In this Issue:
- E-commerce Logistics: An endless array of challenges
- WMS: Intelligence intertwined
- Building resilient supply chains
- Going deeper with 3PLs
- Top 50 Trucking Companies: Accept the challenge and adapt
Logistics Management Magazine Archives
April 2023 Logistics Management
April 9, 2024 · Our latest Peerless Research Group (PRG) survey reveals current salary trends, career satisfaction rates, and shifting job priorities for individuals working in logistics and supply chain management. Here are all of the findings—and a few surprises.
April 9, 2024 · Bar coding remains the central technology for data capture, with new wearables and handheld form factors to boost productivity. But RFID momentum is building, and a range of real-time location technologies can complement handheld data collection.
April 9, 2024 · In light of the current political and economic developments, the mood in the European transport and logistics branch remains somewhat subdued. However, the crises have taught the logistics industry the importance of resilient supply chains—and thus the need for diversification of logistics services.
April 5, 2024 · As loyal readers of Logistics Management are well aware, we’re sticklers for tradition—especially for research and annual lists. This month marks the 40th year we’ve shared our Annual Salary Survey and the 20th year we’ve worked with SJ Consulting in Pittsburgh to create our Top 50 Trucking lists.
April 4, 2024 · Despite ongoing geopolitical headwinds, the majority of airfreight analysts say that 2024 may herald the start of a new economic growth cycle for the global air cargo industry.
April 2, 2024 · Logistics and supply chain leaders are keeping an eye on escalating tensions overseas, drought conditions in the Panama Canal, and emerging cybersecurity headaches. Here are a few proactive strategies for navigating an evolving supply chain landscape where new risks continue to lurk around every corner.
April 2, 2024 · From ever-increasing customer demands to increased operating and finance costs to delivering against the sustainability targets set by the C-suite, the need to go deeper with your third-party logistics provider is not only needed, but necessary to survive in the world of uncertainty in which we all live.
April 2, 2024 · The new technology will touch most aspects of the supply chain and make professionals more productive in their day-to-day work.
April 2, 2024 · This is the second of two columns that visits the concept of “index-based variable-rate pricing” as a way to establish more market stability for both shippers and carriers.
April 1, 2024 · The best fleets, buffeted by higher costs and now increasing environmental mandates, manage to stay ahead of competition through vision, strategy, and execution. But in the end, executives say it’s their people who make the biggest difference.
March 4, 2024 · While this year may be a close copy of 2023 in terms of supply chain execution as it relates to e-commerce moves, forecasting is more precarious. The instability and conflict have no upside, only more disruption—which inevitably leads to service and cost impacts across the board.
March 1, 2024 · If you thought our annual survey on the outlook for warehouse and DC equipment and systems spending would indicate off-the-charts spending plans, think again. However, you will find interest in goods-to-person robotics, labor management, as well as more respondents tapping third-parties for maintenance analytics as companies look for more efficiencies.
March 1, 2024 · The cessation of Yellow continues to have repercussions throughout the $58 billion LTL market. Now, a shuffling of the capacity equation is causing strategic changes, and shippers need to adapt to the new alignment of resources to find operational success.
March 1, 2024 · While managing significant volume swings driven by the pandemic and ongoing geopolitical issues, U.S. seaports continue to press forward with efforts to improve infrastructure and build in efficiencies an unwavering attitude that bodes well for the future.
March 1, 2024 · Whether manual, automated or somewhere in between, reverse logistics operations deliver maximum return only with an organized and efficient process. Don’t wait any longer to make your move.
March 1, 2024 · We explore the role that WMS plays in today’s e-commerce fulfillment centers and how it will continue to drive these busy operations in the future as it becomes more intelligent—and, in some cases, intertwined with other applications within the warehouse’s four walls.
March 1, 2024 · This is the first of two columns that visits the concept of “index-based variable-rate pricing” as a way to establish more market stability for both shippers and carriers.
March 1, 2024 · We’re running out of ways to describe how e-commerce has reshaped the logistics landscape. Nearly every feature we assign over the editorial year contains advice for logistics professionals on how to fine-tune operations through strategy or technology to meet these new, pressing demands.
February 1, 2024 · Our foreign trade specialist shares ways in which U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones serve as economic development tools and often mitigate changes in Customs and trade regulations—critical insight that every shipper should understand to remain globally competitive in 2024.
February 1, 2024 · How more shippers are unlocking efficiency, avoiding fines and staying compliant with the help of global trade management (GTM) software.
February 1, 2024 · With its new Texas DC, the world’s largest distributor of alcoholic beverages has built one of the most automated facilities in its network and continues to lead the way in automation adoption.
February 1, 2024 · Figuring out how to emerge from this ongoing maelstrom will remain a challenge for shippers everywhere in 2024. With that in mind, let’s focus a few areas around the globe where extra care and diligent logistics management will need to be applied to keep operations—and budgets—in check.
