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Articles related to Catch Me When I Fall

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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.

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

The Grass is Greener

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

Danny Slaton

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Accurate Transit Times: The Backbone of Efficient Supply Chains

As transit times shift and service areas are updated, customers need a reliable source of data that delivers a standard messaging output that can be easily understood.

3PL, Customer Service, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

Readers' Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2016

Year after year, the IL 3PL survey reveals the importance of great customer service to shippers.

Rob Kriewaldt

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Three Key Points to Communicate to Become Your Customers’ Dream Provider

Communication and transparency are key to being a good partner to your clients. Use this advice to effectively communicate with customers.

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

Keeping Partnerships Strong in a Shifting Landscape

As shippers evaluate existing, merged, or new 3PL providers, they should also be aware of their own processes and approach to vendor relationships and choose partners that best align with their strategies and needs.

Chuck Fattore

3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Rail, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Trucking, Transportation

Realizing the Power of a Leveraged Platform

One way a manufacturer can mitigate the effects of increasing regulations and demand volatility is by working with a third-party logistics provider with a leveraged platform.

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

Nourishing a Healthy Supply Chain 

Nutrabolt’s rapid growth created several logistics challenges, including processing orders efficiently and quickly; absorbing dramatic swings in order volumes to support promotional campaigns; and providing omni-channel fulfillment through a single warehouse. A third-party logistics partnership with Kane Is Able helped Nutrabolt meet these challenges.

Chris Baltz

3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Logistics I.T., Partnership, 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.

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.

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.

3PL, Food Logistics, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics, Technology

Carrier Network Plants Seeds of Delivery Efficiency

Produce distributor SunTerra Chicago uses technology to boost on-time deliveries and cut costs.

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GOOD QUESTION | What part of working in supply chain do you find the most rewarding?

Readers share the best part about working in the supply chain.

John Watkins

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

How 3PL Warehouses Can Capitalize on the Escalating Demands of Prospects and Customers

3PL warehouses are not only in demand, but in a position of strength. This provides 3PL operators a unique opportunity to build lasting relationships with key customers, suppliers, and retailers of their choice.

Sean Riley

3PL, Cloud Computing, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Ocean, Supply Chain, Trucking, Technology , Transportation

Today's Competitive Supply Chain: Digital, Smaller, More Resilient

As consumers demand a greater personal experience and more sophisticated product, the digital revolution will prove a competitive advantage to those who embrace it.

Jeff Luthman

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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.

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

Leveraging Your Routing Guide

A routing guide plays an important role in setting the strategy for carrier selection across a variety of shipments within an organization. Use these tips to get the most out of your routing guide.

3PL, Forklifts, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Warehousing

Improve Warehouse Productivity With Reach Trucks

Jungheinrich® reach trucks help LeanCor’s mission to advance the world’s supply chains.

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.

E-commerce, 3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Warehousing

3PLs Up The Ante

Thirty years ago, third-party logistics providers offered mainly rudimentary logistics and warehousing services. Today, however, many 3PLs offer complex solutions that help companies achieve strategic goals.

3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, Warehousing

How Ariens Weathers Seasonal Demand

Ariens' tailored transportation planning solution from Redwood Logistics has led to efficiency gains, delivery improvements, increased visibility and cost reductions.

Andrew Lynch

3PL, Customer Service, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

How Specialized Transportation Can Improve Customer Service

Working with a specialized transportation provider will save you time and headaches while keeping your customers happy and costs down.

3PL, Customer Service, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Visibility

GOOD QUESTION | When choosing a carrier/supplier, what’s more important: cost or customer service?

Readers choose between cost and customer service as the most important selection criterion for a carrier or supplier.

3PL, Education & Careers, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Trucking, Transportation

Right on Target

Profile of Mike Wagner, CEO of Target Freight Management.

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

How to Choose a Single-Source Logistics Provider

Working with a single-source third-party logistics provider offers many benefits. Here are tips for choosing a partner with capabilities that fit your company’s needs.

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18 Sure-Fire Ways to Save on LTL Shipments

Inbound Logistics talks to carriers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers about sure-fire ways to save money on LTL shipments and serves up a list of 18 tips that will help shippers of all types and sizes.

Rob Kriewaldt

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Complying With Big-box Retailer Requirements

Complying with big-box retailer requirements isn’t always easy, but it pays off in the result of a cohesive 3PL team, satisfied employees and continued business.

Keith Biondo

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Still Pushing Your Customers Around?

Using the best logistics IT available, and partnering with world-class carriers and 3PLs, can help you find a better way towards supply chain success.

Felecia Stratton

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6 Cool Things I Learned Editing This Issue

Inbound Logistics editor lists six cool things she learned (or just realized anew) as she edited the annual 3PL issue.

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.

Peter L. Coratola Jr.

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

The Potential of Change

With schools across the country rapidly increasing the use of technology in the classroom, recent graduates entering into the logistics workforce expect similar atmospheres.

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

Increased Visibility

Freight location and status updates, along with advanced predictive analytics capabilities, are making load tracking a valuable tool for shippers, brokers, 3PLs, and carriers

Richard G. Piontek

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Preparation: The Key to Successful Business…and Procurement Projects

A successful procurement project or event is all about the right preparation.

Rob Kriewaldt

E-commerce, 3PL, Customer Service, Retail, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

Become an Extension of Your Client’s Brand

As entities responsible for brokering appropriate carrier rates, ensuring accurate quantities of orders and guaranteeing high quality of products, third-party logistics providers are extensions of companies’ brands.

John Rodeheffer

3PL, Customer Service, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

3PL Customer Service Specialization

Industry expertise is the most impactful way to positively affect customer service requirements.

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

6 Technologies Guaranteed to Disrupt Your Supply Chain

Emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, 3-D printing, collaborative robotics, self-driving trucks, drones and the Uberization of deliveries are poised to be disruptive influences on logistics in the coming years.

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

3PL Partnerships: How to Ink the Deal

This story examines the secrets behind a successful shipper-3PL relationship, as seen through the eyes of four pairs of successful business partners.

3PL, Education & Careers, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Trucking, Transportation, Warehousing

Tapping Military Talent: Shoes on the Ground

Supply chain logistics companies view veterans as a crucial pool of potential employees, and consequently they are using a range of methods to recruit and hire former members of the military for their workforces.

Thomas Griffin

3PL, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Trucking, Transportation

Addressing Vendor Management and Shifting Global Trade Currents

Thomas Griffin of DLS Worldwide explains the most important aspects in good vendor management and how manufacturers can deal with increasing regulations and security concerns.

Rob Kriewaldt

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Using RFPs to Optimize Partnerships

Transparency and communication are key in the RFP process to develop a true and lasting partnership with a 3PL provider.

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Logistics Technology: 3PLs Span the Gamut

This story looks at ways in which 3PLs help small and midsize companies implement and take full advantage of information technology.

Mark Sell

3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Temperature Controlled

Should I Work With a Third-Party Logistics Provider Offering Foreign Trade Zone Services?

Working with a third-party logistics partner who also offers foreign trade zones can provide big benefits in the right scenarios.

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.

Jannine Miller

Big Data, 3PL, Economic Development, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Site Selection, Supply Chain, Technology , Transportation Infrastructure, Transportation

Georgia: Enabling Business Growth Through Collaboration

From well-designed redundancies across intermodal shipping methods to creative solutions when the unexpected happens, Georgia’s logistics industry is positioned to help shippers connect, compete, and grow.

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.

Doug Waggoner

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

Advantages of Partial Truckload Shipping

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

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.

Jim Hoefflin

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

A Five-Step Blueprint for 3PL Success

It is critical that 3PLs take a hard look at operations to determine areas for cost reduction, productivity and efficiency improvements, and opportunities for new service offerings and revenue streams.

Tom Madzy

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

So You’ve Decided to Invest in a Global TMS – Now What?

When choosing a transportation management system, it’s important to ensure it will meet all of your requirements.

Steve Leavitt

3PL, Customer Service, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

How to Stand Out in a Crowded Marketplace

With so many choices available, varying freight, and small package shipping needs, the 3PL service offering needs to be about more than the transaction.

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Liquor Logistics: Solutions on Tap

The booming liquor business has added several layers of complexity to the supply chain with the addition of many new product SKUs. Shippers are using technology, data, and collaboration to keep the supply chain moving efficiently.

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

People Person

Bobby Harris, President and CEO of BlueGrace Logistics, discusses the talent gap, entrepreneurship, the importance of keeping employees happy, and more.

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Trends—November 2015

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification (GHS), which ensures hazardous materials are safely produced, used, and disposed of, continues to evolve. Supply chain management technology tools remain a priority. Third-party logistics providers project future growth. St. Louis, Mo. remains an epicenter for all transportation modes, and is ripe for future growth opportunities.

Careers, 3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics

An Acquiring Mind

Inbound Logistics interviews XPO Logistics’ Brad Jacobs to discuss his vision for XPO Logistics, and shares insight into what it takes to be a successful leader in today’s business world.

3PL, Audit Services, Freight Payment Services, Third-Party Logistics

Freight Payment and Auditing Services: Cash is King 

Freight audit and payment companies help shippers find the hidden cash in their supply chains by eliminating overbilling, and paying invoices accurately and quickly.

Chuck Fattore

3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Trucking, Technology , Transportation

Leveraged Platforms: The More Efficient Road Ahead

Core carriers participating in leveraged platforms typically receive consistent, attractive internal freight volumes and specific lanes of business.

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.

Daniel Cser

Air Cargo, 3PL, Global Economy, China, Freight Forwarders, Third-Party Logistics, Ocean, Transportation

Seven Tips for Finding the Right Chinese Partner

Use these seven tips to find a partner in China that is right for your company.

3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Safety

Safeguarding Your Loading Dock

No matter how thoroughly safety training requirements are followed, there are still likely to be gaps in your company’s loading dock safety efforts. Use these tips to better shape safety training plans.

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.

E-commerce, 3PL, Last Mile Delivery, Reverse Logistics, Logistics Solutions Providers, Retail, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, 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.

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.

Keith Biondo

3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics

You Say You Want a Co-Evolution?

The third-party logistics (3PL) segment evolved from shippers driving the process based on their needs, to collaboratively working together to create new solutions and change business operations. 

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.

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

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.

Mike Grayson

E-commerce, 3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics

3PLs Can Deliver Big Benefits to Small Companies

The right 3PL partner can help to even the playing field between SMBs and their larger big box competitors.

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.

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

2015 3PL Perspectives

Inbound Logistics’ exclusive market research survey on the third-party logistics (3PL) sector reveals new trends and opportunities.

3PL, Global Logistics, Logistics, Third-Party 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, Project Logistics, Logistics Solutions Providers, Third-Party Logistics, Specialized Logistics

Special Deliveries: Moving the Gargantuan, the Precious, and the Peculiar

When it comes to transporting the oversized, the awkward, the exotic, and the endangered, the secret to success is planning, planning, and more planning.

3PL, Distribution, Logistics Solutions Providers, Third-Party Logistics, Retail, 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.

Steven Page

3PL, Cross-border Trade, Canada, Logistics Solutions Providers, Third-Party Logistics

Three Tips for Doing Business in Canada

When selling products across the northern border, these three tips can help.

Felecia Stratton

Green Logistics, 3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Specialized Logistics

Engineering Green DNA

Companies are breaking through functional silos to initiate sweeping sustainability mandates.

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.

Middle East, Asia, China, 3PL, Global Economy, 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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Felecia Stratton

3PL, Partnership, Supply Chain Management

3PL Evolution Continues

Third-party logistics services evolved to meet shippers' changing transportation, distribution, and warehousing needs.

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.

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.

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.

Sean Coakley

3PL, Partnership

Laying the Foundation For a Long-Term 3PL Partnership

A long-term vision allows a shipper-3PL partnership to make long-lasting improvements.

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.

Tom Sproat

3PL, Ocean, Partnership

Keys to Developing Strong Supply Chain Partnerships

Supply chain partner collaboration improves supply chain performance, create capabilities, and increase efficiencies.

Tom Griffin

Green Logistics, 3PL, Partnership, Trucking

A Strategic Approach to Strengthening Supply Chains

Partnering with third-party logistics providers offers shippers numerous advantages for stronger supply chains.

Chris Timmer

3PL, Partnership

Scaling Supply Chain Partnerships

Scaling your supply chain can trigger significant adjustments in your partnerships.

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.

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

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

Cargo Security: Protecting the Supply Chain

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

businesswoman on a tightrope

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

Risk Mitigation: Supply Chain Safety Net

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

Chris Baltz

3PL, Partnership, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Looking for One Logistics Partner That Does Everything with Excellence?

An enterprise logistics provider delivers holistic solutions that transform your business.

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.

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.

3PL, Finance, Partnership

Assessing Your Provider’s Financial Stability

Danny Monson of States Logistics Services Inc. offers tips to help shippers confirm a logistics service provider is financially stable before signing a logistics service contract.

