TS M A RCH 2023

SP EC I A L R E P OR

GEORGIA WELCOMES
LOGISTICS LEADERS
ACCEPTING THE
E-COMMERCE CHALLENGE

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InfoSNACKS
BITE SIZED SUPPLY CHAIN / LOGISTICS INFORMATION

GOING
DOWN? Import data from
HIPPO HOP
In what may be an air cargo
first, Colombia is proposing
Descartes shows: transferring at least 70
hippopotamuses that live
In February 2023, U.S. near Pablo Escobar’s former

ONE BILLION HOURS container imports decreased

significantly from January 2023,
The amount of time truckers waste sitting
in traffic every year, making shipping even
more expensive.
• A highway intersection outside of
New York City is the most congested
bottleneck for trucks.  a downward trend in February.
• Congestion added $42 billion+ to the
cost of freight transportation in 2019.
• Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles
are among the most congested cities
for trucks.
—Business Insider
but remained aligned with pre-
pandemic 2019 volumes.
After an upward move in
January, Chinese imports into
the United States returned to
Compared to January 2023,
imports from China decreased
by 17.1% to 632,702 TEUs.
ranch to India and Mexico
as part of a plan to control
their population.
The plan is to lure the hippos
with food into large, iron
containers and transfer them
by truck to the international
airport in Rionegro. From
there, they would be flown
to India and Mexico, to
sanctuaries and zoos capable
of caring for the animals.

SUPPLY CHAIN
CAREERS
ARE HOT
Employment of logisticians is
projected to grow 28% from 2021 to
2031, much faster than the average
for all occupations.
In January 2023, there were nearly
300,000 U.S. job listings on LinkedIn
for supply chain roles.
–U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
THE TRUCK STOPS HERE
Trucker Path, a mobile app for North American commercial truck
drivers, released its annual ranking of truck stops chosen by its
nearly one million app users.
Top 5 Best Truck Stops
1st Place – Kwik Star #1071, Davenport, Iowa
2nd Place – Love’s Travel Stop #827, Moses Lake, Washington
3rd Place – Rainbow Trucker’s Lounge, West Wendover, Nevada
4th Place – Bert’s Travel Plaza, Wellsville, Kansas
5th Place – Workman’s Travel Center Ozark, Ozark, Arkansas

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 1

CONTENTS
MARCH 2023 | VOL. 43 | NO. 3
34
FEATURES
34
SPONSORED
INCREASING E-COMMERCE
EFFICIENCIES BLOCK BY BLOCK
Consumer expectations continue to
stack up, and pressures on e-tailers
are mounting. Here’s how companies
are building efficiencies and
constructing e-fulfillment strategies.
40
INVITING NEW TRADING
PARTNERS TO THE PARTY
More U.S. companies are asking a
Plus One guest to join China sourcing
strategies, inviting suppliers beyond
the border of the world’s primary
outsourcing powerhouse to the party.
2 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
46
46
INCOTERMS:
THE GOOD, THE BAD,
AND THE AMBIGUOUS
Incoterms are a set of international
rules that interpret the most
commonly used trade terms.
Applying Incoterms to sales and
purchase contracts makes global
trade easier and helps partners
in different countries understand
one another.
52
GLOBAL TRADE MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS GUIDE 2023
Global trade management (GTM)
systems and services are more
56
SPONSORED
important than ever in today’s
complex and disrupted business GEORGIA:
environment. From resource
planning and trade compliance to
customs filings and data analytics,
PROPELLED BY LOGISTICS
Georgia attains logistics prominence
these GTM providers can help
with an expansive infrastructure,
more cargo capacity on the way, and
ensure your global supply chain
access to a qualified workforce.
runs smoothly.
56
Renovations to the Port of
Savannah will increase its annual
berth capacity by 25%—one of the
many logistics developments on the
horizon for Georgia.
| |
CONTENTS
MARCH 2023 | VOL. 43 | NO. 3

Outdoor gear makers

GOOD QUESTION
How will supply 10
96 scale supply chain INSIGHT
challenges chain management
6 CHECKING IN
The last mile gets giggy transform in the next
10 GOOD QUESTION
five years?
How will supply chain
management transform in
the next five years?
88 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT 14 10 TIPS
INFOCUS Tracking and labeling solutions Optimizing mobile devices
in your supply chain
1 INFO SNACKS 90 IN BRIEF
26 GLOBAL TRADE
12 DIALOG 96 LAST MILE
The supply chain impact
The great outdoors: peak of the war on Ukraine
16 VERTICAL FOCUS market opportunities
Cosmetics 28 RISKS & REWARDS
20 NOTED 16 Managing supply chain risks

