April, 2020

article thumbnail

The Toilet Paper Shortage: Can’t We Just Ship More?

Blue Grace Logistics

As the COVID-19 coronavirus began to spread across our country, and people began to absorb the full impact that it would have on our workplaces and culture, Americans reacted by heading to grocery stores and buying “essentials” in bulk. It is possible consumers had become conditioned by other natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, polar vortexes and the like to expect large-scale disruptions to the traditional grocery store supply chain.

article thumbnail

What does a freight broker do to add value for shippers?

Bulk Connection

From working with a carrier directly to using online load boards, there are more options than ever to help shippers put their freight in motion. Yet, the advantages of using one of the most tried and true of these options, the freight broker, may be largely unknown to some shippers. So, to set the record straight, we sat down with a real-life freight broker – Bulk Connection’s own Truckload Division Manager for 30 years, Scott Wilson – to answer the question: what does a freight broker do to add

Freight 95
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

News flash: Truckers are people!

Overdrive Online

There's been a surprising amount of praise heaped on drivers during the coronavirus pandemic. Let's hope the public’s newfound respect for truckers lasts a lot longer than the crisis.

122
122
article thumbnail

Keeping Supply Chains Moving During Covid-19 Requires Digital Collaboration and Access to Capacity

Kuebix

As the crisis from the Covid-19 pandemic continues to unfold, the complex workings of the United States’ supply chain have been thrust into the general public’s view. There are shortages of toilet paper, food items, and over the counter medications just to name a few. Lockdowns of communities, counties, and states are causing backups and […]. The post Keeping Supply Chains Moving During Covid-19 Requires Digital Collaboration and Access to Capacity appeared first on Kuebix.

article thumbnail

Artificial Intelligence and the Transportation Industry

Artificial intelligence has quickly become a feature of everyday life: Using face ID to unlock a phone, communicating with online chatbots, and letting “smart” appliances help manage our homes are just a few of the ways that we interact with AI regularly. Forward-looking businesses are also using AI to transform their operations and gain a competitive edge.

article thumbnail

From trucker to essential worker in one month

Truck News

I started the month of March as a trucker, and ended the month as an essential worker. This was the story for every worker that is part of the supply chain. What we are all learning is that we are deeply interdependent. Gone are the days of thinking that any line of work is unimportant […].

More Trending

article thumbnail

Essential Logistical Process for Cold Chain Operations

SIPMM Professional Publications

Although globalisation significantly reduces the vastness between various regions worldwide, the physical division of these same regions is still a prominent reality. As the distances between regions widen, the higher the possibility that shipments are susceptible to damages in any complex transport operations. Damages to goods can range from impacts to undesired temperature fluctuations inclusively, […].

article thumbnail

Toyota Kata: What If There Is No Takt Time?

The Lean Thinker

At KataCon 2020, Steve Medland posed a problem that comes up fairly often: The default Toyota Kata process analysis (“grasp the current condition”) involves determining takt times and cycle times for the process, and a lot of processes don’t have an obvious repeating cadence. If the coach insists on determining takt time with a beginner learner at this point, the result can be confusion and frustration.

Capacity 360
article thumbnail

Is It Possible to Achieve Perfect Order Fulfillment? (In a Word, Yes)

Amware Logistics and Fulfillment

If you could use only one KPI to guide your fulfillment operations, what would you choose – and why? Here at Amware, we don’t even have to think twice, because we’ve recently begun using and sharing a metric that’s about as close to perfect as you can get.

Ordering 296
article thumbnail

*Infographic* Kuebix TMS Has the Manufacturing Industry Covered

Kuebix

The manufacturing industry is facing unique challenges during Covid-19. While the rest of the world is put on hold, manufacturing companies continue to operate and produce essential products. They are keeping stores stocked and making sure that we can all have exactly what we need during this time of uncertainty. Manufacturing companies provide a crucial […].

Industry 162
article thumbnail

Scaling Logistics for Success: A White Claw Story

Speaker: Scott Campbell and Molly Feller

As the demand for your products skyrockets 🚀, you're likely experiencing logistical challenges that are preventing you from scaling your business. The sudden surge in demand can be exciting, but it can also put a strain on your supply chain and logistics operations. In this webinar, join Scott Campbell, Vice President, Logistics & Demand at Mark Anthony Services and Molly Feller, VP Logistics as a Service Operations at e2open, as they explore the challenges that arise when companies expe

article thumbnail

Social Distancing: Are the Costs of Shutting Down the Economy Worth It?