Kyle Gholston

3PL, Partnership

6 Secrets to Finding the Right 3PL

Finding a third-party logistics (3PL) provider you can count on requires due diligence into performance history and resources, writes Kyle tGholston of Conexus.

Justin Woulfe

3PL, Partnership

Performance-Based Negotiations: Simulation as Support for Decision-Making

Using an advanced logistics simulation tool to analyze system performance and lifecycle cost can help logisticians negotiate better performance-based logistics contracts, writes Justin Woulfe of WPI Services.

3PL finance

3PL, Finance, Partnership

Is Your 3PL Financially Healthy?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Conduct a financial checkup of your potential 3PL partners before you sign the contract.

John Paugh

3PL, Partnership

Redefining the Race to Profitability Through Innovation

As manufacturers strive to strike the perfect balance between parts delivered and parts consumed in production, technology innovations allow logistics providers to ensure companies receive only the parts they need when they need them, writes John Paugh of Carter Logistics.

3PL, Partnership

How to Foster a Long-Term 3PL Partnership

The value of third-party logistics (3PL) provider partnerships grows infinitely greater when shippers take a long-term approach that focuses on sustainable gains rather than short-term savings.

Keith Biondo

3PL, Partnership

3PL Partnerships: From Tactical to Strategic

If shippers use their third-party logistics partners for more than brokerage—not just as tactical providers, but as strategic partners—a whole new world of logistics excellence and accomplishments could open up, writes Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo.

Felecia Stratton

3PL, Partnership

3PL Partnerships: From Transactions to Trust

Increasingly, 3PLs and shippers are working much more collaboratively, often sharing pains and gains, writes Editor Felecia Stratton.

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.

3PL, Partnership

Gaining More From 3PL Relationships

Getting your money’s worth from third-party logistics (3PL) service providers  requires willingness to commit to key relationships, according to these tips from supply chain consultant Valerie Bonebrake, Tompkins International.

Dan Lockwood

3PL, Partnership

3PLs: Going Beyond Savings to True Value

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers offer shippers a variety of beneficial supply chain services, writes Dan Lockwood of Unishippers Global.

3PL, Partnership

How to Evaluate a 3PL Partner

Shippers, carriers, and small intermediaries that rely on third-party logistics (3PL) service providers to manage non-core logistics and supply functions, access capacity, and tap technology capabilities must review 3PL performance periodically to ensure quality service.

3PL, Partnership

A New Day Dawns for 3PL Partnerships

Most logistics outsourcers today use an RFQ to select their 3PLs. But that model is outdated and ineffective. A handful of forward-thinking shippers and logistics providers are instead embracing a collaborative outsourcing method, with powerful results.

Mark Laufer

3PL, Partnership

Balancing Shipper and Carrier Interests

The new world of supply chain management requires that carriers and shippers both understand and respect the economics of the industry.

Duane Sizemore

3PL, Partnership

Gaining Alignment With Your 3PL is Key to Supply Chain Success

Duane Sizemore of Total Logistic Control discusses how companies can build better relationships with third-party logistics providers through measurement, monitoring, and rewards.

Robert Russo

3PL, Partnership

3PL Partnerships: Finding Your Better Half

Robert Russo of Port Jersey Logistics explains how to choose the best third-party logistics provider for your company.

Chris Kane

3PL, Distribution, Partnership

Collaborative Distribution Eases the Capacity Crunch

Small and mid-sized manufacturers lack the scale to ship in full truckloads, creating thousands of separate, inefficient lines of supply—all moving to the same mass retailers. Collaborative distribution reduces the number of trucks on the road and cuts distribution costs.

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.

3PL, Partnership

3PL Perspectives 2010: A Paradox Bound by Demand

Inbound Logistics' exclusive market research compiles shipper and 3PL input to illustrate the outsourcing sector's rapidly changing dynamics.

3PL, Partnership

Tying the 3PL Knot

Shippers and service providers discuss their experience building a strong working relationship.

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.

Kate Vitasek

3PL, Partnership

Why You Should Vest With Your Outsourcing Partners, Now!

Vested outsourcing yields innovative logistics relationships that deliver results, writes Kate Vitasek of the University of Tennessee's Center for Executive Education.

Chip Smith

3PL, Partnership

Building Better 3PL Relationships

Third-party logistics providers can provide capacity, expertise, technology, and buying power. Chip Smith, president of CS Advisory Group, discusses how to ensure you're getting the most from your 3PL.

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.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PL Partnership Turns Up the Heat

During a period of rapid growth, online grill retailer BBQGrills.com reduced damaged freight claims by more than 75% and lowered shipping costs by working with a logistics services provider for country-wide less-than-truckload services.

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.

E-commerce, 3PL, Technology

Bright Ideas: 3PLs Manage Growth Through Innovation

By thinking creatively and embracing new solutions, third-party logistics providers support shippers through demand surges, labor shortages, cost increases, and capacity constraints.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PL Outsourcing Beyond the Initial Goals

RedStone understands that cost savings are just a part of each client relationship; a 3PL must provide more if the relationship is to withstand the demands of an ever-changing supply chain.

3PL, Trucking, Transportation

3PL Leverages LoadDex to Win More Loads and Grow Its Business

LoadDex from Logistical Labs lets Sunset Transportation take a strategic focus when making pricing decisions, improving customer opportunities and fueling year-over-year growth.

Marty Wadle

3PL, Finance, Supply Chain

Choose a 3PL with a Culture and Vision that Match Your Own

A low-cost provider may produce short-term savings but will not deliver sustainable efficiencies and the level of service shippers expect. Strategic partnerships that are mutually beneficial stand the test of time and drive waste out of shippers’ supply chains.

Careers, 3PL, Warehousing

Don't Say No and Never Give Up

To best serve those who serve, Lisa Mernin, director of operations at military equipment supplier ADS, doesn’t look for the cheapest partners; she looks for the best value and prioritizes customer service.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Technology

3PLs Drive Logistics IT Solutions

E-commerce acceleration and massive shifts in consumer expectations have changed the equation. Shippers are turning to 3PLs’ technology expertise to manage logistics costs and meet service expectations in an ever-changing marketplace.

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.

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.

3PL, Partnership, Technology

What is the secret to a successful shipper/3PL partnership?

Supply chain leaders share their insight on the secret to a successful shipper/3PL partnership.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PLs Have Your Back

Shippers trust their third-party logistics partners to be there through thick and thin.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

Top 10 3PLs Readers' Choice Excellence Awards

These third-party logistics providers have your back, earning shippers’ votes with their consistency and customer service.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2021 Inbound Logistics Perspectives: 3PL Market Research Report

Our 16th annual 3PL market research report reveals the current state of the union between shippers and their logistics service partners.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2021 Top 100 3PLs

When your enterprise faces supply chain and logistics challenges, these partners won't let you fall. In alphabetical order, here are the 100 third-party logistics providers deemed best of the best by Inbound Logistics editors.

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.

Labor Management, Partnership, Technology

How has the pandemic affected supply chain partnerships?

Supply chain leaders share their takes on how the pandemic has affected supply chain partnerships.

3PL, Robotics, Warehousing

Robotics Deployment Increases 3PL's Productivity from Day 1

Locus Robotics deployed autonomous mobile robots along with actionable reporting tools and dashboards for Taylored Services. The scalable solution brought immediate gains.

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.

3PL, Partnership, Technology

3PLs Custom Fit Solutions

From providing seamless technology integrations to tailoring transportation networks, 3PLs reinforce supply chains of all shapes and sizes.

Fulfillment, Retail, Partnership

Cross Dock Delivers New Level of Efficiency for Leading Retailer

Leveraging its network of cross dock locations, Hub Group optimized a top retailer’s supply chain, reducing transportation spend, condensing inbound loads to the retailer’s fulfillment centers, and shortening transit times.

Dave Bush

3PL, Partnership, Trucking

FTL vs. LTL: What's the Difference? 

Understanding these seven key differences between shipping full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) allows shippers to achieve the best possible results and support planning.

Jonathan Evans

Big Data, Partnership

Keeping Your Eye on the Prize: What Formula One Can Teach Us About the RFP Process

When managing your next RFP, make sure you have the right tools in place that eliminate inefficiencies and allow you to keep your eye on the prize—finalizing and executing the routing guide.

Partnership, Trucking, Transportation

Mode Shift to Eliminate Supply Chain Disruption

When supply chains require unique equipment and depend on damage-free, on-time service, partnering with a carrier such as PITT OHIO, that can execute mode optimization strategies, can impact the success of your business.

Big Data, 3PL, Technology

Aptitive Helps 3PL Derive Insights from Data with Real-Time Analytics Platform

A Chicago-based 3PL turned to Aptitive to design a scalable data and analytics modernization platform. Aptitive delivered a solution that not only helped the provider, but their customers as well.

Mario Rivera

E-commerce, 3PL, Distribution

Accelerating Innovation to Meet Supply Chain Challenges

These three winning projects exemplify ID Logistics' mission to continually drive process improvements and boost service levels.

Careers, 3PL, Technology

BlueGrace Logistics Names Mark Derks As New Chief Marketing Officer

BlueGrace Logistics named Mark Derks as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Strategic investments in leadership team augments customer focus and value.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

Ensuring a Successful 3PL Partnership

With the pandemic forcing companies to embrace a new normal, many are reimagining their supply chains and turning to third-party logistics (3PL) providers for guidance. Here’s how to get the most out of your 3PL relationship.

3PL, Distribution, Partnership

Taylored Fulfillment Services Acquires U.S. Operations of Toll Global Logistics

The acquisition triples Taylored’s footprint in key areas, totaling more than 4.1 million square feet of distribution space.

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.

Keri Corbin

3PL, Technology , Warehousing

Top Priorities for 3PL Warehouse IT in 2021

Information technology leaders should focus on these three key areas in their warehouse operations to stay competitive in 2021 and beyond.

3PL, Food Logistics, Partnership

West Pak Avocado Grows a Ripe 3PL Partnership

West Pak Avocado distributes avocados to hundreds of customers around the globe. To maintain efficient transportation through seasonal peaks, West Pak partnered with a third-party logistics provider to move produce as quickly as possible.

Thomas Griffin

3PL, Customer Service, Partnership

Partnering with a Logistics Specialist Brings Major Benefits

Thomas Griffin, president at DLS Worldwide, discusses how partnering with a large, experienced logistics company can offer technology, agility, and customer service benefits.

Health Care Logistics, Partnership, Transportation

Serving Eye Surgeons During the Pandemic: Relying on Ingenuity and Partnerships

Those in transportation logistics face new realities brought by COVID-19, but are especially challenged in the time-sensitive delivery of tissue for transplants. Perhaps the biggest challenge is ramping back up to meet pent-up demand for surgeries.

E-commerce, 3PL, Warehousing

3PLs Play Pivotal Role

Order volumes increased by 81% for third-party logistics (3PL) providers supporting e-commerce since the lockdown began, according to data from 3PL Central's customer base. These are the highest order volumes per 3PL ever, on par with Black Friday in 2019.

Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Technology

5 Tips for Evaluating Logistics Service Providers

When selecting the best provider for your company, there’s a lot to consider to ensure that freight is handled efficiently and with great care. Keep the following five tips in mind when evaluating your partnerships.

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.

Jon Daniells

Audit Services, Partnership, Technology

Power of Prevention: Compliance Audits

New contract audit methodologies uncover root causes of value leakage and help prevent future losses.

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.

Keith Biondo

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

What Can 3PLs Do?

Can third-party logistics (3PL) providers bring chaos to order? Or order to chaos? For starters, they can help you wrangle and bring some order to the current COVID-caused confusion in your logistics process.

3PL, Partnership, Technology

3PLs Coming to the Rescue

When supply chain and logistics trouble brews, shippers summon third-party logistics (3PL) providers for their expertise, technology, and dedication to customer service.

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.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2020 Top 10 3PL Readers' Choice Excellence Awards

When shippers send out distress signals, 3PLs answer the call. The providers that earned a 2020 Readers' Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence Award are among the most responsive and respected in the industry.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PL Perspectives 2020

Inbound Logistics' newest exclusive 3PL market research provides a snapshot of how the world appears to shippers and their logistics service providers.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2020 Top 100 3PLs

The top 100 third-party logistics providers of 2020 as chosen by Inbound Logistics' editors.

E-commerce, 3PL, Technology

3PLs Flex Their Tech Muscle

Increasing visibility, flexibility, and accuracy, these technological tools enable 3PLs to more effectively move, store, and fulfill shippers’ orders—even during supply chain disruptions.

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.

E-commerce, 3PL, Finance

3PL Market Revenue to Cross $1.8 Trillion by 2026

Growing demand for low-cost services and a rapidly expanding e-commerce sector will boost the market valuation of third-party logistics (3PL) to $1.8 trillion by 2026.

