA Compliance Through TMS: A Beauty of an Idea
To comply with CSA 2010 regulations, global cosmetics company L’Oreal USA makes up a qualification program that holds carriers to high safety standards.
Protecting Your Supply Chain Against Disruption
Most companies know supply chain vulnerability poses a threat to their operations, yet few perform analysis or plan strategies to minimize risk to the bottom line. Businesses can protect against disruptions by adding supply chain redundancy, says Dr. Jeff Karrenbauer, president of supply chain solutions provider INSIGHT. Here is his advice for strengthening your logistics […]
Refrigerated Trucks Haul More Than Just Perishables
It may come as a surprise that “perishable goods” include items more diverse than fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, frozen foods, and dairy products. Today’s truck and trailer refrigeration systems, known as reefers, also keep other high-value loads at ideal temperatures and humidity levels so they arrive safely at their final destinations. Prompted by regulations […]
Freight at Rest is Freight at Risk
Today’s stressful economic conditions are driving thieves to steal everything that’s not nailed down—from railroad tracks to copper wiring. Truckers and their customers have had to deal with the cargo security issue for as long as the five-finger discount has been around. As part of our special Trucking Safety issue, we asked motor freight carriers […]
It’s Time for Freight Classification Reform
If the volatile economy hasn’t made the case, demographics might. The motor carrier pricing structure needs an overhaul.
Building Efficiency Into Your Supply Chain
When it comes to supply chain efficiency, information is king. The more you know, the better you can manage the process and engineer improvements. Ellen Fontaine, general manager, strategic planning and business development, at Georgetown, Ky.-based third-party logistics provider VASCOR Ltd. offers this advice for boosting supply chain efficiency. 1. Seek opportunities to optimize. Optimization […]
Angela Duesterhaus: Joining the Jet Set
Angela Duesterhaus is logistics and export compliance manager at PAS Technologies. Headquartered in North Kansas City, Mo., PAS repairs and overhauls aerospace and industrial components such as gas turbine engines, airframe parts, and oil field equipment. Along with its facilities in North Kansas City, the company runs operations in Ohio, Florida, Arizona, Singapore, Ireland, and […]
Trends—September 2011
To Buy or Not to Buy: Truckers Brake on New Equipment The threat of a double-dip recession and the promise of capitalizing on a yet-to-be-seen capacity shortage have motor freight carriers wavering on whether to invest in new equipment, according to a recent business expectation survey conducted by Chattanooga, Tenn.-based consultant Transport Capital Partners (TCP). […]
Global Logistics—September 2011
Swiss Attraction? Bank On It Even as Europe’s economic prospects remain mired in uncertainty, Switzerland continues to attract foreign investment. To date in 2011, "the island of stability" scored a number of new and expanded investment opportunities. "By mid-year, at least 24 projects from North America landed in Switzerland, generating an estimated $625 million in […]
Drawing Value from Managed Drayage Solutions
Many shippers view drayage (the service offered by a motor carrier for pickup and delivery of ocean or rail containers) as a necessity and a fixed cost. But new approaches to drayage can bring significant savings and benefits to both shippers and drayage carriers. Traditionally, shippers have either relied on steamship lines to secure drayage […]
Inventory Intelligence: The Key to Unlocking Omni-channel Retailing
Omni-channel retailing–providing shoppers a seamless experience through all channels–combines the flexibility of cross-channel and mobile shopping with the revenue- and loyalty-building capabilities of a face-to-face retail experience. Because keeping availability promises is vital to omni-channel success, retailers depend on integrated IT systems. Retailers who succeed at integrating their inventory intelligence can cut costs, accelerate turns, […]
Looking Down the Road
Despite its challenges, the motor freight industry is on a roll, according to exclusive interviews with five trucking big wheels.
