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How to Know if Your Freight Broker Is Legitimate. In the world of transportation, there are several moving parts that lend a hand in getting goods from point A to point B. Freight brokers often act as intermediaries in moving shipping and logistics forward, and in recent years, more brokerage operations have flooded the scene making it easier to secure a partnership that is beneficial to your overall business. Gaining Control: Why European Time Slot Management Makes Sense in the United States. Inefficiencies at the dock can cause long lines of trucks outside a warehouse, congestion on access roads, delayed deliveries and long driver wait times, all with the potential of accruing steep detention fees. European logistics managers deal with these inefficiencies—resulting from space constraints and too few docks for trucks—on a regular basis. UPS Doesn’t Want Your Large Items in Its Small Parcel Network. A warning to shippers was sounded during the current UPS earnings report. Here’s what you should know about the Shipping Charge Correction Audit fee. Three Transportation Innovations that Can Deliver Short-Term ROI. Managing transportation has become increasingly challenging as customers grow more demanding and the driver shortage constrains capacity. Consider these three innovations, which can deliver short-term return on investment: Optimizing Route Planning to Cut Costs. Ensuring your transportation operation is making the most efficient use of vehicles, fuel, and drivers should be a high priority. Use these tips to keep transportation costs in check while boosting your bottom line. How to Navigate the Driver Shortage. The industry’s driver shortage is no secret. As carriers get more selective about the freight they haul, shippers need to make themselves more carrier-friendly. Assessing U.S. Shipments and Spend. A tighter truck market, increase in national shipments, and accelerated factory output are among the highlights of the Q3 2017 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, which measures quantitative changes in shipment and spend activity (see chart) based on data from transactions the company processes. Transportation Trends: Turn up the Air. Strengthening economies, increasing globalization, the growth of e-commerce, and software that enables companies to more precisely calculate the trade-offs between air and other transportation modes are driving growth in the airfreight market. API Trumps EDI. Here’s Why. Exploring the advantages of using a state-of-the-art API solution. Supply Chain Commentary: What Shippers Need to Know About Market Tightness. With the pre-holiday freight push starting earlier than usual, trepidation remaining about the implications of the ELD mandate, and rates at multi-year highs, now is the time for shippers to take a strategic approach to control costs and service issues. Supply Chain Education Remains Critical for Compliance with New FDA Sanitary Food Transportation Rule. Complying with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act has been a top priority for manufacturers and their 3PLs. Yet, more than one year later, one in five outside truckers arrive at our facility, often unknowingly, in violation of FSMA standards. Here’s how we can all get on the same page. 10 Tips for Transportation Sourcing. Selecting a transportation mode and carrier isn’t as simple as identifying the fastest or least expensive option. It’s a complicated process that takes into account timelines and risks as well as budgets. Industry experts share best practices that will help save money and prevent costly mistakes. 6 Information Management Trends Redefining Transportation and Logistics. How Will Amazon Buying Whole Foods Affect The Delivery Industry? Supply Chain Commentary: 4 Ways to Cut Transportation Spending. While cutting transportation costs seems like a tall order, there are a few easy ways to work with your company’s procurement department to cut spending without impacting the benefits of strategic logistics. Maersk Line Deploys Its First Second Generation Triple-E. Madrid Maersk, a 20,568 TEU container vessel and the first second generation Triple-E, made its maiden voyage. Its first call was the Port of Tianjin in China. 3 Green Measures Your Fleet Provider Should Be Taking. Transportation & Services Update. The Advantages of a Pop Up Supply Chain. Truck Driver Health Should Drive Business Decisions. Truck drivers are the lifeblood of the supply chain. Here's how to protect this invaluable asset and address the driver shortage. Adding Value to Your Supply Chain. Many companies are finding that value-added logistics services can help to give their supply chain a competitive edge. Use this advice to add value to your supply chain. Most Mid-Market Supply Chains Are Under-Served. Use this advice to ensure your mid-market supply chain is supported at the level it deserves. Clear Direction, Abundant Communication. Profile of Manny Calandrino, president and chief operating officer, Consolidated Fastfrate. Trends—March 2017. Freight railroads frustrated by lack of federal funding to bolster private initiatives; trucking industry posts fifth straight month of driver employment growth after a three month year-on-year decline; Warehouse Management System market to garner $3.112 million globally by 2022, supply chain professionals point to cyber security and changing trade regulations as top concerns in 2017. Mastering Logistics Complexity: How to Take Control With Technology. Organizations are looking to technology to help manage the complexities of the transport operation and to differentiate themselves in the increasingly competitive markets they operate in. Testing the Quality of Logistics-Critical Applications. Deploying applications quickly and affordably, and ensuring those systems perform as promised, will be a key to success in tomorrow’s freight and logistics sector. Today's Competitive Supply Chain: Digital, Smaller, More Resilient. As consumers demand a greater personal experience and more sophisticated product, the digital revolution will prove a competitive advantage to those who embrace it. Advantages of Digital Technology. Digitization is no longer an option. It is a competitive necessity. The Whole Industry Is Struggling to Define TMS. Here's My Take. With no standard terminology in an already-complex industry, it’s not surprising that so many TMS buyers have trouble figuring out the differences between solutions and which one best fits their needs. Here's how to cut through the confusion. Download the Inbound Logistics Planner App Today. Find the right solutions, carriers and partners to drive efficiency in your supply chain operations and enable your enterprise to navigate the twists and turns, ups and downs of the coming year. Global Logistics—February 2017. Mexican border wall becomes issue in trade negotiations, e-commerce companies making headway in logistics services marketplace, Agility Emerging Markets Index shows bleak future for free trade. Placing a Premium on Cargo Insurance. Most companies have insurance to protect their property and equipment, their vehicles, and their operations from disruptions due to natural disasters and other events. For companies with extensive supply chains, cargo insurance can be an important addition to this list. 6 Simple Metrics for Tracking and Improving Carrier Performance. By paying attention to these six metrics, over‐the‐road shippers can make informed decisions to get their desired mix of cost, coverage, and performance from their carriers. Leveraging Your Routing Guide. A routing guide plays an important role in setting the strategy for carrier selection across a variety of shipments within an organization. Use these tips to get the most out of your routing guide. Trends—January 2017. A closer look at Amazon’s trucking app, Trump’s infrastructure plan may bring much-needed funding, Maersk acquisition of Hamburg Süd faces regulatory hurdles, Congress repeals portion of 34-hour restart requirements, States making progress on FAST Act projects, Foxconn targets U.S. expansion, Self-driving