Karen Kroll
A transportation management system (TMS) can help companies navigate unsettled business conditions and boost performance.
Inbound Logistics editors select and spotlight the most innovative providers of logistics and supply chain technology.
Third-party logistics providers rise to the challenge, rolling in IT capabilities to become indispensable supply chain partners.
In this 10th edition of our Alaska supplement, we explore the state's beauty, resources, and the challenges presented by its location, geography, and climate. The logistics providers that excel in this state rely on grit, dedication, and expertise to move products to, from, and within the state safely and efficiently.
Merrill Douglas
Our 2022 market research report highlights the latest trends in technology solutions for the supply chain.
Helen Mann
Consumer demand boomed amidst a backdrop of disruption in 2021. To stay ahead in the coming year, supply chain professionals can utilize technology that aids with visibility, intelligence, and efficiency.
From resource planning and transportation management to analytics, these top GTM companies can help take some of the stress out of managing your global supply chain.
Karen Kroll
Whether they are bringing goods into the country or shipping them out, import/export success requires ingenuity, grit, and hard work.
E-commerce complications are multiplying as labor constraints continue and capacity challenges persist. These logistics providers have a winning formula.
Merrill Douglas
Experts provide advice on changes companies can make to reboot their supply chains for the COVID era.
The essence of logistics is making connections. No surprise, then, that Georgia—a state where connectivity is a way of life—is a shining star on the logistics land (and air and sea) scape.
Conrad Winter
Small and mid-sized manufacturers and retailers are killing it in the middle and final miles.
Get ready for another rollercoaster year. From limited transportation capacity to skyrocketing material costs to continuing supply chain disruption, here’s what to expect and what to do about it.
Helen Mann
Moving freight in 2022 can be a tricky business. Not only are ongoing supply chain slowdowns generating opportunities for cargo thieves, but in today’s day and age, increased reliance on technology brings a whole new set of vulnerabilities with it.
Karen Kroll
Even as digital supply chains have become more critical, they’ve also become increasingly vulnerable to attack. Here's how to safeguard your information.
Jaclyn Ix
Tune into these 12 Inbound logistics podcast episodes for illuminating logistics conversations as supply chain leaders offer tips and observations from the field.
Looks like 2022 will be fraught with many of the same challenges as last year. But IL has your back. We collected 18 tips from our audience—the leaders in logistics—to help you navigate with certainty.
Karen Kroll
As the business world evolves, so do the skills companies seek in graduates of supply chain programs. Today’s supply chain leaders need to understand technology, analytics, operations, and strategy, as well as resilience and risk management.
Amy Roach
Helping to increase worker safety and comfort, boost productivity and efficiency, and bring about cost savings, wearable technologies like hands-free wrist and ring bar-code scanners, smart glasses, and ergonomic safety monitors are increasingly in demand.
Karen Kroll
Using supply chain finance to successfully manage cash flows enables companies to cut debt and boost profitability.
Tom Gresham
In a climate of supply chain disruption and congestion, intermodal continues to provide a cost-effective option for long-haul shipments, offering invaluable capacity during a crunch.
Sandra Beckwith
Supply chain disruptions and other challenges are forcing retailers to find new ways to respond to demand surges, whether they’re anticipated or not. Here’s how they make sure they capture the sale.
Sandra Beckwith
Today’s robotics innovators are offering warehouses a range of automation solutions that are more flexible, affordable, and scalable than conventional systems.
Tom Gresham
In an episode of the Inbound Logistics podcast, Marty Wadle and Paul Jensen of Ruan describe what makes a logistics partnership thrive. Ruan offers an integrated solution that it believes removes waste and duplication and creates a stronger relationship with the customer. Wadle and Jensen explain the benefits of when a logistics provider is an integral part of their customer’s enterprise with goals and objectives that are fundamentally aligned.
Debra Phillips
As the pandemic continues to impact supply chains, retailers go shopping for third-party logistics providers to gain end-to-end control.
Jaclyn Ix
Grab a warm mug and dig into the latest logistics learnings covering everything from textile supply chain tactics to dominating in the digital age.
Transportation management has become increasingly complex and challenging. To help Inbound Logistics asked the experts to share their best advice.
Katrina Arabe
Get ready for another rollercoaster year. From limited transportation capacity to skyrocketing material costs to continuing supply chain disruption, here’s what to expect and what to do about it.
Jaclyn Ix
From keeping your cargo cool to amping up innovation in the age of acceleration, take a look back at the Inbound Logistics content that resonated with readers throughout the year.
Debra Phillips
New forecasting tools, added 3PL services, and increased collaboration are among the strategies companies rely on to inform inventory management.
Gary Wollenhaupt
Developing mutually beneficial relationships guarantees your partners will be there for you – in good times and bad.
Sandra Beckwith
By thinking creatively and embracing new solutions, third-party logistics providers support shippers through demand surges, labor shortages, cost increases, and capacity constraints.
Karen Kroll
Digital transformation will be fundamental as we tune into a post-pandemic supply chain.
Karen Kroll
16 sound procurement lessons you can tune into moving forward.
Merrill Douglas
This story looks at enterprise-level strategies that companies are using to meet today’s difficult supply chain challenges, and that offer potential lessons for their operations in the future.
Helen Mann
2021 will be remembered for labor challenges and shifts in thinking about employee engagement. These supply chain companies are leaning into educational opportunities and the profession’s societal impact to attract workers and increase job satisfaction.
Karen Kroll
The pandemic and shift to home dining and takeout changed the recipe for the food supply chain. Here’s how food companies are addressing new challenges.
Merrill Douglas
This story examines techniques and solutions used to maintain the cold chain for human tissues, vaccines and seafood.
Karen Kroll
From e-commerce fulfillment strategies to warehouse layout to inventory approaches, here are the supply chain moves that translate to significant customer experience improvements, from the supplier’s customer to the end consumer.
Karen Kroll
Experts offer tips and advice for riding out the turbulent airfreight market.
Expedite is becoming a go-to option for companies navigating slow procurement pipelines and congestion. Here’s how to keep freight moving when it seems like the whole world is conspiring to slow it down.
These expedited freight solution providers and the services they offer help shippers move their freight—and better serve their customers—at lightning speed.
Karen Kroll
To address the multiple challenges of rising container volume, larger ships, and the need for more sustainable operations, many ports are embarking on substantial capital improvement projects. Here’s what’s on deck.
Merrill Douglas
A survey of the factors that influence mode selection, both in ordinary times and in the hyper-challenging COVID era.
Sandra Beckwith
Workplace re-openings bring a host of new challenges to e-commerce retailers, including shifting from home to office delivery, predicting product mixes, and dealing with warehouse issues.
Gary Wollenhaupt
When shopping for a warehouse management system (WMS), one size doesn't fit all. To narrow your search, look for solutions with these must-have features to meet your current and future business demands.
Helen Mann
With capacity tight and trucker employment stretched thin, carriers can be selective about who they work with, so it’s important for shippers to have a game plan. Here’s how you can stay in the driver's seat.
Warehouse management systems are coveted now more than ever as consumer behaviors continue to shift. This short list of leading solutions can help your business stay agile to meet surging fulfillment demands.
Merrill Douglas
Inbound Logistics' annual report on the state of the trucking market, based on surveys of motor carriers and shippers.
Selected by Inbound Logistics’ editors, the 2021 Top 100 Truckers list honors reliable carriers that steer shippers in the right direction. The list serves as a comprehensive guide for shippers seeking reliable and cost-effective solutions.
Sandra Beckwith
As consumers become increasingly comfortable buying over-sized goods online, manufacturers and retailers partner with white-glove, last-mile delivery services to make in-home set-up and assembly a first-class experience.
Merrill Douglas
As e-commerce demand builds, online-only and omnichannel retailers alike lay the foundation for new partnerships and processes to keep pace, brick by brick.
Karen Kroll
The need for supply chain resilience, visibility, agility, and control drives technology across multiple sectors.
Sandra Beckwith
E-commerce brands looking to protect merchandise and reduce their carbon footprint are exploring surprising new packaging materials, designs, uses, and re-uses.
Karen Kroll
Demand volatility coupled with capacity shortages. Lead times stretching out weeks, even months. Congestion at ports worldwide. What can shippers do to keep their supply chains moving? Plenty.
Tom Gresham
Recent efforts to transport lions, critical medical aid, and a massive rocket stage demonstrate the steep challenges and keen ingenuity required to tackle extreme project logistics.
Karen Kroll
Small companies take big steps to navigate supply chain challenges.
Jaclyn Ix
When it's time to absorb your next audiobook or crack open a book this summer, take a dip into this collection of fresh research, actionable advice, and best practices to refresh your supply chain knowledge.
Karen Kroll
Shippers trust their third-party logistics partners to be there through thick and thin.
These third-party logistics providers have your back, earning shippers’ votes with their consistency and customer service.
Merrill Douglas
Our 16th annual 3PL market research report reveals the current state of the union between shippers and their logistics service partners.
When your enterprise faces supply chain and logistics challenges, these partners won't let you fall. In alphabetical order, here are the 100 third-party logistics providers deemed best of the best by Inbound Logistics editors.
Inbound Logistics
Leading professors provide a map for navigating the labyrinth of post-pandemic supply chain education.
Helen Mann
The shift to grocery e-commerce has retailers hungry for fulfillment improvements and supply chain efficiency gains.
Inbound Logistics
These supply chain, logistics, and transportation companies lead the way in supporting sustainability.
Merrill Douglas
Despite the distractions posed by the pandemic, many companies continue to improve sustainability in their supply chains. This story looks at some of those initiatives.
Karen Kroll
Transportation management systems are key to managing Supply chain disruptions, shifting capacity, fluctuating fuel costs and demanding e-commerce customer requirements.
Yard management systems (YMS) streamline operations by managing shipments from the yard gate to the dock. Find out how to transform your yard into a source of efficiency and use this short list of leading providers to start your search for the right solution.
Transportation management systems (TMS) are key to managing disruptions, capacity shifts, fluctuating fuel costs, and evolving customer expectations. This guide can put you on the road to improved performance during all types of business conditions.
Merrill Douglas
How the COVID-19 pandemic changed demand in five product categories, the challenges those changes created for e-commerce fulfillment, and the strategies that merchants and their service providers deployed to meet the need.
Karen Kroll
The supply chain shift to dynamic, difficult-to-forecast e-commerce fulfillment channels is even more challenging for a particular type of product: the bulky and oversized. Any item that's too big or otherwise out of spec to properly run on automated infrastructure like conveyors or sorters presents a cumbersome materials handling problem, and this article conveys the solutions.
Debra N. Phillips
While waiting for the pandemic to blow over, skilled shippers developed effective transportation strategies that will protect them in times of future disruption, no matter the conditions.
Merrill Douglas
To help logistics professionals plan for the future, Inbound Logistics conducts an annual survey of logistics technology providers. Assembling data on current logistics IT trends, we paint a picture of the capabilities available today and the technology investments shippers are making to gain a competitive edge.
Inbound Logistics’ 2021 Top 100 Logistics IT Providers guide shines a light on the brightest and most innovative logistics technology providers.
Karen Kroll
Technology innovations help supply chain professionals access the qualities that can help them compete in a changed world: safety, visibility, flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability.
Karen Kroll
Global logistics gets a reboot thanks to the upheaval in product flows over the past year, mostly driven by the pandemic.
Global trade management solutions became even more important when supply chains were disrupted with the pandemic. By connecting sourcing and logistics, GTM systems help make global trade transparent, efficient, and cost-effective.
Georgia’s solid logistics infrastructure provided the firm foundation needed to keep cargo moving efficiently and safely regardless of a pandemic and national economic stress. These providers and trade partners led the way.
To survive—and thrive—in today’s accelerated e-commerce environment, companies are reworking fulfillment strategies and supply chain networks. These providers offer scalability and solutions.
Merrill Douglas
A practical guide to importing and exporting, with advice from experts in the field.
Karen Kroll
These agile small and mid-sized businesses have picked up the pace to vault over supply chain challenges, including the pandemic.
Expert advice on how supply chain leaders can continue to rise above unprecedented challenges through building on resilience, rethinking peak season, strengthening cold chain distribution, and even collaborating with competitors.
Supply chain education has transformed with the pandemic, and there’s no looking back. These new programs focus on digitization, diversity and inclusion, and omnichannel strategies.
Karen Kroll
The maritime industry navigated stormy seas during the pandemic, but emerging technologies, increasing volumes, and new strategies point to a ship-shape future.
Merrill Douglas
The pandemic is testing shipper-carrier partnerships in new and different ways. Here’s what transportation partners are doing to reconnect and keep their relationships healthy for the long haul.
Richard Osborne
Puerto Rico is a sometimes overlooked domestic market for U.S. manufacturers. But a “Made in America” initiative, a highly skilled workforce, and transshipment capabilities are beckoning shippers to the island.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Future-proof operations, jump e-commerce hurdles, and perfect your digital transformation strategy with these must-listen episodes from our extensive library of discussions with logistics leaders.
Jaclyn Ix
Delve into these logistics reads to learn about revitalizing retail, the inner workings of supermarkets, and a playbook for competing in a digital-first environment.
Karen Kroll
Rapid and profound changes in business operations are driving robotics and automation, which allow companies to cost-effectively act more flexibly and nimbly. Here are some real-world examples of companies experiencing the benefits of deploying robotics and other types of automation.
Karen Kroll
Leaders set their sights on the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance visibility, cut costs, and power growth.
Karen Kroll
To move goods to customers’ doorsteps efficiently, safely, and quickly, many companies need to overcome strained distribution networks, time-consuming manual processes, driver shortages, and urban congestion. Here are the latest last-mile innovations.
Interest in reshoring is accelerating, according to Thomas research. Here are three under-reported trends that will help manufacturers speed up their reshoring efforts.
Karen Kroll
By working as partners, third-party logistics providers and shippers take on today's warehousing challenges.
Using reverse logistics strategies, shippers can recoup maximum value on a product when the first sale doesn't work out.
Katrina Arabe
Businesses got through 2020 with creative pivots and adjustments, but what’s to come in 2021? Experts are focusing on these trends as they look at the year ahead.
Merrill Douglas
As soon as a flower is picked at the farm, floral logistics blooms into a complex arrangement of proper packaging, refrigeration, and speed—especially during the holidays.
The ultimate list of tips for charging up your supply chain to full power in 2021 and beyond.
Karen Kroll
What makes one supply chain career move more impactful than another? We asked several supply chain professionals to share the moves that proved most significant.
Karen Kroll
Environmental impacts, cost concerns, and technology advances drive food packaging innovation.
Merrill Douglas
A look at some of the strategies that shippers and their 3PL partners use to provide end customers with an excellent experience.
To help make sense of all the expedited delivery options, we compiled this A-to-Z guide to some leading expedited carriers who can get your shipments where they need to go, as fast as they need to get there.
Karen Kroll
The air cargo market has faced numerous challenges since the pandemic began. Here's how airlines, airports, shippers, and others are stepping up to meet them.
Merrill Douglas
A look at strategies used by shippers and their transportation partners to deliver e-commerce orders with the speed that consumers require.
Karen Kroll
By weeding out detention costs, trimming inefficiencies, and seeding visibility and productivity, yard management systems (YMS) can fertilize your supply chain.
Karen Kroll
When used smartly, rail and intermodal can give your supply chain a lift today and down the road. These guidelines will help you get the most out of intermodal, even in a challenging market.
Merrill Douglas
This story surveys some of the advanced technology that marine ports are implementing to improve their operations, with a side look at implementations at a couple of shipping lines.
Selecting the right site for your manufacturing facility, DC, or warehouse is more than just pinpointing a spot on the map. It’s about finding the best blend of features and opportunities those sites have to offer.
Karen Kroll
Following these guidelines can boost your chances for successfully implementing a warehouse management system.
Merrill Douglas
Shippers look for truckers and partners that can shift gears quickly and provide dependable performance. Here are the strategies the best trucking companies use to meet—and even exceed—shippers’ expectations.
WMS solutions are top of mind now more than ever as customer buying patterns continue to change. These forward-thinking solutions can help your business react quickly to today’s new fulfillment demands.
Here's how freight bill audit and payment firms unearth and leverage data from freight audits to provide shippers the mother lode of information they need to make intelligent, strategic decisions.
Selected by Inbound Logistics’ editors, the annual Top 100 Truckers directory is a comprehensive guide that matches you with carriers that will drive your company in the right direction.
Merrill Douglas
Agile and innovative retailers transformed their operations during COVID-19. Will their new fulfillment options and increased digitization go out of style as stores reopen, or will they become retail staples?
Sandra Beckwith
Shippers want the right cargo in the right place at the right time. That takes planning, collaboration, and technology. Here are the metrics they monitor and how they do it.
The latest COVID-19 Manufacturing Survey from Thomas Insights illuminates emerging trends in reshoring, labor, and technology, and reveals a positive outlook for the future of manufacturing.
Karen Kroll
During the lockdown, some subscription services unboxed a demand surge while others were forced to close the flaps. Here's how successful services deliver the goods.
Leaders share best practices for sharpening digital strategy, developing resilience, and improving visibility as shippers re-engage in trade and navigate COVID-19 uncertainty.
Incentives play an instrumental part in creating cost savings and cost avoidance for projects, touching on everything from workforce training to energy spending. ElectriCities of North Carolina and Hoosier Energy are examples of regional organizations that help attract companies to their communities with incentives and other advantages.
The Sunshine State is a strategic and economic powerhouse, driving companies' logistics success and setting the stage to play an even more substantial role in the coming years.
Karen Kroll
To prepare for the return of crowded streets in urban areas, cities and shippers explore alternative vehicles, apps, pricing solutions, and distribution centers to address last-mile gridlock.
Karen Kroll
By providing visibility to items in transit, working to optimize transportation networks, and streamlining processes, transportation management systems (TMS) check off all the boxes.
Merrill Douglas
This story examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on five vertical markets and describes some of the strategies used in those markets to meet the challenge.
Karen Kroll
As the country moves toward a new normal, what will the workforce look like?
Tamara Chapman
The professionals behind special logistics projects need to attend to details, focus on the big picture and always prepare for problems.
Sandra Beckwith
Responding to consumer demand for healthful options—and beef shortages—brands cook up plant-based meat alternatives while trying to avoid getting burned by supply chain challenges.
Jaclyn Ix
Whether you're looking for an enlightening read in the sun or taking your book-reading indoors this summer, this 2020 logistics and supply chain reading guide will help you catch the latest wave of discussions.
Karen Kroll
When supply chain and logistics trouble brews, shippers summon third-party logistics (3PL) providers for their expertise, technology, and dedication to customer service.
Bolstered by a new trade deal, the longstanding partnership between Canada and the United States thrives during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing ample opportunity for companies that offer cross-border solutions.
When shippers send out distress signals, 3PLs answer the call. The providers that earned a 2020 Readers' Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence Award are among the most responsive and respected in the industry.
Merrill Douglas
Inbound Logistics' newest exclusive 3PL market research provides a snapshot of how the world appears to shippers and their logistics service providers.
The top 100 third-party logistics providers of 2020 as chosen by Inbound Logistics' editors.
Chosen by Inbound Logistics editors, these 75 green companies are dedicated to implementing best practices that make global supply chains more sustainable and their operations more socially and environmentally friendly.
Karen Kroll
As logistics challenges become more complex and technology advances, ongoing education, innovation, and research on the part of logistics and supply chain firms has become a competitive imperative.
Karen Kroll
While the human and financial tolls wrought by COVID-19 are horrific, the pandemic has also brought out the best in many people and the logistics and supply chain organizations with which they work.
Merrill Douglas
Practical suggestions for making supply chains more environmentally sustainable.
With exacting specifications and transportation challenges heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, shippers are turning to these partners to move chemicals safely and optimize supply chains.
Karen Kroll
How technology innovation is changing the nature of many warehouse jobs.
Supply chain leaders share the latest innovations, solutions, e-commerce strategies, and IT operations
Merrill Douglas
Working together with IoT, AI, drones and other advanced technologies, WMS solutions help warehouses gain accuracy, efficiency, and speed.
Before the advent of warehouse club stores, pallets were usually found behind the scenes. Now considered a crucial part of a systems approach to the supply chain, pallets are front and center in companies' sustainability strategies.