Trucking Perspectives 2011: Exclusive Inbound Logistics Research
When the economy took its first plunge in late 2008, there was little doubt the motor freight industry would be collateral damage. Capacity was flush. Fleets had grown fat feeding on steady demand. Inefficiencies ran amok. The recession hit carriers hard and they paid a heavy price with bankruptcies, acquisitions, consolidations, layoffs, and stock insecurities […]
Love it or Hate it, CSA is Here to Stay
Whether you applaud or oppose the FMCSA’s new truck-safety monitoring program, CSA will no doubt impact the way your carriers operate. Here’s what you need to know.
Truckers Play Role in Homeland Security
Con-way Freight’s Chief Security Officer Curt Shewchuck talks about how the LTL carrier thwarted a possible terrorist event and is working with shippers and government to secure the supply chain.
APIs Enrich Software Users’ Experience
Q: What is an Application Programming Interface (API)? Heine: It’s a software-to-software interface that enables Web-based applications to be part of your transportation management system. You can access outside information without leaving your working application. For all practical purposes, it’s built-in. For example, Google Maps APIs are often built into Web sites. Q: How are […]
Getting a Handle on Specialized Transportation Costs
Q: Why is controlling fuel and permitting costs important for companies moving heavy equipment? Lowry: Managing these increasing costs is a major task, but it’s essential to gain greater efficiency and profitability. With state governments across the country facing significant declines in tax revenue, many are enforcing new weight restrictions and fuel tax requirements on […]
Coordinated Transportation Improves Margins for Wholesalers
Q: What are wholesale distributors hoping to achieve with transportation initiatives? Mulqueen: Transportation initiatives are approved and funded based on their track record of delivering quick ROI through freight spend reduction. However, leading wholesalers understand that siloed transportation planning, while beneficial, has limitations. It does not take into account the impact of transportation on the […]
The Bright Side of Logistics in India
There is more to India’s supply chain scene than its transportation infrastructure shortcomings. APL Logistics’ David Frentzel shares insights from a recent tour of his company’s Indian facilities and meetings with shippers.
Freight Payment and Auditing Services: Finding the Hidden Gold
They may be designed to perform a straightforward function, but freight bill payment and auditing services can also reveal money-saving operations data.
Delivering a Slice Of Fresh Supply Chain Solutions
To help manage rapid expansion, Papa John’s orders an inbound/outbound logistics operations solution—with the works.
Nebraska: Lasting Logistics Appeal
A central U.S. location, dedicated workforce, and affordable industrial power combine to create an ideal site for logistics operations.
Is U.S. Manufacturing Coming Back?
Shifting perspectives on supply chain management, coupled with the realities of total landed cost, are driving manufacturers to weigh the benefits of flinging production operations in China back to the United States.
A Career That’s Never Boring
Supply chain professionals are increasingly being asked to drive change outside their daily responsibilities of expanding to new countries, overcoming current economic challenges, and satisfying customers while keeping inventory and transportation costs low. Here are two examples. A recent article described the closing of Chrysler Plant 6 in Windsor, Ontario. This could be one more […]
Responding to the Past
We may need to remove all the mirrors in Washington, D.C.—not to shrink the egos of lawmakers and regulators, but to keep them from looking back and solving the problems of the past.
