Feature Stories
Reshaping the Supply Chain: How New Strategies, Goals & Technologies are Altering Supply Chain Operations
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.
What if General George Patton was Walmart’s CEO?
General Patton would survey the e-commerce battlefield where Walmart competes and conduct a threat assessment of every major competitor, especially Amazon.
Come Together: Logistics and the Sharing Economy
Cross-industry supply chain models and innovative ways of monetizing assets help shippers and logistics providers drive efficiencies
2020 Reading Guide
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.
Plan B: 5 Ways to Weatherproof Your Supply Chain
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.
Warehouse 2020
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.
Ship More, Pay Less: Controlling Transportation Costs
Better matching demand to supply and adjusting contracts, tendering, and invoice auditing strategies can help shippers control transportation costs as rates rise in 2020.
Small Ports, Big Benefits
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.
Supply Chain Predictions 2020
Industry leaders look to the future, offering advice and strategies to help you successfully navigate the year ahead.
The Ultimate RFP Checklist for Shippers: Essential Things to Include in Every Bid
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.
Most Read Articles of 2019
Take a look at the top ten Inbound Logistics articles that got readers buzzing in 2019.
Applying Lean Thinking to Procurement
Here’s how to integrate demand and supply initiatives and techniques into your procurement strategies.
Winning Moves for the Last Mile
Take a look at the strategies that retailers and their service partners use to improve last-mile delivery for direct-to-consumer sales.
2020 Global Trade: It's a Whole New World
From tariff and trade wars to new trade agreements and updated Incoterms, 2020 is shaping up to be an interesting year for global shippers.
Charging the Electronics Supply Chain
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.
6 Supply Chain Risks Worth Taking
Supply chain professionals working in small and mid-sized businesses often operate with little margin for error. Taking calculated, thoughtful risks can pay off.
3PLs Do It All
Third-party logistics providers are future-proofing supply chains, using a toolbox filled with business insights, predictive capabilities, and other new solution sets.
Case Studies
Casebook
Formulating a Predictive Flow
Chemical company BASF Corp. improves real-time visibility of its transportation operations and moves towards predictive supply chain activities with Transplace and Descartes’ MacroPoint solutions.
e-Tales
How Zulily Optimizes its Supply Chain on Cost, Not Speed
Zulily’s 72-hour shopping events rely on a point-of-ship supply chain model running on homegrown warehouse management software.
I.T. Toolkit
From Sea to Supermarket: Tracking the Catch of the Day
Bumble Bee Foods is using the SAP® Cloud Platform Blockchain service to trace the journey of yellowfin tuna from the Indonesian ocean to the dinner table.
LeaderSHIP
Conviction, Clarity, Compassion
A leadershp profile of Robert Sappio, CEO, SeaCube Container Leasing.
Reader Profile
Taking a Dip Into Supply Chain Management
Frank Armetta, global vice president of supply chain with Sabra Dipping Company, discusses the hummus company's warehouse transformation, how he leads his team, and insight into his career journey.
Commentary
Sponsored
Knowledge Base
Let Data Lead the Way to Optimization
Having a better understanding of what our customers need, combined with the wider picture we’re capturing from thousands of data points, enables us to work even more effectively for our customers.
Knowledge Base
The Three Things You Can Teach Your Third-Party Logistics Provider
Just because your logistics provider is the subject-matter expert, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything that they can learn from you.
Knowledge Base
Keeping Your Eye on the Prize: What Formula One Can Teach Us About the RFP Process
Bid management software can collect responses automatically within seconds of the carrier submitting them which allows you to focus on strategic initiatives with the time saved.
Knowledge Base
You Have a Data Problem. Here’s What to Do About It.
In order to make 2020 better than years past, shippers must make this New Year’s resolution: Get the data right before the product leaves the dock.
Knowledge Base
Scale to Meet Your Needs
Now more than ever before, shippers should consider working with an experienced managed transportation service provider that has a large, dedicated network of carrier partners and deep relationships with these partners.
Knowledge Base
Technology Can Cure the Parcel Crisis at the Border
As eCommerce continues to increase globally, shippers have to navigate customs to support their omnichannel strategy.
Knowledge Base
Turning Fixed Logistics Costs Into Variable Costs via Outsourcing
Variable costs offer an ideal way for many shippers to keep money in their proverbial pocket. Fixed costs can be converted to variable costs by enlisting a third-party logistics (3PL) provider.
Knowledge Base
5 Ways to Manage Warehousing Requirements During Peak Periods
Managing peak period shipment volume is a structural challenge in the U.S. economy. Thomas Eldridge Campbell, chief strategy officer of Capacity, shares five techniques that can help warehouses maintain service level agreements during peak demand periods.