22 TAKEAWAYS 30 IT MATTERS
Stabilizing the chemical
supply chain
18
CONTENT 32 OCEAN FREIGHT

PARTNERS Container shipping shifts

balance

SOLVED INPRACTICE
24 KEY INGREDIENTS INFO 18 READER PROFILE
FOR EFFICIENCY: 3PL Shaun Bunch, senior vice
PARTNERSHIP DELIVERS 80 WEB_CITE CITY president of supply chain for
MULTIPLE BENEFITS 86 SUPPLY CHAIN INSIGHTS Northern Tool + Equipment,
oversees distribution, fulfillment,
Offered by Hub Group 92 CALENDAR network design, and inventory
for the company’s more than
94 RESOURCE CENTER 100,000 tools through 130+
stores, catalog, and website.

77 IT TOOLKIT
90
JOELLE Collection, which offers
apparel and jewelry through a
thriving e-commerce business
and a boutique, needed to
automate more inbound
processes, increase its ability
to pick and pack orders, and
A new heavy loader reduce the risk of fulfillment
crane from Hiab and errors. 
other recent innovations

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, a Xometry company, 5 Penn Plaza, NY, NY 10001. 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

4 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

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CHECKINGIN Vol. 43, No. 3 March 2023
THE MAGAZINE FOR DEMAND-DRIVEN ENTERPRISES
www.inboundlogistics.com

Gettin’ Giggy With It STAFF

PUBLISHER Keith G. Biondo

publisher@inboundlogistics.com

T he gig economy’s impact on last-mile delivery and

fulfillment expectations has not gone unnoticed by
the retail and e-commerce behemoths. Acknowledging
EDITOR Felecia J. Stratton
editor@inboundlogistics.com
SENIOR EDITOR Katrina C. Arabe
karabe@inboundlogistics.com

that impact, investment activity is spinning up this year. MANAGING EDITOR Robert Fee
rfee@inboundlogistics.com
It seems odd but, despite finely tuned distribution CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
systems, e-commerce leaders now feel they have to add Merrill Douglas • Karen M. Kroll
Richard Osborne • Debra Phillips
to their “legacy” fulfillment infrastructure, technology, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jeof Vita
Keith Biondo, Publisher and expertise with last-mile buildouts designed to be jvita@inboundlogistics.com
DESIGNER Nicole Estep
2023-competitive. nicole@inboundlogistics.com
How? By building out the concept of Fulfillment-as-a-Service (FaaS) as DIGITAL DESIGN Amy Palmisano
MANAGER apalmisano@inboundlogistics.com
a brand enhancement for their current and future vendors, in the hopes of
PUBLICATION MANAGER Sonia Casiano
blunting more share gains by small and mid-sized sellers. sonia@inboundlogistics.com
Last-mile guaranteed delivery windows offered by a growing group of gig CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Carolyn Smolin

final-mile solutions providers are empowering a pool of newer and smaller

SALES OFFICES
e-commerce companies, offering them the ability to side-step existing
PUBLISHER: Keith Biondo
excellent Amazonian and Walmartian delivery expertise.
212-629-1560 • FAX: 212-629-1565
A Prime example of this trend is the Shopify and Flexport/Deliverr mash-up publisher@inboundlogistics.com
with its hopes of a solid offering of guaranteed delivery windows, usually WEST/MIDWEST/SOUTHWEST: Harold L. Leddy
within two days. 847-446-8764 • FAX: 847-305-5890
Beyond mashups, segment leaders are slapping on more than add-ons. haroldleddy@inboundlogistics.com
Sam’s Club recently announced a weighty five-year buildout plan to expand Marshall Leddy
and add 16 e-commerce fulfillment centers. Why? You guessed it—to 612-234-7436 • FAX: 847-305-5890
marshall@inboundlogistics.com
compete with Amazon and expected delivery experience changes wrought and
DIRECTOR, NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING,
brought by new e-commerce sellers using fast, cheaper gig delivery services. SOUTHEAST/MIDWEST/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Low-cost delivery tracking technology and delivery performance metrics Joseph Biondo
à la Uber, combined with dramatic shifts in consumer buying habits and 516-578-8924
young consumer culture, also drive this investment. SMB retailers and jbiondo@inboundlogistics.com

