Topic: Warehouse

Our technology correspondent takes a look at TMS’ evolving role, explains the drivers that are pushing development in the sector, and illustrates how new delivery methods could change the face of transportation management.

New lift truck fleet management offerings aim to improve flexibility and efficiency in a dynamic business climate, creating efficiencies in the most unlikely places.

This Canadian retailer tossed its paper-based pick systems and turned to voice to help process SKUs of varying shapes and sizes—the result is improved productivity and 99.97 percent order accuracy.

The case for heavier trucks received good news in Washington, D.C. this week, with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) stating that the Senate Appropriations Committee, on which she serves as a member, support a one-year extension of a pilot program that exempts Maine’s federal highways from the 80,000 pound federal truck weight limit.

Prior to this week’s G20 Summit in Seoul, Korea, the Washington, D.C.-based Airforwarders Association (AfA) sent a letter to President Barack Obama replete with suggestions on how the Administration could best work on making improvements and changes to air cargo security processes in light of the October attempts by terrorists to send explosives originating from Yemen to the United States on cargo and passenger planes.

Getting to know your customers is key to keeping the retail supply chain tight, say industry experts. That entails tactical and strategic reverse logistics planning designed for long-term relationships and sustainable revenue generation.

Tech-savvy private fleet operators are able to justify the cost of their complex operations through high service levels, smart maintenance programs, and revenue generating backhaul opportunities that can make even the toughest CFO smile.

Fifteen months ago USA Cycling decided to trade in its manual inventory management system and roll into an On-Demand Software-as-a-Service Warehouse Management System. Today, this fluid organization is now tracking the movement of all of its equipment, clothing, and nutritional goods around the world.

Wayne Johnson, the 2010 NITL Logistics Executive of the Year, remains on the cutting edge of legislative reform. As he enters the next stage of his distinguished career, Johnson chairs the NITL’s Highway Committee and continues to share his knowledge with a new generation of shippers.

The United States Postal Service announced this week that Postmaster General and CEO John E. Potter will retire on December 3. Potter, a 32-year USPS veteran will be replaced by Patrick R. Donahoe, Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Operating Officer. Donahoe was voted as Potter’s successor by The Governors of the Postal Service and will become the 73rd Postmaster General.

A new report from supply chain consultancy Armstrong & Associates Inc. states that United States-based commercial warehousing revenue will hit $50 billion in 2010. The report notes that combined contract and public warehousing revenues are expected to top 2008 levels by 2 percent after a 2009 decline. And it added that the contract and public warehousing market now represents 45 percent of the entire U.S. warehousing market.

Class I railroad carrier Union Pacific this week officially opened its 785-acre, nearly $370 million Joliet, Illinois Intermodal Terminal. Construction on the $370 million terminal began in August 2008, with phase one completed this past August. It is located five miles south of I-80 and seven miles east of I-55.

Transplace, a non asset-based, third-party logistics (3PL) provider of transportation management, truck brokerage, and technology-related logistics services, said this week it has expanded its relationship with packaging company Intertape Polymer Group by expanding operations in Mexico and opening a new distribution center in Monterrey, Mexico.

New technologies and usage practices can help you maximize your fleet’s productivity and longevity while reducing your carbon footprint.

We asked a panel with more than 75 years combined experience in logistics and distribution to identify three warehouse/DC best practices that improve the distribution network, reduce the work, and leverage the most important asset in any organization—its people.

“Only the paranoid survive.” Given the claims almost every candidate is making about the other guy (or gal), no matter their party persuasion, you might think I’m talking about politics. But, I’m talking about materials handling.

With its new DC, the pet retailer has reduced its handling costs, bolstered its green transportation initiatives, and fortifies its overall distribution network—all while providing room to grow.

Own, lease, or rent? According to lift truck consultants, the method that businesses pay for lift trucks tends to be a sound economic indicator. Here’s how distributors are working to solve the complex needs of today’s fleet owner.

While more companies report plans to increase investment this year, the future looks even rosier for 2011 and 2012. Our warehouse/DC engineer presents the highlights of the 2010 survey and explores how the upturn is influencing current materials handling trends and future spending plans.