NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights
M & A • Hellmann Worldwide Logistics acquired PKZ Group, its long-standing air and sea freight partner in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, establishing its own Slovakian national company. • Advantive, a software provider for specialty manufacturing and distribution businesses, made two recent acquisitions: VeraCore, an SaaS order and warehouse management software provider for fulfillment companies and […]
Cream of the Crops
With several hundred locations in more than 70 countries, management at Bayer Crop Science needed greater visibility and access to the information that could help it make fact-based logistics decisions, boost asset utilization, and enhance on-time delivery.
Managing the Return Trip
Glance around any airport and it immediately becomes apparent that travel is back in full swing. Chalk it up to pent-up demand but people are either hauling out long-stored luggage or buying new bags and setting off on much delayed journeys. The time was ripe for Samsonite—the world’s best-known and largest travel luggage company—to innovate and enhance their customer experience.
Satisfying a Craving for Productivity
To boost productivity and streamline operations, Morton Food Service, an independent distributor of food and beverage products based in Windsor, Ontario, began working with VAI, an independent mid-market enterprise resource planning (ERP) software developer.
Embracing the System
Ramesh Murthy is executive vice president and chief supply chain officer with Bob’s Discount Furniture, a rapidly growing omnichannel furniture retailer, with 164 stores across 24 states.
Boosting Supply Chain Visibility
Supply chain visibility enables companies to respond quickly to changes in customer demands, optimize production and distribution, deliver a superior customer experience, and gain a competitive edge. Here’s how to achieve it.
Ecommerce Plug and Play
Allan Marshall figured his days as a CEO were complete. He’d founded several successful logistics firms, including Segmentz, which eventually became XPO Logistics. Satisfied with all he had accomplished, Marshall then spent about 15 years providing seed capital for promising startups.
Autonomous at Last?
One of the most difficult and expensive areas of the supply chain is last-mile and home delivery. It can also be the most memorable and important aspect of the customer’s buying experience. So, it’s no surprise that last-mile delivery of goods is a key application for driverless technologies.
Reducing the Impact of Global Events
The global supply chain became even more connected in 2022. The U.S. Commerce Department reported record exports to 73 countries last year, and record imports from 90 nations. But the supply chain remained highly fragile and became a bigger responsibility to manage.
What to Consider Before You Shift
One trend driving the growth in manufacturing jobs has been reshoring–the practice of bringing manufacturing back to the United States. Reshoring activities were estimated to create more than 225,000 jobs in 2022, according to a Reshoring Initiative report.
Could Ocean Be the Best Solution?
Since COVID, businesses worldwide have had to contend with increased demand, limited storage capacities, and the need for fast, reliable transportation of goods. Many businesses have focused on ocean transport as a potential solution to their shipping issues.
Strategies to Overcome Cross-Border Obstacles
Brands selling internationally know that their cross-border strategies must accommodate changes in import taxes, localized prices, or governmental sanctions. What many may not initially consider is the complexities of country restrictions, and the possibility that certain products can be deemed a threat and held up in the customs process.
What You Don’t Know About Your Suppliers Can Hurt You
Most companies run credit checks to make sure their suppliers are stable. But how can executives keep up with the news and other crucial reports to see if those suppliers will keep their commitments?
The Future of Work is Already Here
Some supply chain employees may feel wary about job security with advancements in automation and technology. The truth is technology isn’t the enemy; it’s a necessity.
Asset Management is Everyone’s Job
When it comes to keeping the supply chain as efficient as possible, asset management is a vital priority that mustn’t be overlooked. Keeping careful track not only of goods, but of the shipping containers and platforms needed to transport these goods, should be everyone’s responsibility.
Greening the Last Mile
Last-mile delivery—the end stage of delivery from a pickup point or sortation center to a package’s final destination—is the most expensive aspect of the supply chain, from high fuel costs and address location to labor and first delivery failure. It also has the highest environmental impact of any other part of the supply chain.