February 1, 2024 · Ocean shipping is again at the mercy of environmental and geopolitical events—and the pessimists are winning over the optimists on the high seas.
February 1, 2024 · Conference to feature more than 1,100 exhibitors, 165 sessions and keynotes from Jeremy Renner, AI expert Gerd Leonhard and UPS’s Bill Seward.
February 1, 2024 · Interest in supply chain management (SCM) software accelerates as more companies replace their legacy systems and look for new ways to offset ongoing supply chain challenges.
February 1, 2024 · Cycling Through Global Logistics with Logistics Management
January 10, 2024 · Our annual gathering of freight transportation industry analysts reveals that the cycle of rate and capacity fluctuations continue their age-old volatility, but in a more muted fashion. Here’s a look at the elements that have ushered in this current malaise.
January 10, 2024 · Shippers are the main beneficiaries of new freight audit and payment data. They’re now tapping into more auxiliary services such as freight bidding, modal analysis and international services—and the most savvy operations are benefiting by realizing lower, better-managed freight bills with analysis thrown in for good measure
January 10, 2024 · Our top supply chain software analysts share the TMS trends they believe shippers need to be paying attention to during the coming year.
January 9, 2024 · Lithium power is seen as the fastest growing motive power choice for electric trucks, though it has competition from options including thin plate pure lead and hydrogen fuel cells. For end users like City Furniture and Hamilton Beach Brands, motive power has to deliver on outcomes like space savings and uptime.
January 9, 2024 · New research shows which emerging capabilities help supply chain executives make their businesses more resilient.
January 9, 2024 · Yes, warehouse robotics are the biggest thing in automation, but they’re not the only tech to drive efficiencies. Orchestration software, better robot/human collaboration, and the application of computer vision to inventory accuracy all play a role in operational gains.
January 9, 2024 · Event featured an impressive lineup of keynote and session speakers who hit on all of the topics that are driving supply chain growth right now.
January 2, 2024 · Out of all of our annual surveys and features that we do in Logistics Management (LM), by far my favorite continues to be our Annual Rate Outlook
December 7, 2023 · These “must reads” from the past year will help you prepare your logistics operation for what’s ahead in 2024.
December 7, 2023 · Packaging equipment and systems continue to address sustainability, from the growing popularity of systems that right-size corrugated cartons on demand to autobaggers that use kraft paper stock rather than poly. Companies are also looking to ensure high, sustained throughput and improve the unpacking experience.
December 6, 2023 · We canvassed a seasoned group of industry observers to record what happened this past year and what it means to our logistics and supply chain operations as we head into 2024. Here’s what they had to say.
December 5, 2023 · For my first 20 years of overseeing the editorial direction of Logistics Management, I took a firm stance against “year in review” issues.
December 5, 2023 · As demand for North American warehouse space soars, third-party logistics providers find new ways to serve their growing customer bases.
November 6, 2023 · As part of a larger effort to digitize its global supply chain, Kimberly- Clark is putting a combination of machine learning and optimization algorithms to work to optimize its transportation networks—and the savings are up into the multi-million dollars per year.
November 6, 2023 · If shippers think implications from pending truck regulation issues don’t affect them, they’d be wrong. Most of these proposed regs around alternative fuels and speed have a direct impact on truck capacity and costs—and eventually rates.
November 6, 2023 · With excess capacity and lower rates, the digital freight matching (DFM) market is keeping its eye on the ball as the segment ramps up to leverage AI to gain visibility and improve real-time monitoring capabilities.
November 3, 2023 · Having covered B2B markets for 30 years, I’ve been witness to dozens of trends being overhyped to the point where the mere mention of it is reduced to background noise—devoid of meaning due to the number of times it has been spoken or written into a headline.
November 2, 2023 · A leader in the home audio distribution space, Crutchfield is using on-demand packaging to get packages out the door and to save on labor and packaging costs.
November 2, 2023 · This month, I’m stepping away from my usual supply chain matters to provide a testimonial on a remarkable human being and my friend, William E. (Bill) Greenwood, former COO at Burlington Northern (BN). Bill passed away at age 85 on September 22.
November 2, 2023 · Rapidly diversifying truckload carriers are riding out a slump in long-haul ground freight. These “durable, diversified, and resilient” plans are paying off for those TL carriers willing to change with the economic headwinds facing the sector.
November 2, 2023 · This year’s survey found increasing levels of use for various automation and software technologies, while technology budgets held fairly steady. However, operations face continued challenges around labor scarcity, inadequate warehouse space, and the pressure to perform in line with customer expectations.
October 3, 2023 · Three of the nation’s top market analysts examine the current state of the freight railroad and intermodal markets, including a look at pricing, service levels, ompetition with other modes, and the slow—but steady—implementation of automation.
