Logistics Management Magazine Archives

March 2024 Logistics Management

In this Issue:

  • E-commerce Logistics: An endless array of challenges
  • WMS: Intelligence intertwined
  • Organize reverse logistics
  • Warehouse/DC Management Outlook Survey
  • Transportation Market Update: LTL
  • Top 30 U.S. Ports
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.
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Latest in Logistics Management

Supply chains are facing new pressures as companies seek cost savings
Boston Consulting Group report finds that 65% of executives are prioritizing supply chain and manufacturing costs.

Progress is made in FTR Trucking Conditions Index but growth rate remains negative
The new edition of the Trucking Conditions Index (TCI), which was recently issued by freight transportation consultancy FTR, saw some signs of improvement but again remaining short of growth.

Ambitious charging, refueling heavy truck network plan unveiled by Biden administration
The Biden administration just released its plan to establish a charging and refueling infrastructure network for zero-emission commercial trucks. It’s an ambitious initiative that seeks to maximize the impact of charging infrastructure investment by guiding development toward high-volume-priority corridors and existing freight hubs.

Explaining hoarding for the Post-COVID inflation for goods
Did the fear of product shortages contribute to the rapid price increases?

U.S. rail carload and intermodal volumes are mixed, for week ending March 9, reports AAR
Rail carloads, at 214,585, fell 3.7% annually, and intermodal containers and trailers, at 258,077, saw a 13.5% annual gain.

February retail sales see gains, reports Commerce and NRF
Commerce reported that February retail sales, at $700.7 billion, rose 0.6% compared to January and were up 1.5% annually. NRF reported that February’s core retail sales, which it bases on Census data and excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations, and restaurants, saw a 0.2% seasonally-adjusted increase over January and a 5.5% annual increase on an unadjusted basis.

GXO’s acquisition of Wincanton remains on track for completion by late April
The pending acquisition of Chippenham, UK-based Wincanton, a supply chain solutions services provider across myriad vertical markets, by Greenwich, Conn.-based global contract logistics services provider GXO Logistics appears to remain on track, according to a “scheme of arrangement” recently issued by Wincanton.

MHI Report notes investment increases as supply chains become more tech-forward and human-centric
A new report released this week at Modex by MHI and Deloitte finds that 55% of supply chain leaders are increasing their supply chain technology and innovation investments with 88% saying they are planning to spend over $1 million. Forty-two percent plan to spend over $10 million.

New TIA Q4 Market Report sees declines amid some positive trends
Challenging market conditions on various fronts, for freight transportation brokers and intermediaries, were the main themes of the new edition of the “3PL Market Report Fourth Quarter 2023, which was issued this week by the Alexandria, Va.-based Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA).

Millions of dollars worth of ex-Yellow tractors, trailers up for auction
The liquidation of Yellow Corp., once the largest less-than-truckload (LTL) and the nation’s 13th-largest trucking company when it ceased operations last August, has continued to prove that Yellow’s assets were valuable even without operating as a functioning trucking company.  

Industry groups call on ILA and USMX to get back to the table for a new labor deal
While 2023 marked the overdue conclusion of a new West Coast port labor agreement between the International Longshore Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association, an East Coast labor agreement awaits to be completed in 2024, by the end of September, between the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).

Crisis Management 101: A helpful supply chain primer
Disruptions happen, but some crisis can put the organization’s survival in jeopardy if there is not a plan in place.

Panama Canal Authority ups number of available spots in Panamax locks
In an advisory issued yesterday, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced a new adjustment to accommodate the growing demand for transits, by increasing the number of daily slots available in the Panamax Locks. ACP officials said that this announcement was made in response to the present and projected level of Gatun Lake.

UPS executive Seward touches upon various supply chain and logistics topics at Modex
Bill Seward, President of UPS Supply Chain Solutions, took center stage to deliver the keynote address to kick off MODEX 2024. Hosted by Katie Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the discussion touched on several topics including the future trajectory of supply chains, UPS' strategic investments in technology, and Seward's personal journey from loading trucks to executive.

Students unlock their futures at Modex 2024
High school and university students and educators will be introduced to career opportunities in material handling, supply chain and logistics through hands-on learning and networking with industry professionals.


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