The Opposite of Cold Calling
The opposite of cold calling may be the key to growing your sales. I talk to companies every week about their frustration with cold calling. It is a painful and inefficient way to get new [...]
21st Century Sales Skills
How do you stand out in a crowded marketplace? Have you ever been to place, maybe on a cruise or somewhere in China or the Middle East, where the marketplace is so crowded that you [...]
Digital Ship Announces The Maritime CIO Forum Rotterdam With A Special Focus On The Digital Supply Chain And Logistics Market
PRESS RELEASE 15.06.2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Digitalisation is re-shaping the world and creating increased opportunity for development and innovation. Revolutionary concepts plus the evolution and advancement of existing platforms are providing unparalleled growth opportunities for [...]
Intro to APU Weight Exemption
Auxiliary power units (APUs) are one of the best tools that you can supply your truck drivers with to combat wasting fuel. The APU makes it possible to power a truck’s heating, air conditioning and [...]
Just Do It
Just do it is the Nike slogan that suggests that whatever it is we have to do, we should just get on with it. Oftentimes when we are doing sales work, we make the same [...]
Your Customers Buy Like You
Imagine you are making a big purchase, something that you need to think about a little bit – something like a house, car, vacation, or college. How will you make that decision? How would you [...]
3PL Sales Friend Zone
The friend zone is a situation in which one member of a friendship wants to enter a romantic relationship, while the other does not. The person who wants the romantic relationship, but can’t have it [...]
If Steve Jobs Owned a 3PL
Everybody knows Steve Jobs, the iconic innovator, who transformed five different industries: computers, phones, music, digital publishing and movies (Pixar). He even left his mark in brick and mortar with the Apple Stores, which [...]
Sex and the Single 3PL Salesman
To meet his sales numbers, a young 3PL salesman calls 100 prospects per day and asks for the sale. He has been taught that if he makes enough calls, he will win over a shipper [...]
What are the main 3PL Services?
Admiral E. J. King famously said “I don't know what the hell this "logistics" is that Marshall is always talking about, but I want some of it.” Since he was an admiral, I am pretty [...]
Food Safety Modernization Act in a Nutshell
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is detailed and complicated. I like simple, so I decided to write a simple overview of the FSMA. What Is The Food Safety Modernization Act? The Food Safety Modernization [...]
Cold Chain – Why Is It Growing So Fast?
The Cold Chain is Booming Between now and 2020, the cold chain is predicted to grow 15% CAGR according to industry analysts. It is growing much faster than the world’s economy and the rest of [...]
Why You Won’t Reach Your Sales Goal in 2016
If you sell 3PL services, it will be a bit tougher to reach your 2016 sales goals. Below are 5 reasons you might not reach your sales goals in 2016: 1. Rise of the [...]
Are You a Transportation Expert or a Salesman?
Are you an expert or a salesman? If I was to ask any of the transportation guys I work with this question, I think most of them would answer “both.” They consider themselves expert [...]
Transportation Sales: Finding Right Thinking Guys
One of the keys to being successful in transportation sales is finding the right kind of customers. The ideal customer will like your company’s service offering and believe in your business philosophy. In other words, [...]
3PL Sales Obsession
Have you ever found just the perfect prospect? The type of company that your service was custom designed to serve? After your first contact, you start fantasizing about the great service you will provide, the [...]
The Invisible Transportation Salesman
There are a lot of transportation salesmen (and women) who have become invisible. These people are not really invisible, but they blend in with their competition so they seem invisible to prospective customers. We are [...]
The 3PL Buying Process Begins Online and You Aren’t There
The 3PL buying process begins with shipper's looking online and you aren't there. It's no surprise that shippers are using the internet to educate themselves and find better ways of doing business. Doesn't it make sense [...]
Effective 3PL Sales Training – 10 Must Have Attributes
Sales training is great way to get more sales from your sales team. A relatively small investment in sales training can yield big returns. However, not every 3rd party logistics company is getting the most [...]
3PL Sales Platform Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiEr4U3avVA#action=share Recently, I was interviewed by my friend and colleague, Dustin Mattison. Dustin is a supply chain expert who blogs about logistics and supply chain topics for Kinaxis. Transcripts from the Interview: It’s been [...]
3PL Sales: Speed Kills
My friend, Steve Elwell is a sales guru and he says speed is the most overlooked sales metric. His mantra is “the faster you close, the more you make.” Why speed matters: Assume you [...]
Retail Internet Convergence
Retail Internet Convergence is the explosive arrival and growth of mobile commerce that will have a significant impact on the way businesses are managed in the future, from revenue and logistics to the supply chain [...]
Logistics is Not a Commodity!
