In this Issue:
- 2022 Rate Outlook: Up,Up, and Away
- Freight payments: All systems go
- TMS proves its worth
- Staying current on global trade
- Robotics' second wave
- 2021 Virtual Summit Recap
Logistics Management Magazine Archives
January 2021 Logistics Management
January 13, 2022 · Irrespective of mode, rates will be escalating, with carriers controlling capacity and exercising leverage like never before. Given the shortage of manpower and labor pools across the spectrum of global logistics, managers will be struggling this year.
January 12, 2022 · The 17th year that Logistics Management has produced our Rate Outlook print feature and follow-up webcast (Jan. 27) combination.
January 11, 2022 · Amid shortages and disruptions, e-commerce orders are on fire at the same time as brick-and-mortar sales are heating up. Retailers are looking to technology and innovative strategies to keep up.
January 10, 2022 · Getting more out of lift truck telematics involves looking beyond basics and starting to incorporate analytics fed by integration with other systems. By marrying up telematics data from the trucks with operations data, or with real-time location feeds, users stand to benefit.
January 6, 2022 · Ongoing pandemic effects, data utilization and changing logistics patterns are driving an industry that’s quickly adapting and anticipating shipper needs. The state of freight payment is healthy and growing with an emphasis on global trends, better data utilization and micro-logistics.
January 6, 2022 · Managing transportation just got harder. Here’s how TMS is proving its worth in an otherwise challenging environment.
January 6, 2022 · Shippers who are current on the global trade landscape are assets to their service partners and customers. Our global trade expert provides us with a review of the key trade topics that should be top of mind as we enter 2022.
January 6, 2022 · Identifying the strategies, technology and automated tools necessary for continued logistics and supply chain management success.
January 6, 2022 · As robotics become more widely deployed and some operations begin to use fleets from multiple vendors, more of the talk is about software-related issues like integration and less on the workings of the robot hardware itself.
January 6, 2022 · We’re in a perfect storm with the global supply chain—and 2022 is shaping up to be even more challenging.
January 5, 2022 · Shippers of all sizes should be reviewing their freight payment process. If you’re not getting routine data automatically with each paperless freight transaction, you’re doing freight payment and not freight settlement. What stage are you in?
December 2, 2021 · For it is here that the most glaring examples of port congestion are evident, with container vessels visible for miles anchored offshore waiting to enter major Pacific Rim cargo gateways.
November 30, 2021 · The last year and a half has pushed many logistics and supply chain operations to the brink, ushering in capacity, pricing, inventory, fulfillment, labor and global trade challenges that many have never seen before.
November 8, 2021 · As shippers and carriers work to adjust to the “new abnormal,” some of the industry’s top experts share their insights on what’s around the next corner for freight management—and what new trends may emerge by 2030.
November 8, 2021 · After a fire destroyed its warehouse, Mount Adams Fruit came back with one of the few automated facilities in the industry, including AS/RS and robotic palletizing.
November 8, 2021 · Economic recovery and pandemic relief upstage harsher rules on truckers, as the overall industry applauds productivity goals. In the meantime, big environmental rules loom at EPA, while one large TL carrier wants to speed up the process to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License.
November 8, 2021 · This marks the 11th year that we’ve devoted the majority of our November pages to the most dominant—and most complex—mode of transportation: motor freight.
November 8, 2021 · Constraints on capacity and bullish demand send truckload carriers rolling into 2022 with “very robust” market conditions. However, carriers remain concerned about finding drivers, higher equipment costs, tight supplies, and infrastructure delays. Times are good for carriers, but challenges remain.
November 4, 2021 · With capacity tight and trucking volumes steady, DFM continues to make inroads for shippers looking for much needed service.
November 4, 2021 · To better deal with growing protectionism and the need for higher agility, logistics managers must incorporate regional designs into their global networks without diluting the cost or competitive advantages of existing relationships.
November 2, 2021 · Capex budgets and headcount are both up amid signs of expansion. But underneath those positives are strains, led by concerns about labor and inventory turns. Applying more technology, say respondents, is the path forward.
November 2, 2021 · Historically, transportation regulations were focused on pricing. For about 90 years the U.S. government monitored, and occasionally enforced, rate reasonableness. Starting with rail, and later expanding on to highway and air modes, the government tried to ensure national coverage and fair pricing.
