Logistics

Recovering Shipping Industry Sails Back from the Brink

February 13, 2014

The shipping industry is poised to emerge from its longest downturn in three decades, buoyed by an end to years of overcapacity that have depressed freight rates since the end of a shipping boom in 2008.

Softeon Unveils New Freight Audit and Payment System

February 12, 2014

Softeon

Softeon has announced the availability of its new Freight Audit and Payment (FAP) system.

Third-Party Logistics: Final Delivery - Shop. Select. Deliver.

February 12, 2014

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Final delivery - it's the last phase of the delivery process that places goods into the consumer's hands. What will final delivery look like in the future? There are multiple competing business models to fulfill the final delivery need, ranging from the engagement of independent contractors, to wholly owned internal operations and systems based on crowdsourcing. In the end, the maximum value provided to the end customer will determine who is most successful - not just who delivers the product. -- Lisa Kennedy, Project Manager, Tompkins International

Sunny Delight Finds the Balance Between Service and Savings

February 12, 2014

SupplyChainBrain

Customer value and safe operations always comes first at Sunny Delight, but the company also keeps a keen eye on costs. Kevin Singletary discusses steps to the perfect service/cost balance.

Third-Party Logistics: Exploring the Direct-to-Consumer Cold Chain

February 12, 2014

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Direct delivery of orders to the customer's doorstep is a hot topic for transportation and logistics executives"”from giants like Amazon to mom-and-pop specialty retailers. In particular, there is a lot of buzz around the direct-to-consumer cold chain. Free delivery and free returns, combined with the complexity and cost of cold chain distribution center (DC) and delivery assets, make for a chief marketing officer's dream and a chief financial officer's nightmare. How can you get this capability just right? - Don Anderson, Principal, Tompkins International

Fourth Quarter Strong in Every Segment, Driving Overall Intermodal Growth of 4.6 Percent in 2013

February 12, 2014

IANA

Cementing its role in the North American supply chain, the value of intermodal transport speaks for itself with another year of solid growth. Building on the industry's positive 2012 performance, total shipments improved 4.6 percent in 2013, according to the Intermodal Association of North America's (IANA) fourth quarter and year-end Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics. Domestic container volume "” which doubled over the past 10 years "” outperformed other markets in 2013, capping the year with a 9.4 percent bump, which was consistent with Q4 growth of this segment at 9.0 percent.

Finding Supply Chain Talent: Addressing the Perpetual Challenge

February 12, 2014

SupplyChainBrain

In her August 2013 report, SUPPLY CHAIN TALENT: THE MISSING LINK IN YOUR FUTURE? Supply Chain Insights' Lora Cecere noted that "Companies are feeling the pain of open positions... The talent shortage is greatest for middle-management positions."

Big Picture. Big Value.

February 11, 2014

Genco

When Implementing Global TMS, the World Isn't So Small, After All

February 11, 2014

SupplyChainBrain

Moving a box from A to B is much the same in any country, but paperwork, processes, terminology and regulations vary greatly, presenting a barrier to global TMS rollouts. Elie Hiller of Transwide discusses ways to meet this challenge.

Planning a Successful Global High-Tech Product Launch: Part 1

February 11, 2014

Brandon Johnson, High-Tech Segment Manager, UPS

Product lifecycle management and line extensions are vital to companies operating in the high-tech industry, perhaps more so than any other industry. However, while many high-tech executives believe they are industry experts in regards to product innovation, confidence wanes in their ability to manage other parts of the product lifecycle, particularly when it comes to managing global product launches.

Logistics

The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding logistics and freight and their impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies are transporting and delivering perishables and manufactured goods in a more timely and efficient manner than ever before through logistics solutions. New technologies that provide information during local and global shipments are transforming the way companies do business - and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As transportation and distribution services continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies are using logistics and cargo solutions to power their supply chains.