Logistics Viewpoints

Because of social distancing, and the requirement for most Americans to stay home, we will have far fewer deaths from COVID-19. But our economy is also now in recession. Are the benefits from lives saved worth the costs in terms of jobs lost and the economy shrinking? Cost-benefit models say this was the right tradeoff. The post Social Distancing: Are the Costs of Shutting Down the Economy Worth It?

Modeling 161
article thumbnail

Railroads are keeping goods rolling amid COVID-19 pandemic

Logistics Management

While United States motor carriers have received a well-deserved amount of praise over the last six weeks, of the COVID-19 pandemic, by moving freight such as medical supplies, PPE equipment and gear, groceries, and other essential goods, another mode of freight transportation, namely railroads, have also gone above and beyond in helping and aiding Americans in various ways.

Freight 163
article thumbnail

Key Focus Areas for Expediting Procurement

SIPMM Professional Publications

Expediting purchases in inbound logistics is normal but it is painful for many companies who use this approach. Typical reasons for expediting are potential delay on contractual delivery dates, damage products, supplier product upgrade and most importantly, client’s critical specification.The reality of business life is defined as Expediting. Delays brought about by human and non-human […].

article thumbnail

Improve Supply Chain Processes During Peak Shopping Seasons

GlobalTranz

What does it take to improve supply chain processes? That is a loaded question. Increased order fulfillment, improved customer satisfaction, validating order details and contents before packaging, automating repetitive processes, and other factors can significantly improve supply chain processes. However, it is not enough to choose a random method and improve it.

article thumbnail

Rethinking Direct Materials Sourcing: The Tools You Need To Manage Costs, Risks and Sustainability

Direct materials sourcing is evolving, with procurement now tasked not only with cost efficiency but managing sustainability and risk management. The environment is marked by heightened demand and expectations, compounded by challenges such as rising input prices, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. While some embrace cutting-edge tools like AI and blockchain for global trade functions, others lag in technology adoption.

article thumbnail

The Foodservice Distributors Need Help Too

Food Logistics

The foodservice industry's inclusion in one of Congress’ relief packages will allow us to stand ready, when this current crisis passes, to refill the pantries, freezers and refrigerators of America’s favorite restaurants.

article thumbnail

Trucking Companies Continue Service During Covid-19 – #ThankATrucker

Kuebix

Truck drivers perform an essential service to our country with every trip they take, especially during times of crisis like what’s happening now. It’s paramount that we take a moment to #ThankATrucker for everything they do to keep our country and economy on its feet during Covid-19. Trucking is the Backbone of the U.S. Economy […]. The post Trucking Companies Continue Service During Covid-19 – #ThankATrucker appeared first on Kuebix.

Trucking 148
article thumbnail

COVID-19 and 3D Printing

Logistics Viewpoints

A couple of months ago I wrote an article about 3D printing and the supply chain, looking at how additive manufacturing can and will impact the end to end global supply chain. Specifically, I looked at how companies are beginning to explore on-demand manufacturing rather than traditional manufacturing models, meaning they can keep less physical inventory on-hand.

article thumbnail

FMCSA extends HOS COVID-19-related emergency declaration through May 15

Logistics Management

The Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) said yesterday that its national emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers transporting emergency relief in response to the nationwide coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has been extended through May 15, 2020 or until the revocation of the Presidentially-declared COVID-19 national emergency.

article thumbnail

How to Conduct Workplace Incident Investigations to Create Safer Workplaces

This white paper provides a comprehensive overview of global workplace incident trends, focusing on the top three biases leading to such incidents. It also highlights the significance of CSA Z1005 as a risk management standard and outlines the ROI of thorough incident investigations, covering emergency response to post-incident interviews. Additionally, it introduces an Investigation Evidence Gathering Matrix.

article thumbnail

Essential Factors for Successful Supplier Selection

SIPMM Professional Publications

The purchasing function can have an overwhelming impact on the bottom line of an organization. The purchasing department helps to maintain the financial health of organizations by procuring goods and services that meet operational needs and keep operations moving smoothly while providing the highest value. Selecting suppliers is one of the critical aspects of the […].

article thumbnail

Now, a Different Kind of Epidemic: Force Majeure Claims

Supply Chain Brain

The coronavirus pandemic has brought chaos to supplier-buyer relations the world round, resulting in widescale invoking of the contract-breaking clause known as force majeure.

