The Road to the Circular Economy

As the world realizes that the linear economy is unsustainable, companies are under pressure by regulations, investors, consumers, and employees to lower their carbon footprint and transition to a circular economy. 

Record Demand Seems to Be Easing. What Does It Mean? Understanding the Trucking Marketplace Today

Understanding the realities of today’s trucking marketplace means relying on timely data from high-quality sources, combined with an awareness of global circumstances and day-to-day insights from carriers, shippers, and brokers on the ground. So many factors have influenced the transportation industry over the past few years—from COVID-19 “closing” the world, to hyper spending, to supply […]

Leveraging the Spot Market

When your contracted carrier can’t meet your shipping needs, consider the spot market. Using one-time spot rates typically requires a commitment from the customer to ship within a specific time period. Spot pricing fluctuates depending on multiple factors, so shippers often don’t have a lot of control over the spot market rates quoted. Here are […]

The Last Mile: No Small Potatoes

2022 Summer Reading Guide

  Great reads about supply chain and logistics are not all textbooks and white papers. Browse this collection of books, research, and guides that will boost your knowledge and keep you turning the pages. Profit from the Source: Transforming Your Business by Putting Suppliers at the Core By Christian Schuh, Wolfgang Schnellbacher, Alenka Triplat, and […]

Labor Shortages and their Effect on the Supply Chain

Partnering with a forward-thinking 3PL like Taylored Services is crucial to getting your products in the hands of your customers as soon as possible. One of the most pressing issues disrupting the supply chain today are the ongoing labor challenges that have persisted since the beginning of the pandemic. The inability to find the correct […]

The Role of Your 3PL in Dealing With Rapidly Rising Real Estate Costs

As real estate prices rise, it’s critical to look at the entire cost of operations, including drayage, outbound transportation, and labor in distribution network planning. Looking at costs in silos could lead to expensive mistakes. With warehouse vacancy rates at about 4% nationwide, space continues to be in short supply, and shippers must compete for […]

Fast Expansion Into D2C: Top 3 Considerations for 3PLs to Attract New Business

While the e-commerce boom is an ongoing opportunity for B2B companies, they face acute growing pains as they seek to meet B2C/D2C fulfillment demands. Most providers go from worrying about bulk servicing thousands of units on palletized loads, to managing the throughput of multiple orders requiring additional touches for picking and packing.   Not all […]

No Matter How You Slice It, 3PLs Deliver

See the Top 100 3PLs. Whether shippers outsource their end-to-end supply chain by the pie, or just a portion of it by the slice, third-party logistics providers are meeting new challenges with updated and expanded menus. As many supply chain professionals have experienced, “U.S.-based supply chains are out of sync,” according to the 2022 State […]

Canada-U.S. Trade: Seamless & Streamlined

With a vital trade relationship aloft, moving shipments between Canada and the United States remains smooth and collaborative—thanks to reliable and experienced providers. In the view of Kirsten Hillman, Canadian ambassador to the United States, the longstanding spirit of friendship and good will that exists between Canada and the United States goes well beyond the […]

6 Ways Shippers Can Add Confidence and Clarity to the RFP Process

The request-for-proposal process can be an opportunity for shippers to manage network costs and enable new business opportunities. Below are 6 tips for a successful RFP. For shippers, the RFP is an opportunity to manage network costs and enable new business opportunities. Analytics bring confidence and clarity to the process, ensuring you’re diversifying your network […]

Magic CarParts Ride

Responsibilities: Sourcing, including partnering with merchandising to expand product assortments; working with the inventory planning and forecasting team to execute the company’s buy plan; collaborating with CarParts.com’s logistics partners and distribution center teams to deliver goods and ensure trade compliance. Experience: Senior director of purchasing, director of purchasing, product manager, assistant product manager, and buyer/inventory […]

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. THE CHALLENGE Seeking to optimize its Northwest omnichannel supply chain operations and having outgrown its existing 204,000-square-foot distribution center, one Holman Logistics client needed a new facility. The major consumer lawn and garden products supplier […]