David Osorio

3PL, Customer Service, Insurance

How 3PLs Can Minimize Claims and Help Customers Understand Liability

3PLs can become an ally for their customers in the event of a loss, damage, or delay, providing outstanding customer service and support.

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.

3PL, Finance, Partnership

The Ultimate RFP Checklist for Shippers: Essential Things to Include in Every Bid

The clearer your RFP, the easier it will be for 3PLs to understand your requirements and provide you with the information you need to make an informed selection.

Big Data, 3PL, Transportation Management

3PLs Do It All

Third-party logistics providers are future-proofing supply chains, using a toolbox filled with business insights, predictive capabilities, and other new solution sets.

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.

Robert Kriewaldt

Third-Party Logistics, Materials Handling, Real Estate

Turning Fixed Logistics Costs Into Variable Costs via Outsourcing

Variable costs offer an ideal way for many shippers to keep money in their proverbial pocket. Fixed costs can be converted to variable costs by enlisting a third-party logistics (3PL) provider.

Kyle Krug

3PL, Customer Service, Technology

What to Look For in a 3PL

A business looking to outsource part or all of its logistics to a 3PL should consider a variety of factors to identify a logistics provider that is part tactical service provider and part strategic business partner.

Robert Russo

Logistics Solutions Providers, Third-Party Logistics

The Three Things You Can Teach Your Third-Party Logistics Provider

Just because your logistics provider is the subject-matter expert, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything that they can learn from you.

Robert Kriewaldt

3PL, Real Estate, Warehousing

Leverage Your 3PL's Real Estate Assets For In-Demand Cold Storage

Whatever challenges your perishable goods operation faces, it’s likely that the right 3PL can offer innovative solutions.

Steve Elliott

3PL, Supply Chain, Warehousing

What's the Deal With Flexible Warehousing?

A third-party logistics provider with its own dedicated workforce is still a company's best option for handling and storing sensitive goods.

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

3PLs Add Value

Increasing consumer expectations, market uncertainty, and other recent trends, have only enhanced the value 3PLs bring to shippers. From technology innovations to process insights, here are the ways 3PLs unlock and increase supply chain efficiencies.

Tracy Rosser

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Designing Your Business to Meet Customer Expectations

Companies must take a holistic approach to serving customers by eliminating silos and fully understanding their end-to-end supply chain today, especially in terms of customer service. 3PLs can help.

Brian Thompson

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

Automated Bidding Tools Benefit Shippers, 3PLs, and Carriers

Automated bidding tools bring benefits to shippers and carriers alike. Carriers that receive complete shipment history and future volume forecasts from shippers are able to make the most competitive offers, which can lead to shipper savings.

Derek Browning

3PL, Partnership, Supply Chain

Choosing a 3PL: How to Make a Mature Decision

A 3PL partner that is aligned on purpose, value, strategy, and culture can provide far more value than what is seen in a transportation budget variance report.

Tim Studebaker

Partnership, Supply Chain

Carrier Relationships: Core Carrier, Long Term, or Bid?

Before deploying a carrier management strategy, shippers must have a deep understanding of their supply chain, capacity challenges, and customer requirements.

Tara Meier

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

Choosing the Right 3PL and Supporting Supply Chain Excellence

Choosing the right third-party logistics provider (3PL) can make or break your goal of achieving supply chain excellence. Here’s how to select the right 3PL.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics

21 Years of Top Ten 3PLs: A History of Excellence

A look back over 21 years of Inbound Logistics' Top 10 3PLs.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics

2019 Top 100 3PLs

Providing innovative and reliable supply chain solutions, these third-party logistics providers drive home the goods. Presented in alphabetical order, these are the 100 3PLs Inbound Logistics editors selected as the best of the best.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

3PL Power

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

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

The Nexus Way

Nexus is a third-party logistics provider offering customized warehousing solutions and multi-modal transportation services.

Thomas Griffin

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

How to Choose a 3PL and Reap the Benefits - DLS Worldwide

When a shipper finds a 3PL who can be a true partner, the choice should be easy and the benefits evident, from letting team members focus on core competencies to leveraging the 3PL’s expertise.

Partnership, Supply Chain

Supply Chain Partner Helps Furniture Maker Get a Leg Up - Evans Distribution

With the help of Evans Distribution, this furniture maker developed an efficient, successful, real-time supply chain.

3PL, Supply Chain

2019 Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards

The Inbound Logistics audience has stamped it license-plate official: These top-tier third-party logistics providers deserve accolades and the distinction of being a Top 10 3PL.

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.

Keith Biondo

3PL, Economic Development, Logistics

3PL Growth Spurt. Why?

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

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain

3PL Perspectives 2019

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

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.

E-commerce, 3PL, Supply Chain

Who’s Paying for Free Shipping?

While 3PLs and retailers have many options to compete in an Amazon world, inaction is not one of them. Amazon plans to invest an incremental $800 million in the second quarter alone to bring standard one-day shipping to Prime customers.

Graham Page

3PL, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain

How to Leverage a 3PL's Expertise with Packaged Applications

Knowing how to quickly set up and configure supply chain technology so the solutions work for individual customers is the key to getting the most flexible and powerful performance from industry leading package applications.

3PL, Cloud Computing, Logistics I.T., Technology

The Fastest Growing 3PLs Spell Success “C-L-O-U-D”

Third-party logistics (3PL) companies have it tough. Not only do they need air-tight control of their data, 3PLs need to prove to customers that their data is safer than Fort Knox. In today’s world where one person in a black hoodie sitting at a coffee shop can do more damage to a business than a ten-ton bomb, that’s a big ask.

Rob Kriewaldt

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain

Tis the Season to be Agile - WSI

Shippers can mitigate supply chain fluctuations and disruptions by leveraging the expertise of 3PLs.

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.

Bob Farrell

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

6 Strategies for Finding the Right 3PL Partner

3PL, Global Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

Why the Rise of the 4PL Is Good News for Your Business

Some shippers find the 3PL model doesn’t go far enough. Here's how to make 4PLs work for you.

Careers, 3PL, Transportation Management

Finding the Right Strategy for Each Situation

Profile of Denis Reilly, president and CEO of Kenco Logistics

Thomas Griffin

3PL, Trucking, Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Shippers Seek 3PL Efficiencies Amidst Capacity Constraints - DLS Worldwide

DLS Worldwide President Thomas Griffin reveals the 3PL efficiencies in highest demand as shippers face capacity constraints in 2017.

3PL, Expedited Shipping, Specialized Logistics

What's the most interesting or unusual supply chain problem you've solved?

Readers share unexpected supply chain challenges and how they overcame them.

3PL, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Technology

The Key to Seamless Order Fulfillment: Combine the Digital with the Physical in EDI and 3PL Outsourcing

Choosing the third-party logistics partner (3PL) that has the resources and expertise to handle every fulfillment challenge will help suppliers adapt to ever-evolving market conditions and complex customer requirements.

Rob Kriewaldt

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

Need Flexibility? Seek Out Full-Service 3PLs - WSI

By quickly adapting to various industries and commodities and responding to client requests with urgency and an extremely high level of customer service quality, a strong 3PL will find it can outlast even the most convenient warehousing options.

Michael Khalil

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

3 Ways Your 3PL Can Help You Overcome E-commerce Challenges

By collaborating with a knowledgeable third-party logistics (3PL) provider, shippers can add both scale and visibility to their supply chain.

Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Transportation Management

Supply Chain Collaboration: It Works Both Ways

Transparency, honest communication, and a commitment to forming a true partnership with shared goals and values are keys to successful supply chain collaboration between shippers and their third-party logistics providers.

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

3PL Change Agents

Trying to plot a different course? Figuring out how to spread your wings? A third-party partner might offer…just the kind of help you need.

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

3PL Perspectives 2017

Inbound Logistics’ 12th annual 2017 3PL Perspectives market research report examines the trends and challenges shaping logistics outsourcing strategy and the third-party logistics industry.

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

Getting the Most From Your 3PL Provider

Getting the most from your third-party logistics provider (3PL) is more important than ever. Use these tips to leverage your 3PL relationship.

Rob Kriewaldt

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

Handle With Care: How to Be the Best At Fulfilling Your Clients’ Chemical Handling Needs - WSI

If your firm is looking to break into chemical handling or currently handles chemicals and wants to perform better, this guide offers key factors to becoming the best in the industry.

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics

DHL Becomes the Logistics Partner of the Council of Fashion Designers of America

The logistics provider will help designers find ways to strengthen their global reach.

Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

Is a 3PL Not the Best Fit for You?

While some companies have chosen to rely on 3PLs to manage their logistics, others have found other alternatives.

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, Warehousing

Adding Value to Your Supply Chain

Many companies are finding that value-added logistics services can help to give their supply chain a competitive edge. Use this advice to add value to your supply chain.

E-commerce, 3PL, Education, Retail, Logistics, Site Selection, Supply Chain, Technology , Transportation

Download the Inbound Logistics Planner App Today

Find the right solutions, carriers and partners to drive efficiency in your supply chain operations and enable your enterprise to navigate the twists and turns, ups and downs of the coming year.

Logistics, Logistics I.T., Partnership, Trucking, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Technology

Leading by Example and Empowerment

Profile of Marc Althen, president, Penske Logistics

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.

Diane Mitchell

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

What Is Your Shipper-Logistics Provider Relationship Costing You?

The challenge for shippers considering a new logistics provider is understanding how to evaluate the overall potential of the relationship. Use these key items to ensure success.

Chris Johnson

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Technology

Share Everything: Why Multi-tenant Technology Wins

The benefits of a multi-tenant software platform are immense. Chris Johnson of LeanLogistics outlines the four areas of value with multi-tenant technology.

Walter Lynch

3PL, Education & Careers, Logistics, Supply Chain

Instill Passion, Purpose, and Leadership To Attract and Retain Logistics Talent

Hiring challenges in the supply chain sector include attracting the best talent, developing leaders, and retaining high performers. To solve these issues, employers must step up and build training programs that instill passion, share purpose, provide clear leadership and promotion tracks, are authentic, and ultimately diminish turnover.

Jon Russell

Mexico, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

What You Need to Know About Nearshoring

When a company initiates a nearshoring program, it is critical to have a partnership with a transportation and logistics company that understands the dynamics of logistics in that country.

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

Optimum Dental Extracts Transportation Cost Savings

A lack of route optimization software led to out-of-control logistics costs for Optimum Dental Studio, so the company turned to Maxoptra to optimize routing to serve dental offices and their patients.

Bruce Salter

Third-Party Logistics, Transportation Management, Transportation

Five Keys to Selecting the Right Transportation Consultant

For many shippers, choosing the right transportation consultant can become a difficult, time-consuming, and frustrating process. Here are five keys to finding the optimal partner.

John Burke

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Technology

Is It Time to Think About Logistics Outsourcing?

A company’s ability to efficiently execute a supply chain strategy in today’s environment can be enhanced by logistics outsourcing with a strategic partner.

James Hancock

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

Is Transportation Management Your Core Competency?

When evaluating your needs for a transportation management system it’s important to look beyond technology and consider who will manage planning and execution. Use this advice to determine if a managed service provider will deliver greater value than developing an in-house team.

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

3PL Perspectives 2016

Inbound Logistics’ exclusive market research survey on the third-party logistics (3PL) sector reveals new trends and opportunities.

Distribution, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Technology

Delivery App Perks Up Coffee Sales

A new app helped a coffee merchant digitally transformed its retail sales and distribution processes.

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

Girl Scout Cookie Sales Go Digital and Milk E-Commerce Innovation

The Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) created and implemented a new way of taking and filling orders for its annual cookie drive. Here’s how it made sure cookie sales didn’t crumble.

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

TMS Provides Recipe for Visibility, Vendor Compliance

Kuebix TMS and Managed Services take Weis Markets’ supply chain to the next level of excellence.

Customer Service, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Technology , Visibility

Cloud-Based Route Planning? That Would Be Ideal!

Wholesale distributor Ideal Supply re-routed its delivery network through the cloud with the help of logistics technology provider Descartes.

Gary Barraco

Retail, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

The “Direct-to-Consumer” Trend: Retail Shift Affects Logistics Operations

Direct-to-consumer selling is where the omni-channel strategy becomes truly powerful.

George Kontoravdis, PhD

Big Data, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Technology

Leveraging Collaborative Logistics for Increased Visibility

The cornerstone of collaborative logistics is timely visibility. Data about orders, inventory, transportation, and spend need to all funnel into a common denominator big data repository and be readily accessible.

Distribution, Partnership, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Technology , Warehousing

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitude

When an outdated warehouse management system was putting a dent in a distributor’s workflow, it turned to a technology partner to grow its e-commerce business.

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Trucking, Transportation

Becoming a Shipper of Choice

Taking steps to become a shipper of choice delivers benefits across the supply chain, and will help sustain and grow your bottom line.

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.

Jim Barnes

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

Building Strong Supplier Relationships: Procurement Takes the Lead

Procurement professionals should cultivate and maintain good supplier relationships to ensure profitability.