Logistics might not be a commodity, but it sure feels like it. Anybody selling transportation and logistics services will tell you, that many if not most customers buy based on price alone. I won’t argue [...]
3PL Sales: Hunting vs. Farming
Most logistics and transportation salesmen are hunters. By hunters, I mean they go hunting for customers every day. They are just like any other hunter, sometimes they make a kill and other days they go [...]
Are you a Stalker or a Sales Professional?
The old ways of connecting with new customers don’t work so well anymore. In the past, you could count on some cold calling, your contacts and networking to fill up your sales pipeline. Sales and [...]
A Better Way to Sell 3PL Services
I've Found a Better Way to Sell 3PL Services When I first began selling 3PL services, I was surprised at how difficult it was to make a sale. My sales process was ridiculously inefficient and [...]
What’s Wrong With The Shippers?
There is something up with shippers. I sell transportation services, so I talk with shippers most every day. They look and act normal, but there is something weird going on with those people. Most of [...]
TMS Study 2015
The smart folks at TMS software research firm Software Advice have published an insightful new transportation management software study titled Transportation Management Software - Small Business BuyerView. What is a Transportation Management Software? A transportation management [...]
How To Find a Great Freight Forwarder
I often hear from novice shippers: “How can I find a great freight forwarder?” The truth is that finding a great freight forwarder is actually rather easy. Here are nine items to look for when [...]
Webinar: How To Select a 3rd Party Logistics Provider (3PL)
How to Select a 3rd Party Logistics Provider (3PL)
Alternatives to UPS and FedEx
Introduction Although UPS and Fedex may seem like the best options due to their prevalence, it's important to look into alternative small parcel carriers. These carriers may be able to provide greater flexibility at a similar [...]
My Logisticians are a Humorless Lot…
"My logisticians are a humorless lot ... they know if my campaign fails, they are the first ones I will slay." - Alexander the Great I have always loved this quote because it captures the [...]
10 Ways to Minimize the Impact of LTL Rate Increases
LTL rate increases are here and I believe they are here to stay for the foreseeable future. The price and tonnage increases for the carriers is a good thing. Of course, no shipper or 3PL [...]
Top 25 LTL Carriers 2014
This is a list of the Top 25 LTL Carriers 2014 Ranking is based on 2013 revenue including fuel surcharges. Revenues provided are based on LTL operations only, unless indicated otherwise and include Canadian operations. [...]
The Changing Relationship Between LTL Carriers and 3PLs
On July 30th, I hosted a webinar where my friend and colleague, Erik Malin gave a presentation on the changing relationship between the LTL carriers and 3PLs. Erik is the Director of Strategy at CarrierDirect. [...]
Selecting a 3PL – 9 Things Every Shipper Should Know
Recently, a shipping manager asked me what selection criteria he should use when selecting a 3PL. As a sales guy for a 3PL I am always anxious to impress shipping managers, so I created the following 9 [...]
Three Essential Warehouse Skills
Three Essential Warehouse Skills After working in a warehouse for a few months I have come to realize that there are three main warehouse skills that make a good employee. An individual must have all [...]
Free Shipping For Customers: When “Crazy” Makes Sense
Free Shipping For Customers: When “Crazy” Makes Sense Major Australian fashion retailer The Iconic has broken their previous holiday season’s sales record, and is estimated to almost triple their previous profits by the end of the [...]
Retail and Sales: Understanding Order Fulfilment
Retail and Sales: Understanding Order Fulfilment From home-based entrepreneurs to CEOs in big companies one rule is commonly kept close to heart: Keep your customers happy. To do this, one must either master the complicated [...]
Best Pick and Pack Shipping Systems for 2014
Best Pick and Pack Shipping Systems for 2014 Order fulfillment has seen a rise in technology in 2014 and there is now a large offering of advanced products to help make your warehouse function more [...]
Secrets To Saving on LTL
Could you “Bump” Yourself to Some Savings? Dimensional weight is not applicable in LTL…or is it? While, in the truest form, dimensional weight is typically only applicable when dealing with parcel carriers and freight forwarders. [...]
Differentiating through Resilience
Differentiating through Resilience Supply chain risk is one of the top 5 concerns in many boardrooms. We live in a world where control and measurement are increasingly dominant and in which many executives believe that [...]
Top 10 Tips for Organizing your Warehouse
Top 10 Tips for Organizing your Warehouse The warehouse is the heart of your business. You need it to be tidy, organised and easy to negotiate for it to be useful. But how do you make sure [...]
Logistics Negotiation Study
Logistics Negotiations How did you prepare for your last logistics negotiation? Did you practice your eagle eye glares so you could intimidate your carrier rep? Perhaps you thought positive thoughts and visualized great rates. There [...]