Managing the Successful Delivery of Autoclaves and Work Tanks Using Multiple Modes of Transport

Logistics Plus once again finds a way to say “yes” by managing the transportation, delivery, and installation of two autoclaves and work tanks from Houston to Little Rock. THE CHALLENGE Logistics Plus (LP) is a leading worldwide provider of transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, technology, and supply chain solutions. In early 2022, the […]

Responding to Capacity Needs in the Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals Industry

With its latest warehouse expansion in Garner, North Carolina, MD Logistics is meeting the needs of life science and pharmaceutical companies seeking to secure warehousing space. The Challenge In recent years, as the life sciences and pharmaceuticals industry has grown, it has also experienced a shortage of compliant, cGMP warehouse storage space, which was exacerbated […]

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. The Challenge Outsourcing logistics operations to a 3PL isn’t new. Unfortunately, disillusionment after a year or two isn’t new either and can result in […]

Zuum Transportation Zooms Into High-Growth Mode with Valoroo’s Help

When logistics platform provider Zuum Transportation experienced rapid growth, the company turned to Valoroo for its staffing needs. Valoroo provided qualified representatives who enabled rapid growth. THE CLIENT Zuum connects shippers, brokers, carriers, and drivers on one logistics super platform. Zuum delivers shipments reliably at a lower cost for shippers and at a higher profit […]

Transportation Solution Opens Doors to Eliminating Product Damages

Providing a transportation solution that delivers reliability and quality, Verst unlocks significant supply chain improvements for a $2.7-billion global company that specializes in doorway security products. THE CHALLENGE One of Verst’s transportation customers, a $2.7-billion global company with 30+ brands, specializes in security around the doorway with everything from residential and commercial locks, door closer […]

Rinchem Solves Complex Supply Chain Issues

When a semiconductor manufacturer faced possible shutdown, Rinchem reorganized logistics assets and coordinated all moving pieces within a tight timeframe to ensure the on-time delivery of a critical chemical. THE CHALLENGE Semiconductor manufacturer supply chains are some of the most complicated and demanding in the world. Part of what makes things so complex is the […]

Offering Turnkey Solutions to Support Transload Customers

When a chemical distributor needed to get their products to non-rail-served locations, RSI Logistics’ transloading operations and value-add services provided the solution. THE CHALLENGE A chemical distributor recently presented RSI Logistics with a challenge. They were awarded a contract for regional distribution of chemicals used in the water treatment process; however, they had a problem. […]

That’s the Spirit! Partnership Brings Supply Chain Visibility Into the Mix

Non-alcoholic spirit company, Lyre’s, turned to SEKO to gain access and visibility into every part of their supply chain and root out inefficiencies. Here’s how SEKO delivered. THE CHALLENGE Operating in a rapidly expanding market, the Lyre’s team found themselves leveraging multiple shipping channels across multiple states, leading to a very inefficient supply chain. Not […]

E-Commerce and Warehouse Expansion: It’s in the Cards

When MJ Holding Company, LLC, the largest North American distributor of trading cards and novelties to retail stores, set out to build a new warehouse in 2019, it decided to augment its ability to ship directly to consumers. THE CUSTOMER MJ Holding Company, based in Bedford Park, Illinois, is the largest North American distributor of […]

Starborn Industries Fastens on Visibility and Automation Solutions

Starborn Industries—its name reflects the era of the space race—has grown to become a national distributor and one of the largest importers of drywall screws in the country since its launch in 1961. It has also created its own fastener and product lines for the deck construction market. The Customer Starborn Industries, Inc. started as […]

E-Commerce: The Complete Package

Smart and Sustainable is the only way to go. Two and a half years after the pandemic caused e-commerce to accelerate, packaging and shipping methods continue to evolve. Consumers’ heightened awareness about sustainability and waste within the shipping industry, as well as economic pressures, lead the charge. The writing was on the wall. Of the […]