3 Ways Predictive Analytics Improves Fulfillment
Organizations need the technical tools to provide operational insights that lead to smarter decisions about automating inventory management, warehousing, and distribution processes. With improved operational visibility, businesses can strengthen their order fulfillment and supply chain processes while keeping pace with customer expectations.
Thinking Inside the Box Truck
While most people are at least somewhat familiar with box trucks, these little workhorses don’t get enough credit. Also known as straight trucks or bobtails, they are usually 26 feet long and can carry up to 10,000 pounds of freight. They can also come in small (12 ft.) and medium size (14-18 ft.) configurations.
Auto Industry Shifts Logistics Strategies
While companies across industries and sizes are making changes to mitigate supply chain risk, the automotive industry seems to be leading the way on some of the top trends.
Market Swing: Prepare Now or Lose Later
Market indicators are pointing to a stronger second half of the year—in carriers’ favor—signaling to prudent shippers that the time is now to reevaluate both short- and long-term plans.
Process Manufacturing vs Discrete Manufacturing: Definitions and Differences
Manufacturing is the large-scale process of converting raw materials into finished products, utilizing factors of production, including human labor and machinery. Depending on the product requirements, you can use various manufacturing processes to get the desired output. Discrete manufacturing and process manufacturing are the most common production methods. In this article, we explore the two […]
Vertical Integration: Definition, Examples, and Advantages
Companies can choose many business strategies to meet their supply chain and logistics needs. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages. The best method depends on a company’s specific needs, goals, and circumstances. Vertically integrated corporations, like those in the booming field of vertical aerospace, are giants with a grip on multiple stages of their production […]
Supply Chain Visibility: What It Is, Importance, and Types
Supply chain visibility is a process that provides customers with information regarding a product or service they ordered. By informing customers of the timeframe and details about a specific product they ordered from a business, the corporation can monitor orders, increase its daily operation efficiency, and avoid customer dissatisfaction. That is just one value of […]
Container Freight Station: Definition, Purpose, and Benefits
In the past, items from the smaller shipments would be loaded and sorted during onboarding. But today, Container Freight Station (CFS) has changed the transportation system for smaller and larger shipments. In this article, we’ll highlight the meaning of a CFS, its purpose, and its benefits. What Is a Container Freight Station? A CFS is […]
Delivered Duty Paid: Meaning, Importance, and Process
The international shipping process is made up of multiple methods, including order placement and fulfillment, shipment, export, import, order notification, and delivery or return. Incoterms are rules that govern the shipment of goods between countries. This allows people to ship and receive items worldwide while still meeting local and federal shipment requirements. Buyers and sellers […]
Bullwhip Effect: Example, Causes, and Impact on Supply Chain
The supply chain ensures that raw materials, parts, and finished products are delivered to customers promptly and efficiently. However, the supply chain is a complex system that various major factors, such as changes in demand, production delays, or supply chain disruptions, can easily disrupt. The bullwhip effect is one of supply chain management’s most significant […]
Expedited Shipping: Meaning, Pros, and Options
In today’s fast-paced e-commerce landscape, expedited shipping (sometimes referred to as expedite shipping) is increasingly important. Customers’ desire for quick, reliable delivery of their purchases has led businesses to seek out faster, more efficient shipping options—which has driven a surge in expedited services and international expedited shipping. This article delves into the meaning, benefits, and […]
Smart Warehouse: Definition, Benefits, and Challenges
A smart warehouse represents the next stage of evolution in warehouse management, where cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), automated storage and retrieval systems, and autonomous mobile robots come together. A smart warehouse system enhances traditional warehousing processes by automating tasks, streamlining operations, and providing critical data to ensure […]
Value Chain vs. Supply Chain: Key Similarities and Differences
In business management, understanding the concepts of value chain and supply chain, as well as their similarities and differences, is crucial for optimizing operations and achieving a competitive advantage. Both these terms are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct aspects of operational management. We’ll explore why organizations must focus on value chain analysis and […]
Freight Broker vs. Freight Forwarder: Definition, Benefits, and Differences