truck makes first successful delivery, Amazon Go cuts check-out lines out of retail process, manufacturers prep for Made in America push, UPS tests artificial intelligence customer service program; Ocean Alliance receives FMC approval. Global Logistics—January 2017. Future of globalization uncertain in current political landscape, Carlos Slim says Trump presidency could be good for Mexico, IATA promotes advancement of air cargo standards, India seeks to expand air cargo infrastructure, 10 supply chain predictions for the future of manufacturing. The Pragmatist’s Guide: 10 Simple Strategies to Reduce Freight Costs Now. Freight transportation is your biggest logistics expense, so it’s likely that you’re under constant pressure to drive down these costs. Use these tips to cut costs. Cloud Collaboration Increases Supply Chain Efficiency. As more companies replace legacy technology systems with more sophisticated platforms, the benefits of cloud-based collaboration will increase exponentially. The Slow, Steady Decline Of the Owner-Operator Model. Today, we face the slow extinction of independent owner-operators. These self-reliant business owners are now dealing with a myriad of regulations that will soon make the owner-operator model impractical, and its survival improbable. Alternative Port Strategies: Getting In With The In Crowd. Inland ports provide shippers with new global trade strategies and relief from capacity issues facing North America’s deepwater container ports. Baseball Logistics: Hitting a Home Run Every Trip. Each year, 30 Major League Baseball teams travel for spring training and dozens of road games in a complex logistics web that's all the more incredible for its anonymity. When you're carrying all the bats, the game can't start until the truck arrives. Winter Reading Guide 2017. Winter provides a great advantage–time. The hustle and bustle of the holidays is over and colder weather prevails. There’s no better time to hit the books and amp up your knowledge of important logistics and supply chain management issues. How Ariens Weathers Seasonal Demand. Ariens' tailored transportation planning solution from Redwood Logistics has led to efficiency gains, delivery improvements, increased visibility and cost reductions. Demand-Driven Logistics: Staying Right Side Up When Your Supply Chain Turns Upside Down. Even when the economy isn’t booming, the supply chain offers numerous opportunities for shippers to increase efficiency, save money and enhance revenues. This story looks at some of the bright spots in transportation, technology, global trade and outsourcing. Trends—December 2016. New Year supply chain health check; DHL uses penguins to train couriers; Ocean Alliance receives FMC approval; Veterans make better truck drivers than non-veterans; Cyberattacks focusing on weak supply chain links. Global Logistics—December 2016. Korea Line Acquires Hanjin Asia-to-U.S. business; President-Elect Trump follows through on campaign promises to kill trade deals; London Heathrow gets third runway. How Driverless Trucks Will Change Supply Chain Strategy. The driverless truck phenomenon is closer to reality than you might think and that means it’s time to start strategizing how this could impact supply chains. Here are three areas to start considering. How Specialized Transportation Can Improve Customer Service. Working with a specialized transportation provider will save you time and headaches while keeping your customers happy and costs down. Five Best Practices Before Beginning a Transportation RFP. An organized and well-prepared Request for Proposal (RFP) can yield a variety of benefits for your company. Here are five tips to consider before starting an RFP. Panama Canal Expansion: Locks and Load. As larger vessels make their way through the expanded section of the Panama Canal, experts weigh the influence of the canal’s new capacity on global shipping. Four Technologies Set to Change the Future of Logistics. Get ready for a supply chain paradigm shift. These technologies will cause shippers to rethink cost-cutting measures and rewrite logistics strategies. Right on Target. Profile of Mike Wagner, CEO of Target Freight Management. What’s Driving the Air Freight Industry Today? These developments are helping the transportation industry to continually evolve. Top 10 U.S. Cargo Airports. Offering top-flight cargo facilities and infrastructure, among other features, the following airports are ranked as the nation’s top 10 cargo airports. Airfreight Forwarders Ride Headwinds and Tailwinds. Airfreight forwarders face headwinds — from shippers shifting to ocean freight and fewer routes for air cargo shipments — and must learn to leverage opportunities. Alan Sargent: A Sweet Confection Connection. Profile of Alan Sargent, supply chain and logistics director, Just Born Candy. Trends—October 2016. Rise of e-commerce changing logistics real estate landscape; Companies who don’t sell globally may be sacrificing profits; Many smaller fleets non-compliant with upcoming ELD mandate. Global Logistics—October 2016. South Korean ocean liner Hanjin Shipping files for bankruptcy protection in a dozen countries; Few respondents to a GT Nexus survey say they have a chief supply chain officer on hand who would be equipped to deal with supply chain disruptions; Maersk splits its transportation and oil businesses. Accidents Happen: Is Your Transportation Partner Prepared? It is never too late to improve your safety operations. The changes you make today will reduce your liability exposure for an accident that happens tomorrow. Stop the Free-Flowing Expenses of Demurrage and Detention. Effectively mitigate demurrage and detention fees by taking an integrated approach to logistics, contract management, and supply chain visibility using a global trade management system. The Role of Relationships in Automated Brokerage. The door to an automated brokerage process opens up when a broker strengthens relationships with carriers and customers. Trends—September 2016. Presidential nominee stances on transportation infrastructure; New truck standards aim to reduce U.S. carbon emissions; Staffing Agencies and Colleges Work to Make Certain the Supply Chain Stays Supplied. You Can Only Hit So Many Golf Balls. Retirees from the transportation business find a second career through agent programs with companies such as Bulk Connection. 18 Sure-Fire Ways to Save on LTL Shipments. Inbound Logistics talks to carriers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers about sure-fire ways to save money on LTL shipments and serves up a list of 18 tips that will help shippers of all types and sizes. 2016 Trucking Perspectives. Inbound Logistics’ exclusive trucking market research report explores industry challenges and trends. Houston, We've Got a Problem. The September 2016 Intermodal EXPO provides the setting for a thoughtful discussion on the ocean shipping sector: its prospects and how it impacts the intermodal industry. Global Logistics—August 2016. U.S./Mexico Unified Cargo Processing removes border wait times; CRBC struggles to win local support in Kenya; PwC releases Q2 Transportation and Logistics M&A report. Keys to Customer Retention in a Competitive Environment. Customer retention in today’s competitive marketplace is important. Thomas Griffin of DLS Worldwide offers the keys to customer retention. Five Keys to Selecting the Right Transportation Consultant. For many shippers, choosing the right transportation consultant can become a difficult, time-consuming, and frustrating process. Here are five keys to finding the optimal partner. Cross-Border Trade is On a Roll. U.S.