Issues Archives - Inbound Logistics https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/tags/issues/ Tue, 20 Feb 2024 21:05:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Issues Archives - Inbound Logistics https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/tags/issues/ 32 32 How Artificial Intelligence Will Impact the Supply Chain in 2024 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/how-artificial-intelligence-will-impact-the-supply-chain-in-2024/ Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:08:16 +0000 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/?post_type=articles&p=39662 As the popularity of generative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions grew in 2023, stakeholders ranging from the boardroom to the end consumer began wondering how AI could help address supply chain complexity and resiliency problems. But you may be surprised to learn the supply chain has used AI in some form since the mid-20th century.

AI technology really started to take off in the early 2000s as more companies began feeding machine learning algorithms with mountains of historical data, resulting in better predictions about consumer demand, inventory management, and market risks. Fast forward to the mid-2010s, and AI software started to become commonplace for its role in powering robotic arms and autonomous vehicles in warehouses.

However, those are all examples of traditional AI. Traditional AI solutions allow companies to program repeatable tasks and scenarios with minimal variability, such as picking up a tote and bringing it to a packing station.

Generative AI has the potential to get more creative, own more processes, and help stakeholders make better decisions based on real-time data.

Generative AI in 2024

Go down the AI rabbit hole on Reddit or Facebook, and you might come across arguments about how generative AI image generators or content producers are unethical because they mimic the style and capabilities of real artists. However, the ethical implications are less sticky in the global supply chain. Suppose an AI solution can learn from thousands of historical decisions made by real-world supply chain practitioners. Then, automating basic supply chain and logistics functions in an industry facing a years-long talent shortage becomes possible.

AI won’t change the supply chain overnight, but we should see steady technological progress in the next few years. Here are some of the things we might see from supply chain AI solutions in 2024:

  • Better forecasting. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, forecasts were largely created based on historical data (basically, we hoped people would keep doing what they always did)—but those models no longer work. Generative AI lets companies analyze their full pool of historical data and stack it against other factors, such as inventory data, supplier data, distribution networks, and market trends, to create more accurate and resilient forecasts.
  • Advanced warehouse robotics and automation. Generative AI will let robots handle more complex tasks than simple picking, offering support across sorting, returns management, and more. Additionally, modern AI software can analyze warehouse layouts and processes to reduce travel distances for robots and employees, optimize workforce planning, and orchestrate optimized interactions between workers and robots to improve warehouse efficiencies.
  • Improved risk management. With generative AI, risk assessments will go beyond basic seasonal or templated event models by allowing supply chain practitioners to model specific events (like hurricanes, wildfires, recessions, and yes, even pandemics) to see what risks they pose to the organization’s supply chain.

Barriers to AI

You might remember several years ago, everyone thought blockchain would reshape the supply chain overnight. Yet, despite several successful pilot programs, progress for blockchain supply chain solutions has slowed significantly because of a lack of standardization.

Similarly, generative AI technology has much potential but is also relatively new. While it does seem inevitable AI will play a prominent role in the future of the supply chain, only time will tell exactly what that role looks like.

The post How Artificial Intelligence Will Impact the Supply Chain in 2024 appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> As the popularity of generative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions grew in 2023, stakeholders ranging from the boardroom to the end consumer began wondering how AI could help address supply chain complexity and resiliency problems. But you may be surprised to learn the supply chain has used AI in some form since the mid-20th century.

AI technology really started to take off in the early 2000s as more companies began feeding machine learning algorithms with mountains of historical data, resulting in better predictions about consumer demand, inventory management, and market risks. Fast forward to the mid-2010s, and AI software started to become commonplace for its role in powering robotic arms and autonomous vehicles in warehouses.

However, those are all examples of traditional AI. Traditional AI solutions allow companies to program repeatable tasks and scenarios with minimal variability, such as picking up a tote and bringing it to a packing station.

Generative AI has the potential to get more creative, own more processes, and help stakeholders make better decisions based on real-time data.

Generative AI in 2024

Go down the AI rabbit hole on Reddit or Facebook, and you might come across arguments about how generative AI image generators or content producers are unethical because they mimic the style and capabilities of real artists. However, the ethical implications are less sticky in the global supply chain. Suppose an AI solution can learn from thousands of historical decisions made by real-world supply chain practitioners. Then, automating basic supply chain and logistics functions in an industry facing a years-long talent shortage becomes possible.

AI won’t change the supply chain overnight, but we should see steady technological progress in the next few years. Here are some of the things we might see from supply chain AI solutions in 2024:

  • Better forecasting. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, forecasts were largely created based on historical data (basically, we hoped people would keep doing what they always did)—but those models no longer work. Generative AI lets companies analyze their full pool of historical data and stack it against other factors, such as inventory data, supplier data, distribution networks, and market trends, to create more accurate and resilient forecasts.
  • Advanced warehouse robotics and automation. Generative AI will let robots handle more complex tasks than simple picking, offering support across sorting, returns management, and more. Additionally, modern AI software can analyze warehouse layouts and processes to reduce travel distances for robots and employees, optimize workforce planning, and orchestrate optimized interactions between workers and robots to improve warehouse efficiencies.
  • Improved risk management. With generative AI, risk assessments will go beyond basic seasonal or templated event models by allowing supply chain practitioners to model specific events (like hurricanes, wildfires, recessions, and yes, even pandemics) to see what risks they pose to the organization’s supply chain.

Barriers to AI

You might remember several years ago, everyone thought blockchain would reshape the supply chain overnight. Yet, despite several successful pilot programs, progress for blockchain supply chain solutions has slowed significantly because of a lack of standardization.

Similarly, generative AI technology has much potential but is also relatively new. While it does seem inevitable AI will play a prominent role in the future of the supply chain, only time will tell exactly what that role looks like.

The post How Artificial Intelligence Will Impact the Supply Chain in 2024 appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> Powering Up a Better Supply Chain https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/powering-up-a-better-supply-chain-2/ Tue, 20 Feb 2024 07:43:09 +0000 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/?post_type=articles&p=39673 At Aggreko, the focus is to ensure that business is always on by delivering power, cooling, and heating equipment and services anywhere they’re needed so businesses can grow and communities can thrive. The company operates in high-stakes environments to deliver emergency solutions to customers including utilities, municipalities, petrochemical companies, refineries, and manufacturing firms.

The Challenge

Aggreko was struggling with gaps in shipment payment data and needed better visibility, accuracy, and supply chain efficiency. “Every time we sent a shipment, we were almost starting from scratch; we were constantly in reactive mode,” explains Chad Thibodeaux, Aggreko NAM Transportation Manager. The company also wanted technology to help manage its complicated transportation network, improve procurement processes, and manage vendors.

“We’re high-maintenance,” quips James Hoogendoorn, Aggreko NAM Logistics Manager. “We needed a provider that wouldn’t be scared off by that. We wanted a logistics partner with the same intensity-driven mindset as ours.”

The Solution

Aggreko found an ideal partner in RedStone, a Kansas-based third-party provider (3PL). “RedStone didn’t run from our challenges,” Hoogendoorn says. In addition to the experienced RedStone management team, Aggreko gained access to the RedStone Latitude technology solution. Latitude provides real-time information for tracking and exception management, sophisticated reporting and analysis, as well as a best-in-class transportation management system (TMS).

Thibodeaux describes their partnership with RedStone as a major success: “We now have a tailored solution that captures data for every shipment and provides full visibility to crucial information such as length of haul, type of truck, dollar-per-mile cost, etc.”

RedStone helped Aggreko re-align procurement strategies by conducting a sweeping analysis to find opportunities for cost and performance improvements throughout their vendor network. Today, Aggreko and RedStone work together to continually analyze procurement effectiveness, identify ongoing opportunities, and find new vendors.

Nailing down accurate freight rates got easier as well, thanks to the custom freight calculator RedStone created for Aggreko. “We’ve always struggled with pricing freight accurately because we operate in many different markets using many different vendors,” Thibodeaux notes. The Aggreko team now uses this custom calculator as a quick, easy way to provide freight quotes.

RedStone also streamlined freight-payment processes by taking on accounts payable duties. Instead of paying hundreds of vendors, Aggreko makes one payment to RedStone, which manages individual payments.

With closely aligned philosophies, Aggreko and RedStone have developed a strategic partnership that supports the Aggreko mission. “When facing crisis events, our customers count on us to engineer solutions that allow them to continue being productive,” explains Hoogendoorn. “Ultimately, RedStone did exactly the same for us.”

To learn more:
solutions@redstonelogistics.com
888-733-5030
redstonelogistics.com

The post Powering Up a Better Supply Chain appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> At Aggreko, the focus is to ensure that business is always on by delivering power, cooling, and heating equipment and services anywhere they’re needed so businesses can grow and communities can thrive. The company operates in high-stakes environments to deliver emergency solutions to customers including utilities, municipalities, petrochemical companies, refineries, and manufacturing firms.

The Challenge

Aggreko was struggling with gaps in shipment payment data and needed better visibility, accuracy, and supply chain efficiency. “Every time we sent a shipment, we were almost starting from scratch; we were constantly in reactive mode,” explains Chad Thibodeaux, Aggreko NAM Transportation Manager. The company also wanted technology to help manage its complicated transportation network, improve procurement processes, and manage vendors.

“We’re high-maintenance,” quips James Hoogendoorn, Aggreko NAM Logistics Manager. “We needed a provider that wouldn’t be scared off by that. We wanted a logistics partner with the same intensity-driven mindset as ours.”

The Solution

Aggreko found an ideal partner in RedStone, a Kansas-based third-party provider (3PL). “RedStone didn’t run from our challenges,” Hoogendoorn says. In addition to the experienced RedStone management team, Aggreko gained access to the RedStone Latitude technology solution. Latitude provides real-time information for tracking and exception management, sophisticated reporting and analysis, as well as a best-in-class transportation management system (TMS).

Thibodeaux describes their partnership with RedStone as a major success: “We now have a tailored solution that captures data for every shipment and provides full visibility to crucial information such as length of haul, type of truck, dollar-per-mile cost, etc.”

RedStone helped Aggreko re-align procurement strategies by conducting a sweeping analysis to find opportunities for cost and performance improvements throughout their vendor network. Today, Aggreko and RedStone work together to continually analyze procurement effectiveness, identify ongoing opportunities, and find new vendors.

Nailing down accurate freight rates got easier as well, thanks to the custom freight calculator RedStone created for Aggreko. “We’ve always struggled with pricing freight accurately because we operate in many different markets using many different vendors,” Thibodeaux notes. The Aggreko team now uses this custom calculator as a quick, easy way to provide freight quotes.

RedStone also streamlined freight-payment processes by taking on accounts payable duties. Instead of paying hundreds of vendors, Aggreko makes one payment to RedStone, which manages individual payments.

With closely aligned philosophies, Aggreko and RedStone have developed a strategic partnership that supports the Aggreko mission. “When facing crisis events, our customers count on us to engineer solutions that allow them to continue being productive,” explains Hoogendoorn. “Ultimately, RedStone did exactly the same for us.”

To learn more:
solutions@redstonelogistics.com
888-733-5030
redstonelogistics.com

The post Powering Up a Better Supply Chain appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> OpenRoad’s Bold Brand Refresh Marks 20 Years of Logistics Excellence https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/openroads-bold-brand-refresh-marks-20-years-of-logistics-excellence/ Tue, 20 Feb 2024 04:18:47 +0000 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/?post_type=articles&p=39665

WHO: OpenRoad | WHAT: Celebrating Its 20th Anniversary and Entering a New Era

OpenRoad’s story begins in the small, Pacific Northwest farming community of Dallas, Oregon. Mark Weisensee was first introduced to logistics by a friend in the industry, and although he had built a successful career in construction, he sensed an opportunity. Fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship, Mark and his wife Liz gathered their entire $6,000 savings and recruited two industry friends to create a small truckload brokerage.

Over the next 20 years, OpenRoad transformed. Many talented professionals joined the team, and they quickly expanded to include LTL and Intermodal. In 2018, OpenRoad initiated a team-based operational model that would enable the company to grow at scale. Specialized carrier reps, sales reps, and operations reps began working together to service customers, augmenting the strong foundation of cradle-to-grave freight brokers and agents on OpenRoad’s team.

In 2019, OpenRoad expanded further, establishing a Global Forwarding division and completing their comprehensive suite of services. Their added capabilities in air, ocean, and in-house customs brokerage enabled OpenRoad to serve any customer, anywhere in the world.

As the company grew, OpenRoad prioritized investments in cutting-edge technology, partnering with industry-leading tech providers to upgrade their platforms including everything from their TMS to their human capital management system. With financial responsibility a top priority, the company has remained committed to avoiding external funding to support the business. Coupled with their laser focus on pursuing opportunities that drive results, OpenRoad stands in its strongest financial position today.

Mark and Liz’s commitment to “get better every day” has fueled OpenRoad’s growth. With their people their first concern, they prioritized initiatives that supported their employees and the award-winning culture OpenRoad is becoming well known for.