5 Warehouse Performance Management Tips
5 Warehouse Performance Management Tips 1. Eliminate errors in receiving Many inventory errors occur when inventory management staff isn’t given the appropriate space to work. Consider giving inventory staff a generous workspace and this will [...]
Don’t Wait for the Truck Driver Shortage to Hit Your Business
Don't Wait for the Truck Driver Shortage to Hit Your Business A truck driver shortage exists. News media like CNN, trade groups, trucking firms and industry watchers all agree a shortage exists and will worsen [...]
Prepare your ERP for 3PL
Prepare your ERP for 3PL Adopting a 3PL (third party logistics) provider model is common practice as businesses seek to exploit value throughout the supply chain. During adoption, supply chain directors tend to focus on [...]
Customer Service: The Source of Supply Chain Innovation
Customer Service: The Source of Supply Chain Innovation In December’s issue of InBound, editor Keith Biondi cited customer service as the source for supply chain innovation. Not technology. Not business process re-engineering (BPR). Interesting, right? [...]
Selecting a 3PL – 8 Things the Great 3PLs Do
Click to register for this free webinar: Selecting a 3PL: 8 Things the Great 3PLs Do (Wednesday, February 12, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm) Companies with logistics needs are increasingly using 3rd party logistics providers (3PLs). [...]
Warehouse Management Systems Selection: How to Choose the Right One for Your Business?
Warehouse Management Systems Selection Overview A good warehouse management system (WMS) can do a lot for your business, from improving efficiency to improving customer service. Since a WMS is so important for your business, it [...]
Transportation and Logistics Industry Trends of 2014
Transportation and Logistics Industry Trends These trends stand to impact the transportation and logistics industry, with some already taking hold and others unfolding gradually. Each trend has the potential to transform the logistics industry. [...]
Regional Parcel Carriers
Introduction to Regional Parcel Carriers Although large carriers like UPS and FedEx are global and offer many options, regional parcel carriers occupy a significant niche in the industry. In addition to simplified services, the prices [...]
Hottest Growth Sectors in Supply Chain Management
Hottest Growth Sectors in Supply Chain Management Staying ahead of the game with critical information is a key to success. Over the last several months, I have had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of CEOs, [...]
Freight Claim Management: Are You Doing it Correctly?
Here are the top 4 mistakes that companies make with their freight claim management. But companies are often unaware of how much these small claims can add up to. Three $50 claims per month adds [...]
Beyond Asset Tracking: RFID For An Accelerated Supply Chain
Today’s supply chain and logistics management executives are tasked with managing multiple supply chain configurations, maximizing flexibility and incorporating complex technology systems into the mix. Shining a light in the world of visibility, asset management [...]
The Ultimate Guide to 3PL Services – 46 Logistics Support Services Explained
“3PLs bundle services to better serve their clients. The logistics industry is huge and the service offerings are very diverse. There are 5 major categories of logistics services: warehousing, transportation, special services, technology and logistics [...]
Expert Tips to Develop Your Logistics Strategy
Developing a Better Logistics Strategy As featured in Inbound Logistics, this article shares some experts' tips about developing a winning logistics strategy. Here's a preview of some of the valuable advice they share. Tips From [...]
Simple Steps to Fine Tune Your Distribution Network
Introduction Today, biopharma distribution is experiencing surging demand and burdening cost. Distribution networks are being asked two opposing options: first, to plan for a 3-4x expansion and secondly, to plan for closing down the activity. [...]
The Benefits of Choosing Rail Freight
Introduction - Benefits of Choosing Rail Freight Deciding which type of transport to choose for the goods that you need delivered to a remote place can sometimes be a mind-boggling affair. Depending on the distance [...]
Top Five Air Cargo Carriers
Top Five Air Cargo Carriers The top five air cargo carriers by weight, according to the IATA, are: Fedex UPS Airlines Emirates Cathay Pacific Airways Korean Air Lines Carrier Descriptions Fedex Founded in 1947 and [...]
Ending Academic Irrelevance: an Academic’s View on Logistics Research
The Divide How many times have you been pestered to do a survey in the past year? Month? Week? My guess is: plenty! As a professional, you are likely bombarded with survey requests, most of [...]
China Importing Basics: How to Import From China Safely
Today, importing from China has become very common, as Chinese products have become fast sellers in global markets, making it even more essential to learn China importing basics. Factories in China manufacture a vast range [...]
Cost Reduction for Shippers Through Risk Mitigation
Importance of Cost Reduction for Shippers Shippers work in a tough environment. Cost pressures dominate, constrain and impact shippers – daily. But shippers have a lopsided preoccupation with costs. In its 2013 Annual 3PL Survey, InBound [...]