Securing Global Supply Chains
With trading partners spread across various regions, unique security risks associated with different countries, and an array of legal and regulatory regimes, global shippers must be well-prepared to ensure cargo safety. Bill Anderson, group director of security and international safety, Ryder System Inc., provides these tips for securing your international supply chain. 1. Create a […]
David Fisher: Raising the Roof
David Fisher is director of global logistics at Johns Manville, a leading engineer and manufacturer of residential and commercial insulation, roofing materials, and engineered products. Responsibilities: Managing inbound and outbound activities, including international logistics and compliance. Experience: Air export agent, Schenker International; various positions, culminating in district vice president, Danzas AEI (now DHL-DGF); global logistics […]
Trends—August 2011
Trucks Will Dominate Despite hitting a number of speed bumps during the economic recession, trucking is expected to dominate U.S. domestic transportation over the next 10 years, taking market share from the railroads. Overall, U.S. freight tonnage is expected to grow 24 percent by 2022, while revenue for the industry is projected to rise 66 […]
Global Logistics—August 2011
China Bridges Concerns The chief engineer of the world’s longest sea-bridge, which recently opened in China, is denying claims that construction was rushed in order to meet the 90th anniversary of the Communist party in the People’s Republic. China has a reputation for finishing big infrastructure projects on time and under budget—notably the Three Gorges […]
Reverse Logistics: The Untapped Revenue Stream
Reverse logistics has become an area of high priority for companies looking to reduce costs, add efficiencies and improve the customer experience. As a result, manufacturers are uncovering the hidden value of returned assets and streamlining return, repair and product reallocation processes. Once a supply chain afterthought, reverse logistics has evolved into a highly complex […]
Cloudy Days Ahead for Global Logistics
Cloud-based systems are innovating the way businesses connect by optimizing functionality and establishing networks that serve as global business process hubs. They bring order to the chaos created by the hundreds of processes that occur within a supply chain each day, coordinating real-time information being shared across relevant trading partners. Without a standard business-to-business communications […]
Managing the Three V’s of Logistics
As the logistics sector’s impact continues to broaden across geographies and industries, a variety of factors are adding pressure on companies to improve logistics efficiencies. Three of the most prevalent supply chain challenges are: Timed temperature control. With goods now being transferred across greater distances than ever before, temperature control is a growing industry concern. […]
Enjoying the Perks of 3PL Order Management
All too often, the third-party logistics (3PL) sector views order management as an operations tool—a method of capturing and processing customer orders, optimizing them through the distribution network, and, finally, delivering goods to the customer. A more holistic view of this procedure includes client-side order processing, which presents opportunities to add value and profit, and […]
Temp-Controlled Food Transport: Safe Travels
Prompted by new FDA regulations, shippers examine food transportation and distribution safety procedures.
Material Difference: Packaging Innovation, Inside and Out
Manufacturers are adapting their shipping cartons to effect supply chain change. By reducing waste, slashing transport costs, and boosting efficiency, these innovative strategies provide the total package.
Utilities & Site Selection: A Powerful Partnership
Energy resources often spell the difference between an adequate location and a great one. What better argument for plugging into energy utilities during the site selection process?
Import Data: It’s in the Bag
Computer carrying case manufacturer Targus gets a handle on duty drawback with global trade management software, unloading paperwork and packing in 30 percent higher refunds.
Ron Harris: Getting to the Essence
Ron Harris is chief logistics officer at Young Living Essential Oils, which grows, distills, produces, and markets essential oils created to promote good health. It also makes nutritional supplements and personal care items containing the oils. Responsibilities: Manufacturing, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, transportation, facilities, and real estate. Experience: Buyer, Chipman’s & Taylor’s; assistant buyer and department […]
Using a 3PL: Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?
If you are using a 3PL for truck brokerage alone, you could be leaving money on the table. Why? Because logistics providers have evolved and developed an array of solutions that bring extra value to their customers. Fuel price increases, stringent regulations, higher taxes, sustainability issues, and government labor intervention add costs to transportation. All […]
Close Encounters of the Third-Party Kind
There is no other issue in the transportation and logistics trade press that gets as up close and personal with the 3PL industry as Inbound Logistics’ annual July issue. Our yearly compendium of outsourcing case studies, thought leadership, market research, and 3PL awards presents a thorough representation of the market from both shipper and service […]
Lean on Me
Analyzing economic forecasts is like untangling spaghetti. But one thing is certain—recent economic trends are putting more pressure on supply chains.
