December 2019

DECEMBER 2019

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Singapore LIGHTNING-ROUND SEASON 33 The 2019 holiday season is the shortest since 2013, million with only 26 shopping days The record number of packages between Thanksgiving FedEx expected to move on Cyber and Christmas. That led Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. The carrier many stores to begin their also predicted more than double holiday promotions earlier its daily average package volumes City Haul for the following two Mondays, than usual, including one The top global locations with the best Dec. 9 and Dec. 16, as consumers’ major discount retailer conditions for opening an import/export weekend shopping habits lead promoting deals on toys, business, restaurant, or tech startup: to higher parcel volume early in electronics, home goods Singapore is the best city to the week, driving up residential and sporting goods on start an import/export business with a delivery volumes. Oct. 25. well-established logistics ecosystem and excellent access to markets. –CBRE RETAIL TRENDS REPORT Lisbon is the best city to open a restaurant, with affordable real estate and an extensive hospitality ecosystem. GIVE ME A BRAKE ABOUT San Francisco is the best city to launch a tech startup, with a flourishing tech ecosystem, and access to talent and venture capital. – Movinga 13.5% of commercial motor vehicles inspected in the U.S. and OCTOBER 3, 1863 Canada during Brake Safety Week in September 2019 The day when President Abraham Lincoln were removed from roadways proclaimed the last Thursday of November for brake-related violations. a national day of thanksgiving. Decades later, President Franklin Roosevelt officially Inspectors checked 34,320 declared that Thanksgiving should always commercial vehicles, placing be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the 4,626 out of service for critical month to encourage earlier holiday shopping. brake violations.

—US CENSUS BUREAU –The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance

December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 1

Info Snacks_1219.indd 1 12/5/19 11:48 AM CONTENTSDECEMBER 2019 | VOL. 39 | NO. 12 10 GOOD QUESTION When choosing a logistics provider, what’s more INFOCUS important: cost or 32 customer service? THE CX FILES: THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE 1 INFO SNACKS Technology tools offer mind-bending ways to delight 18 NOTED customers, often also providing benefits for supply 20 TAKEAWAYS chain management. 56 IN BRIEF 64 LAST MILE Santa Claus logistics 30. I.T MATTERS 40 Seeing clearly: the value of HUNGER GAMES: MANAGING FOOD visibility LOGISTICS CHALLENGES WHEN 38 SPONSORED ABOVE & BEYOND DEMAND SPIKES Scaled 3PL solutions heal When consumers are ravenous for a trendy food or pharma’s supply chain beverage, supply chain professionals must hit their mark to meet demand and boost sales. INSIGHT INFO CHECKING IN 6 WEB_CITE CITY What’s the word? 50 44 54 SUPPLY CHAIN INSIGHTS A HIRE PURPOSE: 11 STRATEGIES 10 GOOD QUESTION CALENDAR TO RECRUIT SUPPLY CHAIN TALENT When choosing a logistics 60 provider, what’s more important: 61 SUPPLY CHAIN Competition has never been tougher to obtain supply cost or customer service? SOLUTIONS chain talent, forcing companies to rethink recruitment DIALOG 62 RESOURCE CENTER strategies. 12 14 10 TIPS Growing a green supply chain INPRACTICE 24 SPONSORED KNOWLEDGE BASE Leverage your 3PL’s real estate assets for in-demand cold storage…24 What’s the deal with flexible warehousing?...25 Need speed across the supply chain? It’s all about the barcode.…26 GREEN LANDSCAPE 28 READER PROFILE Four ways reusables benefit the 16 Lisa Veneziano, executive circular economy director of global aftersales supply chain, warehousing and logistics at General Motors is a driving force behind GM’s 44 service parts.

Inbound Logistics (ISSN 0888-8493, USPS 703990) is mailed monthly to approximately 60,000 business professionals who buy, specify, or recommend logistics technology, transportation, and related services, by Thomas Publishing Company LLC, 5 Penn Plaza, NY, NY 10001. José E. Andrade, co-chairman; Carl T. Holst-Knudsen, co-chairman. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. All rights reserved. The publisher accepts no responsibility for the validity of claims of any products or services described. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic means, or stored in any information retrieval system, without permission from the publisher. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Inbound Logistics, 5 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001

2 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

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WHITEPAPER DECISION SUPPORT DIGEST TOOLS MORE NEWS ONLINE Search our databases Looking for insight into of the Top 100 supply chain best practices providers in key and trends? Our whitepaper segments of the database is packed with supply chain industry. information on all aspects GOING THE DISTANCE: of supply chain operations. bit.ly/IL_WPDigest SECURING SUPPLY CHAINS FROM CYBER ATTACK WEB_CITE The complexity and multi-layered nature of supply chains have made FIND A 3PL PROVIDER them an obvious mark for cyber bit.ly/3PL-DST CITY attacks. Here’s how to deter hackers. bit.ly/cyberattackproof The most comprehensive online directory of supply chain websites— organized by category, FOSTERING A DATA-CENTRIC cross-referenced, and fully searchable. CULTURE IN FULFILLMENT FIND A bit.ly/IL_WCC OPERATIONS TRUCKING COMPANY bit.ly/truck-DST Investing in data management can help your distribution center run smoother. D C A O S To get buy-in for a data-driven approach P T from the entire organization, here are three points to make. bit.ly/fulfillmentdata FIND A LOGISTICS IT PROVIDER bit.ly/IT-DST BUILDING THE SUPPLY Tune in to get insights and CHAIN SKILLS OF THE diverse points of view from leaders in the industry. FUTURE bit.ly/ILMagPodcastPage The gap between the skills needed to compete in an increasingly digital FIND AN AIRFREIGHT supply chain and those available in FORWARDER most organizations is widening. Find bit.ly/airfreight-DST CONNECT WITH US out how your company can develop the linkedin.com/company/ needed skills for the future. inbound-logistics bit.ly/futureSCskills twitter.com/ILMagazine facebook.com/ InboundLogistics FIND A LOGISTICS youtube.com/user/ SCHOOL InboundLogistics inboundlogistics.com bit.ly/edu-DST

4 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

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Vol. 39, No. 12 December 2019 THE MAGAZINE FOR DEMAND-DRIVEN ENTERPRISES www.inboundlogistics.com What’s the Word? STAFF

PUBLISHER Keith G. Biondo [email protected] e asked the experts in our audience for the hot EDITOR Felecia J. Stratton [email protected] supply chain words or phrases you and your W SENIOR EDITOR Katrina C. Arabe colleagues will be talking about next year. Here goes. [email protected] CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Door to floor. Given e-commerce deliveries of larger Merrill Douglas • Karen M. Kroll • Mike Ogle consumer products, door to floor is a thing, explains CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jeof Vita Bob Hitt, industry go to market manager for Salesforce. [email protected] DESIGNER Ellen Swandiak Keith Biondo, Publisher Some call these “over the threshold” deliveries. Studies [email protected] show that porch pirates swipe up to 30% of e-commerce DIGITAL DESIGN Amy Palmisano deliveries; Amazon launched its Key in-home delivery service to try and stop that. MANAGER [email protected] PUBLICATION MANAGER Sonia Casiano We’ll see. [email protected] Gig worker. Gig is a work arrangement consisting of income-earning activities MARKETING & SALES Ivana Thomson ASSISTANT [email protected] outside of traditional, long-term employer-employee relationships. Think CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Carolyn Smolin contractors, contingency or project workers. “Embracing this growing segment of EDITOR AT LARGE Rena Behar workers is key to helping companies handle variability—from last-minute orders SALES OFFICES to seasonal swings—while remaining agile and efficient,” according to Robert O’Dwyer, logistics industry principal for Kronos. Many new age workers prefer PUBLISHER: Keith Biondo 212-629-1560 • FAX: 212-629-1565 this kind of arrangement because it affords more life flexibility. There’s friction [email protected]

ahead as states such as California and New Jersey target gig worker arrangements, WEST/MIDWEST/SOUTHWEST: Harold L. Leddy forcing employers to convert gig workers to regular employees. Why? Taxes. 847-446-8764 • FAX: 847-305-5890 Supply chain digital twin. This concept will necessarily grow in acceptance [email protected] in 2020 and beyond, predicts Dr. Madhav Durbha, group vice president of Marshall Leddy 612-234-7436 • FAX: 847-305-5890 LLamasoft. Exponential increases in computer processing power impact supply [email protected] chain modeling. “This has led to the rise of cloud and algorithmic intelligence, SOUTHEAST: Gordon H. Harper which means that a digital representation of your supply chain no longer needs 404-229-9691 • FAX: 404-355-2036 to be a patchwork of models for sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution,” [email protected] says Durbha. Instead, a living model can be digitally rendered to simulate real- MIDWEST/ECO DEV: Joseph Biondo world events, essentially an actionable and what-ifable model of your business 516-578-8924 [email protected] logistics network. NORTHEAST: Rachael Sprinz Supply chain impatience. In the continuing trend of wanting deliveries to 212-629-1560 • FAX: 212-629-1565 arrive more and more quickly, two-day delivery has evolved into one-day, and one- [email protected]

day has morphed into demand for same-day delivery. Thanks primarily to Amazon, MEXICO & LATAM: Guillermo Almazo we’ve moved beyond transportation to a consumer-driven cultural phenomena as 212-629-1560 customers have been conditioned to expect blindingly fast B2B deliveries as well. [email protected] Destruction of density. One result of the growth in supply chain impatience FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS is the requisite impact on shipment density and the loss of the transportation and www.inboundlogistics.com/free logistics cost savings that higher shipment density provides. The challenge for Inbound Logistics supports sustainable best practices. Our mission is rooted in helping companies logisticians in 2020 will continue to be offsetting the higher costs of shipment match demand to supply, eliminating waste from the supply chain. This magazine is printed on paper density loss by using the latest logistics technology to better match demand sourced from fast growth renewable timber. signals to supply. Inbound Logistics welcomes comments and submissions. Email us at [email protected]; call (212) 629-1560; or mail 5 Penn As the practice evolves, so does the language of logistics. Plaza, NY, NY 10001. For advertising or subscription information, call (212) 629-1560, or e-mail [email protected]. Inbound Logistics is distributed without cost to those qualiﬁed in North America. Interested readers may subscribe online at bit.ly/get_il. Subscription price to others: in North America: $95 per year. Foreign subscriptions: $229. Single copy price: No. Amer. $10, foreign $19, back issues $15.

6 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

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007_MHI_AD_1219.indd 1 12/5/19 1:56 PM EPA_Spread_AD_1119.indd 1 11/4/19 12:38 PM And the rAwardees are...

ABF Freight System, Inc. Logistics Trans West Inc. - Logistiques Trans West Inc. Alliance Shippers, Inc. LTI, Inc. Armada McDonald’s Bill Davis Trucking, Inc. McFarland Truck Lines, Inc. Bold Transportation, Inc. Meijer C.A.T. Inc. Meijer Logistics LLC C.R. England, Inc. Mesilla Valley Transportation Canon USA, Inc. Michelin North America, Inc. Combined Transport, Inc.: Blackwell Consolidation, LLC Navajo Express, Inc. Contract Transportation Systems, Co. (Sherwin Williams) Nordstrom, Inc. CRST Dedicated Services, Inc. Nussbaum Transportation Services, Inc. CRST Expedited, Inc. Nu-Way Transportation Services, Inc. CT Transportation, LLC Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. Delta Automotive Services, Inc. OutWest Express, LLC. DHL Express Palmer Moving Services Dillon Logistics, Inc. Penske Logistics, LLC Doug Andrus Distributing LLC Quick-Way, Inc. Duncan and Son Lines, Inc. Raven Transport Eagle Transport Corporation RJR Transportation Fortune Transportation Roehl Transport, Inc. ,ISVKME5EGMǻG(SRWYQIV5VSHYGXW15 Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Inc. Gorton’s S & S Transport, Inc Halvor Lines, Inc. Schilli Corporation Hardy Brothers, Inc. Schneider Heartland Express, Inc. of Iowa Sheehy Mail Contractors, Inc. High Country Transportation, Inc. Southeast Transportation Systems, Inc. Hirschbach Motor Lines SSBB Inc DBA Delta Distribution HP Inc. Stokes Trucking, Inc. Hub Group Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. TransAm Trucking, Inc. Johnson & Johnson TransWay, Inc. KBX Logistics, LLC Trinity Logistics Group, Inc. Kimberly-Clark Corporation Walmart Transportation, LLC King Solutions, Inc. Werner Enterprises Kohl’s Department Stores Whirlpool Corporation LEDVANCE LLC Woody Bogler Trucking Company

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EPA_Spread_AD_1119.indd 2 11/4/19 12:38 PM GOODQUESTION Readers Weigh In When choosing a logistics provider, what’s more important: cost or customer service?

With a tumultuous global economy Driving costs out of the supply Why not have both? With the and trade uncertainties, the most chain is a given when choosing volatility of order profiles and the important consideration is value. a logistics provider. What’s key new metric of next-day delivery, Can they provide global visibility to is building long-term, mutually it is extremely important you and your supply chain? Can they help beneficial partnerships that deliver your selected logistics provider you effectively navigate the ever- efficiency, transparency, and perform a detailed design session changing regulatory landscape? supply chain optimization year to align on the key metrics Park Williams over year. of success, and on how when VP, North America Sales Bill Goodgion volumes go up, so does the price. BDP International President Michael Wohlwend Ascent Global Logistics Managing Principal Alpine Supply Chain Solutions Customer service. Simply put— you can win and lose with cost, You can win and lose but you will always lose with poor Customer service, especially when customer service. A cheap rate still with cost, but you will an emergency strikes. You want a carries a minimum level of service always lose with poor partner that invests as much time/ expectations. Without customer customer service. Without resources into relationships with service, your rates won’t matter. customer service, rates customers and partners as it does Bryce Williford won’t matter. developing solutions. Senior Director, Commercial Sales Yamini Vellore BlueGrace Logistics CIO & Head of Customer Success Blume Global Depends on the mode of shipping, Now is not the time to trade off type of product, and parameters of Have a great answer to a costs for customer service. While the move. If you’re shipping LTL or good question? costs cannot be ignored, with truckload without time restraints, Be o sure t participate next month. We the growth of e-commerce and then cost is most important. On want to know: the heightened expectations the other hand, if you have time of customers, enterprises are restraints or need added attention Will the supply chain leveraging transportation as because of your product, then management function a competitive weapon, and customer service should be the it is a critical element of the #1 consideration. be obsolete in 10 years? customer experience. Scott DiCicco We’ll publish some answers. Tell us Brian Hodgson Account Manager at [email protected] or Senior Vice President, Exline Global Logistics tweet us Industry Solutions @ILMagazine #ILgoodquestion Descartes Systems Group

10 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

Good Question_1219.indd 10 12/10/19 9:34 AM INTEGRATED SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS > MANAGED TRANSPORTATION + DEDICATED CONTRACT TRANSPORTATION + VALUE-ADDED WAREHOUSING APPLESCOMPARING THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS PROVIDERS STEEL. IS LIKE COMPARING

NO TWO PRODUCTS ARE ALIKE. NO TWO THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS PROVIDERS ARE EITHER.