Air Cargo Basics
Air Cargo Overview Air transportation is used to transport air cargo by plane and is a crucial component of international logistics networks. Air cargo is especially useful for companies shipping time-sensitive goods or goods over [...]
5 OTR Trends – 2013
[pullquote align="left|center|right" textalign="left|center|right" width="30%"]"Smaller players in the brokerage space will begin to get squeezed out by strict regulations and competitors"[/pullquote] My smart, good looking friends at Carrier Direct are at it again with a great report [...]
Cargo and Container Shipping Basics
Successful international shipping requires a good understanding of cargo and container shipping basics. When large cargo pieces have to be transported by sea, the best and most cost-effective way to transport them is through cargo [...]
Shipping Claim Filing Software – What is it, and How Can It Help Me?
What is Shipping Claim Filing Software? Most shippers are familiar with Transportation Management Systems, and Warehouse Management Systems, but what is shipping claim filing software? Shipping claim filing software is a system that helps you [...]
Biopharma Distribution Challenges
[pullquote align="left|center|right" textalign="left|center|right" width="30%"]The key to overcoming biopharma distribution challenges is understanding the underlying causes.[/pullquote] Why is biotech and pharmaceutical (biopharma) distribution experiencing surging demand and rising cost? Even with the downturn of the economy, the [...]
Warehousing KPIs
To effectively and efficiently manage a warehouse, you need to use warehousing KPIs. Below is a listing of commonly used warehousing KPIs. KPI is an acronym for key performance indicators (or key process indicators). A [...]
5 Best Mobile Apps for Fleet Managers
5 Best Mobile Apps for Fleet Managers Many apps available today offer vital assistance to fleet managers. However, some of these apps are not readily available when using your smartphone to search an app store [...]
The 5 Largest Truckload Carriers
The top 5 LTL carriers own over 46% of the market. The 5 largest truckload carriers have about 3% of the truckload market. The 5 largest truckload carriers by revenue are listed below. Truckload carriers [...]
Fleet Maintenance Software
How Fleet Maintenance Software Improves Trucking Many variables are involved in the use and maintenance of large fleets of vehicles including data regarding fleet use, servicing, and parts and equipment needed to carry out that [...]
The 15 Biggest LTL Carriers
The 15 biggest LTL carriers by revenue are listed below. The biggest LTL carriers are striving to increase revenues and profits to pre-recession levels. Most analysts believe LTL rates will increase 2-4% in 2013. During [...]
Value Stream Mapping Workshop Materials
[pullquote align="left|center|right" textalign="left|center|right" width="30%"]Value Stream Mapping Workshop Materials are available for download [/pullquote] A few years back, I conducted a series of value stream mapping workshops. The workshops were focused on value streams for an [...]
Service Level Agreement Webinar
A service level agreement (SLA) is a contract between a logistics service provider and a customer that specifies, in measurable terms, what services the logistics provider will furnish. Many customers manage their Logistics providers with [...]
The 5 Largest LTL Carriers
The 5 largest LTL carriers together have $16.2 billion in annual revenues and 46.4% market share. Each of the top five companies has a national footprint with tons of resources and top notch teams. There is [...]
LTL Carrier Profile: Old Dominion
LTL Carrier Profile: Old Dominion Old Dominion is the fifth largest less than truckload (LTL) carrier with approximately $2.1B in sales (estimated 2012). Old Dominion has 6% of the less than truckload (LTL) market. Old Dominion is based in [...]
The Top 10 Transportation Management Systems
The Top 10 Transportation Management Systems Each year as businesses of every size and industry fight to broaden market share the same old questions haunt the boardrooms, “How can we reduce transportation costs? How do [...]
Project Management Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
As a project manager, I am always learning new lessons about managing projects, sometimes the hard way. Below are some of my project management lessons. Project Management Lesson #1 - Projects are Everything Without projects [...]
LTL Carrier Profile: UPS Freight
LTL Carrier Profile: UPS Freight UPS Freight is the fourth largest less than truckload (LTL) carrier with approximately $2.4B in sales (estimated 2012). UPS Freight has 6.9% of the less than truckload (LTL) market. UPS Freight is based in [...]
The 11 Transportation Service Offerings
There are 11 transportation service offerings. Last summer, Inbound Logistics published a list of different 3PLs and their services. The article listed 11 different types of transportation services and I decided to write an overview of those [...]
Over The Road Industry Report
[pullquote align="left|center|right" textalign="left|center|right" width="30%"]Where We Are Today in the OTR Market and What Lies Ahead for Domestic Brokerages[/pullquote] My brilliant friends at Carrier Direct have published a great report on the U.S. over the road [...]