e-commerce companies have nailed down the click-to-sale. But meeting new NORTHEAST: Rachael Sprinz
212-629-1562 • FAX: 212-629-1565
age consumer delivery expectations without breaking the final-mile bank
rachael@inboundlogistics.com
is crucial.
MEXICO & LATAM: Guillermo Almazo
Even large e-commerce companies like Chinese-owned Temu are 212-629-1560
concerned with doorstep performance. Temu is currently offering a $5 bounty mexico@inboundlogistics.com
on any missed delivery window in the States. All this concern partially explains FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS
the growth of gig and gig hybrid final-mile delivery solutions such as Uber and
www.inboundlogistics.com/free
new entrants like AxleHire and DutchX.
Inbound Logistics supports sustainable best practices.
For the e-commerce giants—Walmart, Amazon, Shopify, Temu—there’s Our mission is rooted in helping companies match
demand to supply, eliminating waste from the supply
more than money to be made. They plan to grow their market share if they chain. This magazine is printed on paper sourced from
fast growth renewable timber.
can stave off all the second-tier e-commerce companies and the hordes of new
Inbound Logistics welcomes comments and submissions. Email us at
gig-delivery empowered entrants using ultra-fast delivery as a brand builder editorial@inboundlogistics.com; call (212) 629-1560; or mail 5 Penn Plaza,

with vendors and customers. That’s why everyone is gettin’ Giggy with it.
NY, NY 10001. For advertising or subscription information, call (212) 629-
1560, or e-mail publisher@inboundlogistics.com. Inbound Logistics is
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in North America: $95 per year. Foreign subscriptions: $229. Single copy
price: No. Amer. $10, foreign $19, back issues $15.

6 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 Perfectly
Positioned
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and located at the confluence of
South Florida’s Atlantic shipping lanes,
airways, railways and highways, we are
your unrivaled connection to global
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PortEverglades.net
GOODQUESTION
Readers Weigh In
How will supply chain management
transform in the next five years?
EXPECT A SIGNIFICANT RELOCATION OF
GLOBAL SOURCING. Businesses are keen to
shorten the supply chain, increasing visibility
and bringing suppliers closer to them and
their customers. The geographical distribution
of suppliers and manufacturers, which once
leaned global, will flip to favor local and regional
sourcing. Organizations will need to tap into their
business networks to find local suppliers.
–Gordon Donovan
Global Market Research Director,
Procurement & External Workforce, SAP
WE WILL SEE A FAR GREATER SCM WILL EVOLVE FROM BEING
FOCUS ON CUSTOMS REACTIVE TO PROACTIVE.
CLEARING CARGO IN TRANSIT. Technology will enable proactive
The need for better terminal decision-making focused on additional
efficiency will pressure importers to parameters such as resiliency and
clear cargo and secure the carrier sustainability while still considering
release before vessel arrival so that costs, service, and performance. This is
terminals can plan their container a shift from the past siloed evaluations.
stacks. It’s time to put automated Supply chain practitioners will be
manifest system data to use—visibility, equipped with the power of data-
driven insights, and more time will be
clearance, appointment, go.
-Bryn Heimbeck spent on strategic complex planning
vs. tactical execution.
President and Co-Founder
Trade Tech Inc. –Venky Arun
Partner, Strategic Operations, Kearney
SUPPLY CHAINS WILL OPERATE
WITH LESS ENERGY. Many supply RESILIENCY, SUSTAINABILITY,
chain processes will run autonomously,
INCREASED USE OF DATA
supported by IT-assisted data
ANALYTICS AND END-TO-END
analytics. Overall, in five years, supply
COLLABORATION—supply chain
chain management (SCM) is super
management will continue to expand
resilient, as disturbances will no longer
upon these current trends. Additional
be a surprise. Furthermore, SCM
use of technology, especially
incorporates Gen Z’s demands for
with artificial intelligence, cloud
sustainability and work-life balance.
computing, and other advancements
–Dr. Herbert Kotzab
Director, Crowley Center for will enable faster, more precise
Transportation and Logistics, decision-making.
CSX Transportation Eminent Scholar
-Felix Vicknair
in Transportation & Logistics,
University of North Florida VP, Supply Chain Solutions
Kenco Group
10 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
SUPPLY CHAINS WILL
COALESCE AROUND THREE
KEY PILLARS: people, process,
and technology. Today, there is some
integration among these pillars.
The next step is a much tighter and
deeper integration across all three in
order to provide value to customers
and employees.
–Ann Nemphos
Chief Technology Officer, World Group
THE SUPPLY CHAIN RECENTLY
BECAME EXTREMELY FLUID,
with freight moving from ship to
plane to rail to truck and back to
address shortages. Add in reshoring/
nearshoring trends and growing
visibility expectations, and supply
chain management is poised to be
more fluid, yet even more connected,
in the next five years.
–Ron Bisio
Senior Vice President
Trimble Transportation
INCREASED DIGITIZATION IN
BOTH THE PHYSICAL SUPPLY
AND LOGISTICAL CHAINS as well
as in the finance of trade. We expect
to see the continued leap from paper-
based processes to global information
networks (think ocean bills of lading
on a blockchain) and an increasing
number of partners and service
providers connected and sharing data
electronically. The added visibility
and availability of real-time status
information should allow new forms
of financing for trading partners at
earlier points in the manufacturing,
shipment, and delivery cycles.
–Michael Stitt
Head of Trade and Supply Chain
Finance Sales, U.S. Bank