COVID’s Impact on Warehouse Management Outsourcing

Q: In today’s market, what are the key benefits of outsourcing warehouse management? A: The COVID pandemic has companies reassessing their distribution networks. Many are looking for solutions that improve flexibility and capabilities, while still retaining control and transparency. With the right commercial model, outsourcing warehouse management provides those benefits, and more. Warehouse management companies […]

Revealing the Hidden Advantages and Lesser-Known Facts About Automation

Q: How has the changing e-commerce landscape affected demand for customized automation? A: Many have seen firsthand the effects of widespread e-commerce growth, and companies continue to find increased volume across the board. While the rate of growth is slowing from 2020—sales are forecasted to globally top $6 trillion in 2023. The pandemic, of course, was […]

Ensuring Customers’ Supply Chains Run as Smoothly as Possible

Q: What are The Logistix Company’s (TLC) core business units and areas of focus? A: TLC got its start working closely with distribution companies moving liquid bulk chemicals. After time, we expanded our business to moving a multitude of commodities in bulk tankers, dry vans, intermodally via rail, repackaging, warehousing, and international freight forwarding. Q: […]

Freight Audit and Payment Solutions Bring Immediate and Long-Term Benefits

Q: Why do companies need visibility to compete in today’s environment? A: Companies that do not have visibility across their whole logistics operations are likely to miss out on opportunities to work more efficiently and deliver cost savings. For example, a customer told me they spent around $95 million on a single lane from the […]

Leveraging Freight Brokerage to Solve Supply Chain Disruption

As shippers deal with capacity issues, rate volatility, and service disruptions, a freight broker can help mitigate challenges so shippers can focus on their core strengths. Aligning your organization with a reputable freight broker with robust solutions and real-time visibility can solve many transportation disruptions. There are many types of brokers in the market—the key […]

Fighting Crime with AI

The pandemic has exacerbated the risks of these crimes in the past two years. There has been an explosion of new risks and challenges as fraudsters and traffickers have become increasingly skilled at falsifying documents, submitting false insurance claims, and finding funding to carry out crimes wherever they can. Organizations large and small are hard […]

Why Company Culture Has Never Been More Important

The Great Resignation has shone a fresh spotlight on company culture and how it needs to evolve. A recent survey of 31,000 workers across the globe found that 41% of employees—almost half of the global workforce—are considering quitting their jobs. With so many valued employees considering a change, a standout company culture is critical to […]

Integrating NFC and Blockchain

Counterfeit supply chains cost U.S. manufacturers upwards of $131 million, and the problem is growing amid supply chain shortages. This crisis is also exacerbated by a time of technological advancement—not only are supply chains carrying in-demand products, but they also house incredible amounts of data that are susceptible to breach. Of the many security threats […]

Data-Driven Supply Chain Optimization

Q: What is data-driven supply chain optimization, and why is it important? A: Data-driven supply chain optimization applies prescriptive analytics in mathematical programming and operations research (OR) to provide decision support for supply chain decision-making at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels. By properly capturing the decisions to make (decision variables), the performance metric to […]

Pop Quiz: Supply Chain Educators Answer 6 Pressing Questions

For much of the decade prior to the pandemic, the number of students in supply chain programs couldn’t match industry’s need for supply chain professionals. “The biggest challenge was convincing students it was a real career path,” says Brian Fugate, chair of the department of supply chain management at the University of Arkansas. As the […]

Grocery Shortages: The Worm in the Apple

It started with toilet paper. Spurred by the onset of the pandemic, consumers bought toilet paper rolls in droves. Sales of the product rose 60% annually in March 2020, according to the Statista Consumer Market Outlook. On April 19, 2020, toilet paper was out of stock in nearly half of U.S. grocery stores, estimated NCSolutions, […]

10 Tips: Optimizing E-Commerce Fulfillment Operations

E-commerce sales are projected to continue rising steadily. In this environment, it is more important than ever for retailers and brands to fill orders quickly, seamlessly, and cost-effectively. Here’s how your fulfillment operations can optimize performance.