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Ruan_AD_1219.indd 1 12/2/19 12:28 PM [ INSIGHT ] Want to join the conversation? FOLLOW US: linkedin.com/company/inbound-logistics facebook.com/InboundLogistics twitter.com/ILMagazine DIALOG youtube.com/user/InboundLogistics @ILMagazine inboundlogistics.com/cms/podcast DROPS U A LINE: [email protected]

Adopt a customer-back approach traditional silos and collaborate cross- Quick functionally. With emerging digital to deliver exactly what your network platform capabilities like customer is looking for—even Amazon, network partners can share data TIP if it breaks a process you and and collaborate seamlessly across the platform; that is when real transformation your company are used to. It’s easy to get of ecosystems will happen. lost in the complexities and lose sight of the —Roddy Martin Chief Digital Strategist, TraceLink purpose of a process or task, but for manufacturers and wholesalers, the customer’s end goal is most important. It doesn’t matter to your Re. Unpacking the Biggest Threat to a customers how a shipment gets delivered; it matters when it arrives Multi-Trillion-Dollar Industry bit.ly/visibility_in_logistics and whether it’s intact. Where does the transparency start? With —Jamin Dick the carrier/driver? Do they have the Head of North American Supply Chain, Alibaba.com technology to show the updates required to feed the transparency data stream? If not, then it is going to be difficult to Re. Good Question: Was the Popeyes The supply chain is no longer the provide this. Has Amazon built this data chicken sandwich shortage a supply traditional siloed manufacturing or network into their system for equipment chain fail or marketing savvy? logistics functions focusing on cost they don’t own? If not, then things won’t bit.ly/GQ_Popeyes_sandwich cutting and efficiency—it’s now based stay clear for long. on the interdependence of people, Marketing savvy. Supply and demand —Max Mason processes, and technology synchronized has always been the driving factor in to responsively meet market demand supply chain management issues. Kudos and, in the case of healthcare, improve to Popeyes for creating a demand where patient outcomes. there is still clearly plenty of supply. The most important consideration as Real-time —Amy DePaoli Fast you start your career is to understand visibility and Director of Marketing analytics has Pilot Freight Services the impact end-to-end visibility can have on a business. Understand inventory become a TAKE powerful tool visibility, demand signals, logistics assets, Re. Good Question: What advice would in transportation for shippers and LSPs. you give someone just starting out in and status of orders. Analyzing and logistics/supply chain? sharing data about visibility and then Two critical factors for success include: bit.ly/SC_career_advice collaborating to meet demand is quickly 1) a large network connecting shippers, becoming the new frontier for digital suppliers, carriers, and 3PLs, and 2) Solving real-world challenges is an transformation leading to major business normalized high-quality data that can exciting and rewarding career in today’s performance improvements—more than be consumed to gain greater insight into rapidly evolving digital supply chains. we thought possible with transactional supply chain operations. However, be aware most supply chains business applications like ERP. —Brian Hodgson have become extremely complex, Senior Vice President, At the start of your supply chain career Industry Solutions especially with the new end-to-end focus. learn to recognize and look through Descartes Systems Group

12 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

Dialog_1219.indd 12 12/5/19 11:45 AM RRD_AD_1219.indd 1 12/2/19 12:27 PM 10 Growing a Green Supply Chain Green is the new black in supply chains. Whether it’s a conscious effort or the TIPS byproduct of streamlining your operations, going green can pay off.

WALK THROUGH YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS THINK OUTSIDE component harvesting 1FROM BEGINNING TO END. 6THE BOX. for reclaimed accessories. The tested, repaired, and At each step, stop and ask why. Now, ask the same One large office equipment manufacturer refurbished products question four more times. The “Five Whys” technique with a closed-loop provide customers with is an effective tool to expose weaknesses and distribution network was like-new equipment and saves more than 3.4 million redundancies in your green supply chain operations. already recycling 100% of cardboard packaging, pounds of waste from but wanted to do more. landfills annually. ESTABLISH A GO FOR The company replaced 2BASELINE. 4NO-BRAINERS. cardboard packaging with ELECTRIFY YOUR collapsible, returnable OPERATIONS. Tap an experienced Simple and inexpensive 8 plastic totes, diverting third-party logistics changes can impact Many service providers 300,000 large cardboard (3PL) provider to model energy and cost savings. are paving the way for the boxes from landfills your current systems, For example, consider adoption of alternative annually. including variables such switching to LED lights, fuel vehicles and electric as labor, inventory, and which last five times vehicles by providing transportation costs, while longer than fluorescent WASTE NOT, lease and maintenance also considering future lights and use at least 7W ANT NOT. options, as well as needs. Modeling validates 75% less energy than Whena cable internet equipping facilities with current processes, incandescent lighting. company—which sees charging requirements. highlights improvement The return on investment 3.1 million pieces of Consider electrifying areas, and suggests can be as quick as a year inbound equipment your fleet through a lease hybridized solutions. or two, and the result is a annually—aimed to program to minimize risk net-green positive on your reduce its carbon and maximize efficiency. FIND THE supply chain. intensity, it implemented 3LOW -HANGING FRUIT. a solution that included a DO WHAT’S RIGHT. hands-free, data-capture Typically, inventory levels GET LEAN 9When it’s a toss-up, go receiving process that and placement are easy 5AND MEAN. green. Your customers will enables quick and easy pickings. More product Implementing lean thank you. means more space, labor, operations is the most equipment, waste, and strategic way to green CHOOSE YOUR PARTNERS energy consumption. your supply chain. From WISELY. Consider investing in the CEO to the assembly 10 a good warehouse line, every member Look for a reputable 3PL with a strong track record in management system if of a lean organization optimizing green supply chains. Choose a company your organization has relentlessly seeks out the in-house expertise to waste and eliminates it. If that considers continuous improvement core to its implement it. Otherwise, a system or process does business and that will continually challenge your partner with a 3PL. not add value, lose it. processes.

SOURCE: TOM REGAN, GROUP DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMER LOGISTICS, RYDER 14 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

10tips_1219.indd 14 12/5/19 12:23 PM UTXL_AD_0819.indd 1 8/13/19 12:03 PM READERPROFILE as told to Karen Kroll

Taking the Wheel of GM’s Service Parts

n August 2019, we opened a be flexible and modify the execution I1.1-million-square-foot ACDelco and details multiple times to meet the GM Genuine Parts processing center launch timing. in Burton, Michigan, GM’s largest Day to day, I oversee a global single investment in a warehousing and organization within GM. We’ve done a logistics facility in the United States in lot of work to identify best practices from nearly 40 years. The facility handles around the world and leverage them parts packaging, kitting, and distribution, across all our operations to improve both domestically and globally, for 120 everyone’s performance, working hard to million service parts annually. overcome a “North American” mentality. One of my most significant One example is the way we organize accomplishments was overseeing our outbound work into waves for and empowering my team to bring picking. Because we don’t have the same this to fruition. We had an aggressive systems in every location, we initially timeline, so project management was didn’t think we could use the same key, especially with 70 days of weather processes everywhere. However, we took delays. We had a plan, but also had to the batching concept and used desktop LISA VENEZIANO is executive director, global aftersales supply chain, Lisa Veneziano Answers the Big Questions warehousing and logistics, If you received $1 million through the ignition switch recall, for General Motors Customer 1 to start a new business or example, Mary stood front and center, Care and Aftersales. philanthropic venture, what and was a great role model for the would you do? company and industry around the priority RESPONSIBILITIES: Leading I would contribute to efforts against of integrity and product safety. an integrated, global team responsible for supply chain domestic violence. About five years ago, planning, warehousing, packaging, my area within GM started supporting If you could represent distributing, and logistics for a safe house for victims of domestic 3 the United States in the automotive replacement parts Olympics, what would you do? and accessories heading to GM violence. We’ve since expanded to vehicle owners across the globe. multiple domestic violence centers close Marathon running. I’ve completed The organization covers almost 100 to our U.S. warehouses. The need is 16 Boston Marathons and have come facilities in 22 countries. there, but people don’t like to openly within 38 seconds of going to the EXPERIENCE: Within GM, talk about it. Olympic marathon trials. While I love positions in industrial engineering, the competitive aspect of running, I processing and parts distribution Any role models or people also often come up with creative ways center operations, logistics, global supply chain, ACDelco sales, and 2 you particularly admire? to handle various challenges while on global lean warehousing operations Mary Barra, chair and chief executive longer runs. for Customer Care and Aftersales. officer of GM. Her commitment to integrity is paramount. When we went

16 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

ReaderProfile_1219.indd 16 12/9/19 9:36 AM [ IN PRACTICE ]

tools to batch work in similar ways across discovered industrial engineering, which develop women for supply chain and locations, even without the same systems. ended up being a great fit. logistics roles. This is important since As a result, we’re able to schedule work When I moved into leadership warehousing operations positions are so customers receive their materials positions within Customer Care and not as flexible as office jobs. The advice within more consistent time frames. Aftersales, the cross-functional positions I give women, regardless of their role, In college, I knew I wanted to earn I held became key to gaining a broader is not to feel guilty about not doing a technical degree. However, I wasn’t knowledge of the business. These everything. Identify your priorities and interested in mechanical or electrical experiences have helped me succeed in put them on your calendar. These are engineering, and at the time, my school my current role. just as important as your professional didn’t offer a supply chain degree. I GM does a lot to attract and priorities. n asi_halfpgIL_1219_final_• 11/20/19 1:57 PM Page 1 Temperature. Controlled.

Dedicated Management Team • Online Shipment Information 24/7 Priority Service Schedules Two-Way Communication with Remote Temperature Control

20179 + 201 EXCELLENCE AWARD For more information about our Temperature Control Division, visit: www.alliance.com December 2019 • InboundW INNERLogistics 17

ReaderProfile_1219.indd 17 12/9/19 9:36 AM NOTED[ IN FOCUS ] The Supply Chain in Brief > SHOVEL READY m&a

Q A&R Logistics, a supply chain services provider for the chemical industry, acquired Plantgistix Holdings, a provider of packaging, warehousing, and export services to the plastic resin sector.

Q Canadian Pacific acquired Central Maine & Quebec Railway (CMQ) from Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors. CMQ owns 481 miles of rail lines primarily in Maine and Quebec.

Food and beverage distributor Ben E. Keith broke Q MODE Transportation merged with SunteckTTS to form a 3PL ground on its new foodservice distribution center that will operate under the MODE name. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Expected to be completed in November 2021, the 261,000-square- Q Kerry Logistics Network Limited acquired a majority interest foot facility will include Dematic Multi-Shuttles, Frick in Turkey’s Asav Lojistik Hizmetleri Anonim Sirketi to further refrigeration and security systems, LED lighting, expand its global network. warehouse management systems, a test kitchen, and a training center. Q Refrigerated warehouse owner Lineage Logistics bought cold- storage company Emergent Cold to increase space for chilled and frozen foods moving through the Port of Charleston.

> GREEN SEEDS Q Roadrunner Transportation Systems sold its intermodal services business to Universal Logistics Holdings.

Q Manitoulin Global Forwarding acquired Associated Cargo Specialists (Canada), which operates as ACS Logistics.

> UP THE CHAIN

Alicia Cano was signed by womenswear As part of its global sustainability program, company Gerry Weber air cargo handler Worldwide Flight Services is as director of supply converting most plastic products used in its chain management. cargo handling operations to the BioNatur Cano is responsible Plastics line manufactured by M&G Packaging. for optimizing supply The biodegradable plastic products reduce fossil chain processes and operations at the fuel-based plastic usage and greenhouse gas retailer, which is currently undergoing a restructuring generation. process.

18 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

Noted_1219.indd 18 12/6/19 11:52 AM NOTED

> SEALED DEALS > RECOGNITION

• Hair styling tools maker T3 Micro tapped into 3PL ODW Logistics' new fulﬁllment service. ODW Logistics provides T3 Micro with order fulﬁllment technology, kitting, customized packaging, labeling, delivery execution, and transportation management, supporting the luxury brand's premium packaging and delivery services throughout North America.

• Vestiaire Collective, a platform for pre-owned fashion, implemented Descartes ' CustomsInfo solution to support • Averitt Express won the First Place LTL Fleet its classiﬁcation determinations and reduce duty spend for Safety Award from the Tennessee Trucking international e-commerce operations outside of Europe. By Association. The Fleet Safety Awards recognize implementing the solution, which calculates the customs an organization’s safe driving record. Pictured duties and taxes applicable to any online purchase, Vestiaire from left to right: John Walton, director of safety Collective is now available in 21 new countries, including Brazil and compliance, Averitt; Devin Rackley, driver, and South Africa. Averitt; and Major Brandon Douglas, Tennessee Highway Patrol.

> GOOD WORKS • The Association of American Railroads gave CSX Transportation’s Brian Zacker the 2019 Professional Environmental Excellence Award DHL Express delivered for integrating environmental stewardship across 500 fresh-cut Christmas multiple departments at CSX. As senior manager of trees, thousands of environmental field services, he reshaped how the handwritten letters, railroad stages rail materials to ensure supplies are menorahs, decorations, reused and recycled, reducing costs and eliminating and other gifts to U.S. stormwater impacts from stray materials. troops stationed at U.S. bases in Afghanistan, • Old Dominion Freight Line was named the Bahrain, and Kuwait. DHL Operation Holiday Cheer, a charitable Overall Winner of the Mastio Quality Award for program DHL runs in partnership with the New York community, is now national LTL carriers for the 10th year in a row. in its 16th year. Old Dominion topped the list of 25 LTL carriers assessed in the annual Mastio & Company survey, 3PL Sunset Transportation delivered more than 614,000 pounds of which measures 35 key attributes, including donated food during the one-day Scouting for Food drive in November damage-free delivery and on-time pickup. 2019. In partnership with the Greater St. Louis Area Council Boy Scouts of America, the 3PL handled the logistics of the event, which included • The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) transporting donations from 36 St. Louis area firehouse collection sites to recognized Dupré Logistics and YRC Worldwide the St. Louis Food Bank and then distributing the donated food to more as 2019 Top Companies for Women to Work For than 500 food pantries and banks. in Transportation. WIT recognizes companies for fostering gender diversity, offering competitive Raymond raised a total of $15,370 for breast cancer awareness during compensation and benefits, providing flexible the sixth annual Pink Pallet Jack Project online auction. The company hours and work requirements, and encouraging auctioned off three Raymond 8210 powered pallet jacks on eBay, splitting professional development and career advancement. proceeds between the New York-based Tina Fund and the California- based HERS Breast Cancer Foundation and Breast Cancer Angels.