Intermodal has experienced a decline in volumes during the COVID-19 crisis, but it also has served as a dependable option for shippers in a time of turmoil. Because of its robust infrastructure and capacity, intermodal appears poised to resume its growth when the supply chain regains its footing.
Inbound Logistics offers this annual guide of some top TMS providers and solutions that can put you on the right road toward improved transportation management and performance, regardless of the business conditions. Take a look at our 2020 TMS Buyer's Guide.
Merrill Douglas
This story looks at some recent applications of blockchain technology in supply chain management.
Merrill Douglas
To help logistics professionals plan for the future, Inbound Logistics conducts an annual survey of logistics technology providers. Assembling data on current logistics IT trends, we paint a picture of the capabilities available today and the technology investments shippers are making to gain a competitive edge.
Our annual Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics IT Providers list is a guide of the leading logistics IT solutions providers in the market in 2020. Next time you're ready to add to your company's logistics IT tools, you'll find our guide an invaluable resource.
Supply chain management may have changed forever as COVID-19 brings heightened awareness to its fragility. With careful planning, shippers can minimize risks related to the pandemic.
Increasing visibility, flexibility, and accuracy, these technological tools enable 3PLs to more effectively move, store, and fulfill shippers’ orders—even during supply chain disruptions.
Logistics providers in Alaska are on top of the world, literally and figuratively. They are a special breed prepared for every challenge the Last Frontier poses.
Merrill Douglas
Importers can use these strategies to monitor potential risks to their supply chains, respond effectively when disruptions occur, and work proactively to avoid future disruptions.
With a bustling airport, booming ports, and ample highways and railroads, the Peach State is a sweet spot for international logistics.
Karen Kroll
Global trade management systems (GTMs) can help organizations comply with trade regulations and tariffs, automate transactions, and gain visibility into their supply chains. By leveraging the information captured by the GTM, organizations also can improve their supply chain operations.
Mike Ogle
Inbound Logistics' 2020 Global Logistics Guide provides an around-the-world look at the issues, opportunities, and concerns likely to affect global supply chain networks.
E-commerce has remapped supply chains. Across both business-to-business and business-to-consumer transactions, technology is taking on the complexity caused by this shift and driving efficiency.
From resource planning and transportation management to analytics, these top global trade management (GTM) solutions can help take the stress out of managing your global supply chain.
Sandra Beckwith
E-commerce growth and warehouse labor shortages create the perfect storm for online retailers. Undaunted, companies face these challenges with ongoing technology, equipment, and warehouse space innovations.
Tamara Chapman
Professors at some of the country’s leading supply chain education programs joined Inbound Logistics for a conversation about how they are preparing the next generation of professionals, whether they come from business programs or engineering schools, for tomorrow’s challenges.
Sandra Beckwith
From establishing secondary suppliers to setting up alternative routes, here’s a look at how Plan B strategies can keep you up and running even during extreme weather events.
Merrill Douglas
This story looks at various ways in which companies take advantage of their suppliers’ capabilities and expertise, and at the benefits of those partnerships.
Jaclyn Ix
Give yourself an excuse to stay inside and open up a book you've been meaning to read. These titles will help you catch up on the latest deep dives into the world of logistics.
The clearer your RFP, the easier it will be for 3PLs to understand your requirements and provide you with the information you need to make an informed selection.
Merrill Douglas
Better matching demand to supply and adjusting contracts, tendering, and invoice auditing strategies can help shippers control transportation costs as rates rise in 2020.
Karen Kroll
Third-party logistics providers are future-proofing supply chains, using a toolbox filled with business insights, predictive capabilities, and other new solution sets.
Industry leaders look to the future, offering advice and strategies to help you successfully navigate the year ahead.
Sandra Beckwith
Smaller ports can often save time, lower costs, and provide superior customer service than larger coastal ports. Here are seven hidden advantages offered by ports off the beaten water path.
Karen Kroll
Supply chain professionals working in small and mid-sized businesses often operate with little margin for error. Taking calculated, thoughtful risks can pay off.
Karen Kroll
Electronics suppliers, distributors, and retailers address high-voltage challenges–from shorter product life cycles to price erosion and unpredictable tariffs—with technology and changing business processes.
Paul A. Myerson
Here’s how to integrate demand and supply initiatives and techniques into your procurement strategies.
From tariff and trade wars to new trade agreements and updated Incoterms, 2020 is shaping up to be an interesting year for global shippers.
Merrill Douglas
Take a look at the strategies that retailers and their service partners use to improve last-mile delivery for direct-to-consumer sales.
Take a look at the top ten Inbound Logistics articles that got readers buzzing in 2019.
Brittain Ladd
General Patton would survey the e-commerce battlefield where Walmart competes and conduct a threat assessment of every major competitor, especially Amazon.
Jennifer Baljko
Cross-industry supply chain models and innovative ways of monetizing assets help shippers and logistics providers drive efficiencies
Merrill Douglas
This story examines three big paradigm shifts that are likely to occur in supply chains in the coming years: technologies to promote greater transformation efficiency; supply chains optimized for sustainability; and the digitized supply chain.
Merrill Douglas
This story looks at elements that produce excellent customer service and at some of the technology tools companies use to help them deliver excellent service to their customers.
Karen Kroll
When consumers are ravenous for a trendy food or beverage, whether an unexpected, one-time jump or a seasonal occurrence, supply chain professionals can meet demand and boost sales by leveraging analytics to more accurately forecast demand shifts and working closely with business partners to expand capacity.
Mike Ogle
Competition has never been tougher to obtain supply chain talent, forcing companies to rethink recruitment strategies. Here are some best practices for companies to integrate into supply chain talent recruitment.
Need to move goods quickly? These airfreight partners offer speed and reliability with end-to-end solutions that ensure supply chain efficiency.
Merrill Douglas
This story explores the strategies that expedited carriers use to deliver freight within the tight time windows their customers require.
Karen Kroll
Organic farmers face the same challenges as conventional farmers, as well as few more: the risks of contamination or commingling, as well as fraudulent competition. They’re addressing these challenges with technology and shifts in their supply chains.
Increasing consumer expectations, market uncertainty, and other recent trends, have only enhanced the value 3PLs bring to shippers. From technology innovations to process insights, here are the ways 3PLs unlock and increase supply chain efficiencies.
Karen Kroll
While the prospect of higher tariffs and the cost of requirements to use low-sulfur fuel pose concerns for the maritime industry, it’s forging ahead with bigger, more automated seaports, as well as technology that improves visibility, reduces its environmental impact, and streamlines operations.
Merrill Douglas
This story looks at the logistics of managing good through the reverse logistics and liquidation process. The goal is to recover as much value as possible from returned or unsold goods, and to keep product out of landfills.
These logistics sites reach for the stars and deliver stellar performance.
Merrill Douglas
This story offers strategies for making intermodal transportation efficient and cost-effective.
Merrill Douglas
Inbound Logistics' exclusive survey of shippers and truckers reveals where the wind is blowing in the trucking industry today.
Sandra Beckwith
Established CPG brands accustomed to a pallet to pallet fulfillment model need to accommodate a pallet to piece approach in a growing direct-to-consumer marketplace. At the same time, these brands face competition from agile, online-only start-ups that begin with a direct-to-consumer fulfillment model.
FBAP service providers use big data and business intelligence to drive global enterprise change.
Karen Kroll
Advances in technology, new regulations, and more personalized medicine offer both challenges and opportunities for pharmaceutical supply chains. Successful ones will leverage technology, share information, and embrace change.
Merrill Douglas
Here's a look at the strategies that small- and medium-sized retailers use to help them thrive despite competiton from much larger companies.
The 2019 Top 100 Truckers list offers a snapshot of the trucking segment—from large truckload and LTL carriers with global inroads to niche-specific regional haulers that get their white gloves dirty delivering to the final mile.
Sandra Beckwith
While there are more trucks in the marketplace now than there were a year ago, carriers and others warn against freight capacity complacency. They recommend three essentials for making sure shippers get the capacity they need now and later.
Tax, energy, and land incentives can play a crucial role in the site selection process, providing key economic benefits to companies and helping form long-term partnerships between companies and localities. Incentives’ value to a company depends on a variety of factors, including the site and nature of a project and the incentives’ ultimate usefulness to a company.
Karen Kroll
As in many other industries, technology is changing the aftermarket auto parts sector. Not only is e-commerce upending traditional distribution channels, but advances in technology are changing cars themselves, and these shifts are reverberating to the auto parts market.
Mike Ogle
Team Penske’s logistical skills help lead them to victory at the Indy 500.
Tamara Chapman
As the supply chain exercises more influence over business outcomes, its managers are rising to top leadership positions. Supply chain pros with sights set on a corner office would do well to expand their skill sets and seek job experiences that prepare them for complexity.
Providing innovative and reliable supply chain solutions, these third-party logistics providers drive home the goods. Presented in alphabetical order, these are the 100 3PLs Inbound Logistics editors selected as the best of the best.
Merrill Douglas
Whether brand new, solidly up and running, or decades old, shipper-3PL partnerships thrive on open communications, flexibility and trust.
Sandra Beckwith
Here's an overview of the current West Coast seaport environment and a snapshot look at how top ports are accommodating and embracing growth.
Karen Kroll
An inside look at how project managers rise to the challenges of unique logistics initiatives.
Sandra Beckwith
In the sneaker supply chain, manufacturers and retailers need to know where the product is in every stage of design, production, and shipping.
The Inbound Logistics audience has stamped it license-plate official: These top-tier third-party logistics providers deserve accolades and the distinction of being a Top 10 3PL.
Karen Kroll
Women are steadily advancing in supply chain and logistics. Here's how seven leading women in logistics got to the top of the field.
Merrill Douglas
This story highlights the results of Inbound Logistics’ 14th annual survey of shippers and 3PLs.
With a new treaty in hand, the long-established trade relationship between the United States and Canada continues to thrive for the benefit of both countries.
Tamara Chapman
From Point A to Point Z, the supply chain provides fertile ground for persistent myths. Whether they concern job qualifications or day-to-day business practices, they merit some serious scrutiny.
Inbound Logistics’ annual G75 features a carefully curated list of 75 logistics companies that go above and beyond to maintain sustainable, eco-friendly supply chains and operations.
Merrill Douglas
This article looks at three companies that aim for environmental sustainability in their operations. It examines their “green” practices and also considers the financial impact of those activities.
Sandra Beckwith
The baby products category is one of the most highly regulated in the world. Rigorous testing and certification are designed to protect the smallest humans from injury and illness caused by everything from loose parts that could cause choking to flammable fabrics or toxic materials. In addition to intense regulation, manufacturers must deal with consumer preferences that change almost as quickly as a parent can diaper a baby.
From specialized requirements to capacity constraints, considerable challenges face chemical shippers. In response, service providers are coming up with solutions of substance.
Karen Kroll
Innovations in material handling solutions are helping shippers cut costs and boost accuracy.
Merrill Douglas
This story examines the labor management challenges associated with warehouse safety and recommends some best practices.
Projects that boast intermodal access provide advantages for everyone involved. The keys to effective intermodal sites can be narrowed to a combination of location and physical accommodations. CenterPoint and Duke Realty are among those who have developed intermodal facilities that have proved attractive to shippers, while the TexAmericas Center is exploring the development of an intermodal site for the Texarkana area.
Regardless of the type of pallet—wood, plastic, composite, or metal—shippers are looking for some essential characteristics to move their goods safely and efficiently.
Better manage your yard operations with this comprehensive guide. We showcase the providers and systems leading the market.
Tom Gresham
The variety of transportation management systems available can make it difficult for shippers to target the solution that is the best fit for their organization. Experts say companies should strive to identify the features that will support their unique operation rather than falling into the trap of chasing options that will not provide a useful impact. The process for selecting a TMS should be marked by disciplined decision-making and a focus on the business case.
Some leading vendors in the TMS market.
Today, many 3PLs provide the technology solutions and expertise shippers need to manage increasingly complicated customer relationships.
Merrill Douglas
Inbound Logistics' annual survey highlights key trends in the supply chain technology market and shines a light on the brightest and most innovative providers.
Karen Kroll
New tools like blockchain and IoT, as well as advances in existing tools such as RFID, are helping companies gain greater visibility to their supply chains.
Gary Wollenhaupt
As the demand for faster shipping and better e-commerce availability increases, retailers will need to adopt new order fulfillment and shipping strategies to stay in prime shape.
Successfully tapping into Alaska’s growth depends on the perseverance, innovation, efficiency, and resources of logistics providers whose experience has withstood the test of time and travel in this most extraordinary state.
Some leading vendors in the GTM Solutions market.
Mike Ogle
Inbound Logistics' 15th annual Global Logistics Guide provides an around-the-world look at the issues, opportunities, and concerns likely to affect global supply chain networks.
Beth Pride
Five regions/countries merit serious thought by any company doing business in those regions. They are the United States, Canada and Mexico, the United Kingdom, Russia and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) countries.
Karen Kroll
Distribution centers used for short-term storage and cross-docking are changing to accommodate the growth in online ordering and rising expectation for rapid delivery.
Georgia, a leading point of origin for companies to move products to their customers, has an inherent geographical advantage that is enhanced by a superior infrastructure and its status as home to many of the leading logistics companies and practitioners anywhere in the world.
Merrill Douglas
We asked faculty at four academic supply chain management programs to describe elements of a curriculum to prepare students for the supply chain challenges found in businesses today.
Sandra Beckwith
Companies that manufacture, sell, and deliver an increasing number of e-commerce oversize goods face a unique set of challenges when delivering to homes. Delivery teams not only need access to home interiors for set-up, they must also communicate in real-time with recipients so they’re home when orders are delivered. What’s more, they need far more customer service skills than the typical delivery driver.
Beth Pride
As the impacts of tariffs increase, companies must find new ways to consider and classify their products and supply chains to minimize costs and other risks
Karen Kroll
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are among those most impacted by the proliferation of delivery channels over the past several years. To succeed in this changing marketplace, successful CGP businesses are refining factory operations and developing new distribution and transportation models.
Karen Kroll
As transportation becomes a larger portion of overall logistics costs, supply chain professionals are taking steps to control the issue. These include partnering with carriers, evaluating all modes, leveraging information systems, and minimizing delays when loading and unloading.
Tom Gresham
A robust economy and capital investments help buoy record cargo volumes.
Merrill Douglas
This story examines some of the new models for e-commerce fulfillment that retailers are using today, particularly ones that involve the use of physical stores.
Mike Ogle
This article first introduces Jim Bramlett’s Hassle Quotient score and how the internet has changed how companies compete, then focuses on how the Hassle Quotient applies to transportation and logistics.
Merrill Douglas
This story examines some of the challenges that are slowing the flow of intermodal containers, and also looks at some technology solutions that help to improve the situation.
Get moving with these actionable tips to jolt your warehousing, transportation, and logistics operations.
Mark Millar
Despite a shift toward regionalization, the era of complex supply chain ecosystems is far from over.
Sandra Beckwith
Supply chain automation is gaining ground, particularly in warehousing and middle- and last-mile logistics.
Tamara Chapman
Whether they involve moving endangered animals or perishable delicacies, special projects demand teams that know how to plan thoroughly, collaborate with multiple partners and prepare for every eventuality.
Inbound Logistics
Inbound Logistics reveals the 10 articles that drew the largest audience and reader response during 2018.
Merrill Douglas
This story examines factoring, supply chain financing, and variations on those strategies that trading partners use to optimize their cash flows.
Noel Perry
What is happening and what will happen to trucking capacity and costs? Here's the data you need to help plan for the coming months.
Tom Gresham
Integrated WMS and TMS solutions increase visibility and communication and optimize the movement of goods.
Emma James
Examining the effects of blockchain technology on ocean carriers and shippers.
Karen M. Kroll
Each year, billions of dollars of goods flow between Mexico and the U.S. While trade between the countries shows no signs of stopping, recent events may alter the flow. These include the USMCA, which still awaits ratification; decisions by the Mexican administration regarding construction of its ports and airports; trade disputes between the U.S. and China; and the Unified Cargo Processing program.
Brittain Ladd
What’s needed is a new retail model for grocery shopping.
Karen M. Kroll
More warehouses are moving “eaches” as well as traditional pallet orders, and facing ever-increasing demands for speed. To manage the diverse product flows in a timely manner, shippers are bringing different technologies to their warehouses, including robotics and robust warehouse management systems. They’re also supplementing mammoth warehouses with smaller “micro-centers” that they can locate closer to population centers.
Karen M. Kroll
Grocers are working to satisfy consumers’ growing demand for rapid delivery of everything from apples to watermelon. To accomplish this, they’re educating personal shoppers, developing new technologies to handle the last mile of delivery, rethinking their distribution networks and inventory planning, and partnering with technology companies.
Merrill Douglas
This story explores some of the ways retailers use customer service to build customer loyalty, both in stores and in the e-commerce channel.
Sandra Beckwith
2018 has been marked by tariffs, trade deals, and technological advancements. Here are the highlights.
Tamara Chapman
No matter how skilled or credentialed, today’s supply chain managers have a lot to learn–and a lot of ways to do so. With the marketplace growing more complex, continuing education professionals are introducing new programs and revising old standbys.
These airfreight partners can help you fashion transportation operations that make your company a model of efficiency.
Merrill Douglas
This article recommends 12 strategies companies can implement to speed product flow in the supply chain.
Karen M. Kroll
Many traditional airfreight forwarders are remaining relevant by enhancing their online capabilities and expanding the range of supply chain services they offer.
In logistics, two Ws are most important — where and when. Choosing the right sites and services is vital in getting your products where they need to go, when they need to get there.
Merrill Douglas
This story provides an update on the state of intermodal transportation in the U.S., including the conditions driving shippers to make greater use of intermodal, moves the railroads are making to improve service, and the factors that help to determine whether a shipment should go intermodal or over the road.
Karen M. Kroll
Five trends shaping the maritime industry will also impact shippers: carrier consolidation and alliances, the increasing sizes of ships, ports that have become chokepoints, advancing technology, and increasing concerns about the environmental impact of shipping.
Sandra Beckwith
Innovations in logistics technology are making it possible to apply crowdsourcing long used for product design or marketing feedback in ways that are solving new problems that include final mile delivery of groceries and e-commerce orders to homes and businesses.
Sandra Beckwith
As a booming economy, an aging and shrinking driver workforce, and the new EDL mandate combine with other factors to create a truckload capacity shortage, shippers have to change how they do business to make sure they can move goods. Experts share how to survive in a new economy where truckers are in the driver’s seat in more ways than one.
Advances in technology, increasing globalization, and the growth of e-commerce are upending the traditional freight bill audit and payment industry.
Jason McDowell
Wellness programs keep drivers healthy, and carriers wealthy and wise.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Inbound Logistics' annual Top 100 Truckers directory provides an in-depth index of carriers that match shippers' diverse and demanding needs.
Merrill Douglas
Insights collected through Inbound Logistics' exclusive annual survey of shippers and truckers find the industry's most significant trends and challenges.
Merrill Douglas
Up to 30 percent of e-commerce orders shipped to customers wind up coming back. Here's how smart retailers box up their reverse logistics strategies.
Karen M. Kroll
Using technology to gain a clear view into your supply chain can both wipe out costs and pour revenue to your bottom line.
Economic development partners collaborate to create incentive packages tailored to each company's needs.
For logistics and manufacturing companies, the Sunshine State is the place to grow.
Tom Gresham
Do you sometimes feel like cushioning your facilities and workers with bubble wrap to keep them safe? Here are five ways to pop that problem.
The United States and its northern neighbor remain trading partners with staying power.
Tamara Chapman
Ensuring summer foods make it to consumers fresh and intact ain't no picnic.
Tom Gresham
With driver shortage and capacity issues affecting trucking, once wary shippers are taking a different view of rail intermodal.
Merrill Douglas
Logistics service providers reveal how they treat their customers like VIPs.
Karen M. Kroll
Shippers can take several steps to rein in airfreight costs. These include checking that it’s truly necessary, combining air with other modes of transportation, incorporating air into their ongoing logistics planning, and developing strong relationships with freight forwarders.
Merrill Douglas
This feature examines the impact of both upcoming and current disruptions on the automotive industry and looks at how automakers and their partners are adjusting to the changes.
