Feature Stories
Business Intelligence in the Supply Chain
Business intelligence tools support supply chain management by helping logistics professionals derive meaning from the data collected by logistics technology solutions.
The Top 100 Logistics IT Providers & Market Research Survey
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.
Electronics Logistics: Tech Transport TLC
Companies shipping high-tech electronics face unique challenges requiring specialized best practices.
Africa: The Last Frontier
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.
Mobile Communication: Connecting Supply Chains On The Go
Mobile communications tools track supply chain data such as shipment status, warehouse worker performance, truck location, and driver safety.
Case Studies
Casebook
Going Green to Save Green
By switching to lighter-weight containers and consolidating inbound shipments, construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar cut both carbon emissions and costs.
Reader Profile
Jason Mathers: Carbon Slasher
Directing motor carriers to more fuel-efficient decisions drives Jason Mathers, senior manager, corporate partnerships at the Environmental Defense Fund.
Commentary
How-To
Ten Tips
Minimizing Supply Chain Risk
The ability to minimize supply chain risk and prevent disruptions depends on strong supplier relationships and well-developed contingency plans, says Chris Cameron of Elemica.
Trends
Global
Sponsored
Economic Development
Alaska: Logistics at the Global Crossroads
Logistics providers operating in Alaska brave rough terrain and extreme weather conditions to serve the state’s residents and industries, which include seafood, oil and gas, and timber.
Thought Leaders
Building an Effective Import Compliance Program
Import compliance programs facilitate restricted parties screening, recordkeeping, monitoring, review, and audit processes. A quality import compliance solution by a reputable logistics technology provider can help, says Jim Preuninger of Amber Road.
Thought Leaders
Connect and Collaborate to Better Manage Freight Spend
Managing freight spend and payments challenges many shippers because rules and regulations vary by geography. Supply chain professionals benefit most from a global solution built for freight spend, says Rick Erickson of Syncada.
Thought Leaders
Truckers and Shippers Prepare to Meet Over-the-Road Challenges
Maximizing truck utilization, managing Hours of Service regulations, and finding enough drivers pose major challenges for trucking companies, says Scott Vanselous of TMW Systems.
Thought Leaders
Transportation Management: A Layered Approach
Transportation management systems (TMS) provide the ability to accurately predict shipping costs and manage shipment execution. A comprehensive TMS solution can also manage inbound shipments, serve as an RFP analysis tool, or facilitate real-time spot market quoting for appropriate modes, says Kerry Loudenback of TransportGistics Inc.
Thought Leaders
The Strategic Approach to Optimizing Inbound Shipments
Best practices for transportation management dictate that shippers contact all their carriers and ask for accurate rates per mile for multiple lanes before performing an optimization, says Nick Carretta of Ultra Logistics
Thought Leaders
TMS Technology for Mid-Market Shippers
Transportation management systems (TMS) have evolved to serve shipper needs, but few options exist for mid-size shippers. New offerings for this market balance ease of use, rapid implementation, and big return on investment, says Mitch Weseley of 3Gtms.
Thought Leaders
Quantifying Transportation Performance With Technology Tools
Gathering transport spend data during the freight payment process, then marrying it with transportation management system data, arms shippers with valuable information for monitoring transportation key performance indicators (KPIs), says Shannon Vaillancourt of RateLinx.
Thought Leaders
Managing Shipment Data to Meet Customs Requirements
Global customs agencies and trade regulations require shippers to obtain and communicate more shipment data. Technology tools help shippers manage and exchange shipment information, says Tracey Leonard of Choice Logistics.
Past Issues
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3PL Line: Third-Party Logistics PerspectivesKyle Gholston
6 Secrets to Finding the Right 3PL
Finding a third-party logistics (3PL) provider you can count on requires due diligence into performance history and resources, writes Kyle tGholston of Conexus.
Checking InFelecia Stratton
Navigating New IT Pathways
Today's IT trends -- big data, cloud computing, integration, and visibility -- let business logistics managers harness technology in countless ways to find greater efficiency and economy.
Online ExclusiveGreen Landscape: Supply Chain SustainabilityCasey Whelan
CNG as a Transportation Fuel: A Fuel Manager's Perspective
While it promises supply chain sustainability gains, using compressed natural gas as a transportation fuel requires multi-step capital and operating considerations, writes Casey Whelan of U.S. Energy Services.
The Lean Supply ChainPaul A. Myerson
Are Your Processes Adding Value or Waste?
Value-added warehouse processes such as kitting and assembling may be introducing overprocessing waste into your supply chain.
Viewpoint: Logistics & Supply Chain AnalysisLars Kloch
Is Slow Steaming Good for the Supply Chain?
Lars Kloch of SBS Worldwide, looks at the impact of slow steaming containerships on supply chain reliability, speed, and transport costs.