Logistics

October Sees Spot Freight Rates Dip Seasonally

November 16, 2015

Spot market freight volume declined 9.7 percent in October, in a common seasonal pattern, according to the DAT North American Freight Index. Although volume fell below same-month levels of the past five years, total volume for the year to-date has exceeded the same period for every year prior to an atypical 2014.

As Feds Drag Feet, States Pick Up Tab to Dredge Harbors in Preparation for Bigger Ships

November 16, 2015

Bloomberg

Tired of waiting for Congress, states racing to deepen seaports before the opening of the enlarged Panama Canal next year are picking up the cost of what has traditionally been a federal duty.

Retailers Who Fail to Get Home Delivery Right First Time May Not Get Second Chance

November 13, 2015

FierceRetail

Home delivery is shaping up to be the sticky widget in retailers' toolboxes this holiday season - and one that could affect customer loyalty for a long time to come - as half of all consumers won't give merchants a second chance following a disappointing online experience.

Ports Experience 'Dramatic Difference' From Last Year as Holiday Merchandise Comes Ashore

November 13, 2015

NRF

Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to increase 8.3 percent this month over the same time last year as consumers begin their holiday shopping, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Can 'Amazon Transportation and Logistics' Begin to Compete in 3PL World?

November 13, 2015

MultiChannel Merchant

Much as it has with cloud computing, Amazon is poised to move in a big way into third-party transportation and logistics services, leveraging its vast network of fulfillment and distribution centers as well as its massive data and cloud assets, according to an equity analyst and media reports.

Four Ways a WMS Can Help SMBs Turn Distribution Into a Core Competency

November 12, 2015

Brian Lindenmeyer, Principle Solutions Consultant, IBS

Automation is the buzzword of the moment when it comes to distribution. But many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) feel that automation is cost prohibitive - that it's something for the big guys. An investment in automation, however, doesn't have to be an all or nothing proposition.

Nixing of Keystone Pipeline Could Be Boon for Railroad Transport

November 12, 2015

E&E Publishing

President Obama's decision to reject the Keystone XL pipeline could come with a heavy side of tank cars. Canadian energy companies need about a dozen crude-laden trains each day to replace the volume of oil that could have been transported through KXL.

RedLine Solutions Debuts Visibility Tool for Produce Growers

November 11, 2015

RedLine Solutions

RedLine Solutions, a vendor of applications for produce traceability and inventory control, has introduced MyProduce.com.

Special Skill Set Needed for Drivers Who Deliver Through the Front Door

November 11, 2015

Thomas Scollard, Vice President of Dedicated Contract Carriage, Penske Logistics

We hear a lot about how consumers' changing lifestyles and shopping habits are impacting retail supply chains in areas like demand planning and inventory management. Much less is said, however, regarding the impact of these trends at the very end of the supply chain, where professional drivers deliver the last mile.

Retailer Targets Complete Revamp of Its Grocery Supply Chain

November 11, 2015

FierceRetail

Target has been revamping its grocery business and is seriously considering enlisting a third party to help solve supply chain issues.

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.