December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 19

Noted_1219.indd 19 12/6/19 11:52 AM TAKE[ IN FOCUS ] AWAYS Shaping the Future of the Global Supply Chain

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GETS REAL About 90% of respondents to an IFS global research study into the attitudes and strategies towards artiﬁcial intelligence (AI) among business leaders report at least some plans to implement AI in various parts of their business. Among the key ﬁndings:

Q Industrial automation is the most commonly reported area of investment, with 44.6% planning AI projects. Customer relationship management (CRM) and inventory planning and logistics tie for second place at 38.9%. Lawmakers in the Senate and House of Q When asked how they plan to use AI, 60.6% say they Representatives have introduced legislation to expect it will help them make existing workers more support women in the productive (see chart). Just under half, 47.9%, say they will trucking industry. use AI to add value to products and services they sell to customers. About 18.1% say they will proactively use it to Supporting Women replace existing workers. Q While a majority of respondents anticipate productivity Behind the Wheel increases from AI, 29.3% anticipate AI will lead to a reduction in headcount in their industry. To manage this, 56% of respondents state that society could best prepare Two U.S. senators, working with Ellen Voie, president and by changing educational programs to prepare workers CEO of the Women In Trucking Association, introduced to make direct use of AI tools to increase their own legislation that would require the Federal Motor Carrier Safety productivity. Another 23.4% say they expect the market Administration (FMCSA) to take a formal role in supporting to create new jobs for people displaced by AI, while 15.4% women drivers. suggest a shortened 30-hour work week. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and bill co-sponsor Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are working with the FMCSA to WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO USE AI FOR? create the Women of Trucking Advisory Board. 70% The bill, announced Nov. 14, 2019, will establish an 60.63% 60% advisory board of “not fewer than seven members…to 50% 47.94% contribute balanced points of view and diverse ideas regarding 40% the strategies and objectives…to create new opportunities for 30% women in the trucking industry.” 20% 18.10% 11.59% The FMCSA administrator will appoint the advisory board, 10% 0.63% which will then report to the Committee on Commerce, 0% Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Make existing workers more productive Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House Add value to products and services for customers of Representatives. Replace existing workers “This bill exactly supports our mission to increase the We do not plan to invest in AI ranks of women working in the trucking industry, to address Other obstacles, and to celebrate success,” Voie says. SOURCE: AI RESEARCH: PLANNING FOR DISRUPTION, IFS

20 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

Takeaways_1219.indd 20 12/10/19 1:54 PM Top 10 TAKEAWAYS Manufacturing manufacturing supply chains will have sustainability requirements, 30% of Predictions invested in supply chain resiliency manufacturers will utilize blockchain and and artificial intelligence, resulting in IoT to provide reliable provenance, leading productivity improvements of 15%. to a 90% increase in audit efficiency. What’s ahead for global 3: By 2021, 30% of manufacturers will 7: By 2021, 20% of manufacturing manufacturing? “Manufacturing have a digital application unit that will companies will have started to treat their companies are transforming from use low-code technologies to create assets as internal customers, leading to a efficiency-oriented operations to business-relevant applications without 40% reduction in asset downtime. resilient organizations driven by a tighter needing the coding skills required. 8: By 2024, 40% of OEMs will leverage connection to markets and customers,” 4: By 2023, 60% of G2000 field asset IoT data to intelligently says Kevin Prouty, vice president, manufacturers will address growing diagnose pending issues and resolve Manufacturing Insights, IDC. Here’s industry talent shortages by making unplanned downtime by 25%. what Manufacturing Insights predicts for significant investments in intelligent 9: By 2024, 75% of all consumer-facing the years ahead: robotic process automation. manufacturers will have materially 1: By 2023, 65% of global manufacturers 5: By 2022, the need for operational transformed their supply chains to will realize a 10% savings in operational resiliency with data-driven processes manage customization at scale. expenses through process digital twins will lead 60% of manufacturers to shift 10: By 2022, 70% of manufacturers will driven by Internet of Things (IoT) and their smart factory strategy focus from use cloud-based innovation platforms machine language routines that factor in technology implementation to process and marketplaces for cross-industry and unstructured data sets. change management. customer co-development that creates 2: By the end of 2021, half of all 6: By 2025, driven by increased 50% of new products and service ideas.

MODEX HELPED ME LEARN HOW WE CAN MOVE UP ON THE AI AND AUTOMATION CURVE.

GIL KANNER VP, Operations at PharmaLink

STARTING MARCH 9, YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS

MARCH 9–12, 2020 | GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER | ATLANTA, GA LEARN MORE & REGISTERXXXXX 2019 TODAY • Inbound AT MODEXSHOW.COM Logistics 21

Takeaways_1219.indd 21 12/10/19 1:54 PM TAKEAWAYS

DRONES MAKE THE MEDICINE GO DOWN UPS Flight Forward Inc. and CVS Pharmacy have successfully completed the first revenue-generating drone delivery of a medical prescription from a CVS pharmacy directly to a consumer’s home. This was followed by another delivery of a medical prescription to a second customer in a nearby retirement community. Both flights used the M2 drone system by UPS partner and drone systems developer according to FAA regulations. Matternet. The flights launched from a CVS store in Cary, North The deliveries mark another milestone in a collaboration Carolina, and flew to CVS customers’ homes. The drones between UPS and CVS to develop a variety of drone flew autonomously but were monitored by a remote delivery use cases, including business-to-consumer operator who could intervene if necessary. The drone operating models. The companies plan ongoing drone hovered about 20 feet over the properties and slowly delivery program development in order to bring to market lowered the packages by a cable and a winch to the ground. the speed and convenience advantages of UAVs. One of the packages was delivered to a CVS customer The recent prescription delivery flights occurred with whose limited mobility makes it difficult to travel to a store FAA approval to conduct a residential drone delivery and to pick up a prescription.

PICK-UP and DELIVERY so seamless

Greg Syfan, President, Jim Syfan, CEO we might as well be invisible. and Steve Syfan, Executive Vice President It’s our job to transport your cargo to its destination with zero complications – on time, every time, drama-free – and we do it well. Syfan Logistics is an asset-based, $150 million company with over 250 team members and four decades of experience. We are a leader in transportation logistics because of our 24/7 commitment to technology, communications, our own ﬂ eet of trucks – and the experience to eliminate problems before they happen. We haul it all, while our industry expertise is focused on food, auto and package delivery. No surprises. Just reliable shipping and logistics. Because when we make a promise, we deliver. SyfanLogistics.com | Gainesville, GA | 855.287.8485 | 770.287.8485

Logistics | Transport | Expedited | Intermodal Service Recovery | Freight Management 22 Inbound Logistics • XXXXX 2019

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Takeaways_1219.indd 22 12/10/19 1:54 PM TAKEAWAYS

That’s a Wrap: Holiday Shipping 14%

Tied Up in Knots If consumers 2017 had to choose: During the holiday shopping season, all eyes are on shipping, with more than half 86% of consumers (60%), and nearly three-quarters of millennials (74%) claiming they were disappointed with holiday shopping services in the past. Stats from Pitney Free but Bowes’ 2019 Global Online Shopping Study reveal the top shipping frustrations: slower shipping 1. Free shipping still reigns supreme, with 24% of shoppers disappointed 21% with the cost of shipping. Free shipping is the #1 most important loyalty driver 2018 vs. other delivery-related experiences. Fast 79% delivery at 2. 29% of online shoppers were disappointed with delayed shipments. a cost 40% of consumers blame the retailer, instead of the carrier, when a package is delayed, damaged, or lost. 3. Most consumers (59%) track their packages either daily or multiple 20% times per day, making inaccurate tracking all the more disappointing. 2019 More than half of consumers (51%) have either enrolled or are interested in SOURCE: PITNEY 80% BOWES GLOBAL enrolling in a carrier tracking program (UPS MyChoice, FedEx Delivery Manager, ONLINE SHOPPING STUDY 2019 and others).

PICK-UP and DELIVERY so seamless

Logistics | Transport | Expedited | Intermodal Service Recovery | Freight Management XXXXX 2019 • Inbound Logistics 23

0295 Syfan 2019 Ad Campaign_Half Page Spread Ad-IL.indd 1 2/14/19 4:38 PM

Takeaways_1219.indd 23 12/10/19 1:54 PM SPONSORED CONTENT KNOWLEDGE BASE

Leverage Your 3PL’s Real Estate Assets For In-Demand Cold Storage

inding available cold storage real estate technology resources across their customer base, in key markets is becoming more difficult 3PLs can typically offer noticeable cost savings for than ever before. Online grocery delivery one- and two-day shipping operations that shippers and the wider e-commerce market have may not be able to achieve on their own. F • Flexibility. monopolized cold chain facilities near population 3PLs can typically scale up or down centers, leaving new or expanding cold chain very efficiently to keep pace with demand. Working operations in a lurch as they struggle to locate with many clients also gives 3PLs broad capabilities themselves nearer to their customers. in terms of services such as packaging, labeling, Robert Kriewaldt A recent report from CBRE showed that the U.S. inventory management, and more, facilitating Senior Vice President cold chain would need to add 100 million square customized solutions that directly meet each client’s Phoenix Logistics feet to its footprint before 2020 to keep pace with needs. [email protected] demand, which has driven a boom in cold storage • Sustainability. Consumers don’t just want www.phoenix3pl.com construction. Building new facilities is a slow and their food fast anymore—they also want it organic, 920-915-9746 costly process, however, and cold chain shippers locally sourced, and/or ethically grown. 3PLs can need solutions right now. leverage their networks to assist shippers with sourcing more sustainable suppliers that meet the 3PLs Are Hot in Cold Storage demands of their customer base. When capacity is tight somewhere in the supply • Creativity. The 3PL sector has been driving chain, this is where third-party logistics (3PL) innovation in the warehousing space for decades. Whatever companies shine. 3PLs typically maintain facilities When traditional facilities are hard to come by, near primary markets, offering shared warehousing 3PLs can offer more out-of-the-box solutions for challenges your and fulfillment space to their clients. If you need warehousing and fulfillment. For example, 3PLs may perishable goods access to cold storage near your target market, your be able to quickly set up micro-fulfillment operations 3PL should be able to help. 3PLs can provide the to enable fast relief to strained markets or offer operation faces, following benefits in this area: optimized service from nearby secondary markets to • Access. U.S. consumers have been used to fulfillprimary market demands. the right 3PL can the two-day shipping model for quite some time, offer innovative but online grocery sales have been at the forefront Finding the Right 3PL for Cold Storage of a growing one-day shipping movement. A one- Whatever challenges your perishable goods solutions. day delivery window is nearly impossible without operation faces, it’s likely that the right 3PL can conveniently located fulfillment space. offer innovative solutions. However, not every 3PL is • Technology. Meeting modern consumer experienced in perishable goods. demands for fast shipping involves a plethora of Make sure your 3PL already has the right technology solutions. 3PLs in the cold storage space temperature control capabilities in place for are continually investing in technologies ranging warehousing and transportation. In addition, they from temperature tracking to warehouse and should have certifications from the Food and Drug transportation management systems to maintain Administration, American Institute of Baking, and optimal visibility and ensure that perishable goods Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure they comply arrive fast and fresh. with all best practices for your products. Find a 3PL • Affordability. Meeting the growing demand with these qualifications and you’ll be glad you did. for near-instant shipping is an expensive endeavor. For help with your temperature-controlled storage By sharing warehousing, transportation, and needs, contact Phoenix Logistics today.

24 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

KB_Phoenix_1219.indd 24 12/5/19 11:03 AM SPONSORED CONTENT KNOWLEDGE BASE

What’s the Deal With Flexible Warehousing?

here are several companies offering KDYHDQRWKHUOHJXSRQWKHLUFOLHQWVQHHGIRUVSHHG ŴH[LEOHZDUHKRXVHVSDFHŋ)OH[H6WRUGDQG (YHQEHWWHUD3/ZLWKORJLVWLFVVRIWZDUHOLNHLWVRZQ T )ORZDUHDIHZH[DPSOHV:KDWKDVFDXVHG WUDQVSRUWDWLRQPDQDJHPHQWV\VWHPDQGRU%% WKLVWUHQG" V\VWHPVLQWHJUDWLRQVRIWZDUHFDQHDVLO\IXOƓOOWKH 0DQ\FRPSDQLHVōVXSSO\FKDLQQHHGVKDYH QHHGVRIDVKRUWWHUPFOLHQW FKDQJHGUDSLGO\GXHWRWKHFRQVXPHUGHPDQG IRUVDPHGD\RUQH[WGD\GHOLYHU\RISURGXFWV Current 3PLs Already Meeting the Need &RPSDQLHVZDQWŴH[LEOHZDUHKRXVLQJRSWLRQV 3/VZLWKDIRFXVRQORJLVWLFVPDQDJHPHQWFDQ Steve Elliott ZLWKVNLOOHGHIƓFLHQWODERUWRKDQGOHDQGVKLSWKHLU UHVWDVVXUHGWKDWWKH\DUHFRPSHWLQJFDSDEO\DJDLQVW 9LFH3UHVLGHQW SURGXFWV WKHQHZNLGRQWKHEORFN%\TXLFNO\DGDSWLQJWR 6DOHV 0DUNHWLQJ )OH[LEOHZDUHKRXVLQJLVDKRWWRSLFLQWKH YDULRXVLQGXVWULHVDQGFRPPRGLWLHVDQGUHVSRQGLQJ :6, ZDUHKRXVLQJLQGXVWU\EHFDXVHPDQ\FRPSDQLHV WRFOLHQWUHTXHVWVZLWKXUJHQF\DQGDQH[WUHPHO\ 6XSSO\&KDLQ6ROXWLRQV ZDQWWRVWRUHKLJKWXUQRYHUSURGXFWLQVSDFHVIRU KLJKOHYHORIFXVWRPHUVHUYLFHTXDOLW\DVWURQJ3/ ZZZZVLQFFRP VKRUWSHULRGVRIWLPH'HVSLWHLWVQHZQDPHŴH[ ZLOOƓQGLWFDQRXWODVWHYHQWKHPRVWFRQYHQLHQW ZDUHKRXVLQJKDVH[LVWHGLQWKHORJLVWLFVLQGXVWU\IRU ZDUHKRXVLQJRSWLRQVRIWKHVWFHQWXU\ DORQJWLPH,WVLPSO\ZHQWE\GLIIHUHQWQDPHVVXFK :6,LVRQHRIWKHODUJHVW3/VLQWKHQDWLRQZLWK DVSXEOLFZDUHKRXVLQJPXOWLFOLHQWVSDFHRUSXEOLF QHDUO\PLOOLRQVTXDUHIHHWQDWLRQZLGH:HVHUYH VSDFH WKHFKHPLFDOSDSHUFRQVXPHUSDFNDJHGJRRGV 7KLVW\SHRIZDUHKRXVHVSDFHDOORZVPDQ\FOLHQWVō SDFNDJLQJEXLOGLQJPDWHULDOVDQGHOHFWURQLFV A third-party SURGXFWVWREHUHFHLYHGKDQGOHGVWRUHGDQG LQGXVWULHV,Q:6,FHOHEUDWHGLWVWK VKLSSHGRXWLQDŴH[LEOHHQYLURQPHQWDVRSSRVHG DQQLYHUVDU\RISURYLGLQJ$EVROXWH5HOLDELOLW\WRLWV logistics provider WRGHGLFDWHGVSDFHDQGODERUUHVHUYHGIRURQO\RQH FOLHQWV2XU:06WKH2UDFOHSRZHUHG-'(GZDUGV FRQWUDFWFOLHQWDWDWLPH (QWHUSULVH2QHVRIWZDUHFDQSURFHVVLQERXQGDQG with its own RXWERXQGVKLSPHQWRUGHUVIRUSURGXFWVUDQJLQJ dedicated The Inside Scoop on Flex Warehousing IURPWVKLUWVWREXONSODVWLFSHOOHWV2XUH[SHULHQFH 7\SLFDOO\WKHŴH[ZDUHKRXVLQJFRPSDQLHVGRQRW ZLWKVHDVRQDOJRRGVOLNHKROLGD\ZUDSSLQJSDSHU workforce is still RZQDQ\LQGXVWULDOUHDOHVWDWH7KH\XVHVRIWZDUHWR +DOORZHHQFRVWXPHVDQGƓVKLQJURGVKDVPDGHXV a company’s PDWFKWKHFXVWRPHUVōQHHGZLWKDZDUHKRXVHōVRSHQ RQHRIWKHEHVWLQWKHLQGXVWU\:HFDQUHDFWTXLFNO\ VSDFH7KHGRZQVLGHRIŴH[ZDUHKRXVLQJLVWKHODFN WRUHWDLOHUGLVWULEXWRUDQGPDQXIDFWXUHUQHHGVQR best option for RIGHGLFDWHGODERUWRKDQGOHFHUWDLQKLJKO\VHQVLWLYH PDWWHUWKHJRRG/RRNLQJIRUVTXDUHIHHWRI SURGXFWVVXFKDVFKHPLFDOVSHULVKDEOHIRRGVDQG VSDFHIRUPRQWKV":HKDYHWKDW1HHG handling and ODUJHHDVLO\GDPDJHGJRRGV VTXDUHIHHWIRU\HDUV":HFDQGRWKDWWRR storing sensitive 6HHNLQJRXWDWKLUGSDUW\ORJLVWLFVSURYLGHUZLWK 2XUVLVWHUFRPSDQLHV:6,7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ//& LWVRZQGHGLFDWHGZRUNIRUFHDVZHOODVDUREXVWDQG DQGGDWDRIIHUSHUVRQDOL]HGWUDQVSRUWDWLRQDQG goods. ŴH[LEOH:DUHKRXVH0DQDJHPHQW6\VWHPVRIWZDUH VXSSO\FKDLQYLVLELOLW\VROXWLRQVUHVSHFWLYHO\ DQG5)JHQVFDQQLQJFDSDELOLWLHVLVVWLOODFRPSDQ\ōV 2XUIRFXVLVRQ$EVROXWH5HOLDELOLW\WRWKHFOLHQW EHVWRSWLRQIRUKDQGOLQJDQGVWRULQJVHQVLWLYH 7KDWPRWWRKDVLQVWLOOHGLQRXURUJDQL]DWLRQDQ JRRGV/RJLVWLFVVHUYLFHVOLNH5)VFDQQLQJDQGDQ LQQDWHŴH[LELOLW\WRPHHWRXUFOLHQWōVFKDQJLQJ 2UDFOHSRZHUHG:06FDQZRUNLQWDQGHPZLWK QHHGVIRUPRUHWKDQ\HDUV&RQWDFWXVWRGD\DW KLJKO\WUDLQHGVDIHW\PLQGHGPDWHULDOKDQGOHUōV IRUDYDLODELOLW\SULFLQJWUDQVSRUWDWLRQ VNLOOVHWVWRHQVXUHFOLHQWVōQHHGVDUHPHW3/VZLWK DQGGHGLFDWHGODERULQIRUPDWLRQRUYLVLWXVDW WUDQVSRUWDWLRQDVVHWVHYHQDVPDOOŴHHWRIWUXFNV ZZZZVLQFFRP