Top Logistics Websites
100 Top Logistics Websites The fine folks over at Logisticsdegree.net have created a great list of the 100 top logistics websites. Since they included TheLogisticsofLogistics.com on their list, I am inclined to think their list [...]
Transportation Cost Drains
[pullquote align="left|center|right" textalign="left|center|right" width="30%"]"Transportation expense can cost 5%-10% of gross revenue and will be going up if not managed effectively." -Bill Driscoll[/pullquote] Transportation cost drains drive up costs. Many companies are experiencing dramatic increases in [...]
Service Level Agreement Defined
A service level agreement (SLA) is a contract between a Logistics service provider and a customer that specifies, in measurable terms, what services the Logistics provider will furnish. Many customers manage their Logistics providers with [...]
LTL Carrier Profile: YRC Freight
LTL Carrier Profile: YRC Freight YRC Freight is the third largest less than truckload (LTL) carrier with approximately $3.2B in sales (estimated 2012). YRC Freight has 9.2% of the less than truckload (LTL) market. YRC [...]
LTL Carrier Profile: Con-Way Freight
LTL Carrier Profile: Con-Way Freight Con-Way Freight is the second largest less than truckload (LTL) carrier with approximately $3.3B in sales (estimated 2012). Con-Way Freight has 9.4% of the less than truckload (LTL) market. Con-Way Freight [...]
LTL Carrier Profile: FedEx Freight
LTL Carrier Profile: FedEx Freight FedEx Freight is the largest less than truckload (LTL) carrier with approximately $5.3B in sales (estimated 2012). FedEx Freight has a market share of 14.9%. FedEx Freight’s revenue includes FedEx [...]
Top Warehouses in North America 2013
“The line between disorder and order lies in logistics…” Sun Tzu The top warehouses in North America were recently profiled in a great article by the fine folks at Modern Material Handling. Back in 2008, [...]
The 7 Warehouse Service Offerings
[pullquote align="left|center|right" textalign="left|center|right" width="30%"]“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough” – Albert Einstein[/pullquote] There are 7 main types of warehouse services offerings. While each warehouse company has it’s own unique [...]
LTL Minimum Cubic Capacity Rules
LTL carriers impose minimum cubic capacity rules to effectively counter very light, fluffy shipments that take up more than their fair share of a trailer. I am seeing an increasing number of freight bills being [...]
Combined Distribution Network (CDN)
What is Combined Distribution Network (CDN) and Can a Company Gain Cost Savings by Implementing CDN. The concept of a combined distribution network (CDN) is fairly easy to comprehend. The simple definition is it that it [...]
The Way to Real Time Supply Chain
A real time supply chain is able to react to market needs faster and more effectively than traditional supply chains. A new Bloomberg Business Week Research Services survey and report makes it clear that innovative [...]
Webinar: 2013 LTL Industry Trends
LTL industry trends are impacting the trucking business. In this free webinar, the top LTL industry trends will be reviewed with the participants. These LTL industry trends are reshaping the competitive landscape of the industry. [...]
Supply Chain Foundation: Built on the 4 Strong Logistics Pillars
Efficient supply chain foundations are built much like a building. Supply chains foundations are set to make them strong and reliable. Without a strong, set foundation buildings would crumble to the ground in the first [...]
Truck Fuel Consumption: Driving and Savings
In studying truck fuel consumption and fuel costs in detail, I found the following facts to be true: Truck drivers face challenges, and those that best manage truck fuel consumption enjoy a competitive advantage over [...]
Transportation Education: Gaining Confidence with Social Media
Transportation industry confidence and being new to transportation is almost an oxymoron at first. Two months ago I had gone from being an Assistant Athletic Director/Strength Coach to a sales rep in the transportation world. [...]
Demand Driven Logistics
Adopting demand driven logistics can increase visibility, drive supply chain efficiency, and offset any market advantage your competitors might have. Shippers in today’s economic climate face myriad challenges over which they have little or no [...]
LTL Carrier Scorecard with Key Process Indicators (KPIs)
The LTL carrier scorecard with key process indicators (KPI) is an excellent tool for measuring and managing LTL performance and LTL carrier performance. The LTL carrier scorecard becomes a roadmap for driving LTL shipping improvements. [...]
Logistics Websites 2013
Below is a list of useful logistics websites. There is also a list of great logistics blogs and supply chain websites. Logistics Websites Air Cargo World - aircargoworld.com Air Cargo - How it Works - air-cargo-how-it-works.blogspot.com/ American [...]
