Digital transformation is now the overriding priority for most manufacturers and retailers, with the adoption of digital technologies aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness in the shorter term while providing the opportunity to grow a leaner operational protocol in the future. The focus is definitely on the efficiency of operations relating to technological applications as we enter 2022. The big question is are you ready? If not, perhaps we can help. Here are some interesting predictions from a reputable international research firm, IDC, which highlights key areas of technological applications regarding the impending digital revolution of the international supply chain.

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Topics: Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics, Intermodal Freight, Transportation News, Maximizing Routing Efficiencies, 3D Printing, Logistics News, Industry Trends, Technology

As we struggle to combat Covid-19 and other mutant strains of the virus, through this year and beyond, logistics planners may want to keep their eye on some key factors affecting the supply chain. You may find some of these topics affecting your planning strategies in the coming years.

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Topics: Third Party Logistics, Freight Bill Auditing, Intermodal Freight, Transportation News, Reducing Freight Rates, Maximizing Routing Efficiencies, Logistics News, Industry Trends, Technology

We’re all painfully aware that the last 18 months have been devastating to the U.S. economy. But things are looking up. We have several vaccines, hospitalizations are trending down as are Covid deaths. The new threat is the Covid variant. Several states are experiencing significant infection rates. We need to start planning for possible new restrictions. Already grappling with truck driver shortages, rising freight rates, and intermittent capacity issues, the domestic transportation sector experienced major shifts when the global pandemic disrupted supply chains around the world and shippers were sent scrambling for solutions. Another shutdown is unlikely, but any new level of restrictions will be problematic. Industry experts are forecasting significant supply chain issues on the horizon. A contingency plan will be critical to manage your supply chain in the coming quarters.

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Topics: Intermodal Freight, Logistics Business, Logistics News

Natural disasters are just one cause of disruptions to supply chains. They usually result in widespread damage to several firms and facilities at the same time. This has a severe impact on an industry and significant time is often required for recovery from these occurrences. Other global events have conspired to drive international supply chains towards the breaking point, threatening the fragile flow of raw materials, parts and consumer goods, according to companies, economists and shipping specialists. A new worldwide wave of the COVID-19 variant, natural disasters in China and Germany and a cyber attack on South African ports have all conspired to severely affect the global supply chain. 

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Topics: Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics, Intermodal Freight, Transportation News, Reducing Freight Rates, Maximizing Routing Efficiencies, Logistics News, Industry Trends, Big Data

As we confidently emerge from the Corona Virus the industry is experiencing a myriad of changes. Since the pandemic, the trucking industry has had to react to unprecedented changes in operational and management procedure. Most everyone in any trucking or logistics company has had to adapt to the new normal. So, what is the new normal today and what can we expect in the coming years. There have been numerous things that have impacted the manner in which the industry has functioned and there have been numerous elements that have changed the way we work within the industry.  Let’s examine some trends and try to make some predictions for the future of trucking.

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Topics: Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics, Intermodal Freight, Transportation News, Reducing Freight Rates, Logistics Business, Maximizing Routing Efficiencies, 3D Printing, Logistics News, Technology, Big Data

The higher shipping costs have been sparked by a combination of factors, including soaring demand amid stimulus money, saturated ports, and too few ships, dockworkers and truckers. The problems are too broad to be remedied by any short-term fix and are creating ripple effects across U.S. and International supply chains.

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Topics: Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics, Freight Bill Auditing, Transportation News, Reducing Freight Rates, Maximizing Routing Efficiencies, Logistics News, Industry Trends, Technology

Supply chain professionals are looking forward to a much-deserved extended weekend during the Fourth of July holiday. However, CargoNet, an industry cargo security firm, reports that extended business closures can create an advantageous operating environment for cargo thieves. For the past five years, the firm has analyzed cargo theft data in the United States and Canada from July 1 to July 7and found 130 cargo theft events in 27 different states, with theft most common in Texas, California, and Florida.

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Topics: Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics, Intermodal Freight, Logistics Business, Maximizing Routing Efficiencies, 3D Printing, Logistics News, Industry Trends, Technology

There are several factors contributing to the U.S. labor shortage. It has to be considered that generous unemployment compensation, both state and federal, has had a significant affect upon labor availability. It is understandable to invoke a government funded financial support program during a pandemic. But there is debate over the federal extended unemployment benefits.

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Topics: Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics, Freight Bill Auditing, Intermodal Freight, Reducing Freight Rates, Logistics Business, Maximizing Routing Efficiencies, 3D Printing, Logistics News, Industry Trends, Technology, Big Data

The Corona pandemic has had a profound impact on worldwide commerce and adjusting to the new normal will be critical in your company’s market placement planning. The complexly of the intertwined nature of a global supply chain is sensitive to disruptions in any part of the network. Trauma in one area has a trickle-out affect through the entire network.

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Topics: Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics, Freight Bill Auditing, Intermodal Freight, Transportation News, Reducing Freight Rates, Logistics Business, Maximizing Routing Efficiencies, 3D Printing, Logistics News, Industry Trends, Technology

The global impact of Covid-19 continues to impact the Logistics industry. Increasing demand and a looming labor shortage is forcing freight rates up and capacity down. Persistent labor shortage, particularly for warehousing and distribution, is slowing supply chain and logistics activities. Regardless of specific mode, the warehousing and distribution environment appears to be a common issue for many freight operators right now. 

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Topics: Supply Chain Management, Intermodal Freight, Transportation News, Reducing Freight Rates, Maximizing Routing Efficiencies, 3D Printing, Logistics News, Industry Trends, Technology