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.

Logistics, Retail, Ocean, Partnership, Supply Chain, Transportation

Global Logistics—October 2015

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is one step closer to ratification; harnessing the power of supply chain collaboration; FMC approves new regulations for OTIs; SAP releases inaugural Retail Index

E-commerce, Import, Export, 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.

Careers, Industry Associations, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

Getting the Most from Professional Association Memberships

Active participation in a professional association helps advance career growth and offers continuous learning.

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.

Economic Development, Global Economy, Asia, China, Logistics, Ports, Partnership, 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

3PL, Global Economy, Customer Service, Freight Forwarders, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Technology

The Kings of ACE

When it came time to face the ACE, HW St. John bet on an automated solution that streamlines processes and deals customers a winning hand.

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.

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.

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

Regulatory Update: Playing by the Rules

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

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?

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.

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.

Air Cargo, 3PL, Lean, Ocean, Rail, Trucking

Reducing Freight Costs

As transportation prices rise, shippers are engaging in smart planning to reduce logistics costs.

3PL, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics I.T.

Trends—December 2014

To mark SmartWay's 10th anniversary, several shipper partners share their best tactics for getting the most out of the program... Sourcing and procurement functions have become areas of core incompetency says new survey.

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, Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Food Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Specialized Logistics

Food Safety Modernization Act: Safe Travels

Smart shippers are already preparing and making changes to their supply chain operations to ensure they will be in compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act from day one.

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.

Jose Luis Carrazco Velazquez

3PL, Mexico, Transportation Infrastructure, Latin America

3PL Partnerships Can Ease Burden on LATAM Manufacturers

Latin America is fast becoming the destination of choice for companies looking to expand their global footprint, and 3PLs with knowledge and regional expertise will be valuable partners.

Pol Sweeny

3PL, Reverse Logistics, Inventory Management, Retail, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Why Retailers Put Their Sleighbells on in May

Retailers try to head off peak season surprises by beginning their Christmas lists in the spring.

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.

Paul Boothe

3PL, Intermodal, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Trucking, Transportation

Understanding Capacity Constraints

The trucking industry faces capacity constraints, but there are solutions available to help shippers minimize the impact.

3PL, Economic Development, Distribution, Retail, Ocean, Site Selection, Ports, Rail, Trucking, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

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, Transportation, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

Memphis: America’s Multimodal City

Memphis supports global supply chains through highway, rail, airport, and inland port assets, and a qualified workforce.

Tim Taylor

Partnership, Trucking, Transportation

The Spot Market – And How Not to Use It

Using the spot market correctly can reduce backlogs of shipping and keep costs under control.

Keith Biondo

Partnership, Trucking

Build Your Driver-Friendly Brand

Treat truck drivers respectfully to build a good reputation with carriers and ensure load coverage.

Tom Nightingale

Partnership, Transportation Management, Trucking, Transportation

Are You Ready for the Capacity Crisis? Oh, It’s Here

Shippers desperately seek capacity in the midst of a record shortage.

Illustration of a truck with graphs indicating performance levels

Partnership, Transportation Management, Trucking, Transportation

By the Numbers: Tracking Carrier Performance

Tracking carrier performance metrics gives shippers insight into how well trucking companies serve their needs.

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.

Illustration of stacks of money on a pallet

Freight Payment Services, Finance, Logistics I.T., Partnership, Transportation Management, Transportation

Freight Audit and Payment Services: Stacking Up Savings

Freight audit and payment services analyze shipment data to reveal inefficiencies and identify savings opportunities.

Jim Syfan

Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Partnership, Transportation Management, Safety, Trucking, Transportation

A National Standard for Hiring ‘Safe’ Motor Carriers

Motor carrier safety standards dictated by state courts create confusion. National safety standards are more effective.

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

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.

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.

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

A businessman casts a shadow shaped like a soldier

3PL, Military Logistics, Education & Careers

Casting Vets Into the Private Sector

Military veterans bring valuable skills and characteristics that make logistics operations stronger.

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.

Partnership, Supply Chain Management, Transportation

Supplier Compliance: Ask the Experts

A panel of supply chain experts address questions related to ensuring supplier compliance.

An oil refinery

3PL, Chemical Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Transportation

Fueling the Oil and Gas Supply Chain

Transporting and storing oil and gas products represents a complex challenge and big opportunity.

Canada and U.S. flags juxtaposed

3PL, Import, Export, Cross-border Trade, Canada, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Transportation Infrastructure, Transportation

U.S.-Canada Trade: Getting a Line on Cross-Border Shipments

Cross-border import and export trade between the United States and Canada requires planning and expertise.

Eric Meister

Partnership, Logistics I.T., Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Trucking, Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

SaaS TMS Facilitates Carrier Management

SaaS TMS solutions allow shippers, carriers, suppliers, and consignees to conduct business on a single platform.

Tom Heine

3PL

Does Your Website Help You Stand Out from Your Competition?

3PL websites should offer tools that offer shippers information they need, and make working with carriers easier.

Chad Crotty

Logistics I.T., Partnership, Transportation

Partners and Process Management: Freight Business From the Inside Out

To better manage freight spend, track key performance indicators and build strong provider partnerships.

Dan Grimm

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

Taking a Smarter Approach to WMS RFPs

Create your WMS RFP with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of potential suppliers.

Brian Smith

3PL, Warehousing

Need Warehouse Capacity? Outsourcing Gives You an In

With warehouse capacity at a premium, shippers consult 3PLs to help locate shared space.

Tim Minnich

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

Supply Chain Relationship Management

Managing supply chain partnerships strategically improves their viability and reliability.

Ron Cain

3PL

5 Steps to Revolutionize Your Corporate Culture

A strong corporate culture boosts productivity, improves service, and reduces workplace injuries and employee turnover.

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.

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.

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.

Thermometer registering a low temperature

3PL, Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Food Logistics, Temperature Controlled, Warehousing

Cold Storage: Optimization by Degrees

Shippers rely on 3PLs and refrigerated public warehouses to invest in technology, implement standards, and facilitate strategic business process change to drive greater efficiencies.

Cargo security guards monitoring high value shipments

3PL, Pharmaceutical Logistics, Security, Specialized Logistics, Transportation

Protecting High-Value Cargo: A Sense of Security

Shippers and logistics providers take extra precautions to protect high-value products from cargo 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.

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

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.

Illustration of connected points

E-commerce, 3PL, Distribution, Retail, Site Selection, Warehousing

E-Commerce DC Site Selection: Connecting the Dots

E-commerce retailers choose specialized distribution centers near parcel carrier hubs and transportation infrastructure.

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 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.

Cosmetics bottles

E-commerce, 3PL, Distribution, Inventory Management, Retail, Packaging

Cosmetics Logistics: The Beauty of an Optimized Supply Chain

Cosmetics companies face challenges such as time- and temperature-sensitive shipments and retailer packaging requirements.

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.

Packages on a conveyor belt

3PL, Distribution, Labor Management, Materials Handling, Logistics I.T., Safety, Warehousing

Materials Handling Meets Big Data

Big data gathered by materials handling equipment helps warehouse managers improve productivity and safety.

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, Food Logistics, 3PL, Temperature-Sensitive Goods, 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.

Illustration of containers arranged to spell out FTZ

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

FTZ Basics & Benefits

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

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.

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.

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.

Jett McCandless

Freight Forwarders, Partnership, Transportation Management, Trucking, Transportation

Brokers Are Commoditizing LTL Carriers... And That’s a Good Thing

Shippers and trucking brokers must understand the differences among the service levels carriers offer.

163 illustration

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

163 Ways to Supercharge Your Supply Chain

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

Partnership, Transportation Management, Trucking, Transportation

Building a Core Carrier Program

When choosing core carriers, evaluate customer service, on-time delivery, company stability, and workforce quality.

Iron ore mining in Australia

Panama Canal, China, 3PL, Middle East, Asia, 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”

E-commerce, Customer Service, 3PL, 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.

Ed Smith

3PL, Specialized Logistics

Improving Efficiencies and Costs in the Energy Supply Chain

Energy companies have responded to the escalating cost of doing business by looking for savings in the indirect material supply chain. As a result, many are struggling to optimize maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) functions.

Illustration of a ringmaster

3PL, Specialized Logistics

Event Logistics: On With the Show

Event logistics planners coordinate details to ensure precise requirements and deadlines are met.

Trains in an intermodal railyard

Intermodal, Partnership

How to Take Advantage of Intermodal Transportation

Mixing truckload, less-than-truckload, and rail options allows shippers to create efficient intermodal solutions.

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.

Ashton Shaw

Green Logistics, 3PL, Transportation

Using SmartWay Data to Inform Transportation Purchasing Decisions

SmartWay data allows shippers and 3PLs to make business decisions that support their sustainability goals.

Joel Anderson

3PL, Labor Management, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations

How Will the Affordable Care Act Impact Shippers?

A large seasonal workforce complicates 3PL compliance with healthcare laws and could mean rate increases for shippers.

Greg Syfan

3PL, Logistics I.T.

Technology Supports 3PL-Carrier Partnerships

Freight management technology strengthens partnerships between third-party logistics (3PL) providers and carriers.

Michael P. Dolan

3PL, Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

TMS or 3PL: Which Suits Your Business Best?

Shippers’ needs dictate if a third party logistics provider or transportation management system is the best choice.

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.

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.

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.

3PL

2013 3PL Perspectives: Drafting a Blueprint for Growth

A logistics and supply chain market research survey reveal trends and insights about the third-party logistics sector.

3PL

Readers’ Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2013

Inbound Logistics readers' choices for the best third party logistics providers.

Broccoli embedded in ice

3PL, Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Temperature Controlled

Temperature-controlled Logistics: Cool Under Pressure

Perishable shipments such as produce and pharmaceuticals require temperature monitoring and careful handling.

Tank truck hauling chemicals

3PL, Chemical Logistics

Outsourcing for Optimum Supply Chain Effectiveness

For chemical logistics providers, safety on the truck and in the warehouse is of paramount importance.

Keith Biondo

3PL, Economic Development, Manufacturing, Warehousing

We Need Jobs…Let’s Raise Taxes?

Minnesota's warehouse tax may push jobs out of state.

3PL, Economic Development, Intermodal, Site Selection, Rail, Transportation Infrastructure

Site Selection: The Rise of Intermodal

Transporting goods via truck and rail services offers shippers economy and efficiency benefits. Site selection teams evaluating intermodal sites also consider factors such as labor, transportation infrastructure, and utility costs.

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 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.

Partnership

Crafting Logistics Provider Contracts That Cover All the Bases

When negotiating logistics service provider contracts, shippers should ensure they are clear on payment terms and special conditions.

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.

John Wagner Jr.

3PL

Outsourcing for Newbies, and a Refresher for All

To preserve working capital and promote flexibility, many companies choose to leverage the capabilities of a third-party-logistics (3PL) provider for carrier spend, facility occupancy, and more, writes John Wagner Jr. of Wagner Logistics.

Ray Greer

3PL

Using Strategic Acquisitions to Satisfy Your Customer Base

Shippers want 3PL partners that not only responsively evolve service networks and capabilities to flex with the market, but also can anticipate and be ready to meet future service requirements, writes Ray Greer of BNSF Logistics.

Greg White

3PL, Inventory Management

3PL Value-Adds Mean Millions

By identifying the value-adds that brand and retail shippers want, logistics providers can position their offerings to bring millions in benefits to their customers and make the relationship stick, writes Greg White of Blue Ridge.

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.

E-commerce, 3PL, Inventory Management, Retail

You Are Everywhere: Mapping the New Retail Supply Chain

Multi-channel apparel retailers such as Nordstrom use strategic inventory management, order fulfillment, transportation management, and reverse logistics to meet customer demand.

Food Logistics, Distribution, Partnership

Failure is Not an Option: Questions and Answers with Brian Hancock

Brian Hancock, president, North America for Martin-Brower, discusses the unique supply chain and distribution operations supporting the McDonald’s restaurant chain.

3PL

Readers’ Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2012

Inbound Logistics' readers voted on the third-party logistics providers (3PLs) that give them the best service and deliver outstanding results. Here is the list of top-rated 3PLs.

Jim Syfan

3PL

3PLs Control Loads to Provide Shippers Superior Service

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers can inspire shipper confidence by using technology tools to control loads and properly insuring their loads.

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.

Customer Service, Partnership, Transportation Management

Jumping Through Hoops: The Importance of Vendor Compliance

Small companies face challenges in meeting the rules set out in vendor requirements manuals. Best practices help them comply with retailers’ supplier requirements successfully.

3PL, Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Trends—December 2011

C.H. Robinson and Menlo Logistics Worldwide streamline managed TMS services; Ohio, Wisconsin, and California transportation legislation; GE opens renewable energy DC; Order fulfillment process grows in complexity

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.

