Supply chain disruptions are unpredictable, and often inescapable, but they don’t have to destroy business operations. When supply chain disruptions occur, delays are unknown and there is a loss in time, money and labor. For example, ports on the West Coast recently experienced a short-term shutdown, which affected transport of...
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released a smartphone app that provides safety data on interstate commercial vehicles. The Compliance, Safety, Accountability program app requires no login and reveals carrier safety performance and ratings to the public. This information is available on FMCSA’s website as well. The app, QCMobile,...
Retailers 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. Many turn to a third-party logistics (3PL) partner, who will find solutions to transportation challenges,...
What 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...
We’ve summarized the top 5 transportation and logistics news stories from April – check them out: New CSA App Unpopular with Drivers. FMCSA recently released an app that makes carrier crash data public, without specifying who is at fault. Drivers dislike the CSA app, expressing concerns and frustration with the...
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...
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...
Fuel prices are constantly fluctuating. Do your fuel surcharges reflect this? Don’t know? This infographic will explain everything you need to know about fuel surcharges and how a 3PL can make sure you’re paying a fair price. Check out these posts: Why Fuel Surcharges Don't Match...
Consumers 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....
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? ...
