Articles
Thought Leaders
Using In-Truck Technology to Cut Costs
Q: What cost factor should shippers prioritize during carrier selection? A: Invoice price is often the driving factor in carrier selection— which is logical, because everyone operates with very thin margins. But that may be flawed thinking. Instead, consider the total cost of utilizing a carrier. For example, administrative costs are a large part of […]
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Using Big Data to Build Tomorrow’s Supply Chain Today
Q: How can transportation and logistics companies use big data to differentiate themselves? A: Supply chain professionals in all industries and government sectors must transform their supply chain process to meet organizational strategies and goals. Information fusion breaks down the barriers spanning all demand-supply enterprises. A critical requirement is real-time, high-quality, reliable data and information […]
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The Case for Transportation Management Software
Q: What innovative technology initiatives help increase supply chain efficiencies? A: The number one return on investment (ROI) that will provide continuous process improvement, and at the same time keep freight costs under control, is integrating a transportation management system (TMS) with a shipper’s existing systems, such as an ERP solution, warehouse or order management […]
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Meeting the Challenges of the Ever-Evolving Compliance Environment
Q: Even though developing markets are growing rapidly, many companies are reluctant to expand operations overseas because they do not have relationships there, are unsure of the infrastructure, or are not familiar with local demands and requirements. What options are open to them? A: Looking for the right place to expand overseas is more important […]
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Making a Business Case for GTM
Q: What is the role of global trade management (GTM) in organizations today? A: In today’s world, GTM is more than compliance. GTM practitioners should think of GTM as standing on three equal pillars: compliance, supply chain finance, and global logistics. A holistic approach is necessary given the growing complexity—both in regulations and geography—of international […]
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Collaborative Freight Strategies Offer Lower-Cost Alternative to LTL
Q: Why is it important for small and mid-sized consumer packaged goods (CPG) shippers to collaborate on freight strategies to remain competitive? A: If they don’t, they will continue to pay more than their larger competitors, who have the volume to ship more economical full truckloads. For years, smaller shippers have accepted the higher cost […]
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Trading Partner Collaboration Yields Supply Chain Value
Q: How can value chain partners collaborate to create and share efficiencies? A: Retailers and manufacturers have made progress in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of their individual supply chains. They have found savings and efficiencies, and implemented new processes. Now, trading partners must collaborate to find new avenues for improvement. The competitive retail landscape […]
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Intermodal Transportation’s Strategic Advantage
Q: Why are shippers making intermodal more integral to their logistics strategies? A: Shippers are using intermodal for a variety of reasons. In many rail corridors, intermodal provides a much better value proposition than highway. Rail transportation is often more energy efficient, so “going green” in intermodal means moving freight costs less. With the driver […]
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TMS or 3PL: Which Suits Your Business Best?
Q: How does implementing a transportation management system (TMS) compare to engaging a third-party logistics (3PL) service provider? A: A TMS provider’s core business is offering software solutions that solve customer transportation requirements. Companies that implement TMS solutions are looking for certain capabilities: maintaining relationships with carriers; improving supply chain management and effectiveness; streamlining operations; […]
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Natural Gas For Long-Haul Trucking: Working Together to Get It Right
Q: The trucking industry is poised to increase its use of natural gas for heavy-duty, long-haul freight. Is this a good idea? A: Natural gas sounds like a dream proposition. It’s cheap, domestic, and, when it burns, it emits a quarter of the carbon dioxide (CO2) of diesel fuel—and few other pollutants. So it potentially […]
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