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Helpful Articles - Logistics

To some, the trucking industry is one that’s steeped in tradition, run by veterans of the industry, and not likely to change. However, recent advances in technology stand to put this perception on its head as trucking embraces recent innovations that very well may revolutionize the way this mode of transportation operates.   We’ll take a closer look at three of these areas of rapid innovation in recent years. Each has the potential to significantly impact the way over-the-road transportation operates, with potential for new efficiencies, reduced equipment downtime, better decision making, and more.   While the full implementation of some of these technologies is still years off, others are in play right now. Taken together, they could...

While your managing and optimizing your organization’s supply chain, you’ll encounter a number of terms. Some might be old, familiar friends. Others might leave you puzzled.  Enter our Approved Glossary of Supply Chain Terms.  Below, you’ll find our definitions of some of the most common supply chain terms you’ll hear, plus links to further resources if you want to dive deeper. Use this glossary to decode the lingo you’ll hear—and sound like the supply chain expert you aspire to be.  Interested in Freight & Transportation Terms? Check out our Transportation Glossary for our definitions of freight, logistics, and transportation terms.  Read More3PL – An acronym that stands for 3rd–Party Logistics. When someone...

The pandemic—and its effects on global supply chains—held insights for manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers alike. Some questioned the validity of the popular just-in-time model for supply chain management. Others are seeking ways to make their supply chains more resilient, so they’re able to flex in response to future global incidents.   Diversification can be a key strategy for reducing the effect of disruptions on your supply chain. Simply put, supply chain diversification is the real-world application of the old adage, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” It asks supply chain managers to reduce their reliance on single sources for components, supplies, and/or finished goods. That way, if one source...

With plenty of warnings that current supply chain challenges may make this holiday season more complicated than usual, everyone is gearing up early.  From consumers,  retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, carriers, and logistics companies, everyone is planning for a challenge in ordering and receiving products.  Additionally, as the year comes to a close, COVID-19 will remain a global X-factor. The threat of the virus will continue to influence consumer buying behavior and force shutdowns in areas where vaccines are in short supply. Additionally, illness and quarantine requirements will continue to remove workers from an already bare-bones workforce.  Despite the widespread unpredictability at play, the following statistics can offer some insights into the 2021 holiday season. They’ll also point to some areas to watch as organizations around the world strive to keep their supply chains flexible and responsive through the end of the year.  Overall Trends...

Manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, consumers (frankly, everyone!) who’s tried to buy anything in the last 18 months agrees—the global supply chain is not running the way it used to. Raw materials, supplies, and finished goods are all taking significantly longer to move, and it’s costing significantly more to move them.   As a result, links in the supply chain are stretching and, very often, breaking. Shipments have been massively delayed. Forecasts are getting thrown out the window. Shortages are very real. Additionally, experts are warning U.S. consumers to prepare for a different kind of Christmas than they’re used to. Even books haven’t emerged unscathed as new shortfalls loom, like the paper shortage that may keep new books from reaching shelves.   If you’ve...

We’ve all heard the stories: Massive backlogs at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, complemented by a backup at the Port of New York and New Jersey. Warnings of a Christmas toy shortage. Encouragement to order more and order earlier to keep  supply chains running smoothly.   What’s behind the increasing chaos in the supply chain? Obviously, like many supply chain issues, it’s complicated. (If you work in the industry, you probably expected that answer!) Supply chains are, by nature, interconnected. A disruption in one link can easily cascade through the network. Additionally, supply chain disruptions are truly nothing new. Material shortages, natural disasters, labor strikes, economic trends, and more have long been par for the course, as many supply chain managers...