Block and Tackle: How to Choose a Freight Bill and Audit Payment Provider

Interest in freight bill audit and payment (FBAP) providers has gained momentum in recent years as the demand for experts to manage transactions between shippers and carriers grows. FBAP providers can help shippers contend with complex transportation processes, while also bringing fresh tools and expertise that can add strategic value to shipper operations. The freight […]

The Evolution of Audit Gave Rise to an AI-Driven Smart Audit

Q: What’s in a freight audit? A: It depends on who you ask. Some say a freight audit is a simple process that ensures shippers pay what they’re supposed to. Others consider an audit a vital resource for understanding and making more informed decisions around every shipment. We’ve transformed the traditional freight audit into something […]

Chick-fil-A Strikes Oil

Have you ever gotten a whiff of french fries as you pass an 18-wheeler on the highway?

Wooden Pallets Can Play a Crucial Role in a Sustainable Supply Chain Today

Pallet companies can play a vital role in the sustainability of the supply chain. Kamps has placed an emphasis on reducing its environmental footprint, while aligning with its customers’ sustainability goals and offering solutions that provide positive environmental value to their supply chains.

Vertical Focus – Electronics

Robots Traverse New Terrain South Korean technology company LG Electronics unveiled a new delivery robot that can serve both indoor and outdoor environments, which could be a game-changer for contactless delivery and services. The four-wheeled robot can adjust the gap between its wheels to self-adapt quickly to uneven terrain for a smoother ride. Food delivery […]

Saving Green While Going Green

Commercial operators around the globe—not just those in the supply chain—are currently grappling with a new reality. Gone are the days when businesses could solely worry about dollars and cents; now business leaders need to consider the environment and how their business is impacting it.

Thriving on Change, Growth, and Opportunity

Fresh out of grad school, Thad Bedard moved to the San Francisco Bay area hoping to become a professor of American literature. But teaching jobs were scarce. “To make ends meet, I started working as a warehouseman,” recalls Bedard. “I enjoyed the industry. The work challenged a lot of my preconceived notions about business.” He […]

NOTED: The Supply Chain In Brief

The latest mergers & acquisitions, logistics contracts, sustainability initiatives, humanitarian logistics efforts and more. Good Works The Coca-Cola Company, based in Atlanta, donated $1 million to the Technical College System of Georgia Foundation’s Commercial Truck Driving Program. The donation funds driver training programs and helps ensure more drivers are in the pipeline to fill trucking […]

What pandemic-era adjustment will have the greatest supply chain impact?

The acceleration of digital twins. The ability to digitally model a company’s manufacturing and distribution network will allow it to quickly assess the impact of large and small disruptions and take appropriate actions. —Allen Jacques Industry Thought Leader Kinaxis The use of data analytics to help suppliers really understand consumer behavior. Suppliers decided to eliminate […]

Reshoring? Not So Fast

Reshoring might sound like the solution to the United States’ supply chain woes, but here’s why it is not a cure-all for current and future disruptions.

Say Yes to the YMS

Companies sometimes overlook how important the yard is to their success. Without proper management, facilitated by a yard management system (YMS), pile ups can lead to delays, fees, and a full shipment of stress.

Higher Transport Rates on the Horizon

Fuel surcharges, market forces, and easing truckload growth rates are driving up parcel and LTL rates, says Cowen/AFS’s 2022 Freight Index.

Now Is the Time to Automate the Middle Mile

We are facing a state of volatility in the supply chain. Since the pandemic began in 2020, there has not been a steady cadence surrounding the transportation industry’s capacity, timing, or labor. Each individual market can therefore be in a state of over/under supply or demand on any given day, and who moves or what […]

Consumers Want More Action on Sustainability

The 2022 Retail and Sustainability Survey from global business applications firm CGS illustrates the demand for sustainability, even at the cost of losing expedited shipping times.

