• Free Subscription
  • News
  • Apps
  • Podcasts
  • Whitepapers
  • Events
Search:
  • ARTICLES
    • News
    • This Month
    • Articles by Subject
    • Features
    • Case Studies
    • How-To
    • Commentary
    • Online Exclusives
    • Trends
    • Global
    • Sponsored Articles
    • Digital Editions
  • LOGISTICS PLANNER
    • View Profiles by Category
    • View Profiles by Company
    • Logistics Planner RFP
  • SEND RFP/RFI
    • See all RFPs
    • 3PL RFP
    • Alaska RFP/RFI
    • Air Cargo/Air Forwarder RFP
    • Chemical Logistics RFP
    • ECommerce RFP
    • Economic Development RFP
    • Education RFI
    • Expedited Shipments
    • Food Logistics/Temp Controlled RFP
    • Forklift/Pallets/Materials Handling RFP
    • Freight Payment/Audit Services RFP
    • Global Logistics RFP
    • Latin America RFP
    • Logistics IT RFP
    • Logistics Planner RFP
    • Materials Handling RFP
    • Ocean/Intermodal/Rail RFP
    • Retail RFP
    • Site Selection RFP
    • Sustainable Supply Chain Partner RFP
    • TMS RFP
    • Trucking RFP
    • WMS RFP
    • Warehousing RFP
  • FIND SOLUTIONS
    • Find a 3PL/Warehouse
    • Find an Air Forwarder
    • Find a Logistics Education Program
    • Find a Technology Company
    • Find a Trucking Company
  • WEB_CITE CITY®
    • Search Our Web Directory
    • Add Your Company
  • MODES & SERVICES
    • 3PL
    • Air Cargo
    • Chemical Logistics
    • Forklifts, Pallets, & Materials Handling
    • Logistics & Supply Chain Education
    • Green Supply Chain Partners Survey
    • Logistics IT
    • Ocean/Intermodal/Rail
    • Site Selection & Economic Development
    • Trucking
    • Warehousing
  • CONNECT
    • Subscribe
    • Connect
  • ADVERTISE
    • Sponsor Content
    • Request a Content Guide
    • Request a BPA Audit Statement
  • PODCASTS
    • All Podcasts
    • PANYNJ Podcast
    • DHL Podcast
  • DIGITAL EDITIONS
  • APPS
Articles related to Automotive Logistics: The Upside of Resiliency

Related Articles

Health Care Logistics, Inventory Management, Lean, Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Caldwell Hospital Gets a Lean Bill of Health

A North Carolina hospital improves patient care by prescribing a lean and healthy supply chain.

Asia, Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Global Logistics—October 2016

South Korean ocean liner Hanjin Shipping files for bankruptcy protection in a dozen countries; Few respondents to a GT Nexus survey say they have a chief supply chain officer on hand who would be equipped to deal with supply chain disruptions; Maersk splits its transportation and oil businesses

Automotive Logistics, Mexico, China, Global Logistics, Manufacturing, Chemical Logistics

Are Manufacturers Ready to Reshore?

While a U.S. manufacturing revitalization is happening in some sectors, the chances of a wholesale national shift occurring are more rhetoric than reality in the current market.

Economic Development, Global Logistics, Manufacturing, Logistics, Ocean, Trucking, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Global Logistics—October 2015

Slovenian Post acquires logistics network to diversify business; Ontario cap-and-trade threatens Great Lakes-St. Lawrence shipping; China looks to build modern logistics cities; UAE manufacturing potential exposes labor market flaws; Nicaraguan Canal financing faces fresh skepticism in light of stock market crash.

Jeff Metersky

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Risk Management, Security, Supply Chain Management, Visibility

Use Supply Chain Modeling to Mitigate Port Shutdowns and Other Risks

Supply chain continuity planning is critical for global businesses. Armed with an end-to-end digital model of their supply chains, shippers can react rapidly and intelligently when unplanned events occur.

E-commerce, Economic Development, Global Economy, China, Canada, Automotive Logistics, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Global Logistics—August 2015

In spite of U.S. dollar strength, domestic manufacturing remains competitive globally; UPS tests new electric cargo bikes to handle urban deliveries; Bi-national Great Lakes Seaway Partnership promotes commercial shipping along the Saint Lawrence Seaway system; Mercedes-Benz reconfigures its global supply chain; Global Logistic Properties shifts investment from China to United States; Freight rail gains traction in passenger transport-focused China; China debuts the world’s longest freight train route linking the northeast city of Harbin with Hamburg, Germany.

Gary Barraco

Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Three Supply Chain Risks and How to Address Them

Enabling a holistic, integrated approach to managing global supplier risks allows companies to minimize risks, protect brand integrity, and reduce supply chain costs.

An executive finds one path blocked and considers an alternative

E-commerce, Asia, Global Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Global Logistics—September 2014

Plan now to avoid supply chain disruptions from the latest Icelandic volcano eruption; Australia struggles with home delivery challenges; EU and China sign landmark customs agreement.

A ship's steering wheel with directions attached for three different plans

Import, Export, Cross-border Trade, Global Logistics, Ports, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Steering Clear of Supply Chain Disruptions

Companies make contingency plans to prepare for possible supply chain disruptions caused by port labor negotiations.

Made in Mexico tag

3PL, Economic Development, Cross-border Trade, Mexico, Global Logistics, Manufacturing, Site Selection, Supply Chain Management, Latin America

Cross-Border Trade: Made in Mexico

U.S. companies stand to gain from establishing manufacturing operations in Mexico – if they manage the challenges.

businesswoman on a tightrope

3PL, Finance, Global Logistics, Partnership, Risk Management, Security, Transportation, Supply Chain Management

Risk Mitigation: Supply Chain Safety Net

Shippers protect against supply chain disruptions with physical, analytical, and financial risk mitigation strategies.

Gary Hanifan

Green Logistics, Global Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Weathering Climate Change and Supply Chain Risk

Supply chains must develop strategies for reducing risk related to climate change, such as drought and extreme weather.

Bryan Nella

Cross-border Trade, Mexico, Global Logistics, Manufacturing, Partnership, Supply Chain Management, Latin America

Maximize Nearshoring Value to Minimize Supply Chain Complexity

Shifting production closer to the U.S. can benefit supply chains, but nearshoring also presents obstacles.

163 illustration

Expedited Shipping, 3PL, Global Logistics, Materials Handling, Ocean, Site Selection, Risk Management, Security, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

163 Ways to Supercharge Your Supply Chain

Actionable tips help you revitalize your warehousing, 3PL, trucking, and global logistics operations.

Steve Sensing

Asia, Cross-border Trade, Mexico, Manufacturing, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management, Latin America

Shoring up Sourcing Strategies

Shifting manufacturing operations in Asia back to North America provides companies more control of their supply chains, says Steve Sensing of Ryder Supply Chain Solutions.

Thomas W. Derry

Careers, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management Takes Center Stage

As professionals who understand the entire process of manufacturing, shipping, and marketing products, and who recognize that suppliers can be closely aligned with the company’s goals and objectives, chief procurement officers help define a company’s competitive advantage.

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain

Global Logistics—September 2016

India-based textile manufacturer accused of providing fraudulent products; Iran seeks to strengthen trade relationships in Latin America; British manufacturers get small boost in wake of Brexit referendum

Jamie Overley

3PL, Manufacturing, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

How to Stand Out From the Crowd

To meet the changing needs of today’s manufacturers, third-party logistics (3PL) providers need to distinguish themselves through collaboration and technology investments.

Ken Harris

Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Technology

Who Are You Doing Business With?

Denied party screening is of critical importance in shipping and international trade, and essential for minimizing business risk today.

Air Cargo, Lean, Logistics, Packaging, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Summer Reading Guide: 16 Must-Reads This Summer

A handy reading guide summarizing supply chain books and their key takeaways.

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Global Logistics—March 2016

The 2016 Allianz Risk Barometer identifies top 10 risks for global companies.

Raymond G. Monteith

Logistics, Supply Chain, Risk Management, Security, Supply Chain Management

Is Your Business Prepared for the Worst?

So how prepared is your business to withstand a crisis? Effective risk analysis and crisis preparation is an essential strategy.

Global Economy, Mexico, China, Global Logistics, Risk Management, Sustainability

Global Logistics—January 2016

Shippers unprepared for supply chain disruptions; China wants pirate hunting base in Horn of Africa; bringing cargo into Kenya; India ramps up transportation infrastructure development; air cargo carriers seek to cut costs without sacrificing growth; Amazon invests in India; China’s greenest supply chains; international shrimp supply chain linked to human trafficking and slavery; World Trade Organization rules to abolish agricultural subsidies; Mexico and U.S. sign liberalized air transport deal; global manufacturers shift production to Bangladesh, Thailand, Korea and Vietnam

Manufacturing Logistics, Lean, Manufacturing, Logistics, Partnership

Lean Management: Ready, Set, Grow

Contract manufacturer Apex International had seen its growth halt as it struggled to deliver products on time and provide sufficient quality control. With the help of Simpler Consulting, Apex adopted Lean management principles to transform its culture and return the company to a path of growth.

Careers, Retail Logistics, Panama Canal, Freight Forwarders, Global Logistics, Ocean, Supply Chain, Transportation, Supply Chain Management

Tim Thoma Brings It In

Tim Thoma, international logistics and compliance manager at Northern Tool and Equipment, is responsible for moving product purchased from overseas.

Kae-Por Chang

China, Distribution, Global Logistics, Manufacturing, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain, Visibility

Doing Business in China

While doing business with China, many companies face a wide range of challenges trying to navigate the country’s complex trade programs.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Logistics, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Measuring to Manage or Barely Managing to Measure

It is critical to set meaningful, relevant, and attainable targets to ensure that everyone is focused on a Lean supply chain.

Torben Kock

E-commerce, Distribution, Global Logistics, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

CPG Market Demanding More Flexible Logistics Solutions

E-commerce and omni-channel retailing have a major impact on supply chain and logistics needs, and customers have to make sure their supply chain is equipped to offer maximum flexibility.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Procurement and Purchasing:
Buying into Lean

When applying Lean principles to procurement and purchasing processes, non-traditional sources of waste can be identified, which benefits the entire supply chain.

3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Risk Management, Security, Supply Chain Management

8 Ways to File Effective Freight Claims

Freight damage, loss, and theft will always occur. Planning for those inevitabilities is key to prevention and faster claims settlement.

Scott Brown

Logistics I.T., Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Reducing Supply Chain Risk by Outsourcing Technology

When downtime impacts a company’s line, outsourcing technology infrastructure to a third party might help.

3PL, Global Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Prepare for Impact

All global supply chains carry some element of risk, but working with third-party logistics providers, with transparency in full effect, can help you achieve the best risk management outcome.

3PL, Global Economy, Middle East, Asia, China, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Global Logistics—June 2015

Middle East countries show signs of regional collaboration around transportation and logistics; China’s “red supply chain” threatens Taiwanese semiconductor industry; India looks to Korea as both a model and partner for its economic modernization program; U.S. fashion industry supports extension of African Growth & Opportunity Act; Cuba’s Port of Mariel attracts investment from CMA CGM; China looks to replicate U.S. rail freight model

Paul A. Myerson

Green Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

How to Cut Seven Non-Traditional Wastes

These seven non-traditional forms of waste can have a direct impact on your bottom line.

Green Logistics, 3PL, Lean, Third-Party Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Growing a Culture of Sustainability

Finding a common ground between cost and corporate social responsibility remains a challenging proposition – unless organizations nurture a culture of sustainability.

Green Logistics, 3PL, Lean, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

G75: Inbound Logistics' 75 Green Supply Chain Partners

These supply chain, logistics, and transportation companies lead the way in supporting sustainability.

Manufacturing, Retail, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Trends—April 2015

Supply chain ‘modeling’ replicates real-world events; Retailers and manufacturers make the jump to RFID; U.S. trucking industry sees better utilization and financial results; Data analytics is a big growth market.

Global Logistics, Chemical Logistics, Logistics, Ocean, Transportation, Supply Chain Management

Global Logistics—April 2015

Larger container ships pose new risks and liabilities... Peel Group invests in oil and gas business while European interests dry up... Scientists raise concerns about Nicaragua canal environmental impact.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Logistics, Site Selection, Supply Chain Management

How Location Decisions Impact a Lean Strategy

When trying to avoid waste in your supply chain, it’s all about location, location, location.

John Richardson

Big Data, Lean, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

The Next Frontier of Supply Chain Innovation: Analytics, LEAN and the Power of Big Data

The confluence of faster data access, better analytical tools, and data-driven business decisions, make it more likely that future supply chain optimization will be continuous.

George Kontoravdis, PhD

Global Logistics, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

How to Forge Successful Value Chain Partnerships

Today’s supply chain environment is more complex than ever, and it is important for business partners to work together across the value chain with the intent to maximize the benefit to their customers . 

Tom Heine

3PL, Manufacturing, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Using Technology to Maximize Value Chain Partnerships

Providing technology solutions helps third-party logistics providers stand out from competitors and adds value to their services.

Felecia Stratton

Global Economy, Asia, China, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

A Supply Chain World Tour

Companies doing business globally are learning to be more flexible to adapt quickly to uncertainty without sacrificing economy, speed and service.

E-commerce, Education & Careers, Manufacturing, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Trends—March 2015

U.S. beef supply chain participants form partnership to improve sustainability; Manufacturers and retailers fail to adopt best-in-class processes and technology to address global complexities; Online retailers need to rethink how they align their distribution networks; Spot market rates dip seasonally as West Coast volumes catch up; Staples and Syracuse University partner to drive new research and innovation.

Asia, China, Global Logistics, Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain Management

Global Logistics—March 2015

Port of Beirut plan for transshipment expansion irks truckers; New treaty greenlights Ghent–Terneuzen Canal lock upgrade; China-Europe rail development continues with UTi and Changjiu partnership; Global suppliers still laggard when it comes to environmental mitigation; Hong Kong looks to ease industrial real estate regs to create more warehouse capacity.

David Bouchard

3PL, Cross-border Trade, Canada, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

What is Globalization Doing to the World of Logistics?

Globalization has a dramatic impact on strategic sourcing, logistics excellence, and supply chain management. Here’s how your company can become a preferred employer in today’s global age.

E-commerce, Global Economy, Mexico, China, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Rethinking the Global Supply Chain

Shifting global dynamics and internal business process changes are compelling manufacturers and retailers to challenge the status quo and reinvent their supply chains.

Panama Canal, Canada, Global Economy, Global Logistics, Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Supply Chain Management

Global Logistics—August 2014

United States and Canada are investing $7 billion in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system; Changing political relations between the United States and Cuba could signal new trade opportunities; UK faces a truck driver shortage among younger people; Panama approves new port development

Keith Biondo

Education & Careers, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Talent Gap: How Did We Get Here?

A review of the important mile markers in supply chain management that brought us to present day shows we have made progress, but there is more work to be done.

Green Logistics, Global Economy, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Latin America

Eelco de Graaf: Four-Continent Career

Eelco de Graaf, vice president, supply chain operations at Lewis-Goetz and Company, is responsible for purchasing, shipping, manufacturing, and operational excellence.

Laura Easley

3PL, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Leverage Data to Navigate Uncertain Times

Companies are seeking data to help them understand their supply chain networks, and strategic enterprise partners are providing the needed information to them through logistics.

James Min

Export, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Customs Compliance: Small Mistakes Can Lead to Big Problems

Before entering the international trade arena, shippers must understand the stakes involved in regulatory compliance.

Rich Becks

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Resilience: Turning Risk Into Opportunity

Managing supply chain risk means recognizing that things won’t always go according to plan, and having the right infrastructure in place to succeed even through the unexpected.

Chris Miget

Manufacturing, Logistics, Packaging, Supply Chain Management

Reimagining Molded Pulp Packaging: It’s Not Just For Eggs Anymore

Many manufacturers have turned to molded pulp as an environmentally friendly packaging alternative.

Lake Ray

Manufacturing, Logistics, Site Selection, Supply Chain Management

How to Choose a Business-Friendly Site

Areas like Northeast Florida actively work to make their local climate a business-friendly one.

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

A New Die is Cast: Digging Into the Rare Metals Supply Chain

IBC Advanced Alloys puts a pedal to the metals to manage the logistics of complex manufacturing.

Green Logistics, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Diving into Data: A Lean Six Sigma Journey

Six Sigma helps electronic products company Jabil run like a lean, green manufacturing machine.

Distribution, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Supply Chain Excellence: A Manufacturing Firestarter

Whirlpool is taking a page out of its Lean production manual and following Penske’s lead to create a more flexible and responsive North American supply chain.

Mexico, Health Care Logistics, 3PL, Pharmaceutical Logistics, Distribution, Manufacturing, Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Medical Devices: A Tale of Two Countries

It was the worst of times for U.S./Mexico healthcare. Can demand-driven logistics make it the best of times?

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Adding Resilience to Your Supply Chain

This article looks at issues that companies should consider when developing a more resilient supply chain.

Marcia Faschingbauer

Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Contingency Planning Keeps Freight Moving

Carriers need to be ready to keep freight moving no matter what gets in the way.

Sonal Sinha

3PL, Inventory Management, Logistics I.T., Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Keeping Vendor Risk Under Control During the Holiday Season

With the holiday season in full swing, logistics managers must be able to rely on their vendors to perform.

Kristi Montgomery

Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Ensuring Business Sustainability During Disasters, Disruptions, and Service Failures

All companies should incorporate a business continuity plan into their operation so they are never unprepared for a disruption.


Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Supply Chain Management

A Lean and Agile Supply Chain: Not an Option, But a Necessity

Companies can benefit from have a hybrid supply chain that is not only Lean, but also agile.

Scott Byrnes

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Supply Chain Management

Bridging Performance Gaps with GTM

Global Trade Management Systems (GTM) can help automate and optimize international supply chains. Here’s some advice for successful implementation.

Kevin Hickey

Customer Service, Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Uncovering Value Through Performance Metrics

Kevin Hickey, Vice President, North American Customer Service for Maersk Line outlines the benefits of performance metrics, and the impact they have on carrier relationships and ongoing improvements.

Customer Service, Distribution, Inventory Management, Manufacturing, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Retail, Supply Chain Management

From the Outside In: Supply Chain as Strategic Advantage

Executives at two leading companies weigh in on supply chain’s value to their organizations.

Distribution, Manufacturing, Retail, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Automation That’s Worth the Weight

When a merger required Nature’s Way to consolidate distribution facilities, it called on the services of system supplier The Numina Group for a new design and technologies. Today, the facility successfully distributes products to customers in 50 states, and overseas through five supply chain channels.

Scott Swartz

Global Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Challenges for Today’s Global Supply Chain: Cost, Profitability and Personalization

An optimized supply chain allows companies to reduce costs, lower risk, increase transparency, and support new products.

Tamsen Fricke, operations manager, Divine Chocolate USA

Education & Careers, Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Tamsen Fricke: Finding the Sweet Spot

For Tamsen Fricke, operations manager at Divine Chocolate USA, fair trade and logistics make a delicious combination.

Chet Mullen, director of materials planning and logistics at Raymond Corp.

Education & Careers, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management

Chet Mullen: Material Guy

When customers need products fast, Chet Mullen of lift truck manufacturer Raymond Corporation rises to the occassion.

John Deris

3PL, Food Logistics, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management

Managing SKU Proliferation in the Beverage Industry

Expanding beverage product lines are generating new stockkeeping units (SKUs) - and supply chain management challenges.

People of different nationalities speaking in Incoterms

Import, Export, Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Incoterms® 2010: Speaking the Same Language

Incoterms simplify international purchase-sales contracts. Here are tips for applying them correctly.

Paul Thompson

3PL, Lean, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

The Evolution of Enterprise Logistics

Enterprise logistics providers are developing solutions that fuse data elements for insights that enable decisionmaking.

Kevin X. Jones, vice president of inbound transportation at Walmart

Distribution, Global Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain Management

Rolling Back the Walmart Way

Kevin X. Jones, vice president of inbound transportation at Walmart, focuses on building transportation synergies.

Manufacturing, Ports, Supply Chain Management

Trends—June 2014

Port of Los Angeles targets $3 billion for infrastructure investment; Montreal-based Fednav uses drones to scout shipping conditions; U.S. manufacturing renaissance faces a skilled labor shortage; Apple tops Gartner’s Top 25 Supply Chain list for the seventh consecutive year.

Brad Brennan

Automotive Logistics, Risk Management

The Importance of Contingency Planning in Automotive Supply Chains

Supply chain contingency planning can help automotive manufacturers protect their operations.

Paul A. Myerson

Inventory Management, Lean, Supply Chain Management

Streamlining Inventory Through SKU Rationalization

The number of stockkeeping units has increased considerably. Doing an ABC analysis helps eliminate unneeded inventory.

Concert conductor hands with baton islolated on black background

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Global Trade in the Key of GTM

Global trade management (GTM) solutions help coordinate trade compliance, and allow trading partners to share data.

Jason Shefrin

Education & Careers, Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Jason Shefrin: Asset-Light, By Design

Jason Shefrin, executive vice president, global sourcing, at InterDesign Inc. streamlines global operations.

Boomerang with symobls representing U.S. and Canada on each end

Economic Development, Asia, Cross-border Trade, China, Canada, Reverse Logistics, Global Logistics, Labor Management, Manufacturing, Retail, Ports, Transportation Infrastructure, Latin America

Global—February 2014

China and Taiwan depend on one another; Emirates targets multimodal transportation infrastructure investment; Chile port strike ends, concerns remain; Free online returns stoke Canadian consumption but place onus on U.S. retailers; Europe looks to United States for re-shoring inspiration; Mondelez debuts new GS1 standard

Paul A. Myerson

Inventory Management, Lean, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

Collaborative Programs: Not a Chore But an Opportunity

Programs such as vendor managed inventory (VMI) and efficient consumer response (ECR) fuel supply chain growth.

Illustration of a criminal's and a businessman's hands on a container

3PL, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Partnership, Safety, Security, Transportation, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Cargo Security: Protecting the Supply Chain

Ensuring supply chain security requires that shippers and logistics providers stay one step ahead of thieves.

doorbell to the world

Global Logistics, Inventory Management, Retail, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

The Direct Sales Supply Chain: Where There’s a Will There’s Amway

George Calvert of Amway explains how the company's supply chain strategy supports its business model.

Illustration of containers arranged to spell out FTZ

Import, Export, 3PL, Intermodal, Global Logistics, Ocean, Site Selection, Ports, Transportation, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

FTZ Basics & Benefits

Foreign Trade Zones can help global shippers cut operational costs and speed customs clearance for imports and exports.

Comic book art

Demand Planning, Global Logistics, Manufacturing

Heroic Logistics Saves the Day for DC Comics

Special print production needs prompted DC Comics to seek an overseas partner and rework its logistics.

Kelly Christie

Global Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

Five Ways to Drive Efficiency In International Logistics

These five components are key for companies who want to streamline their international supply chain.

Iron ore mining in Australia

3PL, Middle East, Asia, Panama Canal, China, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Risk Management

Global Logistics—January 2014

Global dry-bulk commodity trade reveals rate growth, steadying inflation in China; Preparations for 2022 World Cup trigger DC explosion in Qatar; Supplier risk analysis will become more complex as companies expand into new global markets; Pakistani protests force U.S. military drawdown to consider $1 billion airfreight alternative; Asia truck bans taking toll on logistics industry; Africa’s piracy problem shifting to continent’s west coast; Trans-Pacific Partnership pact stalls, 2014 ratification expected; China’s Nicaraguan Canal stirs intrigue; Tesco acquires stake in “Asia’s Amazon”

Global Economy, Panama Canal, Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Panama Canal Expansion: Changing the Channel

The Panama Canal expansion, opening in 2015, may alter shippers' sourcing and routing decisions.

Illustration of pills labelled with supply chain challenges

Intermodal, Health Care Logistics, Automotive Logistics, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management

Trends—November 2013

Regulatory compliance is top supply chain challenge for healthcare executives; Ohio’s transportation funding plan pays dividends with bridge repair program; GM saves $40 million a year by co-locating stamping and assembly facilities; Collaboration is the key to sustained procurement savings; U.S. domestic intermodal surpasses international as growth driver.

Illustration of a car

Automotive Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain Management

The Nuts & Bolts of the Automotive Aftermarket Supply Chain

The automotive aftermarket’s logistics trends, challenges, and best practices give shippers a wild ride.

Illustrated B2B text with cog background

Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management

Feeding the Line

A look at the supply chain for manufacturers that supply materials or components to other manufacturers.

Michael Greco

Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Meeting the Challenges of the Ever-Evolving Compliance Environment

Collaborating with a global logistics provider helps small and medium-sized businesses ensure regulatory compliance.

Lorcan Sheehan

Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Preparation: Your Best Asset in Managing Supply Chain Disruptions

Collaborate with suppliers to manage supply chain risks with the highest potential to occur and risk of business impact.

Michael O'Neill, CEO and founder, Preferred Sands

Manufacturing, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Guiding an Energy Renaissance: Questions and Answers With Michael O'Neill

The emergence of domestically sourced natural gas heralds significant changes in the North America energy market.

Illustration representing Lean improvements

Lean, Supply Chain Management

The Lean Supply Chain: Watch Your Waste Line

Shippers and 3PLs have applied lean principles to remove waste from their operations and improve performance.

George Prest

Logistics I.T., Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Visibility is the Key to Mitigating Supply Chain Risk

Supply chain visibility helps flag upcoming supply or demand problems, allowing a company either to take action to prevent disasters or to respond by activating backup plans, writes George W. Prest of Material Handling Industry of America.

UPS truck receiving packages from loading dock in China

Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Global Logistics—October 2012

Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba invests in logistics to support online shopping growth; Jamaica looks to transform economy with the development of a global logistics hub; Vietnam faces a dearth of logistics talent and expertise; China grants licenses to UPS and FedEx to provide parcel delivery services in select cities; China Airlines Cargo joins SkyTeam Cargo alliance; Germany debuts JadeWeserPort amid slack container volume growth

J. Anthony Hardenburgh

Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Understanding the Implications of Related Party Transactions and Transfer Pricing

Supply chain managers should work closely with compliance professionals and corporate tax specialists when making decisions about related-party transactions, writes J. Anthony Hardenburgh of Amber Road.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Supply Chain Management

Eliminating Wasted Motion

Lean concepts such as 5S, Visual Workplace, and Kanban help reduce motion waste to create safer, more efficient workplaces.

Rajiv Saxena

Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Managing Global Complexity: The Right Tools for the Job

New international supply chain optimization tools are capable of considering all appropriate shipment flows, modes, routes, and cargo to come up with an ideal workable plan – as often as needed and anytime things change.

Elisha Tropper

Global Logistics, Manufacturing

The Truth Behind “Made in the USA”

The time is right to bring overseas manufacturing back to the United States. U.S. entrepreneurs - and entrepreneurial companies - can domestically manufacture quality products, bring them to market as the low-cost producers, and yield a sustainable profitable business model, writes Elisha Tropper of Cambridge Security Seals.

Automotive Logistics, Supply Chain Management

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.

Automotive Logistics, Supply Chain Management

The Wheels of Change: Questions & Answers with Ed Melching

To roll out a supply chain overhaul, truck and engine manufacturer Navistar chose third-party logistics provider Menlo as its strategic partner. Ed Melching, director, Global Logistics, describes the project.

Danny Halim

Global Logistics, Risk Management

Navigating Global Supply Chain Risks

Danny Halim of JDA Software offers strategies for minimizing risk in the global supply chain.

Chandler Hall

Partnership, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Supplier Disruptions: Preparing for the Unpredictable

Chandler Hall of BravoSolution explains how to reduce the frequency and severity of disruptions by fostering collaborative relationships with your suppliers.

3PL, Lean, Supply Chain Management

Lean Six Sigma: Leaning by Degrees

Lean Six Sigma enablers and practitioners are using continuous improvement methodologies to squeeze cost and inefficiency out of the supply chain.

Dr. Jim Giermanski

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics I.T., Security, Supply Chain Management

Digitizing the Global Supply Chain

Global supply chain visibility and detail can only be achieved by modern electronic data transmissions that are already available and can reduce the costs of international cargo movement.

Simon Kaye

Air Cargo, 3PL, Global Logistics, Freight Forwarders, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management

Freight Forwarders: The Vital Link in Logistics Communication

A professional freight forwarder that represents the interests of all supply chain participants can serve as the missing link in supply chain communication.

Keith Biondo

Lean, Supply Chain Management

Deere Customer

A lean manufacturing value chain sometimes carries the risk of falling behind demand, as John Deere discovered, but the alternative can be worse, writes Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo.

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Risk Management

Trends—May 2010

Faced with transportation interruptions caused by the April 2010 eruption of an Icelandic volcano, European express carriers TNT and DHL activated contingency plans; LCD television manufacturers control spending by bringing production in-house; Inventory-in-sales ratios rise across the supply chain; Wholesaler Arrow Electronics acquires reverse logistics companies; Google helps consumers match demand to in-store supply

Global Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain, Trucking, Transportation Infrastructure

Noted: The Supply Chain In Brief

From recent mergers and acquisitions to philanthropy initiatives, here’s what’s new and notable in the supply chain.

Russ Felker

Big Data, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Digitally Transforming Your Supply Chain? Here's How to Make It Meaningful

Digital transformation cannot be considered in a silo; it needs to be approached from a holistic perspective. Data has to be linked to processes and action to be meaningful.

Mark Haslam

Big Data, Fulfillment, Demand Planning, Logistics I.T., Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Out of Stock? Hoarding is Not a Solution

Investing time and money in making products available is more important today than ever before, thanks to the ripple effects of COVID-19. Capacity constraints and delivery agents have been upended, and product availability is at risk. Rising digital trends and changing consumer behavior and spending habits have also led to an urgency to respond to market conditions quickly.

Shan Haq

Automation, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Why Logistics Managers Should Care About AP

How AP automation, AI, and machine learning can transform logistics departments

Global Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

7 Strategies to Reboot Global Supply Chains

Experts provide advice on changes companies can make to reboot their supply chains for the COVID era.

Evan Quasney

Demand Planning, Inventory Management, Risk Management

Evaluate Risk Before Critical Decisions

The past year has opened the door to many risks and response strategies that supply chain leaders must keep top of mind when making critical inventory, demand, logistics, and pricing decisions.

Pierre Erasmus

Risk Management, Sustainability, Technology

3 Ways to Build a Resilient Supply Chain

Organizations across sectors must keep pace with changes in supply and demand—and intelligent supply chains can help

Big Data, Manufacturing, Risk Management

We Won’t Be Fooled Again: The Enterprise Perspective

This story looks at enterprise-level strategies that companies are using to meet today’s difficult supply chain challenges, and that offer potential lessons for their operations in the future.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management

Taking a Fresh Look at Brazil’s Transportation Sector

Some of the most compelling examples of change and positive momentum in Brazil are in the transportation sector. Here are three key highlights foreign investors should be aware of when considering transportation investments in Brazil.

Manufacturing Logistics, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management

How Manufacturers Can Navigate Global Supply Chain Upheaval

Not only do advanced analytics reduce the supply of materials needed for a factory, but also help to find alternative vendors for materials that are in short supply. Here's how industry 4.0 technologies can ease the burden on the global supply chain.

Manufacturing Logistics, Manufacturing, Supply Chain

The Manufacturing Workforce in 2022: Restraints, Predictions, and Implications

Manufacturers are not immune from the impact of the worker shortage that shows little to no sign of ceasing. Here’s how to rebuild the talent pipeline.

Paul Schoebrechts

Manufacturing, Sustainability, Transportation

Sideways Ships and Missing Chips: Overcoming E-Bike Blockages

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

How would you summarize the supply chain in 2021 in five words?

Inbound Logistics readers encapsulate the state of the supply chain in 2021.

Global Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Transportation

How to Manage Global Specialty Cargo Supply Chains

Not all cargo fits the traditional dock-to-dock standard delivery service. Specialty carriers provide their customers both the option of delivering to a dock and the flexibility of delivering to locations that may require a liftgate to unload the cargo.

Suzanne Offerman

Labor Management, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Risk Management

Preparing for the Next Big Disruption

COVID-19 exposed inefficiencies and points of failure in all aspects of our supply chains—from processes to people and technology. Now is the time to address these challenges to help limit the impact of inevitable future disruptions.

Michael Rabinowitz

Big Data, Demand Planning, Manufacturing

Precision Starts with Visibility

One roadblock to quickness and precision is a lack of visibility. To overcome this challenge, businesses are leveraging data analytics powered by the right technology.

Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Enabling Supply Chain Agility

With the pandemic still taking hold, it’s more important than ever that businesses maintain a consistent flow of goods. To ensure supply chain agility and avoid further disruption, many companies are adopting processes to help manage new labeling and supply chain complexities.

Retail Logistics, Global Logistics, Retail

Supply Chain Boot Camp

Undercover Boots, based in Panama, has been designing and selling its colorful rain boots and shoes since 2014. In the past seven years, it has expanded sales to 72 countries with only eight employees.

Ali Hasan R.

Demand Planning, Risk Management, Technology

3 Ways to Bolster Your Supply Chain

There’s no single action that can prevent another supply chain crisis like the one brought on by the pandemic. However, certain measures can mitigate the impact of the pandemic and any other catastrophic disruptions.

Labor Management, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Acing Your Stress Test

A supply chain resilience stress test is a key first step in assessing risk. A comprehensive stress test assesses resilience across these five factors.

Omer Abdullah

Big Data, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

7 Critical Questions You Need to Ask

Fundamentally, managing supply risk is all about having access to the right insights at the right time. These 7 questions can help you gain them.

Big Data, Demand Planning, Risk Management

Build an Agile and Resilient Supply Chain in 4 Steps

Visibility is absolutely vital to any business striving to achieve agility and resiliency, and the vulnerabilities that can follow. The good news is that these vulnerabilities can be addressed by taking four necessary steps toward achieving agility and resiliency.

Ports, Risk Management

8 Surefire Ways to Navigate Global Supply Chain Upheaval

Demand volatility coupled with capacity shortages. Lead times stretching out weeks, even months. Congestion at ports worldwide. What can shippers do to keep their supply chains moving? Plenty.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean Logistics, Robotics, Lean

Demand Accuracy In Your Supply Chain

Visibility, collaboration and communication are the keys to improve demand timing and accuracy to minimize the impacts of the pandemic and other local and global events.

Automation, Risk Management, Technology

Navigating Demand Spikes: Automating Your Way to Successful Peak Seasons

Whether driven by traditional shopping peaks or unexpected consumer demand, technology-enabled warehouse operations, fulfillment practices, and transportation planning are essential in helping omnichannel retailers effectively manage surging order volumes when they do hit.

Automotive Logistics, Technology , Transportation

Auto Supplier Turns to Hub Group for Strategic Overhaul

Encompassing drayage, transload, and expedited outbound OTR solutions, along with 24/7 communication, Hub Group delivered comprehensive options and helped a leading auto supplier gain back control over their import network and key relationships.

Lean Logistics, Lean, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Does Lean Have a Limit?