Sandra Beckwith
As e-commerce continues to grow, footwear brands and retailers benefit from continually increasing sales. The challenge for e-tailers is to be profitable while dealing with fickle consumer tastes and product seasonality, a high return rate and large number of SKUs, and packaging that’s larger and bulkier than its parent category, apparel.
Tamara Chapman
Logistics professionals called on to execute an outside-the-box project need to think across dimensions and time zones while planning for every eventuality.
It’s a boon year for third-party logistics providers offering innovative, flexible, and reliable solutions to meet shipper demands. Presented alphabetically, these are the 100 3PLs Inbound Logistics editors chose as the best of the best. Search the 3PL Decision Support Tool for an even deeper dive.
Karen M. Kroll
Should you offshore, nearshore, or reshore? It helps to understand how each model impacts the supply chain before you ante up.
Gary Frantz
The nation’s ports are testing technologies and investing in infrastructure improvements to adapt to a world where the ultimate consumer increasingly embraces Amazon-like expectations.
Lisa Harrington
Blockchain is the topic of the moment in supply chain. But what can it really do for supply chains today, and where can it take us tomorrow?
Inbound Logistics Staff
Each year, the Inbound Logistics Readers’ Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence survey gives shippers the chance to give a shout-out to providers that have taken on so much of their load. Here are the best of the best.
Sandra Beckwith
Consolidating three independent operating companies into one at Smithfield Foods is triggering significant changes in the three organizations’ supply chains. Reducing complexity and improving visibility are not only making supply chain processes more efficient, they’re also saving money and helping the corporation achieve its sustainability goals.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Inbound Logistics features its annual G75—a carefully curated list of 75 companies that go above and beyond to ensure their global supply chains are sustainable, and their operations are socially and environmentally friendly.
Sandra Beckwith
As next-gen supply chain professionals set their career goals, mentoring by seasoned professionals can help them up their game.
These are good times for chemical manufacturing in the United States. But an active market creates special challenges for companies that need to transport chemical products.
Yossi Sheffi, Elisha Gray II Professor of Engineering Systems at MIT, and Director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics
Clarifying The Business Case For Green Supply Chain Management
Jason McDowell
Military logisticians may face unique life or death challenges when moving cargo, but in the end, the civilian and military supply chain aren’t so different.
Emma James
With so many choices available, shippers must truly understand what they want a Transportation Management System to accomplish in order to make the right selection.
Merrill Douglas
With a combination of compelling traits, some places are particularly well suited to supply chain operations. Here are 8 characteristics that define a logistics hot spot.
Thanks to its strong global and fast-growing market, the St. Louis region is a leader in freight, setting records and gaining national and global significance.
Wood or plastic? Lease or purchase? Whatever your operations need, there's a pallet provider ready to supply it.
Karen M. Kroll
Here are some warehouse operations moves—some small steps, some not—companies can do to boost their bottom lines and improve customer satisfaction, including layout and organization, docking, picking and receiving, fulfillment, and packaging.
Still struggling to get your logistics technology up to speed? You're not alone. See why companies are increasingly outsourcing IT to their third-party logistics providers.
Merrill Douglas
Various uses of robots in the supply chain and the benefits those systems provide.
Jason Scheer
As closer supply chain ties are forged with vendors, logistics managers must increasingly collaborate with procurement. To provide insight, a new study illuminates today's procurement process, and the many challenges purchasing managers face.
Jason McDowell
Jason McDowell
Inbound Logistics surveys the supply chain technology market to evaluate the latest trends and uncover the most innovative providers in their respective fields.
A mix of experienced logistics service providers, resilient infrastructure, flexible transportation options, and a seasoned workforce combine to make Alaska a land of promise for companies doing business with the state.
Inbound Logistics
Inbound Logistics' 14th annual Global Logistics Guide presents a transportation and logistics world atlas to help you stay on top of shifting global dynamics and identify and map out continents and countries that require further exploration.
Dedicated truckload fleets fill up on technology solutions that pump crucial data from power units and trailers and deliver it to shippers ready to give their supply chains the gas.
In the logistics sphere, Georgia offers every important road—as well as air and sea route—to success.
E-commerce continues to mow down traditional business practices. To adapt, companies serving manufacturing, industrial, and retail customers are seeding their portfolios with new services, and not letting any grass grow under their feet.
Tamara Chapman
In today’s complex marketplace, supply chain professionals need a varied set of skills and competencies to help their employers succeed — everything from a strategic orientation to a comfort with data and an awareness of social and environmental obligations.
Gary Frantz
What does 2018 have in store? Inbound Logistics asked industry watchers what tops their list of terms that will dominate conversations this year. The consensus is that the supply chain community will see these six terms continue to emerge and gain traction in the market.
This article examines the special issues that companies encounter when they sell customized products to consumers and describes how some companies handle those challenges.
As more and more consumers order delivered meals from restaurants or through pre-packaged meal kits, foodservice companies will need to focus on quality and safety as much as they do speed and cost-efficiency.
Jason McDowell
Crumbling U.S. transportation infrastructure gets worse every year, and failure to address it soon will leave us in the midst of a crisis we can’t dig out of. There’s no more time to sit on our hands; it’s up to the U.S. government and the private sector to act before we reach a point of no return.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Shipper demands, customer expectations and 3PL capabilities increase, putting supply chain at the forefront.
Karen Kroll
When moving high-value items, proper packaging and labeling, efficient scheduling, discretion, and a bit of extra effort are key to minimizing the risk of theft or damage.
Tom Gresham
Technological advances in the past decade have provided shippers with increasingly detailed visibility of their supply chain from end to end. As the tools available to view the supply chain become more sophisticated, shippers are taking advantage of this new level of insight to improve efficiency and better manage their inventory. Shippers no longer view supply chain visibility as a tool designed only to help cut costs – they see it as a potential contributor to growth.
Gary Wollenhaupt
Digital loadboards are transforming the spot market from a people business to a fast-paced online marketplace that matches freight and shippers faster than ever. Shippers can tap into the flexibility of the spot market while working with carriers that meet their standards.
Supply chain financing allows companies to delay paying for transportation or goods while suppliers are still paid quickly – for a fee. While it might seem counterintuitive, participants say it’s a win-win for all. Here’s how it works and trends worth watching.
Gary Frantz
Supply chain technology ecosystems are evolving as once distinct processes for executing TMS, WMS and YMS functions converge. Is the best path forward stitching together a trifecta of best-of-breed technologies, or going all-in on a single instance, single platform for all three?
Lisa Harrington
Global trade disruptions come in all shapes and sizes, and can wreak havoc on supply chains. Find out what proactive strategies and tactics leading companies are using to tackle the escalating challenge of supply chain risk management.
Emma James
Artificial intelligence, hidden cameras, robots—These are not part of a new movie, but reflect daily life in a "hurry up" world of impatient consumers. Read how supply chains are adapting to serve a market increasingly driven by e-commerce and Amazon-like business models.
Tom Gresham
Vendor-managed inventory partnerships strive to improve efficiency by allowing suppliers to maintain the inventory of their products at the stores and other locations operated by their partners in the supply chain. VMI relies on a tight-knit collaboration between supplier and buyer to improve product availability while decreasing excess inventory.
Gary Frantz
E-commerce is redrawing the landscape for freight transportation. Do truckload carriers have a place in this new world of high-velocity supply chains, especially as shipments get smaller and delivery windows shrink?
Charlie Fiveash
With one in every six jobs now tied to manufacturing, American-made products are making a profound comeback in today’s progressive U.S. economy. Known as Industry 4.0, this trending wave of innovative disruptors - 3D printing, robotics, big data, and the Internet of Things - is changing the global supply chain and the world's geo-political view of American manufacturing.
Jason McDowell
Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) drive continuous improvement for the shippers they serve through innovative solutions, up-to-date technology, and sheer effort.
Karen Kroll
The Global Food Safety Initiative is working to improve food safety across the globe through GFSI-recognized certification programs and its platform for collaboration, and by reducing redundant audits and developing food safety capacity around the world.
Karen M. Kroll
The U.S. healthcare system faces many challenges that efficient supply chain management can help heal.
Merrill Douglas
What does the digital supply chain mean for your company? More integration, better visibility, a single version of the truth, a clearer view of the future—and maybe a few flying robots.
Merrill Douglas
This story looks at some ways in which companies are using IoT or IIoT technology along the supply chain and discusses the added value companies will gain as they move from discrete applications to integrated ones.
Emma James
As more consumers choose e-commerce for a variety of goods, how are less-than-truckload carriers being impacted? Trucking companies are developing new strategies to serve retailers and manufacturers creating the goods that impatient consumers expect fast and free.
Jason McDowell
A review of the hottest logistics and supply chain books available to help shippers boost their knowledge and skills.
This story examines how e-commerce retailers use last-mile fulfillment strategies to gain competitive advantage.
Karen Kroll
Build-a-bowl restaurants are proliferating. But supply chain professionals have their work cut out for them because the concept creates new challenges.
Tamara Chapman
Internships have traditionally provided a short-term opportunity, but colleges and universities are experimenting with apprenticeships as a way to develop and attract supply chain talent.
Karen M. Kroll
Strengthening economies, increasing globalization, the growth of e-commerce, and software that enables companies to more precisely calculate the trade-offs between air and other transportation modes are driving growth in the airfreight market.
Retailers strike back at the Amazon empire by providing e-commerce customers with same-day and faster delivery.
This story provides an update on the state of intermodal shipping in the United States today, with a look at some new services, new facilities, and infrastructure improvement projects.
In early 2017, major ocean cargo carriers further consolidated from four alliances to three that dominate global trade. Because this change impacts shippers in a number of ways that include lanes and ports of call, it’s important to know how best to work with them to minimize risks. Experts share best practices that will help.
Karen Kroll
Keeping your cargo safe from theft is a bigger challenge than you might think. Follow these steps to reduce the risks that make your company a target.
Our annual trucking directory helps match shippers with the truckers that can best meet their needs.
Selecting a transportation mode and carrier isn’t as simple as identifying the fastest or least expensive option. It’s a complicated process that takes into account timelines and risks as well as budgets. Industry experts share best practices that will help save money and prevent costly mistakes.
Jason McDowell
Inbound Logistics' exclusive annual trucking market research report delivers shipper and trucker insights into industry challenges and trends.
Freight is a key part of most companies’ transportation expense. Along with ensuring freight bills are accurate and reflect contracted terms—a key capability—freight payment and audit firms can add even greater value.
Tom Gresham
Warehouse management systems provide organizations with a boost to their operations and help them keep up with the growing demands of their customers and partners. Still, implementing a WMS is a complex process that requires extensive planning, study and patience. Experts point to a number of key factors to consider when shopping for a system for your organization.
This story looks at some of the trends and challenges associated with e-commerce today, and strategies for dealing with those challenges, through the eyes of one small retailer, one medium-sized and one large.
Getting a distribution center in shape for a high-volume holiday or seasonal period requires advance planning to make sure all systems work, the facility is properly staffed, and temporary workers are properly trained. Inbound Logistics asked the experts for their holiday preparation advice; they provided these seven commandments that will light the way.
Jean Thilmany
Sustainable packaging helps shippers’ bottom line and brand as well as being easier on the environment.
Opportunities that will make a difference in reverse logistics programs, and establishing goals for returns programs.
Florida's state-of-the-art seaports and airports, and strong highway and rail networks, have helped establish a strong and growing logistics sector.
The U.S.-Canada cross-border trade relationship remains robust in an evolving regulatory environment.
Michael D. White
E-commerce has forever changed the way people shop. Now businesses of all sizes must reassess their supply chains to go direct to the consumer with faster-than-fast delivery and free shipping.
Karen M. Kroll
Distributors continue to play a valuable role within many supply chains. At the same time, changing business models, and especially the rise of e-commerce, are prompting many to enhance the services they offer.
Sandra Beckwith
The bridal wear supply chain is unlike any other in the apparel industry in that most bridal gowns are made to order, wedding dates create hard and fast dress deadlines, and emotional brides can turn a minor supply chain snafu into a major meltdown. Long lead times for dress manufacturers help make sure that deadlines get met and wedding parties are happy.
Tom Gresham
Transparency, honest communication, and a commitment to forming a true partnership with shared goals and values are keys to successful supply chain collaboration between shippers and their third-party logistics providers.
Lisa Harrington
Companies and their supply chains have found a powerful new strategy for driving profitable growth – the plug-and-play supply chain. Here’s how it works.
Trying to plot a different course? Figuring out how to spread your wings? A third-party partner might offer…just the kind of help you need.
Inbound Logistics’ 12th annual 2017 3PL Perspectives market research report examines the trends and challenges shaping logistics outsourcing strategy and the third-party logistics industry.
Karen M. Kroll
Coffee has been a popular drink for centuries, yet its supply chain faces ongoing and emerging challenges, including fragmented production, commodity market instability, and climate change.
Karen M. Kroll
Cold chain logistics means more than simply refrigeration and freezing. Today’s providers offer numerous value-add services, including logistics management, repackaging, and more.
Tamara Chapman
Whether they are supporting ventures in embargoed countries or first-ever projects in remote locations, logistics teams must be prepared to think quickly and clearly when unanticipated challenges arise
Jason McDowell
Here’s a list of books that will help keep your logistics and supply chain skills sharp.
Year after year, the IL 3PL survey reveals the importance of great customer service to shippers.
Karen M. Kroll
Developing greener and more sustainable supply chains reduces the legal, financial, and reputational risks to which most companies are exposed, and has a positive impact on the bottom line.
Inbound Logistics’ annual G75 list honors companies that have demonstrated firm commitment to environmental initiatives and policies.
Tom Gresham
India and Southeast Asian countries–Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan– represent an attractive region for many companies looking to expand and build their global customer bases.
Online supply chain education is flourishing, with options ranging from one-off courses to certification programs to master’s degrees. The best option for any individual depends on career goals.
Tom Gresham
Selecting the best metrics at your company’s distribution centers requires the right tools, careful study, and constant collaboration.
Karen Kroll
Transportation management systems (TMS) streamline the information exchange between shippers and carriers. Cloud technology makes them affordable for many small- and mid-sized firms.
Here’s a survey of the factors that make the St. Louis, Missouri, region an excellent location for logistics operations.
Karen Kroll
Yard management systems (YMS) can boost driver efficiency, cut detention costs, and bring visibility to this link in the supply chain.
The reduced cost of recycled wooden pallets combined with increased interest in sustainable supply chains makes repaired wooden pallets increasingly popular in warehouses and distributions centers. And while wooden pallets dominate supply chains, plastic pallets are making inroads, particularly among food and pharmaceutical companies that are concerned about contamination issues.
The cosmetics industry’s supply chain challenges include an above average number of SKUs, color changes linked to seasons and seasonal collections, products and ingredients requiring a temperature-controlled environment, multiple retail channels, and product trends influenced by celebrities and other taste-makers.
By offering air, barge, ocean carrier, rail, and trucking services, logistics providers are minimizing the risks involved with transporting goods to, from, and within Alaska.
This story looks at several ways in which companies are applying Internet of Things (IoT) technology to supply chain management.
Jason McDowell
Inbound Logistics surveys the market to determine the latest logistics technology trends and chooses 100 IT providers that are leading the way.
This feature provides examines the supply chain challenges arising from some recent trends in the fashion industry, and looks at how brand owners and retailers are meeting those challenges.
Gary Wollenhaupt
Here's a brief description of the 11 commercial transportation terms that comprise Incoterms 2010.
Gary Wollenhaupt
Global Trade Management (GTM) solutions automate complex international supply chain sourcing, logistics, cross-border trade, and regulatory compliance activities.
Karen M. Kroll
E-commerce impacts not only consumer supply chains, but business to business supply chains as well.
Inbound Logistics
From location to infrastructure and from workforce to technology, Georgia sets the pace in the logistics race.
A look at six key competencies that university-based programs foster in students to prepare them for careers in supply chain management.
Karen Kroll
Most companies have insurance to protect their property and equipment, their vehicles, and their operations from disruptions due to natural disasters and other events. For companies with extensive supply chains, cargo insurance can be an important addition to this list.
The subscription box industry launched by beauty products curator Birchbox in 2010 has expanded to include services for a remarkably wide range of consumer interests. A behind-the-scenes peek at this new e-commerce model reveals a highly complicated business that relies heavily on logistics pros managing everything from inventory to kitting to delivery and returns.
Karen Kroll
Healthful food — organic, vegan, non-GMO, local, sustainably or humanely raised, and allergen free, or any other variety — has captured attention and seen growing demand. Satisfying that demand, however, poses unique supply chain challenges.
Lisa Harrington
Omni-channel retail supply chains are forging new paths to profitability. Here's what they look like.
Charlie Fiveash
As Americans’ fondness for trucks and automobiles has grown, the specialized parts market represents the fastest growing subset of the automotive aftermarket. The emerging specialized parts sector of the automotive supply chain is vast and complex and requires skilled management.
How powersports manufacturer Monster Moto worked with UPS to redesign its supply chain as it moved its product assembly from China to the U.S.
Chris Lewis
As product demand continues to rise, companies in all industries are partnering with third-party logistics (3PL) providers to ensure their products are delivered to customers on time and cost effectively.
Karen M. Kroll
Thirty years ago, third-party logistics providers offered mainly rudimentary logistics and warehousing services. Today, however, many 3PLs offer complex solutions that help companies achieve strategic goals.
Chris Lewis
Inland ports provide shippers with new global trade strategies and relief from capacity issues facing North America’s deepwater container ports.
The logistics of trade between the United States and Mexico has changed significantly in the 20-plus years since NAFTA was enacted. There are still issues, most notably border delays and an imbalance of goods flowing north and south, but there are bright spots supported by an influx of foreign direct investment in Mexico, too.
Sandra Beckwith
Working with a specialist can smooth the sometimes troubled logistical waters between the United States and Central and South America.
This story looks at some of the major challenges and practices found in construction logistics, illustrated with stories from experts who work in this field.
Sandra Beckwith
Cruise ship provisions must support a small town at sea for a week or more. Supplies are loaded on a docked vessel in four hours or less; there’s no second chance for deliveries that arrive after the ship has sailed.
Gary Wollenhaupt
Each year, 30 Major League Baseball teams travel for spring training and dozens of road games in a complex logistics web that's all the more incredible for its anonymity. When you're carrying all the bats, the game can't start until the truck arrives.
Michael D. White
Franchisees sometimes don’t appreciate how important an efficiently functioning supply chain is until it isn’t there.
Karen Kroll
While the regulations that govern the movement of goods across borders can (and do) fill volumes, some are of particular importance right now. These include changes to the Harmonized System, revisions to the regulations regarding the export and import of hazardous waste, guidance on voluntary self-disclosures, mandates regarding electronic logging devices, and modifications to Cuba sanctions. This article provides an overview.
Sandra Beckwith
How prepared are companies for supply chain disruptions such as fire, a data breach, natural disaster or terrorism? Not as prepared as you’d think, considering what’s at stake.
Tamara Chapman
Today’s logistics and supply chain management students are practical idealists, people who want successful careers that draw on their knowledge, skills and talents while allowing them to make the world — and the workplace — a better place.
Karen M. Kroll
Companies that have reverse logistics processes and systems in place to capture all the value possible can beat competitors coming and going.
Tom Gresham
As wearable technologies, such as smart glasses and augmented reality, grow less expensive and more accessible, an increasing number of companies are exploring whether wearables could benefit their warehouse operation.
Paul Vachon
Winter provides a great advantage–time. The hustle and bustle of the holidays is over and colder weather prevails. There’s no better time to hit the books and amp up your knowledge of important logistics and supply chain management issues.
Even when the economy isn’t booming, the supply chain offers numerous opportunities for shippers to increase efficiency, save money and enhance revenues. This story looks at some of the bright spots in transportation, technology, global trade and outsourcing.
A look at the metrics that shippers and their service providers use to evaluate the quality of customer service.
Tamara Chapman
Faculty members from some of the nation’s leading logistics and supply chain education programs share their thoughts about how higher education is preparing tomorrow’s professionals for the challenges ahead.
Tom Gresham
As larger vessels make their way through the expanded section of the Panama Canal, experts weigh the influence of the canal’s new capacity on global shipping.
Rickenbacker International Airport offers fast, efficient operations.
Chris Lewis
Offering top-flight cargo facilities and infrastructure, among other features, the following airports are ranked as the nation’s top 10 cargo airports.