-Canada cross-border trade continues to be a mutually beneficial partnership between nations with a long history of friendship. Global Logistics—July 2016. Brexit shakes up global supply chain; Amazon invests $3 billion in India; Hyperloop targets Russia as site for science fiction-like transit tube; Australian truckies want better working conditions; Despite the best-laid plans by multinational companies to establish trade compliance, there’s a costly risk gap between knowing and doing that may lead to fines and incarceration. Panama Canal Expansion: Four Keys to Unlocking its Potential. The Panama Canal expansion is finally complete. How will the increased capacity of this global maritime crossroads play out in your shipping and logistics strategy? The March of Technology. Technology can make the difference between profit and loss in a low-margin environment. As margins squeeze ever tighter, staying current with technology can make the ultimate difference ultimate success or failure. Truckload Capacity: There is Always a Truck Going That Way. Searching for capacity is sometimes a tough job, but there is always somebody driving where you need to go. Import Express LCL Service. Using an import express less-than-container service, particularly from China, offers cost savings and faster transit times over traditional consolidated LCL services. What You Need to Know About the New SOLAS Regulation. Here are the key facts you need to know about the new Safety of Life at Sea regulation. Adapters Win in the Multi-Modal, Omni-Channel Fast Lane. Competitive agility and adaptability help shippers win the multi- and omni-channel race to the customer. Get The Scoop: The Ice Cream Supply Chain. Ice cream companies have to ensure their products maintain their quality as they travel from the manufacturing plant to distribution center to the retailer, and finally into the consumer’s shopping cart and home. Cold chain management and proper sanitation are key ingredients. 6 Technologies Guaranteed to Disrupt Your Supply Chain. Emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, 3-D printing, collaborative robotics, self-driving trucks, drones and the Uberization of deliveries are poised to be disruptive influences on logistics in the coming years. Materials Handling Equipment Kicks Into High Gear. New technology abounds inside the four walls of a distribution center. From narrow aisles configurations, specialized rack systems and lift equipment to optimize stacking capabilities, WMS software that integrates with automated sortation systems, and self-guided intelligent robotic vehicles, innovations in materials handling products are transforming the supply chain. Project Logistics: Going the Distance. When logistics professionals are tasked with a special project, no matter how enormous, no matter how infeasible, they’re expected to go the distance. Tapping Military Talent: Shoes on the Ground. Supply chain logistics companies view veterans as a crucial pool of potential employees, and consequently they are using a range of methods to recruit and hire former members of the military for their workforces. Summer Reading Guide: 16 Must-Reads This Summer. A handy reading guide summarizing supply chain books and their key takeaways. Making Scents of Demand Planning. Bedoukian Research improves forecasting, demand planning, inventory management, and logistics processes with the help of Smart Software. AGT Global Logistics Founder and CEO Angela Eliacostas: Unstoppable Force. Profile of Angela Eliacostas, founder and CEO of AGT Global Logistics. Trends—June 2016. Nikola Motor Company announces electric class-8 semi truck; FASTLANE grants aim to improve nation’s infrastructure; In spite of rate-driven financial gains for carriers, utilization drop is evident in most recent transportation industry analysis. Addressing Vendor Management and Shifting Global Trade Currents. Thomas Griffin of DLS Worldwide explains the most important aspects in good vendor management and how manufacturers can deal with increasing regulations and security concerns. Lifting the Fog on Extreme Caution Driving. When inclement weather affects visibility or traction, commercial drivers must reduce speed and cease operations when those conditions become sufficiently dangerous. G75: Inbound Logistics' 75 Green Supply Chain Partners. These supply chain, logistics, and transportation companies lead the way in supporting sustainability. 10 Greenest Ports in America. These ports have utilized various initiatives to ensure the ultimate impact of sustainability outweighs its costs. How to Handle DOT and GHS Regulations. U.S. chemical manufacturers and distributors must comply with two sets of regulations affecting chemical shipments. Here's how to stay compliant, efficient, and safe. INTTRA CEO John Fay: Trading Stocks for Ships. Profile of John Fay, CEO of the electronic supply chain platform, INTTRA. Three Key Points to Communicate to Become Your Customers’ Dream Provider. Communication and transparency are key to being a good partner to your clients. Use this advice to effectively communicate with customers. Meet Me in St. Louis. The St. Louis region offers an ideal transportation infrastructure to move goods, skilled labor to meet the peaks and valleys of industrial demand, and the availability of highly qualified IT personnel to manage staff and facilities. An Incremental Approach to TMS Acquisition. Savings from a TMS deployment can be significant. Here are the benefits of an incremental approach to acquisition. Intermodal Rail: Moving in the Right Direction. As the demand for supply chain efficiency and speed rises, companies are investing in intermodal rail infrastructure and repairs throughout the United States. Creating a Lean and Green Culture. Launching a cost cutting, productivity-enhancing, or sustainability initiative creates efficiencies with environmental benefits and cost reductions. Trends—April 2016. Smart, connected cities are closer than you think; Inevitable minimum wage hike has supply chain implications. Global Logistics—April 2016. Chinese investors look to U.S. for economic growth; air cargo industry struggles. The Trials and Errors of Preventability Determinations. This article provides simple but important actions a motor carrier can take to put itself in a position to avoid a jury verdict potentially based on an improper standard or misleading evidence. Alaska: The Vast Frontier. By offering air, barge, ocean carrier, rail, and trucking services, logistics providers are minimizing the risks involved with transporting goods to, from, and within Alaska. Avoid Pricing Pitfalls When Selecting a Logistics IT Solution. One of the common gripes voiced by organizations implementing logistics IT solutions is that the solution ends up costing more than expected. Use this advice when looking at prospective providers. East Coast Warehouse & Distribution CEO Jamie Overley: Driven By Results and Big Dreams. Profile of Jamie Overley, CEO of East Coast Warehouse and Distribution. Trends—March 2016. A predicted freight slowdown stalls driver wage increases for 2016; President Obama proposes oil tax to fund infrastructure; Logistics trends of 2016. Three Imperatives for Managing Carrier Rates. Use these tips to ensure your global shipments are contracted with a cost-effective and reliable provider. Flying High With Electronic Air Waybills. As major airlines implement the eAWB single-process approach in March 2016, industry-wide involvement in the program is encouraged for all participants as paperless air cargo supply chain operations lower costs, increase data accuracy, and improve the customer experience. Improve Your Supply Chain's Stability During the Next Procurement Event. Now is the right time to improve your supply chain’s stability, scalability and resiliency. Transportation providers are seeking collaboration with shippers as their networks have also experienced significant change. Intermodal Transportation: Rise and Shine. The use of intermodal transportation by shippers continues to grow. Here’s how shippers use intermodal to cut costs and mitigate risk. What's the first thing you would do to address the truck driver shortage? Readers weigh in on how to address the truck driver shortage. Optimizing Freight Spend. Managing your transportation budget is key to operate Lean and find ways to shed excess cost. Use these tips help lower shipping costs. Trends—February 2016. Commercial drone programs delayed while FAA establishes deadlines; five challenges facing the pharmaceuticals supply chain; getting the Surface Transportation Board back on track; Retailer