Logistics Management Magazine Archives

October 2023 Logistics Management

In this Issue:

  • 13th Annual Rail/Intermodal Roundtable: Emerging optimism?
  • 3PLs bolster e-commerce fulfillment services
  • Coastal Pet Products transforms its inventory management
  • The value of FTZs
  • Top 30 Ocean Carriers: Volatile conditions persist on high seas
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.
October 1, 2023 · Lacking real-time visibility and saddled with manual processes, a growing pet product manufacturer partnered with a WMS provider to improve productivity, streamline inventory management, and scale without increasing headcount.
October 1, 2023 · It’s about this time every year that the editorial staffs of Logistics Management and sister publication Supply Chain Management Review finalize our list of presenters for our annual virtual conference.
October 1, 2023 · A recent United States International Trade Commission report delves into the economic impact, benefits, and challenges related to FTZs in the U.S. This study is the first of its kind since the 1980s.
October 1, 2023 · With too many vessels chasing too few cargoes, volumes—and rates—have spiraled downward. Consequently, the ocean lines are scrambling to find ways to prop up profits and remain competitive.
October 1, 2023 · It seems so many roads lead to smaller warehouse footprints, increased storage density and flexibility to meet order fulfillment needs. Narrow aisle and very narrow aisle trucks are addressing these needs while maximizing operator safety and trust while working at elevated heights.
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Latest in Logistics Management

Bipartisan legislation focused on supply chain resilience is introduced in the Senate
The bill, entitled the “Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act,” was introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), a senior member of the Committee. This bill was also introduced in the House (H.R. 6571) by Reps. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and passed last week by a 44-0 unanimous vote.

How to Optimize Your RFID Mandate Labeling within the Supply Chain
Unlock supply chain success by joining SATO America, Loftware, and GS1 Global experts to master new RFID mandates, retail labeling, and compliance strategies.

Gartner releases its 20th Annual Global Supply Chain Top 25
Schneider Electric maintained its top position, with Cisco Systems and Colgate-Palmolive rounding out the top three. NVIDIA also made a strong debut at seventh place.

U.S.-bound imports see growth in April, reports S&P Global Market Intelligence
April imports, at 2,524,299 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), saw a 7.7% annual increase, growing for the eighth consecutive month, following a 14-month stretch of annual declines, while up 8.5% compared to pre-pandemic April 2019. Annual growth in April was well short of March’s 16% annual gain. Imports grew 1.2% from March to April.

Industry experts dissect White House’s tariffs announcement
As reported by LM earlier this month, after a statutory four-year review process of Section 301 tariffs levied on United States-bound imports from China conducted by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the final outcome, the White House announced, that those tariffs are remaining intact, with ones for certain products, to see increases.

April intermodal volumes turn in solid performance, reports IANA
Total April volume, at 1,456,241 units, increased 12.0% annually, topping March’s 6.7% annual increase, and in line with February’s 14.6% annual increase.

Packaging Efficiency: The modern way to reduced freight costs
Join our webcast to discover how Packsize & Paccurate can help your operations and outbound logistics teams cut costs and boost efficiency through innovative order fulfillment strategies.

Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach monthly volumes head up again
Total POLA volume, at 770,337 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), rose 12% annually, marking the ninth straight month of annual volume growth. The Port of Long Beach reported that total April volume, at 750,524 TEU, headed up 14.4% annually.  

National diesel average drops nearly 6 cents, for lowest reading since July, reports EIA
The national average, at $3.789, decreased 5.9 cents, following a 4.6-cent decline, to $3.848, for the week of May 13.

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Dali cargo ship is finally on the move
Authorities aim to reopen the main shipping channel by the end of May.

Bloomberg/Truckstop 1Q24 Truckload Survey points to improving spot market sentiment
Despite 62% of carriers reporting lower freight volume in 1Q, 33% predict freight demand to increase in the next 3-6 months. Only 19% predict freight demand to decline in the same timeframe, which represents a 12-point percentage decline vs. the 4Q survey.

BlueGrace Logistics Confidence Index sees signs of stabilization for the third quarter
For revenues, the report viewed third quarter expectations as “an interesting paradox with shipper optimism on the rise, but the expected magnitude of growth has moderated greatly, with 70% of the report’s respondents expecting positive third quarter revenue growth, topping expectations for the first and second quarters, which each respectively came in at 65%.

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index falls to lowest level since last September
For March, the most recent month for which data is available, the TCI came in at- 7.25, following February’s -5.31 reading.

U.S. rail carload and intermodal volumes are mixed, for week ending May 11, reports AAR
Rail carloads, at 209,319, fell 7.0% annually, and intermodal containers and trailers, at 254,429 units, rose 7.7% annually.

Cass Freight Index points to annual shipments and expenditures declines
April’s shipment reading, at 1.098, decreased 4.0% annually, and expenditures, at 3.227, were off 16.8% annually.


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