For cargo shipping, focus is on the Cuban port, Container Terminal Mariel (TC Mariel) which opened in January 2014. The Obama Administration has made it easier for container services to add Cuba as a port of call since they’ve reopened embassies and ended a 54-year diplomatic standstill with the country. In May 2016, the first US cruise ship docked in Cuba since 1978 – opening the door to more travel and business with Cuba, but there are still limitations on trade in goods and services – the US trade embargo is still in place.

The fast e-commerce environment, which is increasing competition, and the initiative to use data to analyze trends and operational efficiency are contributing to the demand for hi-tech logistics solutions. Technology is the key driver of an organization’s supply chain efficiency and success. Shippers are familiar with transportation management software (TMS) systems that give them a competitive edge. New tools like mobile apps, cloud-based software, and big data provide shippers immediate, enhanced visibility that breaks silos and generates communication, collaboration and efficiency.

TMS for inboundInbound freight management is multifaceted and can eat up more than 40% of the average organization’s annual freight budget, according to Aberdeen Group. However, using a TMS for inbound shipments can help prevent unwanted costs.

how to use TMSSupply chains are increasingly complex, and companies who leverage technology find competitive rates, enhanced operations, greater flexibility, and cost reductions.

LTL Rates Increase Despite Freight Conditions. Freight companies announced rate increases despite the uncertain freight market. UPS said that the rate increases will support ongoing expansion and capability enhancements. LTL rates are primed for an overall 1.5% increase in 2016, and another 2% increase in 2017. (Read: Transportation Outlook: What if there’s Another Recession?)

Deciding the best mode for shipping your freight can be complicated. To determine the primary way to move freight, shippers should identify the size of the shipment, the budget, the delivery schedule, and the freight’s fragility. To know which mode fits you best, you have to know the difference between LTL and FTL shipping.

SafeTrucking.jpgThe week of September 11-17, 2016 was Brake Safety Week, an annual outreach and enforcement campaign designed to improve commercial motor vehicle brake safety.

Advances in transportation and telecommunications technology have contributed to the growth of international trade. The United States imports and exports more merchandise than any other country making it the world’s largest trading nation. The US trades with nearly 200 countries worldwide. Trade encourages economic efficiency by providing an assortment of goods at lower, competitive costs.

Flatbed_Shipping.jpgProject logistics refers to specialized freight moves that are oversized, heavy-lift or hazardous. Moving over dimensional, overweight or toxic cargo is a complex job that involves heavy shipping equipment and moving project materials to work sites, facilities and construction stations whether on- or off-highway.

Understanding Last Mile Logistics Last mile logistics refers to the outbound transportation from a fulfillment or distribution center to the final delivery at the customer’s door. The last mile is the top priority for retail brands but is also the most expensive, least efficient and most challenging part of the delivery process.

The less-than-truckload (LTL) market is adjusting to a soft freight environment, triggering less volume, revenue and profits. As the U.S. freight economy weakened, LTL carriers saw a slip in revenue year-over-year. To date, the only large LTL carrier that hasn’t reported a decline in revenue is FedEx.

Louisiana Weather Causes Shipment Delays. Louisiana called a state of emergency after heavy rainfall affected the region. More than 280 state roads have been flooded and closed, affecting intermodal rail and truckload shipping. “It’s a major disaster,” said Rodney Mallett of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. (Learn more here.)

The number of online shoppers is estimated to reach 270 million by 2020. In 2015, online sales totaled $335 billion, and a recent report from Forrester predicts that online sales will grow by an average annual rate of 9.32% over the next 5 years.