Knowledge Base
How 3PLs Can Minimize Claims and Help Customers Understand Liability
3PLs can become an ally for their customers in the event of a loss, damage, or delay, providing outstanding customer service and support.
Knowledge Base
Eliminating Extra Costs From Double, Triple Orders
Multiple orders moving the same day to the same customer but on different bills of lading add up costs for shippers. The solution is to consolidate them.
Solved!
The Show Must Go On
Leaning on 30 years of experience shipping in Mexico, CFI delivered concert equipment for a well-known pop music group tour in North America.
Solved!
Conquering Overflow Leads to a Long-Term Partnership
Read how Suddath secured a long-term partnership with medical device manufacturer after managing its overflow product through warehouse management and value-added services.
Solved!
Holman Logistics Uses Artificial Intelligence to Increase Forklift Safety
Holman partners with OneTrack to bring AI solutions to the issue of forklift accidents.
Solved!
Importer Maximizes Savings and Customer Service with Kuebix TMS
By leveraging Kuebix and an integration with NetSuite, equipment parts importer Summit Supply ensures every order is shipped with the quickest, least expensive option to maximize savings and service.
Past Issues
Digital Editions
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Online ExclusiveBarry Kukkuk, CTO, NETSTOCK
Are You Ready to Join the Circular Supply Chain?
Companies and consumers are becoming more environmentally aware and shifting from a traditional linear supply chain to a circular one. By reducing the demand for manufactured products, we can reduce the toxicity and volume of waste that end up in landfills.
3PL Line: Third-Party Logistics PerspectivesKyle Krug
What to Look For in a 3PL
A business looking to outsource part or all of its logistics to a 3PL should consider a variety of factors to identify a logistics provider that is part tactical service provider and part strategic business partner.
Carriers Corner: Air, Ocean, Rail, Road TopicsChristoph Seitz
Transporting Cars: RoRo or Containers
Using containerization in place of the traditional roll-on roll-off, or Ro-Ro, transport style has many advantages to the driver, the automotive supplier and the consumer.
Checking InFelecia Stratton
Ten Minutes From Now—Do You Have a Plan?
Inbound Logistics editor Felecia Stratton checks in with readers and reviews the practical information in the January 2020 issue that shippers can put to use right away.
EcoDevMichelle Comerford
Inland Ports: An Efficient Alternative
For many U.S. manufacturers and distributors scouting new locations, inland ports are emerging as a commercially viable solution.
Global LogisticsBernhard Simon
Can the New Silk Road Compete with the Maritime Silk Road?
Take a look at the facts surrounding the New Silk Road, which has the potential to act as a high-speed internet connection for transporting goods.
Good QuestionKatrina Arabe
Good Question: Will the Supply Chain Management Function Be Obsolete in 10 Years? Why or Why Not?
Industry professionals share whether they think the supply chain management function will be obsolete in the next 10 years.
Green Landscape: Supply Chain SustainabilityGraham Deane
Saving Green While Going Green
Climate change is influencing how consumers decide to purchase products and choose partnerships. How can supply chain leaders incorporate green practices while maintaining profit margins?
IT Matters: Logistics & Supply Chain TechnologyJay Fraze
The Secret Behind the Best Supply Chain Transformations
Here are the top three ways data analytics and AI can transform your supply chain.
Logistics ManagementOhad Axelrod
Tips for Shipping Across the Mexico Border
A checklist of five critical questions to ask before booking your next cross-border load.
Reverse LogisticsTray Anderson
Mitigating the Flood of Post-Holiday Returns
Fearing the flood of post-holiday returns? An optimized reverse logistics strategy may be the answer.
Risks and Rewards: Risk Management StrategiesMichael Meeks
Stop, Thief! Five Ways to Protect Your Supply Chain
Your company can be exposed to unpredictable theft at any time, which can negatively impact your revenues and your reputation. Here are some simple tips to help protect your shipments, customers, and industry stature.
Smart Moves: Supply Chain Careers & Education AdviceTony Sinton
Preparing for the New World of Work
The supply chain workplace of today faces significant disruption and begs the question: What should businesses be doing to embrace these changes?
The Lean Supply ChainPaul A. Myerson
Supply Chain AI: This Time It’s for Real
While Artificial Intelligence is not a new concept, what has changed is the power of computing, cloud-based service options and the applicability of AI to supply chain and logistics.
Trade Compliance StrategistJeff Simpson
Incoterms 2020: Embracing the Rules
When used correctly, Incoterms identifies the responsibilities sellers and buyers have in international transactions between countries.
Viewpoint: Logistics & Supply Chain AnalysisOren Zaslansky
Navigating Amazon's Move into Freight
Amazon's launching of a full-service freight brokerage has a number of implications for supply chain professionals—some obvious and some not so clear.