January 2014

With the exception of parcel, freight transportation rates will only make incremental gains in 2014. However, our top market analysts tell us that controlling total landed costs by using a variety of modes is now imperative.

While truckload shippers can brace for modest rate increases in the 2 percent to 4 percent range in 2014, carrier executives and analysts say that the boost will only offset the consistently rising costs that continue to hamper the sector.

A mature market by supply chain software standards, warehouse management systems (WMS) continue to play a prominent role in the ever-changing shipping and distribution environment—both onshore and overseas. Here are five market drivers that are sure to keep usage on the rise.

New Customs laws and regulations provide both significant challenges and opportunities for U.S. companies. Our experts outline a transactional checklist that will help shippers find their way.

In many cases, inventory related costs can rival transportation spend as the largest logistics cost—and often holds the most opportunity for significant improvement once it’s closely examined. Our warehouse/DC insiders give us a refresher on the all too often overlooked practices.

With interest in supply chain education at an all-time high, now is the time to use it to expand your own team’s skills, knowledge, and capabilities.

Optimizing a fleet is not an exact science. Although technology can help, it’s often the culture on the floor that makes or breaks a fleet management program.

To kick off 2014, I’m going to reinforce a rather bold suggestion that Group News Editor Jeff Berman made in his first blog post of the new year: Let’s cut out the use of the adjective “cautious” before we use the noun “optimism” when referring to the state of the U.S. economy.

Shippers who are facing pricing pressure from driver shortages, new regulations, and rising fuel and equipment costs frequently ask me: “How can we get the carriers to be more efficient?” I interpret more as: “How can I save money without suffering from poor service?”

They may not recognize the term, but a lot of logistics and supply chain executives are concerned about “permanent volatility.”

Interest in alternative fuel vehicles skyrocketed in 2013, with successful pilot programs for compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks being deployed in both private and for-hire truck fleets.