There are many options and terms to know when it comes to shipping international and domestic freight. You may come across two standard terms: “freight broker” and “freight forwarder.” Though both facilitate and optimize shipping, there are critical differences between the two services in the freight industry. A freight broker acts as a middleman between […]
Order Processing: Meaning, Importance, and Steps
The number of consumers who order products and services online has been steadily increasing in recent years. This increase has led to rapid growth in orders processed by the different parties involved, from businesses to delivery companies. Order processing is essential in any business’ marketing and distribution strategy to save money on production costs and […]
What Is Dunnage? Definition, Uses, and Types
Dunnage is a type of material used to fill empty spaces on ships, trucks, and other vehicles. Dunnage trucking helps to prevent shifting and damage during transport. Common materials used for dunnage include wood, metal, and plastic. This article will look at the definition of dunnage, its uses, and the available types. It will also […]
11 Types of Warehouses: A Complete Guide to Their Uses
Warehouses are essential to the supply chain and logistics industry. They provide storage facilities for a company’s upstream and downstream supply chain inventory until it is distributed to its final destination. These storage facilities ensure the smooth flow of goods through the supply chain from the manufacturer to the customer. However, not all warehouses are […]
Lessons Learned from the 1997 UPS Strike and Their Relevance Today
THEN: In August 1997, the UPS strike that not many thought would happen, did. Not only did it surprise many companies – but worse was its impact: It exposed companies’ reliance on a single carrier for their livelihood. At the time, UPS dominated the ground network and had roughly 75% of the U.S. parcel market. […]
Artificial Intelligence in Fleet Management: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using AI Resources in Fleet Operations
Today’s highly sophisticated and evolving artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools and resources, including ones that leverage natural language processing like ChatGPT and Google’s new AI product Bard, are creating many new opportunities for organizations. However, the actual impact AI will have on transportation fleets in the areas of improved equipment asset management strategies, and operations such […]
Process Manufacturing: Definition, Benefits, and Industries
Manufacturing is the process of creating a finished product from raw materials or ingredients. This action is accomplished by using machinery, human labor, and other tools, with some manufacturing requiring chemical processes. There are various methods of manufacturing systems linked with producing final goods. Process is one of the main manufacturing methods. Modern manufacturing processes, […]
Commercial Invoice: Definition and Terms
A commercial invoice is a customs-required document for any internationally sold shipment of goods. As a legal document, a commercial invoice plays an important role in facilitating the processing of products and owed taxes or duties. The following summary covers all you need to know about a commercial invoice and its role in international trade. […]
The Ultimate Guide to Perpetual Inventory Systems: Benefits, Implementation, and Best Practices
In this guide, we’ll explore how a perpetual inventory system can revolutionize your business’ inventory management process and compare it to periodic inventory count systems. Throughout this guide, you’ll learn about the key differences between a perpetual system and periodic inventory systems. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of using a perpetual inventory system […]
Neo Bulk Cargo: Meaning, Types, and Examples
The shipping industry, the cornerstone of global trade, has witnessed the rising popularity of a distinct cargo category called neo bulk cargo. This innovative cargo type transforms the traditional bulk cargo model by integrating specialized equipment and practices for shipping various goods. In this article, we’ll delve into neo bulk cargo, its various types, and […]
This Ain’t Your Parents’ Inventory Cycle
Speculation has been mounting that the inventory cycle is back. Profit warnings by major American companies such as GAP, Walmart, and Target that had taken on excess inventories and now needed to run them down raised concerns that a concerted drawdown of stocks could make a likely U.S. recession worse.
Is Goods-to-Person Technology Right for Your Business? Working With a 3PL May Be the Best Way to Find Out
Goods-to-person technologies can revolutionize each picking by turning traditional warehouse processes on their head. Instead of pickers walking miles each day to find and pick products, a goods-to-person system delivers the right product at the right time to pickers who remain stationary. The result can be an increase in picking productivity, faster order cycle times, […]
Green Supply Chains Come Full Circle
A growing number of organizations are incorporating circular supply chain approaches within their operations. Here’s a look at how they are closing the loop.