December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 25

KB_WSI_1219.indd 25 12/5/19 11:05 AM SPONSORED CONTENT KNOWLEDGE BASE

Need Speed Across the Supply Chain? It’s All About the Barcode.

he Amazon effect has upended the retail With so many places to streamline, it’s important industry and wreaked havoc on supply to select the right printers. The compact and chains. Speed has emerged as the critical lightweight new Brother TD-4 family of desktop T success factor. Every extra minute it takes printers offers market-leading performance, your team to locate a product or validate a shipment connectivity, and ease of use, all backed by the makes it harder for you to compete. industry’s best two-year warranty and nearly 30 One of the smartest places to start upping your years of industry experience and innovation. Like competitive game is also one of the simplest. the best-selling RuggedJet Series mobile printers Ravi Panjwani Barcode labels. They’re recognized as the lowest from Brother, the new TD-4 printer family seamlessly hanging fruit and the logical place to begin integrates with and prints directly from WMS and Vice President improving productivity—and something as simple mobile devices. Marketing and Product as the right label printer can help speed up your In this “new normal” competitive environment Management internal processes. Barcode labels already play there’s no room for failure. To achieve 100% Brother Mobile Solutions an essential role in your supply chain. They are scannable labels, opt for reliable, quality Brother [email protected] also a smart and cost-effective way to start making printers with the right technology for your www.brothermobilesolutions.com productivity gains in your warehouse. application. 303-993-0182 Barcoding saves valuable time and ensures Direct thermal printers are ideal for shipping accurate information at every key warehouse station, labels, receipts, and many general-purpose uses. including: However, if you are labeling racks, or need labels to ■■ Receiving: be 100% scannable after six months or more, you’ll Applying barcode labels as soon want the enhanced durability of thermal transfer Barcode labels as inbound items arrive ensures they can be technology. accurately unloaded, checked in, put away, or are a smart and Traditionally, that’s meant buying different printers handled by automated applications. for each method of printing. Thanks to Brother’s new ■■ Picking: cost-effective Generating labels for each item picked TD-4 family, there’s even a model that prints both allows them to be scanned in a staging or packing direct thermal and thermal transfer labels. So, while way to make area where they are easily sorted for shipment. you’re doing more with fewer people, you might also ■■ Packaging: Creating new labels is vital for productivity do more with fewer printers. identifying finished goods that you have kitted, All Brother barcode printers are flexible, fast, easy gains in your assembled, or packaged. to use, and competitively priced to help you compete ■■ Shipping and Returns: Ship-to order applica- more effectively. By saving time and money with warehouse. tions can incorporate customer-specific labeling, more barcoding from Brother, you may find the scanning to fulfill orders, and generating return Amazon effect working in your favor. shipping labels and paperwork that include time- saving credit and put-away location data. ■■ Cross-docking: Ideal for time-sensitive or fast- moving goods, cross-docking sends inbound items out again without their spending time in your facility. Warehouse workers with mobile printers and scanners can hop inside inbound trucks at the dock and start relabeling cartons for store or customer delivery, increasing the efficiency of that important last-mile delivery.

26 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

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by Aman Sangha Product Manager, ORBIS Corporation [email protected] | 800-999-8683

Four Ways Reusables Benefit the Circular Economy

The consumer-packaged goods (CPG) supply chain is changing. can be right-sized to use the most truck From faster, more frequent deliveries to specialty packaging, the space possible. Reusable packaging manufacturers are way goods are handled and delivered has adapted and evolved. But even introducing lightweight options to change can come with consequences and the amount of packaging accommodate for more product weight. waste due to e-commerce has skyrocketed. In addition to improved pack ratios, these are instrumental features. 3. Decreases product damage and As a result, re-usability and incorporating this packaging in their loss. Durable packaging can help sustainability are top of mind for many warehouses, distribution centers, retail prevent customers from receiving a companies and consumers. stores, and during transportation to meet damaged product. And with secure and At its core, reusable packaging the circular economy revolution head on. stable stackability, reusable packaging supports a circular economy. From In addition to waste reduction, here can maintain product integrity cradle to grave, packaging can be are four other ways reusable packaging throughout the supply chain. manufactured, used, reused, and can increase supply chain sustainability: 4. Improves packaging recycling. reprocessed without impacting the solid 1. Reduces packaging waste. To prevent packaging from entering waste stream. This is a huge benefit Reusable packaging has a long service landfills, reusable packaging is recovered, considering limited- and one-time-use life and can be used repeatedly recycled, and reprocessed into other packaging contributes to the waste crisis. throughout the supply chain to reduce useful packaging. The right packaging Reusable packaging—totes, containers, waste accumulation. Reusable packaging provider can engineer a reusable racks, and pallets—can be a sustainable also can eliminate multiple layers of packaging management and recycling material handling solution, especially for paper, plastic bags, and other expendable system to track packaging, maximize transportation. Its durability, cleanability, packing materials to further reduce waste. utilization, and properly recycle reusable and consistent dimensions create a more 2. Increases full-load shipments. packaging at the end of its useful life, streamlined, environmentally friendly Inconsistent, unreliable packaging can increasing sustainable packaging usage option for shippers. result in unpredictable transportation throughout the entire supply chain. Reusable packaging startups are conditions while standard and By investing in innovative supply changing the way CPG goods are consistent dimensions—as seen in chain solutions that embrace circular delivered, but it is an option for the reusable packaging—can help ensure economy principles, companies can entire supply chain. CPG companies a fully cubed-out truckload with every ensure competitive advantage, future can fully embrace re-usability by shipment. Reusable packaging also growth, and customer confidence. n

28 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

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by Michael Burdiek President and Chief Executive Officer, CalAmp [email protected] | 949-600-5600

Seeing Clearly: The Value of Visibility

Few parts of the enterprise have transformed more radically over difference between assisted braking and the years than supply chain as companies struggle to navigate global full autonomous drive? That analogy is not random. Tesla sourcing, just-in-time delivery models, and unprecedented customer took years of laying sensors, telematics, expectations for product availability and delivery speed. actuators, and other infrastructure into its vehicles—the cars were preemptively Ironically, while companies are document compliance with regulations designed to operate and engage these leveraging extended supply chain and drive operational efficiencies that sophisticated systems that wouldn’t networks and heavy outsourcing to benefit everyone, from manufacturers be enabled for more than a year into meet these challenges, these solutions and shippers to the end consumers. the future. create a significant new problem: lost That point in the future came visibility. Lost visibility into your supply CONNECTING SYSTEMS when Tesla finally downloaded its first chain means lost value. The good news For many, additional possibilities AutoPilot program to users who—literally is that the right telematics and related come to life when you realize that, rather overnight—were able to suddenly enable technologies can help maintain powerful than scrap all your existing, limited new capabilities from latent technology. visibility and control over even the most capabilities in favor of some brand new Now that we realize we’re not starting complex global supply chain networks. system, you can create new visibility by from scratch, how do we make this Among the many impacts of the integrating and strategically augmenting transition while keeping our business Amazon effect is heightened demand many capabilities you already have. running? First, focus on the most flexible for consumer visibility into availability For instance, nearly every tractor- and scalable infrastructure or technology and shipping logistics, from the first mile trailer on the highway today is equipped platform, and then capture the right data to the last. Not surprisingly, businesses with a telematics device to track input and service capabilities for the see value in getting the right supply location and driver behavior, a separate business or use case as needed. chain visibility to meet those customer system to monitor container location, Think back to our tractor trailer expectations and ensure efficiencies in a third system for cargo temperature, example: We’re faced with having to their own operations. and a security system to protect the pick the best system—perhaps see The hurdles come in trying to actually cargo from theft or tampering. That’s whose contract is up for renewal, or implement in some tough supply chain a lot of duplication of systems and whose existing infrastructure is most use cases such as highly volatile, highly services for what remains silos of interoperable—and weigh everything as valuable pharmaceutical cargo that’s also uncoordinated insight. a business decision with the best ROI. environmentally sensitive. What if we instead choose to Then introduce the right applications, Smart sensors and granular data mean fold in point solutions and targeted micro-services, and management systems we can provide real-time operational capabilities together with larger “system that allow you to streamline all the data intelligence to not only reduce the risk of systems” integrations that create and touch points throughout your supply of cargo theft and spoilage, but also more sophisticated outcomes—like the chain. n

30 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

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THE CX FILES

32 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

F_Customer Service2_1219.FE.indd 32 12/10/19 1:57 PM The truth is out there.

Technology tools offer

mindbending ways

to delight retailers

and their customers.

And there‘s no conspiracy

about that.

BY MERRILL DOUGLAS

To stand out in the market, a company needs more than great products at great prices. It also must deliver excellent customer service. Among other things, that means having products in stock when customers want them; making it easy to conduct transactions; offering detailed information about products; providing quick, convenient delivery; and keeping customers informed about the progress of their orders.

December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 33

F_Customer Service2_1219.FE.indd 33 12/10/19 1:57 PM Will customer experience (CX) overtake price and product as the top brand differentiator? Technology Adoption & Supply Chain Performance Which supply chain capabilities will be most important in delivering an enhanced CX? The FACTORS DRIVING SUPPLY CHAIN INNOVATION charts reveal some key findings from “Focus on Customer Experience: Research on Supply Chain Priorities and Investments,” a survey 35% commissioned by BluJay and conducted 30% by Adelante SCM and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. 25% 20% Over the next five years, customer 15% experience will overtake product and 10% price as the main differentiator among 5% brands, according to 61% of shippers 0% and logistics service providers surveyed To reduce costs/become To deliver an enhanced To create a competitive in 2019 by BluJay Solutions, Adelante more cost-competitive customer experience advantage SCM, and the Council of Supply Chain

Innovators/Early Adopters Laggards/Late Majority Above Average Performance Average or Below Management Professionals (see charts). With that evolution in mind, companies are investing in technologies that enhance customer service. “That’s Which supply chain capabilities will be the most a new trend,” says Patrick Maley, chief important in delivering enhanced customer experience? marketing officer at BluJay, a supply chain software and services vendor CHOOSE THREE IN RANKED ORDER based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. 30% “Typically, the reason for investment 25% has always been raising productivity and 20% lowering costs.” 15% 10% VISIBILITY AND ANALYTICS 5% Capabilities that do most to produce a 0% real-time time- proactive quick drop BI/ shop, other good customer experience, according to visibility definite notifications and easy shipping analytics/ order, the survey, include: real-time visibility to to order, deliveries regarding returns machine track, shipments, orders and learning inquire orders, shipments, and inventory; time- and shipments via mobile definite deliveries; proactive notifications inventory phone regarding orders and shipments; PERCENTAGE OF TOP-FACTOR VOTES and quick and easy returns. When respondents invest in technology these days, the survey says, their top two focus DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE? areas are visibility and analytics, both of Over the next 5 years, customer experience will which provide customer service benefits. “Whether it’s in the B2C (business-to- overtake price as the number 1 brand differentiator. consumer) or B2B (business-to-business) world, companies want to give people strongly agree visibility to their shipments and orders, 17% and the ability to change their orders— self-service capabilities,” Maley says. Analytics help companies divide customers, orders, and issues into disagree 17% 44% agree segments, to reveal where their customer service problems lie. “The way our own 5% customers look at our data and analytics strongly disagree helps them understand where they’re 17% falling down on delivering in full and on neutral time,” Maley says. One of the first opportunities to

