Topic: Resources

Optimizing a fleet is not an exact science. Although technology can help, it’s often the culture on the floor that makes or breaks a fleet management program.

Whether they are opening new DCs, improving inventory control, or turning to 3PLs to improve processes, survey respondents tell us that there’s no one prominent way to keep costs in check while simultaneously improving service levels.

LTL executives are looking to drive relentless cost increases out of their operations—and they’re telling shippers to prepare for rate increases in the 3 percent to 5 percent range. Here’s why rates are rising and what shippers should expect in 2014.

The combination of financial necessity and commercial reality is further forcing top ocean carriers to shed their integrated logistics offerings and return to their core competencies. Meanwhile, a new alliance promises to further disrupt the global marketplace.

It’s early in the game, but warehouses and distribution centers are looking at new ways to use Big Data to maintain equipment, deliver services, and manage processes.

While the first half of 2013 showed some signs of cautious optimism, the Euro crisis is still hampering the European logistics and transportation landscape. However, measures are currently underway to stabilize the region—including plans for a closer partnership with the U.S.

Logistics managers and non-vessel operators expect that, as ocean carriers’ cash flow gets tighter, the charter market will increasingly be used for newer, fuel-efficient vessels. The payoff for shippers will be sustainable service.

Once completed in late 2014 or early 2015, the expansion project will accommodate vessels more than twice the size of current Panamax ships. However, the projected overall impact on shippers, carriers, ports, and service providers appears to be up in the air.

While top truckload carrier executives are doing their best to manage the elements currently battering their returns, we set our sites on three areas that carriers say will make the biggest impact on their ongoing relations with shippers-capacity, regulations, and fuel.

Finding the right third party logistics provider (3PL) in today’s global marketplace involves looking beyond the provider’s “vision” statement, say industry experts. Yet, they also acknowledge that there’s still an element of prognostication involved once a short list of the Top 50 has been whittled down.

While ranking ports on size and container throughput is both valid and traditional, analysts contend that domestic ocean cargo gateways might also be compared by volume and value of trade as well as value-added services.

Analysts and top trucking executives agree that a sharp focus on a durable business plan and dependable operations are vital to remaining profitable in one of the most challenging trucking environments in history.

It's no secret that shippers are coping with a new era of tighter capacity, higher rates, and tougher carrier negotiations. With this in mind, we offer this custom issue designed to help shippers get closer to their carriers. After being battered by three years of recession that decimated profits, LTL carriers, not surprisingly, are now laser-focused on improving yields and profitability in order to make decent enough returns to recapitalize their businesses and rolling stock. However, smart carriers are also...

While logistics managers wait to see how the American/US Airways merger shakes out, analysts say deals like this recent blockbuster may be a blessing in the long run for shippers.

Port authorities at major cargo gateways on all three coasts are investing in infrastructure and strategic planning to become more sustainable corporate citizens—a positive trend that’s making U.S. seaports more efficient and resilient than ever.

Join our panel of leading economic and transportation analysts as they share their exclusive insight on where rates and capacity are headed over the next 12 months across all modes.

Top analysts help logistics and supply chain professionals better understand and overcome the mounting challenges of global transportation and logistics management.

In anticipation of the Panama Canal expansion in 2014, the fight for market share of inbound cargo remains fierce among top U.S. ports.

After being battered by three years of recession that decimated profits, LTL carriers are now focusing on improving yields and profitability in order to recapitalize their rolling stock. Now shippers need to cope with a new era of tighter capacity, higher rates, and tougher carrier negotiations.

Renewed market discipline has helped the world’s leading ocean carriers to restore rates while delivering on enhanced service. Could this be the “turnaround year” on the high seas?