Articles

Partnership

Matt Tiedens
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Setting Up a Successful RFP

Managing a Request for Proposal (RFP) process can be daunting. Prequalify respondents, then keep things focused for the best results. Q: How do I extend invitations to the most qualified providers? A: The most qualified providers will reveal themselves through a Request for Information (RFI) process or reference. Preceding the Request for Proposal with an […]

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Thomas Griffin
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Finding the Right 3PL Partner Delivers Key Benefits

Q: How important is it to find a good 3PL in today’s transportation marketplace? A: Today, finding a good 3PL company to partner with is more important than ever. Supply chains have been dramatically impacted by the pandemic and businesses need a partner who is both nimble enough to make the proper adjustments on the […]

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2020 Top 100 3PLs

When companies put out the call for reliable and innovative supply chain and logistics solutions, these are the partners who save the day. Presented in alphabetical order, here are the 100 3PLs Inbound Logistics editors deem the best of the best.

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Felecia Stratton
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5 Steps to a Contract High

In the mid-2000s, a U.S. computer manufacturer signed a long-term contract with an overnight delivery service to transport its products. By the eighth year of the 10-year contract, both the manufacturer and carrier wanted out. But both companies knew ending the agreement would be a lose-lose. The result: two years of distrust, retaliatory measures, and […]

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Kicking the Tires on an IoT Solution
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Kicking the Tires on an IoT Solution

Tire manufacturer Michelin is a shipper with a massive global footprint and complex demands. With headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin operates 121 production facilities in 17 countries; those facilities produced approximately 190 million tires in 2017. With a presence in 170 countries, distributing products across the globe is a challenging and sophisticated operation.

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Derek Browning
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Choosing a 3PL: How to Make a Mature Decision

Relationships between shippers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers commonly focus more on tactical and operational elements rather than strategic elements. When sourcing to 3PLs, the shipper’s RFP often focuses on lane costs rather than strategic elements such as systems integration, real-time visibility, and total-cost performance. The transactional lane-focused relationship is appropriate for companies looking for […]

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How 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 […]

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Mary Lamie
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Collaboration Grows Freight Economy

At the heart of St. Louis’ strategy to advance as a global trade hub is a focus on collaboration to strengthen and promote the region’s already robust freight network. The entire bi-state region has united behind that common goal—establishing partnerships that bridge government boundaries, public and private sector, various industries, and multiple transport modes. The effort is paying off.

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Ocean Spray Teams Up With Uber Freight to Create a Refreshingly Simple Supply Chain

Ocean Spray, a fruit juice, snacks, and sauce retailer, has teamed up with Uber Freight to streamline and improve the transportation of its goods.  The company, comprised of more than 700 family-owned farms, decided to partner with the transportation service provider in an effort to stay ahead of industry trends and better serve its customers. […]

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