Automation and intelligence will be key tools in developing supply chain resilience. Companies can start by implementing these three key enablers.

Oliver Wright

Customer Service, Risk Management, Technology

Supply Chain: An Engine of Post-Pandemic Growth

If the supply chain is to take on an enhanced role, companies will need to stop seeing it merely as a cost center from which to drive ever greater efficiencies.

Global Logistics, Technology

Global Logistics Reboot: A New Beginning

Global logistics gets a reboot thanks to the upheaval in product flows over the past year, mostly driven by the pandemic.

Automotive Logistics, Manufacturing, Sustainability

Vertical Focus: Automotive

From self-driving cars to driving down emissions electric vehicles, this is what's trending in the automotive supply chain.

Careers, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Silencing Self-Doubt and Building the Next Generation of Women Leaders

In any field—but particularly male-dominated industries—it is important for managers and supervisors to challenge and encourage their young female workers. This is certainly the case in the logistics and e-commerce sector of which I am a part, both fast-growing and exciting fields that offer young women many opportunities.

Glenn P. Clinger III

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

5 Steps to Process Improvement

As many companies close their doors and others struggle to stay afloat, process improvement has become more important than ever to save money and attain greater efficiency.

Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management

Do you expect a resurgence in reshoring to the United States? Why or why not?

Supply chain leaders discuss whether they expect a resurgence in reshoring to the United States.

Risk Management, Safety, Technology

Developing Supply Chain Resiliency

A single fault line in the supply chain can disrupt events farther down, including the last mile. Here are ten tips for developing and maintaining a supply chain that is resilient as well as easy to scale and optimize.

Manufacturing, Risk Management

3 Underreported Trends That Will Accelerate Reshoring

Interest in reshoring is accelerating, according to Thomas research. Here are three under-reported trends that will help manufacturers speed up their reshoring efforts.

Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

137 Tips for a Fully Charged Supply Chain

The ultimate list of tips for charging up your supply chain to full power in 2021 and beyond.

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Global Trade Management

Global Trade Plateau?

Order volumes in Western economies have grown significantly, but momentum may be slowing, finds a new report.

Technology , Supply Chain Management

Going the Distance

While C-level executives manage their business with social distancing, the protocols aren't ideal for productivity, finds a survey by consulting firm West Monroe. More than half say they primarily work remotely to avoid social distancing.

Buildings and Structures, Manufacturing, Technology

Supply Chains Under Construction

Taking on building materials and labor shortages, these startups are demolishing inefficiencies and constructing platforms—both steel and electronic.

Bindiya Vakil

Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management

Reshoring Starts with Mapping Suppliers

After COVID-19 disrupted Chinese-made supplies of personal protective equipment, reliance on Chinese suppliers was portrayed as a weakness. It's time for companies with suppliers in China to evaluate whether to reshore or nearshore parts of their supply chains. Here are four key points to consider.

Paul A. Myerson

Finance, Risk Management

Lessons Learned: Risk Mitigation Strategies for the Future

Companies can avoid some of the pitfalls of supply chain risk by developing risk mitigation strategies such as supply chain mapping and applying the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. To mitigate risk, your company should have these five capabilities.

Technology , Supply Chain Management

What's the most significant way COVID-19 has changed the supply chain?

The pandemic has reached an unprecedented level of uncertainty in supply chains. Leaders share the most significant way COVID-19 has changed the supply chain.

Randy Ofiara

3PL, Finance, Supply Chain Management

3 M's to Cut Supply Chain Costs

The three M’s are key areas to explore and break down to realize the full potential of your company and help you to get the biggest, fastest savings in your supply chain, today.

Labor Management, Manufacturing, Risk Management

COVID-19's Impact on North American Manufacturers

The latest COVID-19 Manufacturing Survey from Thomas Insights illuminates emerging trends in reshoring, labor, and technology, and reveals a positive outlook for the future of manufacturing.

Demand Planning, Risk Management, Technology

COVID-19 Supply Chain Resources & Recovery Strategies

Leaders share best practices for sharpening digital strategy, developing resilience, and improving visibility as shippers re-engage in trade and navigate COVID-19 uncertainty.

Distribution, Manufacturing, Technology

True Manufacturing Embraces More Efficient, Visual Load Building

Looking to streamline load building, True Manufacturing turned to MagicLogic Optimization and integrated Cube-IQ, a software solution that optimizes load planning. The result was reduced work hours and increased efficiency.

David Pignolet

3PL, Risk Management, Security

Three Ways to Mitigate Insider Risk in Your Supply Chain

Without proper identity access and management procedures for third-party users in place, entire supply chains are vulnerable to attacks.

Antony Lovell

Demand Planning, Risk Management, Technology

5 Ways to Attain Resilience

To better weather the next supply chain disruption, organizations should consider these five ways to enhance day-to-day planning and improve shock resilience.

Big Data, Finance, Supply Chain Management

How to Make Supply Chains “Antifragile”

Cost savings has been the number-one priority for heads of procurement and finance across industries. Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that this must be achieved through lean, just-in-time processes and a focus on limited inventory.

E-commerce, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

How Will the Future Unfold?

As the coronavirus continues to disrupt global supply chains, Gartner developed three scenarios to help chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) prepare for recovery and make preemptive decisions to set up their organizations for success.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers Remain Optimistic

Despite continued impacts across industries, approximately 91% of manufacturers believe that North American manufacturing can recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey by Thomas Insights.

3PL, Risk Management

COVID-19 Resets: Logistics Draws the Line

While the human and financial tolls wrought by COVID-19 are horrific, the pandemic has also brought out the best in many people and the logistics and supply chain organizations with which they work.

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Make a New Plan, Stan

Organizations that have incorporated scenario planning into their process may be better prepared to cope with disruption and uncertainty. For those who have not advanced their planning capabilities, weathering the next disruption may not be as easy.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Technology

Global Trade Goes Digital

Freight forwarders and shippers can book sea, land, and air cargo shipments to and from anywhere in the world with the rollout of DP World's online logistics tools and services.

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

COVID-19 Supply Chain Resources & Recovery Strategies

Supply chain leaders share the latest innovations, solutions, e-commerce strategies, and IT operations

Alan Miller

Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Act Fast, Act Smart

To maximize your decision to act, adapt a solution to the company’s processes or adapt the company’s processes to the solution.

Robert Kriewaldt

E-commerce, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

We Must Learn to Mitigate Supply Chain Disruption from Disasters

While the speed with which the supply chain was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic put supply chain weaknesses on display, it has also shined a light on where we need to strengthen our capabilities to mitigate future disruptions. Here are some areas the supply chain must address moving forward:

Keith Biondo

E-commerce, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Staying Productive in Unproductive Times

Rather than wait for the next man-caused disruption or pandemic, smart business managers are extracting knowledge from a forensic investigation of their operations based on COVID-19 stress and kicking bad practices to the curb.

Global Economy, Risk Management

China's Road to Restoration

After reporting no new cases of COVID-19 in March 2020, people are going back to work in China—but companies still face a slow return to production.

Manufacturing, Risk Management, Transportation

How Shippers Are Handling COVID-19

Shipping volumes demonstrate the resilience of companies and their ability to produce essential products during disruption, and highlight the important role transportation plays

Fulfillment, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Supply Chain Cleanliness Matters—During and Beyond COVID-19

Fulfillment centers have adapted throughout COVID-19, supplying workers with masks, suspending in-person meetings, and enhancing their cleaning protocols. Suppliers will need to remember the lessons learned, even beyond the pandemic.

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

COVID-19 Supply Chain Resources & Strategies

Supply chain management may have changed forever as COVID-19 brings heightened awareness to its fragility. With careful planning, shippers can minimize risks related to the pandemic.

Finance, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

3 Ways to Mitigate Supply Chain Slowdowns

As the supply chain faces factory closures and limited access to employees and logistics to move goods amid the COVID-19 outbreak, leaders can help ease disruption by focusing on their workforce, products, and costs, according to Gartner.

Retail, Risk Management

U.S. States Reopen During COVID-19 Pandemic

Take a look at each state's perspectives, guidelines, and deadlines as they make plans to reopen their local businesses and facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global Logistics, Insurance, Risk Management

COVID-19 Pandemic: Do Your Shipments Have the Right Protection?

With the right risk-management plan, shippers can better understand the risks facing their supply chain operations and make sure their business is prepared by protecting the value of goods shipped globally.

Global Logistics, Ports, Rail

Alaska: Rewarding the Resilient and Resourceful

Logistics providers in Alaska are on top of the world, literally and figuratively. They are a special breed prepared for every challenge the Last Frontier poses.

Risk Management, Supply Chain

When Bad Things Happen to Good Supply Chains

Importers can use these strategies to monitor potential risks to their supply chains, respond effectively when disruptions occur, and work proactively to avoid future disruptions.

Gordon Cessford

Global Trade Management, Risk Management

7 Smart Steps to Minimize Risk

The rewards in expanding to new markets can far outweigh the risks, especially if companies take smart steps to minimize and manage their exposure to risks.

Global Economy, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Is Your Supply Chain Resilient? How Manufacturers Can Map Dependencies and Minimize Risk During COVID-19

This is how manufacturers and retailers can map dependencies and minimize risk when facing supply chain disruptions like the new coronavirus pandemic.

Big Data, 3PL, Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management

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.

Christoph Seitz

Automotive Logistics, Inventory Management, Transportation

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.

Automotive Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail

Coronavirus Precautions

Manufacturers with primary and sub-tier suppliers near Wuhan, China, can use these five guidelines to plan ahead for any COVID-19 impact.

Careers, Food Logistics, Supply Chain Management

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.

Technology , Supply Chain Management

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.

Big Data, Manufacturing, Technology

Top 10 Manufacturing Predictions

What's ahead for global manufacturing? Here's what what Manufacturing Insights predicts for the years ahead.

Keith Biondo

E-commerce, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

What's the Word?

The hot supply chain words or phrases for the coming year and the concepts behind them.

Debbie Lentz

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Five Tips to Achieve Career Success

Five top tips to achieving supply chain career success

Manufacturing, Technology

Three Steps Manufacturers Can Take to Improve Supplier Collaboration

We have software to manage household budgets and smart watches to keep us on schedule. And in the manufacturing world, technology can give real-time visibility into the entire supply chain process and empower collaboration with suppliers.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Calm Before the Storm

In the downtime between storms, companies can take crucial steps to help prevent supply chain disruption.

Sourcing/Negotiations, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

GREEN SHOOTS: How to Implement GSCM

Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) can be integrated into almost any industrial business. The key to implementing this concept is to identify areas where sustainable practices can be applied to an existing supply chain.

Global Economy, Global Logistics

2019 – The Year of Brazilian Trade

Brazil has catapulted to the front of the international trade frontier, with three key exports in particular shaping Brazilian trade: machinery, sustainable agriculture, and aerospace.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Supply Chain

The View From the Control Tower

Control towers can be a critical component in managing a lean and agile supply chain.

Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

5 Tips for Efficient Supply Chain Management

As any successful business owner will tell you, SCM is an extremely crucial part of operations. It establishes strong communication and relationships with suppliers, helping to avoid shipment delays and minimize logistical errors.

Anne Sexton

Manufacturing, Logistics

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.

Manufacturing, Partnership, Transportation Management

Global Manufacturer Cuts Costs and Drives Efficiencies through a Managed Transportation Partnership - GlobalTranz

The world’s leading provider of receipt and innovative label solutions turned to GlobalTranz to create visibility, enhance communications, and fully merge acquired businesses.

Global Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

How to Manage Global Shipping Contracts and Transport Systems Directly

With a cloud-based logistics management platform, BCOs can streamline and optimize their global supply chain with greater visibility into each shipment.

Careers, Risk Management, Supply Chain

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.

3PL, Manufacturing, Supply Chain

Home Care Manufacturer Gets a 3PL to Make the Hard Decisions - Hub Group

Harnessing Hub Group’s optimization and management expertise, a CPG company received a dynamic and responsive solution that ensured every PO met cost-effective precision service.

Pete Butler

Careers, Manufacturing, Supply Chain

Filling the Manufacturing Skills Gap

Applying gig economy principles and predictive analytics capabilities can efficiently and effectively fill manufacturing workforce gaps.

Manufacturing Logistics, Manufacturing, Partnership

No Challenge Too Great - Milestone

Milestone’s Mobile Warehousing & Storage (MW&S) solution enables a manufacturer to create an efficient distribution process with timely deliveries as drivers did not have to wait for each other and transfer loads between trailers.

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Supply Chain

Southeast Asia Connects

Keith Biondo

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Supply Chain

Global Trade Resilience

Global trade analysts predicted the sky was falling, but that is not currently the case. How did they get the projections so wrong?

Cross-border Trade, Global Logistics, Logistics

Trade War Threatens Sourcing Ethics, Quality Control

The U.S.-China tariff standoff in 2018 triggered challenges to global sourcing and there may be subsequent threats to ethics and quality control.

Global Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Is Technology the Solution to Global Supply Chain Complexity?

As global trade continues to transform the way companies are producing, moving, buying, and selling goods across borders, it's important for supply chain leaders to know about trade trends that can help them benchmark their company against the leaders and laggards.

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Transportation

Virgin Atlantic, Delta Cargo Fly Away Home to Heathrow

Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Delta Cargo are poised for takeoff to their new home: the new purpose-built dnata City East, London Heathrow's state-of-the-art cargo facility.

Retail Logistics, Global Logistics, Retail

Canada Bupkus on BOPIS

Canada is still ahead of the United States when it comes to Buy Online Pickup In-Store (BOPIS) options.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Brexit: Supply Chain Opportunity or Threat?

The UK leaving the European Union is not an uncertainty anymore. Bexit is a reality that businesses around the world have to face and prepare for.

Panama Canal, Global Logistics, Logistics, Ocean, Ports

Panama Canal Keeps the Faith

The Panama Canal welcomed its 5,000th Neopanamax vessel through the waterway, reaffirming the value and impact the route has had on global maritime trade.

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Logistics

FedEx Abandons Cuba Airfreight Service

Improved relations between the United States and Cuba have hit an impasse, leading FedEx Corp. to drop a plan to begin cargo flights to the communist country.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Ocean

Collapsing High Container Costs

The global shipping sector has a container problem. To be precise, it has a $30-billion container problem, and that price tag is increasing every year. In addition to their financial costs, empty containers congest deck spaces and crowd ports.

Import, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Tariffs Sting U.S. Supply Chains

The tariffs President Donald Trump imposed on Chinese goods have caused sharp increases in expenses for some companies, and even businesses that have yet to feel the sting of the duties on imported Chinese goods are taking a closer look at their supply chains to see how they can minimize the damage.

Automotive Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Ford Predicts the Trends Driving 2019

It is helpful to understand consumer behavior when crafting efficient supply chains. Ford's 7th annual Trends Report, which analyzes consumer behavior based on interviews with more than 13,000 people across 14 countries, provides some insight.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Logistics

Six of One: Merger Creates UK's Largest Logistics Provider

China Post and Lufthansa Cargo announce strategic cooperation; LLamasoft survey finds that nearly half of manufacturers are considering alternate suppliers and are concerned about increased operational costs thanks to taxes and duties; Survey finds shipping industry concerned about impact of trade protectionism and cyber threats but mostly optimistic about growth; Global supply chain disruptions continue to grow at an alarming rate and the potential for financial or revenue impacts is the highest in three years; Top UK imports; automated storage and retrieval systems market to witness double-digit growth

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Inflation Making Waves for Supply Management

Two trends have been nudging US inflation higher: a growing economy and a tight labor market. Add in tariffs, high transportation costs, and rising prices for many commodities, and the United States is poised for a long-term period of double-digit inflation.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Ocean, Supply Chain

Panama Canal in the Zone

The New NAFTA winners and losers; shippers need larger customs bonds; Panama Canal sets record annual cargo tonnage in fiscal year 2018; South Korea trade growth remains positive in Q4 2018; the EU countries importing the most coffee; Feelunique partners with SEKO Logistics for cross-border growth into China; first global network of ocean-bound plastics supply chains

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Logistics

New NAFTA Winners and Losers

The New NAFTA winners and losers; shippers need larger customs bonds; Panama Canal sets record annual cargo tonnage in fiscal year 2018; South Korea trade growth remains positive in Q4 2018; the EU countries importing the most coffee; Feelunique partners with SEKO Logistics for cross-border growth into China; first global network of ocean-bound plastics supply chains

Global Economy, Import, Export, Global Logistics, Global Trade Management

Strong Im/Ex Market Fuels South Korea Trade Growth

The New NAFTA winners and losers; shippers need larger customs bonds; Panama Canal sets record annual cargo tonnage in fiscal year 2018; South Korea trade growth remains positive in Q4 2018; the EU countries importing the most coffee; Feelunique partners with SEKO Logistics for cross-border growth into China; first global network of ocean-bound plastics supply chains

Paul A. Myerson

Lean Logistics, Lean, Sourcing/Negotiations, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Going Straight to the Sourcing

This article defines strategic sourcing and how to implement it.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

It’s Supposed to Be, But ACE Isn’t Simple

The aftermath of the overhaul of U.S. customs admissibility program – Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) – has created a heavier administrative burden on importers, not a lighter one. Find out how it misses the mark in this key area.

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Global Trade Management

Getting the Most Out of Foreign Trade Zones

Any business that imports products should investigate the benefits offered by taking advantage of Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs). Here’s how they work.

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Supply Chain Commentary: What Does the Share Economy Mean for Manufacturers?

The rent-over-own consumer mentality is creating a share economy, with end users interested in only spending what’s needed, rather than investing in a depreciating product. Manufacturers – especially those with dealer networks – need to consider a shift in thinking that reflects the shift their customers are making.

Sean Riley

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Building Visibility, Response, Resiliency

To maximize productivity, efficiency, and profit, Chief Supply Chain Officers should strive for visibility into the supply chain and confidence that it could handle any type of disruption.

Automotive Logistics, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

K Line, Agunsa Drive KAR

To leverage rising automotive import traffic in Latin America, particularly in Chile, multinational logistics agency Agunsa has partnered with Japanese shipping firm "K" Line to create a dedicated automotive logistics company.

E-commerce, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Do Buy, Says Dubai

E-commerce is booming and everyone wants a piece of the pie, including Dubai .

E-commerce, China, Automotive Logistics, Global Logistics

U.S.-Cuba Trade: Where Do Sanctions, Sourcing, and Compliance Meet?

U.S.-Cuba trade–The intersection of sanctions, sourcing and compliance; Chilean multinational logistics agency Agunsa has teamed up with Japanese shipping firm K-Line to form a dedicated automotive logistics company, KAR Logistics; UPS and SF Holding joint venture receives regulatory approval in China; Dubai introduces e-commerce center

Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports

Panama Canal Expansion Hits the Big Time

Panama Canal welcomes largest capacity container vessel to date through expanded locks; latest research shows a drop in international retailers offering free returns; The global forecast for the refrigerated transport market through 2022; what does the future of marine technology hold

Global Logistics, Ocean, Technology

Water Works

Unmanned surface and underwater vessels will dominate maritime activity in the United Kingdom and across Europe over the next decade. Peek into the future of autonomous maritime systems.

Russ Rasmus

Manufacturing Logistics, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Supply Chain Commentary: Why Manufacturers Should Adopt an Ecosystem Strategy

As the needs of buyers become more unpredictable and complex, and as they begin to demand more frequent product launches and extreme personalization, manufacturers are struggling to keep up, let alone profitably. It’s time for manufacturers to begin creating the ecosystem they’ll need to dominate their markets.

Automotive Logistics, Ocean, Transportation

Smooth Sailings - Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics

When weighing ocean transportations options, you want more than the price. You want the full picture. Cost, time, quality and risk assessment are some of the many parameters that need consideration. Among the plethora of ocean transportation options is Roll-on Roll-off, better known as RoRo.

Economic Development, Mexico, Canada, Global Logistics

NAFTA: Should We Stay or Should We Go?

Find out what Americans really think of NAFTA.

Paul Myerson

Lean Logistics, Lean, Risk Management, Supply Chain

Global Supply Chain Risk: Don’t Wait, Mitigate

Having a global supply chain risk management strategy in place can not only increase value to your customers but also reduce your costs and increase performance.

Distribution, Manufacturing, Supply Chain

U.S. Manufacturers Respond to Regulatory Plans

Manufacturers and wholesale distributors are optimistic about the perceived impact of the Trump administration’s plans for trade deregulation on their businesses, according to new research commissioned by business software provider Exact.

Intermodal, Global Logistics, Technology

Does Multimodal Logistics Have a Future in Europe?

When it comes to multimodal logistics moving freight by combining two or more transport modes Europe still lags the more advanced U.S. market, but has made steady progress, according to Colliers International's latest industrial research for the EMEA.

Careers, Education & Careers, Industry Associations, Education, Supply Chain Management

Recruiting Supply Chain Talent

New technologies, consumer demands, and the rise of the mobile workforce are shifting the business landscape quickly, and specialized workers in supply chain and logistics are more valuable than ever. Use these tips to plan and attract the industry’s future leaders.

Brandon C. Bennett

3PL, Health Care Logistics, Manufacturing, Supply Chain

5 Ways to Execute a High-Performing Demo Program for Medical Devices - SEKO

Now more than ever healthcare supply chains are key differentiators for best-in-class manufacturers.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Global Business Leaders Feel Effects of a Riskier World

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

Global Supply Chain Suffers Disruptions Amid Diplomatic Crisis

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Manufacturing, Logistics Grew Dramatically Over Last Generation

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

Report: Multimodal Transportation Has a Future in Europe

Keith Biondo

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Bad News, Good News

What do new buying trends mean for those providing logistics solutions to you, especially if your logistics partners are not market monsters?

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Transportation

Stay Competitive with a Flexible TMS

Volatile demand, shrinking lead times, and new consumption patterns have impacted transportation systems in many ways. That makes it ever more important to maintain an agile, flexible supply chain to gain a competitive advantage.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Visualization at a Glance - ProTrans

ProTrans created a tracking map or heat map where all in transit loads belonging to the customer can be viewed on the tracking map.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Route Planning: How Good Logistics Makes E-commerce Companies Great

Matt Emison

High-Value/High-Risk Cargo, Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

High Value, High Risk: How to Make Sure Your Cargo is Protected

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Report: New York Maintains, Improves Most Grades in Manufacturing, Logistics Sectors

Lean, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Manufacturing is Returning to the United States

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Transportation Industry Leads the Way in Preventive Maintenance

Global Economy, Asia, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

India and Southeast Asia: Land of Opportunity and Challenges

India and Southeast Asian countries–Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan– represent an attractive region for many companies looking to expand and build their global customer bases.

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Study: U.S. Manufacturing, Logistics Industries Grew Dramatically Over Last Generation

Contrary to public perception, U.S. manufacturing and logistics industries experienced dramatic growth over the past generation, says a new report from Ball State University.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Report: Why Suppliers Hold Back

Surveying 237 suppliers around the globe, the report uncovers insight on the most urgent trends, opportunities, and challenges facing suppliers today.

Asia, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Asia Accelerates Contract Logistics Growth

The overall contract logistics market grew by approximately 3.9 percent in real terms in 2016, according to TI's Global Contract Logistics 2017 report.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management: Soft Skills Required to Maintain Relationships

Supply chain management is often viewed as solely a statistical endeavor, but soft skills are often required in maintaining buyer and supplier relationships, according to new research from Penn State.

E-commerce, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

3 Main Sources of Supply Chain Complexity

Once you understand where the complexities lie in your supply chain, you can get to the source of your problem and streamline issues to help your organization.

Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain

Whitepaper: Who Pays for Customs Compliance Violations? It Could Be You.

Automotive Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics

U.S. Sales Fluctuation Offers New Threat to Automotive Supply Chain

The dip in April vehicle sales in North America is synonymous with the fluctuating demand experienced within the automotive industry, which can lead to increased inventories, production rescheduling, and subsequent supply chain ramifications, advises emergency logistics expert Evolution Time Critical.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

7 Solutions to Mitigate Global Supply Chain Risks

In a globalized economy where finalized products have components manufactured all over the world, effective management of supply chains is critical. Adopt these habits to reduce and mitigate risks faced by supply chain parties.

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

Global Air Freight Demand Sees Fastest Pace of Growth Since 2010

The strengthening of air freight demand is consistent with an uptick in world trade and a six-year high in new export orders.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain

What's Your Sourcing Strategy?

Despite Lean traditionally being thought of as a “pen and pencil” technique, it is in fact a key enabler of a lean supply chain linking lean thinking with available and affordable systems and technologies to get the most out of improved processes.

Chloe Demrovsky

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Security

5 Steps to Protect Your Supply Chain From Cyber Threats

Supply chains are heavily dependent on information technology (IT) systems, but are difficult to secure because they often involve multiple networks working together.

Nikhil Aurora

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Complexity: What’s Behind Supply Chain Disruption and Why You’re Not Achieving Consistent ROI Improvement

Network optimization studies help simplify supply chain operations and provide continual year-over-year savings.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Managing Yard Work

Yard management systems (YMS) can boost driver efficiency, cut detention costs, and bring visibility to this link in the supply chain.

China, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

How to Survive and Thrive in China

Use this advice to expand your logistics business into the complex but lucrative Chinese market.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

 Where Global Logistics Brands Stand

UPS remains the world's most valuable logistics brand at US$22 billion, while TNT Express's brand value dropped 42 percent, making it the fastest-falling brand in 2017.

Cross-border Trade, China, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Trade With China: A Question of Balance

President Trump hasn't been shy about his desire to put America on more equal trade footing with China, but business leaders have traditionally fought against efforts to force the trade rival into an agreement that's more equitable for both sides. Dissent is growing, however, according to the American Chamber of Commerce in China's (AmChamChina) 2017 Business Climate Survey.

Ty Bordner

Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Achieving Greater Visibility and Agility

Leaders are exploring supply chain efficiencies with tools that enable stability, cost reduction, supply chain agility, product innovation, speed and visibility.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

GOOD QUESTION | What movie/TV show/song title best describes your job?

Readers pick the song/movie/TV show title that best describes their job.

Samuel Mueller

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Turn to Technology to Attract the Next Generation of Workers

The supply chain is creating more jobs than it can fill. Here's why companies should use technology to change people's perceptions of the field.

Glenn Clinger

Labor Management, Logistics, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Truck Driver Health Should Drive Business Decisions

Truck drivers are the lifeblood of the supply chain. Here's how to protect this invaluable asset and address the driver shortage.

Inbal Axelrod

Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Transparency to Efficiency: How IoT Can Increase the Productivity of Your Transportation (Sponsored)

Utilizing technology is key to the future of business and IoT has increased the connectivity of all areas of business.

Helen Sabell

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

5 Hacks for Recruiting in Supply Chain Management

Finding the right candidate for your business is a challenge that requires broad advertising, rigorous interviews, and ultimately some give and take. Here are five hacks for outstanding recruiting in supply chain management.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Incoterms: Playing by the Rules

Here's a brief description of the 11 commercial transportation terms that comprise Incoterms 2010.

Keith Biondo

Import, Export, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Redefining Globalism?

Despite news reports that globalization is dead, other trends will offset the downward spiral. If we redefine what globalization means, we won’t miss the trend again and be surprised by the results.

Air Cargo, Canada, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Global Logistics—March 2017

Canada and European Union approve CETA; global trade predictions for 2020; air cargo ends 2016 on up note; DHL survey reveals global business priorities for 2017

Distribution, Global Logistics, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain

Enabling a Faster-to-Market Solution

Cath Kidston partnered with SEKO to expand the company’s inbound business from Asia to the UK and its distribution centers in Hong Kong and Shanghai supplying its international franchises.

Kae-Por Chang

Asia, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain

How to Reap the Benefits of Asian Free Trade Agreements

More and more companies are realizing the benefits of fully managing eligible free trade agreements within the Asian region.

Andre Smith

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

Testing the Quality of Logistics-Critical Applications

Deploying applications quickly and affordably, and ensuring those systems perform as promised, will be a key to success in tomorrow’s freight and logistics sector.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain

Predictive Analytics Takes Forecasting to a New Level

Predictive analytics utilizes various statistical techniques and models that analyze current and historical facts to make predictions about future.

Manufacturing, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain

Retail Logistics Bets on E-Commerce

E-commerce impacts not only consumer supply chains, but business to business supply chains as well.

Jeff Luthman

3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Extending the Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

In the life science and pharmaceutical area, an inefficient supply chain can cause serious problems. Here are the benefits in adopting innovative approaches to the pharmaceuticals supply chain.

Darrell Ortiz

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

How to Meet Global Shipment Compliance Challenges

Use these insights to meet the challenges of global shipment compliance.

Spencer Moore

E-commerce, Retail Logistics, Fulfillment, Logistics Solutions Providers, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Walmart’s ShippingPass Has Ended. What Retailers Should Do Next.

The e-commerce race is only heating up. Here's what small to mid-size retailers should do to stay in the game.

Mitch Weseley

Supply Chain, Transportation Management, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Technology , Supply Chain Management, Transportation

The Whole Industry Is Struggling to Define TMS. Here's My Take.

With no standard terminology in an already-complex industry, it’s not surprising that so many TMS buyers have trouble figuring out the differences between solutions and which one best fits their needs. Here's how to cut through the confusion.

Kyle Martin

Cloud Computing, Logistics, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Visibility

Supply Chain in the Cloud: How Tech Is Reshaping Logistics

From basic improvements like streamlining operations and increasing process efficiency to fully automating delivery trucks, technology is enabling much smarter, simpler supply chain management. Read about the three technologies making the most impact.

Distribution, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Jonathan Parks: Planning is Key, to Say the Leased

Profile of Jonathan Parks, VP, global logistics and distribution, with Rent-A-Center

Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management

Trends—February 2017

Trump Administration makes infrastructure a priority; top locations and methods for cargo theft, 2017 State of the North American Supply Chain survey.

Mexico, Global Logistics, Freight Forwarders, Logistics, Ocean, Supply Chain, Transportation

Global Logistics—February 2017

Mexican border wall becomes issue in trade negotiations, e-commerce companies making headway in logistics services marketplace, Agility Emerging Markets Index shows bleak future for free trade.

Peter Liston

Cross-border Trade, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain

5 Steps to Reduce Supply Chain Risks When Going Global

While the rewards of global operations are substantial, so are the risks. Compliance failures delay shipments, disrupt operations, and negatively impact your bottom line. These five tips will help you mitigate risk.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Build-A-Box

The subscription box industry launched by beauty products curator Birchbox in 2010 has expanded to include services for a remarkably wide range of consumer interests. A behind-the-scenes peek at this new e-commerce model reveals a highly complicated business that relies heavily on logistics pros managing everything from inventory to kitting to delivery and returns.

Shruti Agrawal

Sourcing/Negotiations, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Reduce Supply Chain Costs with Consolidated Procurement Strategies

Consolidated procurement offers cost benefits as well as improved efficiency throughout the supply chain. Find out how you can implement this approach and realize its advantages.

Felecia Stratton

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Hold On Tight!

As the economic rollercoaster trends up quickly, best logistics practices will give your enterprise vitality to scale up quickly without disrupting.

E-commerce, Last Mile Delivery, Retail, Risk Management, Supply Chain

GOOD QUESTION | What’s your supply chain resolution for 2017?

Readers reveal the issues that could disrupt the supply chain…as well as their sleep.

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

Global Logistics—January 2017

Future of globalization uncertain in current political landscape, Carlos Slim says Trump presidency could be good for Mexico, IATA promotes advancement of air cargo standards, India seeks to expand air cargo infrastructure, 10 supply chain predictions for the future of manufacturing.

Paul A. Myerson

Fulfillment, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Using Network Optimization Technology To Enable Your Lean Supply Chain

From a Lean and agile supply chain perspective,an optimally designed supply chain can significantly improve margins,support expansion into new markets,enhance the customer experience,and reduce operating costs.

Sven Thiesen

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Evaluate Partners Before You Sign the Contract

Suppliers have to be lean, fast, and innovative to meet their clients’ needs. To ensure they’re capable of being exactly that, OEMs need to bring in expertise across the whole business to ensure they get a strategic supply chain partner.

Bob Daymon

3PL, Manufacturing, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

Going for Brokers

To meet the changing needs of today’s manufacturers, third-party logistics (3PL) providers need to distinguish themselves through collaboration and technology investments.

Automotive Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics

Automotive Aftermarket: Firing on all Cylinders

As Americans’ fondness for trucks and automobiles has grown, the specialized parts market represents the fastest growing subset of the automotive aftermarket. The emerging specialized parts sector of the automotive supply chain is vast and complex and requires skilled management.

3PL, Lean Logistics, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

3PL Partnerships: You're In Good Company

As product demand continues to rise, companies in all industries are partnering with third-party logistics (3PL) providers to ensure their products are delivered to customers on time and cost effectively.

Mexico, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain

Making a Run for the Border

The logistics of trade between the United States and Mexico has changed significantly in the 20-plus years since NAFTA was enacted. There are still issues, most notably border delays and an imbalance of goods flowing north and south, but there are bright spots supported by an influx of foreign direct investment in Mexico, too.

Import, Export, Mexico, Global Logistics, Supply Chain, Latin America

Latin American Logistics: Learning the Tricks of the Trades

Working with a specialist can smooth the sometimes troubled logistical waters between the United States and Central and South America.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Construction Logistics: Raise the Roof!

This story looks at some of the major challenges and practices found in construction logistics, illustrated with stories from experts who work in this field.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Cruise Control

Cruise ship provisions must support a small town at sea for a week or more. Supplies are loaded on a docked vessel in four hours or less; there’s no second chance for deliveries that arrive after the ship has sailed.

Food Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

The Logistics of Franchising: Delivering the Basics

Franchisees sometimes don’t appreciate how important an efficiently functioning supply chain is until it isn’t there.

Import, Export, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain

Global Trade Changes Course

While the regulations that govern the movement of goods across borders can (and do) fill volumes, some are of particular importance right now. These include changes to the Harmonized System, revisions to the regulations regarding the export and import of hazardous waste, guidance on voluntary self-disclosures, mandates regarding electronic logging devices, and modifications to Cuba sanctions. This article provides an overview.

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

Expect the Best, Plan for the Worst & Prepare to Be Surprised

How prepared are companies for supply chain disruptions such as fire, a data breach, natural disaster or terrorism? Not as prepared as you’d think, considering what’s at stake.

Education & Careers, Global Logistics, Education, Logistics, Supply Chain

Supply Chain Management Students: School of Thought

Today’s logistics and supply chain management students are practical idealists, people who want successful careers that draw on their knowledge, skills and talents while allowing them to make the world — and the workplace — a better place.

Big Data, Education & Careers, Inventory Management, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Winter Reading Guide 2017

Winter provides a great advantage–time. The hustle and bustle of the holidays is over and colder weather prevails. There’s no better time to hit the books and amp up your knowledge of important logistics and supply chain management issues.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Routing Software Separates Losers from Weiners

Kowalski Sausage implements a new in-house routing and dispatching system to improve how the piggies get to market.

Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Demand-Driven Logistics: Staying Right Side Up When Your Supply Chain Turns Upside Down

Even when the economy isn’t booming, the supply chain offers numerous opportunities for shippers to increase efficiency, save money and enhance revenues. This story looks at some of the bright spots in transportation, technology, global trade and outsourcing.

Tarek Sultan

Global Economy, Import, Export, Cross-border Trade, Global Logistics

Why Global Trade Needs a Rebrand

Visibility into the supply chain is clearer than ever, dramatically cutting the time from order to production and shipment. To bring the same transparency and efficiency to global trade, we need common sense changes. Find out how shippers can benefit.

Amar Shah, Danielle Moushon, and Sunil Agarwal

Distribution, Materials Handling, Supply Chain Management

Optimizing the Product Portfolio

The overall complexity of running the supply chain will drop as the product portfolio becomes more streamlined. Here's how to do just that.

Keith Biondo

Global Economy, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Times They Are A-changin’

High taxes and complex regulations create new choices for manufacturers: Nearshore? Offshore? Sue and settle? No matter what they decide, their supply chains will be impacted.

Education & Careers, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain

Winning, With Integrity

Profile of Kirsten Hall, CEO of Logistics Planning Services in Woodbury, Minn.

Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Ocean, Supply Chain, Transportation

Global Logistics—December 2016

Korea Line Acquires Hanjin Asia-to-U.S. business; President-Elect Trump follows through on campaign promises to kill trade deals; London Heathrow gets third runway.

3PL, Manufacturing, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

The Grass is Greener

Wagner Logistics helps a leading manufacturer of lawn care equipment overcome growing pains.

Heather Vacca

Big Data, Last Mile Delivery, Global Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology , Transportation, Visibility

Four Technologies Set to Change the Future of Logistics

Get ready for a supply chain paradigm shift. These technologies will cause shippers to rethink cost-cutting measures and rewrite logistics strategies.

Matt Tillman

Economic Development, Global Economy, Global Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation Infrastructure

Trump Presidency Is Reality. Let’s Talk Supply Chain Implications.

Supply chain professionals are concerned: Would the new president implement the protectionist measures he campaigned on, or were those statements made primarily to appeal to an audience? Here are four supply chain predictions.

Keith Biondo

Finance, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Blockchain Supply Chain?

How will blockchain technology impact the future of the supply chain?

Cross-border Trade, Canada, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain

Global Logistics—November 2016

DHL survey gives insight into international trade; Trade growth expected between Canada and United States; Hanjin Shipping shuts down operations in Europe

Andreas P. Pohl

Air Cargo, Pharmaceutical Logistics, Global Logistics, Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain, Transportation, Latin America

What’s Driving the Air Freight Industry Today?

These developments are helping the transportation industry to continually evolve.

Paul A. Myerson

E-commerce, Lean, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain

How Supply Chain Strategies Impact
E-commerce Success

The emergence of e-commerce as part of a company’s omni-channel marketing program requires not only an agile, lean supply chain but also a strategy to get there.

Distribution, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

How to Optimize Demand Chain Management

The demand chain model drastically reduces a distribution center’s footprint and associated costs by replacing safety stock with information.

Sue Welch

Economic Development, Asia, Global Logistics, Retail

Why Retailers Need the TPP

Retailers need to come together in support of the trade agreement that will ultimately improve the industry for all. Here are three reasons why they should stand behind the passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Doug Davidson

Global Economy, Asia, Intermodal, Panama Canal, Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Supply Chain

Panama Canal Expansion Re-Routes Logistics for U.S. Businesses

The expansion of the Panama Canal promises significant changes in trade patterns and increased global trade. Here are three ways companies can leverage this opportunity.

Jeff Broadhurst

Global Economy, Import, Panama Canal, Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports

Panama Canal Expansion to Spur East Coast Shipping Boom

Here's why the Panama Canal expansion is set to spur a realignment in which eastern ports take on a new and larger role in the continental supply chain.

Dominique Lebreton

Import, Export, Global Logistics, Ports, Supply Chain

Cargo Becomes Intelligent So Do Ports

Having all supply chain players connected to an intelligent cargo system maximizes the use of port infrastructure and keeps everyone informed on the “where is my cargo?” question. Accessing and sharing information on cargo through new technologies will not only smooth flows but it will also secure them.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Logistics I.T., Supply Chain, Trucking, Technology , Supply Chain Management

GOOD QUESTION | What disruptive innovation will have the greatest impact on the supply chain?

Readers weigh in and pick the disruptive innovation that will rock supply chains.

Risk Management, Supply Chain, Visibility

Preventing Supply Chain Fraud

Supply chain fraud remains significantly under scrutinized within many companies. Use these tips to help handle supply chain fraud.

Chris Cotter

Partnership, Risk Management, Trucking, Transportation

Accidents Happen: Is Your Transportation Partner Prepared?

It is never too late to improve your safety operations. The changes you make today will reduce your liability exposure for an accident that happens tomorrow.

Neal Walters, Matthew Getz, and Mike Piccarreta

Inventory Management, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Reshape and Refresh Your Product Portfolio for a Streamlined Supply Chain

Product proliferation can bring supply chain inefficiencies. Here's a comprehensive approach to refreshing your product offerings that can reduce complexity and increase the bottom line.

Mark Montague

Asia, Intermodal, Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Supply Chain, Trucking

Amid Hanjin Backlog, Shippers Can Turn to Port Strike Strategies

Shippers will be feeling the ripple effects of Hanjin Shipping’s bankruptcy for weeks or months to come. Here's how looking at a past disruption can inform strategies for this current backlog.

Donna Cook

Import, Export, Cross-border Trade, Global Logistics

Getting Ready for ACE

The business of importing and exporting with the United States reaches a milestone at the end of 2016 when the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is fully implemented. To make its rollout seamless, FedEx developed a contingency approach that can be useful to other organizations as they adapt to this new era in trade.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain

Lean: It’s Not About Pens and Pencils Anymore

Despite Lean traditionally being thought of as a “pen and pencil” technique, it is in fact a key enabler of a lean supply chain linking lean thinking with available and affordable systems and technologies to get the most out of improved processes.

Barry Matherly

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Reshoring Resources Bring It All Back Home

As U.S. firms continue to reshore, new supply chain opportunities are arising for both shippers and providers. Manufacturers and their logistics service providers should understand the reshoring trend and the resources that are available to assist them with both the reshoring decision and process.

Distribution, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Chainsaw Maker Massacres Supply Chain Inefficiencies

Oregon-based manufacturer Blount International was bleeding money from leaks all across its supply chain. It found that the correct application of the right data management technology provided and maintained by the right partner was the solution to the problem.

Lori Thorp

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management, Warehousing, Visibility

Empower Users to Create and Update Labels for Supply Chain Efficiency

Ensuring labeling accuracy and consistency is critical to supporting efficiency up and down the supply chain. Here's one approach that can ensure your labels boost supply chain activities.

Matt Engle

E-commerce, Bar-coding Systems, Retail Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Using Tunnel Scanning to Meet
E-commerce Challenges

Consolidation warehouses typically contend with labeling inconsistency in e-commerce orders. Here's how to boost read rates for packages and avoid manual handling.

Education & Careers, Distribution, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Peter Schuele: Injecting Life Into Supply Chains

Profile of Peter Schuele, head of global supply chain and distribution at the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Food Logistics, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics

Trends—August 2016

Maintenance training helps manufacturers battle labor shortage; Can shippers use technology to help meet new food safety mandates?

Mexico, Global Logistics, Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain, Transportation

Global Logistics—August 2016

U.S./Mexico Unified Cargo Processing removes border wait times; CRBC struggles to win local support in Kenya; PwC releases Q2 Transportation and Logistics M&A report

Brian Bourke

Customer Service, Global Logistics, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain

Global Retail Expansion: The Convergence of Marketing, Customer Service, and Supply Chain Strategies

Brands who never anticipated going global are finding that they all of a sudden are, thanks to the progression of e-commerce and increasing customer expectations.

Melanie Nuce

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Visibility

Black Swan Events: Planning for Supply Chain Resiliency

A standards-based supply chain can provide an organization with the speed and accuracy required when it’s needed most—helping to manage risk during normal operations and at times of crisis.

Todd Ericksrud

Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports

Make Port Dray Street-turns Mainstream to Reduce Supply Chain Costs

When shippers pair an import transport move with an export transport move inland, without returning empty to the port, they get a matchback or street-turn. Optimizing these street-turns can improve supply chains.

Michael Elmgreen

E-commerce, Fulfillment, Manufacturing, Supply Chain

B2B Commerce Technology Improves Fulfillment Times and Supply Management

With demand for speed and convenience at an all-time high, companies must streamline and speed up order fulfillment. Technology that allows sales reps and customers to rapidly write orders and submit them almost instantaneously for fulfillment is a major competitive advantage.

Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain, Trucking, Transportation

Global Logistics—July 2016

Brexit shakes up global supply chain; Amazon invests $3 billion in India; Hyperloop targets Russia as site for science fiction-like transit tube; Australian truckies want better working conditions; Despite the best-laid plans by multinational companies to establish trade compliance, there’s a costly risk gap between knowing and doing that may lead to fines and incarceration.

John Bermudez

Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Execs Shift Focus From Sustenance to Survival

If they haven’t already, supply chain executives need to immediately deploy more flexible and agile supply chain management solutions that encompass an enterprise resource planning system.

Aaron Baker

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Physics of a Customer-Centric Supply Chain

The supply chain strategy shift, from business cost efficiency to customer purchase location flexibility, is similar to the Copernican Revolution. Here’s how supply chain managers can increase product velocity using a customer-centric business model.

Rich Thompson

Panama Canal, Global Logistics, Logistics, Ocean, Supply Chain, Transportation

Panama Canal Expansion: Four Keys to Unlocking its Potential

The Panama Canal expansion is finally complete. How will the increased capacity of this global maritime crossroads play out in your shipping and logistics strategy?

Paul A. Myerson

Lean Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain

Does Your Supply Chain Need an Alignment?

If your company’s supply chain isn’t aligned with your overall business competitive strategy, then performance may fall short of expectations, with higher costs, poor execution, and reduced revenue and profits.

Ryan Kelly

E-commerce, Distribution, Fulfillment, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Optimizing Inbound for Improved E-Commerce Fulfillment

A more comprehensive approach to supply chain management can help provide a great omni-channel experience that encourages customer loyalty and optimizes profitability.

Rick Brumett

Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Trucking, Technology , Transportation

Adapters Win in the Multi-Modal, Omni-Channel Fast Lane

Competitive agility and adaptability help shippers win the multi- and omni-channel race to the customer.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Navigating the Customs Labyrinth

Importers need to know what they’re doing to ensure goods proceed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as smoothly as possible, including understanding the relevant regulations and ensuring such information as the product descriptions and classifications are complete.

Nerijus Poskus

Economic Development, Asia, Import, Panama Canal, Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports

How the Panama Canal Expansion Will Shake Up U.S. Shipping

The Panama Canal expansion, completed on June 26, 2016, will have an ever-widening impact on cargo flow across North America. Here's how the culmination of this decade-long expansion project will rewrite the rules of shipping.

Tom Collins

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Visibility

How Real-Time Information Can Transform Your Supply Chain

Enhancing supply chains with real-time visibility gives shippers the insight and details needed to operate quickly, accurately, and more effectively than ever before.

Eric Geerts

Global Logistics, Ocean, Supply Chain

SOLAS Container Weight Verification: What Shippers Need to Know Now

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) implemented the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirement to verify container weight as a condition to load marine cargo into a ship. It recently issued a memo on how to enforce the requirement for three months after July 1, 2016 when it will go into effect. How should shippers interpret this update?

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

AGT Global Logistics Founder and CEO Angela Eliacostas: Unstoppable Force

Profile of Angela Eliacostas, founder and CEO of AGT Global Logistics

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Visibility

Global Logistics—June 2016

Annual report ranks fashion brands by supply chain transparency; Britain’s potential exit from the EU may have unpredictable supply chain impacts

Green Logistics, Lean Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Supply Chain Sustainability Takes Root

Whether to help the environment or just to cut costs, companies are making lean and green changes with a major impact.

Rob Honeycutt

Customer Service, Manufacturing

Optimizing the Industrial Purchasing Experience

An instant selling and ordering procedure could be a differentiator for industrial companies looking to boost their customers' industrial buying experience.

Big Data, Global Logistics, Logistics, Ocean, Supply Chain, Transportation

INTTRA CEO John Fay: Trading Stocks for Ships

Profile of John Fay, CEO of the electronic supply chain platform, INTTRA.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Global Logistics—May 2016

Japan earthquakes impact global supply chain; despite economic slowdown, Africa still offers trade opportunities; climate change affects global supply chains

Beth Pride

Cross-border Trade, Mexico, Canada, Global Logistics

Of Course We’re Claiming NAFTA

Many companies falsely claim preferential duty treatment under NAFTA. This article outlines the right way to do it.

John Laforte

Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Social Media Puts Supply Chain Change at Your Fingertips

Texts, tweets, and posts are changing the ways in which the supply chain operates. Large suppliers and warehousing companies should use social media to better communicate with consumers and maximize productivity.

Suzanne Richer

Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain

CBP’s ACE Reporting Will Reduce Global Trade Risks

Even though the rollout of the Automated Commercial Environment has had a bevy of delays, quicker and easier data access will benefit government agencies and the trading industry.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

What hobbies/activities make you better at supply chain and logistics management?

Readers weigh in on what hobbies make them better at supply chain and logistics management.

Air Cargo, Distribution, Lean, Logistics, Packaging, Pallets, Supply Chain, Rail, Sustainability, Trucking, Transportation, Warehousing

Creating a Lean and Green Culture

Launching a cost cutting, productivity-enhancing, or sustainability initiative creates efficiencies with environmental benefits and cost reductions.

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

Global Logistics—April 2016

Chinese investors look to U.S. for economic growth; air cargo industry struggles

Tom Barnes

Global Economy, Asia, Import, Export, Global Logistics

Shippers Should See Positives from the Trade Promotion Act

The Trade Promotion Act (TPA) allows U.S. companies to expand into markets that would normally be out of reach due to trade barriers. It forges the path toward competitive opportunities and overall success in global markets for U.S. shippers.

Sue Rutherford

Logistics, Supply Chain, Safety, Security, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Protect Your Cargo With Vehicle Tracking

Vulnerable to cargo theft? This monitoring solution provides layers of assurance for shippers and transporters.

Josh Roffman

Bar-coding Systems, Global Logistics, Logistics I.T., Packaging, Supply Chain

Enterprise Labeling for a Connected, Flexible, and Efficient Supply Chain

Companies are beginning to understand that they need to develop a labeling strategy to meet all of the challenges of today’s global supply chain. Here's how to implement an enterprise labeling approach.

Keith Biondo

Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain

Global Trade: The Certainty of Uncertainty

The uncertainty in today’s global economies has a huge impact on how supply chain professionals manage global supply chains.

Global Logistics, Ocean, Transportation

Three Imperatives for Managing Carrier Rates

Use these tips to ensure your global shipments are contracted with a cost-effective and reliable provider.

Mark White

3PL, Asia, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Retail, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

Crossborder E-commerce Into the U.S. Just Got A Lot Easier – U.S. Retailers Should Take Note and Plan Accordingly

The new de minimis rate allows e-commerce retailers to see faster customs procedures and border clearance, which will accelerate delivery speed.

Thomas W. Derry

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Three Keys to Global Supply Chain Prowess

Supply chain professionals face increasing complexity. In order to succeed, they must prepare for data security concerns, identify preferred team member attributes, and develop a strong collective financial acumen.

Paul A. Myerson

Reverse Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain

Saving Green While Going Green

Supply chain sustainability, while good for the environment, can also be good for the bottom line if incorporated into a company’s supply chain strategy.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Global Trade Management Systems: You’ve Got the Whole World in Your Hands

Global Trade Management (GTM) solutions are evolving to meet the new demands of today’s global shippers and consumers.

Distribution, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Technology , Warehousing

Whiskey, Bartender—and Make it Quick!

If there’s one lesson that we’ve learned from fine bourbon or whiskey, it’s that good things come to those who wait. Distilleries know this better than anyone. But when it’s time to get that product out the door and in the hands of distributors, the last thing a distiller wants to do is wait.

Education & Careers, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain

Michael Fries: No Small Potatoes

Profile of Michael Fries, senior business intelligence logistics analyst at U.S. Foods, drills into data to find opportunities to make or save money in the company’s logistics operations.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

Global Logistics—February 2016

The 2016 Global Infrastructure Report from CG/LA Infrastructure details 100 infrastructure projects in 71 countries across 10 different sectors; Emerging markets take on increasing importance for the supply chain.

Sheik M. Ayube

Chemical Logistics, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics

Corporate Citizenship Starts With the Supply Chain 

Driven by the realization that business and society can no longer intersect at the crossroads of profits first and society second, business is embracing a new order that puts the interests of society on a level that is at par with the interests of business. This has prompted a closer look at the supply chain and an increased emphasis on sustainable sourcing.

Chase Sowden

Education & Careers, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Tapping the Power of Performance Management

When performance management processes are functioning properly, the link between strategic business objectives and day-to-day actions comes together.

Global Logistics, Education, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Supply Chain

Custom Education: Guaranteeing A Perfect Fit

A solid foundation of supply chain experience and education is just the beginning. Supply chain practitioners need to periodically update their knowledge as well. Here’s how companies are getting with the program— customizing curriculums and encouraging employees to enroll in executive education programs.

Global Logistics, Ocean, Transportation

2016 Port Report: Great Expectations

Inbound Logistics predicts the top U.S. ports for business in 2016, based on volumes, efforts to improve infrastructure, and innovation.

Nick Cicero

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Leverage Dashboard Technology to Improve Decision-Making Capabilities

For logistics professionals, data is meaningless without context. Dashboards help provide context and enhance decision-making capabilities.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chains that Rock Around the Clock: A Hard Day's Night

Companies that work with third-party logistics providers such as Penske Logistics get to share the pain when unexpected situations arise.

Felecia Stratton

3PL, Global Logistics, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

The Supply Chain of the Past

Why Inbound Logistics decided to re-publish Strikepoint, a fictional logistics novella originally published in 2001.

Education & Careers, Global Logistics, Logistics, Ocean, Supply Chain, Transportation

Al Morris: Perfect for the Part

Al Morris, director, global supply chain at TERiX, reviews accounts to determine what parts to buy and where to stock them to ensure the right part is always available.

Education, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Trucking, Technology , Transportation

Trends—January 2016

Where the presidential candidates stand on transportation infrastructure; Amazon announces new air cargo fleet; consumers willing to pay more for sustainability; first successful cross-country trip by a vehicle on autopilot; trucking industry driver shortage reaches 48,000 drivers; shippers rail against railroad mergers; hoverboards illustrate problem with American manufacturing; consumers want package deliveries their way; reducing cargo theft risk; FMCSA passes measure to fight back against driver coercion; skills required for a successful career in supply chain management; Surface Transportation Board gets back on track; FMCSA sets deadline for requiring truckers to install electronic logbooks in all vehicles; technologies to watch in 2016.

Ken Wacker

E-commerce, 3PL, Retail, Third-Party Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

Accelerating Enterprise Logistics With Top-Tier Multi-Modal Solutions

Logistics has evolved into a strategic business concern, driving enterprises to seek third-party logistics (3PL) providers with multi-modal capabilities for complete end-to-end integration.

Radek Maly

Careers, Customer Service, Global Logistics, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

Multinational Diversity Drives Measurable Success in Logistics Operations

Multiculturalism can be the competitive advantage that makes the critical difference in the success of your supply chain operations.

Jeff Siewert

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Spring Clean Your Trade and Compliance Processes

Companies should reevaluate its compliance processes to look at previous set plans and get programs ready for upcoming developments.

Jimmy Shafer

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

What Effect Will 3D Printing Have on Logistics and SCM?

3D printers may alter the supply chain by reducing manufacturing lead times and creating shorter time-to-market for new designs.

Henry Kardonski

Economic Development, Global Logistics, Logistics, Ocean, Site Selection, Ports, Transportation Infrastructure, Transportation

Panama’s SEA Change Boosts Access to Global Markets

Due to the Panama Canal expansion, the country is quickly being crowned the business capital of Latin America.

Shay Scott

Education & Careers, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Eight Ways to Find and Retain Qualified Supply Chain Talent

The burgeoning need for talent to operate today’s complex supply chains has begun to garner significant attention. Develop new ways to find, recruit, develop, and retain talent with these tips.

Automotive Logistics, Inventory Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics

The Automotive Aftermarket: Time for a Tuneup?

Three recent developments—a shift to omni-channel retailing, an increase in manufacturing investment in Mexico, and the approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership—are having a pronounced impact on automotive aftermarket supply chains. Here’s how automakers, auto parts suppliers, and logistics service providers can respond effectively.

Big Data, Education & Careers, Education, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Intermodal, Ports, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Inbound Logistics Winter Reading Guide 2016

It's important to stay up to date on supply chain and logistics developments. Here's a list of books on wide ranging topics.

Fred Guelen

Buildings and Structures, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

The Future Is Now: Strategic Technology Thinking for Shipping and Logistics Facility Managers

Forward-thinking shipping and logistics facility management (FM) professionals turn to next-generation FM software to efficiently manage their facilities.

Candace Sider

Economic Development, Global Logistics

Get Ready for Trade Developments

Major developments in global trade will affect nearly every business that imports or exports. Here's what shippers should do to stay competitive in 2016.

Greg Braun

Supply Chain, Safety, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

How “Chain of Responsibility” Affects the Supply Chain

The potential legislation of COR-related laws is expected to have a profound effect on all areas of the supply chain, requiring changes that will ultimately come at an increased cost.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Visibility

Supporting Sustainability Throughout the Supply Chain

Companies can support sustainability throughout their supply chains with these approaches.

Careers, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Lin Ding: A Healthy Perspective on Procurement

Lin Ding, procurement manager at Ultimate Medical Academy, manages a team with a shared focus on procurement, supplier management, and contract management.

Rob Kriewaldt

Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain

Free Trade – Vital to Our Industry

Given the importance of free trade, it is important to know the positive effects of free trade and the Trans-Pacific Partnership on the U.S. economy.

Paul A. Myerson

Retail Logistics, Distribution, Lean, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

RFID: More Than Just a Better Barcode

Radio Frequency Identification Technology has a multitude of benefits that can have a significant impact on reducing and eliminating waste in the extended supply chain.

Panama Canal, Global Logistics, Logistics, Intermodal, Ocean, Rail, Supply Chain, Transportation

Global Trade Game Changer

As the Panama Canal's $5.25-billion expansion nears completion, how are shippers and ports preparing?

Inventory Management, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Azteca Foods Craves Inventory Management System 

When Azteca Foods outgrew its manual pallet tracking system in its production facility, Barcoding Inc. delivered a solution.

Felecia Stratton

Careers, Supply Chain Management

Keep the Change

Inbound Logistics editor Felecia Stratton discovers that change management is not only a supply chain challenge.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Ocean, Supply Chain, Trucking, Transportation

Refugees Cause Price Hike for EU Shippers

Refugees cause price hike for European Union shippers; East-West shippers see sharp decline in contract rates; technology innovations to transform competitive landscape in global freight forwarding market; home delivery in the United Kingdom

E-commerce, Asia, China, Global Logistics, Retail

How to Implement a Successful Retail Omni-Channel Logistics Operation in Asia Pacific

For any United States-based company interested in expanding its retail logistics operations outside of the country, Asia Pacific may be the most ideal location.

Dr. Jeff Karrenbauer

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

Three Steps to Mitigate Supply Chain Risk…Now

Waiting until next week, next month, or next year to address your company’s supply chain vulnerability is a serious mistake, with potentially catastrophic consequences. Use these tips to prepare for potential supply chain disruptions.

E-commerce, Export, Import, Global Logistics, Retail, Partnership

The Beauty of Global Logistics

EM Cosmetics brings its products to the global market through the use of international shipping and package consolidator MyUS.com.

Keith Biondo

Logistics, Partnership, Trucking, Supply Chain Management

Timely Timeline Reminder 

After 30 site visits and two logistics industry conferences, Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo wonders what the future of supply chain and logistics holds.

Intermodal, Ocean, Ports, Rail, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Intermodal : Making the Connection

Railroads, ocean carriers, and ports are investing in new equipment and technology innovation to move freight from trucks to rails and attract intermodal shippers.

E-commerce, Automotive Logistics, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Technology

Trends—October 2015

Amazon’s Dash Replenishment Service gives industrial buyers a preview of how IoT may impact procurement; Private label sourcing faces new headwinds; Cloud Logistics debuts the latest twist in TMS deployments; CMA CGM launches first smart connected container ship; Automotive parts buyers are leveraging omni-channel options

Ryan Repich

Education, Supply Chain Management

Building Bench Strength With Supply Chain Graduates

Today, millennial and Generation Y candidates who have a supply chain degree or education can immediately fill a gap that previously took a senior person. But that's only part of the solution.

Anthony Vitiello

Supply Chain, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management

If Yogi Berra Were a Logistics and Supply Chain Manager

Applying Berra-isms to logistics management yields valuable insights. Remembering the beloved Yankees legend Yogi Berra with fondness and celebrating his memorable words of wisdom.

Retail Logistics, Distribution, Global Logistics, Retail, Logistics

Reader Profile | Jeff Larson: A Gem of a Job

Jeff Larson, director of distribution engineering analysis at Tiffany & Co., works with the jewelry company’s international locations to help improve their operations.

E-commerce, China, Food Logistics, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Retail, Logistics, Trucking, Specialized Logistics, Transportation

Trends—September 2015

New York State minimum wage directive may be a tipping point for automation in the fast food industry; Organic food recalls are on the rise; Alix Partners reports that nearshoring trend continues to grow; Pro truck interests take weight restriction fight in new direction; 2015 holiday shoppers are looking for options; The cash handling supply chain is poised to move from manual processing to scanning technology, thanks to the new GS1 US Cash Visibility Discussion Group.

Chris Timmer

Lean Logistics, Lean, Supply Chain, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Technology

Intelligent Technology Provides Visibility into Supply Chain

Intelligent transportation technology provides new sources of competitive advantage through complete supply chain visibility.

Steve Syfan

3PL, Manufacturing, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Third-Party Logistics

Outsourcing to a Third-Party Logistics Provider

From a shipping perspective, manufacturers can best address today’s increasing regulations and demand volatility by outsourcing shipping to a third-party logistics provider.

Risk Management, Safety, Trucking, Security, Technology , Transportation

Improving Fleet Safety with On-Board Video

An on-board video solution helps fleet managers review driver performance and improve fleet safety.

3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Ocean, Logistics I.T., Trucking, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Technology , Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Trends—August 2015

3PLs tout IoT as top disruptive innovation in the supply chain; Hyundai and Accenture team up to design smarter ship; TMS use has tripled over the past decade; new sustainability web platform helps shippers assess key trends and best practices.

Rob Kriewaldt

3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Packaging, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Be a Logistics Superhero

Increasing costs and challenges within the logistics industry affect your bottom line. Use these steps to reduce logistics costs.

John Sell

Bar-coding Systems, 3PL, Reverse Logistics, Logistics Solutions Providers, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

How Non-Traditional Service Offerings Are Enhancing Supply Chains

Value-added services that fall outside the realm of traditional supply chain solutions can save millions of dollars and create mutually beneficial, collaborative relationships.

Chris Scott

Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Ports, Technology , Transportation, Supply Chain Management, Latin America

A Fresh Route for Latin American Produce

Latin American perishable exports have grown dramatically in recent years, but there are still some logistical shortcomings preventing maximum cold chain efficiency.

E-commerce, 3PL, Last Mile Delivery, Reverse Logistics, Logistics Solutions Providers, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Retail, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Channeling the Brick and Click Dilemma

As e-commerce continues to transform consumer behavior, retailers explore hybrid omni-channel supply chain models that deliver the best that online and in-store have to offer.

Green Logistics, Logistics, Packaging, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Getting Packaging Costs Down to Size

Sustainability and cost savings are driving shippers to reduce packaging waste.

Retail, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Growing Efficiency and Weeding Out Waste

With $20 million in plant products left for dead each year, Bell Nursery had to nourish and grow some better inventory management practices.


Manufacturing, Logistics I.T., Technology

How to Wirelessly Enable Your Supply Chain

Companies are increasingly using M2M to maximize operational efficiency, minimize loss and theft, and better serve their customers.

Felecia Stratton

E-commerce, 3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Third-Party Logistics, Logistics, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Turning Back the Pages: 20 Years of Top 100 3PLs

When you consider the rapid evolution of supply chain management over the past two decades the 3PL industry has been a featured piece in an increasingly pixelated mosaic.

3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Logistics, Trucking, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Overcoming LTL Shipping Challenges

Understanding less-than-truckload shipping challenges is the key to overcoming them.

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Supply Chain Management

Terri Anderson: Care and Feeding of the WMS

Terri Anderson, production warehouse management systems analyst at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, configures, enhances, and tests the company's WMS by the book.

E-commerce, Last Mile Delivery, 3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Chemical Logistics, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Trends—July 2015

Amazon and Walmart vie for last-mile supremacy; Nevada community college establishes logistics program to meet Tesla labor demand; Industrial buyers think outside the box; Consortium establishes new chemical footprint assessment; VMI opportunities abound as shippers look to optimize inventory; study looks at the ghost economy

Asia, China, Economic Development, Global Economy, Logistics, Partnership, Ports, Supply Chain Management

Global Logistics—July 2015

Port of Hamburg unveils new traffic light system; CEVA Logistics TireCity in Italy demonstrates interest in sector-specific supply chain collaboration; China debuts longest freight rail route in the world; TPP agreement raises concerns about traceability in the seafood supply chain; Africa capital investment heats up; New G6 Alliance rotation features Polish port; Indian 3PL uses containers as mobile logistics classrooms; Intel eyes Asia for IoT ecosystem.

Chris Baltz

3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Logistics I.T., Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Technology , Supply Chain Management

Working With the Right Enterprise Logistics Provider Makes Good Companies Significantly Better

An Enterprise Logistics partnership helps improve companies by delivering customized applications to improve market advantage.

Nathan Pieri

3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Technology , Supply Chain Management

What “Digital Business” Means for your Business

Digital Business integrates the value chain to realize a constant stream of operational data and transform it into balanced, end-to-end metrics that improve decision making.

Adam Brosch

Global Economy, China, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

6 Global Supply Chain Challenges To Ignore at Your Own Risk

Before sourcing globally, it’s important to know the risks.

Dr. Mario Vaccari

Logistics, Security, Supply Chain Management

The Human Touch: New Ergonomic Initiatives Sustain Employee Efficiency

Minimizing employee downtime with ergonomic initiatives and equipment can have a big impact on the bottom line.

Karmen Gilbert and Jason Malmassari

Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain + Marketing = Successful Consumer Promotions

Collaboration is key to having a productive relationship between the supply chain and marketing departments.

Chris Swearingen

Logistics, Security, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

4 Ways to Ensure Your Valuable Shipments Arrive Safely

These four tips can help you make sure your specialized shipment arrives safely and on time.

Mike Challman

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Benchmarking Transportation Processes With TMS Data

Using the data the TMS is already providing can help shippers improve their transport operations.

Doug Davidson

Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Start Now to Leverage the Benefits of the Panama Canal Expansion

The Panama Canal expansion will provide many businesses with opportunities for growth on a global scale.

Big Data, Cloud Computing, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Technology , Supply Chain Management

The Shape of ‘Things’ to Come

The Internet of Things is bringing major changes to the way companies plan and execute supply chain activities as sensors, communications systems, and analytics solutions all become cheaper, faster, and more capable.

3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain Management

The Evolution of Third-Party Logistics

Join us as we turn back the clock and consider how outsourcing demand has changed over the past 20 years – and perhaps shed some light on where the 3PL industry is tracking.

3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

Readers’ Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2015

Readers select the third-party logistics providers that provide the best outsourced logistics services.

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Technology , Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Visibility: Chasing the Big Picture

As technology brings supply chain data into focus, the ability to access and interpret business information moves from nice-to-have to must-have.

Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

California, Here We Stay

Yokohama senior director Jeremy Kahrs reveals the strategy behind the tire maker’s new distribution center and headquarters.

Logistics, Security, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Security: Playing It Safe

Successful companies are concerned about supply chain security. Here’s how to prevent supply chain threats from negatively impacting your company’s bottom line and reputation.

Intermodal, Cross-border Trade, Canada, Logistics, Partnership, Rail, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

O Canada!

In the logistics of trade, the relationship between Canada and the United States is both friendly and advantageous on both sides of the border.

Education & Careers, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Summer Reading Guide 2015

This list of new supply chain and logistics books helps logistics professionals keep their skills up to date.

3PL, Distribution, Logistics Solutions Providers, Retail, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Logistics I.T., Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Retail Collaboration: It’s All in the Jeans

Work with a team of service providers to get a new retail distribution center up and running in only six months? We should all be so lucky.

Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

BaubleBar Makes International Shipping Sparkle

When BaubleBar saw the untapped potential of the international market, they tapped an parcel shipping partner to help them succeed.

Joe Bellini

Customer Service, Demand Planning, Inventory Management, Logistics, Retail, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Inventory Replenishment: Why Push When You Can Pull?

Retailers are implementing technology to more accurately forecast demand.

3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Cutting Costs While Delighting Customers

Cost reductions are uncovered from raw materials to end delivery, but companies must focus on its customers to keep them satisfied.

Military Logistics, Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Kelvin Miller: Home Away From Home for the Troops

Kelvin Miller, an equipment and mobility readiness spare parts allocation supervisor with the military contractor DynCorp International, manages inventory and gets it ready to deploy when the time comes.

3PL, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Ports, Technology , Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Trends—June 2015

Short-term Highway Trust Fund extension renews call for national transportation strategy; Medical cost inflation and cyber risk are the most prying business concerns; Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach create shared working groups to explore operational efficiencies; GS1 Simple Product Listing creates new standard for e-commerce marketplace

John Costanzo

3PL, Cross-border Trade, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

It's Time for an Automotive Aftermarket Logistics Tuneup

Aftermarket parts providers must take advantage of innovations in the supply chain to remain competitive in today’s global market.

Doug Waggoner

3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Benefits of Partial Truckload Shipping

Shippers should consider partial shipping when looking for faster transit times, less handling, and a more cost-effective solution.

Education & Careers, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

The Top Universities for Supply Chain Technology Education

A new study determines the top 15 undergraduate and graduate supply chain management programs in the United States, based on the teaching of technology, software, and quantitative tools used by supply chain professionals, as well as the variety and depth of this coursework.

3PL, Chemical Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Third-Party Logistics, Logistics, Safety, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Chemical Logistics: Keep it Moving, Keep it Safe

A look at logistics trends and challenges that affect companies in the chemical industries, and their strategies for dealing with those issues.

Green Logistics, Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Ocean Spray: Tastes Good, Good for You and the Environment

When Ocean Spray wanted to reduce its carbon footprint, they found the answers they were looking for from an MBA student.