Gary Wollenhaupt
More companies are relying on expedited shipping a regular part of their inbound transportation planning. However, intelligent systems are helping reduce the need for the Hail Mary emergency moves.
Karen M. Kroll
Airfreight forwarders face headwinds — from shippers shifting to ocean freight and fewer routes for air cargo shipments — and must learn to leverage opportunities.
Chris Lewis
Here are seven logistics hot spots that attract logistics site selectors looking for a superb location for long-term business efficiency and economic success.
This article discusses the market forces that are prompting shippers to choose (or not choose) intermodal transportation today. It also looks at some recent developments that continue to increase the advantages that intermodal offers.
Karen M. Kroll
When moving hazardous materials, shippers can’t just send them packing. From preparing for compliance to keeping employees in the loop, here’s how shippers plan for risk-free travels.
The winter of 2013-14 disrupted the intermodal shipping industry in North America, causing service problems and impeding growth. However, intermodal now offers a number of attractive advantages for shippers, particularly as rail operations pour resources into their intermodal efforts to strengthen service and compete with trucking. Sites that specialize in intermodal utilize innovations to streamline the process and apply new resources to make for an increasingly efficient and effective distribution process.
Chris Lewis
Throughout the United States, a variety of cities and areas are arising as major logistics hubs and go to sites for distribution centers.
Sandra Beckwith
Inbound Logistics talks to carriers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers about sure-fire ways to save money on LTL shipments and serves up a list of 18 tips that will help shippers of all types and sizes.
Jason McDowell
Inbound Logistics’ exclusive trucking market research report explores industry challenges and trends.
Freight remains a key component of most companies’ transportation expense. Along with ensuring the freight bills are accurate and reflect contracted terms—a key capability—freight payment and audit firms can add even greater value.
This story looks at some recent trends affecting retail supply chains, including demand for speed and flexibility, ongoing emphasis on omnichannel marketing, and globalization.
Karen M. Kroll
The popularity of meal and meal kit delivery services makes for some very complicated supply chain management.
This story provides a look at what it takes, logistically speaking, to stage various kinds of live entertainment events.
On the water and in the air, by road and by rail, the Sunshine State stands out as a logistics superstar. But stick around awhile – it’s also a great place to live, work, and to keep your products safe for the long haul.
ElectriCities of North Carolina works with companies closely to make sure they weigh electrical service and costs when planning to expand a site or relocate to a new one. Utilities such as ElectriCities must explore the unique circumstances of each company to help them meet their electrical needs in the most effective and cost-efficient way possible.
U.S.-Canada cross-border trade continues to be a mutually beneficial partnership between nations with a long history of friendship.
Karen M. Kroll
Importers need to know what they’re doing to ensure goods proceed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as smoothly as possible, including understanding the relevant regulations and ensuring such information as the product descriptions and classifications are complete.
Vicki Speed
Healthcare organizations are transforming how they source supplies and connect with manufacturers and service providers to meet emerging patient demands, address healthcare legislation, support an overall focus on improving patient care, and lower healthcare costs.
Karen M. Kroll
Ice cream companies have to ensure their products maintain their quality as they travel from the manufacturing plant to distribution center to the retailer, and finally into the consumer’s shopping cart and home. Cold chain management and proper sanitation are key ingredients.
Tom Gresham
Emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, 3-D printing, collaborative robotics, self-driving trucks, drones and the Uberization of deliveries are poised to be disruptive influences on logistics in the coming years.
This story examines the secrets behind a successful shipper-3PL relationship, as seen through the eyes of four pairs of successful business partners.
Jason McDowell
Inbound Logistics’ exclusive market research survey on the third-party logistics (3PL) sector reveals new trends and opportunities.
Inbound Logistics
Year after year, the IL 3PL survey reveals the importance of great customer service to shippers.
Charlie Fiveash
New technology abounds inside the four walls of a distribution center. From narrow aisles configurations, specialized rack systems and lift equipment to optimize stacking capabilities, WMS software that integrates with automated sortation systems, and self-guided intelligent robotic vehicles, innovations in materials handling products are transforming the supply chain.
Tamara Chapman
When logistics professionals are tasked with a special project, no matter how enormous, no matter how infeasible, they’re expected to go the distance.
Tom Gresham
Supply chain logistics companies view veterans as a crucial pool of potential employees, and consequently they are using a range of methods to recruit and hire former members of the military for their workforces.
Charlie Fiveash
A handy reading guide summarizing supply chain books and their key takeaways.
Sandra Beckwith
Whether to help the environment or just to cut costs, companies are making lean and green changes with a major impact.
Inbound Logistics
These supply chain, logistics, and transportation companies lead the way in supporting sustainability.
Chris Lewis
These ports have utilized various initiatives to ensure the ultimate impact of sustainability outweighs its costs.
Mary Siegfried
The accomplishments of the 2015 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars demonstrate that the future of the supply chain management profession is in good hands.
Charlie Fiveash
The warehouse design of tomorrow is flexing to meet the physical needs of basic warehouse operators as well as more highly automated e-commerce fulfillment centers.
This article looks at what’s new and interesting in transportation management systems (TMS).
Inbound Logistics
The St. Louis region offers an ideal transportation infrastructure to move goods, skilled labor to meet the peaks and valleys of industrial demand, and the availability of highly qualified IT personnel to manage staff and facilities.
As the demand for supply chain efficiency and speed rises, companies are investing in intermodal rail infrastructure and repairs throughout the United States.
Choosing the right pallet is key to streamlining and improving supply chains.
By offering air, barge, ocean carrier, rail, and trucking services, logistics providers are minimizing the risks involved with transporting goods to, from, and within Alaska.
This story looks at ways in which 3PLs help small and midsize companies implement and take full advantage of information technology.
Inbound Logistics surveys the market to determine the latest logistics technology trends and chooses 100 IT providers that are leading the way.
Tom Gresham
Planners use sophisticated supply chain modeling and simulation to gauge the results of decisions before enacting them and to prepare for a range of possible scenarios. The result is better-prepared companies with a more clear view of themselves and their futures.
Karen Kroll
Inbound Logistics explores the rules and regulations most likely to impact shippers in 2016.
Karen M. Kroll
Global Trade Management (GTM) solutions are evolving to meet the new demands of today’s global shippers and consumers.
Inbound Logistics
Tremendous logistical advantages—combined with a central geographic location, highly skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment—make Georgia an ideal site for new manufacturing and distribution facilities.
This story provides a look at how e-commerce and logistics information technology help small and medium-sized businesses gain advantages that allow them to compete as though they were larger companies.
Sandra Beckwith
The use of intermodal transportation by shippers continues to grow. Here’s how shippers use intermodal to cut costs and mitigate risk.
Karen M. Kroll
A solid foundation of supply chain experience and education is just the beginning. Supply chain practitioners need to periodically update their knowledge as well. Here’s how companies are getting with the program— customizing curriculums and encouraging employees to enroll in executive education programs.
Wallace A. Burns, Jr.
Military outsourcing is good in concept but often problematic in practice for several reasons discussed in this article. Contracting for services year after year in support of multi-front contingency operations and train and assist missions, all with no clear end-dates in site, has the potential to be harmful to the “profession of arms” (a vocation comprised of experts certified in the ethical application of combat power, serving under civilian authority, entrusted to defend the Constitution and the rights and interests of the American people) and cost more than anticipated. This article will discuss why military outsourcing is currently problematic and explore why the military outsources mission-essential services. A comparison of similar outsourcing incentives associated with both military and manufacturing industrial complexes is discussed, along with some advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing with these sectors. The article concludes with a prediction as to what the primary outsourcing drivers will be for future military and manufacturing outsourcing decisions.
Julie Newton
Inbound Logistics predicts the top U.S. ports for business in 2016, based on volumes, efforts to improve infrastructure, and innovation.
What happens when a containership reaches a U.S. port? Inbound Logistics tagged along with French steamship line CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest ocean freight carrier, to find out.
Felecia Stratton
Companies that work with third-party logistics providers such as Penske Logistics get to share the pain when unexpected situations arise.
Katrina Arabe
East Coast Warehouse & Distribution’s strategic port location brings both advantages and challenges. Its facility keeps supply chains rocking, serving as the crucial first step in importers’ distribution systems in the United States, through port delays and even Superstorm Sandy.
This story follows the progress of an intermodal container during its three-day, round the clock trip from the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach to a distribution center in Dallas.
This story follows a sleeper team for YRC freight as the two drivers make a run of approximately 22 hours from the Chicago area to Denver.
Chris Lewis
Three recent developments—a shift to omni-channel retailing, an increase in manufacturing investment in Mexico, and the approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership—are having a pronounced impact on automotive aftermarket supply chains. Here’s how automakers, auto parts suppliers, and logistics service providers can respond effectively.
Julie Newton
As shippers evaluate existing, merged, or new 3PL providers, they should also be aware of their own processes and approach to vendor relationships and choose partners that best align with their strategies and needs.
Karen M. Kroll
The booming liquor business has added several layers of complexity to the supply chain with the addition of many new product SKUs. Shippers are using technology, data, and collaboration to keep the supply chain moving efficiently.
Lisa Harrington
Manufacturers are going back to the drawing board to rethink their temperature-controlled supply chains.
Some expert advice to help shippers and carriers navigate the upcoming Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Julie Newton
Companies are shipping ever-increasing volumes of small parcels as e-commerce grows. Read about the strategies that shippers and providers are using to offset the higher cost of small parcel delivery.
This story examines how supply chain organizations are using three kinds of social media: supply chain operating networks, enterprise social networks, and public social networks.
Norman Schreiber
As cyber crime and data breaches continue to climb, supply chain information is increasingly at risk. Here are ways to assess your vulnerability and keep supply chain data safe from hackers.
Vicki Speed
While a U.S. manufacturing revitalization is happening in some sectors, the chances of a wholesale national shift occurring are more rhetoric than reality in the current market.
Chris Lewis
Site selection and expansion is a science. This article discusses what industry leaders are doing to ensure new sites and expansions improve their supply chains, resulting in long-term growth and success, and how logistics professionals should respond in 2016 and beyond.
Charlie Fiveash
Investments in pick/put-to-light technology, wearables, robotic AGVs, high-speed conveyors, voice-directed picking, and a warehouse control system equate to an automated, smart, and efficient distribution center.
As the world becomes increasingly connected via the Internet of Things (IoT), the amount of data being created and shared is skyrocketing. Your supply chain will be profoundly affected.
Charlie Fiveash
It's important to stay up to date on supply chain and logistics developments. Here's a list of books on wide ranging topics.
Three retailers explain how they use logistics and other functions to deliver outstanding customer service.
Karen M. Kroll
How milk and other dairy products moo-ve from tens of thousands of cows to store shelves across the country - with udder efficiency.
Tamara Chapman
Take these steps to help accelerate your logistics career.
Merrill Douglas
When it comes to ASAP, quick-thinking shippers redefine what's possible.
Inbound Logistics
Inbound Logistics dredges up data on the leading U.S. container hubs.
Chris Lewis
The pursuit of perfection may seem an impossible goal. But, with the right combination of key elements, four regions in the United States have achieved logistics greatness.
Debra Phillips
Railroads, ocean carriers, and ports are investing in new equipment and technology innovation to move freight from trucks to rails and attract intermodal shippers.
When every dollar counts, along with every mile, shippers need to know which carriers are keeping them on a course to profitability. That’s why carrier metrics are so important.
Joseph O’Reilly
Inbound Logistics exclusive trucking market research report delivers shipper and motor carrier insights into trucking challenges and trends.
Charlie Fiveash
Warehouse operations no longer allow for “business as usual” practices. New initiatives and strategic investments in capital improvements will lead to greater returns in productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Investing in the latest materials handling equipment, WMS technology, and physical building improvements will result in a fully integrated distribution center.
Chris Lewis
Freight audit and payment companies help shippers find the hidden cash in their supply chains by eliminating overbilling, and paying invoices accurately and quickly.
Joseph O’Reilly
As e-commerce continues to transform consumer behavior, retailers explore hybrid omni-channel supply chain models that deliver the best that online and in-store have to offer.
Jen A. Miller
Sustainability and cost savings are driving shippers to reduce packaging waste.
Companies searching for the just the right spot to locate their manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other facilities rank energy high on the list of their priorities. This article explore the sites that rise to the top of the list.
Lisa Terry
Freight damage, loss, and theft will always occur. Planning for those inevitabilities is key to prevention and faster claims settlement.
The Internet of Things is bringing major changes to the way companies plan and execute supply chain activities as sensors, communications systems, and analytics solutions all become cheaper, faster, and more capable.
Chris Lewis
Logistics companies are going above and beyond to ensure our nation’s heroes find opportunities to transfer their skills from the military to long-term, successful careers.
Joseph O’Reilly
Join us as we turn back the clock and consider how outsourcing demand has changed over the past 20 years – and perhaps shed some light on where the 3PL industry is tracking.
Joseph O’Reilly
Inbound Logistics’ exclusive market research survey on the third-party logistics (3PL) sector reveals new trends and opportunities.
Inbound Logistics
Readers select the third-party logistics providers that provide the best outsourced logistics services.
Lisa Terry
Shipments with strict temperature requirements, such as food and pharmaceutical products, create challenges for shippers and logistics providers.
Lisa Terry
As technology brings supply chain data into focus, the ability to access and interpret business information moves from nice-to-have to must-have.
Yokohama senior director Jeremy Kahrs reveals the strategy behind the tire maker’s new distribution center and headquarters.
Barry Brandman
Successful companies are concerned about supply chain security. Here’s how to prevent supply chain threats from negatively impacting your company’s bottom line and reputation.
Beth Goodbaum
All global supply chains carry some element of risk, but working with third-party logistics providers, with transparency in full effect, can help you achieve the best risk management outcome.
Tamara Chapman
When it comes to transporting the oversized, the awkward, the exotic, and the endangered, the secret to success is planning, planning, and more planning.
In the logistics of trade, the relationship between Canada and the United States is both friendly and advantageous on both sides of the border.
Jason McDowell
This list of new supply chain and logistics books helps logistics professionals keep their skills up to date.
Joseph O'Reilly
Finding a common ground between cost and corporate social responsibility remains a challenging proposition – unless organizations nurture a culture of sustainability.
Inbound Logistics
These supply chain, logistics, and transportation companies lead the way in supporting sustainability.
A new study determines the top 15 undergraduate and graduate supply chain management programs in the United States, based on the teaching of technology, software, and quantitative tools used by supply chain professionals, as well as the variety and depth of this coursework.
Joseph O'Reilly
Cloud computing, omnichannel management, and big data are the questions. Can your warehouse supply the answers?
A look at the challenges warehouse managers face as they build a well-integrated warehouse workforce, and how they address those issues.
This story looks at the role technology plays in the value that various third-party logistics (3PL) providers offer to their shipper customers.
Author Name, Joseph O’Reilly
Inbound Logistics’ annual Logistics Technology Perspectives offers market research to help IT buyers and users make better sense of what’s going on in the industry. And, the Top 100 Logistics Technology Providers list celebrates best-in-class innovators that are helping shippers revolutionize their supply chains.
Beth Goodbaum
New regulations ensuring the integrity of the pharma supply chain are nearing the finish line. While some companies have taken an early lead to compliance, others are late getting out of the gate. Which team are you on?
Lisa Terry
To break the cycle of needless, duplicative logistics costs, many competitors are choosing to work in tandem.
Joseph O'Reilly
Shifting global dynamics and internal business process changes are compelling manufacturers and retailers to challenge the status quo and reinvent their supply chains.
Lisa Terry
Here are 10 common packaging errors and how to overcome them.
The list of competencies employers seek when they recruit supply chain professionals keeps growing longer and more complex. Here’s how degree-granting programs keep pace, and enable well-rounded graduates to fill prime positions.
Joseph O’Reilly
Volatility in the oil, gas and energy business is forcing producers and industry to confront a legacy of poor logistics execution.
Announcing the 2014 winners of the 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars program. Meet some of the brightest new lights in our industry’s firmament and see what makes them shine.
Lisa Terry
From first mile to last mile and every mile in between, truck drivers are the lifeblood of your supply chain. Meet some of these dedicated professionals.
Joseph O’Reilly
Mark our words: Legislative and regulatory resolutions could spell trouble for shippers and carriers in 2015.
Joseph O'Reilly
With its subscription-based clothing rental model, Gwynnie Bee is tailoring the rules of e-commerce to make fashion fulfillment a perfect fit.
Joseph O'Reilly
IBC Advanced Alloys puts a pedal to the metals to manage the logistics of complex manufacturing.
Joseph O'Reilly
Six Sigma helps electronic products company Jabil run like a lean, green manufacturing machine.
Beth Goodbaum
As hospitals begin transforming to adapt to new healthcare initiatives, they are easing the pain by restructuring and streamlining supply chain operations.
Joseph O’Reilly
Whirlpool is taking a page out of its Lean production manual and following Penske’s lead to create a more flexible and responsive North American supply chain.
Lisa Terry
Vendor Managed Inventory is shaking off its old-school image and regaining popularity thanks to improved technology, robust communication, tighter demand signal linkage, and a new openness to collaboration that has turbo-charged enterprise benefits.
Joseph O'Reilly
We hit the road this past fall to get an up close view, around the bend, of where the railroad industry is tracking in 2015 and beyond.
Lisa Harrington
It was the worst of times for U.S./Mexico healthcare. Can demand-driven logistics make it the best of times?
Big data is a big deal, but what is it? Inbound Logistics asks four industry experts to file their report on big data and its benefits.
Joseph O'Reilly
Facing a number of challenges and constraints, the global port industry is addressing concerns and capitalizing on new opportunities.
Inbound Logistics asked these experts to weigh in on the dimensional weight pricing changes that UPS and FedEx implemented on January 1, 2015.
North America’s manufacturing sector is on an upward trajectory. However, a shortage of young talent, compounded by Baby Boomers’ negative perceptions about Millennials, could impact its continued expansion, according to ThomasNet’s latest Industry Market Barometer® (IMB) research.
This article looks at issues that companies should consider when developing a more resilient supply chain.
Jason McDowell
Inclement weather and capacity problems giving your supply chain the winter woes? Chill out! Here are some good reads to keep you up to date on supply chain, logistics, and transportation best practices.
Lisa Terry
Technology is enabling an unprecedented level of transparency and communication to help shippers and their logistics providers understand each other's operations, and collaborate in ways that were much more difficult in the past.
Justine Brown
Smart shippers are already preparing and making changes to their supply chain operations to ensure they will be in compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act from day one.
Tamara Chapman
A successful supply chain team needs just the right mix of talent, skills, and personalities, not to mention a clear mission, the freedom to pursue it, and the structure to succeed.
Bad things happen when systems break down. Flights get canceled. Production lines stop. The critical spare parts logistics involved in getting operations running again demand both precision and speed. Here’s how you can become a wizard at critical shipments.
As intermodal grows, so do its challenges. Increasing cargo volumes create bottlenecks and congestion; while the capacity shortage has everyone scrambling. How are shippers and service providers coping? This article helps solve the dilemma.
Lisa Harrington
Executives at two leading companies weigh in on supply chain’s value to their organizations.
Tracking carrier performance metrics gives shippers insight into how well trucking companies serve their needs.
Joseph O’Reilly
Managing transportation strategies requires a team effort — and sometimes a ‘dedicated’ transportation partner.
Joseph O’Reilly
This trucking market insight report includes trends and challenges from both motor freight carriers and shippers.
Justine Brown
Mobile communication technologies facilitate warehouse efficiency and productivity.
Inbound Logistics
Freight audit and payment services analyze shipment data to reveal inefficiencies and identify savings opportunities.
Retailers are modifying their supply chain strategies in response to recent industry trends.
Justine Brown
Hospitals can cut costs by improving supply chain operations, inventory control, and transportation management.
Frank Reynolds
Incoterms simplify international purchase-sales contracts. Here are tips for applying them correctly.
Joseph O’Reilly
Kevin X. Jones, vice president of inbound transportation at Walmart, focuses on building transportation synergies.
Lisa Terry
Military veterans bring valuable skills and characteristics that make logistics operations stronger.
Partnerships between four shippers and their 3PLs demonstrate logistics outsourcing strategies.