Why Procurement Is the Key to Preparing for the Next Supply Chain Crisis

There is no clear sign when the global supply chain crisis will end. It began during the COVID-19 pandemic, worsened with the surge in demand that followed the lifting of national lockdowns around the world, and further deepened amid recent global events. Some corporate leaders contend that the crisis, triggered by these exceptional events, could […]

E-Commerce: Delivering the Goods

A new study from Descartes Systems Group shows the ongoing e-commerce growth and the importance of delivery performance for customers.

Supply Chain Helps Meet ESG Goals

As corporations become increasingly focused on ESG initiatives, their supply chain and logistics partners respond with tools and services designed to help them grow sustainability and other goals.

2022 75 Green Supply Chain Partners

Inbound Logistics editors select 75 companies going above and beyond to prioritize green initiatives and help global supply chains become more sustainable. These companies are dedicated to developing and implementing best practices that leave a positive footprint on the world.

Reshoring Now: Boom or Bust?

The 2021 Reshoring Index from global consulting firm Kearny reports US companies are relying more heavily on manufacturing from low-cost countries (LCC), but sentiment is quickly changing.

Quick Look at the Last Mile

Two new studies take a close look at the last mile and shed some light on the current state of this crucial logistics segment. The quick takeaway? The last mile is becoming more important for customer satisfaction, and as a result, shippers are increasing their focus on it and looking for tools to boost delivery […]

Chemical Logistics: Critical Challenges Drive Creativity

Chemical shippers and their partners keep critical shipments moving safely and efficiently—refining their strategies and getting creative despite considerable challenges. Here’s how leading providers formulate solutions for the chemical industry.

Vertical Focus: Footwear

China SC Woes Have Footwear Industry Tied In Knots The impact on the supply chain from lockdowns in China was a major themefor footwear retailers in the first half of 2022. Largely reporting lower-than-expected earnings, many major footwear brands pointed a finger at the lockdowns to explain their disappointing performance levels. Strict and extended COVID-19 […]

Transloading: The Answer to Consistency in the Global Supply Chain

Transloading can boost productivity and keep the supply chain moving. Engaging a partner like Taylored Services that fully understands this process is a necessity in today’s global market.

You Can’t Transform What You Can’t Measure

Reliably measuring sustainability efforts remain a difficult task for most companies, despite the focus on social responsiblity.

Future-Proofing Tomorrow’s Warehouses

Bar Code Direct modernized and optimized a large Fortune 500 retail warehouse, taking a three-pronged approach that yielded dramatic speed and productivity gains.

Finding Increased Revenue in Agility-Boosting Tech

A new survey from B2B software firm Cleo brings to light a lesser-known finding: executives making investments in agility-increasing technology were able to increase revenue during the pandemic in 2021.

Springs By the Numbers

Here’s a quick look at the importance of springs to modern life.

Harness the Power of Plastic

Plastic Pallet Pros not only helps clients achieve sustainability goals, the pallet company provides a more cost effective solution, reducing clients’ overall pallet spend.

Pallets: Front and Center

Playing a central role in the supply chain, the once-overlooked pallet is capturing the spotlight and evolving to keep up with rapidly changing demands and expectations. These pallet companies ensure standout performances.

Intermodal is Just the Ticket

With rail facility and infrastructure upgrades nailed down and intermodal network improvements on track, these ports and sites are riding high on intermodal’s advantages.

Driver Shortage: Don’t Fall For It

The talking point that states the trucking industry is facing a driver shortage to explain the state of supply chain is a lie. Don’t fall for it. There has been a “shortage” of drivers for well over 20 years so be sure you are getting honest answers when digging into your supply chain issues.

Orchestrating a DC Strategy That Won’t B Flat

Distribution center technology and equipment working in harmony can keep any supply chain sharp.

Automation and Materials Handling Innovation: And The Award Goes To…

Let’s hear it for these seven warehousing and materials handling innovations that take the crown for addressing e-commerce growth and labor shortage challenges.

