Topic: Magazine Archive

In a world of fleeting trends and short attention spans, tradition and market commitment still reign supreme. Logistics Management (LM) has invested in research and authoritative content for over six decades, providing actionable insights to the logistics industry. This column introduces the 36th Annual State of Logistics (SoL) Report, which highlights current challenges, including tariff disputes, regional conflicts, labor shortages, and rising costs. The report stresses the need for logistics providers to embrace technology—AI, automation, and integrated systems—to...

The truckload sector remains in a tough spot due to weak freight demand, overcapacity, and broader economic instability. Our experts predict recovery may be delayed until 2026, with depressed rates and potential service-level issues. In this discussion, we gather insights from three freight transportation leaders on how shippers can proactively navigate these challenges. Key strategies include locking in favorable rates, fostering strong relationships with carriers, and maintaining flexibility to adapt to market shifts.

Ocean shipping on trans-Pacific trade lanes is grappling with extreme volatility as fluctuating U.S. tariffs disrupt import volumes, leading to shipping freezes, capacity reductions, and soaring freight rates. With tariffs shifting unexpectedly, shippers are rushing to move goods before deadlines, causing port congestion to spike and freight rates to climb as carriers impose surcharges.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing supply chain management (SCM) software by providing predictive insights, improving efficiency, and enabling autonomous operations. However, challenges like data quality concerns, high implementation costs, and system complexity are hindering many companies from fully harnessing AI's potential. This article explores the growing role of AI in SCM platforms, the benefits it offers, and the obstacles businesses must overcome to unlock its value.

Inbound transportation costs, including shipments from suppliers to warehouses or distribution centers, are increasingly outpacing inflation. While these costs are often overshadowed by outbound transportation, they can significantly impact your supply chain.

As rates fall in the for-hire sector, private fleets remain a bedrock of U.S. trucking. Shippers like Walmart, Amazon, and PepsiCo are expanding private capacity, citing service, safety, and control as key advantages. Backed by tech and reliability, private fleet operations are growing—even in a downturn.

Red Sea attacks, global conflicts, and new U.S. tariffs are upending container shipping networks and driving up costs. With carriers rerouting around Africa and instability set to persist into 2026, ocean freight faces sustained pressure despite softening rates from Asia. Experts warn the storm is far from over.

Explore the evolving role of humanoid robots in supply chain automation. From addressing labor shortages to enhancing workplace safety, learn how AI-driven humanoids like Agility Robotics’ Digit are poised to revolutionize warehouse operations. Discover key benefits, including cost-effectiveness and improved efficiency, as companies like Amazon and Tesla pioneer their integration. Prepare for the future with strategies for automation adoption and workforce upskilling, ensuring seamless integration and operational enhancement.

Ongoing U.S. trade policy shifts—including new de minimis rules for Chinese shipments—are reshaping global logistics. With rising tariffs and reduced exemptions impacting cross-border e-commerce, Armstrong & Associates projects 2025 third-party logistics (3PL) revenue to hit $316.2 billion, up 4.5%, fueled by early-year growth despite increased uncertainty.

As logistics operations race to adopt automation, AI, and analytics, true transformation depends on people—not just technology. In this column, we explore why workforce strategy must be central to digital supply chain initiatives. Featuring insights from Accenture leaders, the piece highlights how people-centric logistics can drive resilience, agility, and long-term success in a tech-driven future.

As logistics operations undergo rapid digital transformation, building a people-centric supply chain has become essential. This feature examines how emerging technologies like warehouse automation, AI in transportation, and digital twin simulations are reshaping the industry. Yet, even as automation advances, skilled logistics talent remains the driving force behind success. With growing supply chain workforce shortages and skill gaps, logistics leaders must prioritize reskilling, upskilling, and workforce strategy to stay agile, resilient, and competitive in a changing global environment.

North American cross-border freight is facing renewed uncertainty as U.S. tariff policies shift and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) heads for renegotiation in 2025. This feature explores how changing trade dynamics, proposed tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, and geopolitical tensions are impacting cross-border logistics. With U.S.-Mexico-Canada freight volumes continuing to grow—reaching $134.4 billion in early 2025—shippers and carriers are closely monitoring policy changes that could affect trucking, rail, and multimodal transport. Experts warn that new...

Artificial intelligence is not just coming at you from mega tech companies like Microsoft. It is under development among materials handling suppliers to give your operations a boost. Here’s where those efforts stand.

Thanks to major advances, you can expect a lot more from modern labor management systems.

Standing at the intersection of interconnected physical assets and automated processes is supply chain management (SCM) software, which serves as the connective tissue in today’s ever-evolving landscape. These sophisticated systems are integrating not only with one another, but also with equipment and other assets to create synchronized, responsive networks.

Bigger, more capable lithium batteries are making electric lift trucks an attractive alternative to internal combustion (IC) trucks as both industry advancements and increasing corporate and legislative pressures drive market changes.

From AI-powered transportation management systems (TMS) to warehouse robotics and end-to-end automation, this expert roundtable explores how logistics and supply chain operations are being transformed by technology. Four leading analysts share insights on the current state of tech adoption—and where innovation is heading next.

From ProMat’s electric show floor to the pages of our May issue, it’s clear: logistics pros aren’t just adapting to technology—they’re building a smarter, fully integrated supply chain ecosystem.

You've selected your transportation management system—now comes the critical step of implementation. This column outlines three key factors that can make or break the rollout and offers practical steps to keep your operation on track.

As carriers grapple with stagnant demand and shifting economic conditions, parcel shippers must stay agile to maintain negotiating power in a market still defined by rising rates and strategic recalibration. Three top parcel industry experts weigh in on the most consumer-facing sector of freight logistics.