Clyde Mount

3PL, Retail

Enjoying the Perks of 3PL Order Management

Viewing order management as an opportunity to add value ensures that 3PLs act as a partner that adds real revenue-side value, and not just another vendor, writes Clyde Mount, 3PL Worldwide.

Keith Biondo

3PL

Using a 3PL: Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?

Shippers that use only the transactional solutions offered by their 3PL partners are missing the opportunity to benefit from advanced logistics solutions and expertise they helped pay to initiate, implement, and build-out, writes Publisher Keith Biondo.

Felecia Stratton

3PL

Close Encounters of the Third-Party Kind 

Editor Felecia Stratton describes the highlights of the July 2011 issue, which documents the many ways 3PLs of all shapes and sizes are moving the outsourcing needle in different directions.

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.

3PL

3PLs Save the Day

Just when a shipper needs help most, in steps a partner with super powers. These three case studies show how third-party logistics providers can swoop in to solve problems for shippers.

3PL

3PL Perspectives 2011: The Power of Three

Inbound Logistics' annual 3PL market research report reveals how the dynamic duo of shippers and 3PLs are responding to changing forces in the outsourcing industry.

3PL

Readers' Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2011

Responding to our annual Readers' Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence survey, Inbound Logistics readers voted on the best third-party logistics providers and related the ways in which they count on their 3PLs.

3PL

Does Size Matter? Tier II 3PLs Find Their Niche

3PLs, like shippers, come in many shapes and sizes. The "not-too-big and not-too-small" size of Tier II 3PLs makes them just right for many shippers.

John Rodeheffer

3PL, Customer Service

Does Your 3PL Provide ‘Golden Rule’ Customer Service?

John Rodeheffer of Zipline Logistics outlines how to find a 3PL that delivers "Golden Rule" customer service: who treat others as they want to be treated, with honest and transparent communication.

3PL, Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

New Kids in Town: 3PLs Move Into the TMS Market

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are bringing transportation management systems (TMS) to market.

Jerry Levy

3PL, Last Mile Delivery

White Glove Services: Ask for What You Need

Jerry Levy of Specialized Transportation Inc. explains how to get the best service from white-glove logistics providers.

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.

Brad Constantini

3PL

Protect Your Supply Chain From Merger Mania

Third-party logistics provider mergers can disrupt shippers' supply chain performance. Brad Constantini of Comprehensive Logistics Inc. suggests strategies for preventing these problems.

3PL

4PLs Take Control

4PLs guide transportation operations, manage product flow, and sometimes help avert disaster.

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.

Freight Forwarders, Partnership

You’re in Charge: Selecting and Managing Freight Forwarders

Effectively managing your freight forwarders helps improve supply chain compliance.

3PL, Certifications

Certifiable Results

Logistics service providers are eligible for a range of certifications, such as C-TPAT, SmartWay, FAST, and IATA. But what they must do to qualify, and why should these certifications matter to shippers?

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.

3PL, Project Logistics

The Shipper’s Guide to Project Logistics

Handling oversized cargo requires a special touch. Here's how to find a project logistics provider with the know-how to get the job done right.

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.

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.

3PL, Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Distribution

How to Ship to Alaska

The key to successful shipping in Alaska is to partner with a transportation provider that knows how to manage Alaska’s many obstacles.

3PL, Distribution, Inventory Management, Temperature Controlled, Warehousing

Logistics Outsourcing: An Active Culture at Dannon

Dannon's network design provides flexibility and speed to serve customers quickly, reduces transport time and costs, and delivers on the company's sustainability initiatives, while ensuring product freshness.

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, 3PL, Economic Development, Intermodal, 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.

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.

Jose Fernando Nava

3PL, Global Economy, Import, Export, Cross-border Trade, Mexico, Latin America

Capitalizing on Mexico’s Economic Growth

Jose Fernando Nava, president, DHL Supply Chain, Latin America shows shippers how to capitalize on Mexico's attraction as a growing consumer market.

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.

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.

Rick O'Dell

Partnership, Trucking

The Best Partner Carriers Provide Transparency

Shippers shouldn't assume all on-time performance is created equal. Make sure every dollar you spend counts by choosing carriers who provide honest, accurate metrics, and foster innovation to improve your business.

3PL, Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Retail, Warehousing

Consumer Packaged Goods: Lightening the Load

Here's the story of one consumer product, starting with its origin as a variety of inbound ingredients and following its progress from plant to warehouse to retail store.

Ike Ortiz-Luis

3PL, Project Logistics

Oversized Shipments: Good to Grow

Ike Ortiz-Luis of DGX-Dependable Global Express explains how to navigate oversized cargo's specialized needs, from transportation requirements to project financing.

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.

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.

Steve Sensing

3PL

Value Added Services Bring Flexibility to the Supply Chain

A new wave of demand for value-added services requires more capabilities of retail vendors and their logistics providers.

3PL

The Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards

Inbound Logistics readers select the top third-party logistics (3PL) providers.

Air Cargo, Intermodal, 3PL, 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

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.

3PL, Forklifts, Safety, Warehousing

Keeping Surprises Out Of The Warehouse

Warehousing risks can spring out at any moment. Some are meant to be shared, others avoided. Successful warehousing operations strike a balance.

John Patton

3PL, Intermodal

Giving Intermodal the Green Light

A combined truck-and-rail transport approach cuts costs and offers environmental benefits, writes John Patton of Trinity Transport Inc.

Chris Timmer

Logistics I.T., Partnership

Sharing Efficiencies Through Collaboration

LeanLogistics' Chris Timmer explains how collaborating with trading partners, aided by an on-demand transportation management system, helps increase supply chain efficiencies.

J. Kenneth Hazen

Logistics I.T., Partnership

Drilling Down Into Supply Chain Data

Sharing key information with all parties can lead to decreased waste, increased orders, and new business, writes J. Kenneth Hazen, CTSI-Global.

Cliff Otto

3PL, Warehousing

Today’s Warehouse Plays a New Role

Shared space environments, secondary packaging services, and reimagined cross-docking functions are helping manufacturers get more value from warehousing providers. Cliff Otto, president of Saddle Creek, outlines the benefits.

Green Logistics, 3PL, Reverse Logistics

Green Reverse Logistics Brings Many Happy Returns

Companies that combine the reduce, reuse, recycle mantra with the supply chain wisdom of managing costs and stamping out inefficiencies are developing reverse supply chains that help the Earth, the customer, and the bottom line.

Jerry DeMeuse

3PL, Trucking

It's Time to Start Looking at the Future and Preparing for the Long Haul

As truckload prices starting to rise, more shippers are choosing stability over short-term cost advantages, writes Jerry DeMeuse of Schneider Logistics.

3PL

Is Your 3PL a Brand Builder?

3PL

Choosing and Using a Freight Forwarder

3PL

Defining the Ideal Pacific Rim Warehouse

3PL

Learning to Play by New Rules: Managing Logistics Through the Recession

3PL

Mission-Critical Service Parts Logistics: Making the Impossible Possible

3PL

Offshoring vs. Right-shoring: How to Decide

3PL

Brokering Change

3PL

Why You Don't Want an Obedient 3PL

3PL

Cultivating Healthy Carrier Relationships

Simon Kaye

3PL

Incoterms Let Importers Control Their Destiny

3PL

Choosing a 3PL: Safety First

3PL

Logistics Managers Earn Job Security

3PL

Managing the Mess on the High Seas

3PL

Co-Sourcing: Two Companies Acting As One

3PL

Six Essential Strategies for Selecting a Global 3PL

3PL

Take a Deep Breath Before Diving Into Global Outsourcing

3PL

Shortcuts Sound Appealing, But at What Cost?

3PL

The Seven Abilities of Highly Effective 3PLs

3PL

First-Time Outsourcers Can Keep Customers Happy

3PL

Last Mile Logistics: Key to Competing in the Retail Race

3PL

Freight Payment: Getting Back to Basics

3PL

Premium Freight Makes JIT Fit

3PL

Minimize Total Landed Cost: Strategize, Model, Act

3PL

Selecting a Logistics Supplier? Think Supple

3PL

3PLs Deliver on the Global Promise

3PL

The Five Inventories: Invisible to Customers, Crucial to the Bottom Line

3PL

Premium Freight: Costly Expense or Strategic Initiative?

3PL

8 Steps to Protecting Against Parcel Fraud

3PL

5 Best Practices to Boost Import Efficiency

3PL

It's Capacity Crunch Time. Can Multi-Shipper Collaboration Help?

3PL

Mission Possible: Expand Business Without Adding DCs

3PL

Service Parts & Logistics: Should You In-source or Outsource?

3PL

Optimize Your Transportation Program for Greater Efficiency

3PL

Outsourced Manufacturing Changes the Face of 3PLs

3PL

The Logistics of Doing Business in China

3PL

Knowing What and When to Outsource

3PL

Penetrating the U.S. Market With No Warehousing Investment

3PL

Please Don't Squeeze the 3PL

3PL

Pulling the Profit Lever of Spare Parts Logistics

3PL

Becoming Truly Global: 3PLs Face New Challenges

3PL

Retailers Take Outsourcing to the Next Level

3PL

Six Ways to Grow in a Down Economy

3PL

What's Next in Outsourcing's Evolution?

3PL

Orchestrating Successful Product Launches

3PL

Riding Outsourcing Waves: Hang Five to Thrive

3PL

One Throat to Choke: The Case for One-Stop Logistics

3PL

Consolidating Reverse Logistics and Warehousing Yields Greater Returns

3PL

Shifting Gears from Inventory to Motor Freight Costs

3PL

Contingency Planning: Get Ahead of the Game NOW

3PL

Building Bridges With Your 3PLs

3PL

Transforming Density into Savings

3PL

Proactive Involvement Ensures Clean 3PL Startup

3PL

The 4 T's of SC Excellence: Timing, Trust, Transparency, Technology

3PL

Outsourcing from the Buyer's Side of the Table

3PL

When Should You Outsource Transportation?

3PL

Do-It-Yourselfers Need Help Too

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.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PL Partnership Turns Up the Heat

During a period of rapid growth, online grill retailer BBQGrills.com reduced damaged freight claims by more than 75% and lowered shipping costs by working with a logistics services provider for country-wide less-than-truckload services.

E-commerce, 3PL, Retail

Shippers Stock Up

As the pandemic continues to impact supply chains, retailers go shopping for third-party logistics providers to gain end-to-end control.

Dan Boaz

Expedited Shipping, Fulfillment, Partnership

Expedited Shipping Can Save Money

While expedited shipping options are typically more expensive than standard freight services, they offer numerous benefits to organizations when sending and picking up cargo. Here are some of the major advantages.

3PL, Inventory Management, Technology

Taking Stock of Inventory Management

New forecasting tools, added 3PL services, and increased collaboration are among the strategies companies rely on to inform inventory management.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PL Outsourcing Beyond the Initial Goals

RedStone understands that cost savings are just a part of each client relationship; a 3PL must provide more if the relationship is to withstand the demands of an ever-changing 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.

Food Logistics, Retail, Partnership

Supply Chain Lessons Learned: The Procurement Groove

16 sound procurement lessons you can tune into moving forward.

Robert Kriewaldt

Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Sustainability

The Relationship Between Supply Chain Resiliency and Sustainability

Companies that had robust sustainability programs in place before 2020 learned that supply chain resiliency was an inevitable side effect of those initiatives. Here’s how sustainability supports resiliency.

Distribution, Partnership, Warehousing

Driving Growth Without Boundaries

Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS), a leading provider of water management solutions products, needed to expand its distribution footprint to meet demand. Here’s how DHL Supply Chain helped ADS amid a building boom.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Technology

3PLs Drive Logistics IT Solutions

E-commerce acceleration and massive shifts in consumer expectations have changed the equation. Shippers are turning to 3PLs’ technology expertise to manage logistics costs and meet service expectations in an ever-changing marketplace.

Big Data, Partnership, Transportation

DAT iQ Optimizes the RFP Process

Analytics from DAT iQ take the uncertainty out of every step of the RFP process.

3PL, Partnership, Technology

What is the secret to a successful shipper/3PL partnership?

Supply chain leaders share their insight on the secret to a successful shipper/3PL partnership.

Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Site Selection, Partnership

Incentives Brighten Site Selection Decisions

Tax, energy, and land incentives can turn a good location into a great one. Here's what companies and the logistics providers who serve them need to consider as they explore locating, relocating, or expanding their businesses.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PLs Have Your Back

Shippers trust their third-party logistics partners to be there through thick and thin.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

Top 10 3PLs Readers' Choice Excellence Awards

These third-party logistics providers have your back, earning shippers’ votes with their consistency and customer service.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2021 Inbound Logistics Perspectives: 3PL Market Research Report

Our 16th annual 3PL market research report reveals the current state of the union between shippers and their logistics service partners.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2021 Top 100 3PLs

When your enterprise faces supply chain and logistics challenges, these partners won't let you fall. In alphabetical order, here are the 100 third-party logistics providers deemed best of the best by Inbound Logistics editors.

