Articles

Ten Tips

Discovering 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 […]

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Cutting 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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Cutting Costs From Your Logistics Budget

If you want to reduce logistics costs, you have to take the time to review your processes. Nathan Pieri, senior vice president of marketing and product management for Rutherford, N.J.-based Management Dynamics, offers these tips for trimming your logistics budget. 1. Eliminate supply chain bottlenecks. By periodically reviewing and analyzing their supply chain networks, companies […]

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Optimizing Global Supply Chain Management

Today’s complex and dynamic global business environment presents increased operating challenges for companies striving to achieve sustainability while working with an array of global trading partners, regulations, business requirements, risk management concerns, cost control issues, and competitive objectives. Andrea Robinson, business development manager-United Kingdom, at supply chain management software provider CargoWise, offers these tips for […]

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Locating a Global Distribution Hub

Before adding a global distribution hub, hone your skills in compliance and cross-border import and export, advises John Miller, senior vice president global business development, Flash Global Logistics, Inc. He offers these tips on what companies should consider when locating and choosing a global distribution hub. Map your market. Determine your customer install base, which […]

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Enhancing Cross-docking Efficiency

Cross-docking operations increase throughput at critical distribution points by unloading shipments from an inbound trailer or railcar directly onto outbound transport. This practice eliminates the need to store freight. To improve throughput, you must minimize travel, footsteps, material handling distance, and freight touches. Discover how to increase cross-docking efficiency with these tips from Nelson Bettencourt, […]

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Choosing the Right Product Packaging

With today’s complex supply chain and compliance requirements, manufacturers have a lot to consider when making packaging decisions. Here are some tips on choosing the right packaging for your product from Michael Smyers, CPSM, business development manager, and Matthew Paul, supply chain consultant, of Fort Myers, Fla.-based supply chain management and customs firm Allyn International […]

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Choosing Between Hosted And On-Demand Technology

Software-as-a-service (SaaS), otherwise known as on-demand, is becoming increasingly popular among logistics professionals. For some companies, however, a hosted managed service may still be a viable solution. Learn to differentiate between the two and determine which is right for your business with these tips from Sterling Commerce’s Peter Wharton, manager, applications product marketing. 1. Understand […]

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Advance Your Career Through Online Learning

Traditional classroom education is a viable option for some logistics professionals seeking new skills. But for many, online learning presents a better alternative for acquiring additional training, degrees, or certifications. Irvin Varkonyi, adjunct professor and marketing manager of transportation and logistics management at American Public University, provides tips for advancing your career through online learning. […]

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Boosting Loading Dock Efficiencies

Inefficient loading dock operations open the door to delays, accidents, and product damage. They can also derail on-time performance and result in customer dissatisfaction. Make small changes that can deliver a substantial difference with these tips from Walt Swietlik of Milwaukee-based Rite-Hite Corporation. 1. Improve employee comfort. More comfortable employees are more productive employees. Install […]

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Growing a Greener Warehouse

If plans for your warehouse/distribution center include becoming more green, consider these tips from Rajiv Saxena, vice president of supply chain solutions, APL Logistics. 1. Focus on site. If you can do only one thing to make your DC operations greener, select the most accessible, well-connected facility possible – one that’s optimally located in terms […]

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Implementing an RFID Solution

Proper management and execution are key to a successful RFID implementation project. Santa Clara, Calif.-based semiconductor company Intel Corporation experienced this firsthand when it deployed RFID at its factory’s receiving docks to track inbound chemicals. Scott Thomas, senior engineer at Intel, shares what he learned to help ensure your smooth RFID implementation. 1. Evaluate tracking […]

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Using Social Networking for Logistics

Many companies are tapping into the power of Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other sites to promote their products and services, talk directly to customers, and educate the industry. If you are ready to delve into the world of Web 2.0, consider these tips, compiled with help from social networking guru Tim Richards, operations manager at […]

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Selecting the Right Port for Your Transport Needs

Ports around the country vie to be the first choice for shippers’ supply chains by providing a wealth of intermodal connections, capacity, and distribution facilities. Various member seaports of the American Association of Port Authorities offer the following strategies for selecting a port to fit your specific shipping needs. 1. Consider proximity.You can cut transportation […]

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Selecting a Voice-Directed Picking System

If you want to reduce errors, improve productivity, and increase accuracy in the warehouse, a voice-directed picking system may help. Choosing the right product to meet your company’s needs, however, can be a challenge. Donal Mac Daid, vice president of product marketing at Atlanta-based logistics software provider Aldata Solution Inc., offers advice on selecting voice-directed […]

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Outsourced Logistics: Gaining Management Buy-in

What company doesn’t want to achieve greater product availability rates, more flexible work processes, fewer customer complaints, and improved order accuracy? If you can’t seem to reach these goals on your own, it might be time to outsource some of your company’s logistics functions to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. Steve Dean, senior vice president, […]

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Getting Lean to Boost Warehouse Labor Performance

Implementing lean principles through all facets of a warehouse operation is an effective, economical way to boost labor performance. The relentless pursuit of eliminating waste transforms corporate culture, and builds a foundation for optimal performance from the warehouse floor to the corner office. Tim Sroka, senior manager, lean operations for Menlo Worldwide Logistics, a third-party […]

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Becoming an Indispensable Logistics Manager

Supply chain costs are a leading business expense, and these days CFOs are taking a closer look to get this spending under control. The logistics manager who communicates effectively with corporate management and deftly manages freight costs will be a valuable employee. George Muha, regional sales manager for Mass.-based Logistics Management Inc., offers his advice […]

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Choosing a Mobile Communications Solution

Communicating with field workers should not be a chore, but without the right equipment, it can be. Jonathan Turner, chief information officer for logistics provider 3PD Inc., Marietta, Ga., offers these tips for selecting a new mobile communications system. 1. Look for hidden costs.Prices for mobile communications solutions can range from several hundred to several […]

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