136
136
article thumbnail

Seafarers – We Need You, We Hear You, We Support You!

Shipping and Freight Resource

Image: Mission to Seafarers. Imagine leaving your loved ones, boarding a ship (for what you thought was a specified time) and now, not knowing when you will be able to return. This is the plight of thousands of seafarers the world over, who are working on ships so that you can get everything you need – food, medicines, supplies, provisions, etc.

article thumbnail

How the Trucking Industry Deals with COVID-19

Food Logistics

Fortunately, trade continues to flow despite the economies of both countries, not to mention the rest of the world.

Industry 148
article thumbnail

Brick & Mortar Retail Relevance: How to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Speaker: Jay Black, Senior Account Executive

Let's set the record straight: in-store retail isn't dead - it's evolving! Faced with the digital age and the demands of omnichannel shopping, some retailers are thriving while others are struggling to adapt. Join Jay Black in this exclusive session as he explores the strategies that set successful stores apart, including: Crafting unique and unforgettable in-store experiences 🛍️ Mastering the art of retail demands 🛒 Navigating inventory challenges in today's climate 📦 an

article thumbnail

If Multi-sourcing is a Best Practice, Why Are so Few Companies Doing It?

Logistics Viewpoints

Because of the pandemic, risk management surrounding sourcing has become top of mind. One best practice in this area is to identify and qualify alternate suppliers. Companies need to ensure they have alternate sources of supply that can ramp up to the volumes needed. This best practice urges companies to examine not just the cost of the sourced products, but also to understand the risks associated with not multi-sourcing key components.

Sourcing 155
article thumbnail

In these trying times, supply chains prove how essential they are….and always have been

Logistics Management

From a supply chain perspective, it is clear as the day is long that an already incredibly difficult situation that we are all in, due to coronavirus, would be infinitely more challenging, were it not for supply chain strength and resilience that is on display all day every day.

article thumbnail

Technologies for Global Logistics Services

SIPMM Professional Publications

Logistics assume a gigantic job in the smooth activities of a business. In any case, at scale, it is amazingly hard to run an immaculate Logistics division because of the sheer number of factors and requests that such a logistics would be dependent upon. Logistics can be thought of as the business work liable for […]. The post Technologies for Global Logistics Services appeared first on SIPMM | Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management.

article thumbnail

How Digital Solutions Are Creating More Resilient Supply Chains

Supply Chain Brain

The solutions that have worked in the past — increasing inventory, adding capacity at different locations and diversifying suppliers — are just scratching the surface when it comes to having a truly resilient supply chain.

article thumbnail

How Intent Data Helps Marketers Convert A-List Accounts

One of the biggest challenges for any B2B marketer is understanding your prospects’ next move — who is most likely to buy and when. Without these insights, marketing campaigns can feel more like guesswork, with high investment and little return. We’re here to tell you there’s a better way. By tracking buyers’ digital footprints and online activity, such as website visits, product reviews, and spikes in content consumption, you can engage prospects with a message that really resonates.

article thumbnail

‘People are desperate’: Fraudsters target vulnerable truckers with COVID scams

Overdrive Online

Fraudsters and hackers are using the fear, uncertainty and confusion surrounding COVID-19 — and the corresponding aid programs from Washington — to try to exploit owner-operators and small fleets.

article thumbnail

Examining Freight Delivery Challenges During COVID-19

Kane is Able

We’ve seen no negative impact on KANE customers’ freight during COVID-19 – a great accomplishment that has required a spirited effort by our transportation team. Here are some of the issues we’ve had to face.

Freight 116
article thumbnail

Transportation Risk Management: Keep Your Cargo Out of Danger

Logistics Viewpoints

Omni-channel business models often lead to more complicated global supply chains. With the main focus on maximizing time and cost efficiencies, cargo risk management is often skipped over despite being a critical step in protecting your company. Due to the global outbreak of the coronavirus, many global shippers are recognizing the value in a risk management plan to best prepare themselves for the current situation and others like it in the future.

Cargo 139