Articles
Feature Stories
Air Cargo Perspectives 2009
Leading air cargo companies share their perceptions on important trends shaping the trajectory of today’s global supply chain.
Read MoreSmart Strategy: South Of The Border
Companies that source and manufacture products in Mexico gain opportunities to cut transportation costs, hold less inventory, and provide faster service to customers. But to reap logistics benefits in Mexico, you have to know your way around.
Read MoreSupply Chain Research Labs: Brain Trust
Relevant, rigorous, and wide-ranging, university studies of supply chain issues focus on real-world challenges.
Read MoreEnergizing Your Warehouse New Strategies For Greater Efficiency
In a tough economy, the universal battle cry is, “Do more with less!” We’re all looking for new ways to squeeze a few more dollars, or a few more hours, from our operations while also delighting customers with ever-better service. In many cases, we’re trying to achieve those goals while saving energy and reducing our […]
Read MoreGood Things Come From Green Packages
Why are companies sticking with green packaging initiatives in the midst of an economic recession? Because reusing materials, reducing waste, and improving transportation efficiency is not only good for the planet, it’s good for business.
Read MoreArkansas: A Natural Wonder
Arkansas has long been known for its geographic diversity and scenic beauty. Now it’s a burgeoning Natural Wonder when it comes to transportation, logistics, and trade.
Read MoreIT Perspectives 2009: Exclusive IL Research
Logistics information technology is many things to different companies. It is an investment, a risk, a market neutralizer, and often a competitive differentiator. Technology can micromanage the mundane with extraordinary savings; or it can tackle the extraordinary with mundane consistency. Even as companies tame wanton spending, table strategic endeavors, and closely measure return on investments, […]
Read MoreInternal Collaboration: A Bright Idea
Leading companies are plugging into current economic volatility to switch up their supply chains and make a connection between internal logistics departments.
Read MorePlastics Surgery: Remolding the Supply Chain
In the face of a recession, plastics companies recognize the importance of efficient transportation and supply chain management.
Read MoreComing (Back) to America
A decade ago, garment manufacturing in the United States was practically dead as apparel companies flocked to low-cost countries. But then came the economic downturn, and the realization that the time merchandise spends traveling in a container is time not spent on store shelves. Suddenly, America is the new global hot spot.
Read MoreLock, Stock, and Barrel: How Secure is Your Cargo?
When it comes to protecting shipments from theft, businesses have an arsenal of tools at their disposal. From high-tech tracking and monitoring to basic intrusion prevention, these devices and technologies, combined with common-sense security practices, can help thwart cargo thieves.
Read MorePassport To Knowledge: Gaining a Global Perspective
The sun never sets on the global supply chain. Advanced education programs at a variety of universities offer logistics professionals a world tour unlike any other.
Read MoreWhy Comply?
Understanding the latest CBP programs and requirements involves homework and headaches. So…
Read MoreRediscovering The Classics, Volume I: Prologue
Logistics fundamentals are oft cited but more often overlooked or misread. Mastering these basics builds a foundation for supply chain sophistication. So grab your slippers, pull up a chair, and stoke the fire—get comfortable. Join us as we retire to Inbound Logistics’ library of logistics best practices and dust off some classics.
Read MoreRediscovering The Classics, Volume II: Committing to Core Carriers
Romancing lowboys and spread-axle hotshots might not sound appealing, but developing Unconditional relationships with core carriers REAPS long-term advantages. Core carrier programs capitalize on matching a ratio of trucking partners to shipment volumes, based on pre-determined service and pricing coefficients. When the trucking market is squeezed, businesses use these partnerships to find capacity; when demand […]
Read MoreRediscovering The Classics, Volume III: Truckload Consolidation
In this classic tale of economy by scale, businesses tackle truckload shipments head-on to capture returns in countless ways. The moral? Don’t count your shipments until they’re matched.
Read MoreRediscovering The Classics, Volume IV: Inbound Routing Guides
All the supply chain’s a stage so why not command top billing? When businesses actively enforce inbound routing guides and dictate shipment instructions, efficiencies fall into place and economies run wild. Ensuring vendors comply with your transportation requirements is as simple as putting instructions in writing. That’s why a routing guide is an essential tool […]
Read MoreRediscovering The Classics, Volume V: Transloading
In today’s lengthening supply chain, a mode alone is a road less traveled. Businesses shift gearS and mix transportation options to account for fluctuations in capacity and freight costs. When shipments switch track, transloads take center stage. The growing importance of intermodalism in the United States raises the stakes for efficiently managing transportation at key […]
Read MoreRediscovering The Classics, Volume VI: Crossdocking
Waste not. Want not. Store not. The shortest and fastest distance between supply and demand is in one door and out another. Enterprises rocking high-velocity crossdocks wield greater power flowing visibility and freight through the supply chain. In a perfect world, inventory would never remain static. Product would flow from manufacture to consumption in a […]
Read MoreRediscovering The Classics, Volume VII: Labor Management
Managing labor in dynamic supply chain environments forces businesses to “sense” demand shifts to better match resources to need. It also requires “sensibility” in properly training and incenting employees to be productive, and engaging third-party expertise when internal objectivity is lacking. When companies are in periods of flux—experiencing growth or reduction in business, scaling resources […]
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