And while the substance of the company has remained unchanged, the last 20 years have produced a nearly unrecognizable OpenRoad from the humble company that started in 2004. To reflect their remarkable growth and expanded services worldwide, the company recently unveiled its refreshed logo and new name—OpenRoad Global. Their modernized look communicates their service scope, confidence, and proficiency, while also honoring their rich history of service, entrepreneurship, and grit.

As OpenRoad faces the next 20 years, the company is prepared to meet the market with renewed energy. Their solid infrastructure will underpin their ability to serve any customer, with the new name and look accurately reflecting the heart of their mission—to empower global business through personal and modern logistics services. OpenRoad’s core values of helping others succeed, working with a sense of urgency, and following through on all commitments are the immovable pillars that will carry the company forward. And most importantly, OpenRoad will continue to evolve to meet the needs of their people and customers, in pursuit of their overarching vision: To inspire excellence through our passion for continuous improvement and unwavering care for people.

The post OpenRoad’s Bold Brand Refresh Marks 20 Years of Logistics Excellence appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]>

WHO: OpenRoad | WHAT: Celebrating Its 20th Anniversary and Entering a New Era

OpenRoad’s story begins in the small, Pacific Northwest farming community of Dallas, Oregon. Mark Weisensee was first introduced to logistics by a friend in the industry, and although he had built a successful career in construction, he sensed an opportunity. Fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship, Mark and his wife Liz gathered their entire $6,000 savings and recruited two industry friends to create a small truckload brokerage.

Over the next 20 years, OpenRoad transformed. Many talented professionals joined the team, and they quickly expanded to include LTL and Intermodal. In 2018, OpenRoad initiated a team-based operational model that would enable the company to grow at scale. Specialized carrier reps, sales reps, and operations reps began working together to service customers, augmenting the strong foundation of cradle-to-grave freight brokers and agents on OpenRoad’s team.

In 2019, OpenRoad expanded further, establishing a Global Forwarding division and completing their comprehensive suite of services. Their added capabilities in air, ocean, and in-house customs brokerage enabled OpenRoad to serve any customer, anywhere in the world.

As the company grew, OpenRoad prioritized investments in cutting-edge technology, partnering with industry-leading tech providers to upgrade their platforms including everything from their TMS to their human capital management system. With financial responsibility a top priority, the company has remained committed to avoiding external funding to support the business. Coupled with their laser focus on pursuing opportunities that drive results, OpenRoad stands in its strongest financial position today.

Mark and Liz’s commitment to “get better every day” has fueled OpenRoad’s growth. With their people their first concern, they prioritized initiatives that supported their employees and the award-winning culture OpenRoad is becoming well known for.

And while the substance of the company has remained unchanged, the last 20 years have produced a nearly unrecognizable OpenRoad from the humble company that started in 2004. To reflect their remarkable growth and expanded services worldwide, the company recently unveiled its refreshed logo and new name—OpenRoad Global. Their modernized look communicates their service scope, confidence, and proficiency, while also honoring their rich history of service, entrepreneurship, and grit.

As OpenRoad faces the next 20 years, the company is prepared to meet the market with renewed energy. Their solid infrastructure will underpin their ability to serve any customer, with the new name and look accurately reflecting the heart of their mission—to empower global business through personal and modern logistics services. OpenRoad’s core values of helping others succeed, working with a sense of urgency, and following through on all commitments are the immovable pillars that will carry the company forward. And most importantly, OpenRoad will continue to evolve to meet the needs of their people and customers, in pursuit of their overarching vision: To inspire excellence through our passion for continuous improvement and unwavering care for people.

The post OpenRoad’s Bold Brand Refresh Marks 20 Years of Logistics Excellence appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> Trade Shows You Need to Attend in 2024 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/trade-shows-you-need-to-attend-in-2024/ Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:00:38 +0000 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/?post_type=articles&p=39649 Keeping up with the ever-evolving supply chain landscape is not easy—especially when understanding the ins and outs of each facet of the supply chain requires a constant upkeep of knowledge. Trade shows offer opportunities for attendees to gather insights on key trends while exploring cutting-edge technologies and networking with industry leaders.

Featuring everything from inspirational keynote speakers to intimate breakout sessions, product demos, and vendor expos, these shows help put attendees at the forefront of the latest industry happenings. (Bonus: mingling with peers and colleagues during the shows is great for business development and career advancement.)

So, mark your calendars and get ready for these key supply chain events in 2024.

TRUCKING/SMALL PACKAGE

TMC 2024 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition

Mar 4-7, New Orleans
tmcannual.trucking.org

Who Should Attend: Trucking fleet professionals, vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, and other commercial trucking professionals

What to Expect: A technical conference focused on helping attendees maximize fleet performance and efficiency.

Highlights: Task force meetings, new TMC member orientations, study sessions, Trucking Technology Marketplace

Truckload 2024

Mar 23-26, Nashville
tcaconvention.com

Who Should Attend: Truckload professionals

What to Expect: Education and insights on the latest truckload issues and industry best practices, committee meetings, networking functions, and exhibition hall.

Highlights: Executive leadership panels, keynote speech by “Mr. Wonderful” Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank, Young Trucking Executives discussion

Home Delivery World USA

Jun 5-6, Philadelphia
bit.ly/HomeDelivWorld24

Who Should Attend: Retail logistics and supply chain professionals, autonomous technology companies, delivery services, grocers and manufacturers, warehousing operators, final mile providers

What to Expect: Technologies, strategies, and best practices for the full scope of retail logistics from inventory management and fulfillment to delivery, customer experience, and returns.

Highlights: The Middle Mile, a co-located event dedicated to middle-mile logistics; 300+ exhibitors; speakers from top retailers including Macy’s, Walmart, IKEA, Best Buy, and others

Last Mile Delivery Conference & Expo

Jun 27-28, Las Vegas
lmdconference.com

Who Should Attend: Shippers, e-commerce retailers, transit and fleet operators, 3PLs, professionals from academia and government, and courier, express, and parcel companies

What to Expect: A summit to explore last-mile logistics and the cutting-edge technologies that are disrupting the status quo in warehousing, delivery, and customer service.

Highlights: Hosted buyer meetings, panel discussions, vendor demos

Parcel Forum

Sept 16-18, Dallas
parcelforum.com

Who Should Attend: Shippers, distributors, parcel logistics providers, freight auditors, and other small-package supply chain professionals

What to Expect: Attendees will explore innovations in last-mile delivery, e-commerce logistics, and shipping technologies.

Highlights: Top-rated conference program, peer-to-peer networking, exhibit hall experience with dedicated hours

Accelerate! Conference & Expo by Women in Trucking Association

Nov 10-13, Dallas
bit.ly/AccelerateWIT

Who Should Attend: Motor carriers, 3PLs, manufacturers, retailers, truck-driving schools, financial and insurance providers

What to Expect: “A unique event with a critical mission,” Accelerate! seeks to elevate, empower, and level the playing field for women in all facets of the trucking industry.

Highlights: Six different educational tracks, career-development seminars, featured trucks and trailers, 150+ exhibitors

AIR CARGO

Air Cargo Conference

Feb 11-13, Louisville, KY
aircargoconference.com

Who Should Attend: Shippers, airlines, airport authorities, freight forwarders, expedited providers

What to Expect: Insights on how to navigate today’s complex, global air cargo challenges including cargo theft, global regulations, congestion, and emerging technologies.

Highlights: A keynote speech from Captain Houston Mills, UPS President of Flight Operations & Safety; exhibit hall with 83 booths; women’s networking event

IATA World Sustainability Symposium

Sept 24-25, Miami
bit.ly/IATAWSS24

Who Should Attend: Shippers, airlines, airport authorities, OEMs, ANSPs, solutions providers, policy-makers and regulators, banking/financial institutions

What to Expect: Air cargo sector and government experts exploring ways to successfully execute on the industry’s commitment to decarbonize aviation by 2050.

Highlights: Sessions on how to finance the transition to sustainability, how to comply with sustainability regulations, what to expect next

Air Cargo Forum

Nov 12-14, Miami
bit.ly/AirCargoForum24

Who Should Attend: Shippers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, airports, airlines, manufacturers, solutions providers

What to Expect: Conference sessions covering key air cargo issues including sustainability, education/training, and technology.

Highlights: 15,000+ sq. ft. expo space with 220+ exhibitors, comprehensive networking program including golf tournament, receptions, pre/post event excursions, and after-parties

MARITIME/PORTS

CMA Shipping

Mar 12-14, Stamford, CT
cmashippingevent.com

Who Should Attend: North American maritime professionals

What to Expect: Three days of sessions on key maritime issues, challenges and opportunities, as well as insights on the future of the maritime supply chain from top industry leaders.

Highlights: Networking Gold Card, comprehensive expo hall, Commodore Gala

AAPA 2024 Smart Ports Seminar & Expo

Jul 9-12, Seattle
bit.ly/AAPASmartPorts

Who Should Attend: Maritime professionals, technology providers

What to Expect: A detailed exploration of how smart technology is transforming ports as well as insights on facilities engineering and port security.

Highlights: Port tour, exhibit hall showcasing emerging technologies and solutions providers

Breakbulk Americas

Oct 15-17, Houston
americas.breakbulk.com

Who Should Attend: Logistics and supply chain managers involved in the movement of breakbulk products; specialized service providers

What to Expect: 5,000+ attendees sharing the latest breakbulk and project cargo strategies and exploring emerging industry trends and technologies.

Highlights: More than 280 exhibitors, Women in Breakbulk breakfast, other networking events

AAPA Annual Convention and Expo

Oct 27-30, Boston
bit.ly/AAPAAnnual24

Who Should Attend: Port professionals, terminal operators, service providers, transportation leaders, supply chain partners

What to Expect: Key takeaways on the latest industry trends and innovative solutions impacting the future of American ports.

Highlights: Full slate of sessions, speakers, and exhibit hall; port tour

INTERMODAL/RAIL

IANA Intermodal Expo 2024

Sept 9-11, Long Beach, CA
intermodal.org/intermodalexpo

Who Should Attend: Intermodal professionals from shippers, railroads, motor and ocean carriers, ports, technology suppliers, equipment manufacturers, leasing companies, 3PLs

What to Expect: Intermodal topics to be tackled include terminal design, transloading, driver productivity, sustainability, regulatory risk, and chassis provisioning, among others.

Highlights: 21 hours of educational content, nine hours of exclusive exhibit hours, 10 hours of networking

20th Annual Southwestern Rail Conference

Apr 15-16, Dallas
bit.ly/SWestRail24

Who Should Attend: Public- and private-sector freight and passenger rail professionals

What to Expect: Key inputs and discussions from across the rail sector concerning transportation planning, government affairs, emerging technologies, freight logistics, supply chain management, and sustainability.

Highlights: An expanded program of sessions, key networking opportunities

North American Rail Shippers Annual Meeting

Apr 30-May 2, Chicago
https://bit.ly/RailChicago24

Who Should Attend: Rail shippers, transportation providers

What to Expect: Speaker and panelist lineup consisting of high-profile rail transportation executives and experts from academia and government; ample networking opportunities.

Highlights: Co-located with the Traffic Club of Chicago’s annual golf outing and gala dinner

SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS

MODEX


Mar 11-14, Atlanta
modexshow.com

Who Should Attend: Manufacturing, supply chain, and transportation professionals

What to Expect: A focus on how to future-proof your supply chain via sessions about emerging technologies and equipment led by practitioners across the supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem.

Highlights: 150+ free education sessions, exhibit hall with 1,000+ providers, networking with 45,000+ attendees, keynote speakers including actor Jeremy Renner and comedian Colin Jost

ISM World 2024

Apr 29-May 1, Las Vegas
bit.ly/ISMWorld24

Who Should Attend: Procurement and supply chain management professionals

What to Expect: More than 2,000 attendees coming together to exchange insights and strategies on top procurement and supply chain issues

Highlights: ExecIn, a conference within the conference for senior leaders; post-event 90-day access to a comprehensive library of all the breakout sessions

WERC 2024 Annual Conference

June 2-5, Dallas
bit.ly/WERC2024

Who Should Attend: Warehousing, distribution, and logistics professionals

What to Expect: Explore new ideas, tools, and techniques with front-line innovators and thought leaders, covering topics ranging from labor and inventory challenges to digital transformation within the industry.

Highlights: Roundtable discussions, peer-to-peer sessions, facility tours, networking events, WERC Sponsor Showcase

CSCMP EDGE 2024

Sept 29-Oct 2, Nashville
cscmpedge.org

Who Should Attend: Logistics, transportation, and supply chain management professionals

What to Expect: Actionable takeaways from 100+ educational sessions spanning the end-to-end supply chain. The event is hosted by The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

Highlights: Supply Chain Exchange featuring demonstrations, equipment, systems, and technologies; pre-conference Academic Research Symposium; 15 Continuing Education Units

The post Trade Shows You Need to Attend in 2024 appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> Keeping up with the ever-evolving supply chain landscape is not easy—especially when understanding the ins and outs of each facet of the supply chain requires a constant upkeep of knowledge. Trade shows offer opportunities for attendees to gather insights on key trends while exploring cutting-edge technologies and networking with industry leaders.