Joseph O'Reilly
Logistics market report reveals trends in 3PL offerings and shippers' logistics outsourcing strategies.
Catherine Overman
Readers select the third-party logistics providers that provide the best outsourced logistics services.
Suzanne Heyn
Less than truckload (LTL) carriers use online freight portals to offer low-cost extra capacity to small shippers.
Justine Brown
When a natural disaster hits, consumers rely on home improvement stores for the products they need to repair or rebuild.
Inbound Logistics
A panel of supply chain experts address questions related to ensuring supplier compliance.
Justine Brown
Transporting and storing oil and gas products represents a complex challenge and big opportunity.
Inbound Logistics
Cross-border import and export trade between the United States and Canada requires planning and expertise.
Jason McDowell
New supply chain and logistics books help logistics professionals thaw out their skills after a brutal winter.
Suzanne Heyn
With Lean tools and processes, companies can reduce waste in their supply chain operations.
Joseph O’Reilly
Companies seek to put down roots in regions that nurture the entrepreneurial spirit.
Joseph O’Reilly
Employers want new hires who combine diverse, real-world experience with academic achievement.
This article provides a step-by-step guide to logistics network optimization.
Suzanne Heyn
Companies planning new distribution centers or warehouses weigh process data to choose materials handling equipment.
Analyzing supply chain data allows shippers to improve their logistics operations.
Joseph O'Reilly
Top 100 Logistics IT Providers can equip you with the tools to meet your company's unique supply chain challenges.
Suzanne Heyn
Shipment monitoring tools allow manufacturers and shippers to locate cargo, manage inventory and prevent theft.
Joseph O'Reilly
Shippers rely on 3PLs and refrigerated public warehouses to invest in technology, implement standards, and facilitate strategic business process change to drive greater efficiencies.
Lisa Terry
Shippers and logistics providers take extra precautions to protect high-value products from cargo theft.
Global trade management (GTM) solutions help coordinate trade compliance, and allow trading partners to share data.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Companies make contingency plans to prepare for possible supply chain disruptions caused by port labor negotiations.
Suzanne Heyn
Looking at packaging and freight costs together boxes up logistics and transportation efficiencies
Take your supply chain career to the next level with a certification or certificate program.
Lisa Terry
Optimized reverse logistics processes provide a good customer experience and recover value from returned goods.
Justine Brown
Cosmetics companies face challenges such as time- and temperature-sensitive shipments and retailer packaging requirements.
Joseph O'Reilly
Garrick Pohl of Zipments discusses how the company facilitates same-day delivery.
Joseph O'Reilly
Selecting sites for manufacturing and DC facilities involves tax incentives, suppliers, and logistics providers.
Joseph O'Reilly
Third-party logistics providers are assuming a less transactional, more consultative role with shippers.
U.S. companies stand to gain from establishing manufacturing operations in Mexico – if they manage the challenges.
Suzanne Heyn
Ensuring supply chain security requires that shippers and logistics providers stay one step ahead of thieves.
Amy Roach
Big data gathered by materials handling equipment helps warehouse managers improve productivity and safety.
Follow these steps to choose a warehouse management system to improve fulfillment operations and inventory visibility.
Catherine Overman
New books on supply chain, logistics, and transportation help logistics professionals stay sharp.
Lisa Harrington
Collaborative risk management helps automakers and their supply chain partners protect against disruptions.
Joseph O'Reilly
George Calvert of Amway explains how the company's supply chain strategy supports its business model.
Justine Brown
Many healthcare companies are investigating ways to consolidate and trim expenses in logistics and supply chain.
Lisa Terry
The aerospace industry explores new strategies for producing planes quickly, efficiently, and profitably.
Lisa Terry
Air cargo shipments of perishable goods such as produce, flowers, and seafood require careful handling.
Joseph O'Reilly
Shippers protect against supply chain disruptions with physical, analytical, and financial risk mitigation strategies.
Catherine Overman
Chris Halkyard, chief supply chain officer for e-commerce site Gilt, discusses managing flash sale logistics.
Justine Brown
Foreign Trade Zones can help global shippers cut operational costs and speed customs clearance for imports and exports.
Joseph O'Reilly
The 2013 Rail Trends conference addressed issues of rail safety and regulation.
Catch up with four supply chain professionals previously featured in Inbound Logistics' Reader Profile.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Actionable tips help you revitalize your warehousing, 3PL, trucking, and global logistics operations.
As evolving retail models push shopper expectations, companies explore new models for delivering great customer service.
Leading food manufacturers and producers make sustainability best practices part of their supply chains.
Justine Brown
Universities and corporations are collaborating to improve supply chain education offerings and better equip students.
Amy Roach
Expedited shipping modes are a crucial part of shippers’ planned transportation strategies.
Lisa Terry
Drive out inefficiencies and boost customer service by aligning with vendors to meet your supply chain goals.
Tamara Chapman
Event logistics planners coordinate details to ensure precise requirements and deadlines are met.
Intermodal allows shippers to cut transportation costs without sacrificing service.
Lisa Terry
Railroads are investing in new safety processes, technology and policies to ensure cargo security and prevent accidents.
A resource for information on steamship line service offerings, capabilities, and new developments.
Joseph O'Reilly
Shipper and motor carrier responses to Inbound Logistics’ market research survey indicate trucking trends.
The automotive aftermarket’s logistics trends, challenges, and best practices give shippers a wild ride.
Greg Thompson
Partnering with diversified and specialized truckers can help shippers who are struggling to find freight capacity.
Joseph O'Reilly
As the retail supply chain adapts to e-commerce and changing consumer behaviors, technology keeps pace.
Lisa Harrington
Increasing product traceability requirements are making bar codes an essential part of many supply chains.
A look at the supply chain for manufacturers that supply materials or components to other manufacturers.
Justine Brown
Innovation in the lift truck market is creating new options for companies seeking to improve warehouse efficiency.
Jason McDowell
Sharpen your skills with these books covering supply chain and logistics topics.
Tamara Chapman
Companies in the logistics sector are stepping up to hire U.S. military veterans with aggressive recruiting and training programs.
Joseph O'Reilly
Transportation and logistics investment is the cornerstone to economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa.
Four companies worked with 3PLs to make over their logistics operations, so they could meet evolving business demands.
Joseph O'Reilly
A logistics and supply chain market research survey reveal trends and insights about the third-party logistics sector.
Catherine Overman
Inbound Logistics readers' choices for the best third party logistics providers.
Joseph O'Reilly
U.S. industry confronts a failing transportation system and looming capacity crunch. New legislation may help.
Amy Roach
As consumers embrace bargain hunting, off-price apparel retailers reinvent their supply chains to meet demand.
Lisa Terry
U.S. furniture manufacturers rely on specialized furniture carriers and white-glove delivery companies.
Joseph O'Reilly
The emergence of domestically sourced natural gas heralds significant changes in the North America energy market.
Justine Brown
Perishable shipments such as produce and pharmaceuticals require temperature monitoring and careful handling.
Shippers and 3PLs have applied lean principles to remove waste from their operations and improve performance.
Tamara Chapman
Specialized global logistics knowledge prepares students to manage worldwide supply chains.
Joseph O'Reilly
Sustainability best practices are integral to Walmart's supply chain operations.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Inbound Logistics' 75 Green Supply Chain Partners (G75) highlights sustainability leaders in the logistics and transportation sector.
Amy Roach
Shipping freight plays a vital role in supply chain management, yet many shippers neglect to take control of their inbound shipments. Industry experts offer strategies for overcoming five common obstacles to successful inbound freight management.
Joseph O'Reilly
Changing consumer expectations and demand for greater efficiency, economy, and productivity present new twists and turns in warehouse automation.
This story examines what customers want in an e-commerce operation and shares fulfillment strategies that merchants use to keep those customers happy.
Amy Roach
Business intelligence tools support supply chain management by helping logistics professionals derive meaning from the data collected by logistics technology solutions.
Companies shipping high-tech electronics face unique challenges requiring specialized best practices.
Joseph O'Reilly
A wealth of natural resources, growing labor force, and proximity to established and emerging consumer markets in Europe and Asia make Africa an attractive target for foreign exploration. The pace of development will depend on the cessation of social unrest, government collaboration, and continued investment in transportation and logistics infrastructure.
Marty Weil
Mobile communications tools track supply chain data such as shipment status, warehouse worker performance, truck location, and driver safety.
Joseph O'Reilly
Logistics technology provides global supply chain managers with tools that help improve logistics operations. This market research survey and list of leading supply chain technology companies directs logistics professionals to the top software tools for their sector.
Joseph O'Reilly
Transloading shipments allows shippers to reduce touches and costs, and create greater flexibility to respond to changing demand in global shipments.
Global trade management software offers greater shipment visibility and control, eases the pain of border-crossing compliance, and streamlines financial transactions—all from your browser.
Amy Roach
Growth in overseas manufacturing spurred a boom in transportation of goods to and from developing nations. New emerging markets require shippers to reconsider their global operations.
Justine Brown
Sporting goods manufacturers and retailers must manage seasonal peaks to avoid stockouts and meet online customers’ demand for prompt delivery. Supply chain technology helps provide visibility and track items during product recalls.
Justine Brown
Online logistics education programs train students for supply chain jobs through webcasts and discussion forums, while short on-campus residencies help students network with peers and professors.
Jason McDowell
A sample of supply chain, logistics, and transportation degrees and certification programs offered partially or entirely online.
Lisa Terry
The new wave of less than containerload (LCL) ocean services combines well-established networks, improved reporting, more certain delivery times, and end-to-end pricing.
Joseph O'Reilly
The success of U.S. agriculture depends on a functional transportation and logistics network that combines efficiencies and economies across all modes.
Justine Brown
Southeast Asian nations – particularly Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand – represent a region of rapid economic growth, thanks to high U.S. import volumes. Infrastructure and regulatory challenges could impede progress, however.
Lisa Terry
Understanding transportation liability is not just for lawyers any more. Shippers need to pay closer attention to contract language and the details of shipper and carrier insurance policies.
Justine Brown
To ensure cargo security in the global supply chain, understanding the challenges, studying best practices, and putting a comprehensive plan in place are critical components.
Marty Weil
Shippers, carriers, brokers, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers use electronic loadboards to communicate opportunities, whether it's freight to be shipped or trucks to be filled.
Beth Stackpole
Companies choosing between voice-directed and pick-to-light technology often find that the right choice is a combination of both.
Cindy Dubin
Project logistics requires specialized knowledge, experience, and equipment. Shippers of oversized loads, heavy equipment, and other unusual items rely on service providers to move their project cargo.
Dwight Crawley
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Conduct a financial checkup of your potential 3PL partners before you sign the contract.
Jason McDowell
Whether you want to casually brush up on your supply chain management techniques or drastically reorganize your purchasing processes, you’ll find the knowledge you need in the pages of these supply chain resources.
Joseph O'Reilly
In a business world defined and dictated by change, supply chain management balances challenges and competitive advantage. Companies large and small are leveraging transportation and logistics best practices to act as great equalizers.
Joseph O'Reilly
Adopting demand-driven logistics can increase visibility, drive supply chain efficiency, and offset any market advantage your competitors might have.
Joseph O'Reilly
Schwan’s Home Services optimized its distribution network by using a hybrid insourced/outsourced model; and Sun-Maid Growers of California used collaborative distribution to create better economies of scale in its transportation operations.
Innovative technologies are helping companies improve visibility into their supply chains and gain better control over inventory, service, and cost.
Joseph O'Reilly
The materials handling landscape is shifting to accommodate traditional brick-and-mortar and Internet retailers’ changing needs.
Solid workforce training, appropriate metrics, and well-designed incentive programs give companies an advantage in building their supply chain labor pool.
Choosing the right location for your distribution center can give your business significant edge. Here’s how the pros decide where to go.
Lisa Terry
Leveraging IT, reconsidering warehouse processes, and conducting periodic network optimization projects are just three of many strategies that enable shippers to not only trim costs, but ensure that transportation spending supports overall business goals.
Joseph O'Reilly
At the annual RailTrends conference, industry experts shared insight on trends, opportunities, and challenges facing North American railroads.
Visit with three supply chain professionals who were featured in the Reader Profile column in 2007-2009, and find out what they’re up to these days.
Justine Brown
Logistics professionals seeking to become supply chain executives can gain insight from the perspectives of four logistics experts, who share their knowledge about the skills and experience needed to climb the logistics career ladder.
Amy Roach
Logistics and supply chain professionals are finding a greater need to speak out and educate government officials on key issues affecting transportation, logistics, and supply chain.
Lisa H. Harrington
The emergence of integrated third-party logistics (3PL) solutions, expanded and improved intermodal service offerings, and creative collaborations to optimize transport resources has prompted many companies to expand operations in Mexico.
Joseph O'Reilly
The Alternative Site Framework designation is changing the Foreign Trade Zone landscape, allowing shippers a more expedient process for streamlining the supply chain.
Lisa Terry
Customer service is improving as some shippers and their service providers work to develop key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure customer service metrics.
Marty Weil
Monitoring and tracking tools applied to temperature-controlled shipments ensure that perishables in the cold chain maintain the right conditions, protecting food safety and consumer health, and minimizing product shrink.
Joseph O'Reilly
As Panama Canal expansion nears completion, global shippers gain a viable alternative for shipping ocean cargo from Asia to U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports.
Justine Brown
With an eye toward the looming logistics labor shortage, some companies are working studiously to attract millennials.
Lisa Terry
Expedited services transport cargo by air, sea, or ground to meet shippers’ demands for consistent, on-time delivery with short lead times.
Strong forecasting, careful vendor management, solid partnerships with carriers and optimized use of labor and equipment all help retailers manage the year-end holiday rush.
Joseph O'Reilly
Shippers such as Ste. Michelle, Welch’s, and Michaels Stores are using intermodal transportation to move freight quickly, efficiently, and sustainably.
Justine Brown
The complexity of ocean freight contracts requires shippers to negotiate carefully with carriers so both parties can find beneficial terms.
Inbound Logistics' annual Ocean Carrier Guide outlines where ocean carriers are investing capital, and how they are enhancing fleets, services, solutions, and coverage areas to better meet ocean shipping demands.
Marty Weil
Mobile trucking communications technology signals new productivity gains for truckers, and helps improve truck driver safety.
Some new trucking regulations – and proposed changes to rules and legislation – have a major affect on motor carriers. Here’s a look at these changes, and how they could affect shippers.
Joseph O'Reilly
The results of our trucking industry research report include in-depth analysis of the trends, challenges, and regulations that affect both shippers, truck drivers, and trucking companies.
Amy Roach
Spurred by its advantageous location, international trade prowess, and transportation assets, the Gulf Coast emerges as a new distribution and logistics powerhouse.
Amy Roach
Multi-channel apparel retailers such as Nordstrom use strategic inventory management, order fulfillment, transportation management, and reverse logistics to meet customer demand.
Joseph O'Reilly
Facing increasing food safety and quality standards and soaring commodity prices, the restaurant industry turns to supply chain management to manage super-sized challenges.
Pharmaceuticals manufacturers face special supply chain challenges such as temperature control, security, chain of custody, and regulatory compliance, but successful strategies help deal with these issues.
Lisa H. Harrington
Brian Hancock, president, North America for Martin-Brower, discusses the unique supply chain and distribution operations supporting the McDonald’s restaurant chain.
Joseph O'Reilly
Looking out to 2015, anticipation is swirling about the Panama Canal's expansion and impact on U.S. trade. Among southeastern ports and shippers, that wave of anticipation has already made landfall.
Many companies, including Kimberly-Clark, Ebro, and USG Corporation, are moving beyond the traditional, transactional shipper-3PL relationship to form collaborative partnerships focused on mutual gain.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics’ eighth-annual 3PL market research report demonstrates how 3PLs and shippers are connecting to confront existing challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.
Catherine Overman
Inbound Logistics' readers voted on the third-party logistics providers (3PLs) that give them the best service and deliver outstanding results. Here is the list of top-rated 3PLs.
Joe Manone
Fast-paced loading docks can present a dangerous work environment. Using proper vehicle restraints with visual communications systems keeps drivers, forklifts operators, and other workers safe.
Joseph O'Reilly
Traffic congestion and infrastructure limitations can complicate shipment deliveries in major cities. Carriers such as DHL and UPS use network engineering, communication tools, and contingency planning to ensure they meet customer needs.
Lisa Terry
Less-than-containerload (LCL) services are expanding to meet shippers’ need for a cost-effective approach to smaller ocean freight volumes.
Joseph O'Reilly
Advancements in lift truck technology give distribution center and warehouse managers flexibility in using their forklift fleets.
Routing guides are a vital part of successfully managing inbound shipments. A clear, concise routing guide helps vendors meet your specifications for inbound transportation.
Catherine Overman
New publications on supply chain and logistics topics such as warehousing, sustainability, and procurement help logistics professionals stay sharp. Here are some recent books on supply chain topics of interest.
Justine Brown
Yard management systems (YMS) help prioritize shipment arrivals, identify trailer contents, reduce the time needed to allocate vehicles to loads, and avoid unnecessary vehicle movements.
Lisa Terry
The airfreight industry is depending on the new efficiencies promised by new freighters, e-commerce, and updated air traffic control systems to offset economic uncertainties and increasing regulatory requirements.
Lisa Harrington
Multinational corporations are gambling on the Latin American market's growth potential. But meeting the region's supply chain challenges requires an understanding of local markets, strategic planning, and strong partnerships.
Kimberly Johnson
The traits of an exceptional soldier are also the traits of exceptional logistics professionals.
Joseph O'Reilly
Fueled by cost reductions and efficiency gains, supply chain sustainability initiatives retain their heat.
Companies such as Pep Boys and Georgia Pacific are harnessing technology to gain greater warehouse labor productivity through labor management systems; incentive programs; and warehouse management systems connected to forklift-mounted mobile computers.
Joseph O'Reilly
A consultant, integrator, and wholesaler share some warehouse wisdom.
Joseph O'Reilly
Many state governments support transportation and logistics infrastructure development and legislation that facilitate business retention, investment, and expansion. Economic development efforts in Virginia, Iowa, Idaho, Utah, and Wisconsin demonstrate a variety of approaches to supporting in-state businesses.
Many ERP vendors have added full-blown supply chain management functionality to their solution suites. Here’s a look at some of their offerings, and at two large companies that are reaping the benefits.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics' annual logistics technology market research report delivers exclusive insights on logistics technology trends, and reveals this year's best-in-class vendors.
Lisa Terry
Many shippers are looking to replace fossil-fuel based packaging materials with something more sustainable. But they must do their homework to find the best – and greenest – fit.
Joseph O'Reilly
As multinational companies in the United States and around the world are increasingly influenced by changes in the international economy, global distribution networks must be fluid enough to accommodate unpredictability.
Lisa H. Harrington
Factors such as labor costs, transportation time and costs, and infrastructure may make Latin America the best global location for manufacturing operations.
Small companies face challenges in meeting the rules set out in vendor requirements manuals. Best practices help them comply with retailers’ supplier requirements successfully.
Perry A. Trunick
The demands of volatile markets and structural changes taking place in the ocean freight sector make strong shipper/carrier partnerships beneficial to both parties.
Lisa H. Harrington
Leading supply chain and logistics professors provide insights about the state of supply chain education and employers' expectations for new hires.
Perry A. Trunick
Recently retired from a 40-year career with less-than-truckload carrier ABF, former president and CEO Wes Kemp shares his insights on the transportation industry, trucking regulation, and the importance of logistics and supply chain education.
Joseph O'Reilly
Project cargo logistics requires shippers and service providers become more sophisticated in how they plan and partner for success when transporting oversized and heavy-weight shipments.
Joseph O'Reilly
When baseball cap maker New Era’s business growth hit critical mass, it realigned its distribution operations, fusing Menlo Worldwide Logistics’ outsourced solutions with its global supply chain.
Joseph O'Reilly
Deploying a warehouse management system (WMS) on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis allowed online retailer PetFlow.com to manage its own fulfillment operations without a large capital investment.
Joseph O'Reilly
Grocery store chain United Supermarkets achieved its sustainability goals by certifying chain of custody within a tight-knit supplier network and integrating responsible practices into daily business operations.