LTL Freight Damage Responsibilities
When it comes to LTL freight damage, the shipper and consignee both have responsibilities. LTL Freight Damage - Shipper Responsibilities Proper packaging. Proper markings on the packaging Proper description on the shipping papers The shipper [...]
The Best LTL KPI for Measuring Billing Accuracy
The best LTL KPI for measuring billing accuracy is simply the percentage of accurate bills. Incorrect freight bills drive the accountants crazy and drive the costs up. In addition to the hours of reconciling bad [...]
The Best LTL KPI for Measuring Freight Damage
The best LTL KPI for measuring damaged shipments is simply the percentage of damage free shipments delivered. Cost, on time performance and billing accuracy don’t mean much if the carrier damages the freight. To minimize [...]
The Best LTL KPI for Measuring On Time Performance
The best LTL KPI for measuring on time performance is simply the percentage of on time shipments. The calculation for LTL on time performance is described below. Most carriers will have on time performance of [...]
The Best LTL KPI for Measuring Cost
The best LTL KPI for measuring cost performance is cost per pound. The less than truckload (LTL) cost per pound KPI is easy to calculate (see below). The LTL cost per pound is also completely [...]
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective 3PLs
Highly effective 3PLs have developed the right habits, culture and processes to deliver excellent service to their clients. Innovation and new technology are obviously important, but when evaluating a 3PL, go with the one that [...]
Webinar: Using LTL Key Process Indicators (February 27, 2013)
In this free webinar, participants will learn a methodology for using LTL key process indicators (KPIs). The LTL key process indicators are used to measure and then improve LTL carrier performance. Participants will learn specific [...]
Five Top Tips for Project/Program Team Negotiations
When we consider negotiations we often think about discrete issues that occur and need to be resolved and put behind us. However, frequently we are members of a project or program team that is responsible [...]
Strategic Shippers vs. Transactional Shippers
Transactional shippers ask “Can you save me $50 on our next shipment?” Strategic shippers ask “Can you help us save 10% on our $1.2 million dollar freight spend?” There are two types of shippers in [...]
Logistics Process Mapping Basics
Logistics process mapping is a great way for improving the logistics process and performance. The goal of logistics process mapping is to reduce costs, while improving service quality and customer satisfaction. Process mapping has been [...]
Most Popular Blog Posts of 2012
Please check out the most popular blog posts of 2012. Five Lessons from Military Logistics Military folks excel in logistics because they focus on the five areas below and we would all be wise to do [...]
Logistics Key Process Indicators (KPIs)
"You can't manage what you can't measure" - W. Edward Deming & Joe Lynch If you move freight for a living, you know the importance of logistics key process indicators (KPIs). A KPI is an [...]
5 Keys to Implementing Improvement Initiatives
Every industry seems to have its silver bullet for creating improvement. If you know the buzzwords and “tools” for the system of choice you can become a guru, sitting on top of the mountain dispensing [...]
Webinar: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective 3PLs (February 6, 2013)
Webinar: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective 3PLs (January 30, 2013, 1:00 pm) This free 30 minute webinar is designed to help shippers identify the habits of the best 3PLs. There are plenty of great [...]
White Paper: Famous Logistics Quotes
[pullquote align="left|center|right" textalign="left|center|right" width="30%"]"The thing about quotes on the internet is you cannot confirm their validity." Abraham Lincoln[/pullquote] I love famous logistics quotes! [...]
Understanding Lean and the 8 Wastes
Understanding lean and the 8 wastes is important for all operations people including logistics and supply chain folks. The concept of lean (and the 8 wastes) originated in the manufacturing sector where it was first [...]
Best Logistics Websites 2013
I have listed the best logistics websites for 2013. I subscribe to each of these websites and I consistently steal ideas gain knowledge and inspiration from each one of them. Below is a link to [...]
My Logistics Job Hunt
This is the story of my logistics job hunt. I am back in Chicago and looking to make my mark in the logistics business, but first I need to find a job. For the past [...]
Guest Viewpoint: What’s Driving Freight Costs Higher?
[pullquote align="left|center|right" textalign="left|center|right" width="30%"]If you think the price of fuel is the only element driving freight costs higher – Think again! [/pullquote] Introduction The latest Master of Logistics 20th Annual Study of Transportation and Trends Study [...]
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Shippers
Highly Effective Shippers Highly effective shippers are successful because they have developed the right attitude and habits regarding shipping. Below is a list of the 7 habits of highly effective shippers: 1. Strategic view of [...]
More Logistics Quotes
I love a good logistics quote. Please check them out and share your favorite. "You will not find it difficult to prove that battles, campaigns, and even wars have been won or lost primarily because [...]
