Articles
Transportation
Information Access Differentiates Transportation Providers
Q: What are the most important elements of an information technology (IT) strategy for participants in the transportation chain? A: Strategically, there is only one IT goal: to differentiate your service from your competitors. Tactically, you need to figure out how to deploy mobile computing for customer- and employee-facing iPad and smartphone applications. Today, information […]
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Negotiating Ocean Contracts That Will Float Your Boat
Ocean contracts are notoriously complicated. What can shippers do to help ensure the contract they sign is win-win?
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Inbound Logistics’ 2012 Ocean Carrier Guide
The global ocean freight industry is swelling with capacity as New Panamax ships come online. But after enduring one of its worst years in 2009, container volumes continue to dip as the tides of economic recession sweep across Europe and parts of Asia. Steamship lines have been working cooperatively within alliances, and on their own, […]
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Logistics Providers Steer Auto Industry on Road to Recovery
The automotive industry is rapidly rebounding from its recession lows as consumer demand for new vehicles grows. In response, auto manufacturers and their suppliers are quickly increasing manufacturing output. While this is great news for automakers and the overall financial health of the auto industry, there is a downside: The quick spike is severely straining […]
Read MoreControlling Transportation Insurance Costs
Developing rates for cargo in-transit insurance coverage is as much an art as a science. Underwriters consider the products shipped; susceptibility to loss and damage; number of shipments; trade lanes travelled; and transportation methods and modes. But insurance premiums are also driven by a firm’s loss history. While some of these variables may be out […]
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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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Using Incoterms to Simplify Global Sourcing
Specifying standard trade terms in international sales contracts lets shippers take shipment transport cost and risk responsibility in hand when it benefits them most.
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Managing Inbound Transportation: All On Board FOB
Tire importer TBC Corporation converts its inbound transportation to free-on-board terms and rolls out a supply chain transformation.
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Trends—November 2011
Urbanization Shapes Supply Chain Innovation With the global population expected to soon surpass seven billion, urbanization is an inevitable reality and challenge for supply chains. Where consumerism is concentrated, infrastructure and capacity are often constrained, making it difficult to move product in and out of congested areas. "For the first time in history, more than […]
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Drawing Value from Managed Drayage Solutions
Many shippers view drayage (the service offered by a motor carrier for pickup and delivery of ocean or rail containers) as a necessity and a fixed cost. But new approaches to drayage can bring significant savings and benefits to both shippers and drayage carriers. Traditionally, shippers have either relied on steamship lines to secure drayage […]
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