Karen Folino

Rail, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Dealing With Demurrage, the Dreaded D-Word

Felecia Stratton

Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

When the Walls Come Tumbling Down

Supply management professionals are increasingly accepting cross-functional cooperation in purchasing, supply management, production and inventory control to optimize overall company performance and increase competitiveness.

Customer Service, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Trucking, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Transportation, Supply Chain Management

Improving Shipper/Carrier Relationships

To help save money, shippers should build a strong relationship with their LTL carrier.

Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Lori Harper: Running a Tight Ship

Lori Harper, vice president, supply chain management at Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), is a natural leader who figures out solutions to unexpected challenges.

Education & Careers, Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Transportation Infrastructure, Transportation, Supply Chain Management

Trends—May 2015

Martin Associates report points to the importance of continuing U.S. port investment; Henry Ford College introduces associates degree in supply chain management; Freight Can't Wait program encourages Congress to earmark funding exclusively for freight infrastructure projects; Manufacturers are finding better ways to engineer and prototype products using 3D printing technology; McDonald's pledges to lessen impact on global deforestation throughout its entire supply chain.

Logistics, Ocean, Partnership, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Global Logistics—May 2015

Trans Pacific Partnership nears resolution; Indonesia logistics industry fights new capital requirement regulation; China and Pakistan pave way for new trade corridor; Global ocean container trade shows signs of growth despite enduring supply-demand imbalance; European railroads partner around procurement; China looks to replicate U.S. rail freight model

Rob Kriewaldt

Logistics, Site Selection, Supply Chain Management

Tight Market for Industrial Real Estate Impacts Supply Chain Costs

When setting future supply chain budgets, companies must take into account not only the increased cost of industrial real estate, but also longer lead times for new space in many markets.

Joe Johnson

3PL, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Improving the Warehouse Startup Process

Recent improvements in wireless cellular technology and mesh networks provide solutions that can be adapted for warehousing space, easing startup challenges and costs.

Marty Ready

Logistics, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

The Driver Shortage—Not Just a Carrier Issue

Shippers making simple, but meaningful changes can go a long way with helping carriers attract and retain drivers.

Brian Sutter

Inventory Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Finding an Inventory Solution That’s Just Right for Your Small Business

Inventory management is often difficult and time-consuming for smaller businesses, but the right solution can remove some of the pressure.

Kevin Zweier

Logistics, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Five Ways to Mitigate a Truckload Capacity Crunch

These five steps will ensure carriers can provide capacity when you need it most.

E-commerce, Big Data, 3PL, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Building a Smarter Warehouse

Cloud computing, omnichannel management, and big data are the questions. Can your warehouse supply the answers?

Education & Careers, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

The Changing Face of the Warehouse Workforce

A look at the challenges warehouse managers face as they build a well-integrated warehouse workforce, and how they address those issues.

Economic Development, Intermodal, Utilities, Logistics, Site Selection, Rail, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Riding the Rails

In today's high-speed logistics infrastructure, rail represents a key component of the intermodal framework.

Logistics, Materials Handling, Pallets, Supply Chain Management

An Expanding Palette of Pallet Choices

Choosing the right pallet unlocks myriad benefits from improved process efficiency to cost savings and sustainability.

Retail, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Awake at the Wheel: Delivering Customer Satisfaction

When Sleepy's customers got tired of short notice and missed deliveries, the specialty mattress retailer brought in a technology partner and dreamed up a solution that put those problems to bed.

Tom Stretar

Labor Management, Supply Chain Management

7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Incentive Program

Employee incentives are a simple and valuable way to increase productivity in your facility.

Nate Henderson

Manufacturing, Retail, Logistics I.T.

Improving Customer Satisfaction with Consumer Engagement Apps

Offering apps with products helps manufacturers improve customer satisfaction and lower complaints and returns.

Jeff Vielhaber

Inventory Management, Logistics, Transportation Management, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management

Communication is Key When Optimizing Logistics Networks

The key to any successful relationship is communication. Your logistics network is no different.

Keith Biondo

Inventory Management, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

The World is Your Warehouse, 2.0

New lower-cost commercial systems and equipment are just over the horizon; they will provide an exciting array of inventory control to the logistics and supply chain community.

Intermodal, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Maximizing Intermodal Efficiency

To drive efficiency, intermodal stakeholders need to fit their processes together.

Health Care Logistics, Distribution, Logistics, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Judi Griffin: Sinks Her Teeth Into Her Work

Judi Griffin, director of logistics at Burkhart Dental, is responsible for three distribution centers, purchasing and customer service teams, and inbound and outbound freight costs.

Fany Flores-Pastor

Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Taking Steps to Embrace ACE

Taking steps to adapt to ACE regulations ahead of final deadlines will save businesses much time, money, and hassle.

Christian Allred

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Tracking Isn’t Just Tracking Anymore

Fleet management platforms represent the evolution of location information.

3PL, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Logistics, Logistics I.T., Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management

3PLs Put Technology Front and Center

This story looks at the role technology plays in the value that various third-party logistics (3PL) providers offer to their shipper customers.

Rick Erickson

Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Choosing to Be a Shipper of Choice

In the face of increasing capacity issues, carriers prefer to work with shippers that will support their business needs

Shannon Vaillancourt

Big Data, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Strategic Shipping Solutions

Predictive modeling and big data help develop efficient shipping solutions to lower shippers’ freight spend and overall supply chain costs.

Chad Crotty

Big Data, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Offshore vs. Outsource for Transportation & Logistics

Many transportation and logistics professionals hear outsourcing and think offshoring, but there is a big difference.

Nathan Harris

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Improving Operations With a Yard Management System

A yard management system allows greater visibility with key yard information at a glance, and reporting metrics to improve the operation and save money.

Pharmaceutical Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

The Race is On: Chain of Custody in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

New regulations ensuring the integrity of the pharma supply chain are nearing the finish line. While some companies have taken an early lead to compliance, others are late getting out of the gate. Which team are you on?

Distribution, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Collaborative Distribution: Taking Off the Training Wheels

To break the cycle of needless, duplicative logistics costs, many competitors are choosing to work in tandem.

Air Cargo, 3PL, Logistics, Ocean, Rail, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Freight Transport in Alaska: The Haul of the Wild

Challenging weather and a remote location make delivering freight to and from Alaska a complex operation. To simplify operations, many shippers turn to transportation companies and logistics service providers that have the expertise to make sure freight flows smoothly despite the complexities.

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Partnership, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Supply Chain Management

On Your Mark, Headset, Go!

To increase fulfillment efficiency and order picking accuracy, eBay Enterprise gives its warehouse a voice.

Bill Ansley

Military Logistics, Manufacturing, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Transportation

Five Customs Compliance Tips for Aerospace Companies

Failure to comply with domestic and international customs regulations can have a huge impact on the bottom line.

Michelle Coleman

Forklifts, Materials Handling, Risk Management, Pallets, Safety, Warehousing

Best Practices for Preventing Pallet Rack Damage

It is essential to have damage prevention measures in place for racking systems to avoid employee injury and minimize loss.

Education & Careers, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Jim Young: Sourcing for a Startup

Jim Young, senior supply chain manager at Applied Microstructures, Inc., is responsible for everything from sourcing materials and services to shipping finished products

Ty Bordner

3PL, Chemical Logistics, Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Three Ways to Drill Down Costs in Oil & Gas Supply Chains

Here are three ways companies are optimizing their oil and gas supply chains and creating more predictable financial returns.

Charlie Saffro

Education & Careers, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Preparing Your Company Today to Hire for Tomorrow

With a skills gap narrowing the options, companies must hire employees that are valuable in the long-term.

Doug Pasquale

3PL, Reverse Logistics, Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Unlocking the Hidden Green Value in Mobile Devices

A good reverse logistics program offers mobile device retailers and OEMs a world of opportunity.

Greg Cronin

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Supply Chain Management

Is Your Warehouse Software Holding You Back?

New software helps warehouse operators keep up with the real-time demands of omni-channel fulfillment.

3PL, Economic Development, Logistics, Site Selection, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Warehousing

Georgia: Super Hub of the Southeast

A look at the many logistics assets that make Georgia a terrific location for companies involved in manufacturing or distribution.

Joseph Hoban

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

The Value of a Freight Forwarder

Freight forwarders provide value-added services beyond just transportation and logistics. Here's advice for choosing the right one for your business.

Bob Richard

Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

USPS Publishes a Battery of New Shipping Regulations

The United States Postal Services has revised domestic mail regulations for shipping lithium batteries. Here’s what shippers need to know.

John Sell

E-commerce, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

How Omni-Channel Commerce Is Changing Traditional Supply Chains

Online and mobile commerce has shifted consumer behavior, as well as how products flow through the supply chain to the end user.

Green Logistics, Logistics, Packaging, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Inspecting the Unexpected: The Science of Packaging Perfection

Here are 10 common packaging errors and how to overcome them.

E-commerce, 3PL, Economic Development, Distribution, Logistics, Site Selection, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Site Selection & E-Commerce: Tapping Regional Excellence

E-commerce excellence and proximity to large population areas are the new drivers behind site selection for fulfillment centers.

Felecia Stratton

Education & Careers, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Education and the Integration of Things

The role of supply chain practitioner is evolving by integrating technology, functional expertise, and experience to identify problems and engineer solutions.

Humanitarian Logistics, Global Logistics, Logistics, Specialized Logistics

Lauren Corbett: Help is on the Way

Lauren Corbett, program assistant, acquisitions and logistics at International Relief and Development, secures donated supplies, and makes sure they get to people in need.

Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Trends—February 2015

Digital technologies are shaking up supply chain solutions; Maritime industry opposes Keystone XL Pipeline amendment; Procurement is the gateway to innovation, collaboration, and revenue growth; Introducing the 10 best warehouse networks

Paul A. Myerson

Reverse Logistics, Inventory Management, Retail, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Designing a New Strategy for a New Year

Debunking these five myths helps retailers and manufacturers see the real value of dedicated returns management.

Erez Schanin

Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Seven Common Shipping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

By paying close attention to detail, shippers can avoid the following simple mistakes.

Mark Burstein

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Protecting Your Brand With Product Lifecycle Management

Product Lifecycle Management software produces metrics that can help business make sure they are using ethical vendors.

Education & Careers, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Today’s Supply Chain Education: It’s All in Your Head

The list of competencies employers seek when they recruit supply chain professionals keeps growing longer and more complex. Here’s how degree-granting programs keep pace, and enable well-rounded graduates to fill prime positions.

Global Economy, Canada, Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Oil, Gas, and Energy: Down Goes the Boom

Volatility in the oil, gas and energy business is forcing producers and industry to confront a legacy of poor logistics execution.

Felecia Stratton

Education & Careers, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Talent Gap: Where Are We Going?

ThomasNet, ISM and Inbound Logistics partner to create the 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars program to recognize the brightest young stars in supply chain management today.

Customer Service, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Choosing a Route Planning System

A route planning systems can drastically reduce the time it takes to plan your transportation schedule. Other benefits include lower mileage and fuel usage, decreased carbon emissions, and increased customer service.

Retail, Logistics, Rail, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Trends—January 2015

Texas places three locations among ATRI’s top-10 congested roadways; Truck size and weight debate is a divisive topic for the transportation and logistics industry; Truck driver shortage raises new concerns and costs for shippers and carriers; Electronics supply chain poses new challenges; Demand planning is still a pain point for shippers

Global Economy, Mexico, China, Logistics, Rail, Safety, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Latin America

Global Logistics—January 2015

United States gives Mexican truck drivers the green light for cross-border moves; Uber pilots cargo service in Hong Kong; Latin American rail freight market ripe for investment; Panama Canal Authority restructures its toll system; Turkey and Iran toil over truck fees; Global airfreight market set for steady growth; Lithuania railroad faces antitrust inquiry over competitive switching practices

Scott Nelson

Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Supply-chain Visibility: Why It Still Leaves Decision Makers in the Dark

How a logistics data refinery can improve supply chain visibility and analytics.

George Prest

Logistics, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Traditional Supply Chain Models Will Be Extinct in 2025, Thanks to These 10 Disruptors

Companies must formulate a strategic plan that includes core competencies and future business objectives to prepare to meet the challenges of the next decade.

Tom Heine

Logistics, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Capacity Crunch

Driverless trucks may be a solution to the truck driver shortage in the future, but here are some ideas for how to cope now.

Bob Richard

Reverse Logistics, Logistics, Packaging, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Changing Regulations Regarding Shipping Lithium Batteries Present Unique Hazards for Shippers, Carriers and Receivers

Shippers, carriers, manufacturers – everyone in the business of shipping Dangerous Goods needs to stay up to date on what’s going on in the industry.

Tom Patterson

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Six Secrets to Controlling Supply Chain Costs Without Sacrificing Service

Saving a few bucks doesn’t always mean throwing the customer under the bus.

Rex Beck

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

The Human Factor: What is Technology Without Leadership?

All the technology in the world won’t help an organization improve if they don’t have what it takes in the leadership department.

John Lloyd

Global Economy, Education & Careers, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

How to Close the Supply Chain Talent Gap

All logistics and transportation stakeholders must work together to eliminate the supply chain talent gap.

Last Mile Delivery, Logistics, Intermodal, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Trucking From the Driver’s Seat

From first mile to last mile and every mile in between, truck drivers are the lifeblood of your supply chain. Meet some of these dedicated professionals.

3PL, Food Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Rail, Trucking, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Warehousing

Regulatory Update: Playing by the Rules

Mark our words: Legislative and regulatory resolutions could spell trouble for shippers and carriers in 2015.

E-commerce, Logistics, Site Selection, Supply Chain Management

Clothes Encounters: The Logistics of a Revolving Closet

With its subscription-based clothing rental model, Gwynnie Bee is tailoring the rules of e-commerce to make fashion fulfillment a perfect fit.

Pharmaceutical Logistics, Health Care Logistics, Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Streamlining the Hospital Supply Chain: Just What the Doctor Ordered

As hospitals begin transforming to adapt to new healthcare initiatives, they are easing the pain by restructuring and streamlining supply chain operations.

Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

VMI 2.0: A Whole New Game

Vendor Managed Inventory is shaking off its old-school image and regaining popularity thanks to improved technology, robust communication, tighter demand signal linkage, and a new openness to collaboration that has turbo-charged enterprise benefits.

Intermodal, Mexico, Canada, Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain Management

Rail Freight: What’s Coming Down the Track?

We hit the road this past fall to get an up close view, around the bend, of where the railroad industry is tracking in 2015 and beyond.

Logistics, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Breaking Down Big Data

Big data is a big deal, but what is it? Inbound Logistics asks four industry experts to file their report on big data and its benefits.

Intermodal, Global Economy, Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Rail, Supply Chain Management

Global Ports: A Boatload of Opportunity

Facing a number of challenges and constraints, the global port industry is addressing concerns and capitalizing on new opportunities.

Last Mile Delivery, Logistics, Packaging, Supply Chain Management

A DIM Future for Packaging

Inbound Logistics asked these experts to weigh in on the dimensional weight pricing changes that UPS and FedEx implemented on January 1, 2015.

Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

2015 Inbound Logistics Winter Reading Guide

Inclement weather and capacity problems giving your supply chain the winter woes? Chill out! Here are some good reads to keep you up to date on supply chain, logistics, and transportation best practices.

E-commerce, Logistics, Retail, Logistics I.T., Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Supply Chain Management

The Luxury of Logistics Excellence

To expand its footprint in the luxury accessories market, Royce Leather indulged in a solution that connects it to new customers and streamlines fulfillment. That’s how Royce rolls.

3PL, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Building a Bridge to Continuous Improvement

Tired of relying on e-mail blasts to place freight, L.B. Foster ups its game with a third-party solution that has transformed the enterprise.

Joe Langner

Education & Careers, Labor Management, Manufacturing, Logistics I.T.

Filling the Manufacturing Skills Gap With Technology

How manufacturers can use technology to stretch the capabilities of their existing workforce.

Thierry Tosi

Military Logistics, Last Mile Delivery, Supply Chain Management

Managing the Aerospace Supply Chain

Increases in public and private aircraft demand have aerospace supply chain stakeholders changing the way they get things done.

Thomas Heitman

Bar-coding Systems, Materials Handling, Supply Chain Management

Steps to Take When Choosing a Bar-Code Scanning System

Managers must carefully consider all factors of their operation before selecting a new bar-coding system.

Roy Burton

Green Logistics, Utilities, Manufacturing, Warehousing

Five LED Lighting Myths Debunked

Five common misconceptions about LED lighting in industrial and hazardous facilities.

Air Cargo, 3PL, Lean, Ocean, Rail, Trucking

Reducing Freight Costs

As transportation prices rise, shippers are engaging in smart planning to reduce logistics costs.

Demand Planning, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Christopher McGovern: Watch Him Soar

Christopher McGovern, vice president, supply chain management at Aero Precision, knows the importance of communication and data collection.

3PL, Customer Service, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Customer Service: It’s the Thought That Counts

Technology is enabling an unprecedented level of transparency and communication to help shippers and their logistics providers understand each other's operations, and collaborate in ways that were much more difficult in the past.

3PL, Supply Chain Management

Building an Effective Supply Chain Team

A successful supply chain team needs just the right mix of talent, skills, and personalities, not to mention a clear mission, the freedom to pursue it, and the structure to succeed.

Keith Biondo

Expedited Shipping, Supply Chain Management

Adapting Your Supply Chain for the Future…Now

The best way shippers and consignees can accommodate speed and reliability is to practice demand-driven logistics.

Victoria Stevens

Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Specialized Logistics, Transportation

Flexibility Key to Success in Liquor Logistics

The logistics of shipping alcoholic beverages is complex and fraught with challenges. Strategic thinking and supply chain flexibility are keys to success.

Customer Service, Food Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Leslie Dean: Serving Up FroYo Mojo

Profile of Leslie Dean, senior director, supply chain, at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt.

E-commerce, Air Cargo, Economic Development, Customer Service, Retail, Ocean, Ports, Logistics I.T., Trucking, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Trends—October 2014

UPS makes major improvements to save Christmas; PANYNJ invests $5.5 billion to streamline port operations

E-commerce, China, Customer Service, Canada, Asia, Global Logistics, Retail, Partnership

Global Logistics—October 2014

Pilot program uses drones to deliver time-sensitive goods; Canadian government lines up two new bilateral trade agreements; Labor rights causing supply chain disruption; Using social media to understand carrier usage.

Vittorio Aronica

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Logistics Sector Leads the Internet of Things Revolution

The Internet of Things is the wave of the future – but for the logistics segment, the future is closer than you think.

Dan Vertachnik

Logistics I.T., Transportation Management, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management

How to Get More From Your TMS

Shippers, carriers, 3PLs and brokers who are not fully utilizing their transportation management systems to secure capacity and manage global trade may be leaving money on the table.

3PL, Economic Development, Distribution, Retail, Ocean, Ports, Site Selection, Rail, Trucking, Transportation Infrastructure, Transportation, Supply Chain Management

Star Search: Discovering the Best Site for Your Business

Determining the best location for a new or expanding business in an increasingly competitive and global marketplace is challenging. These locations offer a number of advantages when it comes to meeting today’s logistics and supply chain needs.

Air Cargo, 3PL, Economic Development, Education & Careers, Rail, Trucking, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Warehousing

Memphis: America’s Multimodal City

Memphis supports global supply chains through highway, rail, airport, and inland port assets, and a qualified workforce.

Svetlana Guineva

Freight Forwarders, Supply Chain Management

How to Determine Whether Your Freight Broker Is Legitimate

Don’t risk entrusting your shipments to a fraudulent freight broker. Check broker credentials to protect your goods.

David Nitzsche

Supply Chain Management

Six Key Areas Every Purchasing Expert Should Address

Considering six key factors allows purchasing managers to make timed purchasing decisions.

A barrel on a handtruck

Military Logistics, Chemical Logistics, Labor Management, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics I.T., Ports, Safety, Trucking, Supply Chain Management

Trends—September 2014

OSHA issues updates to its Hazard Communication Standard; HP’s Dave Thomas addresses the importance of data quality; Ohio Trucking Association debuts military exhibition class at truck driving competition; Companies fail to use procurement in a strategic way; Shippers planning ahead for labor disruptions.

Gene Sevilla

Mexico, Supply Chain Management, Latin America

Nearshoring: Mexico – Is It Time?

Mexico presents an attractive option for U.S.-based companies moving all or a portion of their supply chains closer to home.

Curtis Greve

Reverse Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain Management

Product Returns: 5 Myths Busted

Debunking these five myths helps retailers and manufacturers see the real value of dedicated returns management.

A Bobcat machine

Partnership, Transportation Management, Trucking, Supply Chain Management

Steering Transportation Management Strategies

Managing transportation strategies requires a team effort — and sometimes a ‘dedicated’ transportation partner.

Intertape Polymer Group products

3PL, Distribution, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management

3PL Partnership Provides The Total Package

Intertape Polymer Group outsourced transportation to gain control of its diverse product line and protect profit margins.

Google Shopping Express driver and delivery van

E-commerce, Expedited Shipping, Partnership, Risk Management, Trucking

Trends—August 2014

Google and Barnes & Noble partner to provide same-day book delivery; Shippers prioritize day-to-day problem-solving over contingency planning; APICS and SCC merge; Transplace identifies four areas key to preferred shipper status

Port of Hamburg

E-commerce, Cross-border Trade, Canada, Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Rail

Global Logistics—August 2014

DB Schenker tests silent brake blocks; India changes policy for e-commerce foreign investment; Canada opens Customs Self Assessment preferences to U.S. shippers; Global steamship lines raise rates; European ports struggle with congestion and larger ships

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Logistics I.T.

Selecting the Right Technology to Support Your Lean Operations

Before choosing enterprise solutions, companies should conduct intensive requirements research.

E-commerce, Inventory Management, Retail, Supply Chain Management

New Retail Strategies: It’s a Store! It’s a Site! It’s a Warehouse!

Retailers are modifying their supply chain strategies in response to recent industry trends.

Health Care Logistics, Inventory Management, Transportation Management, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

First Aid for the Hospital Supply Chain

Hospitals can cut costs by improving supply chain operations, inventory control, and transportation management.

Power lines

Economic Development, Utilities, Site Selection, Supply Chain Management

Utilities and Site Selection: Power Players

Site selection teams get help from energy providers looking to boost local economic development.

Workers in the KaiKini Bikinis production facility

E-commerce, Inventory Management, Retail, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Diving Into Multi-Channel Fulfillment

Kaikini Bikini manages growth with integrated inventory control and shipping.

Felecia Stratton

3PL, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

3PL Evolution Continues

Third-party logistics services evolved to meet shippers' changing transportation, distribution, and warehousing needs.

Keith Biondo

E-commerce, 3PL, Retail, Supply Chain Management

3PL e-Volution Continues

Online retailers such as Amazon and eBay are expanding their offerings to provide their vendors with logistics support.

Packaging, Risk Management

Preventing Shipment Damage

Properly prepare shipments and test packaging to prevent product damage and returns.

Green Logistics, 3PL, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management

Trends—July 2014

State of Logistics Report predicts moderate growth for freight industry in 2014; freight brokerage M&A shakes up industry; FMCSA extends comment period for ELD rulemaking; Online consumers willing to pay more for sustainable delivery options; Shippers register growing discontent with parcel carriers and trucking companies; University of Kansas MSB program prepares active-duty military for private sector roles

CeMAT 2014 attendees observe an equipment demonstration

E-commerce, Asia, Canada, Global Logistics, Materials Handling, Latin America

Global Logistics—July 2014

CeMAT 2014 showcases the latest materials handling innovations; Alibaba buys stake in Singapore Post; Paris looks to reduce city speed limits; Canadian rail industry begins phasing out DOT-111 tankers amid crude-by-rail boom; EU and China sign Customs agreement; Chinese food imports continue to grow; Nigeria looks to resurrect defunct national steamship line; Latin America is the world’s fastest growing market for software; Maersk Line voice support for Nicaragua Canal proposal.

David Bouchard

3PL, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

What is a True Integrated Logistics Services Partner and How Do You Find One?

Integrated Logistics Services providers address supply chain challenges facing shippers to improve logistics operations.

Mike Rozembajgier

Green Logistics, Retail, Risk Management

Retailers, Watch Your Waste Lines

Partnering with an expert can help retailers ensure they comply with hazardous waste regulations.

Robert F. Byrne

Demand Planning, Retail, Logistics I.T., Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management

Forecasting Seasonal Surges Keeps Products on the Shelf

Transportation forecasting lets shippers collaborate with carriers to identify capacity gaps and reallocate assets.

John W. Wallace

Panama Canal, Global Logistics, Ocean, Transportation Infrastructure, Transportation, Latin America

Panama: Leveraging Opportunities Beyond the Canal

Leverage Panama’s developments into your distribution hub for a more streamlined, efficient, and profitable bottom line.

Two hands comprised of gears grasped in a handshake

E-commerce, 3PL, Distribution, Retail, Supply Chain Management

The Mechanics of 3PL Partnerships

Partnerships between four shippers and their 3PLs demonstrate logistics outsourcing strategies.

Overlapping gears

3PL, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Market Research: 3PL Perspectives 2014

Logistics market report reveals trends in 3PL offerings and shippers' logistics outsourcing strategies.

3PL, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

Readers’ Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2014

Readers select the third-party logistics providers that provide the best outsourced logistics services.

Various types of extreme weather attack a home

Distribution, Retail, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Forecasting the Unexpected: Home Improvement Retailers and Emergency Response

When a natural disaster hits, consumers rely on home improvement stores for the products they need to repair or rebuild.

Partnership, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Supplier Compliance: Ask the Experts

A panel of supply chain experts address questions related to ensuring supplier compliance.

A book on the beach

Supply Chain Management

Inbound Logistics’ Summer Reading Guide 2014

New supply chain and logistics books help logistics professionals thaw out their skills after a brutal winter.

Kevin Pollack

Reverse Logistics, Risk Management

Defending Against the Global Recall Threat

Companies must not only mitigate supply chain risk, but also understand the logistics of global recall management.

Global Economy, Global Logistics

Global Logistics—June 2014

Turkey and China working on major transport infrastructure projects; Eurotunnel reduces freight rates to increase rail traffic; Port Metro Vancouver debuts GPS truck tracking program; French protectionism threatens foreign investment; First standardized emissions calculation methodology comes to Australia; Obama Administration weighs changes to Russia’s preferential trade status

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Retail

Lean Retail: It’s About Time – and Money

Retailers can identify and eliminate waste from their retail strategy, merchandise management, and store operations.

Lean

Lean: Winning Strategies for Cutting Waste

With Lean tools and processes, companies can reduce waste in their supply chain operations.

Import, Global Logistics

Ensuring Import Compliance

Properly handling imported goods requires due diligence and continual effort.

Green Logistics, Retail, Trucking, Supply Chain Management

Trends—May 2014

TOTO’s sustainability commitment covers its entire supply chain; Congestion on U.S. roadways costs the trucking industry $9.2 billion, 141 million hours of lost productivity; US tabbed “rising star,” ranks second to China for manufacturing competitiveness; Supply chain strategy and business strategy integration is key to cost reduction and customer service; Amazon explores last-mile delivery network

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Ocean

Global Logistics—May 2014

U.S. industry looks to Europe for materials handling and omnichannel innovation; Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport pilots new remote scanning program; Ocean carriers struggle with schedule reliability; WTO projects an uptick in global trade for 2014; Falling freight rates help Brazilian sugar exporters seize market share.

Tim Minnich

Partnership, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Relationship Management

Managing supply chain partnerships strategically improves their viability and reliability.

Eng Keat Lee

Economic Development, Asia, Global Logistics

Managing Complex Supply Chains in Emerging Asia

Asia’s rapid growth presents challenges of its own, especially in the area of supply chain management.

Kerry Loudenback

Supply Chain Management

Inbound Logistics: A Grassroots Revolution

Logistics managers support inbound supply chains by informing company leaders about the effect of vendor non-compliance.

Tom Kroswek

3PL, Automotive Logistics

Understanding the Auto Aftermarket Supply Chain

Auto aftermarket shippers use supplier ship direct programs and high-velocity DCs to meet demand.

Dr. Ernest L. Hughes

Supply Chain Management

Leading Change and Innovation in Transportation and Logistics

Supply chain innovation requires motivation, shared leadership, and change management.

Felecia Stratton

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

The Power of Demand-Driven

Demand-driven supply chains strive for synchronicity between functions and among partners to ensure optimal performance.

Customer Service, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

Tapping Social Media to Power Your Supply Chain

Many companies use social media to improve supply chain operations by connecting shippers and service providers.

Bob Kalland, inventory and logistics manager, Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation

Education & Careers, Inventory Management, Manufacturing

Bob Kalland Knows the Drill

Bob Kalland digs his job as inventory and logistics manager for Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation.

Retail trends including social commerce, multi-channel efficiency, marketing

Last Mile Delivery, Retail, Ocean, Supply Chain Management

Trends—April 2014

NRF’s Big Show unveils trends in the retail industry; Local couriers provide a solution to capacity constraints and empower same-day delivery; Ocean carrier industry beset by imbalances; Global RFID market primed for robust growth; Shippers plan for supply chain exceptions

Device transmitting data to customs agents

Global Economy, Import, Export, China, Canada, Global Logistics, Rail

Global Logistics—April 2014

U.S. government aims to create single-window, paper-less Customs process; Deutsche Post predicts positive growth for global express business; China looks to develop more logistics centers upstream on the Yangtze River; Canada-Mexico trade imbalance tops NAFTA summit; Mexican railroads object to proposed reform bill

Dan Dershem

Partnership, Risk Management, Transportation Management

Access to Reliable Transportation Regardless of Transportation Market Conditions

Clear transportation management strategy and technologies allow companies to deliver superior service at lower cost.

George Kontoravdis, PhD

3PL, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

The Fundamentals of Successful Value Chain Partnerships

Supply chain partners must work together to maximize the benefit to their customers – and boost their own bottom line.

James Meares

Asia, Global Logistics, Logistics I.T.

Untangling the Complications of Free Trade Agreements

Companies that effectively integrate trade agreements will gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Containers and pallets emitting wireless signals

Bar-coding Systems, Logistics I.T., Security, Supply Chain Management

Shipment Monitoring Technology: Picking Up the Signals

Shipment monitoring tools allow manufacturers and shippers to locate cargo, manage inventory and prevent theft.

Alaska's geography creates logistics challenges

Air Cargo, 3PL, Economic Development, Inland Barge, Trucking, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Heading North: Navigating Alaska’s Supply Chain

Alaska’s extreme weather and geography create logistics challenges for shippers moving cargo to, from, and in the state.

Keith Biondo

Global Logistics

A New Spin on Global Trade

Global logistics trends offer opportunities, but also drive the need for better global supply chain control.

Ax Torres, outbound shipping supervisor, AGCO Corporation

Education & Careers, Labor Management, Risk Management

Ax Torres: Plowing Ahead

Ax Torres supervises outbound shipping at agricultural machinery company AGCO Corporation.

Illustration of a container ship hauling an oversized salt shaker

Automotive Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Ocean, Ports, Partnership, Specialized Logistics

Trends—March 2014

New Jersey’s salty tale misplaces blame on the Jones Act; UPS unveils new hazmat shipping protocol; Automakers collaborate to map the auto supply chain

Aerial photo of the Port of Ghent

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—March 2014

Dutch and Belgian ports collaborate on new cross-border port information system; EU looks to lift tariffs on 96 percent of goods as part of proposed U.S. free trade agreement; Greek government focuses on port development to help spur economic recovery; Africa presents fertile growth opportunities for SMEs.

Ty Bordner

Cross-border Trade, Global Logistics

The Benefits of Using a Foreign Trade Zone

Importers and exporters can achieve cost savings by using a foreign trade zone.

Curtis Greve

3PL, Reverse Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain Management

How to Profit from Outsourcing

Outsourcing reverse logistics to a third-party logistics provider offers shippers flexibility and cost savings.

Two businessmen overlook a train loaded with intermodal containers

Intermodal, 3PL, Economic Development, Ocean, Site Selection, Ports, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Georgia: Logistics Sweet Spot

Georgia offers manufacturers and distributors superior access to logistics providers and transportation infrastructure.

Home furnishings from Badcock Hom Furniture & More

Cloud Computing, Inventory Management, Logistics I.T., Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management

Cloud-based System Furnishes Supply Chain Visibility

Faced with long lead times and potential production delays, Badcock Furniture and More invested in a cloud-based tool.

Felecia Stratton

Education & Careers, Supply Chain Management

Benchmarking Career Development

Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton discusses the merits of supply chain continuing education.

Illustration of satisfied customer

3PL, Reverse Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain Management

Managing Retail Returns: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Optimized reverse logistics processes provide a good customer experience and recover value from returned goods.

Icon representing workers

Manufacturing, Site Selection, Transportation Infrastructure

Site Selection: Follow the Signs to Competitive Advantage

Selecting sites for manufacturing and DC facilities involves tax incentives, suppliers, and logistics providers.

3PL, Distribution, Partnership, Transportation, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

The New 3PL Partnership: More Bang for Your Buck

Third-party logistics providers are assuming a less transactional, more consultative role with shippers.

Snowflake cut out of paper

Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Inbound Logistics Winter Reading Guide 2014

New books on supply chain, logistics, and transportation help logistics professionals stay sharp.

x-ray image of piggy bank

3PL, Health Care Logistics, Inventory Management, Supply Chain Management

Controlling Costs in the Healthcare Supply Chain

Many healthcare companies are investigating ways to consolidate and trim expenses in logistics and supply chain.

Aircraft components

3PL, Military Logistics, Manufacturing

Aerospace Logistics: Building for Growth

The aerospace industry explores new strategies for producing planes quickly, efficiently, and profitably.

Seafood shipments

Air Cargo, 3PL, Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Food Logistics, Global Logistics, Packaging, Temperature Controlled

Perishable Logistics: Cold Chain on a Plane

Air cargo shipments of perishable goods such as produce, flowers, and seafood require careful handling.

Chris Halkyard

E-commerce, Customer Service, Inventory Management, Retail, Materials Handling, Site Selection, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Setting the E-Commerce Gold Standard

Chris Halkyard, chief supply chain officer for e-commerce site Gilt, discusses managing flash sale logistics.

Chris Baltz

3PL, Partnership, Transportation Management, Transportation, Supply Chain Management

Looking for One Logistics Partner That Does Everything with Excellence?

An enterprise logistics provider delivers holistic solutions that transform your business.

Henry Cone

Inventory Management, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

PVMI: A New Approach to Supply Chain Control

Production vendor managed inventory enables manufacturers to gain supply chain control.

Sri Ramadas

3PL, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Partnership, Security

Know Thy Partner: Beyond C-TPAT

Knowing your global trading partners can help maintain a smooth flow of goods, while ensuring safety and security.

Lean, Labor Management

How to Deploy a Successful Improvement Program

Successful continuous improvement initiatives require focusing on achievable goals.

Curtis Greve

E-commerce, Reverse Logistics, Inventory Management, Retail, Supply Chain Management

Minimizing the Financial Impact of Peak Season Returns

Processing defective returns and overstocks quickly helps retailers maximize the recovery rate on this inventory.