34 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

F_Customer Service2_1219.FE.indd 34 12/10/19 1:57 PM provide outstanding customer service is 100 items a company buys routinely, Herb Wong, vice president, marketing when a customer places an order. This the merchant should be able to tailor at rfxcel, based in Reno, Nevada. If is just as true in the B2B market as in the prices displayed for just those items, the company discovers that a bag of B2C. Now that many B2B companies without producing a separate online flour was contaminated, it can use the have added e-commerce channels, catalog for each customer. track-and-trace technology to identify customers expect the same quality of A B2B e-commerce site could also and recall every can of soup with flour service online as when they work with streamline transactions for companies from that bag, thus protecting retailers sales representatives. that don’t give all their employees and consumers. “It’s about emulating the relationship the same purchasing authority. In the rfxcel also works in conjunction and roles of the account rep, but doing manual world, buyers would have to with Internet of Things (IoT) devices so with the tools and technologies at your route purchase orders around the office that measure temperature, humidity, disposal,” says John Bruno, vice president for approvals. In the digital world, or shock, or track location, to enhance of product management at e-commerce when a purchase required a signoff, the customer service through good supply technology firm Elastic Path in e-commerce platform could automatically chain management. Vancouver, British Columbia. notify the person with the right authority. Wong describes how this technology So, for instance, when an electrician “The approver hits ‘Approve,’ and helped one manufacturer protect a logs into a distributor’s e-commerce now you’re firing on all cylinders,” temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical site, the site should know him well Bruno says. product that was accidentally routed enough to display only products relevant A seller could also design its platform through an airport with no proper to electrical work, not equipment for to offer a different customer experience holding facilities. Thanks to a GPS plumbing or heating. to different buyers within one company. device, the shipper could see that the The site should also personalize That could mean presenting a distinct load was headed to the wrong location. pricing. If the merchant offers its face to customers on different continents. The shipper then notified its third-party biggest customers a 10% discount on all But other strategies are possible, too. logistics provider. purchases, those buyers should see the “If I’m U.S.-only but sell to a company “We showed them the log and, sure discounted prices when they visit the that has three different brands, and enough, the goods had diverted and no site. If it offers a discount on only the they have three different purchasing one knew,” Wong says. “Had it not been departments, I might want to organize for a system that could independently Brilliant Move uses the power of technology to provide outstanding customer service for by those three brands rather than by a verify this, those drugs might have been retailers such as Bob’s Discount Furniture. geographic area,” Bruno says. at risk for damage.” The app lets customers arrange their own delivery with end-to-end visibility. The bottom line is customized service. Another time, rfxcel’s system showed “The ability to create different views of a pallet load of pharmaceuticals sitting the catalog is where the rubber meets on an airport tarmac, rather than in the road for B2B,” he adds. temperature-controlled storage. “The shipper called the airport, and then HOW IT’S DOING, WHERE IT’S BEEN watched in real time as the item moved Some visibility tools tell customers off the tarmac into the storage facility,” whether their orders are moving toward Wong says. them on time. Others serve customers by helping to protect product integrity. WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE That’s the case with rfxcel, a software B2C merchants deliver customer system that tracks products as they move service through many more channels through the supply chain. It also allows than they used to—not just in person or companies to trace the past movements on the phone, but through interactive of finished goods or components. voice response and chatbots, online, For example, a food processing through e-mail, or on social media. company might use rfxcel’s technology Often, data related to each interaction to track individual lots of potatoes, stays trapped in a single channel. So carrots, and flour used to make soup. when, for example, a consumer calls a One day, a consumer calls the company customer service center, the agent who to complain about what appear to be responds might have no idea what the insect parts in a can of chowder. customer bought last week in the store or “You can trace the soup all the way discussed yesterday with a chatbot. back through the supply chain,” says Each time that consumer makes

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F_Customer Service2_1219.FE.indd 35 12/10/19 1:57 PM Using LocatorX technology, retailers can help customers easily register products, receive online coupons, and tap into usage guidance in a variety of languages. LocatorX provides customer engagement capabilities that are self-aware of the product being scanned.

contact, she needs to repeat her details with a voice-based virtual assistant. “Have logistics at Bob’s Discount Furniture, and retell her story. That’s not what your associates trained in the software headquartered in Manchester, consumers want. “They want you to that brings all the information together,” Connecticut. At outlets where Brilliant get to the bottom of the issue right says Marudur. “So when the customer Move is not available, customers away,” says Karthik Marudur, director of does have a question and tries to reach transport purchases themselves or make product management at supply chain out, associates have the answers at their other private arrangements. and omnichannel technology vendor fingertips and can get on it right away.” In each market where it operates, Manhattan Associates in Atlanta. And Delivery often becomes a crucial Brilliant Move has assembled a network they want every channel to have access component of customer service. of experienced moving companies to to all their details. Companies that sell smaller items may transport large items for customers, says In e-commerce, shoppers also want rely on conventional package delivery company founder Jean Brillant. When a a customer experience tailored to their or courier services. Those that sell customer at Bob’s or another participating interests and shopping habits. “If the furniture or other large products need store buys an item, the retailer directs customer is more keen on seeing items different solutions. them to an app to schedule a move. The on sale, they want those to be shown customer specifies where to pick up and first,” Marudur says. “If they’re an BRILLIANT STRATEGY deliver the item, and when. omnichannel customer, the different At Bob’s Discount Furniture, a chain The software calculates a fee for each delivery options are a priority for them.” with stores in 18 states across the United delivery, with revenues split between the To achieve this personalized service, States, the home delivery solution is moving company and Brilliant Move. some retailers are integrating their call the online platform Brilliant Move. The retailer pays nothing. center management systems, workforce Based in the Boston area, Brilliant Move The customer receives notifications at management systems, and systems that currently operates in five states, with various points in the delivery and can use manage customer transactions. With plans to expand. Right now, customers the app to follow the driver’s progress. help from technology developers such as at 13 of Bob’s outlet stores in the Drivers and customers can also call or Manhattan Associates, merchants are also Northeast can use Brilliant Move to text one another through the app. adding case management, creating a single schedule transportation. “There has been a growing ‘ask’ record for all interactions with a customer, “This is a new service that was for delivery service, especially in our through any channel. previously not offered to our customers,” urban and suburban outlet stores,” says Ideally, retailers should make routine says Pete Sorrentino, vice president Sorrentino. Brilliant Move helps Bob’s customer self-service as simple as a chat of delivery operations and outbound meet that need.

36 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

F_Customer Service2_1219.FE.indd 36 12/10/19 1:57 PM Besides making life easier for increasingly want to have visibility that coupons for future purchases. And customers, Brilliant Move can give they have a certified product,” says companies can tailor displays for retailers new supply chain management Pat Pickren, vice president of product individual consumers. For instance, options, says Brillant. For instance, at LocatorX. “They can serve up information in omnichannel a person’s own merchants could use language,” says Billy the platform to have Meadow, LocatorX’s products delivered founder and chief from stores close technology officer. to their customers, That easy access to rather than from THE ENVIRONMENT information translates fulfillment centers. into better customer That reduces WILL THANK YOU. service. “If you want to delivery time. “It know anything about should also help with SO WILL YOUR a product, you simply reducing average point your phone and inventory on hand,” ACCOUNTANT. scan it,” Meadow says. Brillant says. “It should Besides linking help with better consumers to forecasting. And we abundant information, see it also as a way LocatorX’s technology of cutting down on People are having more goods delivered, can help companies shipment costs.” faster, than ever before. Which means your monitor products— C ﬂeet is generating more emissions than whether single units M KNOW IT ALL ever before. What if you could cut your or pallet loads—as When customers Y ﬂeet’s carbon footprint to zero and save part of a supply chain hunger for informationCM management strategy. about products offered money doing it? The technology MY in brick-and-mortar might also help stores, LocatorX in CY companies gain Atlanta offers to satisfy CMY more insight into

their desire. K what customers The company want, by monitoring helps manufacturers when, where, and www.CleanEnergyFuels.com and other supply why customers scan chain players mark their products. products with Quick When customers Response codes, or scan bottles of with tags that transmit barbecue sauce, for data via near-field instance, do they communications or typically use the Bluetooth technology. connect page to see Scan one of those the ingredients or to tags, and your phone find recipes? “That reveals a storehouse can help with product of data about not just placement,” Meadow the product, but the explains. “It can help individual unit. with certain call-to- For the consumer, action campaigns.” that display can verify, And, like many for instance, that the other technology designer briefcase in her hands is not a A product’s “connect page” might tools, it can help companies distinguish counterfeit, or that a moisturizing lotion also enhance the customer experience themselves by delivering the outstanding was manufactured safely. “Consumers by displaying product instructions, or customer service that buyers crave. n

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F_Customer Service2_1219.FE.indd 37 12/10/19 1:57 PM SPONSORED CONTENT ABOVE& BEYOND Customer Service Case Studies ScaledPL 3 Solutions Heal Pharma’s Supply Chain A large pharma company teams up with Hub Group to achieve compliance with the best service at a reasonable cost.

eing entangled in complexity is FOUR STEPS TO LOGISTICS SIMPLICITY typical of some companies’ supply 1. First, Hub Group conducted a full B chains. Companies in highly analysis of the company’s outbound regulated sectors often bear the burden network. Its network included hundreds of managing increasingly complex, of customers and even more carriers, intricate supply chains while facing each with its own unique requirements a greater level of scrutiny than other and processes. The analysis identified businesses. Fines can even be incurred portions of the network that were for severe supply chain disruptions. prime candidates for optimization and Hub Group is a world-class supply chain Hub Group professionals understand, uncovered carrier payments that were solutions provider that offers multimodal transportation services, including and they regularly apply technologically significantly higher than Hub Group’s intermodal, truck brokerage, dedicated advanced, scalable solutions to simplify negotiated carrier contracts. and logistics services. Employees deliver these complexities. 2. Hub Group then modeled every feasible innovative solutions to help customers The supply chain team for a large scenario, sometimes in excess of 40 in the better control supply chains and their pharmaceutical company realized it span of just a few weeks. Each scenario costs. needed a third-party logistics (3PL) was accompanied by recommendations provider when it was so tied up in the on how to achieve the perfect balance SUSTAINED, SCALABLE RESULTS tedious process of assigning carriers for of the customer’s three core variables: With a focus on stability, Hub Group its large portfolio of products—each compliance, service and cost. quickly engineered and executed its with a diverse set of compliance and 3. Recognizing efficiency that could scalable solutions to preserve and customer requirements—that it couldn’t be achieved with a single point of support customer relationships. The advance its supply chain strategy. The contact, Hub Group inserted itself as scalability of Hub Group’s services was company sought to consolidate its the intermediary between the carrier the highlight of the solution. As the carrier base and reduce the effort to network and the manufacturer. This customer identifies a new opportunity manage its massive supply chain. change streamlined communication and or a problematic segment of its supply Upon learning of Hub Group’s delivered a single point of accountability chain, Hub Group works alongside outsourced 3PL services, the supply for the outbound network while its team, feeding it data, analysis and chain team saw how it could apply Hub nimbly managing carrier compliance, recommendations as needed. Group’s tools and processes across its performance and pricing. Hub Group continues to entire network to fulfill a simple, central 4. Hub Group then applied its leading independently monitor the supply objective: Achieve compliance with the technology and internal business chain, pinpointing inefficiencies in best service at a reasonable cost. intelligence teams to develop a existing solutions, challenging processes Using optimization tactics, deep customized dashboard tying every point in and maintaining a collaborative carrier relationships and creative the customer’s network to a central system. approach to continuous improvement. thinking, Hub Group has simplified The dashboard provides a financial pulse this complex network and continuously of its network along with key insights to Visit www.hubgroup.com for pursues even greater efficiencies. performance and compliance. more information.

38 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

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40 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

F_In Demand Food_1219.indd 40 12/5/19 12:01 PM

MANAGING LOGISTICS FOOD CHALLENGES DEMAND WHEN SPIKES

BY KAREN KROLL

ince it hit restaurants in January 2019, the Impossible Burger, which is made from plants but offers the taste and texture of beef, has been on a roll. When the company launched in Gelson’s Markets in southern California, the Impossible Burger zoomed to the top spot among packaged goods, outsellingS the next most popular product by a factor of six, the company reports. Impossible Foods, the company behind the burger, took several steps to meet demand. Over the summer and fall, it added second and third production lines. It also expanded capacity through a co-manufacturing collaboration with global food provider OSI Group. “OSI has installed equipment to make the Impossible Burger, and we’ll start seeing new capacity every week,” said Sheetal Shah, senior vice president of product and operations for Impossible Foods, in a July 2019 release. The logistics and inventory management challenges that arise when a food product’s popularity zooms demand careful attention. Constant out-of-stocks can leave consumers not just frustrated, but amenable to poaching by competitors. “It can result in a long-term impact on the brand and the retailer,” says Daniel Triot, president of DHT Consulting. Several tactics can help food companies anticipate and respond to the challenges that accompany demand spikes. These include using a product’s demand history, when one exists, to estimate future demand; leveraging analytics to identify signals of a spike; automating operations; and working closely with business partners. To be sure, anticipating and responding to demand fluctuations for food and beverages comes with an inherent obstacle. “You can’t run a third shift to increase units available,” says Michelle Klieger, an agricultural economist and president of Stratagerm Consulting. The logistics and inventory management functions prompted by food demand

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F_In Demand Food_1219.indd 41 12/5/19 12:01 PM spikes often are made more understanding of expected sales difficult by gaps in consumption volume, so those charged with signals between retailers, inventory management can distributors, and producers. For adjust their supply purchases and instance, Odyssey Logistics & production schedules accordingly. Technology works with a producer As the Popeyes example of alcoholic beverages that had shows, gaining an understanding one product sell at almost double of expected sales increasingly its forecasted levels. While the requires the ability to leverage company’s larger retail clients unstructured data, such as social typically possess the systems that media posts, which often offer will alert producers to demand clues to demand shifts. Artificial changes so the producer can intelligence (AI) can scan alter its food logistics operations volumes of unstructured data accordingly, many smaller stores to find patterns. “AI is gold for and restaurants don’t. “You supply chain managers,” says Ted lose control of the trigger for Stank, professor of supply chain replenishment,” says Rick Ehrensaft, any lessons learned. For instance, they management and faculty director of the chief operating officer of Grand began incenting some customers to Global Supply Chain Institute at the Worldwide Logistics Corporation, an make early commitments for their orders. University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Odyssey subsidiary. “That helps us plan a certain portion Green Rabbit, which handles of our Easter production, storage, and fulfillment and delivery of e-commerce STUDYYOUR HISTORY shipping more efficiently,” Burkit says. grocery items, uses predictive analysis That said, food and beverage tools to flag items spiking outside normal organizations can adjust their inventory EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED trend lines, says company founder control and food logistics operations to What about new products that lack Greg Balestrieri. Then, employees dig capitalize on spikes in demand. A first relevant historical sales numbers, or deeper. Is the spike a one-off, due to step is leveraging any relevant historical demand increases that seemingly appear a single customer increasing its order, information. A company launching a from out of the blue? Popeyes, a division perhaps for a sales promotion? Or, product similar to one it already sells, of Restaurant Brands International, are multiple customers placing larger “can capture historical demand and use launched a chicken sandwich in August orders? The varying drivers demand it to model demand with the new different responses to reduce product,” says Jonathan Eaton, UNDERSTANDING EXPECTED the risk of both out-of-stocks and national supply chain leader with SALES INCREASINGLY excess inventory. consulting firm Grant Thornton. REQUIRES THE ABILITY TO Each December, Just Born, the LEVERAGE UNSTRUCTURED MAINTAINING CLOSE company behind Peeps, begins CONNECTIONS gearing up for its Easter rush, when DATA SUCH AS SOCIAL MEDIA Producers should understand demand for the candy triples, says POSTS. JUST ASK POPEYES. how quickly their suppliers and Donna Burkit, director of customer partners can boost production if service and logistics with the Bethlehem, 2019. Soon after, a Twitter exchange needed. If they can’t, can the producer Pennsylvania-based company. Burkit with competitor Chick-fil-A helped turn to other firms? Kupillas worked alerts Just Born’s 3PL partner to the propel demand for Popeye’s sandwich. It with one company that saw demand for upcoming peak periods, ensuring they’ll sold out within two weeks and remained its healthy snack food unexpectedly tri- have the resources needed to cover out of stock until November. ple over a six-month time frame. To meet additional shipments. To minimize the risk of out-of- demand, the company shifted to a larger “Share as much information as stocks, the supply chain and marketing co-manufacturer. possible on the number of loads and departments need to work closely “Outsource to companies that timing with your service partners,” she together. “If the sales team that gets an have scale and can grow, even if you advises. Just Born also restricts customer item into Walmart isn’t communicating don’t need all their capacity initially,” pick-ups during peak time and adds with operations, you’re walking into Kupillas advises. temporary warehouse help. failure,” says Chris Kupillas, regional Similarly, a producer can reserve After each season, Burkit and her team vice president with BlueGrace Logistics. the ability to add warehouse space— review their performance and identify Both sides should have a solid essentially, a “capacity insurance policy,”

