Feature Stories
3PLs Save the Day
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.
3PL Perspectives 2011: The Power of Three
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.
Readers' Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2011
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.
Does Size Matter? Tier II 3PLs Find Their Niche
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.
On the Road...Again: New Times on the Mississippi
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.
Site Selection Decisions: A Matter of Data
When selecting locations for logistics hubs, regional factors such as population density and facility costs determine where and how businesses store and distribute inventory.
Inbound Logistics Summer Reading Guide 2011
A round-up of recently published books about supply chain, transportation infrastructure, and logistics.
Looking Beyond Rates: The Road to Smoother Carrier Contract Negotiations
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.
The Box That Rocked the Boat
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.
Case Studies
Casebook
Distribution Network Optimization: Repairing Cracked Supply Chain Design
Vehicle glass manufacturer Safelite increased distribution efficiency, enhanced customer service, and lowered costs by transforming its supply chain.
DC Solutions
The Secret Ingredient For Inventory Accuracy
Tomato canner Red Gold achieves 99-percent inventory accuracy with QuikTrac data collection software from Integrated Barcoding Systems.
I.T. Toolkit
Raising a Glass to Better Beverage Management
Faced with processing more than 63,000 orders each year, the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission turned to Aldata’s merchandizing optimization and demand-based replenishment.
Reader Profile
Ron Harris: Getting to the Essence
Ron Harris, chief logistics officer at Young Living Essential Oils, talks about some of the people and experiences that helped to shape him as a logistics professional.
Commentary
How-To
Ten Tips
Maneuvering Freight Through Challenging International Areas
If your business plans include shipping to areas where civil unrest or natural disasters have occurred, be flexible and make strong connections, advises Larry Wenrich, Pilot Freight Services.
Trends
Global
Sponsored
Advertising Supplement
Due North: U.S.-Canada Trade Flows Steady
For many manufacturers and logistics professionals, preparation and opportunity are meeting right now at the U.S.-Canadian border, as North American companies on both sides of the boundary reexamine, redefine, and realign their global supply chain strategies.
Knowledge Base
3PL Capability is Key to Logistics Cost Reduction
Capable third-party logistics (3PL) providers can help you manage rising logistics costs because they have highly developed processes and critical infrastructures in place, writes Brad Constantini, Comprehensive Logistics.
Thought Leaders
Technology Provides Visibility into Global Supply Chains
Access to transportation network data allows companies to benchmark with better business intelligence, enabling smarter decisions for continuous improvements, says Matt Ahearn, LeanLogistics.
Thought Leaders
What Makes a Great TMS?
With the improved visibility supplied by transportation management systems, shippers can leverage shipment data internally to generate top-line revenue, says Geoff Comrie, Transite Technology.
Thought Leaders
Cloud Computing: Think Globally, Leverage Locally
Cloud computing provides companies productivity gains and improved supply chain visibility, says TradeTech's Bryn Heimbeck.
Thought Leaders
Managing the Logistics Lifecycle
Transportation procurement provides the greatest opportunity to create efficiency in the the Logistics Management Lifecycle, says Martin Hubert, Freightgate.
Thought Leaders
The Perfect Time to Optimize Labor Management
A comprehensive supply chain labor management solution that automates processes such as hiring, time, and attendance, and scheduling can help control costs, minimize compliance risk, and improve productivity, says Malysa O'Connor, Kronos.
Past Issues
Digital Editions
©2020 Thomas Publishing Company
Checking InKeith Biondo
Using a 3PL: Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?
Shippers that use only the transactional solutions offered by their 3PL partners are missing the opportunity to benefit from advanced logistics solutions and expertise they helped pay to initiate, implement, and build-out, writes Publisher Keith Biondo.
Checking InFelecia Stratton
Close Encounters of the Third-Party Kind
Editor Felecia Stratton describes the highlights of the July 2011 issue, which documents the many ways 3PLs of all shapes and sizes are moving the outsourcing needle in different directions.
Green Landscape: Supply Chain SustainabilityChad Dombroski
Switching to Emissions-reducing Fuel Technologies
Shipping and logistics professionals facing stricter emissions regulations and rising diesel prices will have an opportunity to take control of their fleets and realize the fuel and cost savings selective catalytic reduction brings, writes Chad Dombroski of Yara North America.
IT Matters: Logistics & Supply Chain TechnologyJordan Kass
Maximizing TMS Resources Helps Achieve Sustainable ROI
When it comes to transportation management systems, a combination of SaaS plus managed services represents the next step in supply chain optimization, writes Jordan Kass, TMC.
Supply Chain SecurityEd Harrison and David Cohen
Technology Powers New Supply Chain Security Systems
Since the events of September 11, the public and private sectors have committed themselves to developing new supply chain security technologies.
Viewpoint: Logistics & Supply Chain AnalysisGil Carmichael
Embracing Interstate 2.0: A Rail-based Transportation Vision
Gil Carmichael, founding chairman of the Intermodal Transportation Institute at the University of Denver, explains how the United States can create new economic vitality by producing a safe, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly multimodal transportation policy in which rail once again plays a dominant role.