Keith Biondo

Supply Chain Management

Year of Uncertainty?

2014 may be a year of uncertainty, but inbound logistics best practices can help improve supply chain operations, writes Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo.

Felecia Stratton

Supply Chain Management

Well, There’s One Thing That’s Certain…

Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton shares highlights from the January 2014 issue.

E-commerce, 3PL, Customer Service, Retail, Supply Chain Management

Customer Service: Delivering the Royal Treatment

As evolving retail models push shopper expectations, companies explore new models for delivering great customer service.

3PL, Customer Service, Supply Chain Management

Plugging Multiple Brands Into Multiple Channels

Geodis Wilson helps integrated design technology company Dana Innovations expand its international supply chain.

Green Logistics, Food Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Food Shippers Go Green

Leading food manufacturers and producers make sustainability best practices part of their supply chains.

Canada, Asia, Cross-border Trade, Global Logistics, Ocean

Global Logistics—December 2013

Infrastructure remains India's greatest supply chain challenge; Canadian e-commerce market is catching up to speed; Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Co. and CMA CGM form P3 Alliance

Darin J. Cooprider

Packaging, Supply Chain Management

Packaging Postponement: A Game Changer for F&B Companies

Positioning product packaging downstream in the supply chain offers food manufacturers varied selling opportunities.

Logistics I.T., Risk Management

Trends—December 2013

Cloud-based predictive analytics increasingly available to more companies of all sizes; RFID market set for robust growth by 2020; supply chain risk mitigation should be priority for all companies; key trends driving change for enterprises and government in 2014

Magaly Garza

Education & Careers, Global Logistics

Magaly Garza Takes on the World

As international business manager at Alarm.com, Magaly Garza supports global market growth and develops new distribution channels.

Keith Biondo

E-commerce, Customer Service, Retail, Supply Chain Management

Visions of Customer Service

Companies such as Amazon show delivery speed and logistics agility provide the customer service levels retailers need to win.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Logistics I.T., Warehousing

Tapping Technology To Improve Lean Warehouses

Tools such as electronic data interchange (EDI) and advanced picking solutions support lean supply chain operations.

Illustration of supply chain planning team

Air Cargo, Expedited Shipping, Trucking, Supply Chain Management

Time-Critical Transport: Devising a Master Plan

Expedited shipping modes are a crucial part of shippers’ planned transportation strategies.

Ducks in a row being turned to face the same direction

3PL, Partnership, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Vendor Compliance: Setting Them Straight

Drive out inefficiencies and boost customer service by aligning with vendors to meet your supply chain goals.

Illustration representing strategic thinking

Partnership, Supply Chain Management

How to Transform Your Supply Chain Through a 4PL Approach

A fourth-party logistics provider (4PL) can help companies set and achieve supply chain improvement goals.

Walmart store in China

China, Global Logistics, Inventory Management, Retail, Logistics I.T.

Putting Stock in Retail Analytics Tools

Kimberly-Clark China uses retail analytics tools to manage inventory and avoid stockouts at stores like Walmart.

International Civil Aviation Organization General Assembly in Montreal

Air Cargo, Green Logistics, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Ocean, Rail, Latin America

Global Logistics—November 2013

Aviation climate emissions agreement signals major progress; Latin American economic growth expected to accelerate despite hinterland connectivity issues; IMO’s container weight verification amendment irks some shipper advocates; Rolls-Royce developing hybrid wind-powered ship; Spain and Portugal seek rail freight harmonies

Curtis Greve

Reverse Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Plan Early for Peak Returns Season

Planning for peak returns season can minimize processing costs and maximize recovery values of returned inventory.

Robert Brenner

Cross-border Trade, Mexico, Manufacturing, Latin America

Nearshoring in Mexico: The Benefits of Shared Borders

Manufacturing in Mexico gives U.S. companies quality control, lower transportation costs, and faster transit times.

Paul A. Myerson

Reverse Logistics, Lean

Putting a Lean Spin on Reverse Logistics

Managing reverse logistics with a Lean outlook can not only improve profitability, but also add value for customers.

A barge in the locks at Belgium's Port of Antwerp

Global Logistics, Ports

Belgium Travelog: Dispatched from Flanders

Inbound Logistics recently joined Flanders Investment & Trade on a tour of Belgium’s ports and distribution facilities.

DHL worker sorting packages

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—October 2013

Sub-Saharan Africa targets the United States for growth; Afghanistan task force transports supplies along the world’s most dangerous highways; China seeks to ease foreign investment regulations; I-5 Skagit River Bridge collapse impacts Canadian cross-border retail consumption; Mexico allocates $100 billion toward infrastructure improvements; Tokyo, London, and Singapore top list of most expensive industrial real estate markets;

John Woods

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Creating More Intelligent Supply Chains with BI Technology

Incorporating business intelligence tools into logistics strategy gives companies access to efficiency-boosting data.

UPS van in China

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—September 2013

UPS expansion in China targets middle class; India’s logistics sector set to reach $200 billion by 2020; Marine Harvest taps Infor solutions to move away from a decentralized supply chain

Mike Nervick

Risk Management, Transportation

Expecting the Unexpected: The True Test of Leadership

When supply chain disruptions occur, logistics managers must use leadership skills to maintain operations.

Anand Raghavendran

Global Logistics

Three Top Myths About Foreign Trade Zones Dispelled

Foreign Trade Zones allow companies to defer paying customs duties, fees, and taxes on items imported into the U.S.

Nurse administering vaccine

Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Pharmaceutical Logistics, Health Care Logistics, Global Logistics

Healthcare Logistics Gets a Shot in the Arm

Delivering temperature-sensitive flu vaccines to Laos required climate-controlled transport and impeccable timing.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Labor Management

We’re All in This Together: Teamwork in a Lean Workplace

Building strong teams can facilitate Lean initiatives in warehouses and supply chain operations.

Blake Vaughn

Reverse Logistics, Global Logistics

Consumer Electronics and Reverse Logistics: Play It Again

With a global perspective, mobile device shippers can access additional markets to maximize recaptured device value.

Felecia Stratton

Supply Chain Management

Keeping Track of Time

From retailers to OEMs, companies track parts and finished goods to drive supply chain visibility and flexibility.

Binoculars reflecing image of American flag

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—August 2013

Global perceptions of United States are favorable while China’s star continues to rise; India’s logistics sector set to reach $200 billion by 2020; Mexico allocates $100 billion toward infrastructure improvements; World Duty Free Group locates logistics hub in Singapore; Rolls-Royce developing hybrid wind-powered ship

Ann Bruno

Global Logistics

New Transatlantic Trade Pact Could Be Favorable “TTIP-ing” Point for Logistics Sector

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement could help increase trade and create jobs.

Distribution, Manufacturing, Logistics I.T.

Cintron Quenches Thirst For Order Management System

An order management system from DF Young and Superior Technology helps Cintron Beverage Company boost inventory accuracy, fulfill orders easily and quickly, and track products throughout the supply chain.

Stylized sunburst illustration

Supply Chain Management

Inbound Logistics’ Summer Reading Guide 2013

Sharpen your skills with these books covering supply chain and logistics topics.

Steve Dollase

Supply Chain Management

Trading Partner Collaboration Yields Supply Chain Value

Trading partners share sales and inventory data to support mutual benefits such as optimized inventory and productivity.

Keith Biondo

3PL, Supply Chain Management

Business Process Improvement? Flexibility.

Flexible 3PLs drive business process improvements for shippers.

Felecia Stratton

3PL, Supply Chain Management

Finding Supply Chain Feng Shui

Outsourcing transportation and logistics to third-party logistics providers (3PLs) blends function and flexibility into a supply chain feng shui.

Global Logistics

Trends—July 2013

State of Logistics report documents sluggish growth; State legislative myopia and oversight threaten private sector competitiveness; UT pinpoints 10 supply chain trends; U.S. port competition heats up

Container ship in Rio de Janeiro

Global Logistics, Latin America

Global Logistics—July 2013 

Brazil shipper turns to sea shipping amid truck theft concerns; Global trade key to SMB success; FedEx makes strategic acquisition in Africa; Amazon faces labor unrest in Germany and legal constraints in France; China plans canal through Nicaragua; CN critical of Canada’s Fair Rail Freight Service Act

Bobby Harris

3PL, Supply Chain Management

3PLs Can Provide Soft Cost Savings for Small Businesses

Logistics providers can help shippers save money through decreased labor, lower overhead, and technology tools.

Jose Minarro

Certifications, Risk Management, Security

C-TPAT: Building Safer Supply Chains

C-TPAT certification lets businesses support national security and improve their own supply chain operations.

Port Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates

Middle East, Global Logistics

Middle East/North Africa: MENA at Work

Transportation and logistics investment is the cornerstone to economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa.

3PL blueprint illustration

3PL, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Remodeling

Four companies worked with 3PLs to make over their logistics operations, so they could meet evolving business demands.

Singapore skyline

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—June 2013

Southeast Asian countries attract transportation and logistics investment; McDonald’s UK debuts Quality Scouts program in wake of horsemeat scandal; Amazon’s German workers strike over pay; Mexico has beef with U.S. country of origin labeling rules; Australia to review regulatory structures to ensure greater trade efficiency and economic competitiveness; India partners with University of Southern California for supply chain program.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean

Reducing Defects and Errors: Don't Make the Same Mistake Twice

Apply Lean concepts to eliminate product defects and operator errors in supply chain and logistics operations.

Felecia Stratton

Green Logistics, Lean

Getting Green, Going Lean

Demand-driven logistics practices are a perfect focal point to integrate green strategies with Lean methodologies.

United States outlined within a cog

Manufacturing

Trends—June 2013

U.S. manufacturing renaissance reflects a supply chain shift not a seismic one; Food supply chain adapts to growing ethnic diversity and changing consumer tastes; 3PL relationship key to competitive advantage; Shippers face tough operating environment; Midwest floods present new challenges for inland waterway shippers; ATA debuts new program to groom a new generation of trucking leaders

Globe levitating between hands

Education & Careers, Global Logistics

Logistics Education: Ready for the World

Specialized global logistics knowledge prepares students to manage worldwide supply chains.

Keith Biondo

3PL, Economic Development, Manufacturing, Warehousing

We Need Jobs…Let’s Raise Taxes?

Minnesota's warehouse tax may push jobs out of state.

E-commerce, 3PL, Distribution, Retail, Supply Chain Management

E-Fulfillment Strategies That Deliver the Goods

This story examines what customers want in an e-commerce operation and shares fulfillment strategies that merchants use to keep those customers happy.

John Sterling

Logistics I.T., Risk Management, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehousing

What Happens When Your Warehouse Is Unplugged?

Technology management can affect warehouse operations’ connectivity during and after a power outage. Whether the facility’s warehouse management system (WMS) is installed on-site, delivered via a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) program, or hosted in the cloud can have a huge impact on maintaining productivity, writes John Sterling of Foxfire Software.

Michael Breen

Economic Development, Site Selection, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management

Northeast Florida: America’s Logistics Center Drives Global Business

Jacksonville, Florida’s transportation infrastructure, skilled workforce, and available land makes it an attractive site for businesses siting new locations for logistics services and manufacturing, writes Michael Breen of JAXUSA Partnership.

John Haber

E-commerce, 3PL, Retail, Supply Chain Management

8 Ways to Strengthen Online Retailer Supply Chains

Monitoring contracts, delivery commitments, and contingency plans helps online retailers keep their supply chains running smoothly, writes John Haber of Spend Management Experts.

Asia, Cross-border Trade, Mexico, Global Logistics, Trucking, Latin America

Global Logistics—May 2013

Hong Kong strike threatens port’s reputation, shakes up competition; DUBAL turns to SAP for inbound control; NAFTA cross-border trade grows for second consecutive year amid recurring safety concerns; Texas pushes for heavier produce trucks from Mexico

Carlos Alvarenga

Risk Management

Bringing Risk Management into the Heart of the Supply Chain

Supply chain management experience is vital to corporate risk management planning, write Carlos Alvarenga of Accenture.

Global Logistics

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.

Caterpillar earth-moving vehicle

Green Logistics, Manufacturing

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.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean

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.

Lars Kloch

Ocean, Supply Chain Management

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.

Risk Management

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.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—April 2013

Russia to invest in Far East rail network; London Gateway container port provides competition for Port of Felixstowe,Asia and Europe cited as most important markets for global shipping; Nestlé,Sainsbury’s,and The Co-operative Group pledge to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions; Ford considers sea-shipping in India to circumvent road network problems; Transportation capacity and weather threaten Brazil’s record soybean harvest

Global Logistics, Logistics I.T.

GTM: The World at Your Fingertips

Global trade management software offers greater shipment visibility and control, eases the pain of border-crossing compliance, and streamlines financial transactions—all from your browser.

Supply Chain Management

Preparing Your Supply Chain For Seasonal Peaks

Plan for seasonal peaks by securing efficient labor, sufficient warehouse space, and reliable carriers.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—March 2013

Auto industry fuels Indian economy; Canada faces truck driver shortage; In wake of horse meat scandal, Tesco pledges transparency to customers; South Africa delays carbon tax scheme

Paul A. Myerson

Lean

Plan Ahead to Avoid Overproduction

Producing or purchasing too much inventory leads to waste and carrying costs. Companies can apply the Lean principle of Takt time to ensure the right level of product is on hand to meet customer needs.

Benetton shopping bag

Green Logistics, Manufacturing

Trends—February 2013 

Benetton follows apparel trend and detoxes supply chain; Apple CEO Tim Cook proves demand forecasting is best left to experts; Wisconsin public-private partnerships invest in rail; Amazon and Texas settle sales tax dispute, move forward; The Alaskan Brewing Company uses spent grain as new energy source.

Chad Eichelberger

Supply Chain Management

Trends and Predictions for 2013 and Beyond

The transportation and logistics sector is in the midst of some of its biggest changes since deregulation, and 2013 will play a pivotal role in discerning which companies will rise to the top, writes Chad Eichelberger of Access America Transport.

Logistics reading guide

Supply Chain Management

Inbound Logistics’ Winter Reading Guide 2013

Whether you want to casually brush up on your supply chain management techniques or drastically reorganize your purchasing processes, you’ll find the knowledge you need in the pages of these supply chain resources.

Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management: The Great Equalizer

In a business world defined and dictated by change, supply chain management balances challenges and competitive advantage. Companies large and small are leveraging transportation and logistics best practices to act as great equalizers.

Demand driven logistics

Supply Chain Management

Demand-Driven Logistics: Remote Control

Adopting demand-driven logistics can increase visibility, drive supply chain efficiency, and offset any market advantage your competitors might have.

FTZ facility

Import, Export, Manufacturing, Warehousing

Comfort Zone: A Better, Faster FTZ

The Alternative Site Framework designation is changing the Foreign Trade Zone landscape, allowing shippers a more expedient process for streamlining the supply chain.

Supply Chain Management

Improving Supplier Compliance

Developing an effective supplier compliance program requires planning and communication, writes Peter Wharton of IBM.

Christopher P. Mazza

Partnership, Supply Chain Management

Connectivity-Visibility-Optimization: Three Keys To a Successful Supply Chain Trading Partner Network

A well-oiled trading partner network allows one-to-many and many-to-many partners to collaborate and communicate using a single source of truth garnered from real-time information, writes Christopher P. Mazza of IAS.

Robert Martichenko

Lean

The Lean Supply Chain: A Field of Opportunity

The Lean Supply Chain is a system of interconnected and interdependent forces that operate in unison to accomplish overarching supply chain objectives, writes Robert Martichenko of LeanCor Supply Chain Group.

Supply Chain Management

Trends—January 2013

Shifting production and consumption patterns push inter-regional trade; Ford tinkers with polymers, finds hidden green; Motorola Mobility flexes its supply chain with outsourcing approach; American consumer electronics companies more transparent than Asian competitors; Smaller Florida ports bullish on Panama Canal-triggered growth potential; Retail supply chain sophistication makes overstock sales obsolete; Sustainability and CSR rank low in procurement priorities; Retailers fail to appreciate the true power of mobility

Tesco trailer

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—January 2013

Russia’s retail renaissance depends on transportation and logistics development; Kazakhstan emerging as logistics hub along Eurasian land bridge; Canada’s transportation and distribution industry remains lone bright spot; Indian Railways raises rates to improve infrastructure; CMA CGM buys stake in Port of Long Beach terminal; Tesco pilots longer reefer trailers; Aeronautical industry finds new path to unionize across supply chain; Global forwarding associations merge; China’s e-commerce crunch puts squeeze on real estate market; Fujifilm expands into South America; Chinese fruit consumption enhances trade connections with Thailand; Middle East awaits transport and logistics boom as new markets emerge

Tom Stricker

Manufacturing

Five Signs Your Production Logistics Needs Help

Production logistics can increase an operation’s efficiencies and save companies money by creating the right blend of technology, equipment, and disciplined processes to ensure materials get where the are needed to keep production flowing, writes Tom Stricker of HK Logistics.

Keith Biondo

Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Force Multipliers

By providing end-to-end visibility, demand driven logistics practices deliver competitive advantage and solve supply chain challenges for businesses of all sizes, writes Publisher Keith Biondo.

Felecia Stratton

Supply Chain Management

The Great Equalizer

Supply chain management makes a difference by empowering companies to do more with less, and project a stronger competitive force, writes Editor Felecia Stratton.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—December 2012

DHL invests in India’s under-developed retail supply chain; China ramps up rail construction to counteract global trade sluggishness; European Union pilot program tests efficacy of using bicycles to deliver urban shipments; AP Moller-Maersk turns attention away from shipping

Bill Michalski

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Measuring the Value of Collaboration

In a true collaborative relationship between purchasing and logistics, order and routing pattern planning comprises a single, optimized decision process that yields measurable results, writes Bill Michalski of ArrowStream.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean

Playing the Waiting Game

Identify the sources of delay to reduce the time workers spend waiting for instructions and supplies. Lean tools such as Kanban and Total Productive Maintenance can help, writes Paul A. Myerson.

Felecia Stratton

Supply Chain Management

What Sandy Showed Me

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton sees the supply chain industry's true colors firsthand.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—November 2012

U.S.-China consider joint logistics partnership to facilitate humanitarian aid and counter-piracy efforts; Canadian trucking companies call on government to invest in transportation infrastructure

Pablo Ciano

Global Logistics, Logistics I.T.

International Shipping: Moving at the Speed of Technology

The development of new technologies for planning, managing, tracking, and securing shipments never ends, and with new digital options always just around the corner, organizations of all sizes need to stay informed on the latest advances. Pablo Ciano of DHL Express identifies four key business areas where technology makes all the difference.

Lorcan Sheehan

Risk Management

Holiday Rush Planning: How to Mitigate Risk in a Volatile Market

Lorcan Sheehan of ModusLink discusses some of the lessons businesses have learned that help mitigate supply chain risk during the peak season.

Risk Management

How to Manage the Supply Chain Following a Natural Disaster

Planning for exceptions can help shippers prevent supply chain disruptions in the wake of a natural disaster.

Risk Management

How to Move Freight in Volatile Locations

Successfully moving freight into challenging areas requires an abundance of preparation and due diligence, test runs, and contingency plans to make sure moves happen without a hitch.

Risk Management

How to Mitigate Supply Chain Disruptions

When supply chain disruptions arise, shippers need to react quickly—without incurring undue costs—to keep production in line with demand.

Supply Chain Management

How to Drive Visibility Through a Supply Chain Network Control Tower

Shippers can create a "control tower" view within their own supply chains—a common platform for aggregating, cleansing, and communicating real-time data.

Michael E. Burke

Risk Management

Mitigating Facilitation Risk

Logistics professionals and companies should adopt and continuously update a risk-based export compliance program to minimize facilitation risk, writes Michael E. Burke of Arnall Golden Gregor.

Export, Supply Chain Management

Complying with Export Regulations and Requirements

To successfully manage export compliance, companies must fully understand export regulations and filing requirements, advises Scott Byrnes, Amber Road.

Emily Ross

3PL, Supply Chain Management

Emily Ross: Good Blood

As senior supply chain manager at blood management devices manufacturer Haemonetics Corporation, Emily Ross monitors the pulse of the company’s transportation and warehousing services sourcing.

Greyhound bus

Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Trends—October 2012

Greyhound partners with One Network to enhance parcel delivery business. Truck driver turnover increases,Urban Outfitters equips Nevada e-fulfillment center with state-of-the-art materials handling system. Shippers turn to spot market to find capacity and compare carrier rates. MSC Beatrice debut in Asia-U.S. trade signals new wave of larger containerships.

Paul Galpin

Reverse Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Return to Sender: Managing Reverse Logistics

While many factors influence customer loyalty, a well-run returns process has proven to drive repeat orders and improve consumer satisfaction. Paul Galpin of P2P Mailing outlines three points companies should consider when designing their reverse logistics.

Krishna Rallabhandi

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Shared Technology Resources Hold the Key to Supply Chain Optimization

Supply chain managers must determine the best technology for their supply chain based on their specific organizational needs, says Krishna Rallabhandi of Four Soft.

George F. Brown, Jr.

China, Global Logistics

“Second Mouse” Opportunities for Logistics Firms

Logistics providers can become valued partners to both U.S. customers and Chinese suppliers, linking them together with the full power of fast-learner economics, writes George F. Brown Jr., Blue Canyon Partners.

Mark Humphlett

Logistics I.T., Risk Management

Can Your Global Supply Chain Withstand a Crisis?

Risk management strategies must address the everyday sources of supply chain disruption, and managers must incorporate the identification of potential supply chain risk into their daily practices, writes Mark Humphlett, Infor.

Terry Harris

Education & Careers, Supply Chain Management

How Supply Chain Executives Can Earn a Place in the C-Suite

By managing supply chain interdependencies and adopting a full view of service and cost, supply chain executives can amplify their organizational scope and heighten their financial contribution to attain the C-designation they deserve, writes Terry Harris, Chicago Consulting.

J. Scot Sharland

Manufacturing, Transportation

Logistics Providers Steer Auto Industry on Road to Recovery

As automotive production levels return to pre-recession levels, consistently delivering quality products has become one of the defining characteristics of successful carmakers and logistics service providers, writes J. Scot Sharland, Automotive Industry Action Group.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—September 2012

Brazil approves transportation spending; Germany’s infrastructure shows signs of cracks; China and North Korea develop shared economic zones; Royal Mail and Amazon facilitate local parcel delivery and pickup; Panama promotes imports and re-exports of apparel and fashion products; Southeast Asia poses greatest supply chain risk

Felecia Stratton

Retail, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Therapy Strikes a Balance

As retailers look to grow their business, the challenge of keeping up with the market becomes exponentially greater—especially as new channels emerge, writes Editor Felecia Stratton. Supply chain management can help create balance between supply and demand.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean

Minimizing Wasted Movement

Eliminating unnecessary movements in warehousing operations goes a long way toward improving your supply chain’s Lean profile.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—August 2012

Global recession spreads; Olympic organizers blame bad forecasts for supply shortages; United States and Canada fight over port security; Global forwarders squeezed by falling volumes and higher freight rates; Japan’s pharm industry confronts supply chain challenges; Jamaica awaits Panama Canal surge

Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Pharmaceutical Logistics, Health Care Logistics, Manufacturing

Navigating Pharma Logistics 

Pharmaceuticals manufacturers face special supply chain challenges such as temperature control, security, chain of custody, and regulatory compliance, but successful strategies help deal with these issues.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—July 2012

Latin America charts path to growth; After Port of Lázaro Cárdenas experiment, H-E-B returns to Long Beach; Canadian government rail review forces CN to reconnect with shippers; U.S. Customs and Border Protection extends C-TPAT into Latin America; Arab development depends on intra-regional trade; Siemens says U.S-EU trade pact would be beacon for global trade collaboration.

3PL, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

Great Partnerships: 3PLs and Shippers

Many companies, including Kimberly-Clark, Ebro, and USG Corporation, are moving beyond the traditional, transactional shipper-3PL relationship to form collaborative partnerships focused on mutual gain.

3PL, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

3PL Perspectives 2012: Shippers and 3PLs—Perfect Together

Inbound Logistics’ eighth-annual 3PL market research report demonstrates how 3PLs and shippers are connecting to confront existing challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.

Supply Chain Management

Inbound Logistics’ Summer Reading Guide 2012

New publications on supply chain and logistics topics such as warehousing, sustainability, and procurement help logistics professionals stay sharp. Here are some recent books on supply chain topics of interest.

Nathan Pieri

3PL, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Control Towers Offer a Bird’s-Eye View

Companies are increasingly realizing that supply chain must become a core competency. Adding a supply chain control tower and taking on the fourth-party logistics (4PL) role offers them the ability to accelerate collaboration and achieve higher performance levels.

Supply Chain Management

Trends—June 2012

Land O’Lakes focuses on workplace culture to improve supply chain yield; Fuel consumption major concern for management,less so for drivers; Gartner poses four supply chain predictions for 2016

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—June 2012

Global air freight growth shows signs of improvement; Taiwan industries confront slackening demand; United States and Singapore sign supply chain security agreement.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean

Inventory…What a Waste

Carrying excess inventory ties up valuable capital and warehouse space. Using lean tools to analyze and optimize inventory levels helps companies operate more efficiently.

Cross-border Trade, Mexico, Risk Management, Latin America

Beating the Odds in Latin America

Multinational corporations are gambling on the Latin American market's growth potential. But meeting the region's supply chain challenges requires an understanding of local markets, strategic planning, and strong partnerships.

Cross-border Trade, Labor Management, Manufacturing, Warehousing

Supporting a Glass Act

Mexico-based automotive glassmaker Vitro Automotive opened a distribution center in the United States to serve Detroit automakers just-in-time requirements. Its long-time logistics service provider Evans Distribution Systems staffed the new DC for Vitro to ensure a quality workforce.

Supply Chain Management

Trends—May 2012

Cloud-based business networks are the future of supply chain intelligence; Chemical supply scarcity threatens global auto production; Fuel costs eat into transportation revenues; Organizations should consider insurance options to mitigate supply chain risk and improve resiliency

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—May 2012

London prepares for Olympic logistics challenge; METRO GROUP creates new logistics division to coordinate supply chain strategies; South Africa fruit growers turn to T&L for aid; Germany’s labor market reforms paying dividends; China steers investment toward transportation infrastructure; Brazil taxes automotive industry

Wendy Buxton

Supply Chain Management

Proper Care and Nurturing of a Supply Chain

With proper care and nurturing, you can create a supply chain that performs beautifully – even in the midst of today’s ever-changing business environment, writes Wendy Buxton, LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions.

Steven Shoemaker

Supply Chain Management

Hey! Your Numbers are Trying to Talk to You!

Capturing and analyzing transportation spend data is the key to outstanding supply chain management, writes Steven Shoemaker, RateLinx.

Robert Arndt

Lean, Materials Handling, Warehousing

Making a Business Case for Lean MHE

Applying lean principles to materials handling equipment purchases and configurations helps companies cut costs, writes Robert Arndt, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean

The Journey to Continuous Supply Chain Improvement

Applying lean manufacturing principles to supply chain and logistics operations can help businesses reduce costs and gain efficiencies, writes Paul A. Myerson of LPA, LLC.

Jeff Boudreau

Lean, Labor Management, Logistics I.T.

Leveraging Lean and Labor Management

Using lean components as a foundation for labor management is a powerful way to increase productivity and reduce costs in a warehouse or distribution center, according to Ryder Supply Chain Solutions’ Jeff Boudreau.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—April 2012

UPS’s acquisition of TNT Express shakes up global package delivery industry; Global steamship lines reduce capacity five percent; French supermarket Franprix replenishes Paris stores by river transport; Morocco aims to become North African distribution hub; Indian logistics parks emerge as demand grows.

Global Logistics

Global—March 2012

New Zealand port tries to strike labor balance; a collaborative storage and distribution contract facilitates consolidated shipments in England; the Netherlands gains foreign direct investment; Amazon launches comparison shopping site Junglee.com in India; European rail freight integration gains interest; Walmart increases its investment in Chinese holding company Yihaodian.

Angela Yang

China, Supply Chain Management

5 Ways to Excel in China

U.S. businesses operating in China face a number of challenges. Angela Yang of Penske Logistics Asia offers advice on supporting your business’ China operations.

Henry Hicks

Risk Management

Managing Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain disruptions become more manageable when shippers have supply chain technology that provides shipment visibility, writes Henry Hicks, Progress Software.

Global Economy, Middle East, Asia, Global Logistics, Latin America

As the World Turns, Supply Chains Spin

As multinational companies in the United States and around the world are increasingly influenced by changes in the international economy, global distribution networks must be fluid enough to accommodate unpredictability.

Mexico, Global Logistics, Site Selection, Latin America

Nearshoring Latin America: A Closer Look

Factors such as labor costs, transportation time and costs, and infrastructure may make Latin America the best global location for manufacturing operations.

J. Anthony Hardenburgh

Insurance, Ocean, Supply Chain Management

Understanding INCOTERMS 2010

Incoterms are an internationally accepted set of standard commercial terms used between buyers and sellers. J. Anthony Hardenburgh of Amber Road helps shippers understand these rules.

Keith Biondo

Supply Chain Management

The Fifth P of Marketing

People are a vital component of marketing - the fifth P - supporting products and companies with advanced logistics and supply chain management skills, writes Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics–February 2012

IBM helps Shandong Commercial Group monitor food safety in China; Brazilian meatpacker JBS cuts costs by streamlining supply chain; University of Sheffield develops supply chain environmental analysis tool (SCEnAT) to help manufacturers cut carbon emissions; EU opens trade negotiations with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia; Panalpina creates three regional operating divisions to better meet customer demand

Keith Biondo

Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management

A Lost Art?

Today's supply chain professionals are tough, practical, and undeterred by the specter of failure, writes Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo.

Felecia Stratton

Supply Chain Management

The Art of Integration

Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton discusses supply chain integration, citing articles from the January 2012 Logistics Planner issue.

Aaron Baker

Supply Chain Management

Global Supply Chain Strategy: Decision Points

In strategic supply chain analysis, multiple groups of decision makers may have conflicting interests, since there can be an impact across departments and business units. Aaron Baker of Damco USA offers two global supply chain strategy examples that illustrate the decision makers and decision variables needed to ensure the chosen solution is optimal for the business.

Glenn Riggs

Supply Chain Management

Responsive and Flexible Logistics Management Solutions for 2012 and Beyond

Companies require a logistics technology platform and an integrated set of services that can adapt to the pressures of a changing market, writes Glenn Riggs of Odyssey Logistics & Technology.

Eric Lail

Lean

Tough Economic Times Require LEAN Logistics Solutions

Forward-thinking organizations are pursuing lean assessments to evaluate their supply chain, combined with innovative lean solutions to help them design the future state of their value stream, writes Eric Lail of Transportation Insight.

Supply Chain Management

Trends—January 2012

Supply chain trends for 2012; update on transportation issues in California, Washington, Kentucky, and South Dakota; reverse logistics helps retailers generate customer goodwill and create demand; airport warehousing demand soars; FAA regulations limit pilot flight time; Coca-Cola extends its environmental stewardship; Trucking industry responds to Hours-of-Service legislation

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—January 2012

Ocean carrier consolidation continues; Cargo theft in Brazil is a growing problem; England looks to support beer supply chain; United States and Canada ease cross-border barriers; Africa touts transportation integration as means for economic development; India softens foreign investment rules to stimulate retail growth; Europe’s downturn impacts Asia; Ocean industry considers container weight regulations; China’s 3PL market set to explode; Global companies confront corporate social responsibility

Jeff Vielhaber

Risk Management, Trucking

Protecting Your Company Against Load Board Scams

Shippers can avoid load board scams by taking the time to research the companies with which they do business, writes Jeff Vielhaber, TTS.

Karen Lobdell

Risk Management

Are You Effectively Managing Supply Chain Risk?

Managing risk in the supply chain requires that shippers address issues such as product safety, environmental concerns, labor management, and social responsibility.

Brendan Lowe

Food Logistics, Logistics I.T., Risk Management

5 Steps to Improving Food Product Traceability

Retailers can implement technology and processes to increase traceability and gain greater visibility into their supply chain, which helps track and retrieve products in the event of a product recall, writes Brendan Lowe, Aldata Solution.

Lean

Integration: Bucking Convention

Buck Knives’ lean integration has allowed the company to sharpen efficiencies in its manufacturing operation, increase output, and pull back production from China.

Education & Careers, Supply Chain Management

Purchasing Managers: Minding Everyone's Business

With companies intent on optimizing the supply chain, purchasing managers have emerged as key players in the business plan. To be successful, they need to communicate, collaborate, and venture into new territory.

Global Logistics, Transportation

Using Incoterms to Simplify Global Sourcing

Using International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) in transportation contracts give shippers more control over transport and delivery terms. Simon Kaye, CEO of Jaguar Freight Services, explains how importers can use Incoterms Group F for better shipment control.

MOL container ship

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—December 2011

Japanese steamship lines consider merger; Russia becomes a center of excellence for project logistics; Indonesia’s transport infrastructure is lacking

Lorcan Sheehan

Supply Chain Management

Safeguarding Your Supply Chain Against Rising Fuel Prices

Shippers can protect their supply chains against rising fuel costs by optimizing distribution networks, creating a flexible infrastructure, and managing shipping practices.

Risk Management

Mitigating Supply Chain Risk

Well-defined business practices, thorough contracts, physical security, and active planning, help mitigate supply chain risk.

Health Care Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Healthcare Supply Chain Costs: A Tough Pill to Swallow 

Organizations all along the healthcare supply chain are taking a dose of smarter procurement and logistics practices to cure high costs and treat ailments in other areas of the business.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—November 2011

Lufthansa Cargo reacts to Frankfurt Airport night flight ban; The International Air Cargo Association calls for review of emissions trading scheme; Thailand floods lead to global parts shortage; U.S.-Mexico cross-border trucking program starts up; Japan considers Trans-Pacific Partnership, United States too.

Supply Chain Management

How to Ship in Alaska 

The variety of cargoes that fly in and out of Alaska—ranging from time-sensitive medical supplies and oil field equipment to perishable seafood—means companies must identify specific shipment needs and align them with asset and service requirements.

Supply Chain Management

How to Manage Peak Season Variability

Unpredictable consumer habits, the economic downturn, and limited ocean carrier capacity have transformed the traditional peak shipping season. Now shippers are preparing for a new reality: peak season variability.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—October 2011

BMW uses Eurasian land bridge to move parts; Geodis deploys hybrid refrigerated truck in Lille; Canadian trucking industry and economy sees economic recovery; Shipping industry calls on the United Nations to fight piracy.

Risk Management

Protecting Your Supply Chain Against Disruption

Dr. Jeff Karrenbauer of supply chain solutions provider INSIGHT offers tips for protecting against supply chain disruption.

