Amy Roach, Senior Editor

Amy is a veteran business journalist and editor with a deep background in B2B publishing, who has written extensively on the trends and strategies shaping global supply chains. In her current role, she oversees strategy for Inbound Logistics content including social media, email newsletters, webinars, video podcasts, whitepapers, and other strategic initiatives. Throughout her career, she has contributed to a wide array of publications and businesses in logistics, technology, retail, real estate, financial services, and higher education.

Articles by Amy Roach

Procurement Process and SCM: Processes, Types, How They Differ, and How to Integrate Them

Every business relies on suppliers to keep things moving. Without the right products or services at the right time, operations slow down, and customer satisfaction drops. That’s where procurement in the supply chain steps in—it’s not just about buying stuff; it’s about making smart, strategic decisions that drive performance. Procurement in the supply chain refers […]

Urban Warehousing: What It Is, Characteristics, and Benefits

Last-mile delivery has become a serious challenge for many businesses. Online shopping is growing fast, but getting products from warehouses to customers in urban areas is harder than ever. Roads are packed, customer expectations are high, and delays lead to lost sales. As cities grow and e-commerce booms, the demand for effective urban warehousing solutions […]

What Is a Consignee in Shipping?

In every international shipping process, someone must take ownership of the goods once they arrive. That person or business is known as the consignee, who must be present to accept the shipment. The consignee’s address must be accurately mentioned on shipping documents to ensure smooth transactions and deliveries. So, what is a consignee? A consignee […]

Supply Chain Disruptions: How They Happen, Industries Affected, and How to Manage

Empty shelves. Factory delays. Missed delivery windows. Supply chain disruptions have become more than just industry talk—they’re now everyday realities with direct consequences for businesses, customers, and the global economy. When supply chains break down, the ripple effect reaches every part of operations, from raw materials stuck at borders to finished goods delayed at ports. […]

Consignee vs. Consignor: Their Key Shipping Differences

In every freight shipment, two key roles drive the process: consignor and consignee. Without them, no shipment would reach its final destination, and no freight carrier could move cargo efficiently. A consignor is the party sending the goods. Ownership of the goods remains with the consignor until payment is made. The consignee does not own […]

Navigating Tariff Shifts: How U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Help Supply Chains Stay Resilient

As global trade faces uncertainty amid shifting tariffs, economic nationalism, and ongoing geopolitical friction, U.S. businesses are increasingly turning to Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) as a powerful tool to remain competitive. The U.S. is home to more than 230 approved FTZ projects and nearly 400 subzones, collectively supporting 600+ warehouses across the country. These special zones […]

10 Best Trucking Companies to Work For: High Paying Options

Are you a truck driver, whether experienced or a new driver, looking to work for one of the country’s great trucking companies? Are you searching for the best trucking companies to drive for? Below is a list of the top paying trucking companies, as ranked by TruckDriversSalary.com. This article will also highlight companies that provide […]

FCA Meaning: The Ultimate Guide to Free Carrier Shipping, Obligations, and Responsibilities

Dealing with international shipping requires clarity on responsibilities, costs, and legal duties for buyers and sellers, which is why understanding the trade term FCA meaning—Free Carrier Shipping—can significantly improve your logistics planning and avoid costly mistakes. In this arrangement, the seller handles delivery to a specified location, transferring responsibility and risk once the goods reach […]

Takt Time: Origins, What It Is, and Formula

Takt time is a crucial concept in manufacturing. It defines the pace at which products must be completed in the manufacturing process to meet customer demand efficiently. The word takt, which comes from the German word “takt,” means “rhythm. “ Takt time represents the harmony between production and demand, ensuring that each product aligns perfectly […]

Turnaround Time in Logistics: Definition, Importance, and How to Calculate

Turnaround Time (TAT) measures how long it takes to complete a process from start to finish. Logistics includes the time from arrival to departure and crucial steps in supply chain operations, such as warehouse intake or truck unloading. Understanding “what is Turnaround Time” will help improve operational efficiency and maintain a competitive edge. Efficient turnaround […]

What is MRP? History, Definition, and How it Works

Running a manufacturing process without an organized system often leads to chaos—too many raw materials or not enough to meet customer demand. That’s where material requirements planning (MRP) comes in. So, what is MRP? It’s a planning system that helps production managers calculate the materials needed, schedule production efficiently, and balance inventory levels with actual […]

15 Types of Pallet Racking

Discover the different types of pallet racking systems to optimize your storage solutions. Improve efficiency in your warehouse—read the full guide now!