investments in e-commerce and supply chain will dominate in 2016. Global Logistics—February 2016. The 2016 Global Infrastructure Report from CG/LA Infrastructure details 100 infrastructure projects in 71 countries across 10 different sectors; Emerging markets take on increasing importance for the supply chain. Georgia: Enabling Business Growth Through Collaboration. From well-designed redundancies across intermodal shipping methods to creative solutions when the unexpected happens, Georgia’s logistics industry is positioned to help shippers connect, compete, and grow. 2016 Port Report: Great Expectations. Inbound Logistics predicts the top U.S. ports for business in 2016, based on volumes, efforts to improve infrastructure, and innovation. Getting Fleets Mobile Ready. Asking the right questions as you begin the evaluation and purchase process is a step in the right direction to help get your fleet mobile ready. Supply Chains that Rock Around the Clock: Come Sail Away With Me. What happens when a containership reaches a U.S. port? Inbound Logistics tagged along with French steamship line CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest ocean freight carrier, to find out. Supply Chains that Rock Around the Clock: Gimme Shelter. East Coast Warehouse & Distribution’s strategic port location brings both advantages and challenges. Its facility keeps supply chains rocking, serving as the crucial first step in importers’ distribution systems in the United States, through port delays and even Superstorm Sandy. Supply Chains that Rock Around the Clock: Everybody's Doing the Locomotion. This story follows the progress of an intermodal container during its three-day, round the clock trip from the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach to a distribution center in Dallas. Becoming a Shipper of Choice. Taking steps to become a shipper of choice delivers benefits across the supply chain, and will help sustain and grow your bottom line. Al Morris: Perfect for the Part. Al Morris, director, global supply chain at TERiX, reviews accounts to determine what parts to buy and where to stock them to ensure the right part is always available. Trends—January 2016. Where the presidential candidates stand on transportation infrastructure; Amazon announces new air cargo fleet; consumers willing to pay more for sustainability; first successful cross-country trip by a vehicle on autopilot; trucking industry driver shortage reaches 48,000 drivers; shippers rail against railroad mergers; hoverboards illustrate problem with American manufacturing; consumers want package deliveries their way; reducing cargo theft risk; FMCSA passes measure to fight back against driver coercion; skills required for a successful career in supply chain management; Surface Transportation Board gets back on track; FMCSA sets deadline for requiring truckers to install electronic logbooks in all vehicles; technologies to watch in 2016. Advantages of Partial Truckload Shipping. Shippers should consider partial shipping when looking for faster transit times, less handling, and a more cost-effective solution. Using Data Analysis to Minimize Transportation Costs. Minimizing transportation costs through data analysis can have a huge impact on a company’s bottom line. Transportation 2016 (And Beyond): The Old Rules Don’t Apply. In today’s global, highly competitive market, the old rules of transportation no longer apply if you want to remain profitable and competitive. Thoughts on Independent Contractor Pitfalls. It is important to be vigilant about new regulations and interpretations that effect the industry and impacts business. Panama’s SEA Change Boosts Access to Global Markets. Due to the Panama Canal expansion, the country is quickly being crowned the business capital of Latin America. Five Driving Forces Behind Driverless Trucks. The introduction of driverless trucks could be the biggest change the road haulage industry will ever see, and the concept is closer to reality than people think. Driver Coercion Rule: What Shippers And Carriers Need to Know. As a new driver coercion rule goes into effect, the need for communication with drivers is greater than ever. Supply Chains that Rock Around the Clock: Rock and Roll All Night. This story follows a sleeper team for YRC freight as the two drivers make a run of approximately 22 hours from the Chicago area to Denver. A New Rx for Pharma Cold Chains. Manufacturers are going back to the drawing board to rethink their temperature-controlled supply chains. Inbound Logistics Winter Reading Guide 2016. It's important to stay up to date on supply chain and logistics developments. Here's a list of books on wide ranging topics. How “Chain of Responsibility” Affects the Supply Chain. The potential legislation of COR-related laws is expected to have a profound effect on all areas of the supply chain, requiring changes that will ultimately come at an increased cost. Trends—December 2015. Transportation and logistics deal value continues to rise; distribution centers prepare to reduce picking errors; mobile-based freight brokerage; predictive analytics and Internet of Things revolutionize procurement. Global Logistics—October 2015. The Trans-Pacific Partnership is one step closer to ratification; harnessing the power of supply chain collaboration; FMC approves new regulations for OTIs; SAP releases inaugural Retail Index. Realizing the Power of a Leveraged Platform. One way a manufacturer can mitigate the effects of increasing regulations and demand volatility is by working with a third-party logistics provider with a leveraged platform. Attracting More Women to the Transportation Profession. Establishing the groundwork and collaboration are vital to developing the solutions needed for the significant workforce challenges faced by the transportation industry. A key part of the mission is to attract women to the traditionally male-dominated transportation profession. The Dairy Supply Chain: From Farm to Fridge. How milk and other dairy products moo-ve from tens of thousands of cows to store shelves across the country - with udder efficiency. Global Trade Game Changer. As the Panama Canal's $5.25-billion expansion nears completion, how are shippers and ports preparing? Dimensioning on the Move. For quickly measuring freight at the point of pick-up, for reclassifying pallets, and for low-volume operations, mobile dimensioning is a low-cost game-changer. Sean Smith: Ingredients for a Great Career. Sean Smith, supply chain director at Agropur Ingredients, is always up for a logistics challenge. Refugees Cause Price Hike for EU Shippers. Refugees cause price hike for European Union shippers; East-West shippers see sharp decline in contract rates; technology innovations to transform competitive landscape in global freight forwarding market; home delivery in the United Kingdom. Alleviating Gridlock: A Chicago Case Study. Amtrak’s Chicago Gateway Blue Ribbon Panel released its report this month and made a number of recommendations to improve the flow of rail operations in the Chicago area. Top 10 U.S. Container Ports. Inbound Logistics dredges up data on the leading U.S. container hubs. Tim Thoma Brings It In. Tim Thoma, international logistics and compliance manager at Northern Tool and Equipment, is responsible for moving product purchased from overseas. Great Logistics Sites: Prime Destinations, Unmistakable Results. The pursuit of perfection may seem an impossible goal. But, with the right combination of key elements, four regions in the United States have achieved logistics greatness. Intermodal : Making the Connection. Railroads, ocean carriers, and ports are investing in new equipment and technology innovation to move freight from trucks to rails and attract intermodal shippers. Trends—September 2015. New York State minimum wage directive may be a tipping point for automation in the fast food industry; Organic food recalls are on the rise; Alix Partners reports that nearshoring trend continues to grow; Pro truck interests take weight restriction fight in new direction; 2015 holiday shoppers are looking for options; The cash handling supply chain is poised to move from manual processing to scanning technology, thanks to the new GS1 US Cash Visibility Discussion Group. Global Logistics—September 2015. Ocean carrier dependability dips for the first time in six months; Low water conditions force Panama Canal to consider draught restrictions; IKEA invests in Romanian forest; Germany greenlights Daimler’s self-driving truck pilot program; Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) looks to create a global traceability too for seafood supply chain. Positive Train Control: Negative Impact On Railroads? As the deadline for PTC implementation looms, Class II and Class III railroads will likely find that the Class Is demand their participation in both PTC capital implementation costs and ongoing maintenance costs. Transportation Metrics: Keeping Score. When every dollar counts, along with every mile, shippers need to know which carriers are keeping them on a course to profitability. That’s why carrier metrics are so important. 