Logistics

Canadian Freight Costs and Fuel Increases Marginal to Start 2013

April 2, 2013

Results published by the Canadian General Freight Index (CGFI) indicate that the total cost of ground transportation for Canadian shippers increased by .575 percent in January when compared with December results.

Defining Differences Between Reverse and Forward Logistics Operations

April 2, 2013

Industry Week

Among the numerous challenges to a successful reverse logistics initiative is determining and tracking the value of the returned unit.

U.S Agencies May Be Barred from Buying IT from Vendors Affiliated with Chinese Government

April 2, 2013

Computerworld

Certain U.S. federal agencies could be hindered from buying information technology systems made by companies with links to the Chinese government under the new funding law signed by President Barack Obama.

Is the Government Going to Sink U.S. Maritime Industry?

April 2, 2013

Maritime Executive

Congress and the Administration do not understand the relationship between the U.S. merchant fleet, the military and trade. This lack of understanding has created haphazard policies that are gutting the fleet and inhibiting the private sector's ability to recapitalize our aging maritime industry. The time for action is now. Congress and the Administration are considering budget proposals that, if unopposed, would destroy the U.S. maritime industry and hand over our maritime supremacy to foreign carriers.

North American Freight Index Returns to Typical February Freight Volumes

April 1, 2013

DAT

The DAT North American Freight Index showed a return to post-recession freight volumes during the month of February, following a record-setting January. On a year-over-year basis, freight availability declined 2.5%. Month-over-month spot freight declined 14% when compared to January's unusually high freight volumes.

Enterprise Innovation Through the Reverse Supply Chain

April 1, 2013

Bill Angrick, Chairman & CEO, Liquidity Services Inc.

Supply chain managers fight a tough battle in trying to meet management demands to decrease costs while creating efficiencies and implementing sustainability measures. Economic growth has improved but lacks the stability to provide companies comfort to budget for implementation of many of the innovations in their long- or short-term plan. However, companies can stagnate without taking the time to identify opportunities to innovate. With pressure to sustain its competitive edge, leading organizations are beginning to consider their reverse supply chain to find hidden value.

E-Invoicing, Slow to Catch on in Ocean Transportation, May Be Gaining Steam

April 1, 2013

Maritime Executive

In a digital age where a delay of seconds or one human error can be the cause of lost revenue, wasted resources or unhappy customers, good technology becomes critical to run a business. Twelve years after the ocean shipping industry adopted e-commerce tools that resulted in an average savings of $100,000 per year and hundreds of thousands of labor hours per week, the final steps in the shipping process - invoicing and payment - are still catching up.

The Value to Be Found in the Wholesale Distributor

April 1, 2013

ChainLink Research

Recently, several wholesale distribution industry groups published data showing mostly steady growth in the last decade for their members in such verticals as auto parts, health and beauty, furniture, industrial, and food. In fact, many have outperformed other sectors of the U.S. economy, and this year and next are no different.

Lufthansa Cargo Reorganizes Charter Operation; Partners With Chapman Freeborn

March 28, 2013

Lufthansa Cargo

Lufthansa Cargo is reorganizing its charter business. As of April 1, the carrier's charter activities, previously overseen by the Lufthansa Cargo Charter Agency subsidiary, will be integrated into the line organization of Lufthansa Cargo.

Worldwide Express Updates Freight, Express Shipping Platforms

March 28, 2013

Worldwide Express

Worldwide Express, a package and freight-shipping company based in Dallas, has developed version 2.0 of its technology platform, consisting of SpeedShip and SpeedFreight.