Hurricane Season – 11 Questions to Ask Yourself
Hurricane season for 2023 is upon us. And it’s never too late to be properly prepared. It’s always better to be over-prepared and then nothing happens than to be under-prepared and a major storm comes your way. Every business owner, regardless of the type of work they do, should address the following 11 questions in […]
Hawaii Logistics: Moving on Island Time
As an island state importing most goods it uses and with limited storage, Hawaii challenges companies to keep shipments moving just in time. Here’s how logistics providers shore up supply chains and keep disruptions at bay.
GOOD QUESTION: What one supply chain adjustment would make the biggest impact on ESG?
Mature your data so you can use it like Google Maps. Sustained ESG marries continuous improvement with reporting and analysis—predicated on trustworthy data. Every company has a different origin, destination, and journey. Equip your organization with dependable navigation skills by building data intelligence and embedding a culture of data-driven action.
–Michael Ochi
Sr. Manager, Sustainability and Digital Manufacturing
QAD
Green Technology Partners
These solutions providers offer technology that empowers sustainable supply chains.
Shippers Gain Confidence
What can shippers expect next quarter? BlueGrace Logistics’ Q3 Logistics Confidence Index finds these key highlights: Anticipated revenue maintained a positive trend, decreasing by only 4% across all shippers surveyed. Inventory levels measured highest at neutral and therefore are not expected to expand or contract for Q3. Order volume (sentiment) increased by 5%. That suggests order volumes […]
State of Digitization in Forwarding
The pace of digitalization in freight forwarding has accelerated since 2020, as companies increasingly invest in technology solutions to streamline operations, finds a Magaya report. However, the industry still has a long way to go to capitalize on evolving technological advancements. Many organizations still rely heavily on inefficient manual processes. The survey’s key findings include: […]
Industrial Sector Cools, Manufacturing Heats Up
Following record high demand and rent prices notched during the pandemic, the industrial sector’s dynamics are shifting and demand is cooling, finds a new U.S. industrial market update from Savills. Some predictions about where things are headed from here: Vacancy rates are on the rise. While the market is still historically tight, vacancy rates are […]
Reshoring Moves Beyond the Drawing Table
Reshoring and nearshoring have finally matured into commercial realities, finds Kearney’s 10th annual Reshoring Index Report. Reshoring initiatives have become so successful that companies that took a wait-and-see approach to locating manufacturing operations in the past are now scrambling to find facilities in Mexico and the United States. But the road to reshoring is harder […]
Technology Leads the Pack
Packaging used to be simply for protecting and identifying a product; now it helps drive sales. Smart packaging—which uses technology to enhance user engagement, product quality, and supply chain efficiency—is the latest iteration, according to Smart Packaging 2023-2033, a new report from IDTechEx. Establishing business models that utilize these technologies to unlock value for brands […]
Air Cargo Grounded
The global air cargo market may have to hang on until October for signs of a recovery. A flood of summer bellyhold capacity on major lanes and a 4% drop in demand in April 2023 indicates challenging months ahead, according to new analysis from CLIVE Data Services, part of Xeneta. Air freight spot rates dropped […]
Chemical Logistics: Formulating Solutions
As chemical production increases in the United States, logistics providers drum up solutions to transport these critical shipments safely, efficiently, and accurately—leveraging specialized expertise and experience.
Warehouse Location Automation
If a robot told you where to go, would you listen? Choosing a domestic distribution site is a well-honed science with several schools of thought. Some supply chain practitioners favor the mega-DC approach, while others use retail locations to do double-duty as efulfillment centers. Other practices include a blended approach to match evolving customer demand.
Optimize Your Supply Chain Balance Sheet
Every supply chain contains both hidden costs and potential savings. Smart shippers and their logistics partners utilize their data to discover cost-saving opportunities that improve profitability.
