Logistics

Pier 1 Imports Invests Millions in Distribution Center, E-Commerce Technology

June 28, 2012

Technology and infrastructure investments will account for 50 percent of Pier 1 Imports' $70m to $75m in planned capital expenditures this year, but the retailer will have a lot of IT-enabled activity to show for its money. Two of the biggest elements are the July 28 launch of Pier 1's new e-commerce site and the planned rollout of its new POS system beginning this fall.

Deploying Small-Item Sortation

June 28, 2012

SupplyChainBrain

Small-item fulfillment continues to grow, especially with e-commerce orders, but a lot of traditional sortation technology was never designed to handle smaller and lighter pieces, says John Park, product manager, Accu-Sort Systems.

ALK Technologies Issues New Version of PC-Miler Routing Software

June 28, 2012

ALK Technologies Inc.

ALK Technologies Inc. has released PC-Miler 26, the latest version of the company's software for routing, mapping and mileage calculations.

PeopleNet Offers Google Earth Views of Onboard Event-Recording Data

June 28, 2012

PeopleNet

Google Earth views of onboard event-recording data are now available within the PeopleNet Fleet Manager application.

Smaller Businesses Begin the March Back to U.S. from China

June 27, 2012

Business Week

When Sonja Zozula and Jerry Anderson founded LightSaver Technologies in 2009, everyone told them they should make their emergency lights for homeowners in China. After two years of outsourcing to factories there, last winter they shifted production to Carlsbad, Calif., about 30 miles from their home in San Clemente. "It's probably 30 percent cheaper to manufacture in China," Anderson says. "But factor in shipping and all the other B.S. that you have to endure. It's a question of, 'How do I value my time at three in the morning when I have to talk to China?'"

LAN, TAM Merger Has Implications for Airfreight Industry

June 27, 2012

Air Cargo World

South American carriers LAN Airlines and TAM have banded together, forming the LATAM Airlines Group, reportedly the largest airline group in South America. The combined LAN Cargo, which has three smaller affiliate carriers, and TAM Cargo will now be able to offer routings to 169 cities around the world.

Mexican Logistics Expert Discusses NAFTA Roadblocks and Cross-Border Trucking Restrictions

June 26, 2012

SMC3

Enrique Almanza Hernandez, logistics expert and former central Mexico regional director at Autotransportes de Carga Tresguerras SA de CV, discusses key issues surrounding effective North American supply chain management and explores the state of fully integrated North American logistics - including the evolution of some Mexican carriers into true 3PL providers. Hernandez spoke with Danny Slaton, SMC Â³ executive vice president of business and product development.

Positive Growth Predicted for Commercial Trucks Powered by Natural Gas

June 26, 2012

Vehicle Service Pros

Over the next five years, the natural gas heavy-duty commercial vehicle market is set to experience rapid growth in North America.

Air Cargo Group Urges Wider International Cooperation on Airfreight Screening Programs

June 26, 2012

TIACA

The International Air Cargo Association has applauded the recent agreements forged by authorities around the world to mutually recognize other countries' airfreight screening regimes. But more nations should follow the lead of these trailblazing countries, TIACA says.

Taking the Temperature of Sustainability in Airfreight

June 25, 2012

SupplyChainBrain

Temperature-controlled technology for airfreight logistics can be a valuable means of achieving sustainability. Douglas Wettergren, regional sales manager with Envirotainer, explains how.

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.