Featuring everything from inspirational keynote speakers to intimate breakout sessions, product demos, and vendor expos, these shows help put attendees at the forefront of the latest industry happenings. (Bonus: mingling with peers and colleagues during the shows is great for business development and career advancement.)

So, mark your calendars and get ready for these key supply chain events in 2024.

TRUCKING/SMALL PACKAGE

TMC 2024 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition

Mar 4-7, New Orleans
tmcannual.trucking.org

Who Should Attend: Trucking fleet professionals, vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, and other commercial trucking professionals

What to Expect: A technical conference focused on helping attendees maximize fleet performance and efficiency.

Highlights: Task force meetings, new TMC member orientations, study sessions, Trucking Technology Marketplace

Truckload 2024

Mar 23-26, Nashville
tcaconvention.com

Who Should Attend: Truckload professionals

What to Expect: Education and insights on the latest truckload issues and industry best practices, committee meetings, networking functions, and exhibition hall.

Highlights: Executive leadership panels, keynote speech by “Mr. Wonderful” Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank, Young Trucking Executives discussion

Home Delivery World USA

Jun 5-6, Philadelphia
bit.ly/HomeDelivWorld24

Who Should Attend: Retail logistics and supply chain professionals, autonomous technology companies, delivery services, grocers and manufacturers, warehousing operators, final mile providers

What to Expect: Technologies, strategies, and best practices for the full scope of retail logistics from inventory management and fulfillment to delivery, customer experience, and returns.

Highlights: The Middle Mile, a co-located event dedicated to middle-mile logistics; 300+ exhibitors; speakers from top retailers including Macy’s, Walmart, IKEA, Best Buy, and others

Last Mile Delivery Conference & Expo

Jun 27-28, Las Vegas
lmdconference.com

Who Should Attend: Shippers, e-commerce retailers, transit and fleet operators, 3PLs, professionals from academia and government, and courier, express, and parcel companies

What to Expect: A summit to explore last-mile logistics and the cutting-edge technologies that are disrupting the status quo in warehousing, delivery, and customer service.

Highlights: Hosted buyer meetings, panel discussions, vendor demos

Parcel Forum

Sept 16-18, Dallas
parcelforum.com

Who Should Attend: Shippers, distributors, parcel logistics providers, freight auditors, and other small-package supply chain professionals

What to Expect: Attendees will explore innovations in last-mile delivery, e-commerce logistics, and shipping technologies.

Highlights: Top-rated conference program, peer-to-peer networking, exhibit hall experience with dedicated hours

Accelerate! Conference & Expo by Women in Trucking Association

Nov 10-13, Dallas
bit.ly/AccelerateWIT

Who Should Attend: Motor carriers, 3PLs, manufacturers, retailers, truck-driving schools, financial and insurance providers

What to Expect: “A unique event with a critical mission,” Accelerate! seeks to elevate, empower, and level the playing field for women in all facets of the trucking industry.

Highlights: Six different educational tracks, career-development seminars, featured trucks and trailers, 150+ exhibitors

AIR CARGO

Air Cargo Conference

Feb 11-13, Louisville, KY
aircargoconference.com

Who Should Attend: Shippers, airlines, airport authorities, freight forwarders, expedited providers

What to Expect: Insights on how to navigate today’s complex, global air cargo challenges including cargo theft, global regulations, congestion, and emerging technologies.

Highlights: A keynote speech from Captain Houston Mills, UPS President of Flight Operations & Safety; exhibit hall with 83 booths; women’s networking event

IATA World Sustainability Symposium

Sept 24-25, Miami
bit.ly/IATAWSS24

Who Should Attend: Shippers, airlines, airport authorities, OEMs, ANSPs, solutions providers, policy-makers and regulators, banking/financial institutions

What to Expect: Air cargo sector and government experts exploring ways to successfully execute on the industry’s commitment to decarbonize aviation by 2050.

Highlights: Sessions on how to finance the transition to sustainability, how to comply with sustainability regulations, what to expect next

Air Cargo Forum

Nov 12-14, Miami
bit.ly/AirCargoForum24

Who Should Attend: Shippers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, airports, airlines, manufacturers, solutions providers

What to Expect: Conference sessions covering key air cargo issues including sustainability, education/training, and technology.

Highlights: 15,000+ sq. ft. expo space with 220+ exhibitors, comprehensive networking program including golf tournament, receptions, pre/post event excursions, and after-parties

MARITIME/PORTS

CMA Shipping

Mar 12-14, Stamford, CT
cmashippingevent.com

Who Should Attend: North American maritime professionals

What to Expect: Three days of sessions on key maritime issues, challenges and opportunities, as well as insights on the future of the maritime supply chain from top industry leaders.

Highlights: Networking Gold Card, comprehensive expo hall, Commodore Gala

AAPA 2024 Smart Ports Seminar & Expo

Jul 9-12, Seattle
bit.ly/AAPASmartPorts

Who Should Attend: Maritime professionals, technology providers

What to Expect: A detailed exploration of how smart technology is transforming ports as well as insights on facilities engineering and port security.

Highlights: Port tour, exhibit hall showcasing emerging technologies and solutions providers

Breakbulk Americas

Oct 15-17, Houston
americas.breakbulk.com

Who Should Attend: Logistics and supply chain managers involved in the movement of breakbulk products; specialized service providers

What to Expect: 5,000+ attendees sharing the latest breakbulk and project cargo strategies and exploring emerging industry trends and technologies.

Highlights: More than 280 exhibitors, Women in Breakbulk breakfast, other networking events

AAPA Annual Convention and Expo

Oct 27-30, Boston
bit.ly/AAPAAnnual24

Who Should Attend: Port professionals, terminal operators, service providers, transportation leaders, supply chain partners

What to Expect: Key takeaways on the latest industry trends and innovative solutions impacting the future of American ports.

Highlights: Full slate of sessions, speakers, and exhibit hall; port tour

INTERMODAL/RAIL

IANA Intermodal Expo 2024

Sept 9-11, Long Beach, CA
intermodal.org/intermodalexpo

Who Should Attend: Intermodal professionals from shippers, railroads, motor and ocean carriers, ports, technology suppliers, equipment manufacturers, leasing companies, 3PLs

What to Expect: Intermodal topics to be tackled include terminal design, transloading, driver productivity, sustainability, regulatory risk, and chassis provisioning, among others.

Highlights: 21 hours of educational content, nine hours of exclusive exhibit hours, 10 hours of networking

20th Annual Southwestern Rail Conference

Apr 15-16, Dallas
bit.ly/SWestRail24

Who Should Attend: Public- and private-sector freight and passenger rail professionals

What to Expect: Key inputs and discussions from across the rail sector concerning transportation planning, government affairs, emerging technologies, freight logistics, supply chain management, and sustainability.

Highlights: An expanded program of sessions, key networking opportunities

North American Rail Shippers Annual Meeting

Apr 30-May 2, Chicago
https://bit.ly/RailChicago24

Who Should Attend: Rail shippers, transportation providers

What to Expect: Speaker and panelist lineup consisting of high-profile rail transportation executives and experts from academia and government; ample networking opportunities.

Highlights: Co-located with the Traffic Club of Chicago’s annual golf outing and gala dinner

SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS

MODEX


Mar 11-14, Atlanta
modexshow.com

Who Should Attend: Manufacturing, supply chain, and transportation professionals

What to Expect: A focus on how to future-proof your supply chain via sessions about emerging technologies and equipment led by practitioners across the supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem.

Highlights: 150+ free education sessions, exhibit hall with 1,000+ providers, networking with 45,000+ attendees, keynote speakers including actor Jeremy Renner and comedian Colin Jost

ISM World 2024

Apr 29-May 1, Las Vegas
bit.ly/ISMWorld24

Who Should Attend: Procurement and supply chain management professionals

What to Expect: More than 2,000 attendees coming together to exchange insights and strategies on top procurement and supply chain issues

Highlights: ExecIn, a conference within the conference for senior leaders; post-event 90-day access to a comprehensive library of all the breakout sessions

WERC 2024 Annual Conference

June 2-5, Dallas
bit.ly/WERC2024

Who Should Attend: Warehousing, distribution, and logistics professionals

What to Expect: Explore new ideas, tools, and techniques with front-line innovators and thought leaders, covering topics ranging from labor and inventory challenges to digital transformation within the industry.

Highlights: Roundtable discussions, peer-to-peer sessions, facility tours, networking events, WERC Sponsor Showcase

CSCMP EDGE 2024

Sept 29-Oct 2, Nashville
cscmpedge.org

Who Should Attend: Logistics, transportation, and supply chain management professionals

What to Expect: Actionable takeaways from 100+ educational sessions spanning the end-to-end supply chain. The event is hosted by The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

Highlights: Supply Chain Exchange featuring demonstrations, equipment, systems, and technologies; pre-conference Academic Research Symposium; 15 Continuing Education Units

The post Trade Shows You Need to Attend in 2024 appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> Custom Dashboard Provides Rail Data Insights and Boosts Efficiencies https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/custom-dashboard-provides-rail-data-insights-and-boosts-efficiencies/ Mon, 19 Feb 2024 11:00:59 +0000 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/?post_type=articles&p=39676 The Challenge

In the complex world of rail logistics, the capacity to manage data effectively and maintain data visibility is of utmost importance for operational success. Understanding this, RSI Logistics encourages finding better ways to manage, handle, and learn from the complicated data involved in the rail industry, and to help others form strategies to effectively capture, manage, and distill valuable insights from their data.

A client of RSI Logistics found themselves stuck, being forced to sift through important data via manual processes. These inefficiencies not only jeopardized the quality of client service delivery but also posed substantial threats to progress. The overarching objective for RSI Logistics was, therefore, to construct an efficient solution capable of surmounting these shortcomings.

To overcome this challenge, RSI Logistics helped create a custom dashboard for the client.

The client struggled with the management and analysis of their data. Their existing system was predominantly reliant on manual data entry and management. This resulted in processes that were time-consuming and opened the door for potential inconsistencies due to inevitable human errors.

Past failures in the company’s attempts to design a trustworthy and reliable system illuminated the complexity of the data management challenge that was present.

The Solution

To overcome their client’s challenge, RSI Logistics developed a custom dashboard tailored to meet the client’s needs with unmatched precision and accuracy. This dashboard combined data from different places and made it easy to see and understand through clear visuals. The result was a facilitation of smooth data integration across a multitude of systems while providing clear data visualizations.

By incorporating real-time updates, the need for manual entry was eradicated, allowing the client to vastly improve their efficiency. The interactive, highly customizable features empowered clients to adjust the interface to align with their specific needs. Furthermore, the one-click automated reporting capabilities enabled the generation of accurate reports, amplifying the tool’s utility and effectiveness.

The creation of this custom dashboard resulted in the significant streamlining of data management processes. It drove operational efficiency to new heights, enabling the client to make firm, data-driven decisions that ignited confidence.

RSI Logistics’ custom dashboard yielded numerous benefits for the client: It simplified data management, saved time, improved data accuracy, reduced redundant costs, and enhanced operational efficiencies. This allowed the client of RSI Logistics to witness firsthand the immediate improvements in their data management and reporting capabilities.

This case study highlights the pivotal role technology can play in modern logistics. It illustrates the power of transformative solutions in bridging operational gaps and strengthening client relationships, favoring the continuous growth of organizations and the industries they serve.

To learn more:
info@rsilogistics.com
517-816-4568
www.rsilogistics.com

The post Custom Dashboard Provides Rail Data Insights and Boosts Efficiencies appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> The Challenge

In the complex world of rail logistics, the capacity to manage data effectively and maintain data visibility is of utmost importance for operational success. Understanding this, RSI Logistics encourages finding better ways to manage, handle, and learn from the complicated data involved in the rail industry, and to help others form strategies to effectively capture, manage, and distill valuable insights from their data.

A client of RSI Logistics found themselves stuck, being forced to sift through important data via manual processes. These inefficiencies not only jeopardized the quality of client service delivery but also posed substantial threats to progress. The overarching objective for RSI Logistics was, therefore, to construct an efficient solution capable of surmounting these shortcomings.

To overcome this challenge, RSI Logistics helped create a custom dashboard for the client.

The client struggled with the management and analysis of their data. Their existing system was predominantly reliant on manual data entry and management. This resulted in processes that were time-consuming and opened the door for potential inconsistencies due to inevitable human errors.

Past failures in the company’s attempts to design a trustworthy and reliable system illuminated the complexity of the data management challenge that was present.

The Solution

To overcome their client’s challenge, RSI Logistics developed a custom dashboard tailored to meet the client’s needs with unmatched precision and accuracy. This dashboard combined data from different places and made it easy to see and understand through clear visuals. The result was a facilitation of smooth data integration across a multitude of systems while providing clear data visualizations.

