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.

AutomationSeasonality affects almost all businesses. Supply production is rarely affected by seasonal factors, however, demand for products is subject to the season’s fluctuation. Seasonality can be explained by philosophies, customs, weather and/or holidays.

What is expedited shipping? Expedited shipping is the process of transferring freight faster than normal. Whether your freight is perishable or you’re on a time schedule to meet customer expectations, expedited service has the ability to guarantee delivery requirements.

Implementing an operative supply chain management strategy is essential to efficiently transfer products throughout your supply chain.

What is refrigerated freight transportation? Refrigerated freight is a transportation method used when the cargo being shipped must be controlled by a defined temperature. Produce is one of the many products transported by a refrigerated trailer. Refrigerated, or reefer, transport should account for a trailer’s operating characteristics, the load temperature and the transit temperature of the product.

Customized reporting capabilities provide supply chain visibility and enable process improvements. If you are working with a 3PL, access to clear, concise, timely and customizable reports should be an essential element of your partnership. Shippers should have the ability to filter, sort and manage their data in real time to make decisions and improvements.

The cost of oil has been falling and so have gas prices; reaching lows that haven’t been seen in over a decade. Even though diesel fuel hasn’t seen price drops like regular gasoline, carriers are still seeing a difference in their bottom line. However, they are not profiting as you would expect.

Winter weather is a real concern for transportation in 2015. The devastation caused by snowstorms impacts everyone, including truckers, state officials, shippers, and others.

Visibility into the supply chain is a fundamental part of implementing improvements. Identifying inefficiencies is the first step to increase delivery speed, accuracy and reducing transportation costs. For many supply chains, growing global operations, big data and demanding customer expectations all strain logistics functions, making visibility more important than ever. Transportation costs continue to rise for most companies. Visibility presents a great opportunity for significant cost savings. Full visibility into the supply chain improves all business operations and can provide a competitive advantage.

Smartphones and tablets are embedded in every aspect of our life; think about how personal devices can change – or, have already changed working environments and communication processes in companies. The hype over the BYOD (bring your own device) trend started years ago, yet it yields questions and predictions. Gartner forecasts that by 2017, half of the employers will require workers to supply their own device at work. Whether it’s good or bad for business, it’s happening – and logistics companies better be prepared for the changes.

Love is in the air! Or, in the case of many suppliers and retailers, on a freight truck. That’s right, all of the thoughtful gifts that you receive this Valentine’s Day made their way to your home through a complex, well-planned supply chain. With seasonal demand, suppliers, carriers and retailers must work together to optimize logistics to make your Valentine’s Day special.