Articles
Commentary
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.
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
Read MoreDisruptive 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.
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The Surprising Upside to CSA 2010
When it comes to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s guidelines known as CSA 2010, the trucking industry has focused on its potential drawbacks, including job losses for truckers and other challenges for carriers. While such issues do exist, there are also opportunities for drivers, carriers, and shippers to benefit from the rules’ move to […]
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Container Security: Filling in the Blanks
It is often impossible to know what containers entering the United States really contain. Even with bonded shipments and the 24-hour manifest required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Container Security Initiative, we merely take the shipper’s word as to a container’s contents, never knowing whether its security has been compromised during transit. Using Container […]
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Take a Stand: Try a Platform Approach to Data Exchange
Today’s fast-paced market compels companies to streamline operations and create a business model that provides customers faster, better, and smarter service. In particular, companies involved in last-mile logistics services need to make the most of their data assets to power real-time data transformation and exchange from core systems to customers and partners. These real-time data […]
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The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be
As baseball’s Bard of Brooklyn, Yogi Berra, once said, “It is tough making predictions, especially about the future.” Those who orchestrate supply networks and supporting transportation and logistics operations in volatile economic times face stark reminders of how difficult predicting future product flow requirements can be. As if that weren’t true enough, Yogi also said, […]
Read MoreMad About Trade
Can Americans stop being angry about trade and instead get excited about the value it creates?
Read More10 Ways to Gain Control Over Parcel Transportation Costs
The amount of effort shippers put into carrier management directly correlates to their success at controlling transportation costs. Incumbent carriers often know more about their client’s shipments than the shipper does. But shippers can tilt the actionable information scales in their favor to achieve lower parcel transportation costs. Here are 10 points shippers should consider […]
Read MoreAvoid Big Losses When Shipping Big Machinery
In their journey from manufacturer to customer, large pieces of sophisticated machinery often sustain costly damage due to lack of care and attention in packaging and handling. The losses, however, often go beyond the machinery’s value. Businesses can also suffer significant production shortfalls if their facilities grind to a halt as they wait for replacement […]
Read MoreGoing Mobile: Optimizing Inventory Management
One of the easiest ways to save money in your organization is by operating efficiently and productively, with no wasted resources. Central to this strategy is having the right amount of product at the right time—no more, no less. By optimizing inventory, organizations are able to improve customer service levels up to 25 percent, according […]
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Managing Risk in a Chain of Fire
Supply chain dominoes keep falling far and wide. In addition to man-made disruptions such as political instability, piracy, terrorism, and war, natural disasters such as the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011, and the tidal waves that rippled throughout the Pacific ring including Alaska and Hawaii, have rattled the world over […]
Read MoreConsuming Confidence
America is consuming again. More importantly, it also appears to be producing.
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Efficient Use of State Resources Keeps Transportation Flowing
States have fewer dollars to spend on transportation these days, but that does not mean that highways and roads are destined to fall into disrepair. How can transport departments ensure the smooth, safe travel of goods and people in cash-strapped times? The Show-Me State’s answer: Change the way business is done. Missouri, on track to […]
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Retail Recovery Depends on an Integrated Supply Chain Strategy
Although retail sales have shown some increase in early 2011, many economists caution that spending will remain modest as long as wages stay flat and job creation weak. Even as consumers begin to loosen their purse strings, it is essential for retailers to remain cautious and operate at the most efficient levels possible to ensure […]
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Five Market Concerns Driving Shipper Cost Increases
It has never been more expensive or frustrating to be a shipper. Rates are up, capacity is down, and, while Wall Street analysts are bullish on the transportation sector, many businesses are still struggling. It’s a disparity that contributes to billions of dollars of shipper overspending each year. The following market concerns will have the […]
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Benchmark Your Way to Successful Crossdocking
Companies can benchmark their way to crossdocking success by following these five steps recommended by Andre Thornton, President and CEO, ASW Global LLC.
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