By incorporating real-time updates, the need for manual entry was eradicated, allowing the client to vastly improve their efficiency. The interactive, highly customizable features empowered clients to adjust the interface to align with their specific needs. Furthermore, the one-click automated reporting capabilities enabled the generation of accurate reports, amplifying the tool’s utility and effectiveness.

The creation of this custom dashboard resulted in the significant streamlining of data management processes. It drove operational efficiency to new heights, enabling the client to make firm, data-driven decisions that ignited confidence.

RSI Logistics’ custom dashboard yielded numerous benefits for the client: It simplified data management, saved time, improved data accuracy, reduced redundant costs, and enhanced operational efficiencies. This allowed the client of RSI Logistics to witness firsthand the immediate improvements in their data management and reporting capabilities.

This case study highlights the pivotal role technology can play in modern logistics. It illustrates the power of transformative solutions in bridging operational gaps and strengthening client relationships, favoring the continuous growth of organizations and the industries they serve.

To learn more:
info@rsilogistics.com
517-816-4568
www.rsilogistics.com

The post Custom Dashboard Provides Rail Data Insights and Boosts Efficiencies appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> Are You Ready to Navigate 2024? https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/are-you-ready-to-navigate-2024/ Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:03:37 +0000 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/?post_type=articles&p=39647 Let’s put last year’s pain and friction points out of our minds and stage for growth this year. We asked our readers what skills we should tune up and emphasize to drive value and maximize growth in 2024.

Keep your cool. “Circumstances can turn on a dime and require not only quick, but also clear thinking when it feels like all options are lost. Those with composure—who can collect themselves, stay calm, and rely on the processes and tools they’ve put into place to handle the unexpected—will excel.” —Tony Harris, SAP  

Stay resilient and mentally tough. “Changes and setbacks are inevitable. It’s important to know how to anticipate, deal with, and recover from those challenges. Resilience requires the commitment to stay the course, keep a positive attitude, and forge a path even when the future is uncertain.” —Heidi Ratti, RXO

Have empathy. Seeing and listening through the eyes and ears of your supply chain partners speeds the pace of negotiations, trust building, and handling crises. —Dr. Darren Prokop, University of Alaska

Broaden your perspective to have empathy.“When I can shift my perspective to the point of view of my customers, stakeholders, or employees, that is how I can understand and meet their expectations. And that helps to build trusted, sustainable relationships that position you for success.” —Dave Anderson, TA Services 

Check and double check. “Checking to see what shutdowns are going on all over your destination cities and countries is the most underrated thing.” —Ronnie T. Evans, Oil States Industries 

Be curious. This involves channeling relentless curiosity into problems, having meaningful dialogues with users—warehouse managers, last-mile delivery folks, or suppliers across the globe—and implementing hardware and/or software solutions that solve those problems.” —Jason Hehman, TXI

Approach problems creatively. “Consider coloring outside the lines when problems happen. People think managing a supply chain is analytical and focused on managing the minutiae. And it is, at times. But when problems occur, the individual who can think outside the box and devise innovative solutions will be the unsung hero.” —Joe Adamski, ProcureAbility  

Avoid analysis paralysis. “Quickly analyze short- and long-term impacts. Over-analyzing wastes time and money. In operational excellence models, it’s called over-processing. To analyze quickly, use data and your inner experience circle. Ask for full opinions and full judgment, then go. Stop wasting time. —Ann Marie Jonkman, Blue Yonder 

Keeping these skills top of mind will help shake off the doldrums of late and stage for growth in the year ahead.

The post Are You Ready to Navigate 2024? appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> Let’s put last year’s pain and friction points out of our minds and stage for growth this year. We asked our readers what skills we should tune up and emphasize to drive value and maximize growth in 2024.

Keep your cool. “Circumstances can turn on a dime and require not only quick, but also clear thinking when it feels like all options are lost. Those with composure—who can collect themselves, stay calm, and rely on the processes and tools they’ve put into place to handle the unexpected—will excel.” —Tony Harris, SAP  

Stay resilient and mentally tough. “Changes and setbacks are inevitable. It’s important to know how to anticipate, deal with, and recover from those challenges. Resilience requires the commitment to stay the course, keep a positive attitude, and forge a path even when the future is uncertain.” —Heidi Ratti, RXO

Have empathy. Seeing and listening through the eyes and ears of your supply chain partners speeds the pace of negotiations, trust building, and handling crises. —Dr. Darren Prokop, University of Alaska

Broaden your perspective to have empathy.“When I can shift my perspective to the point of view of my customers, stakeholders, or employees, that is how I can understand and meet their expectations. And that helps to build trusted, sustainable relationships that position you for success.” —Dave Anderson, TA Services 

Check and double check. “Checking to see what shutdowns are going on all over your destination cities and countries is the most underrated thing.” —Ronnie T. Evans, Oil States Industries 

Be curious. This involves channeling relentless curiosity into problems, having meaningful dialogues with users—warehouse managers, last-mile delivery folks, or suppliers across the globe—and implementing hardware and/or software solutions that solve those problems.” —Jason Hehman, TXI

Approach problems creatively. “Consider coloring outside the lines when problems happen. People think managing a supply chain is analytical and focused on managing the minutiae. And it is, at times. But when problems occur, the individual who can think outside the box and devise innovative solutions will be the unsung hero.” —Joe Adamski, ProcureAbility  

Avoid analysis paralysis. “Quickly analyze short- and long-term impacts. Over-analyzing wastes time and money. In operational excellence models, it’s called over-processing. To analyze quickly, use data and your inner experience circle. Ask for full opinions and full judgment, then go. Stop wasting time. —Ann Marie Jonkman, Blue Yonder 

Keeping these skills top of mind will help shake off the doldrums of late and stage for growth in the year ahead.

The post Are You Ready to Navigate 2024? appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> Manufacturing CEOs Accelerating Investments in AI, Automation & Robotics https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/takeaways-shaping-the-future-of-the-global-supply-chain-4/ Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:38 +0000 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/?post_type=articles&p=39565

What’s on the Minds of Manufacturing CEOs?

Manufacturing CEOs are making big plans for 2024, including accelerating investments in artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, while also raising the skill level of their current employees and recruiting highly trained workers. That’s the consensus of a year-long series of polls conducted by Xometry, an AI-powered, on-demand industrial parts marketplace. Here are some in-depth findings from the polls:

  • Modernizing through AI. Manufacturing CEOs say AI will play a significant role in their company in the next one to two years. Of the CEOs who have already implemented AI, more than 70% have seen significant ROI in key areas such as supply chain management, quality control, and procurement.
  • Domesticating manufacturing. Reshoring will continue to trend upwards with 76% of manufacturing CEOs having successfully reshored some or all of their operations throughout 2023, a move accelerated by federal tax incentives and initiatives such as “Build America, Buy America.”
  • Tapping the brakes on EVs. While the automotive industry is primed for growth and innovation in 2024, EV manufacturers may be taking their foot off the accelerator when it comes to electric vehicles. Xometry’s Automotive Survey finds that 84% of automotive executives said current production timelines and waning consumer demand may make it difficult for the industry to meet the Biden Administration’s goals for the years ahead.
  • Tracking a more sustainable future. Though EVs may be hitting a road bump for now, manufacturers are taking proactive action to limit greenhouse gas emissions across their industrial supply chains. Fifty-two percent of CEOs view climate change as an existential threat caused by human activity. In 2024, companies will make sustainability a business goal with more investment in measuring and tracking tools to prioritize decarbonization of their operations.
  • Investing to fight a skilled labor shortage. Nearly four years post-pandemic, there remains a shortage of more than 600,000 manufacturing jobs waiting to be filled. As American manufacturing becomes more high tech, CEOs remain worried about attracting highly skilled talent. According to Xometry’s research, more than half (56%) of CEOs said they struggle finding qualified employees in today’s tight labor market.
  • Pushing aside politics. Xometry’s Q4 CEO survey shows a near 50/50 split on whether Democrats or Republicans will better support manufacturing and the economy at large. The priorities remain non-partisan: bipartisan collaboration, public-private partnerships that invest in skilled labor, and proactive assistance from the federal government for the reshoring of manufacturing.

Help Wanted x 2 Million

The logistics and transportation sector is no stranger to challenging employment trends. Combating driver shortages, for instance, has been a top priority for trucking and intermodal companies for the past several years. And finding and retaining skilled warehouse workers has also been problematic for the distribution field.

The sector should continue to expect ongoing employment difficulties in the near future, according to Chad Raube, president and CEO of IntelliTrans, a global provider of multimodal solutions for bulk and breakbulk industries. What’s driving these trends? Raube points to increased order complexities; lower levels of available, seasoned staff; and changes in economic conditions where recovery rarely generates a return to prior staff levels.

“With continued growth forecast for domestic freight in 2024 and beyond, there is an expected need of nearly two million new employees for transportation and warehousing jobs, due to growth and attrition,” he says.

Adding to the challenge is the fact that companies are competing for a shrinking share of the population. Raube points to these stats: For workers aged 25 to 65, only 19% of the labor force will increase from 2021 to 2031, and 80% of the workforce in 2031 will come from the over-65 population.

Also, construction of new manufacturing sites has tripled in the past two years because of reshoring, which will change distribution patterns and transportation modes, adding to the urgency around these trends, he notes.

Three Industrial Real Estate Predictions

1. Look for vacancy rates to inch up further, as the construction pipeline continues to deliver new product throughout the country, while demand moderates further. The national vacancy rate should peak at just over 6% in 2024 before re-tightening.

2. Net absorption will remain tempered in 2024, as cooler consumer demand for goods, persisting elevated interest rates, and sticky inflation hamper growth.

3. As this wave of industrial product delivers over the next 12 months, the construction pipeline will shrink further, leading some markets to become supply constrained in 2025 as absorption starts to regain momentum.

Source: Cushman & Wakefield

Oversupply Makes Waves for Ocean Shippers

What do ocean freight experts see for 2024?

Shippers should expect more service disruption as container lines seek to manage oversupply and limit losses, predicts Philip Damas, managing director of Drewry Shipping Consultants and head of Drewry’s Supply Chain Advisors practice.

To control the level of oversupply, Damas expects a greater number of blank sailings, which will significantly reduce the predictability of containership departures.

Here are Damas’ key predictions:

  • Container lines will collectively record profits of roughly $20 billion for 2023, but the oversupply of vessels will result in a collective loss of $15 billion in 2024.
  • 2024 will be an ocean freight buyer’s market, and shippers should be able to secure significant rate cuts. “But,” Damas warns, “there will be a price to pay: the service reliability and service level of carriers will probably worsen.”
  • In 2024, shippers will also need to contend with new EU Emission Trading System (ETS) surcharges from carriers. While current ETS surcharges on most trades are not high, Drewry is concerned about whether surcharges are “set at a justified, reasonable level,” as ETS surcharges are likely to more than double in 2025 and 2026.

2024: Year of Optimism and Growth?

Overcoming a slew of recent challenges seems to be breeding optimism in the supply chain sector. After enduring disruptions such as the pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and monetary tightening, businesses are now adopting a growth mindset, according to Dun & Bradstreet’s Q1 2024 Global Business Optimism Insights report.

This is despite the fact that the report shows a downturn in global supply chain continuity due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and climate-related disruptions in maritime trade causing higher delivery costs and delayed delivery times.

“Global businesses are adopting a more pragmatic stance towards their future,” explains Neeraj Sahai, president, Dun & Bradstreet International. “This shift in mindset suggests anticipation of additional growth in the forthcoming quarters, albeit with an underlying sense of continued caution.”

Key findings from the report’s five indices—measuring Q1 2024 compared with Q4 2023—reveal the following:

  • The Global Business Optimism Index increased by 6.6%, indicating that businesses in advanced economies now feel more confident about their ability to absorb geopolitical and policy shocks, and are focusing more on growth opportunities.
  • The Global Supply Chain Continuity Index fell sharply by 6.3%, with suppliers’ delivery time and delivery cost indices both deteriorating.
  • The Global Business Financial Confidence Index increased by 10.1%; in addition, liquidity is expected to increase across firms of all sizes and businesses are more optimistic about their competitive positioning.
  • The Global Business Investment Confidence Index rose 10.7%, showing a growing consensus that major central banks in advanced economies have reached a peak in the current interest rate hike cycle.
  • The Global Business Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Index increased 7%, reflecting a positive shift in the commitment of firms worldwide towards sustainability practices.

“Greenwashing” Gaffes

With the current intense focus on sustainability, it’s not surprising that many companies are accused of “greenwashing,” or conveying a false or misleading impression of the environmentally friendly nature of their products or supply chains. Increasingly, however, many firms may be unintentionally guilty of the practice.

Nearly half (45%) of U.S. organizations are concerned they could be at risk of unintentional greenwashing, finds new research from Ivalua. With pressures from customers and regulators on the rise, organizations also face pressure to ensure all green claims are legitimate.

The study reveals less than half (48%) of organizations claim they are “very confident” that they can “accurately” report on Scope 3 emissions (emissions resulting from activities or assets not owned or controlled by the reporting organization). Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds (62%) say reporting on Scope 3 emissions feels like a “best-guess” measurement.