November 2, 2021 · In a post-pandemic world, supply chains must be embedded with transparency, resilience and sustainability— or brands risk their own longevity.
October 13, 2021 · Four of the nation’s top market analysts examine the current state of the freight railroad and intermodal markets, including the ongoing impact of the pandemic as well as visibility into pricing and service levels over the next year.
October 13, 2021 · A common thread to technology such as telematics and fleet software, operator assist features, and motive power advancements is the positive impact these technologies have on getting more work done, in a safer manner, for the operator.
October 13, 2021 · As the fulfillment environment becomes increasingly connected, the lift truck battery has become a new focal point for companies that want to get the longest life and usage out of their investments.
October 12, 2021 · How to prepare a flexible response framework for the next disaster.
October 12, 2021 · E-commerce fulfillment is changing—fast. Not only are consumer buying patterns evolving, but digital platforms are accelerating online consumption and redefining business models across the globe.
October 12, 2021 · The global pandemic turned supply chains on end. Here are five inventory management strategies organizations can use now to both manage current volatility and optimize for the future.
October 12, 2021 · If your company is still not utilizing the FTZ program, now is a good time to consider how it can benefit your company and your local economy.
October 12, 2021 · Shippers relying on maritime operators to get their goods to market have been slammed in recent months. Meanwhile container carriers are looking at 50%-plus percentage gains in revenue.
October 11, 2021 · Supply chain executives should reflect on past challenges to identify potential areas of weakness and continue innovating for the future, with a resilient supply chain top of mind.
October 11, 2021 · While there’s no designated theme in October, one can’t help but notice that our feature stories this month highlight the ongoing ripple effect of the pandemic and how the challenges that unfolded in its wake still persist at every link in the supply chain.
October 11, 2021 · The convenience of getting products delivered quickly will be greatly enhanced by the ideal of supporting local businesses and workers like Sam.
August 31, 2021 · Our annual survey reveals that logistics is no longer just a cost of doing business. Today, it’s the source of strategic innovation and an essential part of how organizations are competing and preparing for an unpredictable tomorrow.
August 31, 2021 · While most of the focus on cold chain logistics has been primarily on pharmaceuticals and medical goods during the pandemic, the food logistics industry is now under increasing scrutiny and enormous pressure to improve performance.
August 31, 2021 · Why all companies should be paying more attention to what’s going on in their yards and how they can leverage technology to orchestrate this essential link in their supply chains.
August 31, 2021 · The retail leader gave new life to an existing facility that sets the standard for e-fulfillment at Gap Inc. What’s more, it brought the 1.2-million-square-foot facility online two months ahead of schedule during a pandemic.
August 31, 2021 · Known for supporting higher levels of visibility, supply chain software is taking center stage as companies adjust to a “new normal” operating environment and plan for the future.
August 30, 2021 · Despite the high hurdles facing the freight forwarding industry, positive indicators point to continued growth especially for forwarders with the resources, capability, and the culture to adapt.
August 30, 2021 · This year on the transportation performance side, many of the findings support the fact that, while disruptive, the pandemic has greatly amplified the importance of logistics operations.
August 30, 2021 · With the invention of refrigeration in the last century came new options for faster, lighter construction materials and more options for shippers both domestically and internationally.
August 16, 2021 · Which carriers, third-party logistics providers and U.S. ports reached the pinnacle of service excellence during the most complex period in modern history? Our readers have cast their votes and now it’s time to introduce this year’s winners of the coveted Quest for Quality Awards.
August 15, 2021 · Volumes and service soar to record highs.
August 15, 2021 · Resiliency now vital in keeping service levels high
August 15, 2021 · Balance achieved, service delivered.
August 15, 2021 · World-class service amid booming volumes.
August 15, 2021 · Rewarding top service as volumes get back on track.
August 15, 2021 · Exceptional service in a tough environment.
August 15, 2021 · Equal to the e-commerce challenge
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Latest in Logistics Management
With deadline way past due, now is the time for a West Coast port labor deal to be struck
June 6, 2023
The push for a new West Coast port labor deal continues….with no end in sight? OK, that is an exaggeration, but, yes, that is what it feels like, at times., to be sure. Not all that long ago, there were clear signs of optimism, or progress, in terms of a deal being reached between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).