What Does the Labor Shortage Mean for Your Supply Chain?

Labor shortages exacerbate supply chain issues, creating a perfect storm for disruption. Here’s why it’s happening and what to do about it.

What’s the biggest supply chain silo?

Readers shine a light on the most significant information lapses and data gaps in the supply chain, from transportation siloes to the lack of visibility into suppliers.

TMS Must-Haves for a Competitive Edge

A transportation management system (TMS)—a logistics platform that leverages technology to help businesses plan, manage, and optimize the physical movement of inbound and outbound goods—can help companies navigate uncertain business conditions and boost performance.

NOTED: The Supply Chain In Brief

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

Designing a Soft Goods Supply Chain

Forecasting demand for soft goods can be difficult because demand changes due to fashion trends, weather patterns, and other factors. But artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies are changing the way soft goods manufacturers and retailers manage their supply chains.

New Multimodal Hub in Georgia Provides Supply Chain Solutions

Tradition Logistics’ new facility in Savannah, Georgia, offers comprehensive supply chain and logistics solutions, from warehousing and inventory management to fulfillment and distribution.

Managing Working Capital Amid Product Shortages

Distributors can’t seem to catch a break. First they faced a liquidity squeeze when COVID-19 raged onto the scene, triggering a dislocation in the supply and demand for products. Now, as they enter the third year of the pandemic, distributors are grappling with wide-ranging shortages of goods and commodities across the supply chain that show no sign of abating.

Omnichannel Commerce & Drop Shipping Fulfillment in the Retail Industry

Implementing a drop shipping solution comes with its share of challenges for a 3PL provider, as these types of orders differ from a standard parcel shipment. Here’s what to consider.

Find the Right Robotics and Automation Fit for Your 3PL

Choose the solution and vendor that can work hand in hand with you to analyze your objectives and design a solution that supports your needs. Here’s how.

5 Tips for Finding the Right Retail Consolidation Solution

Using multiple vendors can leave you vulnerable to inefficiencies and higher transportation spend. Here’s how to find the right consolidator for your business. The planning and management that go into multivendor supply chains are an orchestration of many complex parts. The process for new and existing brands trying to get into big box retail requires […]

Streamlining Supply Chains During Widespread Port Congestion

Hub Group’s customer-focused approach led by dedicated, problem-solving freight engineers provides the supply chain solutions that shippers need when faced with even the most challenging conditions.

Echo’s Managed Transportation Solution Supports Resin Distributor’s Rapid Growth

Leveraging enhanced technology and a dedicated LTL carrier network, Echo’s solution enables M. Holland to meet national business needs with a more strategic routing process.

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

How to make supply chain digitalization meaningful.

2022 TMS Guide

Recent supply chain disruptions have raised interest in transportation management systems (TMS). A variety of solutions – from cloud-based, on-demand, web-hosted applications to traditional licensing installations, over the road, on the rail, containerized, or parcel – are available from TMS vendors and service providers who are expanding their offerings to meet your unique business requirements.

Vertical Focus: Exercise Equipment

Planet Fitness is one fitness club company that has thrived in recent years, growing from 918 locations in 2014 to more than 2,200 in 2021. FISCAL Fitness Here’s a sampling of statistics about the fitness equipment industry, compiled by RunRepeat and other sources, that helps to illustrate its status today. The fitness equipment industry is […]

Lean Isn’t Mean and Agile Isn’t Cheap

Back in 2014, I wrote a column extolling the benefits of a lean and agile supply chain, also known as a hybrid strategy. Depending on your product or service, your supply chain may tilt more one way or the other, or it might be segmented but still exhibit characteristics of both. For example, if you […]

Digital Transformation: The Experience is King

Over the holidays, my wife and I decided to give ourselves the gift of a new couch. Because I work in transportation and logistics, I knew that constraints up and down the supply chain easily could result in a long delivery lead time. So it was a pleasant surprise when the home furnishings company said to expect the couch in about three weeks.