Ten Tips

Choosing a Third-Party Logistics Provider

A strong performing third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help you increase efficiency, control costs, and improve customer service. However, not all 3PLs are created equal. Tom Patterson, senior vice president of warehouse operations at Saddle Creek Logistics Services, recommends taking these steps and looking for certain characteristics to ensure you select a provider that can […]

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Improving Supply Chain Network Strategies

Today’s world of disruptors and changing consumer behaviors drives companies to continuously revisit their network strategies. Social media ads, mobile purchases, and same-day delivery changed the way we shop, and keeping customers happy has become a challenge. Jason Deloach, vice president of engineering at Americold, offers these tips to create a flexible,demand-driven supply chain. 1. […]

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Optimizing Route Planning to Cut Costs

With consumers expecting more delivery options and the return of rising fuel prices, supply chain managers are finding ways to run leaner. For instance, ensuring transportation operations are making the most efficient use of vehicles, fuel, and drivers is a high priority. William Salter, CEO and president of Paragon Software Systems, offers these route planning […]

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Reducing Packaging Costs

While most businesses are ramping up for peak season, some parcel carriers sent their own early greetings with holiday surcharges. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean your company has to raise prices or take a financial hit. Try these packaging moves to help offset higher parcel costs farther up the supply chain, says Rajiv Saxena, supply chain […]

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Investing in the Right Transportation Management System

The demand for transportation management systems (TMS) is on the rise. A basic solution manages truck and carrier dispatch, fleet maintenance, driver records, billing and driver pay, and DOT compliance. Additionally, a TMS streamlines operations by optimizing carrier routes, managing customer activity, and reporting analytics. Joe Couto, chief operating officer at HighJump, outlines factors to […]

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Recruiting Supply Chain Talent

New technologies, consumer demands, and the rise of the mobile workforce are shifting the business landscape quickly, making specialized supply chain and logistics workers more valuable than ever. It’s imperative for organizations to have a strategy in place to recruit and retain these talented workers. Tisha Danehl, vice president of staffing agency Ajilon, offers this […]

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Making Vendor Managed Inventory Work

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) lets suppliers manage re-supply by monitoring customer stock levels and forward demand that optimizes working capital with service levels. This gives suppliers better visibility into forward demand, allowing them to produce, ship, and store more efficiently. As a result, customers have a smooth supply of product delivered at the right time […]

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Getting the Most From Your 3PL Provider

As the debate between globalization and regionalization continues, getting the most from your third-party logistics (3PL) provider is more important than ever. Businesses need to be agile and able to not only proactively respond to customers, but also adjust in response to any unanticipated business change. While many 3PLs offer similar services and capabilities, companies […]

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Optimizing Your Distribution Center Site

Maximizing the efficiency of your distribution center (DC) site requires strategic planning and ongoing analysis. Stan Krawitz, executive vice president, founder, and head of Canada for real estate advisory firm Savills Studley, offers these tips to help you get started. 1. Select a site location with labor pool availability in mind. When selecting a DC site, […]

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Adding Value to Your Supply Chain

Demand to provide the optimal customer experience continues to escalate, and companies must continually seek out better ways to deliver customer satisfaction and retention. Many companies find that value-added logistics services help give their supply chain a competitive edge. Once limited to services such as shrink-wrapping, display building, and rainbow pallets, value-added capabilities now include […]

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