Supply Chain Control Tower: Definition, Types, and Implementation
In today’s global economy, effective supply chain management is increasingly complex. Companies face the challenge of ensuring timely product delivery, cost minimization, and consistent quality within a fragmented supply chain landscape. One solution gaining traction is the supply chain control tower (SCCT) model—a centralized hub for monitoring, managing, and optimizing all aspects of a supply […]
IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions
On behalf of Stena Line, Stena RoRo designed and ordered two hybrid cargo ships from shipyard CMI Jinling in Weihai, China; delivery is scheduled for 2025. The NewMax ships can be powered by methanol or conventional fuel and increase cargo capacity by 80%. The vessels have been designed for Stena Line’s route between Belfast and Heysham on the Irish Sea.
VERTICAL FOCUS: Alcoholic Beverages
3 Tiers of the Wine Supply Chain We can’t talk about wine without mentioning the Volstead Act, which made it illegal to “manufacture, sell, barter, transport, import, export, deliver, furnish, or possess” such beverages. Prohibition wasn’t just a temporary blip in alcohol manufacturing; it changed the way the supply chain functions. Prior to Prohibition, the […]
A Bolt From the Blue
An admitted workaholic, Mark Ang does a day’s worth of work before 8 a.m. While he is there for his team any time of day or night, he is a shockingly hands-off leader who encourages autonomy and gives his team space to spread their wings.
NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights
Good Works • Trailer Bridge and ATS International held a charity golf tournament that raised more than $104,500 for Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico, supporting the organization’s efforts to create and preserve home ownership opportunities for low-income individuals and families on the island. • Technology-driven logistics company TransLoop partnered with Luke Grimes of Yellowstone, Hydroviv, and […]
Filling the Supply Chain Talent Pipeline
Private sector companies and organizations turn on the spout and team up with colleges and other educational institutions to raise the profile of a career in supply chain, bolster curricula, and help build tomorrow’s supply chain workforce.
Managing Your Ocean Freight
In today’s post-pandemic new normal, beneficial cargo owners (BCOs) can successfully manage their ocean freight transportation by adhering to some sound rules of thumb, while embracing new best practices for the current market dynamic.
3 Strategies for Supply Chain Resilience
Supply chain disruptions can cost an organization 45% of its annual profits over the course of a decade, which makes figuring out how to live with disruption critical, as a global economy built on clear predictability is not viable.
How to Combat Fraudulent Losses
Retail and ecommerce is experiencing a massive digital transformation, and with this comes an increase in bad actors who embrace innovation and take advantage of the latest digital fraud practices as well.
Steps to AI Success in Your Warehouse
As global ecommerce expands, fulfillment operations need to look to artificial intelligence (AI) to keep pace with the demands of today’s digital supply chain. More and more organizations are considering digital technologies such as AI to improve supply chain performance.
If You Don’t Quantify Risk, COVID Didn’t Teach You Anything
No one would argue after the events of the past three years that supply chains aren’t broken. Wild discrepancies between supply and demand resulted in a crazy roller coaster effect that vacillated between too much inventory and empty shelves. Billions of dollars of goods sat for weeks or more on transatlantic barges while consumers cashed their stimulus checks, ready to spend.
Kamps Innovates in Pallet Life-Cycle Management
Growing significantly in the past four years, Kamps now has 63 asset-based locations and has added more than 30 on-site operations for total pallet management.
Cosmetics Warehousing: What It Is, Importance, and Challenges
What is Cosmetics Warehousing? Cosmetics warehousing is storing and managing health and beauty products, skincare items, and other cosmetics. This type of warehousing service requires specialized knowledge due to the unique requirements of this industry. In today’s competitive business climate, companies in the cosmetics industry need to have an efficient supply chain. A dedicated warehouse […]
Repetitive Manufacturing: Definition, Types, and Benefits
Technological advances have led to a higher quality of life for many individuals and efficiency gains for most businesses. However, there have been new challenges posed by technological advances, including pollution and waste. In response, some companies are adopting a new technique called repetitive manufacturing. This manufacturing process is designed to help minimize waste while […]
The Coming Wave of ESG Reporting Regulations: How Should Businesses Prepare?