Maneuvering Freight Through Challenging International Areas
Do your 2011 business plans include shipping to areas where civil unrest or natural disasters have occurred? If so, be flexible and make strong connections, advises Larry Wenrich, vice president, government sales for Lima, Pa.-based Pilot Freight Services. Here are his tips on shipping to and from difficult areas. 1. Locate an airport with customs […]
Global Logistics—July 2011
JAL and AA Cargo Go Hawaiian A recent agreement between Japan Airlines and American Airlines to work more closely and collaboratively together in the interest of strengthening their respective international cargo operations could have an intriguing side effect for Hawaiian air cargo prospects. The objective of the partnership is to provide cargo customers with more […]
Putting Safety First: Proven Strategies for Every Workplace
In 2009, more than 4,300 workplace fatalities and nearly one million workplace injuries or illnesses involving missed work days occurred. These numbers are improving, but even one accident is one too many. To help mitigate workplace incidents, it pays to have the right plan in place—one that starts with the hiring process, and includes training […]
Maximizing TMS Resources Helps Achieve Sustainable ROI
These days, logistics managers need to achieve higher productivity levels and deliver better customer service at a lower cost, faster than their competition. Some wonder if they can achieve their goals with the resources available to them. Many organizations turn to a transportation management system (TMS) for the answer. Thanks to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology, shippers […]
Embracing Interstate 2.0: A Rail-based Transportation Vision
The United States is finally beginning to realize that we must develop a new transportation policy that meets the dynamic market demands of both domestic and global trade. The Interstate Highway System of the previous century, created during a 40-year era of “cheap fuel” and serving primarily U.S. highways and airlines, performed well. But today, […]
Switching to Emissions-reducing Fuel Technologies
As diesel prices continue to rise, optimizing fuel economy challenges shipping and logistics professionals everywhere. For many, the urgency to deliver fuel savings or manage escalating fuel costs is increasing as rapidly as the average price of diesel—which has climbed nearly one dollar from last year. It remains up nearly 25 percent year over year, […]
Technology Provides Visibility into Global Supply Chains
Q: When managing global transportation, how do advanced Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) transportation management systems (TMS) compare to traditional installed-based rivals? Ahearn: As more companies expand overseas and offshore, managing transportation is quickly becoming a challenging factor of globalization. With a true SaaS TMS, multiple organizations—including vendors, carriers, and shippers—are able to work collaboratively in a single […]
What Makes a Great TMS?
Q: The transportation management system (TMS) market is growing rapidly. What is driving this activity? COMRIE: Growth is coming from both shippers and logistics service providers. 3PLs are recognizing opportunities where they can affect change within their organizations by adopting TMS solutions that have more robust functionality. They now view transportation management technology as a […]
Cloud Computing: Think Globally, Leverage Locally
Q: What are the elements of a successful cloud-based logistics IT solution? Heimbeck: The “cloud” means different things to many people. I think of it as a highly structured, shared working space with three dimensions that work harmoniously to create a productive alternative to our current bricks-and-mortar-based method of doing business. The three dimensions are: […]
Managing the Logistics Lifecycle
Q: Cloud computing has become an industry buzzword. How will this technology influence the way companies approach logistics management? Hubert: Enterprises have long sought solutions that deliver immediate value, are easily accessible and scalable, and require minimal up-front investment. Unfortunately, the traditional delivery models of installed software, or dedicated Web-based systems, fell short of those […]
The Perfect Time to Optimize Labor Management
Q: A confluence of issues related to rising fuel costs, compliance challenges, and lost capacity is currently impacting the logistics industry. Why is now the perfect time to optimize labor management? O’Connor: Driver shortages, rising fuel prices, and legislative changes related to Hours-of-Service (HOS) and Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) are increasing operating costs and will […]
3PL Capability is Key to Logistics Cost Reduction
MORE TO THE STORY: How to Find a 3PL-Third Party Logistics Provider Logistics, inventory and transportation costs continue to climb, according to the 2011 State of Logistics report released by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). Although overall economic conditions improved slightly in 2010, internal supply chains continue to account for double-digit cost […]
Technology Powers New Supply Chain Security Systems
In a speech at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology in March 2011, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano said, “Innovation is critical to economic growth, international competitiveness, and national security. We must expand government’s collaboration with the science and engineering communities in industry and academia to include a deeper, broader partnership on homeland […]
Trends—July 2011
The 2011 State of Logistics Report: Logistics Sector Faces a Tough Haul The U.S. economy’s road to recovery during 2011 is like occupational therapy: filled with hard work and occasional setbacks. For the logistics sector, the therapy also involves higher costs and tighter capacity. Business logistics costs rose 10.4 percent in 2010, making up more […]
Distribution Network Optimization: Repairing Cracked Supply Chain Design
After its acquisition by Belron SA in 2007, vehicle glass manufacturer Safelite polished its supply chain to a shine. Now it clearly sees increased distribution efficiency, enhanced customer service, and lower costs.