42 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

040-043_F_In Demand Food_1219.indd 42 12/10/19 3:00 PM Stank says. Like an insurance The partners also need to agree policy, retaining the option on common definitions. Triot to add space comes at a cost. provides an example: One partner Food companies need to weigh may measure “out of stock” as the expense against the hit to zero inventory on hand while customer loyalty and brand another views it as lost demand. reputation if they can’t meet Item location understanding, such spiking customer demand. as shelf, display or backroom, Another option is to work is also critical in measuring with several partners and spread out of stock. For the data to any increase in supply and effectively inform production and production needs among them. distribution, everyone needs the This reduces the risk of bumping same understanding. up against one partner’s E-commerce often holds an capacity constraints. advantage over traditional retail, as Labor also can be a constraint. much reporting can happen in near- Does the company have the real time. To be sure, the initial employees or contractors needed to point of consumption, he adds. information usually is just a starting handle a spike? “And if I don’t have the Rather than just-in-time, a more point for addressing demand changes. people, can I train new ones quickly?” effective approach to inventory “Often, you don’t know if you’re at the asks Steve Beverly, senior vice president management is “just enough,” Stank start of the mountain, halfway up it, or at of operations for Penske Logistics’ West says. “This recognizes the probabilities of the top,” Balestrieri says. and Midwest regions. supply chain disruption.” Shippers and their partners need to Automation becomes critical when Another way to exercise close understand the drivers and their timing demand jumps. For instance, so they can tailor their food logistics implementing an EDI system that and inventory control approaches. electronically processes orders, KEEPING STOCK CLOSER TO eliminating the need to manually CONSUMERS HELPS MEET LOCATING WAREHOUSES AND DCs key them in, allows a company to TIGHTER DELIVERY TIMES AND Stank notes that for the first more easily respond to jumps in ENABLES QUICK REACTIONS 20 years of his career, most order volume. “You can scale,” TO DEMAND SPIKES. companies held inventory and Kupillas says. products in centrally located warehouses. Today, inventory JUST IN TIME? inventory control, while maintaining the control approaches have changed, with In inventory management, the ability to meet demand fluctuations, is more manufacturers keeping stock near focus should be on carrying safety to postpone some steps in production. consumers so they can meet tighter stock of items that could be potential Eaton provides an example: A company delivery times. This shift can also help bottlenecks. These tend to be ingredients makes flavored carbonated water. producers react more quickly to jumps that help define a product or that can’t All flavors use the same bottle. The in demand. be substituted. For an energy bar, for company keeps bottles and flavoring at New locations cost money. Food instance, these might be specialty nuts or multiple locations, and then adds water companies need to weigh these increased seasonal berries. once it has a clear idea of demand. If costs against the ability to more quickly The idea of holding some safety stock everyone is clamoring for berry-flavored meet demand. may seem to run counter to a just-in- water, the company can quickly create it Also until recently, risk management time (JIT) approach to inventory control, and ship it out. within many supply chain organizations in which companies receive inventory Timely, accurate responses to tended to focus on preparing for supply only as it’s needed for production. This changing demand signals require disruptions. This remains a critical can reduce working capital needs and communication and connectivity analysis, yet companies also benefit waste, while increasing efficiency. between business partners. “The supply from assessing how spikes in demand However, some question the premise chain between manufacturers and could impact their inventory control and behind JIT. “Somewhere, there’s retailers should be considered as one, management functions. “Companies inventory,” Ehrensaft says. To react Triot says. Trust is key, so partners can be should consider how they’ll plan for quickly to spiking sales, companies need confident the business information they unanticipated fluctuations in demand,” “proximity inventory” that’s near the share will be treated with care. Stank adds. n

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040-043_F_In Demand Food_1219.indd 43 12/10/19 3:00 PM Competition has never been tougher to obtain supply chain talent, forcing companies to rethink recruitment tactics. 11A HIRE PURPOSE Strategies to Recruit Supply Chain Talent

BY MIKE OGLE

44 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

F_Recruiting2_1219.indd 44 12/10/19 1:29 PM hether your company is pursuing entry-level or seasoned supply Wchain professionals, strong job candidates closely examine company 2 brands and leadership development before coming on board. To help you attract the best and brightest business and engineering students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, here are 11 best practices to integrate into your supply chain talent recruitment strategies.

Give Your Website a Facelift to Reach New Talent. Company websites with an “About” link and a generic “Jobs” link that roll together all jobs aren’t enough. Innovative companies have dedicated 1 landing pages with direct links to student-focused sites. In addition to company information and positions, the best websites provide case study profiles of successful early career professionals talking about their experiences with the company, plus information about career and leadership building plans and resources. Build well-crafted, engaging stories about individuals and teams solving interesting problems.

Apply Omnichannel Thinking. Too many company recruiting Develop Flexible Internships. strategies turn into reactive “fill this Internships provide students with opportunities to work with industry professionals hole now” tasks. Forecasting supply and learn how companies operate; they also provide professionals with talented and demand is important in supply students to work on supporting tasks or projects. Initially, internships focused on the chain management and logistics, but summer prior to graduation when students had already taken most of their supply does not apply well to supply chain chain-specific classes. Today, however, multiple internships per student are common, talent. Only a fraction of companies have dedicated resources that focus sometimes extending to the summers prior to the junior and senior years. Leading on building and managing supply chain companies even offer internships to students before their sophomore year, and talent plans and pipelines. possibly provide additional work during the school year. “Companies heavily emphasize Have a clear, but flexible internship plan. Provide students with challenging omnichannel supply chains, but don’t projects that test their ability to think critically with incomplete information. Work in extend omnichannel thinking to teams and provide constructive feedback throughout the internship. Include broad recruiting practices,” notes Rodney exposure to the company and its seasoned professionals, and appoint a dedicated Apple, founder of SCM Talent Group, a manager who understands and values internships. supply chain recruiting company. The omnichannel approach goes beyond traditional methods, such as setting up interview slots and exhibiting at career fairs, to truly connect with schools. Apple also recommends staying flexible by not treating everything in job descriptions as must- have capabilities. Traditional “required” and “preferred” classifications in job descriptions are valuable, but make sure “required” really is required and provide weights to “preferred” criteria.

December3 2019 • Inbound Logistics 45

F_Recruiting2_1219.indd 45 12/10/19 1:29 PM Understand the Range Elevate Brand Awareness for of School Resources. Companies and Students. 4 Industry often thinks Well-known companies in the first about connecting directly with business world may have little to no students, sometimes viewing students brand awareness with students. These earning degrees as if they are just companies have to work harder to products flowing out of the universities. help students understand who they Leading companies also focus on the are, what they do, what they stand for teachers, researchers, administrators, (an increasingly strong factor), and and career services connections that what supply chain career opportunities are at the schools longer term and they provide. Successful companies enable connections to students year after year. Michigan State University’s (MSU) Department of Supply Chain measure their level of brand awareness, Management has established dedicated roles to work closely with industry develop student-centered websites, and connect companies to the right resources. They facilitate and collaborate provide information sessions, and on a variety of university-industry connections. MSU invested in a corporate- pursue speaking opportunities. student relations director to serve as a liaison between companies, students, Information sessions are typically and faculty, note Judy Whipple, professor and faculty director, and Kelly provided through the career services Lynch, director, corporate and student relations. offices, but some schools, departments, Unfortunately, many companies have not established similar roles that programs, and student clubs facilitate manage a well-planned set of relationships with targeted schools, resulting in such sessions. For example, a defense weaker recruiting effectiveness. company recruiter reports great success in building its brand through sessions that last approximately 1.5 Tap the Value of Boards hours, making sure they ask and take and Councils. questions since interaction is expected Companies recruiting a wide and valued. range of majors shouldn’t overlook Companies should also develop a valuable resource: advisory boards skills to research and evaluate the or councils of colleges of business personal brands cultivated by students. or engineering. Supply chain “We educate students on branding departmental or program advisory themselves on LinkedIn and other boards and councils can also be of 6Participate in Career Fairs. social media, plus member companies great value. These groups typically Career fairs are common on come in to talk about personal meet twice per year and learn campuses and increasingly focus brands,” says Donnie Williams, about degree program curricula on specific types of colleges, executive director, Supply and directions. They also provide departments, and degree programs. Chain Management connections to student leaders and Companies can meet a wide range of Research Center at the students face-to-face by exhibiting. faculty advisors, and offer better Sam M. Walton College Develop a carefully crafted plan rather opportunities when it comes to of Business. than just having a professional recruiter 7 speaking, tours, and internships. come to campus because that person may not have the skills needed for the speed dating and marketing aspects of career fairs. Don’t just bring text-heavy general annual reports and corporate 6:1 promotional information; materials “For every graduate with should be visually engaging and supply chain skills there are interactive. Include direct website links 6 holes to be filled, and it to information on supply chain careers. could be as high as 9 to 1 in Follow-up after the event is the future.” also critical to maintain long-term relationships with degree programs. —Jake Bar, CEO, BlueWorld Include notes of appreciation and Supply Chain Consulting 5 constructive feedback. 46 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

F_Recruiting2_1219.indd 46 12/10/19 1:29 PM #5 in the world, and that’s not all

The Ivy College of Business supply chain management #5 program is among the top in the nation. Even though in the world for supply we can tout multiple impressive rankings, there’s chain management something special going on here. It’s our faculty. They research productivity are internationally-known, expert researchers who bring years of practical experience to the front of the Transportation Journal classroom. Our faculty challenge students to solve (2018, Vol. 57 No. 1) supply chain problems for real organizations, which prepares them for the global business world. #7 The Ivy supply chain program has consistently ranked program in the world among the top 10 programs in the world for research, for empirical supply leaving no supply chain challenge too great for the Ivy chain research College of Business. 2019 scmlist.com

Explore Ivy — a college on the move. #23 ivybusiness.iastate.edu program in the nation 2020 U.S. News & World Report’s “Best College” undergraduate rankings

Inbound Logistics Publication - Supply Chain Education Supplement_PA.indd 1 11/19/19 3:27 PM IowaState_AD_1219.indd 1 12/2/19 12:28 PM Make Your Message Consistent and Relatable. Ensure your company message is consistent from start to finish— from the brochures and websites students first see to conversations Weigh Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills. with company representatives during Supply chain-related coursework is the interviewing process. In an age of similar among schools due to accreditation heavy website and social media use, requirements. Transcripts show courses top-performing companies are adding and grades, so most companies assume that digitally aware recruitment strategies that emphasize attractive supply students receiving a set of sufficient grades 8Tie Into Student Clubs: chain careers rather than simple job have proven the hard skills. Awareness Goes requirement postings. Soft skills, however, are of greater interest Both Ways. to companies that want students who can think on their feet, develop solutions with Establish greater ties with teams of people, then clearly communicate student supply chain clubs those solutions. because of their concentration of “The recruiter’s focus has not changed; student leaders and volunteers. fit is always critical, as is teachability, Innovative strategies for working willingness to learn, and communication,” with these clubs include says Karl Manrodt, professor of logistics educational presentations at at Georgia College. “It isn’t just about chapter meetings and providing knowing tools. The ability to learn and tours. Also highly valued are adapt is critical.” interactive programs providing Glass manufacturer Libbey looks for a case-like challenges, enabling high level of curiosity and global awareness, companies to evaluate student but also at how well students deal with reactions to challenging exercises. 9 uncertainty and pursue conflict resolution to work well in teams focused on developing solutions, says Mike Bunge, director of global resources and materials. Companies increasingly use thought- provoking questions and carefully crafted 10 assessment tools to evaluate thought processes, interests, and fit with the company culture. Companies that can’t develop their own assessments can turn to third-party companies. Some companies innovate by evaluating both soft and hard skills through information sessions or club presentations that break students into groups, give them a case, and have them present insights and proposed solutions, notes Toni Rhorer, director of career management for the W. P. Consider Research Motivations. Carey School of Business at Arizona State Set ground rules for how your research data and supply chain study University. Company representatives get results are used and when they can be available to the public. Faculty their own insights about student interaction members pursuing or holding tenure rely on grants and projects that lead and their problem-solving processes. n to publishing in research journals, which is often the top tenure evaluation criterion. Grant funding is valued, but not required, because researchers also value data sets (sanitized to protect company or customer information) that can be used both in research and teaching. 11 48 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

F_Recruiting2_1219.indd 48 12/10/19 1:29 PM CAREERSOLUTIONS

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS 3PL Stafﬁ ng Firm Specializing in direct and contract hiring including: • CEO’s, COO’s, CFO’s, CIO’s, • Carrier Sourcing Managers CMO’s, CLO’s • Freight Brokerage / Branch Managers Why Choose Supply Chain Management • Vice Presidents / Directors • Facility Managers • Sales Managers • Pricing Managers at UT Dallas? • Directors Of Business Development • IT Managers • Solutions Engineers • Trade Compliance Managers • TMS/WMS/LMS Systems Implementation Managers • Bachelor and Master programs (STEM) All fees company paid. 847-382-3877 • MBA with SCM Concentration “Building world class supply chain organizations Fax: 847-382-3878 one individual at a time.” www.srimatch.com • Various SCM certiﬁcates • Flexible on-campus and online courses • Excellent internship and job placements

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CLARKSON UNIVERSITY Online MS in Supply Chain Management

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Clarkson’s online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management is designed to meet the need for well-trained professionals who plan and manage complex supply chain enterprises.

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Apply Today clarkson.edu/scm [email protected] / 315-268-6613

December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 49

CareerSolutions_ADS_1219.indd 49 12/10/19 10:04 AM WEB_CITE bit.ly/il_wcc

IN THIS SECTION: CITY 3PL — Education

3PL

ECHO GLOBAL LOGISTICS www.echo.com

Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ECHO) is a provider of technology- enabled transportation and supply chain management services. Echo maintains a proprietary, Web-based technology platform that compiles and analyzes data from its network of more than 50,000 transportation providers to serve its clients’ needs. Offering freight brokerage and managed transportation services across all major modes, Echo works to simplify the critical tasks involved in transportation management.