Supply Chain Management

Building Efficiency Into Your Supply Chain

Ellen Fontaine, VASCOR Ltd, offers advice for boosting supply chain efficiency.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—September 2011

Switzerland foreign direct investment soars; Asian inflation threatens continuing growth; Port of Kingston and CMA CGM Group sign MOU; UK government claims Irish truckers are operating illegal cabotage; The Port of Hartlepool challenges UK government to clarify renewable energy policies

Risk Management, Safety, Trucking

Truckers Play Role in Homeland Security

Curt Shewchuck, chief security officer, Con-way Freight discusses how the carrier's security protocols helped avert a terrorist threat.

3PL, Global Logistics

The Bright Side of Logistics in India

There is more to India’s supply chain scene than its shortcomings. APL Logistics’ David Frentzel shares insights from a recent tour of his company’s Indian facilities and meetings with shippers.

Delivering a Slice Of Fresh Supply Chain Solutions

Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management

Delivering a Slice Of Fresh Supply Chain Solutions

A new inbound/outbound logistics operations solution helps pizza chain Papa John's handle rapid expansion.

Manufacturing boomerang illustration

China, Manufacturing

Is U.S. Manufacturing Coming Back?

Shifting perspectives on supply chain management, coupled with the realities of total landed cost, are driving manufacturers to weigh the benefits of flinging production operations in China back to the United States.

Keith Biondo

Global Logistics

A Career That’s Never Boring

New global supply chain challenges present growth opportunities for logistics professionals, writes Publisher Keith Biondo.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—August 2011

China debuts longest sea-bridge in the world; Indian 3PLs are ready to grow; Double-stacked trains are changing Indian transportation landscape; Canadian freight rates are rising; Logistics service are expected to grow in Western Europe; China is cashing in on U.S. inflation

Page Siplon

Supply Chain Management

Managing the Three V’s of Logistics

A combination of factors such as increased competition and global security threats have increased the pressure on companies to improve logistics efficiencies. Page Siplon, executive director, Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics, addresses these factors and offers strategies for handling them.

Cross-border Trade, Security, Supply Chain Management

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.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—July 2011

Hellmann uses logistics as an economic barometer; Heinz consolidates global distribution; North Korea and China grow trade partnership; TVS Logistics’ executives continue education at University of Michigan; Chinese women consuming more luxury items; Japan Airlines and American Airlines agreement makes Hawaii a potential cargo hub; Budapest Airport's BUD Cargo City gives Eastern Europe logistics a boost.

Steve Ford

Supply Chain Management

Rallying CFO Support for Your Supply Chain Initiatives

Steve Ford, CFO of TradeCard, outlines strategies for enlisting your chief financial officer’s support for supply chain initiatives.

Supply Chain Management

Trends—June 2011

Restaurant chains squeeze costs out of the supply chain; TMW Systems acquires Appian Logistics; CPG companies pushed to adopt extended producer responsibility programs

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—June 2011

High-speed rail benefits Siemens and Deutsch Bahn; European DCs blend imagination and innovation; London lobbies for nighttime deliveries during Summer Olympics; Air China and Cathay Pacific Airways create Air China Cargo joint venture; Mexico accepts ATA Carnets; Colombia, Panama, and South Korea free trade agreements receive mixed support from U.S. growers; Suez Canal trade on the rise.

Keith Biondo

China, Manufacturing

Who Says You Can Never Go Home?

Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo examines a trend in moving manufacturing from China back to the United States.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—May 2011

Ireland focuses on Dublin Port, Shannon Airport, and IAWA; APL scans Japan cargo for radiation; European Union (EU) includes ocean shipping with carbon emissions; Polluting China invests in renewable energy sources; French wine makers choose plastic bottles over glass; United States, Mexico, Canada grow NAFTA trade.

John Williford

Supply Chain Management

Excellence in Supply Chain Execution

These elements of good supply chain management must come together to achieve exceptional execution, according to John Williford of Ryder Global Supply Chain Solutions.

Global Logistics

Trends—April 2011

Global supply chains respond to Japan earthquake and tsunami; global retailers seek better demand forecasts to align sales promotions; manufacturers face pressures to make green purchasing decisions; LCV opponents say heavier trucks will take freight away from rail

Finance, Supply Chain Management

Finance & The Supply Chain: Show Me the Money

Innovative supply chain management delivers financial benefits to your bottom line.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—April 2011

IATA addresses impact of Japan earthquake and tsunami on global air cargo industry; Volga-Dnepr air charter business booms; Nike logistics center targets Chinese consumption; Mexico and United States agree to cross-border plan; United Kingdom sets sights on Indian rail infrastructure development

Risk Management

Avoid Big Losses When Shipping Big Machinery

Barry Tarnef, senior loss control specialist for Chubb Marine Underwriters, outlines strategies for reducing risk when shipping large machinery.

Felecia Stratton

Global Economy, Supply Chain Management

Managing Risk in a Chain of Fire

Man-made disruptions and natural disasters have a radiating effect on global supply chains. Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton discusses ways of coping.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—March 2011

China explores Colombia dry canal to rival Panama, Egyptian revolution raises Suez concern, Mongolia’s presence grows with Move On Logistics, United States and Netherlands investments are pure Dutch, UAE to accept ATA Carnets, Athens and COSCO create intermodal link, Mexico e-commerce grows

Asia, China, Global Logistics

Asia: Manufacturing Dynamo or Consumer Powerhouse?

Asia today is not just about manufacturing; it's also emerging as a consumer powerhouse. To seize the opportunity, manufacturers and retailers alike are rewiring their global supply chain strategies.

André Thornton

Cross-Docking, Supply Chain Management

Benchmark Your Way to Successful Crossdocking

Companies can benchmark their way to crossdocking success by following these five steps recommended by Andre Thornton, President and CEO, ASW Global LLC.

Cathay Pacific cargo plane

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—February 2011

Airlines expand in Asia and Latin America; Switzerland and China launch free trade agreement negotiations; China’s Alibaba Group creates a nationwide warehouse chain; Honda requires global suppliers to follow its Green Purchasing Guidelines. International Air Transport Association; IATA; airline expansion; Air China; Singapore Airlines; Cathay Pacific; 2011 World Economic Forum; Switzerland; China; free trade agreement; Alibaba Group; distribution network; warehouse expansion; Honda; Japan; suppliers; greenhouse gas; sustainability

Keith Biondo

Inventory Management, Supply Chain Management

Gaining Ground

Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo cites real-world cases of supply chain gains, including Del Monte Foods, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and National Starch.

Felecia Stratton

Supply Chain Management

Gaining Even More Ground

Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton reflects on the magazine's January 2011 coverage of supply chain gains.

Chris Baltz

3PL, Supply Chain Management

Achieving Competitive Advantage: How the Right 3PL Partner Can Help You Dominate Your Market

Chris Baltz of Transportation Insight explains how the right 3PL partner can help you achieve competitive advantage and dominate your market.

C. Daniel Negron

Risk Management

Do You Know Who You’re Doing Business With?

As you enter into new global business relationships, you can protect yourself from unnecessary penalties by knowing your customer.

Global Economy, Import, Export, Global Logistics

Supply Chain Gain: Global Growth

Contingency suppliers, sourcing differentiation, special incentives, and a host of other strategies generate improvements in supply chains that reach around the world.

3PL, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Gain: Call In the Experts

Outsource your way to a more efficient supply chain by selecting a knowledgeable and resourceful third-party logistics provider.

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Gain: Better Data, Better Results

New technology solutions help improve inventory visibility, increase routing agility, manage labor more effectively, and capture valuable information from the field.

Green Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Gain: Shades of Green

Sustainability efforts can help companies grow more efficient supply chains.

Trucking, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Gain: Trucking Tactics

Strategic transportation management puts shippers on the road to increased fuel economy and improved asset utilization.

3PL, Automotive Logistics

Auto Logistics: Revving Up Service Parts Logistics Operations

Ford revamped its service parts network, processes, and technologies to boost efficiency and set the stage for global service parts logistics management.

Supply Chain Management

Trends—January 2011

A look at supply chain stimuli that have left their mark on logistics over the past decade; cautious pessimism pervades NITL Conference; companies improve supply chain operations, signaling economic optimism among manufacturers; longtime cotton merchandiser Dunavant switches focus to providing logistics services; Ernst & Young reports growing demand for supplier sustainability efforts; Automotive Industry Action Group issues new communication guidelines to help ocean shippers prevent waste and errors

Inventory Management, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Unleashing Logistics Excellence

Natural pet food manufacturer WellPet partnered with Aspen Logistics and Kane is Able to improve its supply chain and warehousing operations.

3PL, Customer Service, Supply Chain Management

Managing a Customer-Driven Supply Chain

Logistics providers who work to understand shippers' needs help create customer service success, as illustrated by case studies involving Pep Boys, McCain Foods, and USG Corporation.

Global Economy, Middle East, Import, China, Canada, Global Logistics, Rail, Security

Global Logistics—December 2010

Dubai makes progress on its first aerotropolis, Starbucks partners with China to set up its first coffee bean farm, Canadian National accelerates auto imports, United Kingdom and France work to counter terrorism, Marks & Spencer accelerates supply chain improvement plan

Air Cargo, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Safety, Security, Supply Chain Management

Trends—December 2010

U.S. Department of Transportation pursues ban on cell phone use while driving; Proposed air cargo screening legislation enhances security measures; U.S. retailers place increased emphasis on supply chain management

Supply Chain Management

Cutting Costs From Your Logistics Budget

Nathan Pieri of Management Dynamics provides tips for reducing logistics costs through improved supply chain management.

Charlie Jacobs

Lean, Warehousing

Lean: The Next Best Thing to ‘Clip-and-Save’

Charlie Jacobs of APL Logistics explains the cost savings and efficiency benefits of implementing lean practices, as demonstrated by three warehousing case studies.

3PL, Inventory Management, Logistics I.T., Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management

CSCMP Annual Conference: Can We Talk?

Wherever you went, attendees at the 2010 CSCMP Annual Conference were talking supply chain risk, volatility, disruption, and visibility.

Distribution, Retail, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

How to Drive Collaborative Distribution

Collaborative distribution lets manufacturers, especially consumer product goods (CPG) companies, merge loads destined for the same end point to maximize trucking efficiency.

Supply Chain Management

How to Enable a Proactive Supply Chain

Transaction and shipment exceptions are common, so businesses must be able to account for these variables by enabling a proactive supply chain.

Ocean, Logistics I.T., Ports, Trucking, Supply Chain Management

Trends—November 2010

David Bennett of Schneider Logistics addresses how shippers, ocean carriers, and trucking companies are struggling with responsibility for providing chassis for cargo container units at ports; Boeing appoints new VP to handle 787 Dreamliner delays; companies restructure outsourced technology contracts.

Leo Espinoza

Education & Careers, Supply Chain Management

Getting a Seat at the Leadership Table

Leo Espinoza of Korn/Ferry International discusses qualities companies look for in supply chain executives.

3PL, Economic Development, Utilities, Site Selection, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management

Great Logistics Sites: Supply Chain Central

Here is a look at the attributes that rank high on the list for any company seeking a location for supply chain activities.

Mike Marlowe

3PL, Distribution, Retail, Packaging, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Integrate Contract Packaging Into Distribution Operations to Cut Costs by 30%

By integrating contract packaging into distribution operations, companies can cut costs by 30 percent.

Air Cargo, Economic Development, Intermodal, 3PL, Distribution, Utilities, Ocean, Site Selection, Ports, Rail, Trucking, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Memphis: America’s Aerotropolis

Geography, transportation infrastructure, and a strong distribution sector make Memphis a natural logistics hub.

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

Optimizing Global Supply Chain Management

Andrea Robinson of CargoWise provides tips on handling global supply chain management challenges.

Air Cargo, Ocean, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management

Trends—October 2010

U.S. transportation spending lags, according to Transportation Performance Indexes; International air cargo traffic increases; Ocean volumes rise; Large corporations band together to help smaller suppliers sell goods and services to global companies.

Partnership, Transportation Management, Trucking, Supply Chain Management

Trucking Alert: Steep Grade Ahead

Faced with challenges such as a capacity shortage and lack of qualified drivers, companies that ship product by truck are learning that working collaboratively with carriers can benefit both parties.

Mike Williams

Risk Management, Safety, Trucking, Security

Balancing Risk Management With Your Operations Strategy

Increased regulation in the form of CSA 2010 affects not only truckers, but also freight brokers providing insurance, according to Mike Williams, chief operating officer, Sunteck Transport Group.

Air Cargo, Green Logistics, Global Economy, Import, Export, Cross-border Trade, Mexico, China, Health Care Logistics, Agriculture Logistics, Global Logistics, Ocean, Transportation Infrastructure

Global Logistics—September 2010

Mexico Taxes U.S. Imports, Audi's carbon friendly cars and carbon friendly transportation, Australia labors over transportation expansion, UPS opens health care logistics hubs in Singapore and China, U.S. football imports from China

3PL, Pharmaceutical Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain Management

Gemma Fillmore: Supply Chain Advocate

To improve supply chain performance at Medco Health Solutions, Gemma Fillmore focuses on getting C-level executives to give logistics issues the attention they deserve.

Export, 3PL, Global Economy, Import, Global Logistics

Locating a Global Distribution Hub

10 tips for what companies should consider when locating and choosing a global distribution hub.

Green Logistics, Global Economy, Panama Canal, Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Rail, Trucking, Latin America

Trends—September 2010

News briefs: U.S. Ports Dig Panama Gold, Reducing the Carton Footprint, SaaS to the Rescue, BNSF Brings Shortlines On Line, Truckers Tackle Credit Crunch

Keith Biondo

Distribution, Retail, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management

Inbound 3.0 at Walmart

Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo outlines how Walmart is taking inbound logistics to the next level.

Education & Careers, Forklifts, Ocean, Materials Handling, Ports, Supply Chain Management

Trends—August 2010

Gulf ports maintain container volumes despite Deepwater Horizon oil spill; Supply chain leaders climb the corporate ladder; Toyota Material Handling engineers work with MIT scientists and the U.S. Army to develop a remote-operated fork lift

3PL, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management

Your Guide to Routing Guides

Retailers publish routing guides to establish rules for manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to follow when fulfilling and shipping orders. Here are the benefits of establishing a routing guide.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—August 2010

Global airlines unite; CEVA streamlines Triumph Motorcycle's logistics; South African 3PL Barloworld debuts green trailers; DHL Global Forwarding takes over Mercedes distribution; NYK steers China's auto boom.

Keith Biondo

3PL, Customer Service, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

What We’ve Got Here is Failure to Communicate

A failure to communicate is the primary reason that 3PL relationships fall apart, according to Inbound Logistics' annual third-party logistics survey.

John Kuehn

E-commerce, Expedited Shipping, Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Retail, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management

Flower Power: John Kuehn

ProFlowers' time- and temperature-sensitive shipments create plenty of challenges for John Kuehn, senior vice president of supply chain operations. Here's how he nips problems in the bud.

China, Canada, Global Economy, Asia, Global Logistics, Latin America

Global Logistics–July 2010

UK duties hit air freight; Prince Rupert's improved performance, Garuda Indonesia rebuilds long-haul international network, Vietnam experiences trade success, US and Switzerland Eye Open Skies pact, New Canadian coalition explores opportunities to build a replacement rail tunnel under the Detroit River; German organizations join forces to support "Cargo Needs the Night" initiative; UPS Lauds US-South Korea free trade agreement, Caterpillar constructs foothold in Brazil, China looks to consolidate air cargo carriers

Humanitarian Logistics, Health Care Logistics, Distribution, Reverse Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Humanitarian Aid: The Logistics of Doing Good

Nonprofit organization MedShare distributes recovered medical supplies to the places of greatest need.

Air Cargo, 3PL, Intermodal, Ocean, Rail, Trucking, Supply Chain Management

Trends—July 2010

21st annual State of Logistics Report: Beating the Recession; Making dollars and Sense out of Jabulanis and Vuvuzelas; Mergers and Acquisitions Show signs of Recovery

Supply Chain Management

Inbound Logistics’ 2010 Summer Reading Guide

Recent books shed light on various aspects of supply chain, logistics, and transportation management.

Felecia Stratton

3PL, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

Are You Talkin’ to Me?

To be successful, a close relationship between third-party logistics providers and their shipper customers requires a great deal of communication.

Joe Caston

Labor Management, Logistics I.T., Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Managing Labor Boosts Warehouse Operations

Labor management tools can help you determine if your workforce is performing at the level necessary to deliver cost-effective service to customers.

Jim Butts

Supply Chain Management

10 Paths to Supply Chain Innovation

To move your business along the road to supply chain improvement, take a journey down these 10 paths to innovation.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—June 2010

Panama Canal sets great expectations; Deutsche Bahn expands in the Middle East; European air charters take off; Europe's "10+2" poses questions; Latin America infrastructure lags; Halifax Port Authority opens Gateway partnership; Cutting the cost of Japanese air transport

China, Supply Chain Management

Strengthening Your China Operations

Learn five strategies for keeping your Far East concerns running smoothly.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—May 2010

Singapore investors plan an eco-industrial park; Holland's GreenRail project serves rail needs of flower shippers; Kuhne Logistics University opens in Hamburg; Brightpoint and Research in Motion bring BlackBerry service to Indonesia; American Society of Transportation and Logistics launches Singapore Shippers Academy; Nippon Cargo targets Japanese pharmaceuticals market

David Phillips

Lean, Logistics I.T.

Crack the WIP for a Leaner Supply Chain

Zebra Technologies' David Phillips explains how eliminating excess work-in-process waste improves your supply chain.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—April 2010

Port of Auckland, New Zealand, debuts seaport rail link; DB Schenker signs on to provide transport for Australia's Gorgon gas project; South Korea pursues free trade agreements; Liberia explores port privatization; BRIC countries expand logistics market; CN plans new logistics park northeast of Calgary

Robert L. Sobel

Insurance, Risk Management

Reducing Risk with Trade Disruption Insurance

Robert L. Sobel of Cook, Hall, and Hyde outlines how shippers can benefit from trade disruption insurance.

Global Logistics, Transportation Infrastructure

Let's Go Europe: Touring Transportation Best Practices

U.S. companies exploring uncharted markets to expand their global presence might consider taking a second pass through Europe for a fresh perspective on transportation best practices.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—March 2010

Mazda signs CEVA Logistics to manage spare parts distribution in Italy; The World Economic Forum's Logistics & Transport Industry Group releases carbon emissions guidelines; Damco locates new office Djibouti; European businesses form inland port initiative; Lufthansa Cargo and Austrian Airlines agree to coordinate cargo flows; South Africa's poor infrastructure drive high transport costs; Asian air freight traffic soars; Ryder expands in Asia

Import, Export, Global Logistics

ISF Compliance: Solving 10+2

Importers and exporters must make sure the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's new 10+2 equation adds up. Here's the formula for successful compliance with the Importer Security Filing (ISF) regulation.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—February 2010

The Middle East's express, freight forwarding, and logistics sectors are expected to weather a global depression and experience considerable growth; December 2009 was a good month for global trade; DHL ceases operations of domestic parcel service in United Kingdom; Air France struggles to break even.

Supply Chain Management

Using Social Networking for Logistics

Tim Richards of States Logistics Services offers advice on using Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social networking sites to enhance your supply chain.

Felecia Stratton

Supply Chain Management

Brought!

A logistician's resilience is valuable when opportunities are ripe, but it's invaluable when problems persist, writes Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton.

Supply Chain Management

On the Road | Introduction: Off the Beaten Path

Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O'Reilly's supply chain travelogue details a year spent visiting logistics and transportation sites and businesses around the country.

Supply Chain Management

What’s the Difference?

Industry experts explain the source of some common misperceptions regarding supply chain and logistics lexicon.

Global Logistics

Global Logistics—January 2010

New study touts the Netherlands' cargo distribution excellence; Hong Kong plans major infrastructure projects; Werner Enterprises launches Australian subsidiary; Japan and United States agree to terms on airline rules; Heavy-vehicle manufacturing executives address industry concerns; DB Schenker Rail increases ownership in Italian rail freight operator; Jeddah Islamic Port completes new container facility; Index ranks countries' economic freedom; Report analyzes trade logistics in the global economy

Kurt Cavano

Supply Chain Management

Ready for the Rebound

Smart companies are using the recession to address supply chain inefficiencies so they will be ready for the economic rebound, writes Kurt Cavano of TradeCard.

C. Daniel Negron

Insurance, Risk Management

New Year, New Insurance Review

C. Daniel Negron of TT Club offers guidance for making sure your supply chain is properly insured.

Bar-coding Systems, Automotive Logistics

Bar Codes Rev Up Auto Supplier Operations

An end-to-end scanning solution with components from Integrated Barcoding Systems and Zebra Technologies helps Trelleborg Automotive Americas improve efficiency and accuracy, while providing real-time production data and lot traceability.

Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Culture, Collaboration, and Courage

Profile of Megan Davidson, chief people officer, Crowley

Brian Meents

Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Hub Group's Leading Supply Chain Solutions Facilitated Clear Sailing During 2021-2022 Port Congestion

This past year presented extreme challenges for the supply chain. By providing the industry's leading supply chain solutions for more than 50 years, Hub Group supported its customers by leveraging experience in strategic planning across the supply chain, tailored solutions, dependable capacity, and advanced visibility.

3PL, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Why Should You Attend Connections 2022?

Connections 2022 is your expert resource for networking, gathering insights and helping your business be more successful. This industry-leading, supply chain-focused event will help you take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2022.

Supply Chain, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Supply Chain Management

What’s the difference between traceability and transparency in the supply chain?

Readers offer insight on the difference between supply chain traceability and transparency. Guess which one you can have without the other?

Global Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

7 Strategies to Reboot Global Supply Chains

Experts provide advice on changes companies can make to reboot their supply chains for the COVID era.

Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management

There’s Always Something to Make Better

Profile of Daniel Politowicz, logistics and transportation manager with Tubelite Inc

Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Top Supply Chain Disruptions in 2021

Supply chain disruptions increased 88% year over year in 2021, says data released by risk management platform Resilinc, with disruptions related to supply shortages increasing 452%, the largest increase across all event types.

Finance, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Finance: You Can Bank On It

Using supply chain finance to successfully manage cash flows enables companies to cut debt and boost profitability.

Demand Planning, Risk Management, Technology

2022 Supply Chain Predictions

Get ready for another rollercoaster year. From limited transportation capacity to skyrocketing material costs to continuing supply chain disruption, here’s what to expect and what to do about it.

Partnership, Risk Management, Technology

Building Carrier Relationships That Withstand the Stress Test

Developing mutually beneficial relationships guarantees your partners will be there for you – in good times and bad.

Manufacturing, Risk Management, Technology

Supply Chain Lessons Learned: The Technology Spin

Digital transformation will be fundamental as we tune into a post-pandemic supply chain.

Keith Biondo

Risk Management, Supply Chain, Technology

You Won't Get Fooled Again

Smart enterprise leaders have used the past two years to drive change in their business processes.

Automotive Logistics, Transportation, Warehousing

When the Rubber Meets the Road: Warehousing Solution Goes on Overdrive

Evan Distribution Systems deployed its warehousing solutions to ensure manufacturer Kenda Rubber’s tires arrived at its customer locations from Taiwan on time, damage-free, and with the least amount of cost to Kenda.

Big Data, Manufacturing, Risk Management

We Won’t Be Fooled Again: The Enterprise Perspective

This story looks at enterprise-level strategies that companies are using to meet today’s difficult supply chain challenges, and that offer potential lessons for their operations in the future.

Mark Johnson

Big Data, Risk Management, Security

4 Steps to Building Cyber-Resiliency

Four steps to building cyber-resiliency for supply chains to prevent exploitation and protect critical information.

Jason Murray

E-commerce, Risk Management, Technology

Early Amazon Story Explains How to Create Resiliency

By reshaping technology to support multiple delivery partners, Amazon ensured a system with fewer late deliveries, better customer experience, and minimal system downtime or bottlenecks.

Careers, Manufacturing, Sustainability

Star Power

Profile of Amy Davis, vice president and president of the New Power segment of Cummins Inc., a global power leader.

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

How would you summarize the supply chain in 2021 in five words?

Inbound Logistics readers encapsulate the state of the supply chain in 2021.

Robert Kriewaldt

Fulfillment, Inventory Management, Risk Management

Balancing Just-in-Time with Just-in-Case

Supply chain leaders must balance efficiency and cost, with inventory management strategies that incorporate the Lean efficiencies of Just-in-Time with the higher inventory levels of Just-in-Case.

E-commerce, Careers, Lean

Follow the Sun

Chief executive officer Arch Thomason basks in a mentor list 33 names long, lean principles, and a team of smart people to keep Sunland Logistics Solutions shining bright and set customers up for success.

John Paxton

Risk Management, Technology

Survive or Thrive? How Did Your Supply Chain Weather the COVID Pandemic?

What distinguishes companies that thrived from those that barely survived? The eighth MHI Annual Industry Report uncovers the answers.

Big Data, Manufacturing, Technology

Network Analysis Reveals Supply Chain Optimization Opportunities

A network optimization study with Odyssey Logistics & Technology gave a global manufacturer, which spent more than $1 billion annually on shipping, the insight to optimize its global supply chain network.

Supply Chain, Trucking, Supply Chain Management

4 Supply Chain and Logistics Trends to Watch in 2022

By taking the right steps, you can position your company for success despite the many challenges. Watch these four trends in 2022, each of which offers opportunities for greater productivity and efficiency.

3PL, Demand Planning, Risk Management

Leveraging 3PLs to Ease COVID Business Growing Pains

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for more robust and responsive logistics, with more consumers and businesses expecting just-in-time delivery or products shipped directly to their front doors. One option is utilizing third-party logistics (3PL) suppliers to move and transport excess raw material or finished goods.

Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Enabling Supply Chain Agility

With the pandemic still taking hold, it’s more important than ever that businesses maintain a consistent flow of goods. To ensure supply chain agility and avoid further disruption, many companies are adopting processes to help manage new labeling and supply chain complexities.

Jan Hoppe

Partnership, Risk Management

10 Ways to Improve Your Supply Contract

Parties to a supply contract should consider regulating these 10 points to help limit liability.

Labor Management, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Acing Your Stress Test

A supply chain resilience stress test is a key first step in assessing risk. A comprehensive stress test assesses resilience across these five factors.

Food Logistics, Automotive Logistics, Technology

From Cornflakes and Cars to Logistics

Val Hoge, chief operations officer at DP DHL Supply Chain North America, empowers teams with a transparent work environment, viewing feedback as a gift to maximize input and engagement.

Inventory Management, Retail, Supply Chain Management

Reducing Customer Costs Through Strategic Inventory Movements

Taylored Services' unique approach allows the company to develop independent processes designed to drive the success of customers through increased operational transparency and strategy.

Labor Management, Risk Management

Flexing Labor Practices to Respond to Supply Chain Disruptions

Responding to e-commerce surges without compromising service levels, MD Logistics flexed labor across its business by emphasizing four core elements.

Dusty Dean

E-commerce, Manufacturing, Technology

Fixing Manufacturers' Broken Traditional Selling Processes

Manufacturing's traditional selling processes are broken. Our next chapter requires a savvy digital approach backed by a deep understanding of buyer expectations.

Careers, Labor Management, Manufacturing

Marc Hansult: Here Today, Ghana Tomorrow

Profile of Marc Hansult, co-founder and co-chief executive officer with DRTR (Do The Right Thing) Apparel.

Lindsey Shellman

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Technology Must Be a Theme in 2021

As more companies involved in supply chain adopt technology out of necessity, it is hard to see them ever turning back. Technology continues to be viewed as beneficial, driving the industry to evolve and flourish.

David Jarmon

Big Data, Risk Management, Security

Can Your Supply Chain Withstand the Unexpected?

How do we defend dynamic threats to the backbone of how we consume goods and services? Here are tips to achieve a secure and available supply chain.

Automotive Logistics, Technology

Nonautomotive Robot Orders Rove Ahead

Supply chain disruptions and workforce challenges are causing industries to accelerate their automation strategies. Yearly robot orders from nonautomotive sectors surpassed automotive robot orders for the first time.

Glenn P. Clinger III

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

5 Steps to Process Improvement

As many companies close their doors and others struggle to stay afloat, process improvement has become more important than ever to save money and attain greater efficiency.

Keith Biondo

Global Logistics, Ports

Buddy, Can You Spare a Can?

Will the current U.S. administration take action to protect U.S. export enterprises?

Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management

Do you expect a resurgence in reshoring to the United States? Why or why not?

Supply chain leaders discuss whether they expect a resurgence in reshoring to the United States.

Air Cargo, Manufacturing, Ports

Puerto Rico: Go with the Flow

Puerto Rico is a sometimes overlooked domestic market for U.S. manufacturers. But a “Made in America” initiative, a highly skilled workforce, and transshipment capabilities are beckoning shippers to the island.

Jon Chorley

Risk Management, Technology

Building Coherent Enterprise Architecture

To stay competitive, many companies have turned to new solutions like artificial intelligence, IoT, and blockchain for a competitive edge. Many companies, however, failed to address the elephant in the room: the on-premise, decades-old systems they used for core supply chain operations.

Sean Harapko

Risk Management, Technology

Disruption Reinvents the Supply Chain

As COVID-19 changes our world, there has been a dramatic shift in how supply chains are viewed within an organization. It's now increasingly recognized as an area where companies have the most to gain or lose.

Manufacturing, Risk Management

3 Underreported Trends That Will Accelerate Reshoring

Interest in reshoring is accelerating, according to Thomas research. Here are three under-reported trends that will help manufacturers speed up their reshoring efforts.

Felecia Stratton

Demand Planning, Inventory Management, Supply Chain Management

A Valid Question

"Inbound logistics" doesn't sound odd now. But in 1980, it was counterculture. Today, many call this approach supply chain management or the demand-driven enterprise. No matter what you call it, the benefits and value are clear.

Larry Hargreaves

Technology , Supply Chain Management

Managing Transitions Effectively to Enhance Project Success

The effectiveness of a transition, from switching 3PLs to moving facilities, depends on how well the change is managed. It is essential to have a documented project plan and a dedicated project manager with experience across multiple disciplines.

Ed Moran

Big Data, Manufacturing, Transportation

Bringing Transportation in Sync with the World

True digital transformation requires the ability to think beyond the next load or the next order to find new and enduring ways to match fluctuating demand with capacity and connect relevant industry partners in efficient ways.

Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

137 Tips for a Fully Charged Supply Chain

The ultimate list of tips for charging up your supply chain to full power in 2021 and beyond.

Senthil Murugaiyan

Technology , Supply Chain Management

Scaling SCM Ecosystems—Boardroom Insights

Modernizing the ecosystems while keeping up the ongoing business operations is the reality of every business. The current ecosystem, future solution expectations, and resource models are the drivers that determine the program's pace.

Technology , Supply Chain Management, Visibility

How to Identify the Blind Spots in Your Supply Chain

From manual processes that eat up capital and waste time to a general lack of collaboration between suppliers and retailers, blind spots persist in today's supply chains. All of these issues need to be addressed to make supply chains as resilient and financially sustainable as possible.

Careers, Distribution, Manufacturing

Tonya Jackson: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

A profile of Tonya Jackson, senior vice president and chief supply chain officer with Lexmark, a creator of imaging solutions and technologies. 

Andrew Bruce

Technology , Supply Chain Management

Blockchain Brings Value to Touchless Supply Chains

Blockchain delivers the visibility, provenance, and data accuracy to allow for contractual flexibility and facilitate frictionless transactions, which are key as global logistics goes touchless.

Bindiya Vakil

Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management

Reshoring Starts with Mapping Suppliers

After COVID-19 disrupted Chinese-made supplies of personal protective equipment, reliance on Chinese suppliers was portrayed as a weakness. It's time for companies with suppliers in China to evaluate whether to reshore or nearshore parts of their supply chains. Here are four key points to consider.

Global Logistics, Technology

How IoT Solves Global Supply Chain Challenges

With so many components to account for, it can be difficult for supply chain operators to confidently manage them all without the proper tools. To ensure packages are being handled as efficiently as possible and that losses are kept to a minimum, operators need visibility, which they can achieve using the Internet of Things (IoT).

Manufacturing, Retail, Supply Chain Management

Top Hat and Tales

Wallaroo Hat Company co-founder Stephanie Carter applies her entrepreneurial spirit to tackling outsourcing, tariffs, and pandemic challenges, and to pursuing new ventures, such as a nonprofit that assists women and girls in Cameroon.

Manufacturing, Warehousing

Yard Work

By weeding out detention costs, trimming inefficiencies, and seeding visibility and productivity, yard management systems (YMS) can fertilize your supply chain.

Technology , Supply Chain Management

Hopping on the Transformation Train

Global disruption has failed to halt shippers' digitization: 52% of companies say they will increase their spending on digital transformation, and those concerned with economic disruption are 20% more likely to invest. However, these numbers aren't consistent across all industry verticals.

Global Economy, Demand Planning, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chains Need Long-Term Resilience

Before COVID-19 struck, supply chains were praised for their just-in-time capabilities. Now entirely new levels of supply chain resilience are needed, according to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals' 2020 report.

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Controlling Your Own Destiny: Why Shippers Must Find Ways to Ensure Supply Chain Resiliency

Supply chain disruptions may be a reality the world will continue to contend with. How can shippers weather the COVID-19 storm and maintain a semblance of business continuity during periods of such uncertainty? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, shipping organizations must take more control of their own destinies. These key business strategies will help shippers secure their supply chain resiliency well into the future.

Labor Management, Manufacturing, Risk Management

COVID-19's Impact on North American Manufacturers

The latest COVID-19 Manufacturing Survey from Thomas Insights illuminates emerging trends in reshoring, labor, and technology, and reveals a positive outlook for the future of manufacturing.

Risk Management, Trucking, Technology

The Great Freight Debate: What’s Next for the Industry?

With the shock wearing off and operations starting to stabilize, organizations shift their focus to the future. The overwhelming challenge is navigating the uncertainty. Here are four freight trends worth paying attention to moving forward.

Project Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Project Logistics: Doing the Heavy Lifting

The professionals behind special logistics projects need to attend to details, focus on the big picture and always prepare for problems.

Pat Brugger

3PL, Finance, Manufacturing

Outsourced Manufacturing: Achieving Quality and Financial Goals

Manufacturers have been outsourcing noncore production processes for decades, and the trend continues. The key to successful outsourcing is assuring the 3PL value-added assembler (VAA) has a quality management system.

Logistics, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Taking Up Space

Profile of Mark Wiese, who works at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida as manager of the deep space logistics of the Gateway program.

Katie MacDonald

Freight Forwarders, Partnership, Risk Management

How Your Freight Agency Can Succeed in an Uncertain Market

Staying engaged with your customers, providing solutions to their new demands, and not losing sight of your business goals can help improve your business during uncertain times.

Matt Tiedens

Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

Setting Up a Successful RFP

Matt Tiedens, director of logistics solutions with Ruan Transportation Management Systems, discusses how to manage the RFP process and attract the best results.

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Yard Automation Addresses Three Weak Spots to Build Supply Chain Resilience

While there aren’t many quick fixes when it comes to mitigating global disruption, leaders can use solutions that directly address the biggest weaknesses in the supply chain that were highlighted as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak: demand, labor, and energy.