The Secret Ingredient For Inventory Accuracy
Taking a can-do approach, tomato canner Red Gold achieves 99-percent inventory accuracy with bar-coding and wireless data collection.
Raising a Glass to Better Beverage Management
Faced with processing more than 63,000 orders each year, the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission tapped a merchandising optimization and demand-based replenishment solution to keep the booze cruising into stores.
3PLs Save the Day
Just when a shipper needs help most, in steps a partner with super powers…
3PL Perspectives 2011: The Power of Three
Inbound Logistics’ annual 3PL market research report reveals how the dynamic duo of shippers and 3PLs are responding to changing forces in the outsourcing industry.
Readers’ Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2011
In the most harrowing circumstances, a true Super hero does not falter. Faced with the most gruesome foe, a super hero stands tall and does what others cannot. No matter how insurmountable the obstacles, a super hero makes it through. Smart businesses know the best way to defeat supply chain villains such as inefficiency, lack […]
Does Size Matter? Tier II 3PLs Find Their Niche
3PLs, like shippers, come in many shapes and sizes. The “not-too-big and not-too-small” size of Tier II 3PLs makes them just right for many shippers.
On the Road…Again: New Times on the Mississippi
MORE TO THE STORY: Where Law and Order Prevail The U.S. supply chain moves in a blur, constantly shifting directions, absorbing complexity, and alternating speeds to keep pace with demand. But when you zoom in and bring its many transportation and logistics pieces into focus, you discover a colorful composite of unique people, places, and […]
Site Selection Decisions: A Matter of Data
The supply chain may be global, but regional factors such as population density and facility costs determine where and how businesses store and distribute inventory.
Inbound Logistics Summer Reading Guide 2011
Whether you drop a couple of these tomes into your beach bag or download the whole list to your e-reader, diving into the latest books from supply chain and logistics experts will help you sharpen your skills and advance your knowledge on everything from warehouse optimization to transportation planning.
Looking Beyond Rates: The Road to Smoother Carrier Contract Negotiations
Carrier-supplied data can provide valuable insight for writing contracts, but shippers who want to pave the way to strong business relationships must dig deeper.
Due North: U.S.-Canada Trade Flows Steady
By allying with strong logistics and supply chain providers, shippers encounter few obstacles when moving goods between the United States and its leading trade partner.
The Box That Rocked the Boat
The emergence of containers in the 1950s sparked an ocean shipping revolution that reshaped ports, trade lanes, and the world economy. What other changes are on the horizon for this dynamic industry?
For the Love of the Green
Everyone wants to be green. But no one wants to let go of their own green. The cost of living in a more sustainable way when the cost of living continues to rise is inevitably changing consumer buying habits. Walfried Lassar, director of the Ryder Center at Florida International University, raised an intriguing question at […]
Managing Fresh Produce Shipments
With produce’s limited shelf life, on-time delivery takes on increased importance. These goods must move quickly through the supply chain, as any delay can result in spoilage and lost revenue. Eden Prairie, Minn.-based third-party logistics provider C.H. Robinson’s general managers, Gary York, Bob Biesterfeld, and Mark Petersen, provide this advice for managing produce shipments. 1. […]
Jennifer Burkhardt: What’s Brewing?
