Articles

Sponsored

Paul Thompson
|

The Evolution of Enterprise Logistics

Utilizing new technologies and sophisticated business intelligence tools, leading-edge companies are transforming their supply chains and their enterprises through data science. The journey from simple execution-based transportation management to predictive, strategic planning—powered by analytics—has accelerated with a new emphasis on supply chain engineering, LEAN consulting and Big Data solutions. While precise in process, the co-managed […]

Read More
Jim Preuninger
|

What Midmarket Companies Need to Know About Trade Compliance

Q: What is the status of midmarket companies in the global trade arena? A: Global trade has become increasingly attractive to the midmarket—defined as companies with revenues between $5 million and $1 billion—because of lower sourcing and production costs in some developing countries, as well as rising consumption in some overseas markets. Between 2012 and […]

Read More
Ray Greer
|

Getting a Handle on Regulations and Compliance

Q: How do regulatory changes impact capacity, service, and pricing? A: Numerous regulations and market dynamics have impacted the transportation industry. In North America, for example, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, which passed in 2012, resulted in the cancellation of nearly 9,000 bonds and freight forwarder licenses, removing 35 percent […]

Read More
Eric Meister
|

SaaS TMS Facilitates Carrier Management

Q: How can shippers navigate today’s tight capacity market? A: For companies to have the assurance of consistent, competitively priced, service-oriented capacity through the ups and downs of the transportation marketplace, being a shipper of choice is imperative. Here are a few tips to get started: Go beyond rates. Best practice suggests taking a multi-tiered […]

Read More
Tom Heine
|

Does Your Website Help You Stand Out from Your Competition?

Q: Why is an effective company website important? A: Your company’s website is your image to the outside world, so it should be as attractive, relevant, and well-organized as possible. When a potential client or vendor checks you out, more than likely, they will judge you based on your website, so put your best foot […]

Read More
Bill Fraser
|

Empowering Companies Through Integrated Data Flows

Q: What are some key data management challenges in logistics today? A: One key challenge is the different types of information flows. For example, some companies use electronic data interchange; others prefer XML or flat file. The choice often depends on the industry vertical, the company’s capabilities, and how their suppliers operate. For example, in […]

Read More
Luther Brown
|

Getting a Handle on Loss and Damage Claims

Q: Why are loss and damage claims a challenge for shippers? A: Global shippers face many challenges when it comes to managing loss and damage claims. The top three are a lack of knowledge about claims preparation and filing requirements (including documentation and time frames); a lack of resources to follow through on outstanding claims; […]

Read More
Richard Erickson
|

Best-in-Class Supply Chains Won’t Overlook Freight Payment

As a shipping professional, you play an important role in your company’s physical supply chain. But did you know your role is just as important to your company’s financial supply chain? In today’s global supply chains, encompassing multiple transportation and financial partners, all stakeholders need visibility into transactions, parameters and results of the financial supply […]

Read More
Tim Minnich
|

Supply Chain Relationship Management

In a world where trucking capacity becomes constrained, relationships matter. Managing those relationships strategically versus tactically can make a huge difference in the viability and reliability of each company’s supply chain. The first ingredient to successful supply chain relationship management is having the ability to measure a supply chain partner’s performance. The next is possessing […]

Read More
Nicholas Carretta
|

The Best of Both Worlds: The Benefits of TMS with Integrated Fleet Management Tools

Q: With transportation management systems (TMS) solutions achieving maturity as a technology, what will be the next innovation in transportation automation? A: The continually tightening trucking capacity in North America is prompting shippers to dramatically increase their use of private and dedicated fleets. Adding to this dynamic, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s mandate to […]

Read More
Kerry Loudenback
|

Inbound Logistics: A Grassroots Revolution

Q: Many companies neglect their inbound supply chain operations in favor of their outbound supply chain. Why is that? A: Senior executives are more attuned to customer needs, and, in turn, the outbound, customer-facing supply chain. Its gravity naturally pulls their attention, and, as a result, policies and tactics abound for outbound material flow. This […]

Read More
Tom Kroswek
|

Understanding the Auto Aftermarket Supply Chain

Q: What are some trends in the automotive aftermarket supply chain? A: One ongoing development is suppliers are increasing their ship-direct activity. They are shipping parts directly to the dealer, or they may ship to a primary distribution center or field DC, bypassing the national distribution center. This approach benefits the shipper during a surge […]

Read More