Finance, Labor Management, Risk Management

Five Keys for Turning Challenge into Opportunity

To capitalize on what they’ve learned, transform, and thrive in a post-COVID world, supply chain leaders should focus on these five pillars: people, finances, decision-making, infrastructure, and customers.

Food Logistics, Risk Management, Technology

Crying Over Spilled Milk: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Waste

What the food supply chain community learned from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis was that having the right technologies implemented was the difference between days or weeks to reroute, reschedule, repack, and reorganize goods to ensure delivery at a pre-COVID-19 standard.

E-commerce, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

How Will the Future Unfold?

As the coronavirus continues to disrupt global supply chains, Gartner developed three scenarios to help chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) prepare for recovery and make preemptive decisions to set up their organizations for success.

Careers, Risk Management, Technology

Strategize. Inspire. Listen.

Profile of Andrew Kirkwood, CEO, BluJay Solutions.

Keith Biondo

Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

In Defense of You

You've failed at logistics. So says David Segal in his recent article entitled "What Happened to the Great American Logistics Machine?" in The New York Times. So what happened to the Great American Logistics Machine?

Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

What's the most unexpectedly good advice you've received about the supply chain?

Good Question: We asked and you answered—this is the most unexpected supply chain advice our readers have ever received.

Inventory Management, Manufacturing, Technology

Extreme Networks Rewires Its Supply Chain

Extreme Networks’ acquisition spree provided the perfect reason to overhaul its supply chain practices and processes.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management

Goodbye NAFTA, Hello USMCA

It's all systems go for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the replacement for NAFTA, to take effect now that all three participating countries have taken the final steps necessary to comply with the commitments.

Risk Management, Supply Chain, Safety

Digital Health Tools Can Keep Workers Safe and Preserve Privacy

Digital tools that confirm a person's health status can create safe work environments while also protecting personal privacy as businesses and supply chains recover from the COVID-19 disruption.

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

COVID-19 Supply Chain Resources & Recovery Strategies

Supply chain leaders share the latest innovations, solutions, e-commerce strategies, and IT operations

Global Trade Management, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

The Value of Global Trade Insights in Navigating COVID-19 Supply Chain Disruptions

With the daunting task of navigating the rapidly changing global trade landscape, where should shippers begin? Actionable global trade data is your lifeline for supply chain resilience. Global trade intelligence solutions can help businesses swiftly find alternative suppliers in a concise three-step process: Identify potential sources, analyze costs, and vet potential trading partners.

Alan Miller

Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Act Fast, Act Smart

To maximize your decision to act, adapt a solution to the company’s processes or adapt the company’s processes to the solution.

Robert Kriewaldt

E-commerce, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

We Must Learn to Mitigate Supply Chain Disruption from Disasters

While the speed with which the supply chain was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic put supply chain weaknesses on display, it has also shined a light on where we need to strengthen our capabilities to mitigate future disruptions. Here are some areas the supply chain must address moving forward:

Labor Management, Supply Chain Management

10 Tips for Leading Your Team

These 10 tips for clear and effective supply chain leadership can help set your company's culture and motivate employees to work together toward a common goal.

Keith Biondo

E-commerce, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Staying Productive in Unproductive Times

Rather than wait for the next man-caused disruption or pandemic, smart business managers are extracting knowledge from a forensic investigation of their operations based on COVID-19 stress and kicking bad practices to the curb.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean Logistics, Manufacturing, Risk Management

The Road Map Out of This Mess

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the shortcomings of a supply chain that is perhaps too lean. However, to be “lean” doesn’t mean keeping extremely low inventory levels with no coordination or backup plan.

Global Trade Management, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

6 Keys to Pandemic Preparedness

Looking at what you could have done differently to be better prepared for the supply chain disruption caused by COVID-19? Companies that have fared the best to date did the following 6 things well in advance of the pandemic.

Risk Management, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Adapting Supply Chain Strategies Amid COVID-19

It's more important than ever for transportation and logistics companies to have an effective mobility strategy in place. Shippers can adjust their existing protocols with COVID-19-related policies by implementing these technologies and practices.

Distribution, Finance, Manufacturing

Distributors, Shippers Eye Surcharging to Stay Afloat Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Accepting credit cards can be a major differentiator for businesses, enabling customers to pay however is most convenient for them. To balance this need with the necessity of maintaining margins, consider credit card surcharging.

Risk Management, Supply Chain

Quantifying the Impact of COVID-19 on the Supply Chain

With dynamic updates on missed transits, rollovers, arrival notification, and port congestion during COVID-19, shippers can make decisions proactively and avoid inefficient costs due to detention and demurrage, expedited freight, and buffer stock.

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

COVID-19 Supply Chain Resources & Strategies

Supply chain management may have changed forever as COVID-19 brings heightened awareness to its fragility. With careful planning, shippers can minimize risks related to the pandemic.

Finance, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

3 Ways to Mitigate Supply Chain Slowdowns

As the supply chain faces factory closures and limited access to employees and logistics to move goods amid the COVID-19 outbreak, leaders can help ease disruption by focusing on their workforce, products, and costs, according to Gartner.

Global Logistics, Insurance, Risk Management

COVID-19 Pandemic: Do Your Shipments Have the Right Protection?

With the right risk-management plan, shippers can better understand the risks facing their supply chain operations and make sure their business is prepared by protecting the value of goods shipped globally.

Risk Management, Technology , Warehousing

How IoT Can Optimize Overwhelmed Supply Chains

With more and more brick-and-mortar shops temporarily closing their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s immense pressure on retailers to deliver much-needed supplies to individuals at home. The Internet of Things (IoT) can help mitigate this risk and ensure supply chains operate as swiftly as possible.

Risk Management, Supply Chain

COVID-19 Is Supply Chain’s Wake-Up Call

The power of centralized organizations must harness and unleash the strengths of decentralized communities to help beat COVID-19. Thousands of supply chain professionals, educators, and inventors have joined The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation (TWSCF) to rethink and change how supply chain operates in 2020 and beyond.

Risk Management, Supply Chain

4 Ways to Safeguard and Stabilize Your Supply Chain

Stabilizing core business operations, managing risk, and taking steps to perfect and enforce rights under existing agreements should be key priorities in your company’s response to COVID-19. Here are four strategies for supply chain professionals, in-house counsel, and risk managers to keep in mind.

Demand Planning, Trucking, Supply Chain Management

Replenishing the Fuel Supply Chain During COVID-19

With the demand for fuel changing so quickly, how can organizations manage their fuel supply chain in the wake of a crisis like the COVID-19 outbreak?

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Technology

Global Trade Management Systems: A Smart Bet

Global trade management systems (GTMs) can help organizations comply with trade regulations and tariffs, automate transactions, and gain visibility into their supply chains. By leveraging the information captured by the GTM, organizations also can improve their supply chain operations.

Paul A. Myerson

Finance, Supply Chain Management

Accounting for Lean

Lean accounting coupled with a lean supply chain can ensure everyone is rowing in the same direction to reach the maximum, long-range goals and benefits of Lean thinking.

Economic Development, Global Economy, Global Logistics

2020 Global Logistics Guide

Inbound Logistics' 2020 Global Logistics Guide provides an around-the-world look at the issues, opportunities, and concerns likely to affect global supply chain networks.

Doug Wheeler

Ports, Risk Management

4 Steps to Ensure Port Resiliency After a Critical Incident

Ports across our country must be prepared to support tenants and other partners. Doug Wheeler, president and CEO of Florida Ports Council, explains how ports can achieve long-term recovery.

Global Economy, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Is Your Supply Chain Resilient? How Manufacturers Can Map Dependencies and Minimize Risk During COVID-19

This is how manufacturers and retailers can map dependencies and minimize risk when facing supply chain disruptions like the new coronavirus pandemic.

Manufacturing, Partnership, Supply Chain

5 Steps to a Contract High

Relationship contracts can benefit distribution in many different industry sectors—these five steps can help you put one into action.

Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Risk Management

Useful COVID-19 Information & Guidance

Visit these links for helpful information and official guidance related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Careers, Manufacturing, Technology

6 Work From Home Tips for Manufacturing Professionals

Staying connected with your team, remaining productive, and sticking to a schedule can go a long way when working from home. Here are six ways to stay sane when working remotely during an emergency like COVID-19.

Big Data, 3PL, Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management

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.

Neil James

Partnership, Supply Chain Management

How Supply Chain Drives Business Value

Building high-performing alliances between supply chain and commercial teams is a key driver to success.

Automotive Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail

Coronavirus Precautions

Manufacturers with primary and sub-tier suppliers near Wuhan, China, can use these five guidelines to plan ahead for any COVID-19 impact.

Jay Fraze

Customer Service, Technology , Supply Chain Management

The Secret Behind the Best Supply Chain Transformations

Here are the top three ways data analytics and AI can transform your supply chain.

Health Care Logistics, Manufacturing, Warehousing

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.

Felecia Stratton

Logistics Solutions Providers, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

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.

Global Logistics, Supply Chain

Navigating Your Supply Chain Through the Uncertainty of Trade War

Trade tensions between the United States and China are running high and intensifying with each new week. With no clear resolution in sight, many are questioning the inevitable impact this will have on the global supply chain. While some companies are just beginning to consider changes to their operations, many are deep in the process of either moving production elsewhere or are seeking out alternative schemes.

Risk Management, Supply Chain

Resilient Risk Management in the Face of Hurricane Season

Preparation is the key to getting any business or community back on track after a natural disaster, and when it comes to hurricane preparation, the old adage that “failing to prepare is preparing to fail” rings very true.

Supply Chain, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management

5 Actions to Optimize Logistics Costs

Logistics leaders face pressure from their stakeholders to optimize logistics costs while maintaining service and performance levels. Gartner Inc. identifies the following five actions to help you optimize costs from within your organization.

Keith Biondo

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

The Death of Your Profession?

That's right, if you work in the supply chain management field, and have a decade or so until you retire, it's time to dust off your resume and consider other career paths. That's according to a Harvard Business Review article. Let's do an autopsy.

Food Logistics, Demand Planning, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

GOOD QUESTION | Popeyes chicken sandwich shortage: Supply chain fail or marketing savvy?

Readers weigh in on the Popeyes chicken sandwich shortage: Was it a supply chain miss or a marketing ploy?

Global Logistics, Ports, Supply Chain

Maritime Logistics in Ship Shape

While the prospect of higher tariffs and the cost of requirements to use low-sulfur fuel pose concerns for the maritime industry, it’s forging ahead with bigger, more automated seaports, as well as technology that improves visibility, reduces its environmental impact, and streamlines operations.

Keith Biondo

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Supply Chain

Take the Current When It Serves

Supply chain managers face known and unknown challenges—with a certainty that they can and will succeed no matter the impediments.

Automotive Logistics, Logistics

Syfan Logistics Delivers Time-Sensitive Load for Automobile Manufacturer

Syfan coordinated 36 full truckloads to ship 6,000 transmissions to its customer’s Allen Park, Michigan, warehouse within the one-week deadline.

John Sheehy

Risk Management, Supply Chain, Security

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.

Ports, Risk Management

Southeast Ports Close in Advance of Hurricane Dorian

Southeast ports prepare for the worst as Hurricane Dorian inches toward the U.S.

Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Consolidation Is an Easy Way to Make a Big Difference - Hub Group

Regardless of the method a shipper or consignee chooses to take, consolidation is an easy way to get quick wins for your supply chain.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean, Supply Chain

IBP and Lean: A Match Made in Heaven

Integrated Business Planning (IBP) uses an outside in type of thinking approach, which is more appropriate in today’s business world.

Bill Mathews

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Stop Calling It Backhaul

Why supply chain managers need to stop using the word backhaul and simply refer to them as loads.

Careers, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

GOOD QUESTION | What's the most neglected part of the supply chain?

Readers reveal the parts of the supply chain that should gain more notice.

John Carroll

Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Warehousing

Simplifying the Sophisticated Warehouse To Drive Efficiency - Serco Entrematic

Visibility to actions and status at the loading dock can be challenging, but providing that visibility, such as through the Kelley Digital Master Control Panel, can create powerful advantages to maximizing throughput.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Blowing in the Wind

If a transportation route, supplier, customer, or other essential supply chain partner is located in an area at high risk for hurricanes, then your business could risk a major disruption.

Logistics I.T., Partnership, Supply Chain Management

HyperX Game Plan: Win at Demand Planning and Replenishment

Kingston Technology’s HyperX division partnered with Logility to improve its supply chain visibility and demand, inventory and replenishment planning practices.

Mahmoud J. Alabbasi

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Strategies for Success Following Business Growth - Hollingsworth

Growth presents some new and sometimes unique challenges to overcome, regardless of your industry. Here’s how to optimize your supply chain during a growth period.

Dr. Greg Barnett

Careers, Manufacturing, Logistics

Three Steps to Addressing the Staffing Shortages in Manufacturing & Logistics

Three steps manufacturing and logistics employers can take to attract the incoming millennial and Gen-Z workforce.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean Logistics, Lean, Supply Chain

Managing Change in Turbulent Times

The rules that keep goods moving across borders are only going to get more complex. Staying compliant, let alone keeping track and making sense of scores of countries’ customs and compliance rules, international trade agreements, and a host of new pacts that will soon be coming online is a daunting task.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

2019 YMS Guide

Better manage your yard operations with this comprehensive guide. We showcase the providers and systems leading the market.

Manufacturing, Supply Chain

Automating AP Processes Takes the Bottleneck out of Manufacturing Supply Chains

If your company is being pressured to lower supply chain management costs, remain competitive with suppliers and protect your business from fraudsters – it’s time to abandon those eighteenth century paper checks and revolutionize your AP processes by transitioning to electronic payments. Consider it a well-placed investment in the next Revolution.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Noted: The Supply Chain in Brief

New and noteworthy in the supply chain

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

5 Insights to Industry 4.0

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Alaska: The Last Frontier

Successfully tapping into Alaska’s growth depends on the perseverance, innovation, efficiency, and resources of logistics providers whose experience has withstood the test of time and travel in this most extraordinary state.

Automotive Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

VERTICAL FOCUS | Steel

The latest news and trends impacting the steel supply chain

Inventory Management, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Planning for Unplanned Spend

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Bernice Cannon: Shooting for an Optimized Supply Chain

This article profiles Bernice Cannon, supply chain manager with Nouryon Pulp and Performance Chemicals, LLC, a global leader in specialty chemicals and formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

ERP Drives ROI

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Supply Chain

2019 Global Trade Management Guide

Some leading vendors in the GTM Solutions market.

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Supply Chain

2019 Global Logistics Guide

Inbound Logistics' 15th annual Global Logistics Guide provides an around-the-world look at the issues, opportunities, and concerns likely to affect global supply chain networks.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Noted: The Supply Chain in Brief

New and noteworthy in the supply chain

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

NOTED | The Supply Chain in Brief

New and noteworthy in the supply chain.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Becoming a Shipper of Choice

10 tips to help shippers become a “shipper of choice” in today’s logistics marketplace.

Matan Or-El

Supply Chain, Security, Supply Chain Management

The ABCs of Supply Chain Cybersecurity

One of the biggest issues that will quickly come to the forefront in 2019 is cybersecurity for the supply chain.

Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

GOOD QUESTION | Should the United States Postal Service be privatized? Why or why not?

Readers weigh in on whether the USPS should go private.

Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Workers: High Demand, Short Supply

Logistics and supply chain jobs, by the numbers.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

The Next Frontier in LTL - SMC³

SMC³, the transportation industry’s leading authority for LTL data, technology and supply chain education, is developing the industry’s only LTL certification program.

E-commerce, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Jennifer Daniel: Mastering the Art of Logistics

A profile of Jennifer Daniel, head of global logistics for Redbubble, an online marketplace that connects independent artists of graphic design, fine art, or photography with customers.

Supply Chain, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management

Sustainability's Missing Link

Economic performance is the top-ranking corporate sustainability priority for the majority of organizations, reveals a global survey of supply chain decision makers. When directly asked whether profitability or sustainability is more important, however, 60 percent give equal priority to these objectives, with another 25 percent leaning towards sustainability.

Manufacturing Logistics, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Technology

What, Me Worry?

Manufacturing professionals are among the most aware of industry change due to automation, finds The State of Intelligent Process Automation from Nintex. The survey of manufacturing workers finds that 75 percent don't harbor concern for job security amid the rise of new technologies.

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Supply Chain

A New Day for U.S. Ports

A robust economy and capital investments help buoy record cargo volumes.

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Technology Powers U.S. Manufacturing Renaissance

The impact of powerful forces such as digital transformation, Industry 4.0, the current regulatory climate, and automation on U.S. manufacturers is the focus of a new research report from ECi Software Solutions. The findings indicate the role technology is playing in the U.S. manufacturing resurgence.

Automotive Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Ford Predicts the Trends Driving 2019

It is helpful to understand consumer behavior when crafting efficient supply chains. Ford's 7th annual Trends Report, which analyzes consumer behavior based on interviews with more than 13,000 people across 14 countries, provides some insight.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Answering Global Volatility with IT Solutions to Support Supply Chain Agility

The current emphasis on supply chain performance is not going to go away once the back-and-forth sparring of tariffs and retributions have been resolved. Supply chain management will continue to play an important role in obtaining raw resources in a timely, efficient manner. A non-interrupted flow of materials is a necessity to meet customer expectations and remain competitive.

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Supply Chain

Asia Pacific Companies: Green Giants

China Post and Lufthansa Cargo announce strategic cooperation; LLamasoft survey finds that nearly half of manufacturers are considering alternate suppliers and are concerned about increased operational costs thanks to taxes and duties; Survey finds shipping industry concerned about impact of trade protectionism and cyber threats but mostly optimistic about growth; Global supply chain disruptions continue to grow at an alarming rate and the potential for financial or revenue impacts is the highest in three years; Top UK imports; automated storage and retrieval systems market to witness double-digit growth

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Global Trade Management

Weather Forecast: Supply Chain Disruptions Ahead

China Post and Lufthansa Cargo announce strategic cooperation; LLamasoft survey finds that nearly half of manufacturers are considering alternate suppliers and are concerned about increased operational costs thanks to taxes and duties; Survey finds shipping industry concerned about impact of trade protectionism and cyber threats but mostly optimistic about growth; Global supply chain disruptions continue to grow at an alarming rate and the potential for financial or revenue impacts is the highest in three years; Top UK imports; automated storage and retrieval systems market to witness double-digit growth

Jon Eberly

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Improving Supply Chain Performance by Focusing on Daily Improvement - Transplace

When first engaging in a partnership, shippers and their logistics providers identify a desired outcome and work collaboratively to deliver on those promises. In order to achieve the desired ROI and deliver on the promises made during the sales process, both parties need daily activities to align with that objective.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Regenerating Logistics

A profile of Denise Kopko, vice president of operations—commercial, supply chain and logistics, with Veolia North America, an environmental services company focused on designing and providing water, waste and energy management solutions for commercial, municipal and industrial customers.

Global Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

2018: A Year to Remember

2018 has been marked by tariffs, trade deals, and technological advancements. Here are the highlights.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Logistics, Supply Chain

Do You Need a Larger Customs Bond?

The New NAFTA winners and losers; shippers need larger customs bonds; Panama Canal sets record annual cargo tonnage in fiscal year 2018; South Korea trade growth remains positive in Q4 2018; the EU countries importing the most coffee; Feelunique partners with SEKO Logistics for cross-border growth into China; first global network of ocean-bound plastics supply chains

Labor Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Meet Your Match

3PLs and tech providers can empower ethical supply chains, winter warehouse tips, what is most important to carriers when working with shippers, Fleet Advantage 2018 benchmarking survey reveals fleet operators pulse about rising fuel and maintenance and electric trucks, female high school students, findings from 2019 Third-Party Logistics Study, Forrester forecasts that companies will spend $434.9 billion to run IoT solutions by 2023, startup aims to make robots safe around factory workers, conditions ripe for multistory warehouses, automated material handling equipment market to exhibit significant growth during 2018–2024

Import, Global Logistics, Supply Chain

That's a Latte Coffee

The New NAFTA winners and losers; shippers need larger customs bonds; Panama Canal sets record annual cargo tonnage in fiscal year 2018; South Korea trade growth remains positive in Q4 2018; the EU countries importing the most coffee; Feelunique partners with SEKO Logistics for cross-border growth into China; first global network of ocean-bound plastics supply chains

Health Care Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Committing Head and Heart to Health

Leadership profile of Chris Cassidy, president of global healthcare logistics strategy, UPS.

Manufacturing Logistics, Manufacturing, Technology

Factory Robots: Better Safe Than Sorry

3PLs and tech providers can empower ethical supply chains, winter warehouse tips, what is most important to carriers when working with shippers, Fleet Advantage 2018 benchmarking survey reveals fleet operators pulse about rising fuel and maintenance and electric trucks, female high school students, findings from 2019 Third-Party Logistics Study, Forrester forecasts that companies will spend $434.9 billion to run IoT solutions by 2023, startup aims to make robots safe around factory workers, conditions ripe for multistory warehouses, automated material handling equipment market to exhibit significant growth during 2018–2024

E-commerce, 3PL, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Scorecards: A Tool for the Times

There’s a lot of interest in the industry right now regarding advanced technologies like blockchain and AI and the benefits they could bring to logistics operations – and with good reason. But, for all the promise these appear to hold, there are proven enhancement-focused tools already available – in particular, scorecards – that supply chain managers should take full advantage right now to ensure optimized performance across all supply chain functions.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

6 Post-M&A Supply Chain Strategies for Success

An M&A creates an opportunity to derive significant supply chain value. It requires logistics managers to establish partnerships and develop organizational processes that increase operational excellence. Here are 6 supply chain optimization strategies for success.

Paul A. Myerson

E-commerce, Last Mile Delivery, Lean, Retail, Supply Chain

Store Delivery Keeps Retailers in the Game

The fulfillment part of multi-channel e-commerce is tricky; store delivery is one possible last-mile option.

Earl van As

Customer Service, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Commentary: Five Challenges to Embrace and Channel into Business Advantages

Here’s how to navigate disruptions in the supply chain and turn them into new opportunities.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Mark Your Calendars: Logistics Events to Watch

These can't-events dive into the latest innovations and top-of-mind challenges facing supply chain professionals. Come for the insightful perspectives and stay for the thought-provoking discussions.

Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Plan for Change: How to Make Sure Your Supply Chain Remains Resilient in the Midst of Political Uncertainty

The current U.S. administration is not averse to disruption, and risk professionals in the supply chain and logistics sector need to be prepared to manage political and regulatory unknowns. Here's how.

Retail Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Collaboration: Myth or Reality?

Supply chain collaboration (SCC) is vital for companies to make critical decisions quickly and outpace the competition. But, are the key concepts of collaboration a current reality or a myth? This article breaks them down.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Insight: What Do Young Supply Chain Professionals Want from their Career?

The inaugural 2018 CSCMP/Penske Young Professionals Survey sheds light on what young professionals are looking for in a career. Understanding their motivators is key to solving the supply chain talent gap.

Automotive Logistics, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

K Line, Agunsa Drive KAR

To leverage rising automotive import traffic in Latin America, particularly in Chile, multinational logistics agency Agunsa has partnered with Japanese shipping firm "K" Line to create a dedicated automotive logistics company.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Can Your Supply Chain Keep Up With Technology?

E-commerce, China, Automotive Logistics, Global Logistics

U.S.-Cuba Trade: Where Do Sanctions, Sourcing, and Compliance Meet?

U.S.-Cuba trade–The intersection of sanctions, sourcing and compliance; Chilean multinational logistics agency Agunsa has teamed up with Japanese shipping firm K-Line to form a dedicated automotive logistics company, KAR Logistics; UPS and SF Holding joint venture receives regulatory approval in China; Dubai introduces e-commerce center

Finance, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Debt: A Rising Risk in Your Supply Chain

Supply chain managers face many types of risk on a daily basis—cargo theft, natural disasters, long lead times, and unpredictable demand. But none is currently at an inflection point quite like debt.

Paul Myerson

Lean Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Sometimes It's Better Not to Be So Pushy

It’s worthwhile to consider the push/pull boundaries already in place at your company and where they should be to best serve your customers–and shareholders–in the future.

Joe Mallozzi

Global Logistics, Sourcing/Negotiations, Global Trade Management, Logistics

U.S.-Cuba Trade: The Intersection of Sanctions, Sourcing, and Compliance

Shippers are keeping a close watch on Cuba, and analyzing market and product gaps waiting to be filled. Here’s a look at the changing realities of sanctions, sourcing, and compliance.

Felecia Stratton

Careers, Education, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Masters of the Future

IL Editor Felecia Stratton was lucky to get an annual glimpse into the future of the logistics workforce—and can say with confidence that we’ll be just fine.

Retail, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Tim O’Brien: Exuding Star Power

Profile of Tim O’Brien, senior director, supply chain, with Purchasing Power, a specialty e-commerce retailer that provides goods and services to customers who make payments through payroll deductions

Global Logistics, Ocean, Logistics I.T., Technology

Supply Chain Commentary: The Future of Blockchain in Ocean Shipping

As ocean shipping becomes increasingly digitized, blockchain will play a key role, providing authenticated data and bringing costs down. Here’s what SMBs should be doing now to get ready for a blockchain future.

Food Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Yone Dewberry: Engineering the Supply Chain

Profile of Yone Dewberry, chief supply chain officer, Land O’Lakes

Lean Logistics, Inventory Management, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Golf Ball Maker Hits Supply Chain Sweet Spot

With a pull instead of a push replenishment strategy, golf ball maker Acushnet increased supply chain efficiency.

Cyrus Hadavi PhD

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Commentary: Stop Reacting to Problems, Start Predictive Planning

Most companies rely on static models of the supply chain and wait until a problem occurs. Try predictive planning instead, an AI-based approach designed to avoid surprises in delivery performance and last-minute orders.

Chris Makowski and Nisa Moore

Global Logistics, Global Trade Management, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain

Insights into Complexities of Managing Secure Global Transportation for the Government - General Dynamics IT

Establishing a committed team and communicating procedures and expectations is the key to managing the complex web of global shipping.

Retail Logistics, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

U.S. Online Shoppers Click With International Retailers

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Summer Reading Guide 2017

Here’s a list of books that will help keep your logistics and supply chain skills sharp.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management Insight: Study Reveals Top Supply Chain Priorities

What do supply chain professionals consider their top three priorities in 2017? According to a recent APQC survey, it’s a mix of the old and the new.

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Safety

7 Tips to Driving a Strong Safety Culture

Marc Dedola

Import, Export, Freight Forwarders, Risk Management, Supply Chain

Commentary: Mitigating Supply Chain Risk

Make sure issues that can disrupt your supply chain are limited and infrequent. Here are several predictable and unpredictable risks that you should plan for:

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Will Stagnant World Trade Hurt Air Cargo?

Pharmaceutical Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

How Labeling Helps Meet Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Challenges


Pharmaceutical companies face many challenges. To operate more efficiently manufacturers are turning to labeling to provide an edge in the face of these challenges.

E-commerce, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

3 Main Sources of Supply Chain Complexity

Once you understand where the complexities lie in your supply chain, you can get to the source of your problem and streamline issues to help your organization.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Ocean, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Transportation

ICS Aims to Reduce CO2 Emissions from Global Shipping

The long term future of international shipping must eventually be fossil fuel free, according to the International Chamber of Shipping. 

Global Logistics, Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

7 Solutions to Mitigate Global Supply Chain Risks

In a globalized economy where finalized products have components manufactured all over the world, effective management of supply chains is critical. Adopt these habits to reduce and mitigate risks faced by supply chain parties.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Cosmetics Supply Chain Puts Its Best Face Forward

The cosmetics industry’s supply chain challenges include an above average number of SKUs, color changes linked to seasons and seasonal collections, products and ingredients requiring a temperature-controlled environment, multiple retail channels, and product trends influenced by celebrities and other taste-makers.

Doug Surrett

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Global Trade Network: A Strategic, Competitive Asset

Companies are realizing they must change their mindset to remain competitive. Embracing a global trade network model removes some of the constraints that make global trade management a challenge

E-commerce, Retail Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Apparel Logistics: Stepping Out in Style

This feature provides examines the supply chain challenges arising from some recent trends in the fashion industry, and looks at how brand owners and retailers are meeting those challenges.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation Management, Technology

Leading Logistics Provider Closes More Business, Develops Stronger Customer Relationships

Education & Careers, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

U.S. Manufacturing: All Systems Grow

North America’s manufacturing sector is on an upward trajectory. However, a shortage of young talent, compounded by Baby Boomers’ negative perceptions about Millennials, could impact its continued expansion, according to ThomasNet’s latest Industry Market Barometer® (IMB) research.

Brad Constantini

3PL, Supply Chain Management

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.

Demand Planning, Inventory Management, Global Trade Management, Risk Management

Vertical Focus: Electronics

The electronics industry has seen price hikes, supply chain shortages, an increase in global demand, and much more. Here's the latest Vertical Focus on what's happening in the electronics industry.

Expedited Shipping, Humanitarian Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Is There a Logistics Professional in the House?

When bad things happen, the first people we think of as being essential are doctors...and nurses, firefighters, or other types of first responders. And yet, the list is not complete. Consider the capabilities and assets that logistics professionals bring to the table, especially during times like hurricane season.

Loading Dock, Ports, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management

Streamlining Supply Chains During Widespread Port Congestion

Hub Group’s customer-focused approach led by dedicated, problem-solving freight engineers provides exactly what shippers need when faced with even the most challenging conditions.

E-commerce, Retail Logistics, Distribution, Fulfillment, Inventory Management, Lean, Supply Chain Management

How can retailers compete with the logistics dominance of the e-commerce behemoths?

Readers share how they keep their smaller retail businesses competitive against massive-commerce companies.

Global Economy, Global Trade Management, Ocean, Ports, Supply Chain Management

Shipping Lines Skip a Beat

Global ports lost more than one-third of their expected capacity to ship containers in 2021, causing economic trouble for some smaller developing nations, among others, finds research commissioned by the Global Shippers Forum (GSF). The study, which was conducted by MDS Transmodal, identifies the extent of capacity restriction in 2021 that resulted from scheduled port calls being skipped by shipping lines.

Mark Haslam

Big Data, Demand Planning, Fulfillment, Logistics I.T., Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

Out of Stock? Hoarding is Not a Solution

Investing time and money in making products available is more important today than ever before, thanks to the ripple effects of COVID-19. Capacity constraints and delivery agents have been upended, and product availability is at risk. Rising digital trends and changing consumer behavior and spending habits have also led to an urgency to respond to market conditions quickly.

Supply Chain, Trucking, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Two Generations with a Drive to Serve, Grow and Innovate

From its humble origins to its status today as the largest privately held LTL carrier in Canada, Polaris has embraced a customer-centric approach, working tirelessly to build loyalty and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain Management

10 Tips: Choosing a 3PL

Your 3PL should be a catalyst for producing unmatched retail logistics performance levels and total supply chain optimization. Here are 10 tips for choosing the right partner.

Global Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

7 Strategies to Reboot Global Supply Chains

Experts provide advice on changes companies can make to reboot their supply chains for the COVID era.

Manufacturing, Risk Management, Technology

Supply Chain Lessons Learned: The Technology Spin

Digital transformation will be fundamental as we tune into a post-pandemic supply chain.

Partnership, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Masterful Moves: Overcoming Deadlines, Pressures, and the Pandemic

Holman Logistics provided its client with Extraordinary Service resulting in seamless execution for a warehouse move done in record time.

Paul A. Myerson

Finance, Demand Planning, Risk Management

S&OP: Bringing the Outside In

To achieve success in today’s volatile global environment, there is a need to have a more “outside-in” approach using information from your extended supply chain to maximize customer value and overall supply chain surplus.

Supply Chain, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management

Girding for Supply Chain Turmoil in 2022

Companies can minimize disruption by implementing specific tools and best practices that will enable clearing logistical, transportation, and technological hurdles. Those include modernizing your business’ supply chain management processes—adopting artificial intelligence, for instance—enhancing visibility within the logistics network, applying analytics, and expanding your carrier networks.

Manufacturing Logistics, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management

How Manufacturers Can Navigate Global Supply Chain Upheaval

Not only do advanced analytics reduce the supply of materials needed for a factory, but also help to find alternative vendors for materials that are in short supply. Here's how industry 4.0 technologies can ease the burden on the global supply chain.

Inventory Management, Manufacturing, Sustainability

Latest Fashion Trend? Sustainability

Sustainability is more important than ever for fashion supply chains. The biggest shift has been the number of products labeled "recycled" or "containing recycled materials."

E-commerce, Retail, Risk Management

What to Expect and How to Prepare for Peak Season

Here’s what you can expect from this year’s peak season and what you can do to avoid issues during this time.

Stephen Aborn

Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Big Transportation Impacts Small and Mid-Size Businesses

Strengthening and improving a transportation program helps companies proactively manage a large cost service center with a best-in-class strategy.

Air Cargo, Expedited Air, Risk Management

Air Cargo Today: Buckle Up!

Experts offer tips and advice for riding out the turbulent airfreight market.

Bindu Sundaresan

Risk Management, Security, Technology

Best Practices to Protect Supply Chains

Here are three cybersecurity best practices for protecting the supply chain that will help manufacturers continue to innovate, create new products and services, increase profitability, while maintaining a competitive edge.

Manufacturing, Trucking, Transportation

What spot shortage do you predict next?

Supply chain leaders share the spot shortages they predict next.

Demand Planning, Retail, Risk Management

How to Avoid Fragile Supply Chains

Supply chains breakdown in different ways, and each type of risk needs its own mitigation strategy.

Global Logistics, Labor Management, Technology

Choose Empathetic Technology:
Frontline Tech that Cares

The logistics and supply chain industry still is severely affected by the pandemic, from canceled sailings to a shortage of truck drivers. Frustration and anxieties are higher than ever. It’s time to be selective about what software you introduce and implement. How do you choose the right tech? It starts with empathy.

Food Logistics, Retail, Risk Management

For Beyond Meat and QSR Brands, Asking “What if?” Will Prevent “What Now?”

With major disruptions in the meat supply chain raising costs for restaurants and supermarkets, Beyond Meat pursues new partnerships with quick-service restaurant companies such as Taco Bell and McDonald’s.

Peter Quinter

Import, Cross-border Trade, Global Logistics

Avoiding Freight Detention and Seizure

Knowing the most common reasons CBP seizes a shipment can help you avoid the hassle.

Jeffrey G. Tucker

Risk Management, Trucking, Transportation

Change Is Here to Stay in the Supply Chain: Here's How to Manage It

The peaks and valleys we’re experiencing in the transportation market are not for the faint of heart, but there are still some moves you can make to regain some control.

Pini Mandel

Inventory Management, Retail, Supply Chain Management

3 Ways Dynamic Pricing Helps Retailers

Both physical and online retailers who maintain their own supply chain channels need to recognize their ability to control inventory levels by manipulating price.

E-commerce, Global Logistics, Retail

How to Import Duty-Free with Section 321

Navigating global logistics and setting up successful sales channels are huge problems for e-commerce retailers. Leveraging Section 321 can be a great way to reduce tax liability and help improve margins and customer satisfaction.