2015 Trucking Perspectives. Inbound Logistics exclusive trucking market research report delivers shipper and motor carrier insights into trucking challenges and trends. Temporary Bills and Lack of Investment Threaten U.S. Infrastructure. Temporary bills and lack of investment threaten the future of U.S. roads, bridges, tunnel, and rail infrastructure. Leveraged Platforms: The More Efficient Road Ahead. Core carriers participating in leveraged platforms typically receive consistent, attractive internal freight volumes and specific lanes of business. Seven Tips for Finding the Right Chinese Partner. Use these seven tips to find a partner in China that is right for your company. Improving Fleet Safety with On-Board Video. An on-board video solution helps fleet managers review driver performance and improve fleet safety. Trends—August 2015. 3PLs tout IoT as top disruptive innovation in the supply chain; Hyundai and Accenture team up to design smarter ship; TMS use has tripled over the past decade; new sustainability web platform helps shippers assess key trends and best practices. A Fresh Route for Latin American Produce. Latin American perishable exports have grown dramatically in recent years, but there are still some logistical shortcomings preventing maximum cold chain efficiency. Driver Shortage Threatens to Slow Intermodal Growth. The shortage of qualified drivers threatens the continued growth of the intermodal industry. Channeling the Brick and Click Dilemma. As e-commerce continues to transform consumer behavior, retailers explore hybrid omni-channel supply chain models that deliver the best that online and in-store have to offer. Overcoming LTL Shipping Challenges. Understanding less-than-truckload shipping challenges is the key to overcoming them. Cloud Inspections: Improving Productivity, Safety, and Reducing Costs. Today's cloud-based inspection systems improve productivity by simplifying the traditional inspection method and compiling important data to be accessed at any time and anyplace. Rise of the Machines: How Self-Driving Trucks Will Alter the Supply Chain. If you are driving through Nevada and see a truck driver reading a book…don’t freak out. Benchmarking Transportation Processes With TMS Data. Using the data the TMS is already providing can help shippers improve their transport operations. Start Now to Leverage the Benefits of the Panama Canal Expansion. The Panama Canal expansion will provide many businesses with opportunities for growth on a global scale. California, Here We Stay. Yokohama senior director Jeremy Kahrs reveals the strategy behind the tire maker’s new distribution center and headquarters. In the logistics of trade, the relationship between Canada and the United States is both friendly and advantageous on both sides of the border. Cutting Costs While Delighting Customers. Cost reductions are uncovered from raw materials to end delivery, but companies must focus on its customers to keep them satisfied. Trends—June 2015. Short-term Highway Trust Fund extension renews call for national transportation strategy; Medical cost inflation and cyber risk are the most prying business concerns; Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach create shared working groups to explore operational efficiencies; GS1 Simple Product Listing creates new standard for e-commerce marketplace. How to Cut Seven Non-Traditional Wastes. These seven non-traditional forms of waste can have a direct impact on your bottom line. Connected Vehicles & Smart Infrastructure. Vehicle-to-Vehicle communications and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure technologies will revolutionize transportation by making our road system safer, more efficient, and less dependent upon the human element for effective decision-making. Benefits of Partial Truckload Shipping. Shippers should consider partial shipping when looking for faster transit times, less handling, and a more cost-effective solution. Chemical Logistics: Keep it Moving, Keep it Safe. A look at logistics trends and challenges that affect companies in the chemical industries, and their strategies for dealing with those issues. Ocean Spray: Tastes Good, Good for You and the Environment. When Ocean Spray wanted to reduce its carbon footprint, they found the answers they were looking for from an MBA student. Dealing With Demurrage, the Dreaded D-Word. Improving Shipper/Carrier Relationships. To help save money, shippers should build a strong relationship with their LTL carrier. Trends—May 2015. Martin Associates report points to the importance of continuing U.S. port investment; Henry Ford College introduces associates degree in supply chain management; Freight Can't Wait program encourages Congress to earmark funding exclusively for freight infrastructure projects; Manufacturers are finding better ways to engineer and prototype products using 3D printing technology; McDonald's pledges to lessen impact on global deforestation throughout its entire supply chain. Global Logistics—May 2015. Trans Pacific Partnership nears resolution; Indonesia logistics industry fights new capital requirement regulation; China and Pakistan pave way for new trade corridor; Global ocean container trade shows signs of growth despite enduring supply-demand imbalance; European railroads partner around procurement; China looks to replicate U.S. rail freight model. The Driver Shortage—Not Just a Carrier Issue. Shippers making simple, but meaningful changes can go a long way with helping carriers attract and retain drivers. How Amtrak’s Supreme Court Case Affects Freight Shippers. Tired of being forced off the track, Class I Railroads are taking a stand in court over track-sharing privileges with Amtrak. Five Ways to Mitigate a Truckload Capacity Crunch. These five steps will ensure carriers can provide capacity when you need it most. Riding the Rails. In today's high-speed logistics infrastructure, rail represents a key component of the intermodal framework. Maximizing Intermodal Efficiency. To drive efficiency, intermodal stakeholders need to fit their processes together. Trends—April 2015. Supply chain ‘modeling’ replicates real-world events; Retailers and manufacturers make the jump to RFID; U.S. trucking industry sees better utilization and financial results; Data analytics is a big growth market. Global Logistics—April 2015. Larger container ships pose new risks and liabilities. Peel Group invests in oil and gas business while European interests dry up. Scientists raise concerns about Nicaragua canal environmental impact. Choosing to Be a Shipper of Choice. In the face of increasing capacity issues, carriers prefer to work with shippers that will support their business needs. Strategic Shipping Solutions. Predictive modeling and big data help develop efficient shipping solutions to lower shippers’ freight spend and overall supply chain costs. Offshore vs. Outsource for Transportation & Logistics. Many transportation and logistics professionals hear outsourcing and think offshoring, but there is a big difference. Collaborative Distribution: Taking Off the Training Wheels. To break the cycle of