Omni_Channel__GraphicRetailers are struggling to keep pace in the highly competitive omnichannel environment. Consumer desires for immediate delivery and personalized service are an ongoing challenge. Many shippers aren’t able to support a productive, efficient supply chain.

benefits of inbound freight managementWhat is inbound freight management? Inbound freight management refers to monitoring and managing inbound shipments that come from suppliers or vendors. Transportation accounts for almost 50% of the average company’s logistics costs. Shippers can gain more control of these costs when they choose to make inbound freight management a supply chain priority. With inbound vendor management, attention is focused on shipment integrity, customer satisfaction and tracking information. Choosing to manage inbound freight gives shippers a chance to improve reliability, gain visibility and reduce costs.

The top transportation news from April.

The truckload driver shortage is becoming a serious financial concern for shippers. To attract new drivers, many carriers are improving training, retention and compensation packages. However, they continue to struggle to find the number of drivers necessary to keep up with demand. The driver shortage has a significant impact on the tight over the road capacity that is causing issues for shippers who now have to pay a higher rate to move their freight.

What is the meaning and value of reverse logistics within the supply chain? Many people think of reverse logistics as handling customer returns and defective goods; that it is limited to customer service and recycling. However, only 25% of all goods in reverse logistics consist of defective items. It includes managing recalled products, overstocks, fixtures, recyclables, capital assets, end-of-life goods, and assets to be disposed.

PeopleEscalatorConsumers have access to more information than ever before, and with various options for online ordering, paying and shipping, customer loyalty is low. Today’s omni-channel era means retailers and shippers must pay close attention to customers’ high expectations. A customer’s experience with a company is greatly impacted by shipping options. Consumers are known to revisit an e-commerce site if the supplier offers low prices, free shipping and/or fast shipping. Today, 86% of buyers will pay more for better customer service, according to a CEI Survey, but only 1% think retailers meet their expectations. So, what are these customer expectations?

You’ve heard about the fascinating achievements in 3D printing. Printers can now create customized apparel, personalized make-up and can even be used in medicine. As 3D printing becomes more integrated into manufacturing, it is easy to conclude that logistics should be influenced as well. Has the adjustment process already started?

Freight rates and carrier discounts are not the only factors that shape freight costs – there are more components shippers should consider. Many companies are looking for ways to eliminate unnecessary freight spend and save costs on logistics in a proper way.

3PLs and shippers work closely to form collaborative relationships, so they produce better customer experiences for the end-consumer. The relationship between shippers, suppliers, carriers and logistics experts is important, however, it’s complex. In a 3PL-shipper relationship, 3PLs deliver shippers a competitive advantage through integrated 3PL technology.

Big data is the practice of collecting electronic information from various sources and applying analytics to identify patterns, trends, and intelligence. Leveraging big data can be extremely valuable in transportation and logistics planning. Many shippers become overwhelmed by big data and demand for solutions that simplify the process of utilizing data to make supply chain decisions is increasing. When leveraged and managed properly, big data can be used to make smarter transportation decisions and optimize supply chains.

We’ve rounded up the top 5 news stories from March that are impacting the transportation industry. logistics-industry-professional Delays from the Snowy Winter: More than 70% of the nation’s roads are in snowy regions. Winter weather is finally fading, but the snow storms caused major shipping delays.