The research also shows that while 88% of organizations are confident they’re on track to meet net-zero targets, many don’t have comprehensive, fully implemented plans in place for:

  • Adopting renewable energy (78% are confident in their plans)
  • Reducing carbon emissions (68%)
  • Adopting circular economy principles (72%)
  • Reducing air pollution (67%)
  • Reducing water pollution (63%)

The research also finds that more than half (51%) of organizations agree that unless green initiatives to reach net-zero goals also involve suppliers, they are a waste of time.

Quick Take: Sector Sentiment

  • 74% of supply chain professionals foresee positive growth in the global container shipping industry in 2024.
  • 53% expect an increase in container prices, 26% anticipate stability, and only 21% express pessimism about price decline.
  • 30% of supply chain professionals say forecasting and planning is the most important area of business to improve with technology in 2024, followed by real-time visibility and tracking (24%), collaboration and connectivity (27%), and process automation (18%).

Source: Container xChange Industry Speak Survey

A Sea of Investment

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway system, a marine highway that supports more than 100 ports and commercial docks located in each of the eight Great Lakes states, and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, has been the recipient of significant investment from public and private sources over the past five years.

An independent survey conservatively estimates that investments made between 2018 and 2027 will total $8.4 billion.

Prepared by Martin Associates, and titled Infrastructure Investment Survey of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway System, the survey quantifies ongoing investments in the navigation system to help support long-term planning and economic development goals, while also building confidence in the system’s future viability.

The survey also reveals investment in specific aspects of the system, including:

  • $636 million in vessel enhancements between 2018 and 2022; $328 million planned between 2023 and 2027.
  • $2.1 billion to enhance port and terminal infrastructure between 2018 and 2022; $1.1 billion planned between 2023 and 2027.
  • $3 billion in waterway infrastructure (locks, breakwaters, navigation channels) between 2018 and 2022; $1.2 billion planned between 2023 and 2027.

“The survey’s conclusion is clear: both the public and private sector recognize that maritime commerce on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway remains essential to the economies of the United States and Canada, and are investing to protect this irreplaceable system,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The post Manufacturing CEOs Accelerating Investments in AI, Automation & Robotics appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]>

What’s on the Minds of Manufacturing CEOs?

Manufacturing CEOs are making big plans for 2024, including accelerating investments in artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, while also raising the skill level of their current employees and recruiting highly trained workers. That’s the consensus of a year-long series of polls conducted by Xometry, an AI-powered, on-demand industrial parts marketplace. Here are some in-depth findings from the polls:

  • Modernizing through AI. Manufacturing CEOs say AI will play a significant role in their company in the next one to two years. Of the CEOs who have already implemented AI, more than 70% have seen significant ROI in key areas such as supply chain management, quality control, and procurement.
  • Domesticating manufacturing. Reshoring will continue to trend upwards with 76% of manufacturing CEOs having successfully reshored some or all of their operations throughout 2023, a move accelerated by federal tax incentives and initiatives such as “Build America, Buy America.”
  • Tapping the brakes on EVs. While the automotive industry is primed for growth and innovation in 2024, EV manufacturers may be taking their foot off the accelerator when it comes to electric vehicles. Xometry’s Automotive Survey finds that 84% of automotive executives said current production timelines and waning consumer demand may make it difficult for the industry to meet the Biden Administration’s goals for the years ahead.
  • Tracking a more sustainable future. Though EVs may be hitting a road bump for now, manufacturers are taking proactive action to limit greenhouse gas emissions across their industrial supply chains. Fifty-two percent of CEOs view climate change as an existential threat caused by human activity. In 2024, companies will make sustainability a business goal with more investment in measuring and tracking tools to prioritize decarbonization of their operations.
  • Investing to fight a skilled labor shortage. Nearly four years post-pandemic, there remains a shortage of more than 600,000 manufacturing jobs waiting to be filled. As American manufacturing becomes more high tech, CEOs remain worried about attracting highly skilled talent. According to Xometry’s research, more than half (56%) of CEOs said they struggle finding qualified employees in today’s tight labor market.
  • Pushing aside politics. Xometry’s Q4 CEO survey shows a near 50/50 split on whether Democrats or Republicans will better support manufacturing and the economy at large. The priorities remain non-partisan: bipartisan collaboration, public-private partnerships that invest in skilled labor, and proactive assistance from the federal government for the reshoring of manufacturing.

Help Wanted x 2 Million

The logistics and transportation sector is no stranger to challenging employment trends. Combating driver shortages, for instance, has been a top priority for trucking and intermodal companies for the past several years. And finding and retaining skilled warehouse workers has also been problematic for the distribution field.

The sector should continue to expect ongoing employment difficulties in the near future, according to Chad Raube, president and CEO of IntelliTrans, a global provider of multimodal solutions for bulk and breakbulk industries. What’s driving these trends? Raube points to increased order complexities; lower levels of available, seasoned staff; and changes in economic conditions where recovery rarely generates a return to prior staff levels.

“With continued growth forecast for domestic freight in 2024 and beyond, there is an expected need of nearly two million new employees for transportation and warehousing jobs, due to growth and attrition,” he says.

Adding to the challenge is the fact that companies are competing for a shrinking share of the population. Raube points to these stats: For workers aged 25 to 65, only 19% of the labor force will increase from 2021 to 2031, and 80% of the workforce in 2031 will come from the over-65 population.

Also, construction of new manufacturing sites has tripled in the past two years because of reshoring, which will change distribution patterns and transportation modes, adding to the urgency around these trends, he notes.

Three Industrial Real Estate Predictions

1. Look for vacancy rates to inch up further, as the construction pipeline continues to deliver new product throughout the country, while demand moderates further. The national vacancy rate should peak at just over 6% in 2024 before re-tightening.

2. Net absorption will remain tempered in 2024, as cooler consumer demand for goods, persisting elevated interest rates, and sticky inflation hamper growth.

3. As this wave of industrial product delivers over the next 12 months, the construction pipeline will shrink further, leading some markets to become supply constrained in 2025 as absorption starts to regain momentum.

Source: Cushman & Wakefield

Oversupply Makes Waves for Ocean Shippers

What do ocean freight experts see for 2024?

Shippers should expect more service disruption as container lines seek to manage oversupply and limit losses, predicts Philip Damas, managing director of Drewry Shipping Consultants and head of Drewry’s Supply Chain Advisors practice.

To control the level of oversupply, Damas expects a greater number of blank sailings, which will significantly reduce the predictability of containership departures.

Here are Damas’ key predictions:

  • Container lines will collectively record profits of roughly $20 billion for 2023, but the oversupply of vessels will result in a collective loss of $15 billion in 2024.
  • 2024 will be an ocean freight buyer’s market, and shippers should be able to secure significant rate cuts. “But,” Damas warns, “there will be a price to pay: the service reliability and service level of carriers will probably worsen.”
  • In 2024, shippers will also need to contend with new EU Emission Trading System (ETS) surcharges from carriers. While current ETS surcharges on most trades are not high, Drewry is concerned about whether surcharges are “set at a justified, reasonable level,” as ETS surcharges are likely to more than double in 2025 and 2026.

2024: Year of Optimism and Growth?

Overcoming a slew of recent challenges seems to be breeding optimism in the supply chain sector. After enduring disruptions such as the pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and monetary tightening, businesses are now adopting a growth mindset, according to Dun & Bradstreet’s Q1 2024 Global Business Optimism Insights report.

This is despite the fact that the report shows a downturn in global supply chain continuity due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and climate-related disruptions in maritime trade causing higher delivery costs and delayed delivery times.

“Global businesses are adopting a more pragmatic stance towards their future,” explains Neeraj Sahai, president, Dun & Bradstreet International. “This shift in mindset suggests anticipation of additional growth in the forthcoming quarters, albeit with an underlying sense of continued caution.”

Key findings from the report’s five indices—measuring Q1 2024 compared with Q4 2023—reveal the following:

  • The Global Business Optimism Index increased by 6.6%, indicating that businesses in advanced economies now feel more confident about their ability to absorb geopolitical and policy shocks, and are focusing more on growth opportunities.
  • The Global Supply Chain Continuity Index fell sharply by 6.3%, with suppliers’ delivery time and delivery cost indices both deteriorating.
  • The Global Business Financial Confidence Index increased by 10.1%; in addition, liquidity is expected to increase across firms of all sizes and businesses are more optimistic about their competitive positioning.
  • The Global Business Investment Confidence Index rose 10.7%, showing a growing consensus that major central banks in advanced economies have reached a peak in the current interest rate hike cycle.
  • The Global Business Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Index increased 7%, reflecting a positive shift in the commitment of firms worldwide towards sustainability practices.

“Greenwashing” Gaffes

With the current intense focus on sustainability, it’s not surprising that many companies are accused of “greenwashing,” or conveying a false or misleading impression of the environmentally friendly nature of their products or supply chains. Increasingly, however, many firms may be unintentionally guilty of the practice.

Nearly half (45%) of U.S. organizations are concerned they could be at risk of unintentional greenwashing, finds new research from Ivalua. With pressures from customers and regulators on the rise, organizations also face pressure to ensure all green claims are legitimate.

The study reveals less than half (48%) of organizations claim they are “very confident” that they can “accurately” report on Scope 3 emissions (emissions resulting from activities or assets not owned or controlled by the reporting organization). Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds (62%) say reporting on Scope 3 emissions feels like a “best-guess” measurement.

The research also shows that while 88% of organizations are confident they’re on track to meet net-zero targets, many don’t have comprehensive, fully implemented plans in place for:

  • Adopting renewable energy (78% are confident in their plans)
  • Reducing carbon emissions (68%)
  • Adopting circular economy principles (72%)
  • Reducing air pollution (67%)
  • Reducing water pollution (63%)

The research also finds that more than half (51%) of organizations agree that unless green initiatives to reach net-zero goals also involve suppliers, they are a waste of time.

Quick Take: Sector Sentiment

  • 74% of supply chain professionals foresee positive growth in the global container shipping industry in 2024.
  • 53% expect an increase in container prices, 26% anticipate stability, and only 21% express pessimism about price decline.
  • 30% of supply chain professionals say forecasting and planning is the most important area of business to improve with technology in 2024, followed by real-time visibility and tracking (24%), collaboration and connectivity (27%), and process automation (18%).

Source: Container xChange Industry Speak Survey

A Sea of Investment

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway system, a marine highway that supports more than 100 ports and commercial docks located in each of the eight Great Lakes states, and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, has been the recipient of significant investment from public and private sources over the past five years.

An independent survey conservatively estimates that investments made between 2018 and 2027 will total $8.4 billion.

Prepared by Martin Associates, and titled Infrastructure Investment Survey of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway System, the survey quantifies ongoing investments in the navigation system to help support long-term planning and economic development goals, while also building confidence in the system’s future viability.

The survey also reveals investment in specific aspects of the system, including:

  • $636 million in vessel enhancements between 2018 and 2022; $328 million planned between 2023 and 2027.
  • $2.1 billion to enhance port and terminal infrastructure between 2018 and 2022; $1.1 billion planned between 2023 and 2027.
  • $3 billion in waterway infrastructure (locks, breakwaters, navigation channels) between 2018 and 2022; $1.2 billion planned between 2023 and 2027.

“The survey’s conclusion is clear: both the public and private sector recognize that maritime commerce on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway remains essential to the economies of the United States and Canada, and are investing to protect this irreplaceable system,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The post Manufacturing CEOs Accelerating Investments in AI, Automation & Robotics appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> Top 5 Aerospace Supply Chain Disruptions & Other Aerospace News https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/vertical-focus-aerospace-2/ Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:47:18 +0000 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/?post_type=articles&p=39627

Top 5 Aerospace Supply Chain Disruptions

Aerospace is one of the top five industries impacted by supply chain disruptions, according to EventWatchAI, Resilinc’s global event monitoring platform, which collects information and monitors news on 400 different types of disruptions across 104 million global sources.

Here’s a look at what Resilinc identifies as the biggest challenges facing the aerospace industry.

#1 Factory fires. Fires and explosions at warehouses, factories, and plants, as well as investigations and force majeure due to fires, are the top disruption in aerospace and have been the leading supply chain disruption across all industries tracked by Resilinc for five consecutive years. Simple safety measures—such as stocking extinguishers and training employees—can reduce the potential risk of factory fires.

#2 Labor disruptions. In 2023, the aerospace industry saw approximately 887 labor disruptions—a 66% jump from the year prior—which include company, site, union, and national strikes as well as layoffs, labor walkouts, protests, and more. Labor disruptions were a particular problem across all forms of global transportation as well.

#3 Mergers & acquisitions. While M&As can positively affect the industry, leading to improved technologies and more resilient companies, it takes time to merge data, suppliers, and systems, which can cause challenges.

#4 Business sale. 2023 saw more than 800 business sale disruptions in aerospace. Business sales include the sale of factories and plants, the sale of assets and subsidiaries, and brand/portfolio sales. Similar to M&As, business sales can increase supply chain resilience as companies acquire new technology and expand portfolios. However, business sales can also create increased security threats and delays while assets and information change hands.