Joseph O'Reilly
Nussbaum Trucking and Wabash National collaborated with appliance maker Electrolux to create the X-duty trailer, which combines the protection and security of a dry van with the strength of a heavy-duty flatbed trailer, allowing Electrolux to use the same trucks for its inbound raw material and outbound finished goods shipments.
Joseph O'Reilly
Buck Knives’ lean integration has allowed the company to sharpen efficiencies in its manufacturing operation, increase output, and pull back production from China.
Joseph O'Reilly
The Department of Transportation's third set of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants provides funding for a range of projects.
Lisa H. Harrington
In an exclusive interview with Inbound Logistics, Dennis Omanoff, senior vice president, chief supply chain officer, chief procurement officer, corporate facilities and real estate for McAfee Inc., shares his view of supply chain management, security, and the U.S. business climate.
Amy Roach
The logistics sector is using new approaches, mandates, and technologies to support global supply chain security.
Tamara Chapman
With companies intent on optimizing the supply chain, purchasing managers have emerged as key players in the business plan. To be successful, they need to communicate, collaborate, and venture into new territory.
Amy Roach
Thanks to e-commerce, many distribution centers are now fulfilling a greater number of smaller orders – rendering conventional materials handling automation systems somewhat outdated. Is flexible automation the next frontier?
Josie Garthwaite
Trucking companies around the world are looking to boost fuel economy by improving driver behavior, and they are using on-board technology to monitor and control what goes on behind the wheel.
Simon Kaye
Using International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) in transportation contracts give shippers more control over transport and delivery terms. Simon Kaye, CEO of Jaguar Freight Services, explains how importers can use Incoterms Group F for better shipment control.
Joseph O'Reilly
A group of determined leaders, engineers, and industrialists helped drive the westward expansion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Major sports events require intensive logistics planning. Here, a behind-the-scenes looks at the preparations for the 2012 Super Bowl XVLI in Indianapolis and 2011 PGA Championship near Atlanta, Georgia.
Demand for industrial real estate near U.S. seaports is outpacing demand for industrial sites in general. Whether it actively buys and develops land or simply improves its own facilities to draw more interest, port authorities are crucial partners in regional economic development initiatives.
As more manufacturers establish plants in Mexico, and as Mexican railroads improve their infrastructure and services, demand for rail transportation within the country and across the border with the U.S. continues to rise.
Joseph O'Reilly
Key legislative and regulatory items on Capitol Hill will have a bearing on transportation and logistics in 2012 and beyond.
A look at the logistics challenges faced by companies shipping alcoholic beverages, and some practices for dealing with those challenges.
Retailers such as Brookstone, BuySeasons, Pet Supplies Plus, and Wayfair streamline their supply chains to deliver better customer service.
Amy Roach
The harsh economy is driving an increased need for top-notch supply chain management in the foodservice industry. Here, a look at how some restaurants are feeding their hunger for smart logistics strategies.
Perry A. Trunick
Well-defined business practices, thorough contracts, physical security, and active planning, help mitigate supply chain risk.
Perry A. Trunick
Top-performing supply chains focus on attracting and retaining talent — both technical ability and leadership. Here’s how to find and nurture true supply chain competency.
Organizations all along the healthcare supply chain are taking a dose of smarter procurement and logistics practices to cure high costs and treat ailments in other areas of the business.
Amy Roach
Logistics technology helps turbo-charged expedited carriers move freight for shippers with an extreme need for speed. Con-way Truckload, FedEx Custom Critical, Old Dominion Freight Line, Schneider National, and UPS share their perspectives.
Perry A. Trunick
Railroads continue to ramp up capital spending on infrastructure and equipment, leading to new intermodal services that prompt more shippers – and motor carriers – to adopt multimodal approaches.
Carriers, port authorities, and other service providers are working to keep intermodal going strong. Here’s a look at some of the newest developments in intermodal transportation around North America.
Supply chain professionals get a lift as more companies grow to appreciate the strategic value of a well-run logistics operation.
Amy Roach
Mobile devices and applications have become the go-to tools for logistics and transportation professionals looking to stay connected and keep their supply chains moving forward.
Perry A. Trunick
Inbound Logistics spoke to CEOs at five leading motor carriers and logistics service providers about the issues driving change for their companies and the industry.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics' annual motor carrier survey provides an in-depth look at the trucking sector, addressing growth areas and obstacles such as CSA, hours of service rules, capacity and driver shortages, fuel surcharges, and freight brokerage.
Amy Roach
Inbound Logistics gauges the trucking industry’s response to safety issues, with a look at CSA’s impact, and truckers that lead the way in safety performance.
Joseph O'Reilly
Curt Shewchuck, chief security officer, Con-way Freight discusses how the carrier's security protocols helped avert a terrorist threat.
There is more to India’s supply chain scene than its shortcomings. APL Logistics’ David Frentzel shares insights from a recent tour of his company’s Indian facilities and meetings with shippers.
Lisa Harrington
Shifting perspectives on supply chain management, coupled with the realities of total landed cost, are driving manufacturers to weigh the benefits of flinging production operations in China back to the United States.
Perry A. Trunick
Prompted by new FDA regulations, shippers examine food transportation and distribution safety procedures.
Joseph O'Reilly
Manufacturers are adapting their shipping cartons to effect supply chain change by reducing waste, slashing transport costs, and boosting efficiency.
Just when a shipper needs help most, in steps a partner with super powers. These three case studies show how third-party logistics providers can swoop in to solve problems for shippers.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics' annual 3PL market research report reveals how the dynamic duo of shippers and 3PLs are responding to changing forces in the outsourcing industry.
Catherine Overman
Responding to our annual Readers' Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence survey, Inbound Logistics readers voted on the best third-party logistics providers and related the ways in which they count on their 3PLs.
Amy Roach
3PLs, like shippers, come in many shapes and sizes. The "not-too-big and not-too-small" size of Tier II 3PLs makes them just right for many shippers.
Joseph O'Reilly
Lewis & Clark Marine, a St. Louis tugboat line, takes Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O’Reilly on arrange a tour of its Mississippi River operations.
Perry A. Trunick
When selecting locations for logistics hubs, regional factors such as population density and facility costs determine where and how businesses store and distribute inventory.
Catherine Overman
A round-up of recently published books about supply chain, transportation infrastructure, and logistics.
Michael J. Stolarczyk
Carrier-supplied data can provide valuable insight for writing contracts, but shippers who want to pave the way to strong business relationships must dig deeper.
Containerization reshaped ocean shipping, spurring further innovations such as bigger ships, giant cranes, suburban ports, and intermodal transportation. Future trends will include challenges including how to accommodate ever-larger ships, how to guarantee a chassis supply for shippers and how the dynamics of fuel costs, vessel size, and sailing schedules will impact container rates.
Amy Roach
Green reverse logistics strategies to reuse, refurbish, and recycle products and raw materials not only benefit the environment, but also save money and increase profits.
Tamara Chapman
Advanced logistics and supply chain education brings rewards such as greater job satisfaction, the potential for promotion, and a salary uptick.
Perry A. Trunick
When looking for environmental sustainability solutions, which ground transport mode -- truck or rail -- is greener?
Joseph O'Reilly
As U.S. railroads and agricultural businesses embark on a new era of relevance, they are encountering new opportuniteis working together, and old grievances working apart.
Healthy warehouses use strategies such as one-on-one training, layout optimization, materials handling equipment, adjustable partitions, performance measurement tools, wrist-mounted bar-code scanners, and energy-efficient lighting.
Joseph O'Reilly
Pallet management helps shippers uncover efficiencies and economies in their supply chain. Wood, plastic, and aluminum pallets all carry specific benefits, which can often be delivered via a pallet pooling service.
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are bringing transportation management systems (TMS) to market.
Perry A. Trunick
Innovative supply chain management delivers financial benefits to your bottom line.
Amy Roach
Cloud-based multi-tenant supply chain technology solutions help companies achieve better execution, visibility, cost savings, and collaboration with trading partners across the supply chain.
Lisa H. Harrington
Asia today is not just about manufacturing; it's also emerging as a consumer powerhouse. To seize the opportunity, manufacturers and retailers alike are rewiring their global supply chain strategies.
Amy Roach
From traditional heavy goods shipments to the new influx of e-commerce-fueled home deliveries, the last mile plays a crucial role in the supply chain.
Amy Roach
Most logistics outsourcers today use an RFQ to select their 3PLs. But that model is outdated and ineffective. A handful of forward-thinking shippers and logistics providers are instead embracing a collaborative outsourcing method, with powerful results.
Perry A. Trunick
Pursuing continuing education — through an abundance of choices that includes classroom work, certification, or online courses — helps logistics professionals enhance their job performance and get ahead.
Joseph O'Reilly
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Roadability Rule has shifted responsibility for obtaining and maintaining chassis to shippers and drayage companies.
Joseph O'Reilly
4PLs guide transportation operations, manage product flow, and sometimes help avert disaster.
Contingency suppliers, sourcing differentiation, special incentives, and a host of other strategies generate improvements in supply chains that reach around the world.
Where you locate a logistics facility can greatly influence how well your supply chain runs.
Outsource your way to a more efficient supply chain by selecting a knowledgeable and resourceful third-party logistics provider.
New technology solutions help improve inventory visibility, increase routing agility, manage labor more effectively, and capture valuable information from the field.
Sustainability efforts can help companies grow more efficient supply chains.
Strategic transportation management puts shippers on the road to increased fuel economy and improved asset utilization.
Warehouse automation allows distribution centers to take a hands-off approach.
Mark Parker
Effectively managing your freight forwarders helps improve supply chain compliance.
Industry experts explain how to avoid threats to warehoused goods, conduct a global security assessment, and benefit from renewed government and private sector attention to supply chain security initiatives.
To roll out a supply chain overhaul, truck and engine manufacturer Navistar chose third-party logistics provider Menlo as its strategic partner. Ed Melching, director, Global Logistics, describes the project.
Perry A. Trunick
Optimizing materials handling equipment and processes in the warehouse impacts the entire supply chain.
Joseph O'Reilly
Industrial property developers are cultivating greener distribution facilities and nurturing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards compliance. The bounty? A harvest of benefits for their tenants.
Lisa Terry
Logistics service providers are eligible for a range of certifications, such as C-TPAT, SmartWay, FAST, and IATA. But what they must do to qualify, and why should these certifications matter to shippers?
Amy Roach
Ford revamped its service parts network, processes, and technologies to boost efficiency and set the stage for global service parts logistics management.
Joseph O'Reilly
Panama City, Fla., is primed for economic prosperity, thanks to the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and a local aerospace and defense research and development facility.
Joseph O'Reilly
FedEx primary package facility processes 2,500 items an hour. A behind-the-scenes look reveals how the bustling facility operates.
Joseph O'Reilly
Driving across the United States presents insights into the nation’s manufacturing, energy, transportation, and sustainability developments.
Supply chain leaders and economic development experts provide insight on what's new in security, infrastructure, and manufacturing in Mexico.
Amy Roach
Does lingering uncertainty about economic conditions, freight demands, and funding sources pose a threat to industrial real estate development and transportation infrastructure projects?
Perry A. Trunick
As yet another sign that the U.S. economy is emerging from the downturn, the logistics job market is picking up, with a steady increase in hiring since last year.
Cindy H. Dubin
Handling oversized cargo requires a special touch. Here's how to find a project logistics provider with the know-how to get the job done right.
Joseph O'Reilly
A growing consumer interest in locally grown food is changing the way many food companies source products. Food quality and safety concerns, transportation costs, and local economic development efforts are compelling restaurants, groceries, and wholesalers to engage smaller producers and localize their supply chains.
Amy Roach
Logistics providers who work to understand shippers' needs help create customer service success, as illustrated by case studies involving Pep Boys, McCain Foods, and USG Corporation.
Joseph O'Reilly
The U.S. Department of Transportation's second round of stimulus funding for infrastructure development exposes a widening gap between U.S. roads, rails, and bridges and government special interests.
Perry A. Trunick
Wherever you went, attendees at the 2010 CSCMP Annual Conference were talking supply chain risk, volatility, disruption, and visibility.
Joseph O'Reilly
When expediting shipments, visibility, communication, and customer service get into gear.
Perry A. Trunick
Will rail reregulation untie captive shippers but tie up rail productivity?
Faced with challenges such as a capacity shortage and lack of qualified drivers, companies that ship product by truck are learning that working collaboratively with carriers can benefit both parties.
Joseph O'Reilly
Our annual motor carrier survey provides an in-depth look at the trucking sector, addressing growth areas and obstacles.
Here's the story of one consumer product, starting with its origin as a variety of inbound ingredients and following its progress from plant to warehouse to retail store.
Tod Yazdi, Harold Friedman
Retailers publish routing guides to establish rules for manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to follow when fulfilling and shipping orders. Here are the benefits of establishing a routing guide.
Joseph O'Reilly
Lean Six Sigma enablers and practitioners are using continuous improvement methodologies to squeeze cost and inefficiency out of the supply chain.
Catherine Overman
Inbound Logistics readers select the top third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics' exclusive market research compiles shipper and 3PL input to illustrate the outsourcing sector's rapidly changing dynamics.
A steady stream of goods passing north and south across the U.S.-Canada border stitches the two nations tightly together, complicated by factors such as customs regulations, security protocols, data exchange, and infrastructure projects.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics goes behind the scenes of a five-month pursuit to move the U.S. military from Iraq to Afghanistan with Brigadier General John O’Connor, director of logistics, Third Army, and commanding general of the Army Materiel Command.
Perry A. Trunick
Shippers and service providers discuss their experience building a strong working relationship.
Catherine Overman
Recent books shed light on various aspects of supply chain, logistics, and transportation management.
Joseph O'Reilly
Government, industry, and consumers are creating new standards for supply chain sustainability excellence.
Amy Roach
A mentor's advice and attention can make a world of difference to professionals trying to rise to the top of the logistics field. Here's how three companies in the industry help their employees scale new heights.
Perry A. Trunick
Warehousing risks can spring out at any moment. Some are meant to be shared, others avoided. Successful warehousing operations strike a balance.
Perry A. Trunick
Can you really model best practices from the military? After all, they invented the acronym SNAFU. But companies are finding veterans' experience and skills help promote ship-shape supply chains.
Growing companies harness a variety of IT solutions to help them maintain outstanding performance.
Joseph O'Reilly
U.S. companies exploring uncharted markets to expand their global presence might consider taking a second pass through Europe for a fresh perspective on transportation best practices.
Evolving to meet changing industry needs, logistics and supply chain education helps students hone their skills, gain a broader perspective, and bring bottom-line benefits to employers.
Amy Roach
Importers and exporters must make sure the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's new 10+2 equation adds up. Here's the formula for successful compliance with the Importer Security Filing (ISF) regulation.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O'Reilly's supply chain travelogue details a year spent visiting logistics and transportation sites and businesses around the country.
Joseph O'Reilly
BNSF Railway's Belen, N.M., rail yard serves as a regional maintenance and fueling facility for trains up to 10,000 feet long. Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O'Reilly offers a behind-the-scenes look.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O'Reilly visits New Jersey's Port Elizabeth, one of the East Coast's busiest intermodal ports.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O'Reilly tours North Carolina's Piedmont Triad, home to a new FedEx hub and growing Aerotropolis.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O'Reilly visits Bellavance Beverage Company, a Nashua, N.H. beer distributor.
Joseph O'Reilly
A&R Logistics' Morris, Ill., dry bulk intermodal facility specializes in hauling plastics. Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O'Reilly tours the operation.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O'Reilly reflects on his travels for the On the Road series.
Shippers use overseas consolidation, strategic loading tactics, and container sharing to cast off ocean transportation's financial burden.
Healthcare leaders diagnose their biggest supply chain pains and write a prescription for the Obama administration.
Amy Roach
Companies that combine the reduce, reuse, recycle mantra with the supply chain wisdom of managing costs and stamping out inefficiencies are developing reverse supply chains that help the Earth, the customer, and the bottom line.
Cindy H. Dubin
Public-private partnerships fund transportation projects and make infrastructure improvement a priority.
For an update on customs, infrastructure, and manufacturing, IL went straight to the supply chain leaders and economic development experts who make Mexico their business.
Dan McCue
The supply chain plays a starring role in popular entertainment. Grab some popcorn and watch as we show some highlights of logistics' distinguished career in television and film.
Industry experts explain the source of some common misperceptions regarding supply chain and logistics lexicon.
Joseph O'Reilly
Cosmetics and skin care manufacturers look in the corporate mirror and smooth logistics and supply chain wrinkles.
Jared S. Palmer
A thriving black market keeps cargo thieves in business -- to the detriment of the global economy.
Roger F. Huff
In cases of double payment liability, innocent shippers and consignees find themselves ordered to pay for services twice. Contracting with a reputable broker can protect you from ending up in this situation.
Time flies, and careers evolve quickly. Since 2002, Inbound Logistics' Reader Profile column has introduced readers to more than 90 colleagues who work in logistics and supply chain management. Many of those professionals have since moved on from the jobs they held when we visited with them. Others still hold the same positions but have seen significant changes in their work. Let's catch up.
Amy Roach
Ground carriers redefine expedited services to meet new delivery and security demands in a down economy.
Retail madness doesn't stop at year's end -- it just reverses direction. A medicine chest of reverse logistics remedies helps alleviate retailers' inventory headaches.
Wind machines have been spinning imagination and innovation for centuries, but only now is past fancy and contemporary fabrication melding into a composite reality for U.S. industry. Where wind blows, economic promise follows. The wind energy industry is taking over the world and the United States is center stage in an unfolding drama.
Although volumes dipped in nearly all transport sectors this year, a small boost in domestic intermodal points to a better future for multi-mode transportation as the economy rebounds. In the meantime, intermodal facilities are taking advantage of the lull to upgrade so they'll be ready when business picks up again.
A visit to five U.S. locations that are creating inviting environments for companies striving to achieve logistics excellence.
Joseph O'Reilly
They did things the hard way because they had to. They saw opportunities and seized them, took risks, rolled with the punches, and reaped the rewards. They didn't squeeze pricing or pinch service; everything was set in stone. And they hauled everything and anything during the Great Depression, World War II, and beyond. Join Inbound Logistics as we celebrate the legacies that made motor freight move.
Joseph O'Reilly
Our annual Motor Freight Market Insight Survey provides an in-depth look at the trucking sector. Motor carriers and Inbound Logistics readers address growth areas and obstacles.
Need to be within easy reach of just about everything? Missouri is the place to be.
Freight payment/audit providers scrutinize shipper invoices using detailed reporting, sophisticated technology, and international capabilities. Here's a close-up look at how they discover savings and efficiencies.
Whether they're pooling loads or promoting best practices, retailers tag consolidation and collaboration as powerful strategies.
Amy Roach
Haunted by the challenges of environmental unpredictability, safety scares, and regulatory red tape, food shippers rely on supply chain efficiency to keep their cool.
Joseph O'Reilly
Across the country, public utilities are empowering local and state economic development while helping businesses amp up their site selection due diligence.
Linking North America's top energy and agricultural regions, the Ports-to-Plains Corridor helps deliver food and fuel to the city, and keeps the Heartland economy humming.
Joseph O'Reilly
Like any well-oiled, multi-articulated machine, today's supply chain comprises many inter-related parts that alone serve specific needs and together function as a finely calibrated mechanism for consuming raw materials and spitting out finished goods.
When small and medium-sized firms are ready to swim with the big fish, they team up with 3PLs to gain a sea of business capabilities.
Cindy H. Dubin
One key to logistics success is a healthy, well-maintained trailer yard. YMS solutions provide the fertilizer to help grow a yard to be proud of.
Summer's lazy weekends and long nights are the perfect time to catch up on your logistics reading. Dive into these titles for a new supply chain perspective and a logistics knowledge boost.
At the core of America's heartland, Northwest Iowa delivers easy access to major markets, a first-class transportation infrastructure, a welcoming business environment, and outstanding workforce development programs.
Security and customs requirements impose major constraints on airfreight shipments. Two new programs aim to remove some of the obstacles.
Joseph O'Reilly
Leading air cargo companies share their perceptions on important trends shaping the trajectory of today's global supply chain.
Companies that source and manufacture products in Mexico gain opportunities to cut transportation costs, hold less inventory, and provide faster service to customers. But to reap logistics benefits in Mexico, you have to know your way around.
