Articles
How-To
Determining If AS/RS Fits Your Facility
Most businesses that incorporate large-load automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) store and handle full pallet loads moving at high volumes in and out of a distribution center or manufacturing plant. But other business types may also benefit from the solution. Norm Saenz, senior vice president and principal, TranSystems Corporation, offers these tips on deciding […]
Read MoreKeeping Shipping Costs in Check
With fuel costs continually rising, and consumers demanding faster delivery—preferably for free—it is more important than ever for companies to control their shipping costs. John Haber, founder and CEO of consulting firm Spend Management Experts, offers these tips for managing freight costs. 1. Carefully analyze your current carrier base. Be sure to take into account […]
Read MoreBecoming a Transportation Industry Advocate
Legislators are currently considering and implementing laws and regulations many transportation experts fear will significantly erode trucking productivity and increase the delivered cost of goods. There’s no time like the present to begin advocating your company’s interests. Brian Everett, ABC, executive director for the National Shipper’s Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC), outlines how business leaders can […]
Read MoreAchieving LEED Certification
Many manufacturing and distribution facility owners consider the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification the ultimate sustainability prize. Thomas Taylor, general manager for St. Louis-based sustainability consultant firm Vertegy, offers tips for earning LEED certification. 1. In warm-climate regions, install a white roof. A white or light-colored roof may […]
Read MoreGaining More From 3PL Relationships
Whether your third-party logistics (3PL) service provider is a niche player or a global behemoth, you can take steps to draw more value from the partnership. Valerie Bonebrake, senior vice president at supply chain consulting firm Tompkins International, offers the following tips for getting your 3PL to do more for you. 1. Become an expert […]
Read MoreImproving the Order-to-Cash Cycle
When pursuing order-to-cash improvements, many companies try to speed receivables. Instead, they should focus on setting long-term goals and improving customer relationships. Scott Pezza, research analyst, the Aberdeen Group, offers the following tips for improving order-to-cash effectiveness. 1. Stay ahead of the game with pre-sales credit analysis. Identify potential problems early so you can either […]
Read MoreEnsuring a Worry-Free ERP Implementation
The complaints most often associated with implementing an enterprise resource planning system (ERP) focus on flexibility, scalability, and upgrade and maintenance costs. To avoid snafus, do your homework before making a purchase. David F. Ross, senior manager, professional department, at APICS, The Association for Operations Management, offers this advice to guide your selection. 1. Consider […]
Read MoreBoosting Supply Chain Sustainability
Sustainable business practices and supply chains reduce waste, cut costs, and improve profit margins. Alan Amling, director of global logistics and distribution marketing at UPS, offers the following tips to help businesses improve supply chain sustainability. 1. Avoid reinventing the wheel. Minimizing waste is the first step in sustainability. Before investing in your own supply […]
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Increasing Warehouse Productivity
Warehouse efficiency promotes productivity, which is essential to customer satisfaction. Jason Minghini, senior director, best practices, at Chattanooga, Tenn.-based third-party logistics provider Kenco Logistic Services offers the following tips for creating more efficient, productive warehouse operations. 1. Communicate effectively. Clearly communicating to workers your organizational goals and the processes to achieve them is one key […]
Read MoreProtecting 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 […]
Read MoreBuilding 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 […]
Read MoreSecuring 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 […]
Read MoreManeuvering 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 […]
Read MoreManaging 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. […]
Read MoreOptimizing Air Cargo Shipments
Surging oil and jet kerosene prices, increased security measures, and government focus on compliance are just a few factors currently impacting the air cargo industry. These trends and others make it more critical than ever that shippers optimize their use of air cargo transportation. Scott Aubuchon, director of international airfreight marketing for UPS, offers the […]
Read MoreReducing Ocean Freight Costs
The best way to maximize ocean freight purchasing efficiencies is effective planning. Get a clear understanding of your shipments’ scope, frequency, and quantity, then cement relationships with carriers to better plan your containers, advises Mark Malambri, senior vice president, global ocean products for Houston-based CEVA Logistics. Malambri offers the following tips to help shippers reduce […]
Read MoreEstablishing a Successful Core Carrier Program
It’s easy to assume that the “core” in core carrier is synonymous with “one of just a few.” But the success of a core carrier program has less to do with the number of carriers than it does with ensuring that each provider selected is equal to the task of meeting your company’s needs in […]
Read MoreShipping Cross-Border and Within Mexico
Troy Ryley and Jose Minarro, managing directors for Transplace Mexico, offer tips for shipping freight cross-border and within Mexico.
Read MoreDiscovering Savings Through Freight Payment Services
Freight payment services can make it easier to process carrier invoices. They also enhance freight spend visibility, which can drive better strategy and planning. Today’s systems often include Web services to help shippers streamline information exchange. Some freight payment systems even deliver mobile access to transportation spend for immediate reporting and decision-making. Discover savings through […]
Read MoreCutting Costs When Shipping Perishables
Timing is crucial when shipping perishable products because shelf life is at stake. Moving perishables domestically requires product to be inspected and released for delivery, and each state has its own agricultural regulations. Importing perishables involves a host of other issues, including clearance by three U.S. government agencies. To avoid costly delays when shipping perishables, […]
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