Andy Kirchner

3PL, Agriculture Logistics, Partnership

3PLs in Agriculture: Know the Roots of the Industry to Make Your Impact

From LTL and dedicated route service to seasonal and year-round storage, 3PLs need to be well-versed in the space to meet the specialized needs of agricultural companies.

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.

Nick Fisher

Big Data, Finance, Partnership

Reducing Inbound Freight Costs and Improving Accounting

Pre-rating inbound shipments based upon purchase order information leads to too many required corrections and an improper month-end accrual. Here's how you can lower your inbound freight costs and improve your accounting.

Partnership, Technology

IN BRIEF: New Services & Solutions

A look at the latest supply chain technologies, products, services, and transportation solutions.

Partnership, Trucking, Technology

Why a YMS?

Yard management systems (YMS) streamline operations by managing shipments from the yard gate to the dock. Find out how to transform your yard into a source of efficiency and use this short list of leading providers to start your search for the right solution.

3PL, Partnership, Technology

3PLs Custom Fit Solutions

From providing seamless technology integrations to tailoring transportation networks, 3PLs reinforce supply chains of all shapes and sizes.

3PL, Last Mile Delivery, Technology

Uncorking Last-Mile Bottlenecks

To move goods to customers’ doorsteps efficiently, safely, and quickly, many companies need to overcome strained distribution networks, time-consuming manual processes, driver shortages, and urban congestion. Here are the latest last-mile innovations.

3PL, Partnership, Warehousing

3PL Warehousing Gets In the Zone

By working as partners, third-party logistics providers and shippers take on today's warehousing challenges.

Chad Crotty

Partnership, Technology

Outsourcing Helps Close IT Gaps and Meet Milestones

By leveraging DDC FPO's expansive range of programming languages and skill levels, carriers can offer a consistent experience regardless of each shipper’s individual IT investment.

Food Logistics, Partnership, Technology

Buddha Brands Embraces the Philosophy of Supply Chain Integration

Buddha Brands partners with TrueCommerce to achieve full integration between its EDI and ERP solutions.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

Ensuring a Successful 3PL Partnership

With the pandemic forcing companies to embrace a new normal, many are reimagining their supply chains and turning to third-party logistics (3PL) providers for guidance. Here’s how to get the most out of your 3PL relationship.

3PL, Distribution, Partnership

Taylored Fulfillment Services Acquires U.S. Operations of Toll Global Logistics

The acquisition triples Taylored’s footprint in key areas, totaling more than 4.1 million square feet of distribution space.

Customer Service, Partnership, Technology

Rolling Out a Major Product Transition Across the Globe

C3 Solutions prepared to shift all users from their Adobe Flash product version to a brand new HTML5 platform, a comprehensive project with a firm and non-negotiable deadline

Tara Meier

Customer Service, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

What Is the Best Method to Measure Customer Satisfaction?

Ruan believes in developing strong partnerships by understanding our customers’ stories and continuing to improve our service as their needs evolve. And the best way to know if we are achieving that goal is to ask them.

3PL, Food Logistics, Partnership

West Pak Avocado Grows a Ripe 3PL Partnership

West Pak Avocado distributes avocados to hundreds of customers around the globe. To maintain efficient transportation through seasonal peaks, West Pak partnered with a third-party logistics provider to move produce as quickly as possible.

Thomas Griffin

3PL, Customer Service, Partnership

Partnering with a Logistics Specialist Brings Major Benefits

Thomas Griffin, president at DLS Worldwide, discusses how partnering with a large, experienced logistics company can offer technology, agility, and customer service benefits.

Partnership, Technology

Become a “Partner of Choice” to Unleash the Full Power of Procurement

In a post-COVID supply environment, now is the time to revolutionize by taking the best of both worlds and consolidating them into a new approach moving forward: partner-centric procurement.

Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Technology

5 Tips for Evaluating Logistics Service Providers

When selecting the best provider for your company, there’s a lot to consider to ensure that freight is handled efficiently and with great care. Keep the following five tips in mind when evaluating your partnerships.

Robert Walters

3PL, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Visibility

Tracking Shipments in Today’s World

Shippers can track inbound shipments until delivered and know if they may be delayed or delivered with damages or shortages by enlisting the assistance of a 3PL.

Keith Biondo

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

What Can 3PLs Do?

Can third-party logistics (3PL) providers bring chaos to order? Or order to chaos? For starters, they can help you wrangle and bring some order to the current COVID-caused confusion in your logistics process.

3PL, Partnership, Technology

3PLs Coming to the Rescue

When supply chain and logistics trouble brews, shippers summon third-party logistics (3PL) providers for their expertise, technology, and dedication to customer service.

Thomas Griffin

3PL, Partnership, Transportation

Finding the Right 3PL Partner Delivers Key Benefits

Thomas Griffin, president with DLS Worldwide, discusses how finding the right 3PL partner is more important than ever in the transportation sector as companies recover from COVID-19.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2020 Top 10 3PL Readers' Choice Excellence Awards

When shippers send out distress signals, 3PLs answer the call. The providers that earned a 2020 Readers' Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence Award are among the most responsive and respected in the industry.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PL Perspectives 2020

Inbound Logistics' newest exclusive 3PL market research provides a snapshot of how the world appears to shippers and their logistics service providers.

3PL, Freight Forwarders, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Improve 3PL Warehouse Order Growth by 300% with the Right WMS

Learn how 3PL Central's warehouse management solutions helped Woodland Group become an "invisible" partner for its customers while growing their businesses.

3PL, Distribution, Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Sustaining Operational Excellence

TA Services' transportation management solutions helped MRC Global, a distributor of pipe, infrastructure products, and valves and fittings, improve visibility and enhance service levels.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2020 Top 100 3PLs

The top 100 third-party logistics providers of 2020 as chosen by Inbound Logistics' editors.

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.

3PL, Distribution, Supply Chain

GOOD QUESTION | What Supply Chain Terms Do People Sometimes Confuse?

We asked and you answered—these are the supply chain terms and phrases that you think people often confuse.

3PL, Finance, Partnership

The Ultimate RFP Checklist for Shippers: Essential Things to Include in Every Bid

The clearer your RFP, the easier it will be for 3PLs to understand your requirements and provide you with the information you need to make an informed selection.

Oren Zaslansky

3PL, Last Mile Delivery, Retail

Navigating Amazon's Move into Freight

Amazon's launching of a full-service freight brokerage has a number of implications for supply chain professionals—some obvious and some not so clear.

Partnership, Supply Chain

Kicking the Tires on an IoT Solution

Tire manufacturer Michelin is a shipper with a massive global footprint and complex demands. With headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin operates 121 production facilities in 17 countries; those facilities produced approximately 190 million tires in 2017. With a presence in 170 countries, distributing products across the globe is a challenging and sophisticated operation.

Brian Thompson

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

Automated Bidding Tools Benefit Shippers, 3PLs, and Carriers

Automated bidding tools bring benefits to shippers and carriers alike. Carriers that receive complete shipment history and future volume forecasts from shippers are able to make the most competitive offers, which can lead to shipper savings.

Logistics, Partnership

GOOD QUESTION | What’s the first thing to look for when selecting a logistics partner?

Readers share what you should look for to find an optimal logistics partner.

Derek Browning

3PL, Partnership, Supply Chain

Choosing a 3PL: How to Make a Mature Decision

A 3PL partner that is aligned on purpose, value, strategy, and culture can provide far more value than what is seen in a transportation budget variance report.

3PL, Trucking

The Value of a Trucking Company Offering 3PL Services

Combining trucking assets with 3PL services is not an entirely new concept — but it’s one that’s been refined and improved to give shippers a freight model that outperforms past models in the marketplace.

3PL, Logistics, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Automating Labor-Intensive Tasks Cuts 3PL's Costs by 50%

Javelin Logistics removed their reliance on manual labor and now thrive in the e-commerce marketplace by partnering with 3PL Central.

Tara Meier

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

Choosing the Right 3PL and Supporting Supply Chain Excellence

Choosing the right third-party logistics provider (3PL) can make or break your goal of achieving supply chain excellence. Here’s how to select the right 3PL.

Mary Lamie

Economic Development, Partnership, Supply Chain

Collaboration Grows Freight Economy

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

3PL, Third-Party Logistics

21 Years of Top Ten 3PLs: A History of Excellence

A look back over 21 years of Inbound Logistics' Top 10 3PLs.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics

2019 Top 100 3PLs

Providing innovative and reliable supply chain solutions, these third-party logistics providers drive home the goods. Presented in alphabetical order, these are the 100 3PLs Inbound Logistics editors selected as the best of the best.

E-commerce, 3PL, Third-Party Logistics

E-Commerce Raises the Snack Bar

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

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

3PL Power

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

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

The Nexus Way

Nexus is a third-party logistics provider offering customized warehousing solutions and multi-modal transportation services.

Thomas Griffin

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

How to Choose a 3PL and Reap the Benefits - DLS Worldwide

When a shipper finds a 3PL who can be a true partner, the choice should be easy and the benefits evident, from letting team members focus on core competencies to leveraging the 3PL’s expertise.

Partnership, Supply Chain, Transportation

Ocean Spray Teams Up With Uber Freight to Create a Refreshingly Simple Supply Chain

In an effort to stay ahead of industry trends, Ocean Spray jumped at the chance to partner with Uber Freight for more efficient transportation.

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.

Partnership, Supply Chain

Noted: The Supply Chain in Brief

New and noteworthy in the supply chain

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.

3PL, Technology , Warehousing

The Bot Revolution: 3PLs Go High-Tech to Streamline Warehouse Operations

3PL executives charged with making their company’s operations more efficient and cost-effective to the associates on the floor who pick the orders, all are singing the praises of the ‘bot revolution.’

3PL, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain

IT Gap? 3PLs Close the Loop

Today, many 3PLs provide the technology solutions and expertise shippers need to manage increasingly complicated customer relationships.

3PL, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Technology

3PLs, Tech Providers Empower Ethical Supply Chains

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

3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Logistics, Supply Chain

The State Of Logistics Outsourcing

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

3PL, Customer Service, Fulfillment, Supply Chain

15 Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Outsourced Fulfillment Partner

Is outsourcing your fulfillment the best option for your business? Here are 15 important questions to ask a potential partner.

Bob Farrell

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

6 Strategies for Finding the Right 3PL Partner

Logistics, Partnership, Pallets, Supply Chain

New Pallet Program Better by Half

When Jel Sert needed to improve on the half-pallets it was using to deliver product displays for in-store promotions, CHEP developed a better solution.

3PL, Trucking, Transportation

10 Tips for Transportation Sourcing

Selecting a transportation mode and carrier isn’t as simple as identifying the fastest or least expensive option. It’s a complicated process that takes into account timelines and risks as well as budgets. Industry experts share best practices that will help save money and prevent costly mistakes.

Jeff Luthman

3PL, Pharmaceutical Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain

VMI Solutions Carried Out by 3PLs in the Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals Industry - MD Logistics

An experienced and knowledgeable 3PL provider can help life sciences and pharmaceutical customers adopt VMI as a supply chain management practice.

Rob Kriewaldt

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

Need Flexibility? Seek Out Full-Service 3PLs - WSI

By quickly adapting to various industries and commodities and responding to client requests with urgency and an extremely high level of customer service quality, a strong 3PL will find it can outlast even the most convenient warehousing options.

Michael Khalil

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

3 Ways Your 3PL Can Help You Overcome E-commerce Challenges

By collaborating with a knowledgeable third-party logistics (3PL) provider, shippers can add both scale and visibility to their supply chain.

Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Transportation Management

Supply Chain Collaboration: It Works Both Ways

Transparency, honest communication, and a commitment to forming a true partnership with shared goals and values are keys to successful supply chain collaboration between shippers and their third-party logistics providers.

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

3PL Change Agents

Trying to plot a different course? Figuring out how to spread your wings? A third-party partner might offer…just the kind of help you need.

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

3PL Perspectives 2017

Inbound Logistics’ 12th annual 2017 3PL Perspectives market research report examines the trends and challenges shaping logistics outsourcing strategy and the third-party logistics industry.

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

Getting the Most From Your 3PL Provider

Getting the most from your third-party logistics provider (3PL) is more important than ever. Use these tips to leverage your 3PL relationship.

Rob Kriewaldt

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

Handle With Care: How to Be the Best At Fulfilling Your Clients’ Chemical Handling Needs - WSI

If your firm is looking to break into chemical handling or currently handles chemicals and wants to perform better, this guide offers key factors to becoming the best in the industry.

E-commerce, Logistics, Partnership, Packaging, Supply Chain

New Packaging Innovation Center

UPS and Sealed Air’s new center will help solve e-commerce retailers’ packaging and shipping challenges.

Stephen Wilson

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

The Advantages of a Pop Up Supply Chain

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

3PL Perspectives 2016

Inbound Logistics’ exclusive market research survey on the third-party logistics (3PL) sector reveals new trends and opportunities.