ODFL issues Q2 operating metrics update
June 6, 2023
ODFL reported that revenue per day fell 15.7% in May compared to May 2022, which it said was mainly driven by a 14.4% decrease in LTL tons per day. And it said that the decrease in LTL tons per day was due to an 11.4% decrease in LTL shipments per day and a 3.4% decrease in LTL weight per shipment.
C.H. Robinson tabs Bozeman as its next CEO, effective later this month
June 6, 2023
The search for a new CEO for Minneapolis, Minn.-based global logistics services provider and freight forwarder C.H. Robinson has come to an end, with the company announcing today it tabbed David Bozeman to take the position, effective June 26. Bozeman will also serve as a member of the company’s Board of Directors.
National diesel average is down, for the week of June 5, reports EIA
June 6, 2023
The national average decreased 5.8 cents to $3.797 per gallon, marking the first time the national diesel average fell below the $3.80 per gallon mark since the week of January 24, 2022, when it came in at $3.78.
Transfix announces partnership with Highway
June 6, 2023
A key objective of the partnership is to integration is to increase transparency and efficiency during the carrier compliance and onboarding process, while also expanding the Transfix carrier network.
Logistics Labor: Increasing retention
June 5, 2023
To better manage through the constrained labor market, logistics operations are courting more women and other diverse job candidates; ramping up their training programs; investing in automation; and ensuring that positions offer the work-life balance that many new recruits are seeking.
Voice picking solutions gains impact with integration in the warehouse and beyond
June 5, 2023
Voice-directed solutions do more than translate pick lists in voice instructions. These solutions are multi-modal, using wearable scanners and Android device screens when appropriate, and have evolved to handle work execution functions and integrate with mobile robots.
Services economy activity continues to grow in May, reports ISM
June 5, 2023
The Services PMI—at 50.3 (a reading of 50 or higher signals growth)—fell 1.6% off of May’s 51.9 reading, growing, at a slower rate, for the fifth consecutive month. ISM said that the services sector has seen growth in 35 of the last 36 months, with December 2022 being the one month with a decline.
2023 State of Robotics: Measurable performance and integration come into focus
June 5, 2023
There were hordes of robots at ProMat 2023, but what are they doing for operations in terms of high-value applications, and how do they integrate to help material flow? To find out, we asked a few exhibitors about the top warehouse robotic apps and trends.
Transportation Best Practices/Trends: Private fleet growth soars
June 5, 2023
We take a deeper dive behind the numbers to examine why private fleets have had eight consecutive years of consistent growth in four key metrics—shipments, volume, value, and miles-run.
LMS Update: Expanding into networked labor management
June 5, 2023
Companies of all sizes are leveraging labor management systems to detect workforce issues, improve asset utilization, and incentivize employees across a distributed network.
RK Logistics announces expansion into Arizona
June 5, 2023
Company officials said that this new office will support customers throughout the greater Phoenix area, as well as southern Arizona. And they added the office will, at first, be the location for the company’s local sales, business development and administrative staff, with a focus on providing logistics services for current and also emerging industrial and manufacturing businesses and also their suppliers in Arizona’s Silicon Desert region.
2023 Cross-border Update: Business Booms
June 5, 2023
What has been called “phenomenal” growth in near-shoring will only increase cross-border trade as manufacturers seek sites closer to their markets. While freight transportation providers are streamlining cross-border moves with strong data, partnerships, and expertise, there’s still a lot shippers need to understand before setting up a long-term strategy.
Preliminary Class 8 truck orders see May gains
June 5, 2023
FTR reported that May preliminary orders, at 13,600 units, beat expectations, as orders had seen declines in six out of seven months through May, rising 9%, from April to May. ACT reported that preliminary North American Class 8 May orders—at 15,500 units—was up 10% annually and rose 29%, from April to May.
EVs + AVs = FVs (Future Vehicles): A seismic wave?
June 5, 2023
This is a game-changing transformation for transportation, with much the same impact of the jump from sail to steam power and steam to diesel propulsion.