2013 LTL Trends
The 2013 LTL trends that will likely impact LTL shippers are listed below. LTL Trend # 1 – Density-based pricing will make inroads in the LTL industry The current freight class shipment pricing is [...]
Capgemini’s 2012 3PL Study Provides Great Insights
The brilliant minds at Capgemini (http://www.capgemini.com/) have released their 2012 3PL study. In their 16th annual report, Capgemini shares their assessment of the 3PL market, along with special sections on emerging markets, electronics, talent management [...]
Top Ocean Carriers
The smart, good looking folks over at Inbound Logistics have provided a great list of the top ocean carriers. The list contains the top 22 ocean carriers along with their contact information, company profile and [...]
When Evaluating a 3PL, Check for These 8 Must Have Cultural Traits
When evaluating a 3PL, the culture should definitely be considered. Every company has a culture, sometimes called organizational culture or corporate culture. The culture refers to the values and attitudes of employees in the business or [...]
The Secret to 3PL Pricing
When you approach a 3PL for pricing, realize that the first prices you receive will be based on your volume estimates for the year. The 3PL pricing will be based on the estimates you give [...]
Webinar: How to Measure LTL Carrier Performance and Save Money (November 21, 2012)
In this free webinar, participants will learn a methodology for measuring LTL carrier performance. They will also learn specific actions for reducing LTL carrier shipping costs. Webinar topics will include: 1.) Key process indicators (KPI) [...]
The Keys to a Successful 3PL Partnership
The key ingredients to a successful 3PL partnership are collaboration and trust between the customer and 3PL. But, this means genuine collaboration and trust, not just "lip service." This is more difficult then it seems [...]
Are you Managing Multi-Channel Inventories and Logistics?
What is the multi-channel challenge: It is having the right inventory sold in store, online, through a catalog, or a combination of all of these issues. Retailers and e-tailers use these channels. When the Internet [...]
Fuel Surcharge is Negotiable!
Don't let your LTL/TL carrier tell you that you will have to accept a fuel surcharge pass through without negotiating the surcharge. Many companies are overpaying for a fuel surcharge. The fuel charge is a [...]
5.5 Great Ways to Reduce Shipping Costs
5.5 Great Ways to Reduce Shipping Costs Finding ways to reduce shipping costs is a goal for many companies, however, many forget to do the basic blocking and tackling that will drive cost down. To reduce [...]
The Middle Man Strikes Again!
Cut out the middle man and save! Who could possibly disagree with that wisdom? Me! As a middle man, I say not all middle men are created equal. In fact, some middlemen (like me) will [...]
My Nightmare Shipment
As the general manager of a logistics company, I run across shipping problems every day. Our team routinely solves problems related to missed pick-ups, late shipments, routing issues, carrier issues, paperwork and a host of [...]
Evaluating a 3PL (Questions to Ask)
When evaluating a 3PL, consider asking the following questions. Before you sign a contract with a 3PL, you must visit their facility which will warehouse your goods. Here are some questions to ask: Are you [...]
Signing a Trucking Contract
Signing a Trucking Contract Before signing a Less Than Truckload (LTL) / Truckload (TL) contract with your chosen carrier, you must consider the following. Check the terms and conditions (boilerplate) of the contract with your [...]
Managing a Third Party Logistics Partnership
When you have chosen a 3PL partner, insure that you have an effective Service Level Agreement (SLA) with accompanying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to manage the Service Level of the 3PL. This SLA/KPI has to [...]
The Second Worst Phone Call in Logistics
The Second Worst Phone Call in Logistics There are some phone calls that you just don't want to make. In the logistics world, those phone calls typically involve shipments that are late, lost or costing [...]
LTL Carriers Turning the Corner to Profitability
Supply Chain Digest (scdigest.com) ) recently did a quarterly review of five LTL carriers: Conway, YRC Worldwide, Saia, Arkansas Best and Old Dominion. The analysis of Q2, 2012 results for LTL carriers has unveiled a lot. [...]
Logistics is Simple, but Not Easy
Logistics is simple, but not easy. Some things in life are simple, but not easy. Logistics and dieting both belong to the simple, but not easy category. The key to successful dieting is simple; just [...]
LTL Shipping Basics
Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is a reliable and cost effective way to move shipments that are approximately six pallets or less. To be a successful LTL shipper, execute the 8 LTL shipping basics listed [...]
Cold Storage in Southern California Just Got Face-Lift!
DSW Distribution Centers, Inc., a 39 year old provider of cold storage in Southern California, has recently revealed a 100% completely overhauled website. DSW has always tried to stay 10 years ahead of the competition, and their new website [...]
