Putting a Lean Spin on Reverse Logistics
Reverse logistics—the processes involved with handling products returned by customers—is often overlooked during supply chain planning. As a result, it is frequently a source of waste, because companies lack Lean procedures for handling defective, damaged, mislabeled, or incorrectly shipped items when customers return them. Recently, businesses have started paying more attention to their reverse logistics […]
Read MoreHow Will the Affordable Care Act Impact Shippers?
Companies large and small are assessing the impact the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) will have on employee benefits. The mandates of the act start Jan. 1, 2014, and employers are examining a variety of responses. Shippers must not only face the question of how this legislation relates to their own operations and […]
Read MoreFine-Tuning Fulfillment for Happy Holidays
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday season are fast approaching. For many companies, including retailers and online merchants, the holidays are the year’s peak sales period. With so much on the line, it is critical to be prepared. Today’s consumers have no tolerance for inaccurate orders, delayed shipments, or unresponsive customer service. They expect […]
Read MoreIntermodal Efficiencies
How shippers save money without sacrificing service by letting railroads handle the long hauls.
Read MoreRailroad Operations: Where Safety and Innovation Converge
New processes, technology, and policies help ensure rail cargo security and prevent accidents.
Read MoreInbound Logistics’ 2013 Shipping Lines Guide
Since economic recession began spreading around the world in 2008, the ocean freight industry has been in a period of marked transition. The rise and fall of global economies has precipitated a similar effect as global steamship lines try to balance capacity to demand—all while seeking rate stability and reducing costs. Larger, greener ships are […]
Read MoreLogistics Hotspots: Site Selection Standouts
The best spots for manufacturing and distribution facilities offer geographic, economic, and logistics advantages.
Read MoreBelgium Travelog: Dispatched from Flanders
Inbound Logistics recently joined Flanders Investment & Trade on a tour of Belgium’s ports and distribution facilities, and learned a little something about running shoes and waffle irons.
Read MoreEnhancing Safety Up-N-Down
In-N-Out’s new distribution center serves up an extra helping of loading dock safety and efficiency.
Read MoreTrends—October 2013
Warehousing 2018: Rise of the Adaptive DC As supply chains shift their moorings and settle into new realities—the permanence of e-commerce, sustainability, risk management, total landed cost sensitivity, and demand-driven strategies—distribution centers are evolving in kind. Stock characterizations of warehousing are falling to the wayside. DCs are becoming more complex and sophisticated; so are their […]
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