#5 Factory disruptions. Factory disruptions include accidents, closures, and temporary shutdowns at warehouses, plants, and factories. There can be many reasons for factory closures—including industry growth. Even the most minor delays and shutdowns can cause significant issues across the supply chain.

Flying High

The 10 largest aerospace companies in the world:

Loose Ends

After United Airlines and Alaska Airlines discovered loose parts on multiple Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, grounding 171 planes, industry experts raised new concerns about how the aircraft is manufactured.

The Federal Aviation Administration completed inspections of 40 grounded planes and says it will “thoroughly review the data” to determine if it is safe to allow the planes to resume flying.

Complexity Clouds A&D

The aerospace & defense (A&D) industry is facing unique challenges created by geopolitical conflicts, sustainability regulation and expectations, and shifting demand, finds Deloitte’s 2024 A&D Outlook report.

Key takeaways for supply chains include:

The A&D supply chain remains complex. The A&D supply chain is a complex, globalized ecosystem of customers and original equipment manufacturers; multiple tiers of suppliers; and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers. This complexity makes implementing diversification and transparency across the value chain extremely difficult, but imperative.

By maintaining strategic raw material reserves, committing to bulk buying of long lead time items, exploring alternate sources of supply, and digitizing operations, A&D companies may position themselves well to handle any continued fragility across the entire supply chain.

Digital transformation will make a difference. Digital transformation in the A&D industry is largely impacted by regulations, priorities, and resources—but those who are prepared to adopt digitalization and advanced technologies such as Generative AI could gain a competitive advantage.

Sustainability matters. The industry faces evolving consumer demands for enhanced technology, greater sustainability, reduced emissions, higher performance systems, and lower costs, which may all factor into decision-making on supply chain processes.

5 Sustainability Trends Driving Change in Aerospace

The aerospace industry should keep an eye on five sustainability trends, according to Bryan Christiansen, founder and CEO of Limble CMMS.

#1: Advanced aircraft design. Aircraft manufacturers can improve performance by making slight improvements to aircraft. They can enhance engine designs for improved fuel efficiency, improve aerodynamic designs, explore the use of lightweight fabrication material, and use advanced coatings.

#2: Use of sustainable aviation fuels. The utilization of sustainable air fuels (SAFs) is taking shape as airlines strive to achieve net-zero emissions. These fuels have similar chemical characteristics to fossil fuels but with fewer ozone depletion capabilities; they release carbon that has already been extracted from the environment. Emissions from SAFs have a shorter life cycle, which further reduces their ozone depletion rates.

#3: Urban air mobility. Two technologies—electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and drone deliveries—are front runners in the urban air mobility sector. Although at an infancy stage, eVTOLs promise to revolutionize air travel for short and medium-distance flights. Companies are using drones for last-mile deliveries across cities, with their payload capacities increasing over time.

#4: Advanced propulsion technology. Modern and future aircraft will not rely only on fossil-powered engines. The push for sustainable flights is revolutionizing the design of aircraft and spacecraft propulsion systems.

#5: Optimize air travel management. Airlines can minimize their carbon footprints by digitizing air travel management and leveraging advanced technology to improve route planning and asset maintenance and enhance operational efficiency.

The post Top 5 Aerospace Supply Chain Disruptions & Other Aerospace News appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]>

Top 5 Aerospace Supply Chain Disruptions

Aerospace is one of the top five industries impacted by supply chain disruptions, according to EventWatchAI, Resilinc’s global event monitoring platform, which collects information and monitors news on 400 different types of disruptions across 104 million global sources.

Here’s a look at what Resilinc identifies as the biggest challenges facing the aerospace industry.

#1 Factory fires. Fires and explosions at warehouses, factories, and plants, as well as investigations and force majeure due to fires, are the top disruption in aerospace and have been the leading supply chain disruption across all industries tracked by Resilinc for five consecutive years. Simple safety measures—such as stocking extinguishers and training employees—can reduce the potential risk of factory fires.

#2 Labor disruptions. In 2023, the aerospace industry saw approximately 887 labor disruptions—a 66% jump from the year prior—which include company, site, union, and national strikes as well as layoffs, labor walkouts, protests, and more. Labor disruptions were a particular problem across all forms of global transportation as well.

#3 Mergers & acquisitions. While M&As can positively affect the industry, leading to improved technologies and more resilient companies, it takes time to merge data, suppliers, and systems, which can cause challenges.

#4 Business sale. 2023 saw more than 800 business sale disruptions in aerospace. Business sales include the sale of factories and plants, the sale of assets and subsidiaries, and brand/portfolio sales. Similar to M&As, business sales can increase supply chain resilience as companies acquire new technology and expand portfolios. However, business sales can also create increased security threats and delays while assets and information change hands.

#5 Factory disruptions. Factory disruptions include accidents, closures, and temporary shutdowns at warehouses, plants, and factories. There can be many reasons for factory closures—including industry growth. Even the most minor delays and shutdowns can cause significant issues across the supply chain.

Flying High

The 10 largest aerospace companies in the world:

Loose Ends

After United Airlines and Alaska Airlines discovered loose parts on multiple Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, grounding 171 planes, industry experts raised new concerns about how the aircraft is manufactured.

The Federal Aviation Administration completed inspections of 40 grounded planes and says it will “thoroughly review the data” to determine if it is safe to allow the planes to resume flying.

Complexity Clouds A&D

The aerospace & defense (A&D) industry is facing unique challenges created by geopolitical conflicts, sustainability regulation and expectations, and shifting demand, finds Deloitte’s 2024 A&D Outlook report.

Key takeaways for supply chains include:

The A&D supply chain remains complex. The A&D supply chain is a complex, globalized ecosystem of customers and original equipment manufacturers; multiple tiers of suppliers; and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers. This complexity makes implementing diversification and transparency across the value chain extremely difficult, but imperative.

By maintaining strategic raw material reserves, committing to bulk buying of long lead time items, exploring alternate sources of supply, and digitizing operations, A&D companies may position themselves well to handle any continued fragility across the entire supply chain.

Digital transformation will make a difference. Digital transformation in the A&D industry is largely impacted by regulations, priorities, and resources—but those who are prepared to adopt digitalization and advanced technologies such as Generative AI could gain a competitive advantage.

Sustainability matters. The industry faces evolving consumer demands for enhanced technology, greater sustainability, reduced emissions, higher performance systems, and lower costs, which may all factor into decision-making on supply chain processes.

5 Sustainability Trends Driving Change in Aerospace

The aerospace industry should keep an eye on five sustainability trends, according to Bryan Christiansen, founder and CEO of Limble CMMS.

#1: Advanced aircraft design. Aircraft manufacturers can improve performance by making slight improvements to aircraft. They can enhance engine designs for improved fuel efficiency, improve aerodynamic designs, explore the use of lightweight fabrication material, and use advanced coatings.

#2: Use of sustainable aviation fuels. The utilization of sustainable air fuels (SAFs) is taking shape as airlines strive to achieve net-zero emissions. These fuels have similar chemical characteristics to fossil fuels but with fewer ozone depletion capabilities; they release carbon that has already been extracted from the environment. Emissions from SAFs have a shorter life cycle, which further reduces their ozone depletion rates.

#3: Urban air mobility. Two technologies—electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and drone deliveries—are front runners in the urban air mobility sector. Although at an infancy stage, eVTOLs promise to revolutionize air travel for short and medium-distance flights. Companies are using drones for last-mile deliveries across cities, with their payload capacities increasing over time.

#4: Advanced propulsion technology. Modern and future aircraft will not rely only on fossil-powered engines. The push for sustainable flights is revolutionizing the design of aircraft and spacecraft propulsion systems.

#5: Optimize air travel management. Airlines can minimize their carbon footprints by digitizing air travel management and leveraging advanced technology to improve route planning and asset maintenance and enhance operational efficiency.

The post Top 5 Aerospace Supply Chain Disruptions & Other Aerospace News appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> Musco & AFS Logistics: Oiling the Wheels of Change https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/oiling-the-wheels-of-change/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:01:48 +0000 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/?post_type=articles&p=39593

THE CUSTOMER:

Musco Family Olive Co. is the country’s largest producer of black ripe olives. After more than eight decades in business, the third-generation, family-owned California company now works with more than 450 farmers and runs the first food-processing plant in the world to achieve a Level 2 Safe Quality Food ethical sourcing certification.

THE PROVIDER:

Founded in 1982, AFS Logistics, based in Shreveport, Louisiana, provides differentiated logistics services to more than 1,800 customers and employs more than 380 employees across seven locations.

Musco, which boasts eight decades of history, is the largest producer of black ripe olives in the United States. The company works with more than 450 California farmers, providing olives that are transported to four warehouses in the United States and then distributed to retailers across the country.

Musco’s olive-processing plant in California is a near-zero-waste facility and the first food-processing plant in the world to achieve a Level 2 Safe Quality Food ethical sourcing certification.

Despite its robust operations, Musco is still a relatively small, third-generation, family-run company. It doesn’t have extra resources it can easily allocate to areas outside its functional expertise—namely, olives.

Working within those constraints, Lin set several supply chain and logistics objectives: reduce manual processes, enhance the freight audit process, and boost the company’s ability to identify location and arrival times of in-transit freight so it could more proactively address customer questions and continue to provide quality service. Achieving these goals would also help Musco scale its operations and offset increasing logistics costs.

Lin kickstarted a partnership with AFS Logistics, with whom he’d worked at a previous company. Based in Shreveport, Louisiana, AFS provides logistics services, including freight audit and payment, as well as parcel, less-than-truckload, and transportation management services to more than 1,800 clients.

Revamping the Carrier Dynamic

The two companies first collaborated on a domestic managed transportation program, says Andy Dyer, president, transportation management for AFS.

At the time, Musco was working with a number of incumbent carriers. While Lin didn’t want to drop them, he wanted to make sure they were meeting Musco’s business needs, had solid safety records, and were reliable and cost-effective.

Through carrier reviews, Musco and AFS were able to confirm that the incumbent carriers would continue to provide optimal service.

In addition, AFS provided Musco with access to a range of additional carriers from across the country. As a result, Musco doubled its carrier mix.

ENSURING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

The AFS team also guided Musco on the benefits of building relationships with carriers. Strong relationships help ensure Musco can maintain its partners not just in good times, but also when the business encounters challenges. “We stay loyal to our carriers as long as they’re within reason, while also introducing other carriers. Having that access has been huge,” Lin says.

As they accumulate data on carriers’ service levels, the partners also engage in network analysis. For instance, Musco and AFS work together to assess if it makes sense to adjust forward stocking locations, given changes in demand or customer demographics.

Musco previously lacked a coordinated process for tendering shipments. This occasionally led to double- or triple-brokering loads. And, some brokers would re-broker freight to asset-based carriers, prompting concerns about maintaining integrity in the chain of custody.

AFS now coordinates Musco’s annual freight bids. AFS only considers asset-based providers for the carrier network, reducing the likelihood of shipments being brokered multiple times. To ensure Musco can leverage cost-effective shipment options, AFS receives outbound freight shipment notices via electronic transmission. AFS can then access competitive rates from a national pool of vetted carriers.

Once a shipment is booked, the transaction automatically loads into Musco’s ERP system, streamlining the billing process and enabling shipment tracking. This reduces the amount of time previously spent on tasks like manually coordinating and managing shipments.

The managed transportation service from AFS also helps Musco adjust to market changes by providing information that helps to optimize the transportation mode for each shipment.

Branching out With Track and Trace, visibility

Before working with AFS, Musco’s lack of an effective track-and-trace system limited its visibility to shipments. Now, by using the AFS transportation management system (TMS), Musco has access to visibility on shipment location, as well as costs and carrier operating performance. This data enables Musco to address issues as they arise, so it can continue to maintain quality service.

This data also aids in reducing customer chargebacks, which Dyer says is a key capability for Musco. Retailers, and particularly grocers, can impose significant penalties when a supplier makes a mistake. Working with AFS, Musco is able to receive data from carriers on arrival and wait times that it previously could not access. With this data, Musco can challenge claims that, for instance, deliveries arrived after the scheduled delivery time.

In addition, because Musco hadn’t been rigorously auditing its less-than-truckload, truckload, or intermodal freight, management couldn’t ensure billing accuracy. And with limited visibility into freight costs and load status data, it was difficult to dispute claims on issues like on-time in-full, as well as customer deduction claims. As a result, Musco was at risk of overpaying accessorial charges.

Getting Serious About Audits

Musco Family Olive Co.’s processing plant in California is a near-zero-waste facility and the world’s first food-processing plant to achieve a Level 2 Safe Quality Food ethical sourcing certification.

To help Musco exert more control over fees and surcharges, AFS implemented an invoice audit process across all transportation modes. By providing a comprehensive review of every bill, Musco can recover many overcharges and minimize the risk of overpaying. Without this information and process, fighting fines and fees often becomes time consuming and cumbersome, Lin says.

The invoice audit process also consolidates Musco’s weekly bills into one invoice, providing timely insight into transportation costs.

