Articles | July 2019

Feature Stories

3PL Power

Whether brand new, solidly up and running, or decades old, shipper-3PL partnerships thrive on open communications, flexibility and trust.

U.S. - Canada: Going the Distance

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.

7 Outstanding Women in Supply Chain and Logistics

Women are steadily advancing in supply chain and logistics. Here's how seven leading women in logistics got to the top of the field.

Sneaker Supply Chain: Big Shoes to Fill

In the sneaker supply chain, manufacturers and retailers need to know where the product is in every stage of design, production, and shipping.

Extreme Logistics: Making the Impossible Possible

An inside look at how project managers rise to the challenges of unique logistics initiatives.

Going Dockside at West Coast Seaports

Here's an overview of the current West Coast seaport environment and a snapshot look at how top ports are accommodating and embracing growth.

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.

Destination: The Corner Office

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.

Shipping Out A Champion

Team Penske’s logistical skills help lead them to victory at the Indy 500.

Building Brand Love

Supply chain efficiencies can support brand strategies in key ways.

Aftermarket Auto Parts Supply Chain: No Time To Spare

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.

3PL Perspectives 2019

This story highlights the results of Inbound Logistics’ 14th annual survey of shippers and 3PLs.

2019 Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards

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.

Case Studies

Casebook

Robots and WMS: Living in a Materials World

Material Bank connects interior designers and architects with material manufacturers by streamlining the complex sampling process with the made4net’s warehouse management solution.

e-Tales

E-Commerce Raises the Snack Bar

Nature's Bakery turns to a third-party logistics provider, ITS Logistics, to launch a direct-to-consumer e-commerce channel for its snack bars.

I.T. Toolkit

Getting Shipments on the Right Track

To gain visibility to the location and condition of their shipments, no matter where in the world they might be, and no matter the transport mode, RFS turned to a solution from Tive Inc. that combines a tracker and software.

LeaderSHIP

Culture Builder

Profile of Dante Fornari, CEO of Magnate Worldwide.

Reader Profile

Managing Risk and Building Resilience

Antonio Galvao, chief supply chain officer of DuBois Chemicals, recounts his history in global logistics and discusses what it takes to succeed.

Commentary

3PL Line: Third-Party Logistics PerspectivesRobert Boyle

Leveraging Real Time Information to Better Manage Logistics

Having strong, accessible data and experienced personnel is essential to managing successful supply chain operations.

Checking InKeith Biondo

3PL Growth Spurt. Why?

In good times and in bad, world-class third-party logistics providers will continue to solve fundamental business challenges wrapped around supply chain operations.

EcoDevMary C. Lamie

Collaboration Grows Freight Economy

At the heart of St. Louis’ strategy to advance as a global trade hub is a focus on collaboration to strengthen and promote the region’s already robust freight network.

E_CommerceRyan Webber

Reinventing Logistics in the Age of Amazon

In today’s Amazon Age, retailers must do more than look for incremental improvements. Instead, they need to completely pivot their logistics to remain competitive.

Good Question

GOOD QUESTION | What’s the quickest way to improve return logistics?

Readers reveal the fastest way to make reverse logistics operations more efficient.

IT Matters: Logistics & Supply Chain TechnologyGreg Satell

Blockchain Moves Beyond the ‘Walled Garden’ Stage

Perhaps the greatest opportunity for blockchain technology is in helping to streamline supply chains.

Logistics ManagementAnne Sexton

4 Steps to Streamline Global Shipping

For global manufacturers, managing logistics and carriers across locations, countries, and regions is no easy task. But while shippers can’t control fickle global relations, they need not be at their mercy.

Smart Moves: Supply Chain Careers & Education AdviceDr. Zachary Williams

How to Recruit and Retain the Best Interns

Determining the strategic role of supply chain internships and decisions around post-intern hiring.

Supply Chain SecurityJohn Sheehy

Eight Ways to Minimize Supply Chain Risk

Consider all potential disruptions and ways to design your supply chain to keep it operational in the face of foreseeable and unforeseeable challenges.