Tamara Chapman
Relevant, rigorous, and wide-ranging, university studies of supply chain issues focus on real-world challenges.
In a tough economy, the universal battle cry is, Do more with less! We're all looking for new ways to squeeze a few more dollars, or a few more hours, from our operations while also delighting customers with ever-better service. In many cases, we're trying to achieve those goals while saving energy and reducing our environmental impact.
Amy Roach
Why are companies sticking with green packaging initiatives in the midst of an economic recession? Because reusing materials, reducing waste, and improving transportation efficiency is not only good for the planet, it's good for business.
Joseph O'Reilly
Arkansas has long been known for its geographic diversity and scenic beauty. Now it's a burgeoning Natural Wonder when it comes to transportation, logistics, and trade.
Joseph O'Reilly
Logistics information technology is many things to different companies. It is an investment, a risk, a market neutralizer, and often a competitive differentiator. Technology can micromanage the mundane with extraordinary savings; or it can tackle the extraordinary with mundane consistency.
Lisa Harrington
Leading companies are plugging into current economic volatility to switch up their supply chains and make a connection between internal logistics departments.
Dan McCue
In the face of a recession, plastics companies recognize the importance of efficient transportation and supply chain management.
Lisa Harrington
A decade ago, garment manufacturing in the United States was practically dead as apparel companies flocked to low-cost countries. But then came the economic downturn, and the realization that the time merchandise spends traveling in a container is time not spent on store shelves. Suddenly, America is the new global hot spot.
Bill Anderson
When it comes to protecting shipments from theft, businesses have an arsenal of tools at their disposal. From high-tech tracking and monitoring to basic intrusion prevention, these devices and technologies, combined with common-sense security practices, can help thwart cargo thieves.
The sun never sets on the global supply chain. Advanced education programs at a variety of universities offer logistics professionals a world tour unlike any other.
Dan Calabrese
Understanding the latest CBP programs and requirements involves homework and headaches. So...
Joseph O'Reilly
Logistics fundamentals are oft cited but more often overlooked or misread. Mastering these basics builds a foundation for supply chain sophistication. So grab your slippers, pull up a chair, and stoke the fire -- get comfortable. Join us as we retire to Inbound Logistics' library of logistics best practices and dust off some classics.
Joseph O'Reilly
Joseph O'Reilly
Joseph O'Reilly
Joseph O'Reilly
Joseph O'Reilly
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics asked seven leading trucking executives to tackle some tough questions about the challenging year ahead. Their advice, words of caution, and strategic vision can help you face the challenges of using motor freight in the short term and beyond.
Click...Click...Click.... Consumers' short attention spans demand greater shopping flexibility. For some retailers, that means it's time to flip the supply chain processes behind their sales channels.
Joseph O'Reilly
With a nod to the Food Network, and a toast to the Chef, join us as we cut from the table and go straight to the source.
John Edwards
Spend some time with the professionals who get business in gear.
Dan Calabrese
Companies can avoid import duties and other fees by shipping through and manufacturing in a Foreign Trade Zone.
Inbound Logistics' NAFTA Summit Report -- Insider Perspectives on the NAFTA Nations' Economies
The more transparent the supply chain, the more easily you can spot ways to squeeze value from your operational data.
Lisa Terry
In the entertainment industry the show must go on, despite heart-stopping supply chain challenges.
Lisa Harrington
Symptoms such as erratic billing rates, supply closet vertigo, and constricted inventory flow have healthcare facilities diagnosing better supply chain management as the cure for what ails them. To improve their condition, theyπll need help from suppliers and service providers.
Joseph O'Reilly
Businesses today face the unenviable task of reducing supply chain costs while increasing front-facing service to end customers. Technology and automation help integrate and expedite service, but they don't allay the problems and emotions -- good, bad, and indifferent -- that befall poor execution or unforeseeable exceptions.
William Atkinson
Whether you're a rookie warehouse operator, a mid-level transportation manager, or a veteran logistician, industry associations can help you make a name for yourself.
John Edwards
When an item really has to get there -- and fast -- critical shipment service providers spring into action.
Dan McCue
Taking a lesson from a holiday hero with a glowing red nose, retailers and suppliers embrace accurate planning, lean strategies, and transportation efficiency to guide their supply chain sleigh through any storm.
The multimodal transportation network known as NASCO runs through the heart of trade in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Find out what makes this corridor unique and why companies are banding together to support it.
Lisa Terry
Pharmaceutical manufacturers, drug distributors, and health care providers are taking a double dose of technology and business process improvement to keep consumers safe and competition one step behind.
Lisa Harrington
Ocean carriers toss out lifelines to help shippers navigate economic riptides.
IL Staff Report
Inbound Logistics invites you to tour some of the ocean freight industry's top players.
The road to successful Pacific Rim outsourcing has more than its share of bumps. Here are some turn-by-turn directions to the path of least resistance.
IL Staff Report
With its wealth of resources, central location, highly developed infrastructure, depth of logistics and transportation services, and talented labor pool, Memphis claims its right to the title North America's Logistics Center. No wonder so many companies can't help falling in love with Memphis.
IL Staff Report
Throughout the United States, local, regional, and state economic development authorities are ramping up investments in transportation and logistics infrastructure to stimulate and sustain business growth.
Lisa Harrington
Battle-weary shippers design strategic networks to withstand market challenges.
Joseph O'Reilly
Our annual Motor Freight Market Insight Survey provides an in-depth look at the trucking sector. Motor carriers and Inbound Logistics readers address growth areas and obstacles.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Freight payment services are no longer just about paying your carriers quickly. Today's freight payment service providers have expanded their portfolios to offer an array of cost-cutting, productivity, and efficiency benefits.
John Edwards
Purchasing managers juggle a To-Do list of stressful, business-critical tasks -- from striking the best deals to projecting demand to staying abreast of financial and political changes worldwide. Listen in as four purchasing managers chat about challenges and shoot the breeze on strategy.
Lisa Harrington
Retailers are deploying a number of survival strategies and tactics to cope with the U.S. economic downturn.
Joseph O'Reilly
Variety and freshness are paramount to keeping fast-food customers hungry for more and supply lines and inventory ripe and ready for change. Fast-food chains look to logistics service providers with a similar craving for made-to-order selectivity, quality, and service - all at an affordable cost.
Lisa Terry
With safety and recalls, sustainability, rising costs, and infrastructure improvements the usual suspects, food companies investigate strategies for locking down supply chain management efficiencies.
Amy Roach
When shippers mix the 3PL elements of expertise, process efficiency, and technology into their supply chain, the results are potent. Eureka! A stronger, more efficient, and cost-effective logistics operation! Step into the logistics lab for a look at how and why outsourcing can give businesses a positive charge.
Lisa Terry
Supply chain management is no longer a backroom function. It has secured its place at the boardroom table, and greatly impacts corporate success.
John Edwards
Their mission, should they decide to accept it, is to transport sensitive materials around the globe. They'll grapple with issues of size, time, cost, scheduling, security, and fragility. Failure is not an option. They are project logistics professionals.
William Atkinson
By moving beyond conventional packaging methods and materials, companies can reduce their carbon footprints as well as their transportation spend and warehousing costs.
Lisa Terry
Weak supplier relationships, restrictive trade regulations, and brand counterfeiting can put a wrinkle in garment transport. How do apparel shippers keep from getting tied up in knots.
Joseph O'Reilly
A once-flourishing means of transportation is poised to not only withstand change, but also thrive on it.
Mark Rowan
After you pack the picnic basket with sandwiches, potato salad, and lemonade, toss in one of these interesting summer reads. You'll quench your appetite and your thirst for supply chain knowledge at the same time.
Lisa Harrington
Although high fuel costs cloud the view, airfreight forwarders still play a vital role in transportation and supply chain strategies.
Joseph O'Reilly
In a recent survey, Inbound Logistics asked airfreight forwarders how they are expanding their global coverage and services to meet shipper and corporate expectations. Listen in as they air their thoughts.
Tamara Chapman
Logistics professionals who pursue continuing education keep up with industry innovations and move ahead in their careers.
As rising fuel costs and lengthening supply lines give businesses further pause assessing total landed logistics costs and proximity to market, Latin America finds itself squarely in the middle of an emerging logistics land swap. Thanks to the pioneering efforts of visionary 3PLs, U.S. companies are prospecting sites in Mexico, Brazil, and elsewhere as they explore new sourcing and selling opportunities.
Lisa Harrington
Looking for award-winning performance incentives for your warehouse workforce? The nominees are: Measuring Productivity; Setting Labor Standards; Implementing Gainsharing Programs; Training Workers for Results; and Promoting Safe Practices.
William Atkinson
When warehouses and DCs explore innovative ways to optimize flow and reduce waste, the benefits can be bottom-line friendly and eco-friendly, too.
Bob Cook, Luis Ruiz, Daniel Przybyla, Mark C. Long, SIOR, CCIM
When it comes to economic development, there are two Americas -- communities that invest in transportation infrastructure and those that don't. Here are three that do.
Looking for easy access to major U.S. markets? A gateway for international trade free of traffic snarls? Inexpensive utilities and real estate with plenty of room to expand logistics or manufacturing operations? Spokane is just what you're looking for.
Three companies at different stages of demand-driven sophistication use greater visibility, automated data flow, and real-time alerts to preserve the delicate balance between suppliers and customers.
Lisa Harrington
Companies take a closer look at technology solutions to discover the secret of optimizing transportation operations.
Joseph O'Reilly
Supply chains are only as flexible as the technology that exists to support them -- and thanks to an emerging class of logistics IT providers, and a new breed of sophisticated solutions, there are plenty of options to help enterprises respond more quickly and efficiently to shifting market dynamics.
John Edwards
Small businesses level the playing field by getting a boost from big service providers.
Lisa Terry
Beverage makers drink a toast to forecasting, TMS, and WMS solutions, which help them keep shelves stocked when customers' glasses are half empty.
For all the operational advances chemical logistics achieved in the past few years, and for all the savings producers and shippers have realized, large opportunities for gaining efficiency and saving money remain. The most important advance would be for logistics to be included in the strategic planning stages with an equal seat at the table with production and sales.
Within days of the late-January deadline for chemical producers and distributors to file their ≥top screen≤ hazard-assessment questionnaire to the Department of Homeland Security, a Congressional subcommittee approved legislation to further tighten handling, transportation, and reporting rules for hazardous materials. Chemical producers, distributors, and carriers responded with a quick and loud call for legislators to wait for current rules to work before changing them.
Global chemical distributor Brenntag is not just California dreaming. It recently acquired West Coast specialty chemicals distributor Schoofs, Inc. based in Moraga, CA, and named Steven M. Pozzi as president of Brenntag Pacific, based in Santa Fe Springs, CA. No price was disclosed for the acquisition.
As totes and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) become more sophisticated and more expensive, chemical producers and distributors view them more as a fleet such as rail cars or tank trailers rather than as a disposable cost of doing business. Strict new rules on tracking and tracing hazardous materials also make it imperative for shippers to know where their containers are.
Joseph O'Reilly
As the world flattens, global sourcing invariably becomes more dynamic. Sophisticated technologies and an emerging crop of offshore suitors are forcing today's intrepid explorers to balance reason with instinct.
What makes logistics in China so challenging? Who's really to blame for its much-publicized product quality failures? What's the secret to outsourcing success? A trio of industry experts responds.
Lisa Terry
Will the shift to global sourcing - combined with an economic downturn, housing slump, high fuel costs, and lack of visibility - unseat the furniture industry?
Lisa Terry
From an undergrad learning the fundamentals to a Ph.D candidate conducting groundbreaking research, meet the students pursuing supply chain education at all levels.
John Edwards
As new challenges drive the need for leaner and faster automotive parts logistics, suppliers ask 3PLs to take the wheel.
Lisa Terry
Is the latest gadget a hit or just hype? Will that newfangled gizmo be cutting- edge for a year or obsolete in a month? Fickle buyers and unpredictable lifecycles can short-circuit the consumer electronics supply chain.
Joseph O'Reilly
From yesterday's legacies to tomorrow's visionaries, the theory and practice of inbound logistics is timeless.
Joseph O'Reilly
Joseph O'Reilly
John Edwards
Here's a look at the less- than-glamorous work that unsung logistics heroes perform every day.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Leading C-level execs with 260 years of combined logistics and transportation experience address tough industry questions. Their advice, words of caution, and strategic vision can help you face the challenges of 2008 and beyond.
Gregory DL Morris
For many high-value shippers, enhanced efficiency, customer service, and profitability offset the cost of investing in DCC, white-glove, and last-mile services.
Amy Roach
It's not easy being green. But, driven by impending regulations, consumer pressure, and mandates from corporations such as Wal-Mart, more and more companies are forging ahead with supply chain sustainability efforts.
Lisa Harrington
Make a good impression on potential business partners in China by orienting yourself to some key cultural differences.
Lisa Terry
Transportation infrastructure lies at the heart of Mexico's ambitious plans for the future.
Joseph O'Reilly
They might not yet have the clout of their long-in-the- tooth but short-on-space peers, but that's exactly why shippers are gravitating toward their pull. These new logistics hotspots are committed to going to the ends of the earth - and then some - to meet shipper and consignee needs.
Marty Weil
Is product lifecycle management the next market opportunity for third-party logistics providers?
Joseph O'Reilly
A soft economy, increasing global competition, the Mississippi River bridge collapse, and an influx of product recalls give global shippers plenty of reasons to slow down and check the rear-view mirror before accelerating into 2008.
John Edwards
As the transportation management systems market broadens, and as software delivery options expand, businesses increasingly have TMS on the brain.
Steven Kerno, Dr. Kevin Kuznia
A well-engineered network of professional contacts provides the structural support to build a logistics career with potential for expansion.
John Edwards
Business is a blur for expedited carriers, and that's just the way shippers like it.
Lisa Harrington
Changing consumer buying habits compel retailers to integrate in-store, catalog, and online channels to keep inventory on hand and shoppers coming back for more.
The multimodal transportation network known as NASCO runs through the heart of trade in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Find out what makes this corridor unique and why companies are banding together to support it.
Elemica, the virtual supply chain management network for chemicals, reports $50 billion worth of transactions for the fiscal year just ended and will hold its first Supply Chain Collaboration Conference at Ashland Inc. facilities in Dublin, Ohio.
Univar Canada, based in Vancouver, has signed an agreement to purchase Dow Canada's western Canada caustic soda distribution assets. Those include all related supply and sales contracts, as well as storage and transportation assets and a proprietary fleet of 374 railcars.
Lisa Harrington, Peter Keller, Steve Branscum, Jade Rodysill, Jeff Brashares, James Hertwig, Brian McDonald, John Bowe
Ocean, rail, and intermodal leaders discuss why capacity concerns, infrastructure inadequacies, and a paucity of policy keep them up at night.
John Edwards
For years the rails sang the blues. Now they rock around the clock. Could rail transport soon be the leader of the pack?
Gregory DL Morris
Bulk containers and 55-gallon drums continue to duke it out. Bulk containers are the heavyweight favorite, but the venerable drum has not yet gone down for the count.
Third-parties and economic development interests can help businesses look beyond the basics to find sites fit for today and tomorrow.
Lisa Harrington
Tracking inbound transportation used to fly under shippers' radar screens. Today, however, companies as large as Pepsico and as small as Pamida know the position of every shipment headed their way.
Joseph O'Reilly
An in-depth look at motor carriers and their customers.
Gregory DL Morris
From traversing the tundra to White Glove residential deliveries the last mile is the most important.
The cost-savings benefits of outsourcing freight bill payment and audit are well-documented. But it's the decision-support data these third parties provide that delivers the real payoff.
Lisa Terry
How consumer goods manufacturers leverage domestic supply chains for fast cycle times that global outsourcing can't match.
Lisa Harrington
Whether shipping fruit, seafood, flowers, or any other perishable goods, transportation must be fresh, fast, and error-free.
Joseph O'Reilly
There is a dimension beyond that which is known. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between demand and supply, between strategy and tactics, and it lies somewhere between the pit of an enterprise's fears and the summit of its visibility and knowledge.
John Edwards
Today's outsourcers expect 3PLs to offer a wide range of value-added services. 3PLs respond.
Joseph O'Reilly
What is the real role of today's 4PLs? How do they differ from 3PLs? Who's driving the growth of this outsourced logistics niche? Inbound Logistics picks up the lead and explores the changing dynamics of the 4PL/LLP market.
Joseph O'Reilly
IL's annual 3PL Market Insight Survey offers a penetrating perspective into the market drivers governing 3PL growth strategies - in terms of operational scope, as well as the types of services and technologies logistics providers are investing in to meet outsourcers' evolving needs.
Joseph O'Reilly
With constant new development, soaring air cargo growth, and a busy port system, Dubai is shaping up to be the crown jewel of logistics in the Middle East.
Lisa Terry
Welcome to hospitality logistics, where five-star supply chain management helps keep customers happy. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your stay.
Joseph O'Reilly
Before businesses begin tinkering with state-of-the-art conveyor networks and automated storage and retrieval systems, they might want to reconsider the role of the warehouse's most underrated asset - the pallet.
Lisa Terry
Progressive trade policies and foreign investment, developing transportation infrastructure, and a growing 3PL presence in Brazil and Mexico are heating up Latin American logistics.
Tamara Chapman
Who better to comment on the future of the supply chain than the people educating the next generation of logistics executives? Inbound Logistics profiles three dynamic professors on the front lines of logistics education.
Lisa Harrington
John Edwards
Careful planning and a dedication to safety are top priorities for keeping warehouse workers injury-free. Here is your no-slip, no-trip, ergonomically correct guide to warehouse safety.
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics identifies 16 U.S. sites and clusters that are fast becoming popular distribution destinations for logistics-minded companies.
Paul Scott Abbott
As the Caribbean islands cruise toward CSME implementation, and the new free flow of trade it brings, ports in the region are investing in new facilities, services, and security.
Lisa Harrington
A look at five emerging technologies powering today's supply chains.
Amy Roach
IL's exclusive research polls IT providers to gauge their perspectives on logistics IT challenges, solutions, and opportunities. Their answers provide an in-depth look at the state of the logistics IT market.
Lisa Terry
Small and mid-size businesses leverage new market offerings to level the playing field.
John Edwards
Boosting safety, productivity, and efficiency, sophisticated wireless technologies link vehicles, drivers, and shipping data to the world.
Lisa Harrington
Joseph O'Reilly
Nearly two decades removed from the fall of Communism, Central and Eastern Europe is transforming into a pivotal global logistics hub. Hungary for more information? Czech it out.
The furniture logistics industry adapts to the shift in production from the U.S. midwest to Asia by improving transport operations, collaborating more and bringing technology into play to remain competitive. Read this in-depth article from Inbound Logistics magazine.
Lisa Terry
Succeeding in the logistics field often requires an advanced degree. But finding the right school to attend sometimes comes with an advanced degree of aggravation. Inbound Logistics is here to help.
Lisa Harrington
Globalization, evolving supplier roles, and new network design models are driving change across the U.S. automotive industry. Logistics management is where the rubber meets the road.
The most important link in the supply chain is the one who gets up every morning, drinks a cup of coffee, and gets down to work. Here are profiles of some of the coolest people in logistics:
Tamara Chapman
Jim H. Smith
William Atkinson
Tamara Chapman
Kim Fernandez
Lisa Harrington
Kathleen Hickey
Joseph O'Reilly
Retailers buy into the impact global outsourcing has on their transportation practices, and now think twice about whom to partner with, and where to locate stores and distribution facilities.
Joseph O'Reilly
Lisa Harrington
John Edwards
Transforming sub-par supply chains into competitive powerhouses takes knowledge, persistence, and guts. So move that bus, and see how it's done.
Lisa Terry
A look behind M&A activity in the logistics provider market and how it impacts shippers.
Robert Sberna
As congestion and capacity concerns threaten cargo movement through the West Coast, Mexican ports present an alternative distribution point for U.S. supply chains.
Paul Nuzum
Four strategies to help you get the most out of your carrier relationships.
Lisa Harrington, Rick Blasgen, Nick LaHowchic, Dr. K Raguraman, Dr. Sandor Boyson, Nari Viswanathan
William Keenan, Jr.
Relatively few companies have a detailed and tested plan for responding to potential supply chain disruptions - great or small. Those that do have a distinct advantage.