UTXL www.utxl.com

Whether you need a core transportation service provider or a resourceful backup relief valve, turn to UTXL. UTXL handles truckload and multiple stop shipments (consolidated LTL) between any points in North America, and can arrange service to or from any state with satellite and/or cellular equipped teams and single drivers for your van, reefer, ﬂatbed, or oversized shipments. Shippers nationwide rely on UTXL for reliable service and economical prices; you can, too. Check out the website for all the details.

EDUCATION

CLARKSON UNIVERSITY www.clarkson.edu/graduate/supply-chain-management

Clarkson offers an online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management, as well as an online MBA with advanced certiﬁcate options in Supply Chain. These programs provide integrated learning opportunities for those interested in becoming proﬁcient in effectively managing complex supply chains, and prepare them for a wide range of positions, including purchasing managers, supply managers, and directors of material management.

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, IVY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu

The Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University has a robust Supply Chain Management program, offering multiple education paths for for students. This department emerged in 2019 as a stand-alone Department of Supply Chain Management due to the growing demands of this expanding program. The supply chain program is is highly ranked for its research productivity (#5 Transportation Journal Journal 2018, #7 Supply Chain Management Journal List, 2019) and its overall reputation (US News and World Report, 2019). Explore Ivy now.

50 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

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IN THIS SECTION: Food Logistics CITY

FOOD LOGISTICS

NORTH CAROLINA STATE PORT AUTHORITY ncports.com

North Carolina Ports has convenient locations in Wilmington and Morehead City, plus an inland port in Charlotte. Our customer-focused approach offers shippers excellent port communication and customized service. Customers experience the fastest turn times on the United States East Coast, with Wilmington featuring three neo-Panamax cranes and a new, 101,000-square-foot, on-terminal storage facility that can accommodate more customers than ever.

PHOENIX LOGISTICS www.phoenix3pl.com

Phoenix Logistics listens carefully to your logistics needs and responds with innovative solutions. By implementing technology, materials handling equipment, and specialized personnel in a perfectly matched and ideally located facility, Phoenix provides customized service programs speciﬁcally fulﬁlling the requirements of each client. The company’s seasoned management group is trained in handling and distributing various product lines. For more than 30 years, Phoenix has provided comprehensive, cost-effective inventory management and value-added service programs for most consumer product industries.

SYFAN LOGISTICS www.syfanlogistics.com

Since 1984, Syfan has provided customers with a competitive advantage through superior transportation and logistics services. Syfan consistently strives to meet and exceed customer expectations of service through timely communication and quality information. Leveraging its rich experience and dedicated team, Syfan’s commitment is to provide you with on-time pickup and delivery—every time.

WSI (WAREHOUSE SPECIALISTS, LLC) www.wsinc.com

Reliability is everything. At WSI, that has been our approach to integrated logistics and supply chain solutions for over 50 years. Our promise of Condition, Count & Time ensures accurate, timely, and sound performance—every time. Recognized as one of the top 3PL providers in North America, WSI delivers custom solutions for warehousing/distribution, fulﬁllment, transportation, import/export, information technology, and customer support services. Depend on WSI for increased efﬁciency, reduced costs, and absolute reliability.

December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 51

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IN THIS SECTION: CITY Temperature-Controlled Shipping TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED SHIPPING

ALLIANCE SHIPPERS INC. www.alliance.com Delivering The Perfect Shipment® from pick up to destination. With operating facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Alliance Shippers Inc. combines excellent customer care with state-of-the-art rail, highway, ocean and air transportation solutions. Additional services include warehousing, distribution, customs clearance, equipment/driver leasing and expedited transportation. For cost-effective logistic solutions tailored to your company’s exact needs, contact Alliance Shippers Inc.

CANADIAN PACIFIC www.cpr.ca Canadian Pacific is a transcontinental railway in North America with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of CP.

HUB GROUP www.hubgroup.com Hub’s extensive service network—built over many years—enables it to provide innovative transportation solutions that are versatile, flexible, and designed to deliver maximum efficiency. With this advantage, Hub Group is able to collaborate with customers daily to help them meet their transportation challenges. With intermodal, highway, and logistics transportation offerings, the Hub Network is your single source—coast to coast, border to border. Visit the website to learn what Hub can do for you.

LYNDEN www.lynden.com Over land, on the water, in the air—or in any combination—Lynden has been helping customers solve transportation problems for almost a century. Operating in such challenging areas as Alaska, Western Canada and Russia, as well as other areas around the globe, Lynden has built a reputation of superior service to diverse industries.

52 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

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IN THIS SECTION: Temperature-Controlled Shipping — Trucking CITY TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED SHIPPING

PHOENIX LOGISTICS www.phoenix3pl.com Phoenix Logistics listens carefully to your logistics needs and responds with innovative solutions. By implementing technology, materials handling equipment, and specialized personnel in a perfectly matched and ideally located facility, Phoenix provides customized service programs specifically fulfilling the requirements of each client. The company’s seasoned management group is trained in handling and distributing various product lines. For more than 30 years, Phoenix has provided comprehensive, cost-effective inventory management and value-added service programs for most consumer product industries.

RED CLASSIC www.redclassic.com Red Classic knows that getting things where they need to be—on time and cost efficiently—is what shippers need. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Coca-Cola Consolidated, Red Classic is committed to delivering the finest transportation solutions customized for your shipping needs. Add in a fleet maintenance division that services equipment needs throughout 80+ facilities, and you’ve got a comprehensive, reliable transportation solution—all under one roof.

RUAN www.ruan.com With Ruan, you can take advantage of door-to-door shipping solutions without the hassles and overhead associated with owning and operating your own fleet of trucks. We have more than 5,200 employees operating, servicing and coordinating some 3,400 power units and 5,600 trailers out of more than 100 locations throughout the continental United States. But you get more than just drivers and equipment—we become an extension of your team, advocating for your bottom line. Find out why the right partner can drive costs out of your supply chain—call 866-RUAN-NOW or visit our website—ruan.com.

TRUCKING

OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE www.odfl.com Old Dominion Freight Line is a less-than-truckload carrier providing complete nationwide service within the continental United States. Through its four product groups, OD-Domestic, OD-Expedited, OD-Global, and OD-Technology, the company offers an array of innovative products and services to, from, and between North America, Central America, South America, and the Far East. The company also offers a broad range of expedited and logistical services in both domestic and global markets.

December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 53

WCC_1219.indd 53 12/5/19 11:49 AM Supply Chain THE LATEST FREE WHITEPAPERS, VIDEOS, Insights PODCASTS, AND MORE...

webinar

DATA, DATA, DATA: HOW DO I HARNESS IT? bit.ly/TransﬁxNov2019Wbnr While every shipper understands the importance of data, supply chains can struggle to read and act on the insights, even if the information lives in-house. Data management may seem simple, but there are pitfalls to avoid. If shippers harness their data properly, the business can leverage metrics to optimize for reliable capacity and lower operational costs. In this webinar you’ll learn how data can identify reliable capacity and lower rates per mile, how to benchmark the data you already have, what data management pitfalls to avoid, and what data-driven actions to take for 2020.

whitepapers

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Parcel Cargo Chains Secure Your Bets With Improving Supply Chain Coming of Age Restricted Party Screening Accuracy, Productivity, Offered by Pierbridge Offered by Cloud Logistics and Speed Offered by Brother Mobile Solutions Consumers are shopping from Don’t go all in on a system that might merchants around the globe on their conﬁrm a false-positive status. In an Discover one of the smartest—and smartphones and other devices at the era of heightened security, determining simplest—ways to speed productivity click of a button. Cargo chains are whether individuals, companies or in the warehouse or plant. In today’s emerging to facilitate and accelerate organizations are restricted from speed-of-light business environment, cross-border last-mile parcel deliveries. conducting trade is essential. When it getting inventory out the door faster, The challenge for retailers and comes to your export privileges, why tracking it better, and minimizing the supply chain partners is making them gamble? Deal yourself the best hand cost of doing it all is what keeps you seamless to end consumers. This free with the restricted party screening in the game. Explore the changing e-book shines a light on building a solution from Cloud Logistics; get your warehouse landscape and then ﬁnd solid cargo chain. complimentary accuracy check today. out how these next-gen barcode printing and labeling solutions can help supercharge your operation.

54 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

SCI_1219.indd 54 12/5/19 12:21 PM Supply Chain Insights

whitepapers

The ROI Behind Freight Visibility

Global supply chain visibility has become an extremely hot topic in recent years. In Descartes’ 2019 survey of 5 SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW transportation and logistics professionals, it was rated the #1 capability needed for successful transportation management. TRAINING PROVIDER GET STARTED

Executive Summary Effective training on environmental, transportation, and safety issues is critical to protect employees and defend your organization from costly fines and liability. But not all hazardous materials training or hazardous waste training sessions are created equal. Training to handle, manage, and ship dangerous chemicals is not a rote exercise intended to “check a box.” When a mistake can lead to serious injury, death, evacuations, hospitalizations, highway closures, and lasting environmental contamination—training for personnel must meet higher standards for quality, accuracy, and knowledge retention.

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5 Signs You Need a Gartner Report: How Do Your The ROI Behind Freight Visibility New Training Provider 3PL Relationships Measure Up? Offered by Descartes Offered by Lion Technology Offered by GlobalTranz Download Descartes’ free e-book to Training to handle, manage, and Supply chain leaders responsible learn how to measure the value and ship dangerous chemicals is not a for logistics are always seeking to ROI of freight visibility, plus identify rote exercise intended to “check a drive more value from their 3PL areas of greatest payback in your box.” When a mistake can lead to relationships. What they often lack distribution operations to reduce serious injury, death, evacuations, is a relationship framework that tracking and detention costs, minimize hospitalizations, highway closures, and encompasses the relationship types chargebacks, streamline inbound lasting environmental contamination, and beneﬁts. This research, based deliveries, and improve customer personnel training must meet higher on interviews with more than 50 service. standards for quality, accuracy, and global organizations and more knowledge retention. Find out more in than 100 inquiries on the topic of this free whitepaper. 3PL engagement and relationship management, sets out that framework and guides leaders on how to apply it.

podcast

Real-Time Visibility GUEST: Michelle McBride, Senior Product Manager, Transplace E-commerce has irreversibly changed consumer expectations for everything from delivery times to real-time visibility. Carriers that best leverage that visibility data can drive an adaptive supply chain that ultimately provides the best customer experience. Transplace’s Michelle McBride shares her thoughts on how to distill the right visibility information to keep your supply chain goals in sight.

Michelle McBride

December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 55

SCI_1219.indd 55 12/5/19 12:21 PM IN[ IN FOCUS ] BRIEF New Services and Solutions

>PRODUCTS

> Cold chain solutions provider CSafe launched the AcuTemp Plus Series, a temperature-controlled passive packaging solution. With vacuum insulated panels and single temperature phase change material, the reusable product provides reliable temperature performance with minimal components.

> Supply chain tracking solutions provider Tive unveiled the Tive Solo 5G tracker, a 5G-enabled device > Small parcel shippers now have a one-day option with the recent partnership that can be single use or multi use. Also supporting 4G between Delta Cargo and Roadie, an Atlanta-based same-day delivery and 2G networks globally to service. DASH Door-to-Door, a 24/7 pick-up and delivery service, is available eliminate coverage gaps, the Tive Solo 5G provides real- from Atlanta to more than 55 cities in the United States. The companies plan time visibility of in-transit to expand the service to dozens more cities. shipments, tracking location and measuring temperature, humidity, shock, and light > Logistics provider Dunavant > Flexport now offers Auckland, New Zealand, with exposure. opened a container drayage dedicated space to its two rooms dedicated to the terminal at the Port of customers in a warehouse handling of pharmaceutical Baltimore. Located at located in Vietnam, just products. The facility is >SERVICES Sparrows Point, Maryland, this outside of Ho Chi Minh City. equipped with six cool rooms is Dunavant’s 20th location The container freight station with adjustable temperature > Shippers and carriers can across the United States, Asia, is designed to support for perishable products and now leverage BluJay Solutions’ and the Caribbean. shippers that source in the two freezer chambers. new freight market index, region, located at the hub a monthly report providing > Port Everglades streamlined of garment and footwear > Americold Realty Trust transportation market operating procedures manufacturing in South started construction on an intelligence. The index looks to better serve cargo Vietnam as well as in close automated cold storage into key rate, capacity, customers. A central proximity to inland container facility in the company’s service, and performance warehouse is the focal point depots. hometown of Atlanta. Slated trends by lane, equipment, of an improved inventory for completion by May 2021, and other factors, as well as control system to better track > Kuehne + Nagel nopened a the 24-million-cubic-foot delves into individual metrics. supplies and reduce costs. airfreight perishable hub in Gateway facility will house

56 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

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> Virgin Australia will add Japan to its cargo network in March 2020 with the launch of daily services between Brisbane and Tokyo-Haneda. Cargo space on the route will be marketed by Virgin Atlantic Cargo under its longstanding international long-haul sales and marketing agreement with Virgin Australia. The daily Airbus A330 flight will offer between 16.5 and 22 tons of cargo capacity. The new route, Virgin Australia’s first service to Tokyo, is expected to attract strong demand from both cargo customers and passengers.

frozen vegetables, potato >TECHNOLOGY > DHL Global Forwarding, > Leveraging AI and IoT products, and ready-to-eat the air and ocean freight technologies, CargoSmart’s meals, fulfilling customer > Businesses can make specialist of Deutsche Post new Connected Reefer orders in the Southeast. label changes faster DHL Group, now offers Solution intelligently with NiceLabel’s label myDHLi Analytics, which lets identifies any deviation or > The Institute of Risk management system. The cargo customers access and disruption from the container Management added a supply newly launched version 2 analyze their business data. and diagnoses whether it is chain risk management of its ABAP package allows The online service displays a result caused by a normal certificate to its portfolio of organizations to digitize the relevant details about or abnormal operation qualifications. Introducing labeling quality assurance invoices, volume, service event. It features end-to-end supply chain risk process and reduce both quality, and customs activity information transparency, management concepts, labeling errors and shipping via dashboards. including enhanced reefer the qualification covers the delays. container pre-trip inspection changing nature of supply chain risk in the face of globalized outsourcing, digital disruption, specialization, and just-in- time delivery. π

SHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS > Sellers on the Etsy marketplace now have a solution for shipping large CHAMPION and bulky items with uShip’s SELECTION full-service delivery option. The solution offers blanket- wrapped, room-of-choice delivery and tracking. Sellers also get instant shipping price estimates; transparent rates; insurance; fewer ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING handoffs per shipment; and an account credit on every completed uShip transaction. COMPLETE CATALOG 1-800-295-5510 uline.com