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.

Global Trade Management, Partnership, Technology

Global Trade Management Systems Guide 2022

From resource planning and transportation management to analytics, these top GTM companies can help take some of the stress out of managing your global supply chain.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PL Partnership Turns Up the Heat

During a period of rapid growth, online grill retailer BBQGrills.com reduced damaged freight claims by more than 75% and lowered shipping costs by working with a logistics services provider for country-wide less-than-truckload services.

Partnership, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Transportation

TMS Keeps the Presses Running

OVOL USA’s needed a transportation management system (TMS) that would meet the unique needs of all the company’s divisions and was relatively straightforward to implement and use. By partnering with ShippersEdge, he found a system that met both goals.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PL Outsourcing Beyond the Initial Goals

RedStone understands that cost savings are just a part of each client relationship; a 3PL must provide more if the relationship is to withstand the demands of an ever-changing supply chain.

Brian Lawson

Expedited Shipping, Partnership, Transportation

Why Expedited Is Not a Four-Letter Word

The expedited sector of the transportation realm brings value, capacity, service and yes, can reduce your transportation cost when used effectively.

Lee Rector

3PL, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehousing

WMS Must-Haves: Adaptability, Scalability for Efficiency and Profit

A warehouse management system should be adaptable, fast, affordable, and scalable to offer a low entry point into the warehouse, while providing a platform that expands exponentially according to the client's requirements, Mantis recommends.

Robert Kriewaldt

Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Sustainability

The Relationship Between Supply Chain Resiliency and Sustainability

Companies that had robust sustainability programs in place before 2020 learned that supply chain resiliency was an inevitable side effect of those initiatives. Here’s how sustainability supports resiliency.

Humanitarian Logistics, Partnership, Sustainability

Noted: The Supply Chain In Brief

The latest supply chain sustainability efforts, good works, mergers and acquisitions, new hires, and more.

Food Logistics, Distribution, Partnership

BREA Wine Company Raises a Glass to Logistics

Partnering with Elenteny Imports enabled BREA Wine Co. to become “super-efficient” on the compliance side, accelerating distribution.

Partnership, Security, Technology

Logistics Management & Chain of Custody: Securing IT Assets

Proper logistics management can be one of the most critical aspects of a successful IT asset disposition (ITAD) program.

Humanitarian Logistics, Partnership, Sustainability

Noted: The Supply Chain In Brief

The latest supply chain sustainability efforts, good works, mergers and acquisitions, new hires, and more.

Partnership, Trucking, Transportation

2021 Trucking Perspectives

Inbound Logistics' annual report on the state of the trucking market, based on surveys of motor carriers and shippers.

Partnership, Trucking, Transportation

2021 Top 100 Truckers

Selected by Inbound Logistics’ editors, the 2021 Top 100 Truckers list honors reliable carriers that steer shippers in the right direction. The list serves as a comprehensive guide for shippers seeking reliable and cost-effective solutions.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PLs Have Your Back

Shippers trust their third-party logistics partners to be there through thick and thin.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

Top 10 3PLs Readers' Choice Excellence Awards

These third-party logistics providers have your back, earning shippers’ votes with their consistency and customer service.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2021 Inbound Logistics Perspectives: 3PL Market Research Report

Our 16th annual 3PL market research report reveals the current state of the union between shippers and their logistics service partners.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2021 Top 100 3PLs

When your enterprise faces supply chain and logistics challenges, these partners won't let you fall. In alphabetical order, here are the 100 third-party logistics providers deemed best of the best by Inbound Logistics editors.

Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Food Logistics, Partnership

Blend of Solutions Saves the Day for Yogurt Maker

When yogurt maker Noosa needed to sleeve bottles of drinkable yogurt while maintaining their temperatures, Verst provided solutions to make sure processes went smoothly.

Andy Kirchner

3PL, Agriculture Logistics, Partnership

3PLs in Agriculture: Know the Roots of the Industry to Make Your Impact

From LTL and dedicated route service to seasonal and year-round storage, 3PLs need to be well-versed in the space to meet the specialized needs of agricultural companies.

Nikolaus Sievers

Big Data, Partnership, Technology

Solving the Global Data Dilemma

Now’s the time to find ways to increase interoperability between business partners, control and make sense of your data, and uplevel traditional, manual processes for faster and more intentional outcomes.

Chemical Logistics, Partnership, Security

Chemical Logistics on a Roll

Add capacity constraints, severe weather, and cyberattacks into the already complex equation of moving chemicals. These logistics providers are combining expertise and dedication and coming up with the winning formula.

3PL, Technology , Transportation

Optimizing Your Transportation Network

Optimizing a transportation network equires an ideal combination of personnel, tools, and strategic alignment.

Robert Kriewaldt

Partnership, Sustainability, Warehousing

Incorporating Sustainability into Your Warehouse Operation

From switching to energy-efficient lighting to installing solar panels, here are some tips to help you build a greener warehouse.

E-commerce, 3PL, Fulfillment

LEGACY at the Crossroads of America

As e-commerce continues to dominate the retail landscape, many logistics services providers are evolving their solutions to meet this new demand. One example is LEGACY Supply Chain, a third-party logistics provider focused on e-commerce fulfillment in the United States and Canada.

Customer Service, Partnership, Technology

10 Tips for Improving the Customer Experience

Your customer experience represents the primary touchpoint between your revenue and customers, so the experience you offer can make all the difference between short-lived success and true market longevity.

Partnership, Security, Technology

AI Strategy: Your Move

Artificial intelligence spending shows no signs of slowing. Decision-makers should consider the following factors in their digitization strategy.

Logistics I.T., Partnership, Technology

2021 Top 100 Logistics IT Providers

Inbound Logistics’ 2021 Top 100 Logistics IT Providers guide shines a light on the brightest and most innovative logistics technology providers.

Global Trade Management, Partnership, Technology

2021 Global Trade Management Guide

Global trade management solutions became even more important when supply chains were disrupted with the pandemic. By connecting sourcing and logistics, GTM systems help make global trade transparent, efficient, and cost-effective.

Green Logistics, Humanitarian Logistics, Partnership

Noted: The Supply Chain In Brief

Read the latest good works, sustainability efforts, mergers and acquisitions, new hires, and sealed deals happening in the supply chain.

3PL, Food Logistics, Technology

Logistics Challenges: Small Businesses Clear the Bar

These agile small and mid-sized businesses have picked up the pace to vault over supply chain challenges, including the pandemic.

Dave Bush

3PL, Partnership, Trucking

FTL vs. LTL: What's the Difference? 

Understanding these seven key differences between shipping full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) allows shippers to achieve the best possible results and support planning.

Partnership, Trucking, Transportation

Trucking Relationships: In It for the Long Haul

The pandemic is testing shipper-carrier partnerships in new and different ways. Here’s what transportation partners are doing to reconnect and keep their relationships healthy for the long haul.

3PL, Partnership, Warehousing

3PL Warehousing Gets In the Zone

By working as partners, third-party logistics providers and shippers take on today's warehousing challenges.

E-commerce, 3PL, Food Logistics

Working Like a Dog to Fill Pet Food Surge Orders

A niche pet food company thrives during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to a long-standing partnership with its third-party logistics provider.

E-commerce, Retail, Partnership

SEKO Partnership Provides Ecommerce Efficiencies for Retailers

Retailer Shein streamlined supply chain operations by leveraging a partnership with Air-City and SEKO, which enables shippers to move express e-commerce orders quickly across international borders..

Customer Service, Partnership, Technology

Creating an Exceptional Customer Experience

If you deliver poor customer service, you’ll lose business. But you can turn things around with a serious commitment to meaningful change and work across your entire enterprise.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

Ensuring a Successful 3PL Partnership

With the pandemic forcing companies to embrace a new normal, many are reimagining their supply chains and turning to third-party logistics (3PL) providers for guidance. Here’s how to get the most out of your 3PL relationship.

E-commerce, Inventory Management, Partnership

What Makes a Go-To Ecommerce Partner? Ask Baboon To The Moon

Gaining command over their inventory as well as every order, return, and exchange, bag maker Baboon to the Moon is over the moon about its logistics partner.

Tara Meier

Customer Service, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

What Is the Best Method to Measure Customer Satisfaction?

Ruan believes in developing strong partnerships by understanding our customers’ stories and continuing to improve our service as their needs evolve. And the best way to know if we are achieving that goal is to ask them.

Partnership, Trucking, Transportation

Truckers Give It the Gas

Shippers look for truckers and partners that can shift gears quickly and provide dependable performance. Here are the strategies the best trucking companies use to meet—and even exceed—shippers’ expectations.

Partnership, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Noted: The Supply Chain in Brief

Read the latest good works, sustainability efforts, mergers and acquisitions, new hires, and sealed deals happening in the supply chain.

Partnership, Trucking, Transportation

2020 Top 100 Truckers

Selected by Inbound Logistics’ editors, the annual Top 100 Truckers directory is a comprehensive guide that matches you with carriers that will drive your company in the right direction.

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.

Kraig Foreman

3PL, Retail, Supply Chain

Return-to-School Period Will Test Retailers and 3PLs

The return-to-school shopping period is an important dress rehearsal for the upcoming peak season.

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.

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.

Keith Biondo

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

What Can 3PLs Do?

Can third-party logistics (3PL) providers bring chaos to order? Or order to chaos? For starters, they can help you wrangle and bring some order to the current COVID-caused confusion in your logistics process.

Cross-border Trade, Canada, Partnership

Cross-Border Logistics: Supply Chain Synergy

Bolstered by a new trade deal, the longstanding partnership between Canada and the United States thrives during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing ample opportunity for companies that offer cross-border solutions.

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.

Thomas Griffin

3PL, Partnership, Transportation

Finding the Right 3PL Partner Delivers Key Benefits

Thomas Griffin, president with DLS Worldwide, discusses how finding the right 3PL partner is more important than ever in the transportation sector as companies recover from COVID-19.

3PL, Customer Service, Demand Planning

Getting Crafty with Supply Chain Solutions

Verst Logistics helped an arts and crafts supplies company address peak season challenges and growing sales by expanding its supply chain capabilities.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2020 Top 10 3PL Readers' Choice Excellence Awards

When shippers send out distress signals, 3PLs answer the call. The providers that earned a 2020 Readers' Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence Award are among the most responsive and respected in the industry.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

3PL Perspectives 2020

Inbound Logistics' newest exclusive 3PL market research provides a snapshot of how the world appears to shippers and their logistics service providers.

3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership

2020 Top 100 3PLs

The top 100 third-party logistics providers of 2020 as chosen by Inbound Logistics' editors.

Kraig Foreman

E-commerce, 3PL, Fulfillment

Creating Differentiation Through Innovative E-Commerce Fulfillment

When shippers work with a 3PL that is consistently investing in technology and new distribution centers, they can increase service consistency and offer their customers unexpectedly fast fulfillment.

Careers, Labor Management, Partnership

Peak of Perfection

Leadership profile of Juliann Larimer, CEO of Peak-Ryzex

3PL, Freight Forwarders, Technology

10 Tips | Managing Inbound Freight

Inbound freight can be a challenge to analyze or control, but it significantly impacts operational and cost results. Traverse this ‘final frontier’ of supply chain management by collaborating on these strategies, across departments.

Global Trade Management, Partnership, Supply Chain

6 Supply Chain Risks Worth Taking

Supply chain professionals working in small and mid-sized businesses often operate with little margin for error. Taking calculated, thoughtful risks can pay off.

Careers, 3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain

Building a Hub of Vision and Passion

Profile of Phil Yeager, president and COO, Hub Group

3PL, Supply Chain, Technology

3PLs: Responsive, Cost-Effective, and Green

The modern supply chain is complex, and in order for the world's leading companies to deliver their goods and services in an expedient, cost-conscious, and environmentally friendly fashion, they are increasingly turning to third-party logistics (3PL) companies to achieve these goals. These are among the themes of the 2020 Third-Party Logistics Study.

3PL, Logistics I.T., Technology

Control Tower Approach Drives Visibility, Aids Planning and Supply Chain Reliability

LANXESS, a global specialty chemicals supplier, selected Odyssey Logistics & Technology to track multiple assets for four business units that provide products across 33 countries.

Partnership, Trucking, Transportation

How to Maintain Composure During Trucking Capacity Shifts

What do you do when trucking capacity shifts? Keep your spend in check and your partnerships tight.

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.

E-commerce, 3PL, Third-Party Logistics

E-Commerce Raises the Snack Bar

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

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.

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.

3PL, Transportation Management, Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Choosing a TMS: How to Make the Right Move

The variety of transportation management systems available can make it difficult for shippers to target the solution that is the best fit for their organization. Experts say companies should strive to identify the features that will support their unique operation rather than falling into the trap of chasing options that will not provide a useful impact. The process for selecting a TMS should be marked by disciplined decision-making and a focus on the business case.

Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

Choosing a Third-Party Logistics Provider

10 tips to help navigate through the third-party logistics provider selection process to get the most value out of a 3PL partner.

Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

A No-Fail Mentality and Sheer Force of Will

Profile of Jeff Cohen, chief operating officer, G&D Integrated

Andrew Berke and Charles Boesch

Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

Using Technology to Cut Freight Costs

Here are ways to reduce freight expense while improving service outside of securing reduced freight rates from LTL, truckload, parcel and expedited services carriers.

3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Logistics, Supply Chain

NOTED | The Supply Chain in Brief

New and noteworthy in the supply chain.

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

3PLs Put on the White Gloves

Logistics service providers reveal how they treat their customers like VIPs.

Keith Biondo

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

Dual Dynamics

Clearly, increased trucking costs are the new normal. Also as clear is the other dynamic, which is emphasized a little less these days but all the more important to offset cost increases in other areas: Use your logistics partner strategically and offset rising transport costs.

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

A Sweet deal: Nestlé, XPO Build Digital Warehouse

Nestlé, the world's largest food and drink company, and XPO Logistics, a global provider of transport and logistics solutions, are co-creating a 638,000-square-foot distribution center at the new SEGRO East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park in Leicestershire, UK.

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

To 3PL or Not to 3PL?

Retailers may face significant challenges when expanding further into the online/e-commerce business. Some challenges may involve supply chain management issues.

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

2018 Top 100 3PL Providers

It’s a boon year for third-party logistics providers offering innovative, flexible, and reliable solutions to meet shipper demands. Presented alphabetically, these are the 100 3PLs Inbound Logistics editors chose as the best of the best. Search the 3PL Decision Support Tool for an even deeper dive.

Bill Goodgion

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain

Is Your 3PL Provider Causing You Headaches? Here is What to Look for in a 3PL Partnership - Ascent Global Logistics

While technology is helpful in executing specific tasks, it cannot alone replace quality human interaction. Shippers should make sure their 3PL provider is working with them in an efficient, friendly, and attentive manner.

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

Why do you use a third-party logistics provider?

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

Readers Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2018

Each year, the Inbound Logistics Readers’ Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence survey gives shippers the chance to give a shout-out to providers that have taken on so much of their load. Here are the best of the best.

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

Innovative Partnership Reduces Claims and Decreases Time in Transit for Home Delivery - SEKO Logistics

When an electronics store was faced with consistent freight forwarding damage claims they turned to Seko Logistics for a solution.

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

Partnering for Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings - Transplace

Transplace helped a frozen pizza business expand its transportation network to increase operational efficiency and maximize financial savings.

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

Solution Generates Cost Savings - Crane Worldwide Logistics

When an industrial manufacturer needed to reduce supply chain costs they teamed up with Crane Worldwide Logistics for an innovative solution.

E-commerce, Distribution, Retail, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Warehousing

Cookware Company Stirs Up a Sizzling Supply Chain

Even after adding a third production shift to its foundry, Lodge Manufacturing Company couldn’t manufacture enough cast-iron cookware to fill orders. To meet demand, the family-owned business in southern Tennessee invested $85 million in a second foundry, a modern 212,000-square-foot distribution center, and the company’s first warehouse management system, mobe3 from EVS.

John Watkins

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

2018 State of the Third-Party Logistics Industry Report - 3PL Central

This second-annual report is designed to help warehouses increase both their market share and profitability by addressing the most dramatic change of all—The Rising Demand for a Superior Customer Experience.

Retail, Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

A Cool Supply Chain Solution

A 3PL's cold call leads to a cool technology solution that streamlines processes and minimizes service disruptions

John Costanzo

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

Simplifying Supply Chain Complexities

As technology and innovation continue to enable new options, supply chains will be sure to keep pace and take us to new heights.

John Sell

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

Advantages of a Niche Third Party Logistics Provider - MD Logistics

Providers that specialize and target a specific industry, geographical market, or will limit their service offering are referred to as niche 3PL’s. Here are some of the advantages to using a niche 3PL over a traditional provider.

Bill Goodgion

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

Trouble Finding Capacity? How a 3PL Can Help

Partnering with a 3PL could be the best solution to improved visibility and lower costs over the long haul.

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain

Sealed Deals

New and noteworthy in the supply chain

Jennifer Benson

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

Want to Run a More Successful 3PL? Learn from the Best. - 3PL Central

Warehouses who use this philosophy to create disciplined, rigorous strategies were able to achieve superior results.

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

Choosing a Third-Party Logistics Provider

A provider with these 10 qualities will put your logistics outsourcing on the path for success.

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

Current State of the 3PL Market

Shipper demands, customer expectations and 3PL capabilities increase, putting supply chain at the forefront.

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

3PLs & Shippers: In It For the Long Haul

Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) drive continuous improvement for the shippers they serve through innovative solutions, up-to-date technology, and sheer effort.

Perry Belcastro

E-commerce, 3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

5 Ways Your 3PL Can Help Meet E-commerce Challenges

A 3PL could offer benefits worth exploring to help you accommodate e-commerce growth.

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

How Leadership Training Can Improve Company Culture - MD Logistics

Use this advice to implement a leadership training program.

Bob Farrell

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

6 Strategies for Finding the Right 3PL Partner

3PL, Retail Logistics, Distribution, Retail

Solved: Satellite DC Quickly Fulfills Orders - Unyson

Unyson helped a customer simultaneously increase service for time-sensitive shipments while decreasing costs.

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain

GOOD QUESTION | What’s the most important question you should ask a potential 3PL partner?

Shippers share the most probing and effective questions to ask potential 3PL partners.

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

Readers' Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2017

Year after year, the IL 3PL survey reveals the importance of great customer service to shippers.

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain

Supply Chain and Logistics Services Delivery: Study Reveals Future Trends

Organizations have already begun to transition the delivery of supply chain and logistics services from an internal model to an external one, says a recent market study by KPMG and HfS Research. Here's how companies should leverage future trends revealed by the study to create intelligent supply chains.

Tony Coletto

E-commerce, Retail, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

How Small Retailers Can Compete with Retail Giants

To compete in today’s environment, small to medium players need to offer competitive supply chain and delivery services.

Stephen Wilson

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

The Advantages of a Pop Up Supply Chain

Frank McGuigan

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

Consumer Demand Helping Drive 3PL Industry Growth

Organizations are turning to third party logistics providers and enhanced transportation management technology to deliver the velocity, visibility, predictability, and control they need.

Automation, Third-Party Logistics, Logistics I.T., Transportation Management, Technology

Technology: Bread & Butter of 3PL Solutions

Third-party logistics providers rise to the challenge, rolling in IT capabilities to become indispensable supply chain partners.

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.

Economic Development, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Warehousing

The State of Logistics

CSCMP's annual State of Logistics Report presents an overview of the economy during the past year, key logistics trends, and the total U.S. logistics costs for 2018 (see chart). Here are some top takeaways.

Green Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability

75 Green Supply Chain Partners

Inbound Logistics’ annual G75 features a carefully curated list of 75 logistics companies that go above and beyond to maintain sustainable, eco-friendly supply chains and operations.

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, Partnership, Supply Chain, Technology

Rooted in Data, Business Blooms

Metrolina Greenhouses integrates ERP and customized, industry-specific tools to improve order, shipping and billing management.

3PL, Intermodal, Logistics, Supply Chain

Bye, a la Mode

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

3PLs Put on the White Gloves

Logistics service providers reveal how they treat their customers like VIPs.

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.

Keith Biondo

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

Dual Dynamics

Clearly, increased trucking costs are the new normal. Also as clear is the other dynamic, which is emphasized a little less these days but all the more important to offset cost increases in other areas: Use your logistics partner strategically and offset rising transport costs.

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

To 3PL or Not to 3PL?

Retailers may face significant challenges when expanding further into the online/e-commerce business. Some challenges may involve supply chain management issues.

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

2018 Top 100 3PL Providers

It’s a boon year for third-party logistics providers offering innovative, flexible, and reliable solutions to meet shipper demands. Presented alphabetically, these are the 100 3PLs Inbound Logistics editors chose as the best of the best. Search the 3PL Decision Support Tool for an even deeper dive.

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

Why do you use a third-party logistics provider?

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

Readers Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2018

Each year, the Inbound Logistics Readers’ Choice Top 10 3PL Excellence survey gives shippers the chance to give a shout-out to providers that have taken on so much of their load. Here are the best of the best.

John Watkins

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

2018 State of the Third-Party Logistics Industry Report - 3PL Central

This second-annual report is designed to help warehouses increase both their market share and profitability by addressing the most dramatic change of all—The Rising Demand for a Superior Customer Experience.

3PL, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology

Leave IT to Your 3PL

Still struggling to get your logistics technology up to speed? You're not alone. See why companies are increasingly outsourcing IT to their third-party logistics providers.

John Costanzo

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

Simplifying Supply Chain Complexities

As technology and innovation continue to enable new options, supply chains will be sure to keep pace and take us to new heights.

John Sell

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

Advantages of a Niche Third Party Logistics Provider - MD Logistics

Providers that specialize and target a specific industry, geographical market, or will limit their service offering are referred to as niche 3PL’s. Here are some of the advantages to using a niche 3PL over a traditional provider.

3PL, Retail Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain

Essentials of a Healthy Supply Chain Partnership

To ensure brands are managing the most efficient, optimized supply chain, they need to assess their supply chain partner’s commitment across the following key areas.

Bill Goodgion

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

Trouble Finding Capacity? How a 3PL Can Help

Partnering with a 3PL could be the best solution to improved visibility and lower costs over the long haul.

Jennifer Benson

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

Want to Run a More Successful 3PL? Learn from the Best. - 3PL Central

Warehouses who use this philosophy to create disciplined, rigorous strategies were able to achieve superior results.

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

Choosing a Third-Party Logistics Provider

A provider with these 10 qualities will put your logistics outsourcing on the path for success.

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

Current State of the 3PL Market

Shipper demands, customer expectations and 3PL capabilities increase, putting supply chain at the forefront.

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Technology

VMI Strategies: A Matter of Trust

Vendor-managed inventory partnerships strive to improve efficiency by allowing suppliers to maintain the inventory of their products at the stores and other locations operated by their partners in the supply chain. VMI relies on a tight-knit collaboration between supplier and buyer to improve product availability while decreasing excess inventory.

Perry Belcastro

E-commerce, 3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain

5 Ways Your 3PL Can Help Meet E-commerce Challenges

A 3PL could offer benefits worth exploring to help you accommodate e-commerce growth.

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

How Leadership Training Can Improve Company Culture - MD Logistics

Use this advice to implement a leadership training program.

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Transportation

Maximizing Deliveries While Driving Down Transportation Costs - Transplace

Transplace established an LTL consolidation program to increase load capacity and reduce freight costs for a Canadian hardware wholesaler.

Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Technology

Better Routing Takes Root

This case study tells how Weatherford Farms increased efficiency in its delivery network by switching from manual routing to an automated routing system.

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

H.O.W. | How to Turn Data Into Supply Chain Action

Simply generating supply chain data doesn’t eliminate waste, reduce costs, or improve service. Shippers should implement systems that give managers insights behind the data. Find a TMS that is available as a customized solution to incorporate your unique industry and supply chain requirements.

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.

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

Readers' Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2017

Year after year, the IL 3PL survey reveals the importance of great customer service to shippers.

Scott McDevitt

3PL, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain, Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Why Supply Chain Visibility Is Vital to Company Success

Visibility is a key issue in the management of supply chains. Introducing transparency throughout all aspects of your business will bring about remarkable results. Here's how.

Frank McGuigan

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

Consumer Demand Helping Drive 3PL Industry Growth

Organizations are turning to third party logistics providers and enhanced transportation management technology to deliver the velocity, visibility, predictability, and control they need.

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

3PL Perspectives 2016

Inbound Logistics’ exclusive market research survey on the third-party logistics (3PL) sector reveals new trends and opportunities.

Big Data, 3PL, Logistics, Logistics I.T., Technology

How to Prioritize and Select Logistics Technology - SEKO Logistics

Technology is the backbone of today's logistics systems, and shippers want to make the right choices for mission-critical systems.

Rob Kriewaldt

E-commerce, Retail Logistics, 3PL, Logistics Solutions Providers, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain

Recent Industry Disruptions Challenge, Improve Retail Logistics and Supply Chain - WSI

The retail industry needs to adapt an agile and visible supply chain to fulfill increasingly demanding consumer requests.

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

3PL Change Agents

Trying to plot a different course? Figuring out how to spread your wings? A third-party partner might offer…just the kind of help you need.

Big Data, Export, High-Value/High-Risk Cargo, 3PL, Import, Ocean, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Technology

Ocean Freight Visibility on the Horizon?

Related Resources

Send a 3PL RFPFind a 3PL providerRead Sourcing & Negotiations web sitesRead Vendor Compliance web sitesRead Brokerage Services web sites

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