Vertical Warehousing: What It Is, Analyzing, and Benefits

Logistics operations face increasing demands for smarter and space-saving storage strategies due to rapid growth in e-commerce and shifting consumer expectations. Businesses with limited floor space often struggle to scale efficiently without expanding their facility’s footprint. Adopting vertical warehousing helps companies build upward rather than outward, maximizing storage capacity and enhancing operational flow. This innovative […]

Just-In-Time Inventory: Definition, Advantages, Disadvantages

Just-In-Time inventory, or JIT, is a strategy that streamlines a business’s inventory and improves efficiency by receiving goods only as they are needed and minimizing inventory costs. This method helps maintain a lean inventory, significantly enhances cash flow, and reduces waste. In this guide, we will extensively review the JIT inventory system, exploring its core […]

Last Mile Delivery: Trends, Cost and How to Optimize

Efficient last mile delivery plays a crucial role in ensuring timely shipments, meeting customer expectations, and enhancing brand reputation. By addressing last mile delivery challenges such as route optimization and failed deliveries, businesses can strengthen their supply chain and reduce costs.

Pop-Up Warehousing: Definition, Risks, and Benefits

Pop-up warehousing offers a flexible solution for businesses facing supply chain uncertainties. It helps them adapt to fluctuating demand, manage seasonal products, and expand without committing to permanent infrastructure.

End-to-End Supply Chain: Meaning, Benefits, and How to Implement

  Fast delivery and exceptional service aren’t luxuries—they’re expectations in today’s competitive landscape. Meeting customer demands requires more than efficient shipping—it calls for complete coordination of the entire supply chain process where an end-to-end supply chain shines. An end-to-end supply chain covers everything from sourcing raw materials to final delivery and after-sales support. This integrated […]

MOQ Meaning: Its Formula, and How To Optimize It

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Meaning, Formula, and How To Optimize It Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) represents the smallest amount of a product a supplier is willing to sell at one time. Businesses commonly use minimum order quantities to streamline production processes, manage costs, and meet operational demands. Understanding MOQs ensures better planning and efficient inventory […]

Drayage vs Intermodal: Explaining Two Connected Transportation Modes

Efficient logistics rely on different modes of transportation to move freight smoothly from one point to another. Two crucial methods are drayage and intermodal transportation, each serving distinct roles in the supply chain. Both methods handle goods efficiently but differ in scope and purpose. Drayage focuses on short-distance transport, often between transportation hubs like rail […]

Partial Trucking: Pros, Cons, and Why You Should Use It

Finding the perfect balance between shipping costs and efficiency can be challenging for businesses. Traditional options often fall short for shipments that are too large for LTL shipping but too small for a full truckload, leading to wasted space or higher expenses. This is where partial truckload (PTL) steps in, offering a smart solution that […]

10 Leading Air Cargo Partners You Should Consider 

Choosing the right air cargo provider can significantly impact a company’s logistics performance and customer satisfaction. By evaluating each provider’s capabilities, services, and alignment with current trends, shippers can find the best fit for their needs in today’s fast-paced global market.

The Port Strike Is Over (For Now): What’s Next?

On Friday, U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports reopened following a landmark wage agreement between dockworkers and port operators, effectively ending the most significant work stoppage in nearly half a century. The strike, initiated by 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) on Tuesday, disrupted operations at 36 ports from Maine to Texas. […]