A product recall is a process of retrieving and replacing defective or unsafe consumer goods. When a company issues a recall, the company or manufacturer absorbs the cost of replacing and fixing those defective or unsafe products. Recalls create tension in the supply chain and test consumer relationships, affect sales, and can negatively affect a brand’s reputation.

What is a routing guide? Routing guides contain routing instructions and an established set of guidelines and requirements for manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors to follow when fulfilling orders and shipping products or materials to a specific location, warehouse or DC. A routing guide is the foundation of transportation management.

Little Change in Economy, but Rate Increase Coming. Next year, the US economy won’t change much, growth expected to be about 2%. FTR predicts more of the same, but when you factor in low expectations, 2017 will feel like a good year. Shipping prices are expected to increase in 2017 and continue into 2018. FedEx, UPS and several LTL carriers have announced a series of rate increases effective in 2017.

Adobe Digital Intelligence says that 31% of consumers start shopping before November 1, and 27% will start before Thanksgiving, so the supply chain plans for the holiday season for months and months in advance. So many of the year’s sales occur during the short two-month season, so the logistics process needs to be efficient enough to handle the increase of purchases. It’s estimated that retailers derive 20-30% of their annual profit during November and December. “The holiday season puts great pressure on supply chains because everyone peaks at the same time,” says NRS vice president of logistics and supply chain solutions.

What is a non-asset based third-party logistics provider? A non-asset based third-party logistics provider is a firm that doesn’t own equipment, but partner with carriers to provide transportation services. There are many myths and misconceptions about non-asset based 3PLs. However, none of them are telling the truth. So, we have outlined the most common stereotypes, and crushed them:

The trucking industry has a reputation for being low-margin, highly fragmented and cyclical. Many tech companies have an interest in shaking up and rethinking the industry.

The state of the freight market 2017 The latest American Trucking Association (ATA) report predicts freight volumes and the number of goods moved by truck will grow. Shipping rates are expected to increase as existing capacity is negatively affected by economic conditions and new regulations.

Supply chain relationships have evolved to be central to the success of 3PLs and their customers. Companies are finding innovative ways to make collaboration work for the shared benefit, and by teaming up with suppliers, buyers, and competitors, companies are reaping benefits of cost efficiencies and monetary availability.

A long-term funding plan to modernize America’s infrastructure has been extensively talked about in political circles. This election, it’s not different.

Uber’s Plan for Long-Haul Trucking. Uber Technologies acquired Otto, a self-driving truck startup. The goal is for Otto-branded trucks and trucks equipped with Otto technology to begin hauling freight next year. The Uber-Otto freight move model includes technologies like navigation, mapping and tracking. Uber is aiming to establish itself as a freight hauler and technology partner for the $700 billion-a-year trucking industry. On October 20, Uber reached a landmark milestone by completing the first ever commercial cargo run for a self-driving truck.

By 2017, the US population is expected to rise to 332 million, a 70% increase from fifty years ago. Population growth in cities is placing a strain on existing transportation systems and creating demand for more transportation choices. Industries and consumers depend on the consistent, timely flow of goods and services. The mounting volume and availability of information and the rapid development and adoption of technologies is transforming all aspects of life – including transportation.

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.