Omer Abdullah

Big Data, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

7 Critical Questions You Need to Ask

Fundamentally, managing supply risk is all about having access to the right insights at the right time. These 7 questions can help you gain them.

Chemical Logistics, Manufacturing, Sustainability

E. Coli Eats Up Plastic and Churns Out Vanilla

U.K. scientists used E. coli to transform plastic waste into vanillin, the molecule responsible for the characteristic smell and taste of vanilla.

Ryan Frederiksen

3PL, Partnership, Risk Management

Supply Chain Continuous Improvement Requires Collaboration, Trust, and Tolerance for Failure

Ruan’s approach to effective continuous improvement (CI) is centered around creating value within its partners’ businesses. CI begins with a clear understanding of each unique supply chain and baseline performance measures.

Food Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail

BBQ Supply Chain Sizzles

With consumers fired up to grill, manufacturers and retailers turn up their range of strategies to smoke the competition.

Security, Technology , Supply Chain Management

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT | Cargo Security

From smart devices that support supply chain visibility to bar seals that secure shipping containers, these products keep your cargo safe.

Hannah Testani

Risk Management, Transportation Management, Transportation

Getting a Grasp on Transport Spend

The next frontier in supply chain visibility entails leveraging powerful analytical tools and algorithms to create maximum efficiency on the ground, and help shippers adapt to a constantly changing shipping environment.

Lindsey Shellman

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Technology Must Be a Theme in 2021

As more companies involved in supply chain adopt technology out of necessity, it is hard to see them ever turning back. Technology continues to be viewed as beneficial, driving the industry to evolve and flourish.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Scan Global Logistics and TransGroup Transition to One Brand

Scan Global Logistics and TransGroup become one organisation under one name: Scan Global Logistics. The brand transition is a natural step toward a stronger global presence and will provide customers access to an extensive logistics network.

Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Agility Over Forecasting: Three Steps to a More Agile Supply Chain

Instead of relying on fine-tuning forecasting models, CPGs would be far better equipped to manage supply chain disruptions by embracing operational agility. Here's how.

Lean Logistics, Lean, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Does Lean Have a Limit?

Automation and intelligence will be key tools in developing supply chain resilience. Companies can start by implementing these three key enablers.

Global Logistics, Ocean, Transportation

Transportation Strategies: Weathering the Storm

While waiting for the pandemic to blow over, skilled shippers developed effective transportation strategies that will protect them in times of future disruption, no matter the conditions.

David Commiskey

3PL, Risk Management, Technology

A Supply Chain for the Next Normal

The companies who develop long-term logistics solutions enabled by technology and data insights to adjust to consumer demand and pandemic uncertainty are the ones who position themselves for growth in the new reality for supply chain operations.

Food Logistics, Risk Management, Security

The Art of the Steal

With pandemic-induced lockdowns, e-commerce surges, and transportation restrictions in 2020, cargo theft shifted to new commodities and locations.

Big Data, Risk Management, Technology

3 Vital Steps Toward Contactless Supply Chains

As the industry works toward a contactless standard, shippers can get a leg up on what’s to come by ensuring their operations are digital, interoperable and able to collect and analyze data.

Doug Mefford

Risk Management, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehousing

The Role of WMS and MES in Empowering Warehouse Resiliency

From variable allocation strategies to mixed demand consolidation needs, the warehouse management system can be a valuable tool to achieve resilience in the face of changing consumer demand patterns and delivery timelines.

Automotive Logistics, Manufacturing, Sustainability

Vertical Focus: Automotive

From self-driving cars to driving down emissions electric vehicles, this is what's trending in the automotive supply chain.

Air Cargo, Careers, Supply Chain Management

An All-American Leader

Jessica Tyler learned in her early career as a teacher that the best way to help people reach their potential is to have a relationship with them, which shaped her open-book leadership style as president of cargo at American Airlines.

Keith Biondo

Demand Planning, Technology , Supply Chain Management

From a Modest Beginning

When we started Inbound Logistics in 1981, the latest technology was using fax machines to distribute routing guides to vendors. Forty years later, we've advanced to using technology in a pivotal year, empowering the demand-driven enterprise.

Labor Management, Risk Management, Warehousing

Warehouse Safety Best Practices: Building a Program

To build a program that has the strength and support to last, follow these practices and leverage your staff’s experience and expertise.

Labor Management, Logistics I.T., Technology , Supply Chain Management

4 Ways to Include Deskless Logistics Workers in Your Digital Strategy

Supply chains are undergoing unprecedented restructuring driven by competition, demand shifts, and trade wars—circumstances further accelerated by COVID-19. Here are five ways to support the digital transformation of logistics by connecting deskless workers:

Inventory Management, Risk Management, Technology

What supply chain adjustment would you have made at the start of 2020 if you knew then what you know now?

From preparing for e-commerce growth to auditing cybersecurity practices, supply chain leaders share the adjustments they'd make at the start of 2020 knowing what they know now.

Sustainability, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Energy Management: The Next Step in Supply Chain Optimization

It's time to look beyond the usual IT enhancements and optimize the supply chain with smart energy management, which offers a triple threat: saving money, adding new revenue streams, and reducing impact on the environment.

Big Data, Manufacturing, Partnership

Collaboration Provides Unification, Visibility, and Reporting on Key Factors

TForce Worldwide partnered with a large manufacturing client, building a system that met its needs and a unified platform that provides complex data to support better business decisions.

Robert Kriewaldt

Fulfillment, Risk Management, Warehousing

How to Prepare Your Warehouse for a Second Wave of COVID-19

Warehouses and fulfillment centers should take these precautions to mitigate COVID-19 risks, keep the workforce safe, and avoid costly downtime.

Lori Harner

Big Data, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Control Tower Capabilities—Redefined

Control tower capabilities help companies make better supply chain decisions across all industries. Any business that experiences supply chain disruption and wants fast and accurate resolutions to benefit all parties stands to benefit, says Lori Harner of E2open.

Manufacturing, Retail, Supply Chain Management

Top Hat and Tales

Wallaroo Hat Company co-founder Stephanie Carter applies her entrepreneurial spirit to tackling outsourcing, tariffs, and pandemic challenges, and to pursuing new ventures, such as a nonprofit that assists women and girls in Cameroon.

Food Logistics, Manufacturing, Sustainability

Serving Up Sustainability

PepsiCo and General Mills plan to reduce their carbon footprint during the next 10 years, following similar initiatives by other food manufacturing giants.

Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Technology

Untangling Supply Chain Challenges

Most supply chain professionals can't stay ahead of their challenges as manufacturing and fulfillment complexities continue to grow. Key issues include integrating software and meeting customer expectations.

Technology , Supply Chain Management, Transportation

IN BRIEF: New Services & Solutions

Read the latest supply chain updates in technology, transportation, products, and services in October 2020.

E-commerce, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Getting Out of the Woods

COVID-19 radically changed the workplace and how supply chains operate. Shippers that scale their technical infrastructure, put the customer first, and improve the remote working environment will thrive.

Cross-border Trade, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations

Leveraging USMCA

Vincent Touya, managing director, at DACHSER USA, provides 10 tips for leveraging the new trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Risk Management, Trucking, Transportation

Power Through Logistics Challenges with New, Modern Chassis

When COVID-19 rocked the world, many companies were utilizing pool chassis in major ports and inland rail locations. However, with many pool chassis ranging in age from 20 to 25 years old, this led to serious problems, such as breakdowns and lack of availability. Leasing new, premium chassis could help prevent these problems.

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Controlling Your Own Destiny: Why Shippers Must Find Ways to Ensure Supply Chain Resiliency

Supply chain disruptions may be a reality the world will continue to contend with. How can shippers weather the COVID-19 storm and maintain a semblance of business continuity during periods of such uncertainty? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, shipping organizations must take more control of their own destinies. These key business strategies will help shippers secure their supply chain resiliency well into the future.

Technology , Supply Chain Management, Transportation

IN BRIEF: New Services & Solutions

Read the latest supply chain updates in technology, transportation, products, and services in August 2020.

Nick Shroeger

3PL, Demand Planning, Supply Chain Management

Addressing Shippers' Top Concerns

Although shippers should be prepared to see varying results compared to their original 2020 goals, a recovery in consumer demand is not too far away.

Rob Bailey

Big Data, Risk Management, Technology

Fixing Our Broken Supply Chain

COVID-19 is clearly a catalyst for necessary change and our collective global supply chain disruption makes it clear that the time to bring transparency and efficiency is now.

Labor Management, Risk Management, Technology

Thriving Amidst a Competitive Supply Chain Labor Market

Faced with a labor shortage exacerbated by the pandemic, MD Logistics developed a recruitment strategy to attract talent for present-day conditions as well as allow for continued growth.

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Yard Automation Addresses Three Weak Spots to Build Supply Chain Resilience

While there aren’t many quick fixes when it comes to mitigating global disruption, leaders can use solutions that directly address the biggest weaknesses in the supply chain that were highlighted as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak: demand, labor, and energy.

Distribution, Fulfillment, Risk Management

Reopening Fulfillment and Distribution Centers in the Wake of COVID-19

As businesses slowly recover following COVID-19 fulfillment and distribution centers can't simply flip a switch and return to normal operations. Reopening will require a rigorous methodology backed by data and analytics, and creative thinking about how to leverage existing technology in the workplace.

Big Data, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management

More Companies Seek Sustainability Data

An uptick of 24% more companies are asking their suppliers to report environmental data in 2020 through nonprofit CDP Global, with a 34% surge of growth in North America. Companies then use the data to inform procurement decisions and supplier engagement strategies.

Risk Management, Transportation Management, Transportation

Reducing the Pandemic's Impact on Transportation

Implementing these best practices can help companies reduce the impact to transportation operations and save costs during business disruptions.

Risk Management, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Make a New Plan, Stan

Organizations that have incorporated scenario planning into their process may be better prepared to cope with disruption and uncertainty. For those who have not advanced their planning capabilities, weathering the next disruption may not be as easy.

Health Care Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain Management

What COVID-19 supply chain pivot impressed you the most? Why?

Shippers around the globe pivoted their business in response to the COVID-19 pandemic—these are the innovative pivots that impressed supply chain leaders the most.

Julio Casal

Risk Management, Security, Technology

What's Lurking in Your Supply Chain?

An often overlooked source of security vulnerability is your supply chain. If you can’t honestly say you are fully apprised of the security postures of your vendors, partners and contractors, you are at major risk of a cyberattack.

Labor Management, Sourcing/Negotiations, Supply Chain Management

The True Value of Supply Chain Transformation

Profile of Lyndsi Lee, vice president of supply chain with hardware and home improvement wholesaler True Value, who drives end-to-end supply chain optimization, develop integrated planning and logistics strategies, and build best-in-class sourcing programs.

Retail Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail

Tailoring Apparel Supply Chains for the Future

Apparel brands and retailers can use the COVID-19 crisis to take stock of existing business models and create more stable and sustainable supply chains for the future.

Technology , Supply Chain Management, Visibility

How Mobile IoT Brings End-to-End Supply Chain Visibility to Life

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed holes in traditional linear methods of supply chain reporting, especially when shipments involve multi-tiered transportation models. To make real-time decisions, shippers need reliable, real-time intelligence, such as Mobile IoT.

Global Trade Management, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management

The Value of Global Trade Insights in Navigating COVID-19 Supply Chain Disruptions

With the daunting task of navigating the rapidly changing global trade landscape, where should shippers begin? Actionable global trade data is your lifeline for supply chain resilience. Global trade intelligence solutions can help businesses swiftly find alternative suppliers in a concise three-step process: Identify potential sources, analyze costs, and vet potential trading partners.

Paul A. Myerson

Lean Logistics, Manufacturing, Risk Management

The Road Map Out of This Mess

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the shortcomings of a supply chain that is perhaps too lean. However, to be “lean” doesn’t mean keeping extremely low inventory levels with no coordination or backup plan.

Mark McArthur

Lean Logistics, Risk Management, Technology

Bringing End-2-End Efficiency to Your Logistics Operations

Companies are looking for ways to manage more efficiently with less—while reallocating resources to more productive activities and maximizing freight spend value. Logistics operations are a great place to start as even the smallest percentage savings could mean triple digit impact to bottom lines.

Manufacturing, Risk Management, Transportation

How Shippers Are Handling COVID-19

Shipping volumes demonstrate the resilience of companies and their ability to produce essential products during disruption, and highlight the important role transportation plays

Manufacturing, Logistics, Technology

Creative, Agile Leaders Look to Technology for Answers in a Post-Pandemic World

Supply chain leaders pivot their companies in response to anticipated lower volumes of cargo during the COVID-19 outbreak and use innovative solutions to accommodate new delivery options.

Risk Management, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Adapting Supply Chain Strategies Amid COVID-19

It's more important than ever for transportation and logistics companies to have an effective mobility strategy in place. Shippers can adjust their existing protocols with COVID-19-related policies by implementing these technologies and practices.

Alan Miller

Technology , Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

This Is Not a Drill

Don’t delay. Create an agile, real-time approach. Have an effective communication strategy, one that includes internal users, vendors, and carrier partners. This will have a critical impact on your success.

E-commerce, Finance, Risk Management

Labeling Is Key in Keeping Up with Today’s Supply Chain

COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for supply chain and logistics management, and the pressure is on to deliver essential supplies, such as toilet paper and food, to consumers on time. Successfully delivering a product on time involves many factors, and labeling shipments correctly is one of them.

E-commerce, Demand Planning, Supply Chain Management

5 Operational Actions Shippers Can Take to Build Resilience

Shippers can take these five operations-focused actions to build resilience and pave the way for success as they shift into the "operate" phase of the COVID-19 crisis—not only to efficiently operate in this new business environment, but also to prepare for the next phases of the crisis.

Global Economy, Global Trade Management, Risk Management

10 Ways to Prepare for Global Trade Disruption

With tight production and shipping windows, finished goods importers are especially vulnerable when unexpected disruptions take place. These suggestions can help U.S. importers through what is shaping up to be a trying 2020.

Global Economy, Global Logistics, Global Trade Management

2020 Global Trade Management Guide

From resource planning and transportation management to analytics, these top global trade management (GTM) solutions can help take the stress out of managing your global supply chain.

Global Economy, Risk Management, Supply Chain

The Global Economic Impact of COVID-19

When dealing with high-risk global events like COVID-19, manufacturers should first pay attention to the supply side, such as inventory, alternative energy, or shipping, and mitigate the impact of high-risk disruptions.

Morgan Zimmermann

Manufacturing, Sustainability, Technology

AI Powers Sustainable Manufacturing

When applied to manufacturing, artificial intelligence enables companies to meet sustainability targets: workforce of the future, global operations optimization, and value network orchestration.

Food Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain Management

VERTICAL FOCUS | Fast-Moving Consumer Goods

FMCG retailers need to be aware of four key areas as they build their future omnichannel supply chains, finds RSR Research's Supply Chain Management 2018 report.

3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Supply Chain Management

Logistics Leaders Into Outsourcing

Logistics leaders meet or exceed their end-to-end supply chain goals with the help of logistics outsourcing, such as third-party logistics providers.

Michael Meeks

Safety, Security, Supply Chain Management

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.

Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

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.

Careers, Global Logistics, Warehousing

Taking the Wheel of GM's Service Parts

GM's executive director of global aftersales supply chain, warehousing, and logistics discusses her role and answers the big questions.

Michael Burdiek

Customer Service, Global Logistics, Technology

Seeing Clearly: The Value of Visibility

Lost visibility into your supply chain means lost value. The good news is that the right telematics and related technologies can help maintain powerful visibility and control over even the most complex global supply chain networks in service today.

Careers, Education & Careers, Supply Chain Management

A Hire Purpose: 11 Strategies to Recruit Supply Chain Talent

Competition has never been tougher to obtain supply chain talent, forcing companies to rethink recruitment strategies. Here are some best practices for companies to integrate into supply chain talent recruitment.

Air Cargo, China, Global Logistics, Global Trade Management

China's Trade Outlook Declines as Air Drags

Trade tensions between the United States and China have many repercussions, according to the DHL Global Trade Barometer, an early indicator of global trade developments calculated using artificial intelligence and big data analytics.

Inventory Management, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Visibility

Ensuring Supply Chain Visibility

In today's increasingly omnichannel marketplace, good visibility is vital throughout the supply chain. Here's how to maintain optimal visibility at 10 key touchpoints.

Paul A. Myerson

Big Data, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Drilling Deeper Into Your Supply Chain

Many industries use supply chain analytics to drive insight, make better business decisions and verify or disprove existing models or theories.

Michael Affronti

Big Data, Logistics I.T., Risk Management, Supply Chain, Technology

Using Real-Time Tech to Mitigate Risk

Real-time technology can help shippers keep abreast of high-impact incidents around the world and provide extra time and context to activate their supply chain risk mitigation strategies.

Food Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Ashley Tyrner's Vision Bears Fruit

Ashley Tyrner sources fresh organic and natural produce, forms partnerships with farmers, works with shipping companies, and designs produce boxes that customers receive.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Noted: The Supply Chain in Brief

A quick rundown of notable events, from sealed deals to green initiatives, in the supply chain

Careers, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

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.

Robert Kriewaldt

3PL, Risk Management, Supply Chain

Five Ways a 3PL Helps Mitigate Supply Chain Risk - Phoenix Logistics

Partnering with a 3PL does much more than free up time to focus on core competencies—it offers a buffer between the shipper and the ever-shifting challenges of the logistics realm.

Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Technology Trends You Can't Ignore

Strategic technology trends have the potential to drive significant disruption and deliver significant opportunity. Enterprise architecture and technology innovation leaders must evaluate these trends to identify opportunities, counter threats, and create competitive advantage

Careers, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

5 Supply Chain Myths—Busted

From Point A to Point Z, the supply chain provides fertile ground for persistent myths. Whether they concern job qualifications or day-to-day business practices, they merit some serious scrutiny.

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Looking for a New Logistics Provider? First Things First

For sellers looking for a new logistics provider, knowing what to look for in a 3PL or ISP — and what to avoid — is difficult, especially for businesses that are trying to make their way in the e-commerce economy.

Packaging, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Maximizing Packaging Efficiency

Packaging is a significant element of the supply chain. Optimizing packaging strategy and processes can significantly impact your ability to maintain a smooth and efficient supply chain.

Pallets, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Pallets Support Supply Chain Strategies

Regardless of the type of pallet—wood, plastic, composite, or metal—shippers are looking for some essential characteristics to move their goods safely and efficiently.

John Carroll

Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Addressing the Most Pressing Needs of the Warehouse - Serco Entrematic

Sectors such as food and beverage, industrial, and cold storage emphasize using data and metrics to improve efficiency, and loading dock control systems such as Serco Digital Master Control Panels can play a crucial role in that pursuit.

Dave Sapienza

3PL, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Supply Chain Management

The Latest TMS Capabilities for Brokerage and Managed Services - 3Gtms

Today’s Tier 1 TMSs can help you get work done faster, cut the need for calls and emails, reduce the number of screens and clicks, and increase your profitability.

Keith Biondo

Fulfillment, Manufacturing, Warehousing

Help From Your Warehouse

A series of convergent events are raising national supply chain costs at every touch but investing in processes and people, and aligning with phenomenal logistics partners will offset a good measure of the costs and increase customer satisfaction.

Retail Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

VERTICAL FOCUS | Beauty Products

The latest news and trends impacting the beauty products supply chain

Careers, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

GOOD QUESTION | What’s the first thing you would do to address the supply chain talent gap?

Readers reveal the first action they would take to address the supply chain talent gap.

Careers, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Leon Spencer: Oil's Well that Ends Well

Keith Biondo

Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management

Singularity: Shape-Shifting Self-Aware Supply Chains?

Four recent independent Artificial Intelligence (AI) advances indicate that self-aware supply chains, or what some are calling cognitive supply chains, may be closer than we think.

Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Technology

Industry 4.0 and the Agile Supply Chain: Materials Inventory Meets AI

AI’s application in materials inventory and data management will result in systems that are more usable, responsive and capable than ever to support agile supply chains. The emergence of AI is replacing frustration with the ability to leverage data for more strategic, creative opportunities to propel companies forward.

Amy Wren

Careers, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Tackling the Talent Gap From the Inside Out

To address today’s logistics talent gap, we need to rethink how we rethink the pipeline for talent in our own companies.

Shannon Vaillancourt

Logistics I.T., Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

What to Look for in Real-Time Track & Trace - RateLinx

Track & trace data allows for the shipping process to move smoothly and expectedly and provides opportunities for remedies when things don’t go smoothly.

Eric Woodie

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Soy to the World

The longer the trade tensions between the United States and other countries persist, the more the U.S. agricultural industry needs to rally around containerized soybean shipping to overseas markets.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

IN BRIEF: New Services & Solutions

New supply chain services and solutions

Packaging, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

On-Demand, One Package at a Time

Profile of Victor Finnegan, president and CEO, American Expediting

Automotive Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

VERTICAL FOCUS | Steel

The latest news and trends impacting the steel supply chain

Renata Mihich

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Women in Logistics: Support Matters

Women in logistics need support from their companies to succeed in their careers.

Education, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Education: Building the Skill Set That Lands the Job

We asked faculty at four academic supply chain management programs to describe elements of a curriculum to prepare students for the supply chain challenges found in businesses today.

Pharmaceutical Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

DHL Writes Prescription for Medical Express Service

DHL Express has launched DHL Medical Express Service (WMX) between Brazil and the United States for pharmaceutical and clinical research sector shippers.

Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Workers: High Demand, Short Supply

Logistics and supply chain jobs, by the numbers.

Global Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Looking Forward to it

Here are seven global logistics trends that will impact freight forwarding in the next few years.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Good Question: What's your best supply chain tip?

Industry professionals share their best supply chain tips.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Consumer Electronics FTZ - MD Logistics

MD Logistics navigated the application process to become a general-purpose zone operator, providing customers with significant cost savings and allowing their goods to flow to market with greater ease.

Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Trends on the Horizon in 2019

The four trends that will have the greatest impact on operations in North America in the coming year, according to DHL Supply Chain.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

How Shippers and 3PLs Can Better Manage the Global Cargo Chain's First Mile to Last Mile - WiseTech Global

Three experts from the WiseTech Global family of companies discuss how shippers and 3PLs can improve their cargo chains spanning first-mile pickup, cross-border consolidation, and deconsolidating into last-mile parcel carrier networks.

Ben Tyrrell

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Why Millennials Deserve Our Attention

How the growing millennial market will transform the supply chain sector.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

A New Combined Approach to Labeling and Artwork Management

Companies have struggled for many years to manage the growing complexities of their supply chains and go-to-market packaging content. Labeling has become more complicated, and Artwork Management has been challenged to meet an increasing number of demands on a global basis. 

Global Logistics, Logistics, Ports

GPA on Track for 4.3M TEUs

For Calendar Year 2018 through November, the Port of Savannah has handled 4 million twenty-foot equivalent container units, up from 3.72 million over the same period last year. Containers currently booked for December will add approximately 362,000 TEUs to the annual total.

Retail Logistics, Fulfillment, Retail, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Remains the “Next Big Thing”

Symphony RetailAI, and CPG manufacturers, announced the findings of a benchmark report. The fourth annual study, conducted by Retail Systems Research (RSR) and sponsored by Symphony RetailAI, shows enhanced efficiencies from previous years, but clear room for improvement in fulfillment strategies, demand forecasting, and inventory accuracy and visibility.

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

How Shippers Can Achieve Peace of Mind Through Shopping Season

A retailer or manufacturer who has a clear monitoring program in place will have peace of mind going through this holiday season. When everyone in the supply chain knows exactly what is going to happen if products are damaged, then the groups can work better together to ensure products arrive safely and consumers are happy.

Air Cargo, Expedited Air, Global Logistics, Supply Chain

Airfreight Forwarders Guide

These airfreight partners can help you fashion transportation operations that make your company a model of efficiency.

3PL, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

How to Make Your Holiday Shipping Less Frightful - Ascent Global Logistics

With so much at stake this holiday shipping season, retailer suppliers and 3PL partners must have a plan to deal with the inevitable disasters and near disasters.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Apple Seeds Clean Energy Fund for China

Apple will launch a new first-of-its-kind investment fund in China to connect suppliers with renewable energy sources.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Top 10 Global Supply Chains

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Gulftainer Invests in Delaware and It's a Pretty Big Deal

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Flying in the Face of Danger: Lufthansa Handles World's First eDGD

China, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

China's Economy Stays Resilient

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Reuse Service of Use to Container Shippers

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Who's Running the Ship?

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Holy Mackerel! Oslo Reels in Seafood Center

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Reducing CO2 Emissions: Close But No Cigar

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Home Depot Builds New Supply Chain

Home Depot will spend $1.2 billion to overhaul its supply chain to offer faster delivery for consumers and businesses. Walker Sands' 2018 Future of Retail report offers the home improvement retailer some advice:

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Is Asia The New Bermuda Triangle?

Large shipping losses declined by 38 percent globally over the past decade, but losses in Asia rose year-on-year, with incidents in the South China, Indochina, Indonesia, and Philippine maritime regions rising 25 percent.

Doug Collins

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

5 Tactics for Managing the Unexpected

No supply chain is immune from risk, and the farther a company's supply chain traverses the globe, the more opportunity for things to go awry.

Global Logistics, Fulfillment, Logistics, Supply Chain, Visibility

A Consolidated Fulfillment Solution Enables True Global Visibility - SEKO Logistics

SEKO Logistics helped virtualization technology company Sphere 3D Corp. gain global visibility and reduce warehousing and logistics costs.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Chewing the VAT

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

DP World Extends Services to Europe with Unifeeder Acquisition

Automotive Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

The Automotive Supply Chain: Disruption Down the Road

This feature examines the impact of both upcoming and current disruptions on the automotive industry and looks at how automakers and their partners are adjusting to the changes.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

Italy's Ritrama Sticks a Landing in SC

Ritrama, an Italian multinational self-adhesive materials producer, chose Ferretto Group's technological solutions for its new automated warehouse located in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Southwest Goes Tex-Mex

U.S.-based low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines flies into the international freight transportation field with the launch of a new Houston-Mexico City route. The carrier plans to add Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas to its network by end of summer 2018.

Careers, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Finding Hidden Talent

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

Mitigating Cargo Theft Risk

Cargo theft continues to be a challenge to shippers, totaling an estimated $145 million in losses each year in North America. Use these tips to keep your cargo safe.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Managing Global Supply Chains: A Shore Bet

Should you offshore, nearshore, or reshore? It helps to understand how each model impacts the supply chain before you ante up.

Automotive Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Warehousing

Expertise, Strategic Warehousing Facilitates Unexpected Spike in Inbound Deliveries - Hollingsworth

Hollingsworth assisted a leading automotive manufacturer with an unexpected surge with strategic negotiations and savvy adjustments to inventory management.

Brian Bourke

E-commerce, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Thinking Beyond Home Delivery - SEKO Logistics

Consumer expectations are becoming increasingly demanding, and matching supply to demand is crucial for any successful supply chain.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Visibility

Pork Processor Brings Home the Bacon

Consolidating three independent operating companies into one at Smithfield Foods is triggering significant changes in the three organizations’ supply chains. Reducing complexity and improving visibility are not only making supply chain processes more efficient, they’re also saving money and helping the corporation achieve its sustainability goals.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Humans Are What's Wrong with the Global Supply Chain

Problems in the global supply chain are the cause of world hunger, but technology can easily fix them.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Tech Drives Trade Growth, Say Upbeat SMEs

Small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) struggling for equal footing in the global economy increasingly look to cross-border trade for growth, seeing technology as a way past obstacles in shipping and compliance, according to new research from Shipa Freight.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

SMEs Reveal Global Trade Obstacles

Small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) face numerous international trade obstacles, finds a Shipa Freight study.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

CEVA and IMS Team Up For FTZ Services

A new alliance between CEVA Global Logistics and IMS Worldwide (IMSW) offers Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) services to U.S. shippers.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

American Airlines Says Hola to Cuba Cargo Service

American Airlines becomes the first U.S. passenger carrier to begin cargo service to Cuba.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Global Trade Management, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management

It’s Supposed to Be, But ACE Isn’t Simple

The aftermath of the overhaul of U.S. customs admissibility program – Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) – has created a heavier administrative burden on importers, not a lighter one. Find out how it misses the mark in this key area.

Paul Myerson

Lean Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain

Don't Let Your Office Go to Waste

It can be easy to ignore the efficiency of administrative activities in the supply chain but office activities can constitute approximately 50 percent of the order to shipment lead time. Here’s how to apply lean tools to your office.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

IATA Automates Dangerous Goods Compliance Checks

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Switching On The Smart Grid

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Alibaba Ties Thailand To Online Commerce

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

India Loses GDP To Poor Logistics

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

XPO Logistics Taps Mobile Technology in Europe

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

U.S. Imports: It’s a Steel

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Manufacturing Reaches Pre-Recession Levels

E-commerce, Automotive Logistics, Packaging, Supply Chain

Supply Chain Efficiency: Packaging for the Automotive E-Commerce Era

To improve the bottom line and take advantage of the e-commerce automotive aftermarket sector’s rising popularity, OEMs should focus on the role packaging plays in supply chain efficiency.

Automotive Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

News & Trends Impacting the Auto Supply Chain

A look at news and trends impacting the global automobile industry.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

2018 Global Logistics Guide

Inbound Logistics' 14th annual Global Logistics Guide presents a transportation and logistics world atlas to help you stay on top of shifting global dynamics and identify and map out continents and countries that require further exploration.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Small Businesses Face Import Overhead

Freightos conducted a survey to reveal how cumbersome logistics remains to American companies importing goods.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

German Trucks: It’s a Steal

Growing cargo thefts across Germany, resulting in product losses valued at $1.3 billion annually, have prompted business associations in the country to launch a joint initiative to tackle the problem.

Import, Export, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

FTAs Top Concern of Importers/Exporters

To gauge shipper perspectives on trade in today's world, and particularly about the shift in free trade agreement (FTA) focus, global logistics and transportation solutions company BDP polled U.S. importers and exporters attending its 29th Annual Regulatory Compliance Seminar in Houston in late February.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Coping With Trade Compliance Challenges

Global Logistics, Logistics, Ports, Supply Chain

Long Beach Port Goes With the Flow

As cargo volumes and the complexity of port operations continue to increase, the Port of Long Beach and GE Transportation are collaborating on a pilot project to improve cargo flow, increase visibility, and enhance real-time decision-making.

Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Supply Chain

U.S. Manufacturers Brace for Tariff Backlash

Shortly after the Trump administration announced the United States would impose tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, Harley-Davidson was among the companies expressing concern.

Keith Biondo

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Sky. Falling or Not?

Demand-driven logistics can help manage supply chain disruption caused by trade uncertainty, tariffs, protectionism, and retaliation.

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Airline Confidence Stays High

Airline confidence stays high, according to IATA’s latest airline business confidence index.

E-commerce, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

H&M Tries on Supply Chain Improvements

Retailer H&M will increase supply chain investments and continue cost control measures to address slow growth in 2017, and keep pace with e-commerce rivals.

Cross-border Trade, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

UPS Ups Cross-Border Investment

UPS will develop a new operations center in the North American Borderplex.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Taking the Measure of Global Trade

Global trade continues to grow according to DHL’s new Global Trade Barometer.

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

You Can’t Control Mother Nature, But You Can Be Ready For It

The 2017 hurricane season serves as a risk management wake-up call.

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Supply Chain Needs More Accurate Costing Information

Supply chain professionals need more accurate and effective cost information to help their decision-making.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

Global Trade Disruption: Managing the New Normal

Global trade disruptions come in all shapes and sizes, and can wreak havoc on supply chains. Find out what proactive strategies and tactics leading companies are using to tackle the escalating challenge of supply chain risk management.

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

U.S. Manufacturing: Resurgence Sparks Dramatic Change 

With one in every six jobs now tied to manufacturing, American-made products are making a profound comeback in today’s progressive U.S. economy. Known as Industry 4.0, this trending wave of innovative disruptors - 3D printing, robotics, big data, and the Internet of Things - is changing the global supply chain and the world's geo-political view of American manufacturing.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Venezuela Crisis Surpasses Great Depression

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Middle East Gain for Crane

Felecia Stratton

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Status Grow? Yes.

There is a great opportunity for growth in many business sectors, and the role of supply chain excellence is fundamentally important in that economic environment.

Air Cargo, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

Peak Season Piques Airfreight Demand

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Connectivity, Advanced Telematics Buoy LATAM Logistics

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

How Millennials Are Driving Modern Mobility in the Supply Chain

For the supply chain and warehousing sector, the burgeoning millennial workforce means an increased need for providing more sophisticated and functional mobile solutions.

Paul Myerson

Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain

Peak Season Planning: A Year-Round Venture

This year, you may want to start your holiday planning earlier with a more structured methodology. Here’s why.

Jim Wetekamp

Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain

How to Prepare for the Unexpected

High-performing supply chain organizations are differentiated on how well they respond to the unexpected.

Bill Keough

Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management

Managing Complexity in the Aerospace Supply Chain - SCTL at the University of Washington

Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Visibility

Supply Chain Commentary: Sense, Shape, and Orchestrate Demand

Achieving end-to-end real-time visibility across the supply chain can’t be an aspirational goal any more, it’s becoming a requirement to stay competitive and deliver the level of service customers want today.

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

China on a Logistics Spending Spree

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

It's Now or NAFTA

Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Building Resilience in Your Global Supply Chain

Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Manufacturing IT: Investing for the Future

New IDC research provides manufacturers the top 10 predictions and underlying drivers expected to impact future IT investments; new report on fashion industry outlines a human-centered supply chain; in a workforce being transformed by the rise of the gig economy and the restructuring of industries, what attitudes and behaviors do procurement professionals need to sprint up the career ladder

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Visibility

New IoT Tools Enable Greater Visibility Into Complex Supply Chains

While the idea of tracking inventory in transit isn’t new, expanding cellular networks, improved battery technology, and advances in cloud computing are enabling low-cost, long-lasting, globally connected trackers that make real-time supply chain visibility possible. Peek into the future.

E-commerce, Global Logistics, Retail

E-commerce Retailers Target Germany

Approximately one-third of leading U.S. e-commerce retailers are planning to enter the German market in the next four years, according to a recent study.

Global Logistics, Sourcing/Negotiations, Retail

Fashion Supply Chain: What to Where

Executives from leading fashion and apparel brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers reveal the supply chain challenges topping their list.

Ken Wood

Import, Export, Global Logistics, Logistics I.T., Technology

Global Trade Content: Unlocking the Supply Chain Value

Integrating external content is becoming more valuable for companies seeking more automation and real-time control over their supply chain planning and execution functions.

Global Logistics, Logistics Solutions Providers, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Solved: A Consolidated Fulfillment Solution With Global Visibility - SEKO

Sphere 3D turned to SEKO for global visibility and reduced logistics and warehousing costs.

Cloud Computing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology , Supply Chain Manageme