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Ten Tips
Minimizing Airfreight Costs
To combat trade wars, tariffs, and other obstacles, it’s important to optimize your supply chain. One way is to minimize the cost of air freight, which is generally a fast and reliable—but expensive—option. 1. Evaluate lead times and use THE appropriate transport mode. If lead times aren’t tight, consider using slower transportation methods, such as […]
Read MoreOptimizing Ocean Transport
The growth in e-commerce orders and strong economy mean companies are extending their supply chains to reach a global audience. Ocean transportation is a complex mode with unique considerations. To streamline your ocean freight process: 1. start consolidating Minimize less-than-containerload shipments by consolidating multiple products coming from the same area into a single container. Shipping […]
Read MoreDefending Against Supply Chain Hackers
While your company may have excellent cyber security practices in place, your suppliers may not. These best practices will help protect your company from hackers who attack your supply chain partners. 1. Review Incident Response Plans. Always make sure vendors have an incident response plan in place before conducting business with them. If there is […]
Read MoreMoving Cross-border Shipments
As your suppliers and customers become more geographically diverse, more of your supply chain and customer experience depends on moving shipments through Customs accurately and without delay. 1. Create a dashboard for incoming orders. A visual tracker of inbound shipments may help simplify the importing process. Tracking where orders and shipments are while in transit, […]
Read MoreMitigating Cargo Theft Risk
Cargo theft continues to be a challenge to shippers, totaling an estimated $145 million in losses each year in North America. 1. Develop a plan. Establish security procedures for carriers hauling your freight. Ask drivers not to stop within the first 250 or 300 miles of pickup unless there is a real emergency. It’s not advisable […]
Read MoreImplementing Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology creates a global and trustworthy history of a product—from transaction to production to consumption. It has the potential to revolutionize workflows across international borders, empowering an automated, connected supply chain with simplicity and traceability. 1. Flip your thinking. Many consider blockchain a solution seeking a problem. It’s actually the answer to an array […]
Read MoreLeveraging Big Data in Your Organization
Big data is a hot buzzword, and the phrase has different meanings for different organizations. But no matter how you define it, there is no doubt that using statistical science and data analytics can help drive operational growth and supply chain efficiency. Robert Daymon, senior vice president of operations at Transplace, offers these tips to […]
Read MoreCompeting With E-Commerce Giants
Despite the highly competitive environment, it is possible for small and mid-sized companies to compete with the e-commerce giants. It just takes creativity, a strong, optimized supply chain and, of course, exemplary customer service. Paul D’Arrigo, vice president of information technology for Spend Management Experts, offers this advice. 1. Provide excellent customer service. Ensure the […]
Read MoreIncreasing Supply Chain Visibility
In our "now" economy, consumers demand real-time visibility, along with the near-immediate delivery of goods. This has created a great deal of supply chain disruption, causing businesses to reevaluate the way they operate. Gary Allen, vice president of supply chain excellence at Ryder, provides tips on how to achieve end-to-end visibility, and ultimately ensure a […]
Read MoreChoosing a Third-Party Logistics Provider
A strong performing third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help you increase efficiency, control costs, and improve customer service. However, not all 3PLs are created equal. Tom Patterson, senior vice president of warehouse operations at Saddle Creek Logistics Services, recommends taking these steps and looking for certain characteristics to ensure you select a provider that can […]
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