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John Reichert

Collaborative Visibility for Optimum Efficiency and User Experience

Q: Why is collaborative visibility important? A: Supply chains have become extremely complex and fluid. The number and variety of products has exploded, lifecycles have shrunk, and interdependencies between organizations are at an all-time high. Natural disasters such as Japan’s tsunami in March 2011 showed that a major global event can have a far-reaching impact […]

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Nick Weaver

For Truck Financing, Bank on a Transportation Expert

Q: What is the current market for financing and leasing commercial trucks and equipment? A: Generally, the trucking industry is experiencing a favorable banking and finance market as most commercial banks continue to show relatively healthy interest in financing revenue equipment. Borrowing rates are near all-time lows, so locking in equipment financing today is appealing […]

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Ralph Hess

With WMS, Small Businesses Can Do It All

Q: How can smaller companies respond to the supply chain demands of their large customers? A: The best way for suppliers to respond is to manage their own segment of the supply chain as efficiently as possible. They must optimize their inventory and distribution operations by applying the proper resources—human, financial, and technological—to drive excellence […]

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Terrence M. Gilbert

Asset-Based Carriers Give Shippers an Advantage

Q: What are the advantages of sourcing supply chain solutions directly through asset-based providers? A: When capacity becomes tight, maintaining relationships with asset-based carriers gives shippers—and non-asset solution providers who partner with us—the peace of mind of knowing their supply chain and service will remain seamless and fluid. When capacity is constrained, communication is essential […]

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Kevin Reader

Choosing the Right WMS For Your Business

Q: The WMS selection process seems to be based on spreadsheets and feature-driven lists of requirements. Is this the best place to start? A: Many consultants and professional organizations suggest companies can select a WMS by reviewing standard feature lists, conducting a conference room pilot, and adding customization as needed to deliver the design and […]

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Matthew

Available Capacity Brings Value to Today’s Logistics Buyers

Q: From your perspective as a truck capacity provider, where is the balance between demand for trucking services and the currently available truck capacity? A: It has been reported that up to 20 percent of truckload capacity that existed in 2007 is gone. Some carriers are failing to deliver on time, and the day may […]

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Roy Coburn

Think Outside the Border

Companies of all sizes are benefitting from international trade, and those that don’t are getting left behind. Whether your company is small, mid-sized or a global multi-national, there is a way for you to get in the global trade game. Global Solutions For Global Companies For large North American companies operating in multi-national markets, moving […]

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Dan Vertachnik

Developing a Comprehensive Transportation Strategy

Q: What advice do you have for companies attempting to optimize their inbound freight? A: It’s worth the effort. Traditionally, companies have focused on low-hanging fruit, such as improving efficiencies and reducing outbound transportation costs. Overlooked is the more difficult task of managing inbound transportation, which can often be multi-modal, multi-leg, and international. Companies need […]

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Jon Kuerschner

SaaS-Based TMS Empowers Global Freight Management

Q: What are the biggest challenges facing shippers in today’s economic environment? A: In today’s volatile market, managing transportation domestically and globally is a key factor for a more efficient and cohesive supply chain. Many businesses still use manual methods to manage freight, with no way to measure service or performance. Other companies are bound […]

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Jim Syfan

3PLs Control Loads to Provide Shippers Superior Service

Q: Third-party logistics (3PL) companies face many challenges with each shipment they manage. Why is it critical for 3PLs to take control of their shipments? A: In today’s difficult economy, shippers look for efficiencies such as maintaining smaller inventories and scheduling employees to unload freight at key consumption and/or distribution times. This demand only increases […]

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Garry Neeves

Harnessing the Power of Information Technology

Q: How do you squeeze the most reliability, accuracy, and cost efficiency out of today’s supply chain? A: Smart information technology (IT) is fundamental to success. Leading manufacturers know the importance of effective logistics management. Getting your product to the right place, just in time, and exactly as the retailer demands is crucial to the […]

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Chandra Allred

Tech Tools Serve Retailers’ Diverse Needs

Q: What do retailers need to know about working with 3PLs today? A: Retailers are challenging third-party logistics (3PL) providers to supplement their offerings with a broader range of services. To obtain and retain business, 3PLs must meet retailers’ diverse reporting, visibility, and delivery needs—yet not increase their cost structure. Achieving this goal is particularly […]

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Nathan Pieri

Supply Chain Control Towers Offer a Bird’s-Eye View

Q: How can companies better manage their supply chains to gain competitive advantage? A: Over the past year, the concept of a supply chain control tower has been gaining momentum. A control tower is a single command center for visibility, decision-making, and action, based on real-time data. “A supply chain control tower is a central […]

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Jeff Pepperworth

Improving Reverse Logistics Moves Shippers Forward

Q: How can shippers improve their reverse supply chain? A: Amid today’s higher fuel and transportation costs, technology becomes critical as companies search for efficiencies within the supply chain. The reverse supply chain has historically been viewed as a cost center and is often overlooked as a place where profit can be found. In the […]

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Keith Snavely

Helping Shippers Do More With Less

Q: What challenges or issues are shippers facing in an era of globalization? A: Our world has certainly become a much smaller place, but our challenges have only increased. Coupled with a tough economic climate, the need for greater supply chain visibility is paramount. Transportation costs over the past several years have come under greater […]

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