The company searches for a lead logistics provider that can meet the needs of the highly regulated medical equipment industry. James Matney, global logistics manager, reports on the results.

Truckload motor carriers see demand picking up and are optimistic that 2010 will mark a strong recovery for the sector, says Kevin Burch, chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association and president of Jet Express.

Activity-based costing (ABC) is an important financial tool for trucking companies, says Paul Dugent, vice president of pricing and traffic at Estes Express Lines. The cost elements allocated to customers through ABC are used to help determine the price of services, though pricing "is more art than science."

Shippers are looking to turn over responsibility for logistics, and third parties are happy to oblige. But are they ready for what 2010 will bring?

Trucking companies today are taking a more strategic view of information technology, says Ben Wiesen, vice president-products at Carrier Logistics.

Using automated tools to record the physical dimensions of packages, pallets and loose freight helps carriers and shippers capture additional revenue and optimize available warehouse space, says Jerry Stoll, marketing manger at Mettler-Toledo, which makes dimensioning systems for the supply chain.