The goal is to showcase ESG data that can withstand the scrutiny of not just regulators, but all stakeholders who will use it to make comparisons among companies in the way they do with financial data today. The time to take action is now.
GOOD QUESTION: How would you describe your job in five words or less?
Keeping it cold, when hot. –Jake McPaul Head of Refrigerated Operations and Product WARP Supply chain innovation evangelist. –Chris Jones EVP Industry Descartes Bringing transparency to carrier negotiations. –Josh Dunham CEO and Co-founder Reveel Fresh challenges around every corner. –Crissy Hatfield Dispatcher Xcel Delivery Services Expanding the potential of automation. –Matt Somerville Director of Sales […]
NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights
Good Works • As part of Combilift’s celebrations for its 25th anniversary, the Irish materials handling specialist donated its 75,000th truck—an Aisle Master articulated forklift—to Convoy of Hope, a non-profit humanitarian and disaster relief organization. • Maersk Air Cargo donated the airfreight capacity to send 440 pallets of U.S.-donated relief goods to Türkiye in response to two […]
IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions
Products • Peli BioThermal expanded its reusable Crēdo product line to meet deep frozen requirements for transporting pharmaceutical products. Able to transport temperature-sensitive biologics and time-sensitive cell and gene therapies, the five new Crēdo Cube Dry Ice shippers deliver deep frozen payload protection for up to 144 hours. • The newest tire from Trelleborg, the XP900, is […]
4 Reasons for the Warehouse Investment Boom
Right behind the frenzied investment in ChatGPT and related AI is an investment boomlet in distribution center and warehouse automation and robotics. Four convergent trends are at work here. 1. Driven by current economic challenges is the necessity to extract every ounce of ROI from each sale’s dependency on inventory and the infrastructure that supports […]
Start Me Up
Kristin Toth is president and chief operating officer with Fernish, which offers furniture and home décor through rent, rent-to-own, and buy options.
Winning the Data Game
Rates shift as dynamically as the market does so it’s important for shippers to have some benchmarks in place to navigate it as cleanly—and cheaply—as possible. However, that requires investing a lot of time and focus on top of simply getting the job done right. So where can shippers go to manage all the information […]
Trucking Gets a Tune Up
The labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and high fuel prices brought on by the pandemic continue to reverberate in the trucking industry. To identify challenges and potential solutions, Rose Rocket surveyed trucking executives, carriers, and brokers and aggregated usage data from its transportation management system. More than half (53.5%) of those surveyed cite hiring and […]
A Direct Hit
As retail businesses explore all their supply chain options, many find that direct-to-consumer (DTC) models may be the right approach. In fact, two-thirds of North American organizations say their investment in the DTC delivery model has increased since early 2020, according to a new Deposco report, The Rise of Direct-to-Consumer in North America. Respondents from […]
A Healthier Pharma Supply Chain
To improve their bottom line, many healthcare providers are applying supply chain know-how to healthcare decisions. One example: Cardinal Health collaborated with Palantir Technologies to design a solution that provides health systems and hospitals with dynamic purchase decision insights. The solution uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze real-time clinical and purchasing data, then […]
Tear It Down Then Build It Up
Recent systemic supply chain challenges have forced some companies to scrap contingency plans and rebuild their supply chains from the ground up. This has created demand for relevant business interruption coverage, according to a new WTW study. The survey polled supply chain risk decision makers in industries including life sciences, semiconductors, food and beverage, agriculture, […]
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Safety and Ergonomics
• HeroWear Apex 2: The latest version of HeroWear’s back-assist exosuit helps warehouse workers perform movements such as lifting and sustained or repeated bending. The Apex 2 weighs less than 3 pounds and can take 75 pounds of strain off a typical worker’s back with every lift. It reduces muscle strain and fatigue by up to […]
The Route to the Right TMS
Transportation management systems (TMS) have evolved from an expense to an investment. But how do you choose the right one? What functionalities do you need? Follow this roadmap.