NAME: Jennifer Burkhardt TITLE: Transportation manager, specialty coffee business unit COMPANY: Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, since 2008 PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: Network manager, strategic accounts manager, Schneider National; traffic coordinator, Seal Graphics Technologies; transportation analyst, Eagle Global Logistics; transportation manager, account manager, Central Refrigerated Service; transportation manager, corporate, Pacific Cycle. EDUCATION: BS, public administration, Upper Iowa University; […]
Full Circle: Reverse Logistics Keeps Products Green to the End
Smart strategies to reuse, refurbish, and recycle products and raw materials not only benefit the environment, but also save money and increase profits.
For Carriers, Time is of the Essence
A subtle but dramatic shift is taking place in motor freight carriage. Distance still matters, but carriers are focusing on time.
Does Your 3PL Provide ‘Golden Rule’ Customer Service?
Outsourcing logistics can be hectic and stressful, especially if you deal with a provider more interested in the next shipment than the one en route right now. Imagine a third-party logistics provider (3PL) that does whatever it takes to fix shipping problems, believes there is no such thing as “just a transaction,” and whose drivers […]
Rallying CFO Support for Your Supply Chain Initiatives
Chief financial officers are not accustomed to making money from the supply chain. Most CFOs, in fact, could use an education on the benefits of supply chain efficiency and visibility. So how should you approach your CFO to get buy-in for your next major supply chain visibility initiative? Present your case the right way. Here […]
Ports Plug In: Electronic Tracking Tools Create Smooth Sailing for Ocean Cargo
Most ports today compete globally with one another and reflect the tremendous ocean transport productivity gains achieved in recent decades. Choosing a port often hinges on the available technological support for everything from vessel contracting to payment processing. One advantage ports can offer shippers is access to specialized tracking and handling capabilities that add value […]
Trends—June 2011
Restaurants Change Supply Chain Menus Rising food prices, increasing transportation costs, and consumer demand for affordable meals are forcing restaurants to squeeze costs from their supply chains. Some chains are looking to offset an estimated four-percent rise in commodity prices internally, rather than simply passing costs along to customers. Here’s a buffet-line perspective of how […]
When Just Enough Goes All the Way
In the midst of organizational change, furniture retailer Design Within Reach upgrades its demand forecasting and replenishment system to better control inventory.
Global Logistics—June 2011
High-speed Rail Has German Upside While the United States continues debating the pros and cons of investing billions of dollars in high-speed rail infrastructure, developing countries with nebulous transportation capabilities are fast-tracking light-rail projects. As a result, German manufacturing and transportation stand to gain the most. Deutsche Bahn has negotiated with Siemens AG to procure […]
Career Solutions: Working Smarter
Earning a graduate degree while employed can be challenging. But for those who make the effort, the rewards can include greater job satisfaction, the potential for promotion, and a salary uptick. Thinking about going back to school while holding on to your job? These professionals will inspire you.
Green on the Ground
When comparing environmental sustainability solutions, which ground transport mode is greener?
Chemical Logistics: Smart Strategies For Uncertain Times
After years of uncertainty, chemical shippers and service providers are getting back on the right road.
The Rail/Ag Connection: An American Revival
As U.S. growers and railroads embark on a new era of relevance, they are encountering new opportunities working together—and old grievances working apart.
Who Says You Can Never Go Home?
Are we headed for a resurgence in U.S.-based manufacturing? Could be, according to a recent Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report that finds the United States, in some instances, holds a productivity advantage over China. If this trend is real, can business logistics practitioners help guide us to greater economic recovery by supporting growth in domestic […]
Disruptive Influences
Disruption is not a word supply chain managers like to hear. But operating today’s extended global supply chain is fraught with risks. Planning and building good relationships are your best defense.