needless, duplicative logistics costs, many competitors are choosing to work in tandem. Freight Transport in Alaska: The Haul of the Wild. Challenging weather and a remote location make delivering freight to and from Alaska a complex operation. To simplify operations, many shippers turn to transportation companies and logistics service providers that have the expertise to make sure freight flows smoothly despite the complexities. Five Customs Compliance Tips for Aerospace Companies. Failure to comply with domestic and international customs regulations can have a huge impact on the bottom line. Trends—March 2015. U.S. beef supply chain participants form partnership to improve sustainability; Manufacturers and retailers fail to adopt best-in-class processes and technology to address global complexities; Online retailers need to rethink how they align their distribution networks; Spot market rates dip seasonally as West Coast volumes catch up; Staples and Syracuse University partner to drive new research and innovation. Preparing Your Company Today to Hire for Tomorrow. With a skills gap narrowing the options, companies must hire employees that are valuable in the long-term. Georgia: Super Hub of the Southeast. A look at the many logistics assets that make Georgia a terrific location for companies involved in manufacturing or distribution. The Value of a Freight Forwarder. Freight forwarders provide value-added services beyond just transportation and logistics. Here's advice for choosing the right one for your business. USPS Publishes a Battery of New Shipping Regulations. The United States Postal Services has revised domestic mail regulations for shipping lithium batteries. Here’s what shippers need to know. Improving Your Fleet With Telematics. Telematics technology can bring improved operational visibility to fleet management. Choosing a Route Planning System. A route planning systems can drastically reduce the time it takes to plan your transportation schedule. Other benefits include lower mileage and fuel usage, decreased carbon emissions, and increased customer service. Trends—January 2015. Texas places three locations among ATRI’s top-10 congested roadways; Truck size and weight debate is a divisive topic for the transportation and logistics industry; Truck driver shortage raises new concerns and costs for shippers and carriers; Electronics supply chain poses new challenges; Demand planning is still a pain point for shippers. Global Logistics—January 2015. United States gives Mexican truck drivers the green light for cross-border moves; Uber pilots cargo service in Hong Kong; Latin American rail freight market ripe for investment; Panama Canal Authority restructures its toll system; Turkey and Iran toil over truck fees; Global airfreight market set for steady growth; Lithuania railroad faces antitrust inquiry over competitive switching practices. Capacity Crunch. Driverless trucks may be a solution to the truck driver shortage in the future, but here are some ideas for how to cope now. Trucking From the Driver’s Seat. From first mile to last mile and every mile in between, truck drivers are the lifeblood of your supply chain. Meet some of these dedicated professionals. Regulatory Update: Playing by the Rules. Mark our words: Legislative and regulatory resolutions could spell trouble for shippers and carriers in 2015. Supply Chain Excellence: A Manufacturing Firestarter. Whirlpool is taking a page out of its Lean production manual and following Penske’s lead to create a more flexible and responsive North American supply chain. 2015 Inbound Logistics Winter Reading Guide. Inclement weather and capacity problems giving your supply chain the winter woes? Chill out! Here are some good reads to keep you up to date on supply chain, logistics, and transportation best practices. Building a Bridge to Continuous Improvement. Tired of relying on e-mail blasts to place freight, L.B. Foster ups its game with a third-party solution that has transformed the enterprise. Reducing Cargo Theft. Cargo theft in the United States results in billions of lost dollars. Taking proper precautions can help minimize theft and secure the supply chain. Andy Yablin Goes Back to School. Andy Yablin, vice president, transportation at Scholastic Inc., is responsible for transportation from manufacturing facilities to distribution centers, and from distribution centers to customers. Trends—November 2014. Reciprocal switching debate casts a cloud over railroad industry collaboration; Procurement execution gap costs U.S. businesses $1.5 billion per year; Holiday consumers plan to shop sooner to avoid last-minute parcel problems; Trucking costs continue to soar as driver shortage worsens; Amazon Supreme Court case will set a precedent for how companies secure facilities and compensate workers. Global Logistics—November 2014. North Korea,South Korea,and Russia team up to test new trade partnership,GS1 global registry sets new standard with 15 million products,Middle East airports face growing congestion problem,Puerto Rico makes Panama Canal transshipment play with Port of the Americas project,Britain introduces supply chain slavery bill. Flexibility Key to Success in Liquor Logistics. The logistics of shipping alcoholic beverages is complex and fraught with challenges. Strategic thinking and supply chain flexibility are keys to success. Why BYOD Can Actually Cost You Money. Logistics and transportation companies are finding the flaw in the BYOD movement. Critical Shipments: If I Only Had a Part. Bad things happen when systems break down. Flights get canceled. Production lines stop. The critical spare parts logistics involved in getting operations running again demand both precision and speed. Here’s how you can become a wizard at critical shipments. How to Use Real-Time Ground Conditions. An accurate assessment of real-time ground conditions allows dispatch and operations centers to proactively identify problems and adjust routes, thereby improving efficiencies and keeping drivers safe. Intermodal Transportation’s Solution to Our Evolving Supply Chain Demands. Intermodal transport provides cost savings, increased reliability, greater capacity, and green and safety advantages. Trends—October 2014. UPS makes major improvements to save Christmas; PANYNJ invests $5.5 billion to streamline port operations. Understanding Capacity Constraints. The trucking industry faces capacity constraints, but there are solutions available to help shippers minimize the impact. Shippers Get Creative With Multimodal Solutions. Creative use of intermodal and multimodal options enables cost-effective transportation, boosts capacity, and reduces highway congestion delays. Star Search: Discovering the Best Site for Your Business. Determining the best location for a new or expanding business in an increasingly competitive and global marketplace is challenging. These locations offer a number of advantages when it comes to meeting today’s logistics and supply chain needs. Memphis: America’s Multimodal City. Memphis supports global supply chains through highway, rail, airport, and inland port assets, and a qualified workforce. The Spot Market – And How Not to Use It. Using the spot market correctly can reduce backlogs of shipping and keep costs under control. Negotiating Rail Freight Rates. Before negotiating rail rates, gain a thorough understanding of your rail freight needs and the current market. Are You Ready for the Capacity Crisis? Oh, It’s Here. Shippers desperately seek capacity in the midst of a record shortage. Transportation Modeling: Is There Ever an Average Day? Shippers must maintain flexibility in their data-driven transportation policies. By the Numbers: Tracking Carrier Performance. Tracking carrier performance metrics gives shippers insight into how well trucking companies serve their needs. Freight Audit and Payment Services: Stacking Up Savings. Freight audit and payment services analyze shipment data to reveal inefficiencies and identify savings opportunities. A National Standard for Hiring ‘Safe’ Motor Carriers. Motor carrier safety standards dictated by state courts create confusion. National safety standards are more effective. Panama: Leveraging Opportunities Beyond the Canal. Leverage Panama’s developments into your distribution hub for a more streamlined, efficient, and profitable bottom line. Market Research: 3PL Perspectives 2014. Logistics market report reveals trends in 3PL offerings and shippers' logistics outsourcing strategies. LTL Leaders Make Tracks for the Web. Less than truckload (LTL) carriers use online freight portals to offer low-cost extra capacity to small shippers. Forecasting the Unexpected: Home Improvement Retailers and Emergency Response. When a natural disaster hits, consumers rely on home improvement stores for the products they need to repair or rebuild. Supplier Compliance: Ask the Experts. A panel of supply chain experts address questions related to ensuring supplier compliance. Fueling the Oil and Gas Supply Chain. Transporting and storing oil and gas products represents a complex challenge and big opportunity. U.S.