Logistics

Logistics Costs and Challenges of Sourcing from Inland China

August 23, 2012

Increasing labor costs in China's heavily industrialized areas, mostly along the coastline, are driving many companies to move production to the country's inland regions, creating a number of logistics and supply chain challenges, according to Greg Spudic, vice president of North American sales and marketing for Dimerco Express.

Use of Robotics Grows in Manufacturing and Distribution

August 22, 2012

The New York Times

A new wave of robots, far more adept than those now commonly used by automakers and other heavy manufacturers, are replacing workers around the world in both manufacturing and distribution. Such factories are a striking counterpoint to those used by Apple and other consumer electronics giants, which employ hundreds of thousands of low-skilled workers.

Game Changer for Global 3PL Industry?

August 22, 2012

SupplyChainBrain

A new air ship capable of vertical takeoffs and landings and with a 66-ton cargo capacity could be a game-changer in the 3PL industry, says Shenny Yao, vice president, Washington, DC operations, Worldwide Aeros, developer of the Aeroscraft, a rigid variable buoyancy air vehicle.

Just What Do Logistics Service Providers Do - and How Well Do They Do It?

August 21, 2012

Tompkins Supply Chain Consortium

Not all logistics service providers do the same thing, and not all do the same things well, a new report from Tompkins Supply Chain Consortium says.

The Latest on Trade Compliance and Logistics in Emerging Markets

August 21, 2012

SupplyChainBrain

In emerging markets, regulations impacting trade and business differ greatly from country to country and changes constantly occur with little or no notice, says Mark Millar, managing partner at M Power Associates, Hong Kong. Because of this, trade compliance is an increasingly important issue for companies doing business in these economies.

Damco Reports Airfreight Volumes Soar

August 21, 2012

Air Cargo World

Damco's airfreight sector saw exponential growth in the first half of 2012, with volumes rising 135 percent, year-over-year.

CaseStack Expands Consolidation Operations for Wal-Mart Stores

August 21, 2012

CaseStack Inc.

Officials at CaseStack, Inc. says its facility in Scranton, Pa., has expanded its Wal-Mart Stores consolidation program to include all 42 of the retailer's regional distribution centers.

What Are U.S. Retailers Getting for Christmas?

August 20, 2012

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

There was a bit of good economic news last week, with the announcement that U.S. retail sales rose 0.8 percent in July. That was the biggest gain since February, and well above the 0.3 percent that economists had predicted. So is the economy finally recovering?

Few U.S. Companies Able to Make, Sustain Improvements in Collections, Payables and Inventory

August 20, 2012

REL Consulting

The ability of the largest U.S. companies to collect from customers and manage inventory improved just slightly in 2011, while payables performance worsened, according to the 14th annual working capital survey from REL Consulting, a division of The Hackett Group and CFO Magazine.

Increased Delays, Security Checks at Canada-U.S. Border Cost Canadians More Than $19Bn a Year

August 20, 2012

The Fraser Institute

Canada-U.S. border maintenance costs Canadian governments and taxpayers up to $19.1bn annually, according to a report from the Fraser Institute, a Canadian public policy think-tank.

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.