SUPPLY CHAINS WILL FURTHER
MOVE AWAY FROM BEING
LINEAR CHAINS toward connected
ecosystems that link data, decisions,
and operations across multiple
touchpoints and processes, enabling
a greater level of coordination,
collaboration, and orchestration. This
will further accelerate into the future.
–Alex Pradhan
Product Strategy Leader
John Galt Solutions
EXPECT AN INCREASED
EMPHASIS ON SUPPLIER AND
ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIPS,
with a marked focus on sustainability.
Nearshoring will continue to grow,
which will intensify the war for talent,
and more companies will continue
to adopt blockchain solutions to
improve supply chain management.
–Guru Bandekar
Global Vice President,
Supply Chain Management, Carrier
THE COST OF INACCURATE
DATA WILL ESCALATE and cost
to track will continue to be a burden.
Internet-of-Things technology will
have increasing impact on the supply
chain to help address these issues.
–Jason Judd
SVP, Engineering, Optilogic
THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE WILL
TAKE SHARE IN E-COMMERCE
SHIPPING. Multi-carrier strategy
will gain momentum with retailers,
e-commerce pure-plays, and
manufacturers selling direct-to-
consumer. The trend is driven by
elevated profitability goals and the
necessity to adapt to new economic
challenges from industry leaders,
FedEx and UPS.
–Gaston Curk
CEO, OSM Worldwide
WHILE INVESTING IN
SUPPLY CHAIN AGILITY AND
ANALYTICS will be a top priority for
every logistician, increasing inventory
levels will also be key to offering
companies the flexibility necessary to
meet unexpected surges in demand.
–Greg Tuthill
CCO, SeaCube Containers
GOODQUESTION
Get Ready for These
Transformations
Here are the three major transformations supply
chain managers can anticipate.
Adoption of advanced supply chain
technology will be a major source of
competitive advantage for companies.
Platforms that improve human decision making and asset management
will be areas of focus. Companies will unify their technology portfolios and
update or replace legacy systems.
Soon the majority of supply chain management platforms
will deliver embedded advanced analytics (AA) and artificial
intelligence (AI) capabilities. Improved decision making through the
use of AA and AI is a high priority for supply chain stakeholders. This will be
a major competitive advantage, making repetitive and manual requests for
status obsolete.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities will be
embedded in the supply chain process. Leaders must move from
good intentions to value creation—accelerating progression of
ESG priorities and merging them into the supply chain. This will become
increasingly crucial as countries around the world continue to adopt stricter
due diligence laws like the recently passed German supply chain law and the
United States’ Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act.
-Tim Chiu
SVP, TradeBeyond
BRINGING TOGETHER A CLEAN SUPPLY CHAIN VISIBILITY WILL
ENERGY MIX of renewable energy ADVANCE SIGNIFICANTLY.
with low-carbon alternative energy Order/purchase order management
sources is one of many ways we will see capabilities, rapid customer
supply chain management evolve over integrations, and real-time container
the next five, 10, and 15-plus years. tracking will be commonplace and
–Joe Calhoun base requirements for shippers
Director, seeking new supply chain partners.
Off-Road Business Development,
Propane Education & Research Council –Mike Williams
EVP, Commercial Development & Logistics
ContainerPort Group
Have a great answer to a good question?
Be sure to participate next month. We want to know:
How has logistics technology impacted your job
or changed your business?
We’ll publish some answers.
Tell us at editorial@inboundlogistics.com or tweet us @ILMAGAZINE
#ILGOODQUESTION
March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 11
DIALOG
[ INSIGHT] Want to join the conversation?
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When I was a shipper, I would scan through the company
profiles of my latest edition of Inbound Logistics. My biggest
headache at the time was liquid bulk tanker capacity for food-
grade raw materials and finished product we were shipping in
and out of my facility. I was always on the hunt to find diamonds
in the rough within this niche mode of transportation.
Today I am proud to say Candor Expedite was featured in
the January edition. This morning I enjoyed sitting back and
reflecting on everything and everybody that has impacted me
over the many years spent in transportation and various supply
chain roles. So many ups, downs, and all-arounds!
–Tyler Wiard
Director of Business Development, Candor Expedite
Re: Supply Chain
Education Kindles Quick To address the talent
gap, consider making jobs
predictability, and are outperforming their
peers with data-driven workflows, insights,
and actions—employing predictive
approaches, implementing tech-infused
workflows, and experimenting with
simulation like digital twins. As companies
mature their digital twin, prescriptive and
cognitive capabilities, they can improve
supply chain productivity by 10–15%,
eliminate non-value-add work by 50–60%,
and improve their disruption response time
from days to hours or minutes.
Focus on sustainability. Integrate
environmental sustainability and social
impact into your enterprise strategy—