-Canada Trade: Getting a Line on Cross-Border Shipments. Cross-border import and export trade between the United States and Canada requires planning and expertise. Partners and Process Management: Freight Business From the Inside Out. To better manage freight spend, track key performance indicators and build strong provider partnerships. Getting a Handle on Loss and Damage Claims. Managing loss and damage claims can be challenging for shippers. Claims processing providers can facilitate and educate. TMS: Getting in on the Ground Floor. TAJ Flooring used a transportation management system to improve shipment and freight spend visibility. Innovation in Business Processes from Northwest Arkansas. Business process innovations have made great leaps thanks to two Northwest Arkansas companies: JB Hunt and Walmart. Bud Snodgrass: Oils Well That Ends Well. As director of logistics at Universal Lubricants, Bud Snodgrass keeps transportation and warehousing moving smoothly. How the Hub-and-Spoke Model Transformed the Transportation Industry. Hub-and-spoke transportation models maximize cargo shipping efficiency, delivering better visibility and cost savings. Plan Better Truck Routes: Long-range Itinerary Generation Enhances Operations. Innovative route planning tools create meaningful links between long-range planning and real-world agility. Fusing Big Data and the Supply Chain: The Future is NOW. By strategically leveraging supply chain data, companies can win in their industry and increase enterprise value. Maximizing the Benefits of Your TMS. An automated transportation management system can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and create competitive advantage. Accessible Capital, Trustworthy Partners Key to Managing Freight Costs. Freight payment services allow shippers to pay all their freight transactions and get full visibility into the process. Protecting High-Value Cargo: A Sense of Security. Shippers and logistics providers take extra precautions to protect high-value products from cargo theft. Heading North: Navigating Alaska’s Supply Chain. Alaska’s extreme weather and geography create logistics challenges for shippers moving cargo to, from, and in the state. How the Changing Chassis Market Affects Your Supply Chain. Rapid changes in the chassis market mean shippers must ensure they are creating value from the chassis they use. The New 3PL Partnership: More Bang for Your Buck. Third-party logistics providers are assuming a less transactional, more consultative role with shippers. Cargo Security: Protecting the Supply Chain. Ensuring supply chain security requires that shippers and logistics providers stay one step ahead of thieves. Risk Mitigation: Supply Chain Safety Net. Shippers protect against supply chain disruptions with physical, analytical, and financial risk mitigation strategies. FTZ Basics & Benefits. Foreign Trade Zones can help global shippers cut operational costs and speed customs clearance for imports and exports. Rail Trends Recap: Shared Strategies, Mixed Signals. The 2013 Rail Trends conference addressed issues of rail safety and regulation. Drafting a New Route Planning System. Molson Coors Canada’s new delivery planning system integrates routing, pallet building, and truck loading. Looking for One Logistics Partner That Does Everything with Excellence? An enterprise logistics provider delivers holistic solutions that transform your business. Transportation Planning – A Manual Headache Or an Optimized Dream. Fluctuating fuel prices, Hours of Service rules, and other factors make optimized routing and scheduling vital. Brokers Are Commoditizing LTL Carriers. And That’s a Good Thing. Shippers and trucking brokers must understand the differences among the service levels carriers offer. Building a Core Carrier Program. When choosing core carriers, evaluate customer service, on-time delivery, company stability, and workforce quality. Transforming Liquid Assets into Capital Gains. Flexible tanks turn dry vans into bulk liquid transportation, creating capacity and increasing backhaul opportunities. Vendor Compliance: Setting Them Straight. Drive out inefficiencies and boost customer service by aligning with vendors to meet your supply chain goals. Using SmartWay Data to Inform Transportation Purchasing Decisions. SmartWay data allows shippers and 3PLs to make business decisions that support their sustainability goals. Inbound Logistics’ 2013 Shipping Lines Guide. A resource for information on steamship line service offerings, capabilities, and new developments. 5 Trucking Trends on the Table. Shipper and motor carrier responses to Inbound Logistics’ market research survey indicate trucking trends. Route Planning Software: Mapping a Path to Savings. Route planning software from Paragon helped poultry supplier George’s gain efficiencies and cut transportation costs. Expecting the Unexpected: The True Test of Leadership. When supply chain disruptions occur, logistics managers must use leadership skills to maintain operations. Selecting the Right Drayage Provider. When choosing a drayage provider, look for on-time delivery history, shipment data availability, and specializations. Collaborative Freight Strategies Offer Lower-Cost Alternative to LTL. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers can consolidate freight from multiple companies shipping to the same destination. Inbound Freight Management: 5 Roadblocks (and How to Get Around Them) Shipping freight plays a vital role in supply chain management, yet many shippers neglect to take control of their inbound shipments. Industry experts offer strategies for overcoming five common obstacles to successful inbound freight management. Connect and Collaborate to Better Manage Freight Spend. Managing freight spend and payments challenges many shippers because rules and regulations vary by geography. Supply chain professionals benefit most from a global solution built for freight spend, says Rick Erickson of Syncada. Electronics Logistics: Tech Transport TLC. Companies shipping high-tech electronics face unique challenges requiring specialized best practices. Best Practices to Manage International Freight Spend. Stephanie Miles of Amber Road offers advice on how shippers can manage the growing complexity of international supply chains and their associated increasing transportation costs. Are You Paying Too Much for Transportation? Benchmark Carrier Activities to Find Out. By reviewing shipment history, carrier assignments, and freight invoices, a benchmark study will accurately reveal your company’s transportation costs, writes Mike Challman, VP of North American Operations, ChemLogix. Ag Logistics: Growing Pains. The success of U.S. agriculture depends on a functional transportation and logistics network that combines efficiencies and economies across all modes. Transportation Liability: Busting Seven Common Myths. Understanding transportation liability is not just for lawyers any more. Shippers need to pay closer attention to contract language and the details of shipper and carrier insurance policies. Locking Down Supply Chain Security. To ensure cargo security in the global supply chain, understanding the challenges, studying best practices, and putting a comprehensive plan in place are critical components. Rail Intermodal: Where Rail Meets Road. Shippers such as Ste. Michelle, Welch’s, and Michaels Stores are using intermodal transportation to move freight quickly, efficiently, and sustainably. Trends—October 2012. Greyhound partners with One Network to enhance parcel delivery business. Truck driver turnover increases,Urban Outfitters equips Nevada e-fulfillment center with state-of-the-art materials handling system. Shippers turn to spot market to find capacity and compare carrier rates. MSC Beatrice debut in Asia-U.S. trade signals new wave of larger containerships. Global Logistics—October 2012. Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba invests in logistics to support online shopping growth; Jamaica looks to transform economy with the development of a global logistics hub; Vietnam faces a dearth of logistics talent and expertise; China grants licenses to UPS and FedEx to provide parcel delivery services in select cities; China Airlines Cargo joins SkyTeam Cargo alliance; Germany debuts JadeWeserPort amid slack container volume growth. Trading Partners Work Together to Secure Maritime Cargo. Supply chain partners are taking cues from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and making concerted efforts to share and apply security best practices throughout their organizations and supply chain operations, says Howard Finkel of COSCO Container Lines Americas. Information Access Differentiates Transportation Providers. Carriers can stand out in the market by providing superior shipment tracking that gives shippers and supply chain partners insight into order status, says Gregory Bellows of Trans-i Technologies. Negotiating Ocean Contracts That Will Float Your Boat. The complexity of ocean freight contracts requires shippers to negotiate carefully with carriers so both parties can find beneficial terms. Inbound Logistics’ 2012 Ocean Carrier Guide. Inbound Logistics' annual Ocean Carrier Guide outlines where ocean carriers are investing capital, and how they are enhancing fleets, services, solutions, and coverage areas to better meet ocean shipping demands. Logistics Providers Steer Auto Industry on Road to Recovery. As automotive production levels return to pre-recession levels, consistently delivering quality products has become one of the defining characteristics of successful carmakers and logistics service providers, writes J. Scot Sharland, Automotive Industry Action Group. Controlling Transportation Insurance Costs. Reduce your transportation insurance premiums by investing in loss prevention measures, partnering with reputable logistics providers, and keeping your insurer informed about your operations, says Barry Tarnef of Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. Developing a Comprehensive Transportation Strategy. A rich and robust transportation management system (TMS) plays an important role in a company’s inbound transportation strategy. Using Incoterms to Simplify Global Sourcing. Using International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) in transportation contracts give shippers more control over transport and delivery terms. Simon Kaye, CEO of Jaguar Freight Services, explains how importers can use Incoterms Group F for better shipment control. Managing Inbound Transportation: All On Board FOB. By helping tire importer TBC Corporation convert its inbound transportation to free-on-board (FOB) terms and control freight costs, American Global Logistics rolled out a supply chain transformation. Trends—November 2011. Urbanization creates need for logistics innovation; Ford expands supplier carbon emissions reporting program; Global 3PLs are growing by region; The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway remains a vital contributor to the U.S. economy; Manufacturers embrace supply chain management with mixed results; Trucking revenue is on the rise. Drawing Value from Managed Drayage Solutions. Outsourcing drayage services to a 3PL can gain shippers significant savings, writes Chris Cline of Corporate Traffic. Getting a Handle on Specialized Transportation Costs. Specialized carriers can help shippers cut transportation and fuel costs when moving heavy equipment, writes David Lowry, Bennett Motor Express. Trends—July 2011. Levi’s expands supplier terms of engagement; Global expediters target cross-border e-commerce; Michelin and College of Charleston develop transportation and logistics program; Transportation and logistics M&A on the rise; I Georgia seeks federal transportation center appropriation; 2011 State of Logistics Report; Manhattan Associates' Momentum conference roundup. All You Need To Know About Co-loading. Co-loading truckload and less-than-truckload shipments can reduce transportation costs, lead times, and shipment damage. Preparing for the Rough Road Ahead: Taking a Long-Term Look at How the Driver Shortage Is Affecting LTL. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the industry expected a driver shortage of more than 50,000 at the end of 2017. Unfortunately, it’s projected to only get worse. By the ATA’s projections, the shortage could extend to more than 174,000 drivers by 2026. H.O.W. | How to Manage Your Carrier Relationships After the ELD Mandate. The implementation of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate will affect shippers’ supply chain capacity. Shippers and receivers can help with the transition and beyond by understanding the limitations that drivers face. Supply Chain Commentary: Out Darn Spot! Out, I Say! Capacity is getting tighter across the board. Some carriers may not be willing to commit capacity in lanes they were previously happy to do so. What’s a shipper to do? Should companies use the spot market less? Urban Logistics: You Can't Fight City Haul. Businesses are concerned about the impacts of urbanization; Manufacturers embrace IIoT to improve quality and operational visibility; Hurricanes will cost U.S. GDP about .5% in the third quarter of 2017. The Last Mile—History Repeating As Supply Managers Face Peak Season. To prepare for this coming shopping season, supply chain managers need to engage key stakeholders to review current logistics operations and strategically assess whether or not they are prepared to meet existing consumer expectations. Hazmat 101: Exceeding Safety and Compliance Standards. Compliance is a team effort. Shippers should partner with carriers well-versed in the transportation of hazmat materials to help ensure they stay compliant and safe. Forming an Alliance with Ocean Shipping. In early 2017, major ocean cargo carriers further consolidated from four alliances to three that dominate global trade. Because this change impacts shippers in a number of ways that include lanes and ports of call, it’s important to know how best to work with them to minimize risks. Experts share best practices that will help. Cargo Security: The Art of the Steal. Keeping your cargo safe from theft is a bigger challenge than you might think. Follow these steps to reduce the risks that make your company a target. FedEx and UPS Set Aside Rivalry to Lobby White House on Infrastructure. FedEx and UPS form an unlikely alliance. The Advantages of Strategic Procurement. Boost procurement sourcing by finding a provider who can deliver all three of the necessary components: transportation expertise, technology and process. Here’s how. Investing in the Right Transportation Management System. To get the most out of a TMS, professionals must identify and match operational requirements with the solution’s features. Joe Couto, chief operating officer at HighJump, outlines 10 tips for picking a TMS. Supply Chain Commentary: Managing the Coming ELD Capacity Crisis. All fleets will have to adopt electronic logging devices (ELDs) starting Dec. 18, 2017. The result will be a tightening of capacity for shippers. Here’s how to prepare. Could Self-Driving Ships Become Reality by 2020? Could self-driving ships become reality by 2020? Global supply chain suffers disruptions amid diplomatic crisis.