December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 57

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support, real-time container and obtain brand-verified status monitoring updates, product data from a new and predictive cargo arrival global solution called Verified status. by GS1. The platform makes it possible for CPG brand > Shippers can now get owners to consistently share a high-level snapshot of a core set of attributes, their shipment clearance including the product’s status, view how many global trade item number, entries are waiting to be which uniquely identifies a cleared by customs, and product and links it to the identify any customs holds brand owner, brand name, with a new dashboard from product description, product customs brokerage and image URL, global product trade compliance company category, net content and Carmichael International unit of measure, and country > Volvo FL and Volvo FE electric trucks for Service. They can also of sale. last-mile delivery debuted in selected markets generate more than 25 key performance indicators by > Lufthansa Cargo digitalized within Europe. Sold by Volvo Trucks in Sweden, entering a date range. its offer and booking Norway, Germany, Switzerland, France, and the process with smartBooking, > Consumer packaged a new digital interface. The Netherlands, the Volvo FL has capacity for a gross goods (CPG) retailers and application programming vehicle weight (GVW) of nearly 18 tons, while the marketplaces can now share interface contains available routings, capacities, and GVW of the Volvo FE is nearly 30 tons. prices and automatically executes relevant checks, industry. Hospitals, global > Warehouse managers can letting shippers book an offer procurement organizations, gain insight into operations and confirm it immediately. distributors, pharmaceutical with materials handling and medical supply company Rite-Hite’s new > One Network Enterprises, companies can leverage Opti-Vu platform, which a provider of multi-party One Network’s Real-Time taps into the data collection business networks for Value Network of more capabilities of Rite-Hite autonomous supply chain than 75,000 companies for products via a secure management, released increased collaboration and wireless network to monitor the latest version of its transparency. the efficiency of warehouse platform for the healthcare assets such as forklifts and loading docks. The platform provides insights > Lithium-ion-powered forklifts from Crown by applying analytics to Equipment are now available for companies correlate developing trends with historical data, helping looking for alternative power sources for their predict potential problems forklift fleet. The V-Force Lithium-Ion Energy and identify opportunities. Storage System, which comes with most Crown Equipment electric forklifts, is integrated with the >TRANSPORTATION truck, allowing the truck’s display to show battery > Uber Technologies expanded discharge levels and alert the operator before truck its freight division into operation is stopped. Canada. Uber Freight now

58 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

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facilitates loads in Ontario hub port of Rotterdam. The and Quebec and across the Netherlands-based group’s border to Midwestern and 1,000-TEU containership Northeastern states. provides a UK-Portugal transit time of five days. > Yang Ming Marine Transport launched a China-Vietnam- > United Airlines introduced a Cambodia service, its first seasonal three-times weekly service directly linking South Africa service, which China’s ports, Da Nang will run from mid-December and Sihanoukville. The 2019 through March 28, > South Korea’s SM Line will start serving the Port service also calls at Ningbo, 2020. United Airlines of Portland in January 2020, resuming a weekly Shanghai, Xiamen, Ho Chi partnered with Worldwide Minh, and Hong Kong. Flight Services as its cargo container service at the port for the first time in handling provider for the nearly four years. The Port of Portland’s Terminal 6 > Samskip launched a direct first-ever nonstop service weekly service connecting by a U.S. carrier between will be added to SM Line’s current rotation from Portugal and the UK, using New York/Newark and Cape China and South Korea to the Pacific Northwest, its own vessel to sustain links Town, South Africa. between Tilbury, Lisbon, including stops in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Leixões, and its multimodal Seattle.

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December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 59

In Brief_1219.FE 59 12/6/19 2:55 PM CALENDAR

SAN ANTONIO, TX JAN NIT League Transportation Summit 20-22, nitl.org Presented by the National Industrial Transportation League, the conference features panel discussions on issues affecting rail, 2020 ocean, and highway freight transportation.

FEB 2-4, 2020 CONFERENCES SEA ISLAND, GA Georgia Foreign JAN 21-24, 2020 Trade Conference ORLANDO, FL gaforeigntrade.com OPEX Week: Business Presented by Georgia Ports Transformation World Authority, GFTC explores the Summit 2020 outlook for global trade. Session bit.ly/OPEX2020 topics include container, roll-on/ roll-off, breakbulk, and agri-bulk Hosted by IQPC, OPEX Week transportation. delves into best practices in business process re-engineering, The exhibits and educational SMARCH 24, 2020 FEB 4-6, 2020 seminars allow attendees to MACON, GA robotic process automation, VANCOUVER, BC sustainability, and blockchain. discover and explore industry Georgia Logistics Summit Cargo Logistics Canada trends. galogisticssummit.com cargologisticscanada.com JAN 26-28, 2020 Bringing together supply chain NASHVILLE, TN Offered by Informa Markets, MARCH 12-13, 2020 SAN DIEGO, CA stakeholders and leaders in the AirCargo 2020 the event helps industry state’s economic development aircargoconference.com professionals move their LogiMed community, the event offers supply chains into the future. It bit.ly/LogiMed2020 Presented by the Airforwarders insight into the state’s trucking addresses the needs of cargo Association, Airports Council Presented by Worldwide industry. owners, shippers, and agents International-North America, Business Research, LogiMed who manage the ﬂow of goods and the Air Expedited Motor brings together leaders from APRIL 27-29, 2020 through Canadian supply chains. DALLAS, TX Carriers Association, the both the manufacturing and conference focuses on provider sides of the medical ECA MarketPlace 2020 FEB 25-27, 2020 device supply chain. Attendees expresscarriers.org/marketplace streamlining operations and LONDON, UK identify the best practices to compliance practices. Hosted by the Express Carriers Combat Support Week improve the end-to-end supply Association, the conference bit.ly/combat_support_week chain, better serve customers, facilitates networking and and minimize healthcare costs. The annual military logistics business development, letting conference offered by Defence shippers and carriers participate IQ, a division of IQPC, addresses MARCH 15-17, 2020 SAN DIEGO, CA in one-on-one interviews. the challenges of maintaining the mobility of combat forces. 2020 IWLA It focuses on identifying Convention & Expo SEMINARS & cost-efﬁcient solutions to iwla.com/convention WORKSHOPS modernizing operational The IWLA Convention & Expo SJAN 27-29, 2020 capabilities. APR 7-8, 2020 ATLANTA, GA gives warehouse logistics companies and suppliers the CAMBRIDGE, MA Jump Start 2020 MARCH 9-12, 2020 opportunity to network and Supply Chain Strategy ATLANTA, GA smc3jumpstart.com build business relationships and Management MODEX 2020 Jump Start, produced by through educational sessions bit.ly/MITsupplychainstrategy 3 modexshow.com and meetings. Discussions SMC , combines networking MIT Sloan Executive Education’s focus on effective warehousing opportunities with industry Hosted by MHI, MODEX 2020 spring course explores supply strategies and innovations. education to explore emerging lets supply chain stakeholders chain integration, technology trends, current challenges, and explore the latest in materials sourcing, and strategic innovations in the supply chain. handling and IT solutions. partnering.

60 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

Calendar_1219.indd 60 12/6/19 11:51 AM SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS

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3PL Stafﬁ ng Firm Specializing in direct and contract hiring including: • CEO’s, COO’s, CFO’s, CIO’s, • Carrier Sourcing Managers CMO’s, CLO’s • Freight Brokerage / Branch Managers • Vice Presidents / Directors • Facility Managers • Sales Managers • Pricing Managers • Directors Of Business Development • IT Managers • Solutions Engineers • Trade Compliance Managers • TMS/WMS/LMS Systems Implementation Managers All fees company paid. 847-382-3877

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}ìÐĊÐœřÐīðĮåĮĴĨĨīďÆìðĊæȘ TāÐĮķīÐřďķīÐīĉÐÌœðĴìĴìÐăĴÐĮĴðĊåďīĉĴðďĊďĊĴìÐĉīāÐĴăÐÌÐīĮȘ GET WITH THE PLANNER The Logistics Planner is the premier supply chain and logistics resource, your guide to the market leaders – 3PLs, warehousing companies, technology providers, transportation providers, economic development companies, and more – that can help rationalize ĴīĊĮĨďīĴĴðďĊĊÌăďæðĮĴðÆĮÆďĮĴĮșÅďďĮĴÐŨÆðÐĊÆřșĊÌðĉĨīďŒÐĮķĨĨăřÆìðĊďĨÐīĴðďĊĮȘ magazine SPECIAL ISSUE LOGISTICS 2017 PLANNER

www.inboundlogistics.com THE MAGAZINE FOR DEMAND-DRIVEN LOGISTICS •JANUARY 2017

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December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 61

061_SupplyChainSolutions_1219.indd 61 12/10/19 11:13 AM RESOURCE 12.19 CENTER INBOUND LOGISTICS WORKS FOR YOU!

3PLs Events Echo Global Logistics Cover 4 AirCargo 2020 pg. 29 www.echo.com 800-354-7993 www.aircargoconference.com 703-361-5208

Lynden pg. 3 Modex 2020 pg. 7, 21 www.lynden.com 888-596-3361 www.modexshow.com 704-676-1190

Phoenix Logistics pg. 24 NIT League Transportation www.phoenix3pl.com 920-915-9476 Summit Cover 3 www.nitl.org/events 703-524-5011 RR Donnelley’s DLS Worldwide pg. 13 3 www.dls-ww.com 888-757-0291 SMC Jump Start pg. 27 For a specific www.smc3jumpstart.com 800-845-8090 response, contact Ruan pg. 11 these advertisers www.ruan.com 866-782-6669 Freight Payment Services directly. Please tell them you saw their ad in Syfan Logistics pg. 22-23 TranSolutions pg. 61 Inbound Logistics. www.syfanlogistics.com 855-287-8485 www.transolutionsinc.com 480-473-2453 UTXL pg. 15 Fuel Provider For faster service, www.utxl.com 816-891-7770 go online: Clean Energy Fuels pg. 37 inboundlogistics.com/rfp Career Development/Education www.cleanenergyfuels.com 949-437-1000 Clarkson University pg. 49 Intermodal www.clarkson.edu/scm 315-268-6613 Alliance Shippers pg. 17 Iowa State University pg. 47 www.alliance.com 800-222-0451 www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu 515-294-7188 CP Cover 2 JobsinLogistics.com pg. 49 www.cpr.ca/chicago 888-333-6370 www.jobsinlogistics.com 877-562-7678 Hub Group pg. 39 University of Texas www.hubgroup.com 800-377-5833 at Dallas pg. 49 www.utdallas.edu 972-883-5889

62 Inbound Logistics • December 2019

ResourceCenter_1219.indd 62 12/10/19 10:17 AM Use our Resource Center and let the information you need find you.

Packaging Printing and Labeling Trucking Absolute Packaging & Brother Mobile Solutions pg. 26 Old Dominion Freight Line pg. 5 Supply pg. 59 brothermobilesolutions.com 303-993-0182 www.odfl.com 800-432-6335 www.thisbagisnotatoy.com 973-278-0202 Sustainability Warehousing ULINE pg. 57 www.uline.com 800-295-5510 EPA SmartWay pg. 8-9 WSI (Warehouse www.epa.gov/smartway 734-214-4767 Specialists, LLC) 25 www.wsinc.com 920-831-3700

INDEX

ADVERTISER PAGE ADVERTISER PAGE Absolute Packaging & Supply 59 Modex 2020 7, 21 AirCargo 2020 29 NIT League Transport Summit Cover 3 Alliance Shippers 17 Old Dominion Freight Line 5 Brother Mobile Solutions 26 Phoenix Logistics 24 Clarkson University 49 RR Donnelley’s DLS Worldwide 13 Clean Energy Fuels 37 Ruan 11 CP Cover 2 SMC3 Jump Start 27 Echo Global Logistics Cover 4 Syfan Logistics 22-23 EPA SmartWay 8-9 TranSolutions 61 Hub Group 39 ULINE 57 Iowa State University 47 University of Texas at Dallas 49 JobsinLogistics.com 49 UTXL 15 Lynden 3 WSI (Warehouse Specialists, LLC) 25

December 2019 • Inbound Logistics 63

ResourceCenter_1219.indd 63 12/10/19 10:17 AM THEASTILE L M Logistics Outside the Box SANTA SLAYS

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN WITH 500 MILLION PRESENTS AND SOME 4 MILLION MILES TO COVER.

Checking List Or he could use automated His routing tools to: to reach MODEL MILLIONS OF ALTERNATE ROUTES By some estimates, TO ARRIVE AT THE Santa would have to MOST OPTIMAL TIME 500M CHILDREN travel more than who celebrate Christmas on December 25,

Santa would have to deliver: USE SMART DROP LOADING AND VIEST OFF THE HEA GIFTS FIRST, Y 300x REDUCING ENERG 22M 365,000 6,100 THE Y the speed of sound EXPENDED B presents presents a presents per REINDEER per hour, or minute, or second

INTEGRATE ROUTING In the United States, The U.S. Postal Service delivered WITH GPS FOR PRECISE ROOF- BY-ROOF FLYING USA 65 million 28 million+ INSTRUCTIONS children expect a visit packages per day from Santa between Dec. 16-21, 2019 GO PAPERLESS ON THE NAUGHTY AND NICE LIST TO REDUCE THE SLEIGH’S WEIGHT BY 790 POUNDS Time to complete 15 HOURS run in the United Delivery States under the W SEND indow ELECTRONIC PROOF 45 MINUTES cover of darkness S OF DELIVER Y TO THE NORTH POLE WITH POST-DELIVERY

PHOTOS

Santa would need approximately Be AVOID AIRPORT Would ZONES WHEN PLANE Helpers 400,000 TRUCKS or 5,000 AIRPLANES TRAFFIC IS HIGHEST Boeing 757-200

64 Inbound Logistics • December 2019 SOURCES: PARAGON SOFTWARE SYSTEMS; EUROSENDER; GO SUPPLY CHAIN CONSULTING LTD.; THE ATLANTIC; GOSHIP

064-C4_LastMile_1219.indd 64 12/10/19 3:03 PM There’s really just one reason to attend the 2020 NIT League Transportation Summit: To Help You Succeed

The Summit will bring together leading freight transportation professionals for three days of focused learning, network building, and forward thinking. You’ll come away with information and insights you can apply right away and all year long.

Tailored Content A Convenient Location Designed by shippers with shippers in mind, the Shippers know the importance of transporting Summit offers highly targeted content and freight quickly and efficiently, so they value a opportunities to build professional relationships conference location that’s accessible. San and develop industry solutions. The Summit will Antonio, with roughly 150 flights daily, fits the feature— bill. • General sessions focused on rail, ocean, and Good Company highway freight transportation issues featur- The NIT League Transportation Summit attracts ing government officials, economists, busi- a “who’s who” of stakeholders in freight trans- ness analysts, and industry executives portation, including AkzoNobel, Cargill, Exxon- • Interactive modal committee meetings (high- Mobil, CSX, UPS, Occidental Chemical, CN, way, ocean, and rail) that explore issues International Paper, Nestle Purina, Packaging affecting freight transportation and efforts Corporation of America, Maersk and others, being taken by NITL to address them plus officials from the Surface Transportation • Receptions and activities that bring together Board, the Federal Maritime Commission, and stakeholders from across the industry other federal agencies. REGISTER NOW! Significant Savings https://www.nitl.org/events/summit-registration/ Some first-time attendees at the 2020 Summit can receive 25% off the registration fee!

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