October 1, 2023 · A continued shift to remote work; the need for retailers to offer nimble shipping options; and the importance of warehouse operations to reduce inventory while increasing throughput are factors pushing laser-focused 3PLs to invest heavily in automation to make it all happen.
October 1, 2023 · The text discusses the evolution of the digital supply chain and the rapid changes in the supply chain industry, particularly in the retail sector.
Not a subscriber? Apply online today.
Latest in Logistics Management
Pitt Ohio exec warns Congress to go slow on truck electrification mandates
May 2, 2024
Taki Darakos, Pitt Ohio’s fleet manager who oversees the acquisition and maintenance of 1,550 company-owned tractors and box trucks, testified before Congress on the technological, operational and financial challenges fleets face as federal and state regulations mandate the adoption of battery-electric trucks.
Q1 intermodal volumes are up for second straight quarter, reports IANA
May 2, 2024
In its “Intermodal Quarterly,” IANA reported that total first quarter intermodal volume, at 4,286,600 units, rose 8.8% annually, growing for the second consecutive quarter, following eight straight quarters of annual declines.
Supply Chain Management Software: Build the foundation, deliver the value
May 2, 2024
As the days of slow, invisible supply chains that “worked behind the scenes” continue to fade in the rearview mirror, companies are improving their demand forecasting, gaining real-time visibility across their networks and streamlining their operations—and its software that makes that all possible.
2024 State of Freight Forwarders: What’s next is happening now
May 1, 2024
Technological solutions and platforms are being rapidly developed and are catapulting the freight forwarding industry into a new era. Today, the forwarding industry is undergoing a digital revolution, and analysts surmise that companies that fail to keep pace with these advancements risk falling behind—and fast.
Ryder opens up El Paso-based multi-client facility logistics facility
May 1, 2024
The company said earlier this week it opened up a second multiclient facility logistics facility located in El Paso, Texas, which is in close proximity to the Ysleta Port of Entry, which it said is the largest commercial port in the El Paso district, as well as a critical trade corridor for northbound goods out of Juarez, Mexico.
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) on a mission to automate
May 1, 2024
Autonomous mobile robots are the current leading figure in the move to mobile automation. Their mission is quite simple: Reduce the cost of shipping everything.
Equipment batteries get a jolt
May 1, 2024
That’s a good thing. Lithium-ion batteries are well past the early adopter stage as they make notable inroads on lead acid. Here’s a look at the reasons why.
What’s next for trucking?
May 1, 2024
Entering into some form of asset-pooling agreement, operationally enabled by AI-based solutions, can help reduce non-productive expenses, improve service, enhance margin and lead to greater market share.
April manufacturing output takes a step back after growing in March
May 1, 2024
The report’s benchmark metric, the PMI, came in at 49.2 (a reading of 50 or higher indicates growth), down 1.1% from March’s 50.3 reading. ISM added that the overall economy grew, at a slower rate, in April, for the 48th consecutive month.
2024 Parcel Express Roundtable: Lower volumes, pricing shifts, and network changes define the market
May 1, 2024
Three of our top parcel industry sources offer their takes on the most consumer-facing segment of freight transportation and logistics. They say that while market conditions continue to affect how carriers approach the market, shippers are leveraging the benefits of lower package demand in the form of better pricing.
Show Review: Looking back at MODEX 2024
May 1, 2024
MHI’s Modex 2024 saw a record-shattering number of registered manufacturing and supply chain professionals, reaching a total of 48,733. The event, held March 11 to 14 in Atlanta, saw attendees engaged with 1,200 exhibitors showcasing the latest supply chain technology and innovation across three halls and 580,000 net square feet at the Georgia World Congress Center. This was the largest Modex event to date for MHI, with 32% more registered visitors than Modex 2022. Here’s a look at some of what our editors saw at the...
World Trade Centers provides a helping hand to create resilient, interconnected supply chains
May 1, 2024
Global non-profit organization has hundreds of local chapters, helping connecting businesses with trade opportunities.
2024 Technology Roundtable: Tools to manage the new complexity
May 1, 2024
In this annual event, we’ve gathered four top supply chain technology analysts to discuss how some of the latest software, automation, and robotics innovations are being put to work to help logistics professionals streamline their operations to gain ground in 2024.
Technology Issue: Enter the “great digestion” era
May 1, 2024
If you were lucky enough to walk the floor at Modex in Atlanta earlier this year, you would have felt awash in new automation innovations geared to improve efficiency and accuracy, speed order cycle and fulfillment times, alleviate strains on the workforce, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction.
STB announces adoption of final reciprocal switching rules
April 30, 2024
The Surface Transportation Board stated it has unanimously adopted a final rule to implement new regulations at 49 CFR part 1145. Which it said “sets forth a path for shippers and receivers to petition the Board for the prescription of a reciprocal switching statement.
