Logistics

Expect to See More Couriers Specializing in Omni-Channel Logistics

January 21, 2014

Among other things, the logistics world will continue to see the rise of omni-channel courier companies in 2014.

North American Freight Index Sees Atypical Year-End Rise

January 21, 2014

Spot market freight availability rose 10 percent in December 2013 compared to November, according to the DAT North American Freight Index, capping two quarters of unusually strong seasonal volume. Typically, freight levels peak in the second quarter of the year, fall in Q3, and remain low through year end. This year, a high plateau remained through most of the second half of 2013, according to the company.

2014 Supply Chain Focuses Include Resiliency and Reliability

January 20, 2014

FleetOwner

Both global and domestic supply chain networks will need to become more resilient and reliable in order to better manage more volatile demand as well as pressures on margins, according to recent analysis by two consulting firms.

Changing the 'Dominant Design' of Distribution

January 20, 2014

SupplyChainBrain

Chris Caplice, executive director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, discusses his research on identifying dominant designs in logistics and how these designs, in which companies are heavily invested, may be disrupted by emerging trends.

Rick Blasgen Looks Forward and Back as CSCMP Celebrates 50 Years

January 17, 2014

SupplyChainBrain

Rick Blasgen, president and CEO of CSCMP, reflects on the organization's accomplishments over its 50-year history and shares his vision going forward for the industry and its practitioners.

MIT's Hi-Viz Supply Chain Project Aims to Automatically Map Supply Chain Risk

January 17, 2014

SupplyChainBrain

MIT's High-Viz Supply Chain Project is developing a way for companies to automatically map and analyze supply chain risk. Bruce Arntzen, executive director of the Supply Chain Management Program at MIT, explains the methodology underlying this project, progress to date and barriers that still exist.

U.S. Ocean Container Activity Ended Strong in 2013, Year-End Review Finds

January 17, 2014

Cass Information Systems/INTTRA

Ocean container import and export activity for the U.S. ended on a strong note in 2013, with imports soaring 17.7 percent and exports rising 5.7 percent from November. Both upticks are seasonally expected, but the import volume was especially stronger than normal.

Airfreight Security Screening Needs 'Significant Further Testing'

January 17, 2014

TIACA

Significant further testing must be conducted into the provision of advance data for air cargo and mail parcels security screening. Furthermore, common global standards and procedures must be developed to avoid potentially serious disruption to the flow of world trade, according to The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA).

You're Not Ready for the Next Supply-Chain Disruption

January 17, 2014

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

If you're a supply-chain executive, there's a good chance that the next tsunami, hurricane, flood or other disaster will take your organization by surprise. Again.

An Update on Home Depot's Supply Chain Transformation Project

January 16, 2014

SupplyChainBrain

The Home Depot's ongoing supply chain transformation last year included the opening of 20 new distribution centers, improved inventory turns and lower costs, all achieved while supporting double-digit growth. Charles Armstrong, vice president of supply chain distribution, highlights these accomplishments.

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.