Webinar: Selecting a 3PL, a Guide for High Volume LTL Shippers (October 24, 2012)
Webinar: Selecting a 3rd Party Logistics Provider; a Guide for High Volume LTL Shippers (October 24, 1:00 pm EST) Register at http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=E057DA81824C A good 3PL can save your company money and streamline your shipping function, but [...]
White Paper: The Essential Guide to LTL Shipping Improvement: Action Plan and KPIs for Rapid Transformation
This is an LTL shipping improvement guide written for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shippers who want to dramatically improve their on time performance, and billing accuracy while reducing cost and damaged shipments. The guide highlights metrics and key process [...]
Tons of trucking jobs … that nobody wants
During tough economic times with high unemployment, Americans should be jumping at any chance to work, but trucking companies are struggling to hire drivers. There are as many as 200,000 job openings nationwide for long [...]
Fun Facts about Logistics
Great fun facts about logistics (if you think logistics is fun) from our friends at Blue Grace. Logistics in the U.S. – Facts at a Glance Every facet of American life is touched by transportation. [...]
The Top 25 LTL Carriers
The Top 25 LTL Carriers grew 17 Percent in 2011 Market share of 10 biggest LTL truckers rose from 68 to 73 percent The biggest less-than-truckload carriers got bigger in 2011, with the number of LTL [...]
Logistics Guest Bloggers Wanted
Logistics Guest Bloggers wanted for the Logistics of Logistics. Do you have something to say about logistics? Dying to rant about some freight injustice? Hoping to impress that special someone with your knowledge of warehousing? [...]
New Detroit to Windsor Bridge Good for Freight Traffic
The new bridge over the Detroit River will create thousands of jobs in Michigan during and after its construction and add billions of dollars to the state's economy, according to a report released Thursday by [...]
New Detroit to Windsor Bridge Good for Freight Traffic
The new bridge over the Detroit River will create thousands of jobs in Michigan during and after its construction and add billions of dollars to the state's economy, according to a report released Thursday by [...]
Freight Marriage: ABF & Panther Expedited Together At Last
Acquisition adds non-asset carrier to portfolio that includes $1.7 billion ABF Freight System Arkansas Best, parent of less-than-truckload operator ABF Freight System, is acquiring non-asset carrier Panther Expedited Services for $180 million. The transaction, possibly [...]
LTL Carrier Scorecard: Measuring the Things that Matter
An LTL carrier scorecard is essential if you are managing a lot of LTL shipments. In a perfect world, LTL carriers would pick up freight and deliver it on the agreed upon day for a [...]
Let Us Screw Up Your Shipment
You read it right, let us screw up your shipment. Don’t get me wrong, I despise screwed up shipments! Lost, damage and late shipments are the bane of my existence. Screwed up shipments cost us [...]
Five Lessons from Military Logistics
Military logistics is the benchmark we should all be shooting for. Military folks excel in logistics because they focus on five areas below and we would all be wise to do the same. Core Values [...]
Importers and Exporters Face Difficult Challenges with Ocean Freight
Ocean freight rate management is a becoming ever more challenging for importers and exporters, especially smaller-sized shippers. Frequent changes to ocean freight rates due to market conditions as well as bunker price changes make it [...]
Shippers warned to brace for LTL rate hikes
Looks like another round of LTL rate increases coming in 2012. Some carriers are holding the line and I suspect that the price increase or lack thereof will depend on the economy. If the economy [...]
The Top 33 LTL Shipping Problems
A listing of all the things that go wrong with LTL shipping viewed from a shipper's perspective. LTL Shipping Problems - Prior to Pick up 1. Poor packaging 2. Difficult to obtain or inaccurate shipment [...]
The Top 33 LTL Shipping Problems
A listing of all the things that go wrong with LTL shipping viewed from a shipper's perspective. LTL Shipping Problems - Prior to Pick up 1. Poor packaging 2. Difficult to obtain or inaccurate shipment [...]
Famous Logistics Quotes
I love these famous logistics quotes! The quotes are all related to war because logistics was practically invented by the military. "The line between disorder and order lies in logistics…" - Sun Tzu "Leaders win [...]
LTL Prices Going Up
The LTL companies are raising rates a sign that excess LTL carrier capacity is drying up. As the economy slowly improves, freight demand increases and prices go up. The combination of increased demand and fuel [...]
LTL Explained
LTL Explained - Less Than Truckload LTL is an acronym for Less Than Truckload. This means a shipment that does not require a full 48 or 53 foot trailer. There are many carriers that specialize [...]
The Logistics of Logistics
Welcome to my blog, The Logistics of Logistics! The purpose of this blog is to connect with prospective clients, partner carriers and the logistics community in general. My mission is to demystfy, explain and simplify the [...]