Musco also worked with AFS to streamline its order fulfillment process. Now, Musco sends order details to AFS via an SQL (structured query language) download, which then feeds into the AFS TMS. AFS also provides a gateway to exchange files and messages with other external trading partners, such as carriers.

Now, when orders drop, Musco no longer needs to manually disseminate information across the company and enter it into the system, Lin says.

Over time, the relationship between Musco and AFS has expanded to include imported containers as well. On these international shipments, AFS acts as Musco’s advocate in the market.

Musco’s network of warehouses also underwent analysis as part of the new partnership with AFS. By reviewing the network’s costs and services, Musco determined it could consolidate some facilities, reducing overall inventory levels. The two companies continue to periodically tweak the network.

“Quarterly business reviews are a great opportunity to flesh out other opportunities from a service or from a cost standpoint,” Lin says. This also enables Musco to redeploy employees who’d previously been dedicated toward freight, he adds.

Enjoying Process-Driven Results

By implementing more efficient processes and technology, Musco lowered its total transportation spending by more than 10% in the first year of its partnership with AFS. It also identified additional opportunities for cost reduction, leading to another $50,000 in savings, also during the first year. Subsequent reviews have led to warehouse network optimization opportunities that Musco is currently pursuing, Lin adds.

Leveraging technology for gains

Musco also was able to double its carrier mix. And through the partnership, Musco has leveraged technology that helps it adopt a process-driven approach.

Becoming more aggressive about pursuing different shipping options is the next big frontier for Musco, Lin says. This could mean reducing the number of containers or even taking trucks off the road by shifting from a less-than-truckload to a multi-stop approach.

“We’re peeling back the onion and asking, ‘What exactly are we doing? And is there a different way versus just being efficient with what we’re doing?’” Lin explains.

Whatever strategies Musco decides to pursue, Lin says AFS is key to achieving their goals. “The AFS operations team is in constant communication with us when things are good, and they’re in front of it when there are hiccups,” he says. “We get talented people who know what they’re doing and can drive value in our decision making.”

Case Study: Growing the Grove

The Challenge

Introducing greater rigor and automation to Musco’s logistics and supply chain processes, with a goal of maintaining quality service and offsetting rising transportation costs.

The Solution

Musco partnered with AFS Logistics, leveraging the 3PL’s managed transportation service and implementing both its freight bill audit and payment and order fulfillment solutions. AFS also introduced greater structure to carrier relationships and regularly assesses the company’s logistics network.

The Results

Among other benefits, Musco lowered its transportation expense by more than 10% in the first year of the partnership, while identifying opportunities to gain an additional $50,000 in cost reduction, also during the first year of the partnership. It doubled its carrier mix and restructured roles and responsibilities to improve the value contributed by employees.

Next Steps

Evaluate different means of shipping to further cut costs and boost efficiencies.

The post Musco & AFS Logistics: Oiling the Wheels of Change appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]>

THE CUSTOMER:

Musco Family Olive Co. is the country’s largest producer of black ripe olives. After more than eight decades in business, the third-generation, family-owned California company now works with more than 450 farmers and runs the first food-processing plant in the world to achieve a Level 2 Safe Quality Food ethical sourcing certification.

THE PROVIDER:

Founded in 1982, AFS Logistics, based in Shreveport, Louisiana, provides differentiated logistics services to more than 1,800 customers and employs more than 380 employees across seven locations.

Musco, which boasts eight decades of history, is the largest producer of black ripe olives in the United States. The company works with more than 450 California farmers, providing olives that are transported to four warehouses in the United States and then distributed to retailers across the country.

Musco’s olive-processing plant in California is a near-zero-waste facility and the first food-processing plant in the world to achieve a Level 2 Safe Quality Food ethical sourcing certification.

Despite its robust operations, Musco is still a relatively small, third-generation, family-run company. It doesn’t have extra resources it can easily allocate to areas outside its functional expertise—namely, olives.

Working within those constraints, Lin set several supply chain and logistics objectives: reduce manual processes, enhance the freight audit process, and boost the company’s ability to identify location and arrival times of in-transit freight so it could more proactively address customer questions and continue to provide quality service. Achieving these goals would also help Musco scale its operations and offset increasing logistics costs.

Lin kickstarted a partnership with AFS Logistics, with whom he’d worked at a previous company. Based in Shreveport, Louisiana, AFS provides logistics services, including freight audit and payment, as well as parcel, less-than-truckload, and transportation management services to more than 1,800 clients.

Revamping the Carrier Dynamic

The two companies first collaborated on a domestic managed transportation program, says Andy Dyer, president, transportation management for AFS.

At the time, Musco was working with a number of incumbent carriers. While Lin didn’t want to drop them, he wanted to make sure they were meeting Musco’s business needs, had solid safety records, and were reliable and cost-effective.

Through carrier reviews, Musco and AFS were able to confirm that the incumbent carriers would continue to provide optimal service.

In addition, AFS provided Musco with access to a range of additional carriers from across the country. As a result, Musco doubled its carrier mix.

ENSURING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

The AFS team also guided Musco on the benefits of building relationships with carriers. Strong relationships help ensure Musco can maintain its partners not just in good times, but also when the business encounters challenges. “We stay loyal to our carriers as long as they’re within reason, while also introducing other carriers. Having that access has been huge,” Lin says.

As they accumulate data on carriers’ service levels, the partners also engage in network analysis. For instance, Musco and AFS work together to assess if it makes sense to adjust forward stocking locations, given changes in demand or customer demographics.

Musco previously lacked a coordinated process for tendering shipments. This occasionally led to double- or triple-brokering loads. And, some brokers would re-broker freight to asset-based carriers, prompting concerns about maintaining integrity in the chain of custody.

AFS now coordinates Musco’s annual freight bids. AFS only considers asset-based providers for the carrier network, reducing the likelihood of shipments being brokered multiple times. To ensure Musco can leverage cost-effective shipment options, AFS receives outbound freight shipment notices via electronic transmission. AFS can then access competitive rates from a national pool of vetted carriers.

Once a shipment is booked, the transaction automatically loads into Musco’s ERP system, streamlining the billing process and enabling shipment tracking. This reduces the amount of time previously spent on tasks like manually coordinating and managing shipments.

The managed transportation service from AFS also helps Musco adjust to market changes by providing information that helps to optimize the transportation mode for each shipment.

Branching out With Track and Trace, visibility

Before working with AFS, Musco’s lack of an effective track-and-trace system limited its visibility to shipments. Now, by using the AFS transportation management system (TMS), Musco has access to visibility on shipment location, as well as costs and carrier operating performance. This data enables Musco to address issues as they arise, so it can continue to maintain quality service.

This data also aids in reducing customer chargebacks, which Dyer says is a key capability for Musco. Retailers, and particularly grocers, can impose significant penalties when a supplier makes a mistake. Working with AFS, Musco is able to receive data from carriers on arrival and wait times that it previously could not access. With this data, Musco can challenge claims that, for instance, deliveries arrived after the scheduled delivery time.

In addition, because Musco hadn’t been rigorously auditing its less-than-truckload, truckload, or intermodal freight, management couldn’t ensure billing accuracy. And with limited visibility into freight costs and load status data, it was difficult to dispute claims on issues like on-time in-full, as well as customer deduction claims. As a result, Musco was at risk of overpaying accessorial charges.

Getting Serious About Audits

Musco Family Olive Co.’s processing plant in California is a near-zero-waste facility and the world’s first food-processing plant to achieve a Level 2 Safe Quality Food ethical sourcing certification.

To help Musco exert more control over fees and surcharges, AFS implemented an invoice audit process across all transportation modes. By providing a comprehensive review of every bill, Musco can recover many overcharges and minimize the risk of overpaying. Without this information and process, fighting fines and fees often becomes time consuming and cumbersome, Lin says.

The invoice audit process also consolidates Musco’s weekly bills into one invoice, providing timely insight into transportation costs.

Musco also worked with AFS to streamline its order fulfillment process. Now, Musco sends order details to AFS via an SQL (structured query language) download, which then feeds into the AFS TMS. AFS also provides a gateway to exchange files and messages with other external trading partners, such as carriers.

Now, when orders drop, Musco no longer needs to manually disseminate information across the company and enter it into the system, Lin says.

Over time, the relationship between Musco and AFS has expanded to include imported containers as well. On these international shipments, AFS acts as Musco’s advocate in the market.

Musco’s network of warehouses also underwent analysis as part of the new partnership with AFS. By reviewing the network’s costs and services, Musco determined it could consolidate some facilities, reducing overall inventory levels. The two companies continue to periodically tweak the network.

“Quarterly business reviews are a great opportunity to flesh out other opportunities from a service or from a cost standpoint,” Lin says. This also enables Musco to redeploy employees who’d previously been dedicated toward freight, he adds.

Enjoying Process-Driven Results

By implementing more efficient processes and technology, Musco lowered its total transportation spending by more than 10% in the first year of its partnership with AFS. It also identified additional opportunities for cost reduction, leading to another $50,000 in savings, also during the first year. Subsequent reviews have led to warehouse network optimization opportunities that Musco is currently pursuing, Lin adds.

Leveraging technology for gains

Musco also was able to double its carrier mix. And through the partnership, Musco has leveraged technology that helps it adopt a process-driven approach.

Becoming more aggressive about pursuing different shipping options is the next big frontier for Musco, Lin says. This could mean reducing the number of containers or even taking trucks off the road by shifting from a less-than-truckload to a multi-stop approach.

“We’re peeling back the onion and asking, ‘What exactly are we doing? And is there a different way versus just being efficient with what we’re doing?’” Lin explains.

Whatever strategies Musco decides to pursue, Lin says AFS is key to achieving their goals. “The AFS operations team is in constant communication with us when things are good, and they’re in front of it when there are hiccups,” he says. “We get talented people who know what they’re doing and can drive value in our decision making.”

Case Study: Growing the Grove

The Challenge

Introducing greater rigor and automation to Musco’s logistics and supply chain processes, with a goal of maintaining quality service and offsetting rising transportation costs.

The Solution

Musco partnered with AFS Logistics, leveraging the 3PL’s managed transportation service and implementing both its freight bill audit and payment and order fulfillment solutions. AFS also introduced greater structure to carrier relationships and regularly assesses the company’s logistics network.

The Results

Among other benefits, Musco lowered its transportation expense by more than 10% in the first year of the partnership, while identifying opportunities to gain an additional $50,000 in cost reduction, also during the first year of the partnership. It doubled its carrier mix and restructured roles and responsibilities to improve the value contributed by employees.

Next Steps

Evaluate different means of shipping to further cut costs and boost efficiencies.

The post Musco & AFS Logistics: Oiling the Wheels of Change appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

]]> IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/in-brief-new-services-and-solutions-0124/ Fri, 09 Feb 2024 11:45:51 +0000 https://www.inboundlogistics.com/?post_type=articles&p=39458 Technology

•  JLT Mobile Computers introduced its JLT Insights warehouse productivity software, a monitoring and analysis solution. It monitors devices, vehicles, access points, and workforce productivity through real-time data from sensors embedded in the JLT6012 series of rugged computers.

•  Casper Labs launched a tracking, reporting, and transparency tool called Casper Labs Track & Trace. Designed to optimize inventory management and product distribution, it helps manufacturers upgrade workflows and improve transparency.

•  AI-powered parcel delivery logistics platform Bettermile is now available for U.S. shippers seeking a last-mile visibility solution. The company’s cloud-based software offers real-time tracking, route optimization, and communication tools to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.

•  Accenture and SAP SE teamed up to offer a supply chain nerve center that can reduce risk, enhance visibility, and support sustainability goals. The companies co-developed new capabilities for the SAP Integrated Business Planning for Supply Chain solution to help organizations respond to changes in supply, demand and inventory.

•  New route optimization SaaS solution, Logi-IQ, which launched in beta in late 2023, is now available for full implementation. Designed to address inefficiencies in logistics planning, resource waste, and communication challenges, Logi-IQ offers route optimization capabilities as well as driver management, task management, and business intelligence functionality.

•  Rotate launched a real-time capacity and market intelligence tool to support decision-making in the air cargo industry. Rotate’s Live Capacity tool offers insight into the supply side of the air cargo market—and is available free of charge. Users gain real-time access to global capacity information based on flight-tracking data covering flights from thousands of airlines at more than 9,000 airports.

•  ORO Labs integrated its procurement workflow platform with the SAP Ariba procure-to-pay solution and other SAP products, enabling customers to orchestrate spend and supplier management across enterprise systems and data. The integration helps companies create intake workflows, build a procurement tech stack, and simplify user engagement.

•  Designed to help companies ensure compliance with the new U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), Tecsys launched Elite WMS for healthcare distribution. The new warehouse management system contains embedded serialized DSCSA support designed for real-time, continuous compliance. It also streamlines workflows for receiving, putaway, and fulfillment.