Ins and Outs of DC Efficiency
Growing SKUs, a labor shortage, and demanding customer expectations are driving many companies to enhance and automate their distribution center operations. Take a look at what they are doing.
VERTICAL FOCUS: Automotive
Automotive Industry Steers Toward the Future As the freight forwarding market grows, here’s how the automotive sector is evolving, according to Thomasnet. 1. More reshoring and nearshoring. To mitigate supply chain disruptions and the inflationary impact on the cost of goods, many automotive manufacturers are looking to bring production operations back to the United States […]
Future-Proof Your Supply Chain
Unpredictable demand has become standard, but there is no reason why it should cause your business to be unaware, unfocused, and unready. Consider these action items to overcome challenges and future-ready your operations during peak seasons.
Rail Must Prioritize Safety Over Profits
Since the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine, Ohio, the full impact of the devastation to that community is yet to be seen. Although more than 1,000 derailments happen each year, it’s unacceptable that they are considered a simple cost of doing business. Our communities and the industries that rely on railroads to carry their products need and expect the rail industry to do better.
Don’t Blame Lean Manufacturing
Lean manufacturing has been blamed for the recent supply chain crisis, with critics claiming lean and just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing encouraged extremely low inventories of raw materials and components. When the pandemic arrived, and supplies were disrupted, manufacturers had to stop production due to material shortages. This had cascading effects all the way down the supply […]
4 Tips for Procurement Logistics Pros to Weather Economic Storms
For logistics procurement, the past 12 months have been a continual, yet perfect storm. First, the pandemic exposed a decades-old model based on low transportation costs. Then the conflict in Ukraine created a fresh set of problems, including a huge spike in energy prices. The relative certainty that procurement and supply chain organizations enjoyed at […]
Maintaining the Yard: Guide to Yard Management Systems
The right YMS can manage the comings and goings of assets to provide visibility and control over yard operations. Ready to choose a YMS solution? Here’s how.
TMS Guide 2023
Recent supply chain disruptions have raised interest in transportation management systems (TMS). A variety of solutions—from cloud-based, on-demand, web-hosted applications to traditional licensing installations, over the road, on the rail, containerized, or parcel—are available from TMS vendors and service providers who are expanding their offerings to meet your unique business logistics requirements.
The choices can be overwhelming, so Inbound Logistics offers this annual guide of top TMS providers and solutions that can put you on the right path toward improved transportation management and performance.
Intermodal Adds Value
Intermodal solutions boost shippers’ options and offer key advantages. Here’s why intermodal transport remains key to efficiency and how one port stacks up advantages.
Pallets Stack Supply Chain Advantages
From integrating with automated equipment to providing sustainability benefits, pallets provide steadfast support to supply chains while making gains in technology and versatility.
FMCSA – Safety Is in Your Name. Stay in Your Lane.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s decision to further regulate freight rates, building upon a piece of 1980s regulation that requires brokers to share a copy of the pricing for each transaction with their carriers, is anti-free market and anti-business—and does nothing to solve real problems that impact everyone from carriers to consumers.
Best in Class for 3PL Selection Criteria
It’s crucial that you find the contract logistics provider that’s the best fit for your business. Here are some expert tips to ensure success.
How to Choose Drayage Software That Keeps You Ahead of the Game
Here’s a guide through the process of successfully selecting the best drayage software for your business.
How Flexible Parcel Handling Automation Can Help Overcome Labor Challenges
Warehouse and distribution center operators are investing in parcel handling automation to help them succeed as DCs must adapt to handling thousands of parcels each day. According to BCG, consumer companies that have invested in warehouse and fulfillment automation have experienced 20% to 50% improvement in service levels while reducing costs to a similar extent. […]
How Automation Can Expand Your Site Selection Options
By reducing the need to locate your warehouse or DC close to a population center, automation can lead to efficiency gains and cost savings at a new site.
Systems Integration Enables Fulfillment Efficiency for Growing Company
From Manual to Automated: A Systems Integration Success Story