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The Impact of E-Commerce Growth on Logistics Companies
The rise of e-commerce and the digital marketplace phenomenon, also known as “The Amazon Effect,” has changed the composition of consumer buying behavior and expectations, as consumers now expect fast, free shipping and competitive pricing. This demanding delivery schedule challenges traditional logistics and supply chain models, and companies are now forced to adjust their strategies […]
Read MoreHow to Maintain Composure During Trucking Capacity Shifts
When logistics executives and decision-makers get together, the conversation often turns to transportation and truck capacity—currently a conundrum for many. Loosening capacity means spot market rates are down 20% on average, which can be a tempting proposition for shippers, despite inherent volatility. On the other hand, a tougher pricing environment means trucking company failures are […]
Read MoreConsumer Demands Put Pressure on Furniture’s Final Mile
While brick and mortar stores remain the shopping venues of choice for the majority of US furniture buyers, the battleground is shifting. By 2012, 27 percent of total home furnishings revenue will come from online sales (Statista), and that share is growing at a double-digit rate. The trend has ramped up the pressure for fast, […]
Read MoreWalgreens Brings the Goods to You With New Drone Delivery Program
Walgreens is taking steps to make their customers’ experiences as seamless and stress-free as possible. In a new partnership with Alphabet’s drone service, Wing, the company will be testing a new on-demand option that delivers foods and beverages to customers. Eventaully, Walgreens hopes to incorporate over-the-counter medications into its offerings. The move comes in […]
Read MoreSolving the Trucking Labor Shortage
The convenience of e-commerce is quickly driving up the number of product shipments across the U.S. In fact, Pitney Bowes’ latest shipping index reveals an 8% year-over-year growth in U.S.-based shipments. As more consumers start shopping with e-commerce giants such as Amazon, it remains to be seen whether the trucking industry can keep pace. According […]
Read MoreIN BRIEF: New Services & Solutions-October 2019
Products UniCarriers Americas unveiled its BXC65 4-wheel, cushion tire, electric forklift. With a 6,500-pound capacity, the BXC65 features on-board diagnostics and provides immediate truck status to reduce downtime. Materials handling company Crown Equipment made its Crown WP Series pallet truck available for purchase through the Crown online store with free, five-day shipping. Crown WP Series pallet trucks maneuver […]
Read MorePRODUCT SPOTLIGHT | Fulfillment Innovations
Kardex Remstar vertical buffer module: The LR 35 vertical buffer module is designed to pick small parts quickly in warehouses. It comes with picking software that lets users optimize routes and accurately pick goods. Additionally, the module easily integrates into existing systems and serves as a storage solution as well. UNEX roller rack: Designed to […]
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VERTICAL FOCUS | Apparel
Quick-Changing Supply Chains As trends in the fashion industry constantly change to keep up with evolving consumer needs and expectations, supply chain and logistics professionals need to be just as nimble and flexible to keep up. The apparel industry used to be divided into two seasons: spring/summer and fall/winter. Today, however, with the desire to […]
Read MoreNestlé’s Tasty Tactics for a Greener Supply Chain
In a revitalized commitment to ecofriendly practices, Nestlé has created a goal of reaching zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To be sustainable, though, the company is going to need to make some major changes within its supply chain. To start, the food producer will need to begin implementing more sustainable ingredients within its […]
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Seeking Autonomy
What factors go into creating a successful supply chain? According to the EY Americas Supply Chain Reinvention Survey 2019, which surveyed senior-level supply chain executives on topics ranging from adopting technology, retaining leadership and talent, and prioritizing investment to supporting sustainability, here are the notable trends: A long road to 2025: More than 50% of […]
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The State of Logistics
CSCMP’s annual State of Logistics Report presents an overview of the economy during the past year, key logistics trends, and the total U.S. logistics costs for 2018 (see chart). Here are some top takeaways. Macroeconomics: Economic slowdown expected and trade uncertainty volatile. The U.S. economy is flashing warning signs, as economic growth is forecast to […]
Read MoreNoted: The Supply Chain in Brief-Sep 2019
Good Works To support a remote mountain elementary school in Yunnan, China, cargo-partner donated and delivered 200 desks and chairs, 130 bunk beds, and 260 bedding sets for a new dormitory building. In addition, the logistics provider will help the local government build a charity supermarket for people living in the mountain area to raise […]
Read More5 Tips for Efficient Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management (SCM) involves the flow of goods and services in an efficient manner. It encompasses all the steps involved in procuring raw materials through to the finished goods, in a way that is streamlined and provides value to the customer. As any successful business owner will tell you, SCM is an extremely crucial […]
Read MoreIN BRIEF: New Services & Solutions-September 2019
Products The Rite-Hite Dok-Guardian XL Safety Barrier helps facilities with loading docks comply with Walking-Working Surfaces regulations mandated by OSHA. At nearly 5 feet tall, the Dok-Guardian XL provides a physical barrier at loading dock openings and can stop up to 30,000 pounds of force. Transflo Trailer Tracking is a solar-powered device that provides near real-time communications and […]
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Supply Chains in Peril: What We Learned from Hurricane Dorian
There’s no perfect playbook for weathering a disaster like Hurricane Dorian. But a resilient and flexible supply chain that can handle pivots is what makes the difference between operations that can pick back up and those that are left in disarray.
Read MoreAvoiding the Trade War Squeeze
As trade volatility between the United States and China escalates, shippers find few options for avoiding a painful squeeze. While some are shifting production to other nations in the region, others find those countries are less than ready to handle the spike. In the thick of peak season preparations, here are some ways to ensure […]
Read MoreThe IoT Reality: How to Prepare Your Warehouse
The smart warehouse is here, and it’s powered by an ever-increasing number of “things.” The Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced tags, cameras, sensors, robotics, and more, all generating and needing a steady flow of data to run your warehouse. Countless case studies have found them to be faster, more efficient, and less prone to […]
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VERTICAL FOCUS | Jewelry
Blockchain clasps the supply chain Best known for its use in cryptocurrencies, blockchain is now making its way into the jewelry supply chain. In an industry where transparency is in high demand, the technology has a lot to offer. Aside from cost savings, which many other industries have realized by implementing blockchain to trace products […]
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