Carrier Logistics Inc. (CLI), a provider of freight management software for less-than-truckload fleets, now offers automated departure reports that provide system-generated notifications about freight status. The departure reports are transmitted as soon as the delivery driver leaves a terminal to inform the customer their freight is on the truck and provide an estimated time of arrival.

Products

•  Metalcraft, a manufacturer of identification products, now offers the Universal Eco Mini RFID Tag, which is designed for item-level retail tracking on metal surfaces. Made with 40% less material than previous products, it has a read range of up to 25 feet on metal surfaces.

•  Cabka’s new reusable, recycled plastic pallets incorporating the Repsol Reciclex polypropylene compound, offer high load capacity, flexural rigidity, and dimensional stability. The pallets are compatible with automated handling and robotic palletizing systems.

•  Macfarlane Packaging launched a line of sustainable stock boxes for retailers. Made of single- and double-wall boxes, the new line is 100% Forest Stewardship Council certified.

•  Mezzanine Safeti-Gates now offers safety gate designs with product containment netting. The add-on offers high-strength, high-visibility netting on the ledge gate to prevent products from falling from elevated rack systems.

•  Specim, Spectral Imaging Ltd. released an upgraded Specim FX50 middle-wave infrared hyperspectral camera for industrial applications, including sorting, quality control, and process optimization. With a high spatial resolution, image speed, and signal-to-noise ratio, the Specim FX50 enables fast and accurate inspection and classification of materials.

 

•  Reelables unveiled its new 5G Smart Labels, a printable 5G label solution that lets retailers and other stakeholders track shipments at the piece level as they move through the supply chain. The label itself functions as the tracking device connected to a cellular network.

Services

Florida’s Port Everglades received three additional Super Post-Panamax container gantry cranes as part of its $471-million project to expand its deepwater turn-around area for cargo ships. The three 175-foot-high ship-to-shore cranes, valued at $15.1 million each, can handle containers stacked eight high from a ship’s deck and reach 22 containers across the ship’s deck.

•  Dayton Freight Lines relocated its Detroit service center to a new facility double in size. Located northwest of Detroit in Waterford Township, the new center has 132 dock doors.

Estes opened a new terminal in its headquarter city of Richmond, Virginia. One of the largest terminals in the carrier’s network, the facility features 98 doors, more than 41,000 square feet of dock space, and 4,900 square feet of office space across 20 acres.

•  Armada opened a new warehouse facility located at 101 Enterprise Drive in Flower Mound, Texas. The facility offers 357,069 square feet of ambient space, serviced by 72 dock doors. Temperature-controlled capacity includes 33,678 square feet of refrigerated space and a 54,630-square-foot freezer supported by a 16,723-square-foot cool dock and 16 dock doors.

•  PL Cold, the new corporate division of Progressive Logistics (PL), opened a 300,000-square-foot, deep-frozen (-10°F) storage facility east of Indianapolis. In collaboration with development partner Ambrose Property Group, PL Cold integrated technology and design features to ensure Safe Quality Foods (SQF), organic, and American Institute of Baking (AIB) certification, offering its customers flexible cold storage options within one day’s drive of most of the U.S. population.

•  Qatar Airways Cargo launched the Drive service, which transports various types of automobiles by air. Drive accommodates high-value vehicles on the airline’s freighters and passenger flights, delivering them to more than 160 belly-hold and more than 70 freighter destinations as well as other destinations that are not part of its scheduled services.

Averitt opened a new facility in the South Alabama Logistics Park in Mobile, Alabama. Equipped with electric forklifts and energy-efficient LED lighting with motion sensors, the facility features a 120,000-square-foot warehouse and a 35,000-square-foot cross-dock.

Transportation

cargo-partner launched cross-border road solutions connecting the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Its U.S. team is located in four cargo-partner offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Clarksville.

•  Lufthansa Cargo welcomed a fourth Airbus A321 freighter to its fleet and continued to expand its route network by adding Stockholm, Amman, and Stavanger to its winter flight schedule. With 14 pallet and container positions on the main deck and 10 on the lower deck, the twin-engine medium-haul aircraft has a total payload of 28 tons.

•  OOCL launched a new Japan-Philippines service called KTX4. The new offering enhances the network coverage between Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South China, and the Philippines. KTX4 directly connects multiple ports in Japan with the Philippines.

Cargo airline One Air took delivery of its second Boeing 747-400 freighter. The additional aircraft supports the new airline’s regular charter services connecting Hong Kong and London Heathrow, as well as provides ad hoc capacity for global charter services.

•  ZIM started a short sea service linking Mexico to the Port of Brunswick in Georgia, with the first shipment of more than 1,000 vehicles delivered through the gateway in November 2023. The Gold Star service offering from ZIM provides delivery of roll-on/roll-off cargo for automakers.

•  J.B. Hunt Transport Services and BNSF Railway launched Quantum, a premium intermodal offering. The offering cuts delivery times by one day from standard intermodal service. The shipments are assigned priority drayage and rail positions.

•  Atlas Air, a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, took delivery of a Boeing 777 Freighter on behalf of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA. Atlas Air now operates four 777 Freighters for MSC. The aircraft supports MSC’s weekly global services, including a route from Hong Kong to Dallas/Fort Worth.

A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) is set to launch the first of its 18 large methanol-enabled vessels currently on order. On February 9, 2024, the new vessel enters service on the Asia-Europe lane, which includes port calls in Shanghai, Tanjung Pelepas, Colombo, and Hamburg, with Ningbo, China, as its first destination. The container vessel built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea is equipped with a dual-fuel engine, enabling operations on methanol as well as biodiesel and conventional bunker fuel.

The post IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

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•  JLT Mobile Computers introduced its JLT Insights warehouse productivity software, a monitoring and analysis solution. It monitors devices, vehicles, access points, and workforce productivity through real-time data from sensors embedded in the JLT6012 series of rugged computers.

•  Casper Labs launched a tracking, reporting, and transparency tool called Casper Labs Track & Trace. Designed to optimize inventory management and product distribution, it helps manufacturers upgrade workflows and improve transparency.

•  AI-powered parcel delivery logistics platform Bettermile is now available for U.S. shippers seeking a last-mile visibility solution. The company’s cloud-based software offers real-time tracking, route optimization, and communication tools to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.

•  Accenture and SAP SE teamed up to offer a supply chain nerve center that can reduce risk, enhance visibility, and support sustainability goals. The companies co-developed new capabilities for the SAP Integrated Business Planning for Supply Chain solution to help organizations respond to changes in supply, demand and inventory.

•  New route optimization SaaS solution, Logi-IQ, which launched in beta in late 2023, is now available for full implementation. Designed to address inefficiencies in logistics planning, resource waste, and communication challenges, Logi-IQ offers route optimization capabilities as well as driver management, task management, and business intelligence functionality.

•  Rotate launched a real-time capacity and market intelligence tool to support decision-making in the air cargo industry. Rotate’s Live Capacity tool offers insight into the supply side of the air cargo market—and is available free of charge. Users gain real-time access to global capacity information based on flight-tracking data covering flights from thousands of airlines at more than 9,000 airports.

•  ORO Labs integrated its procurement workflow platform with the SAP Ariba procure-to-pay solution and other SAP products, enabling customers to orchestrate spend and supplier management across enterprise systems and data. The integration helps companies create intake workflows, build a procurement tech stack, and simplify user engagement.

•  Designed to help companies ensure compliance with the new U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), Tecsys launched Elite WMS for healthcare distribution. The new warehouse management system contains embedded serialized DSCSA support designed for real-time, continuous compliance. It also streamlines workflows for receiving, putaway, and fulfillment.

Carrier Logistics Inc. (CLI), a provider of freight management software for less-than-truckload fleets, now offers automated departure reports that provide system-generated notifications about freight status. The departure reports are transmitted as soon as the delivery driver leaves a terminal to inform the customer their freight is on the truck and provide an estimated time of arrival.

Products

•  Metalcraft, a manufacturer of identification products, now offers the Universal Eco Mini RFID Tag, which is designed for item-level retail tracking on metal surfaces. Made with 40% less material than previous products, it has a read range of up to 25 feet on metal surfaces.

•  Cabka’s new reusable, recycled plastic pallets incorporating the Repsol Reciclex polypropylene compound, offer high load capacity, flexural rigidity, and dimensional stability. The pallets are compatible with automated handling and robotic palletizing systems.

•  Macfarlane Packaging launched a line of sustainable stock boxes for retailers. Made of single- and double-wall boxes, the new line is 100% Forest Stewardship Council certified.

•  Mezzanine Safeti-Gates now offers safety gate designs with product containment netting. The add-on offers high-strength, high-visibility netting on the ledge gate to prevent products from falling from elevated rack systems.

•  Specim, Spectral Imaging Ltd. released an upgraded Specim FX50 middle-wave infrared hyperspectral camera for industrial applications, including sorting, quality control, and process optimization. With a high spatial resolution, image speed, and signal-to-noise ratio, the Specim FX50 enables fast and accurate inspection and classification of materials.

 

•  Reelables unveiled its new 5G Smart Labels, a printable 5G label solution that lets retailers and other stakeholders track shipments at the piece level as they move through the supply chain. The label itself functions as the tracking device connected to a cellular network.

Services

Florida’s Port Everglades received three additional Super Post-Panamax container gantry cranes as part of its $471-million project to expand its deepwater turn-around area for cargo ships. The three 175-foot-high ship-to-shore cranes, valued at $15.1 million each, can handle containers stacked eight high from a ship’s deck and reach 22 containers across the ship’s deck.

•  Dayton Freight Lines relocated its Detroit service center to a new facility double in size. Located northwest of Detroit in Waterford Township, the new center has 132 dock doors.

Estes opened a new terminal in its headquarter city of Richmond, Virginia. One of the largest terminals in the carrier’s network, the facility features 98 doors, more than 41,000 square feet of dock space, and 4,900 square feet of office space across 20 acres.

•  Armada opened a new warehouse facility located at 101 Enterprise Drive in Flower Mound, Texas. The facility offers 357,069 square feet of ambient space, serviced by 72 dock doors. Temperature-controlled capacity includes 33,678 square feet of refrigerated space and a 54,630-square-foot freezer supported by a 16,723-square-foot cool dock and 16 dock doors.

•  PL Cold, the new corporate division of Progressive Logistics (PL), opened a 300,000-square-foot, deep-frozen (-10°F) storage facility east of Indianapolis. In collaboration with development partner Ambrose Property Group, PL Cold integrated technology and design features to ensure Safe Quality Foods (SQF), organic, and American Institute of Baking (AIB) certification, offering its customers flexible cold storage options within one day’s drive of most of the U.S. population.

•  Qatar Airways Cargo launched the Drive service, which transports various types of automobiles by air. Drive accommodates high-value vehicles on the airline’s freighters and passenger flights, delivering them to more than 160 belly-hold and more than 70 freighter destinations as well as other destinations that are not part of its scheduled services.

Averitt opened a new facility in the South Alabama Logistics Park in Mobile, Alabama. Equipped with electric forklifts and energy-efficient LED lighting with motion sensors, the facility features a 120,000-square-foot warehouse and a 35,000-square-foot cross-dock.

Transportation

cargo-partner launched cross-border road solutions connecting the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Its U.S. team is located in four cargo-partner offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Clarksville.

•  Lufthansa Cargo welcomed a fourth Airbus A321 freighter to its fleet and continued to expand its route network by adding Stockholm, Amman, and Stavanger to its winter flight schedule. With 14 pallet and container positions on the main deck and 10 on the lower deck, the twin-engine medium-haul aircraft has a total payload of 28 tons.

•  OOCL launched a new Japan-Philippines service called KTX4. The new offering enhances the network coverage between Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South China, and the Philippines. KTX4 directly connects multiple ports in Japan with the Philippines.

Cargo airline One Air took delivery of its second Boeing 747-400 freighter. The additional aircraft supports the new airline’s regular charter services connecting Hong Kong and London Heathrow, as well as provides ad hoc capacity for global charter services.

•  ZIM started a short sea service linking Mexico to the Port of Brunswick in Georgia, with the first shipment of more than 1,000 vehicles delivered through the gateway in November 2023. The Gold Star service offering from ZIM provides delivery of roll-on/roll-off cargo for automakers.

•  J.B. Hunt Transport Services and BNSF Railway launched Quantum, a premium intermodal offering. The offering cuts delivery times by one day from standard intermodal service. The shipments are assigned priority drayage and rail positions.

•  Atlas Air, a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, took delivery of a Boeing 777 Freighter on behalf of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA. Atlas Air now operates four 777 Freighters for MSC. The aircraft supports MSC’s weekly global services, including a route from Hong Kong to Dallas/Fort Worth.

A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) is set to launch the first of its 18 large methanol-enabled vessels currently on order. On February 9, 2024, the new vessel enters service on the Asia-Europe lane, which includes port calls in Shanghai, Tanjung Pelepas, Colombo, and Hamburg, with Ningbo, China, as its first destination. The container vessel built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea is equipped with a dual-fuel engine, enabling operations on methanol as well as biodiesel and conventional bunker fuel.

The post IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions appeared first on Inbound Logistics.

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