The transformation to an integrated supply chain boosts the role, responsibilities, and compensation of today's supply chain executives.
Amy Roach
All retailers and vendors want for Christmas is supply chain success. Using logistics technology, savvy shipping strategies, and better planning, many will get their wish.
Lisa Harrington
Ensuring velocity in the critical parts supply chain is the major focus for manufacturers—and their carriers and 3PLs. How can shippers and their partners work together to expedite this facet of the supply chain?
Lisa Harrington
Increasing fuel prices, security threats, changing inventory strategies, mode shifting, and provider consolidation have the air cargo industry in a tailspin. Here's how carriers and shippers plan to fly past these challenges.
John Edwards
Think you know absolutely everything about your warehouse management system's capabilities? Think again.
J. Kenneth Hazen, Geary Barnes, Harold Friedman, Craig Cameron, Clifford F. Lynch
Outsourcing any logistics function is an important decision, but it's especially crucial when it comes to freight bill payment. After all, it's your money that's at stake. Here is some free advice to help you make a choice that's right on the money.
Lisa Harrington
John Edwards
Targeting service, capacity and cost issues, companies turn to private fleets.
Joseph O'Reilly
Mobile handset and device manufacturers are evolving their product lines and adapting their global supply chains to meet the ever-shifting needs of consumers.
Lisa Harrington
Joseph O'Reilly
Amy Roach, Jeff Harrop, Yossi Sheffi
Joseph O'Reilly, Lisa Harrington
Lisa Harrington
For shippers with solid logistics expertise who want to enter a fast-growth industry, becoming a 3PL may make sense. Hybrids such as Cat Logistics and Mitsui lead the way.
Joseph O'Reilly
Lisa Harrington
Joseph O'Reilly
Want to grow profits? Plant the seeds of environmental concerns, rake in supply chain best practices, and watch what sprouts.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Global shippers are pushing ocean freight carriers into uncharted waters. And carriers are up to the task. Here is the lowdown on some leading ocean freight carriers.
Charles Poirier, Duncan McCollum
The best way to separate the hype from the reality surrounding RFID technology is to set up and execute a controlled pilot to determine what benefits RFID can bring to your organization. Here are three practical pilots to get you off the ground.
Lisa H. Harrington
U.S. container ports are busy trying to update aging infrastructure and ease congestion, while handling increased demand. Can the government and private sector help? What does the future hold?
Joseph O'Reilly
Stumped by transportation challenges such as rising costs, capacity congestion, and infrastructure meltdowns? Here's a clue: try mixing up modes to see if intermodal is a fit.
Joseph O'Reilly
As supply chain management continues to evolve, so, too, must logistics organizations. Here's how CSCMP, NASSTRAC, and others are reinventing themselves to better serve their members, and keep careers moving forward.
Joseph O'Reilly
As state and local authorities survey investments in transportation and distribution infrastructure, one glaring omission interrupts their planning—a lack of oversight and assistance from the federal government. What are they doing about it?
Lisa H. Harrington
Increased warehouse worker productivity. Fewer safety claims. Lower workers' comp costs. Soaring employee morale. You have just entered ... The Safety Zone.
Joseph O'Reilly
Programs that properly motivate and compensate workers can send warehouse productivity soaring.
Joseph O'Reilly
Bigger isn't always better. Many smaller regions are investing in infrastructure and transport capabilities to attract logistics and distribution activity.
Carolyn Heinze
Cross-border shippers who implement and enforce sound security compliance procedures can live happily ever NAFTA.
John Edwards
Transportation management systems attract companies with the promise of bringing structure and efficiency to polarized processes. But it's crucial to weigh the positives and negatives before pulling the product from a wealth of choices.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Haven't heard of machine-to-machine technology yet? You will soon enough. Here's a quick primer.
Joseph O'Reilly
Global pioneers are peeking around China's corner and beyond the Himalayas into Asia's next major logistics hotspot—India.
Lisa H. Harrington
Amanda Loudin, Brooks A. Bentz
Ten years ago, logistics education meant learning how to drive a forklift. Today, schools focus on teaching total supply chain management, and graduates are quickly snatched up by recruiters who know smart logistics managers can help the bottom line.
Lisa H. Harrington
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
John Bendel
Lisa Harrington
John Bendel
Many companies embrace C-TPAT in the fight against supply chain security threats, but just as many shun it. What is C-TPAT? How does it work? What benefits—if any—does it bring shippers and carriers? Here's a closer look.
Building trusting relationships with your transportation partners makes the best sort of business sense.
Joseph O'Reilly
Joseph O'Reilly
Inbound Logistics editor Joseph O'Reilly ventures into the world of online load-matching services.
Paulo Gomes, Nora Galvan, Roberto Charvel
New investments in Mexican transportation and logistics infrastructure create opportunities for U.S. manufacturers and logistics companies.
Joseph O'Reilly
Leslie Hansen Harps
New supply chain technology can power up existing operations, streamline inventory, and increase revenue—if implemented correctly. Making sure new solutions integrate with existing technologies and processes is crucial. Here's how it's done.
Amanda Loudin
Are job boards your winning move? Learn the rules and strategies you'll need to score your dream job on the web.
Lisa Harrington
Deborah Catalano Ruriani
Joseph O'Reilly
Innovations in web-based communication technologies, global positioning systems, and equipment are taking freight railroads into a new era.
Amy Roach
Technology is the latest accessory to hit the apparel world. By embracing technology solutions, forward-thinking apparel and footwear companies are fashioning tight, visible, integrated supply chains—and reaping the rewards.
Lisa Harrington
Leslie Hansen Harps
Joseph O'Reilly
Joseph O'Reilly
As more businesses source from offshore manufacturers and suppliers, having visibility and control over moving inventory requires both a tactical and strategic lean approach.
Inbound Logistics Staff
Transport buyers face tough questions every day. To help find answers, Inbound Logistics turned to transport buyers and service providers for the inside story.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Lisa Harrington
Leslie Hansen Harps
When consumers need the hottest new gadget, they need it cheap and they need it now. That's why logistics leaders such as Hewlett-Packard power up their supply chain to deliver the goods. Now that's cool.
Lisa Harrington
Pain points plague the pharmaceutical industry—skyrocketing expenses, stringent regulations, costly product development. Is supply chain management the cure?
Joseph O'Reilly
Globalization and security concerns are thrusting the air cargo industry into full throttle. From their unique perspective as both service provider and shipper, airfreight forwarders air their views about the growing challenges facing global businesses.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Joseph O'Reilly
Companies have become more aware of the benefits of managing reverse logistics. But now it's time to decide between merely managing returns more effectively and rethinking reverse logistics' role as a supply chain strategy.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Lisa Harrington
Dann Anthony Maurno
The cost of RFID implementation has been over-hyped and exaggerated. Early cost predictions had vendors seeing green, but in reality, an RFID implementation need not bust your whole technology budget. Find out the true costs of taking the RFID plunge.
Joseph O'Reilly
Lisa Harrington
Rachel Gecker
Logistics professionals at all levels can cultivate contacts and rely on their peers for advice and education. Here's how to network successfully to help build your career.
Leslie Hansen Harps
The right people, processes, technology and tools help achieve the right results.
Joseph O'Reilly
Improving processes and upgrading material handling systems in your warehouses and distribution facilities is not only a solid recovery strategy but also good business.
Lisa Harrington
Leslie Hansen Harps
How seven companies of all shapes, industries, and sizes, transformed their transportation and logistics operations through the use of technology.
Lisa Harrington
Lisa Harrington
Lisa Harrington
Rachel Gecker
Joseph O'Reilly
With a dense transportation infrastructure, financial stability, and a favorable corporate tax structure, Switzerland is quickly becoming a stepping-stone for global businesses targeting new markets.
Rachel Gecker
Rachel Gecker
A rundown of some leading logistics and supply chain management programs.
Lisa Harrington
Some companies pay little attention to service parts logistics. Others are tapping its potential to increase revenues and reduce operating expenses. Here's how to transform your service parts operations from a cost center to a profit-driven business.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Lisa Harrington
Forward-looking companies such as Lucent and IBM strike a balance between ìpushî ñ making decisions based on forecast, and ìpullî logistics ñ closely matching logistics strategy to demand signals and aligning the business process to serve that call.
Joseph O'Reilly
Dann Anthony Maurno
RFID experts answer your questions about compliance, ROI, costs, and implementation.
Joseph O'Reilly
As globalization continues to level the playing field, smaller enterprises embrace PLM solutions as a go-to-market strategy for managing and scaling growth, and enhancing visibility and communication within the supply chain.
Joseph O'Reilly
The EPA's 2007 low-emission diesel engine specifications loom large in the minds of shippers and carriers. Will the industry take the high road and embrace the eco-friendly policies?
Boris A. Populoh, Irvin Varkonyi
Leslie Hansen Harps
Rachel Gecker
Harry Joiner
Making the right hiring decisions for your organization is crucial. Easier said than done? Not if you know what to look for.
Rob Handfield
If you are looking to build your supply chain career, this is the resource for you.
Lisa Harrington
Rachel Gecker
In preparation for the peak holiday season, retailers and manufacturers reassess their supply chains to optimize planning and combat increased demand.
Kathleen Hickey
Thanks to a strong foundation created after a three-year, company-wide supply chain project, RadioShack has a new direction, new goals, and new customer markets.
Joseph O'Reilly
What are the hot logistics topics for 2005? IL sat down with a number of different logistics solutions providers and practitioners at this year's Council of Logistics Management conference to track the latest buzz in global supply chain trends.
Leslie Hansen Harps
As companies expand their global reach, they are increasingly leveraging the infrastructure, resources, networks and expertise of third-party logistics providers to enhance capacity while minimizing risk.
Lisa Harrington
The U.S. maritime sector offers an attractive target to terrorists. But the ocean community is taking steps to help protect maritime trade from catastrophic events.
Rachel Gecker
April Terreri
Chinese cities are teeming with manufacturing initiatives, prompting numerous expansions of the country's transportation and logistics infrastructure.
Lisa Harrington
Motor carriers were once notorious laggards when it came to IT investment. No more. A robust freight market and higher margins are driving truckers to once again invest in their IT infrastructures. And the motor freight buyer comes out the winner.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Join us for a look back at the history of trucking in the United States, lessons motor carriers have learned through the years, and what the road ahead looks like for shippers and carriers.
Lisa Harrington
Supply chain management reshapes the future of leading companies while attracting a lot of C-level attention along the way.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Lisa Harrington
Located nine hours by air to 95 percent of the world's industrial population, Anchorage is quickly becoming one of the world's preeminent cargo hubs.
Rachel Gecker
Regardless of your title or experience level, getting involved in an industry association could be one of the best career moves you ever make.
Rachel Gecker
Searching for a professional organization? Here's a brief list to help you get started.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Lisa Harrington
Deborah Catalano Ruriani
From counterfeiting to tampering to terrorist threats, the pharmaceutical industry faces complex security challenges. Can a dose of RFID track-and-trace technology, prescribed by Dr. Wal-Mart, keep the pharma supply chain safe?
April Terreri
Canada's world-class infrastructure and easy access to North American markets offer U.S. companies strategic logistics opportunities for goods distribution. Beauty, eh?
Inbound Logistics Staff
April Terreri
Congestion in the intermodal network puts unprecedented stress on shippers and receivers. Intermodal operators are responding with innovative solutions that keep freight moving.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Once it was enough for airfreight forwarders to move cargo on time from A to B. But with new security regulations, technology tools, and capacity reductions, forwarders today have to meet a full range of logistics needs.
Large forwarders handle the bulk of airfreight volume but a small, niche player might be just what you need. Here's a list of some leading forwarders—both large and small—to help launch your search.
Joseph O'Reilly
Looking to streamline your material handling operations? Consider beginning with your lift trucks. Here's a snapshot of the industry's leading manufacturers and some of their newest solutions.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Smaller distribution centers and warehouses leverage information technology to operate like the big boys.
Lisa Harrington
Follow the formula for choosing the right site for your supply chain facilities and you'll increase your ability to adapt quickly to market change, improve customer service, and reduce transportation costs.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Here's a look at how several companies have successfully tapped the Internet and the web to improve their logistics and supply chain operations.
Lisa Harrington
Competitive pressure drives ocean carriers, ports and terminal operators to collaborate to improve efficiency and accommodate customers.
Rachel Gecker
Are you committed to protecting the safety and security of goods in transit? Pretty soon, you'll have to be. Here's a look at the latest security initiatives affecting transportation and logistics, and what you need to know to comply.
Rachel Gecker
Rachel Gecker
A list of select vendors, to help you get started in wireless.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Winning the corporate game requires careful planning and strategic career moves. Learn from these logistics pros who describe the steps they took get ahead.
Don Jacobson
Building a career is certainly a complex task. An important part of your plan must be to strengthen the skills required for you to move up successfully, including the intangible skills that come from your head and your heart.
Leslie Hansen Harps
It doesn't matter whether your company is large or small, when you undertake dramatic supply chain reengineering projects you need a blueprint. See how leading companies set plans to successfully implement complex logistics change.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
April Terreri
Automotive manufacturers find the key to squeezing operations costs: establishing strong partnerships with their 3PLs.
Joseph O'Reilly
Deborah Catalano Ruriani
With airlines limiting lift in most areas and shippers demanding more, major airlines and cargo carriers survive by combining forces. Goal? To provide worldwide seamless service by managing capacity across carriers to better match the demand.
How business partners can conquer their fears of intimacy by learning to collaborate, share forecasts and plans, and build the kind of trust that supports successful supply chain operations.
Robert Malone
With product returns on the rise, many companies strive to formalize the reverse logistics process.
Lisa Harrington
The practical implications of the 24-Hour Rule and C-TPAT will reverberate in 2004. Here's an update to help you meet the requirements and responsibilities of being a logistics partner in Homeland Defense.
Leslie Hansen Harps
A look back at 2003, when companies took aim at improving supply chain systems and security, cutting costs, and providing excellent customer service.
Leslie Hansen Harps
The holiday season is a real "rush" for operational folks who thrive on the excitement of making it through the peak time successfully.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Optimizing reverse logistics can result in cost reductions and service level improvements of up to 50 percent.
Leslie Hansen Harps, Meredith Bulkley, Gary LaPoint
Technology and third-party providers can help streamline the importing process and speed cycle time while complying with increased regulatory requirements.
April Terreri
What the acquisition means for customers of the $6-billion newly formed transportation provider.
April Terreri
Motor carriers help companies optimize their core competencies by providing value-added services.
Leslie Hansen Harps
As the need for efficiency in military operations grows, streamlining the supply chain becomes imperative.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Whether by increasing inventory turns or compressing order cycle time, food companies are looking for ways to reach maximum speed.
Leslie Hansen Harps
From Fortune 50 organizations to startup operations, a growing number of companies are outsourcing components of their logistics and supply chain functions to third-party logistics providers.
Joseph O'Reilly
Chuck Franzetta
The right outsourcing recommendation can make or break your career. Here's some advice for using outsourcing to fuel your trip up the corporate ladder.
Joseph O'Reilly
Joseph O'Reilly
Lisa Harrington
The CEOs of two vastly different companies—The Container Store and Leiner Health Products—share their views on the importance of logistics and supply chain management to their companies' bottom lines.
Leslie Hansen Harps
As the evolution of warehousing continues, logistics professionals will have plenty of opportunity to show just what kind of contribution they can make.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
A wide array of technological tools are just the do-it-yourself kit companies can use to model, then optimize, their supply chains.
Leslie Hansen Harps
On the road, in the warehouse or the office, today's wireless technologies help streamline supply chain operations.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Companies move to ensure operational excellence when working across the cultural divide.
Joseph O'Reilly
Leslie Hansen Harps
Dr. Edward J .Marien
Are logistics and supply chain management the same thing? How are they alike? How do they differ? IL readers weigh in with their opinion, and Dr. Edward J. Marien tries to make sense of it all.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Larry Pickett
Lisa Harrington, Thomas Corsi, Dr. Sandor Boyson
Connecting customers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers to allow real-time workflow requires they all dance to the same music.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Damon Schecter, Gordon Sander
Master the recipe and you achieve efficiencies and savings. Becoming a better global competitor is just the icing on the cake.
Wayne Patch, Fred Wintle
Some companies that think they do a good job speeding inventory have it only half right. Many focus only on fast-moving items, ignoring the savings potential of managing slow-movers. Here's how to tap this new opportunity.
Heavy freight, "lite" logistics and global customs clearance procedures drive three new supply chain applications.
Robert Malone
Five solutions providers answer five questions about new logistics IT buying trends.
Joseph O'Reilly
Leslie Hansen Harps
Companies use different options to fight the never-ending battle of optimizing their supply chains.
Lisa Harrington
While a slow economy drives many companies to wait out the siege, others do everything but. These winning companies look to the future, building supply chains based on creativity, velocity, collaboration, and speed. Here are their strategies for success.
Leslie Hansen Harps
New strategies, reengineering, and powerful technology enable companies to revamp sourcing and procurement.
Lisa Harrington
Logistics can confound the newly initiated and veterans alike. So take out your notebook, sharpen your pencil, and take this Inbound Logistics short course on the fundamental concepts driving logistics theory and practice today.
Joseph O'Reilly
Successful implementation of a routing guide feeds off constant communication among vendors, carriers, and consignees. Find out how you can help foster better shipping compliance among your supply chain partners with a dynamic routing guide.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Don't let bankruptcies in the freight payment industry overshadow the potential power of turning freight invoices into actionable information.
Joseph O'Reilly
Joseph O'Reilly
Leslie Hansen Harps
While some companies have frozen investments in logistics and supply chain technology, forward-thinking companies seize the opportunity to gain a competitive edge.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Food companies embrace collaboration and supply chain technology in their quest o deliver service, selection and savings.
Leslie Hansen Harps
The advent of the European Union is dramatically changing logistics and supply chain management in the Old World.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Experienced outsourcers identify keys to establishing long-term relationships with third-party logistics providers, for better or for worse.
Joseph O'Reilly
Market pressure has driven more business to the third-party logistics sector, but as a result, businesses are expecting more from their 3PLs. Find out what customers are demanding and what potential customers should know before they decide to outsource.
Joseph O'Reilly
Randy Telfer
Is outsourcing a panacea? Of coursenot. But depending on your company's circumstances, it can be a cure.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Transforming the supply chain requires vision, execution...and a strong constitution.
Leslie Hansen Harps
High tech or low tech - which level of technology is right for your warehouse or distribution center?
Leslie Hansen Harps
Consider all the options when deciding what materials handling technology works for your operation.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Today's visibility tools open a window into the warehouse so supply chain partners can see in—and out.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Joseph O'Reilly
Leslie Hansen Harps
Treating logistics as a profit center can expand both revenue and profit, and build your leverage base. But this approach is still a brave new world.
Leslie Hansen Harps
A graduate degree plus executive education can help you be more competitive in the job market, and improve your paycheck's bottom line.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Companies outsource service parts logistics to focus on their core competencies.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Logistics innovations take courage, resources, and time—but the payback can be great. Here's a look at key logistics developments over the years, what companies are doing today, and how to become a logistics innovator.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Here's a new column featuring logistics professionals who've been around the block a few times and have volunteered to share their experiences with readers. This debut installment features three profiles; future issues will carry one profile each.
Leslie Hansen Harps
An integrated approach to reverse logistics can improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs, drive continuous improvement, and maximize return on assets.
Robert Malone
Supply chain management practices are tough to integrate with ERP. Executive Editor Robert Malone assembled a panel of four logistics IT experts to benchmark the state of the supply chain ERP integration challenge.
Rich Sherman
IT systems got you down? Before you go looking for an ERP solution, you must define an information systems architecture for your company. Follow these eight steps and turn that IT frown upside down.
Joseph O'Reilly
Joseph O'Reilly
How to keep imports moving amidst fears of future terrorist attacks.
Leslie Hansen Harps
Leslie Hansen Harps
Daniel Pollock
Daniel Pollock
Daniel Pollock
Karen Kroll
Thoughtful operational changes and technology solutions can help distribution centers tackle the current challenges, build resilience, and boost responsiveness.
Authors | About Inbound Logistics | Contact Us | Advertising Opportunities | Editorial Submissions | Order Reprints | Glossary | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
©2022 Thomas Publishing Company