New Skills
bit.ly/SC_educa-
tion_0223
The single most
important skill young people should have
for a career in supply chain management is
problem-solving.
Since supply chain management
requires the ability to create and operate
a series of independent processes, it is
critical to be able to skillfully and surgically
solve problems.
Problem-solving requires using both
objective and subjective skills and tools.
Objective skills include data collection and
analytics. Subjective capabilities include a
positive attitude/behavior and interpersonal
communication to convert results into
actionable tasks. Problem-solving includes
the ability to identify/analyze the problem
and then develop/implement a controlled
improvement plan.
–Chris Petrocelli
Instructor, Department of Global Business
and Transportation
SUNY Maritime College
TIP
accessible to a broader pool
of potential candidates,
including groups that
may not historically have had as many
opportunities in supply chain as others.
Consider actively recruiting military
personnel leaving the services. Include
offering services or incentives for day care
to allow women to more fully participate.
–Chris Jones
EVP Industry & Services, Descartes
Re. Plan Ahead and
Get Organized for 2023
bit.ly/SC_predictions_0123
Managing the supply
chain has become a juggling act. Chief
supply chain officers should consider the
following moves:
Accelerate investments in supply
chain technology. Research shows top
supply chain performers are using cloud,
analytics, and artificial intelligence to
provide ecosystem interconnectivity,
sustainable operations, and greater
recalibrate value with a holistic lens
of people, planet, purpose, and profit
impact. Experiment with open innovation
and scientific discovery to explore new
solutions and possibilities. Finally,
emphasize sustainability in operational
metrics, leadership assessments, and
investment criteria.
Broaden your workforce/recruiting
strategy. Provide pay transparency and
position company culture as a benefit.
Use AI to analyze labor markets, skills,
experience, and location. Enable
prescriptive AI capabilities to recommend
pay adjustments and share analysis with
workers. Include career paths, fast-track
and rotational programs among others.
Measure happiness to support business
goals like productivity, quality, and sales.
Integrate diversity into culture to reinforce
an inclusive, safe atmosphere and broaden
the pool of potential candidates by not
requiring a four-year college degree for
certain positions.
–Rob Cushman
Worldwide Leader – Supply Chain
Transformation, IBM Consulting

12 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

10
TIPS
Optimizing Mobile Devices
in Your Supply Chain
Mobile devices are indispensable tools for businesses to stay connected and manage
their supply chains—placing them on the front lines of technology transformation. Here
are 10 action items to better optimize the use of mobile devices in your supply chain.
1 STREAMLINE WORKFLOWS
TO RAISE PRODUCTIVITY
It’s crucial for businesses to enhance workflows.
The use of mobile devices can raise productivity by
eliminating time-wasting redundancies, and reducing
administrative costs, billing errors, and staff time.
2 SCALE AND INTEGRATE
SEAMLESSLY
An intuitive technology
system allows seamless
integration by sharing
real-time data on mobile
devices. The right system
enables transparency and
streamlines communications
that align with business
objectives while reinforcing
best practices. But proceed
carefully here. Many
systems do not address a
business’s actual day-to-day
needs. As a result, choosing
the incorrect technology
platform can be a costly
mistake, leading to greater
inefficiencies and poor
performance.
3 MANAGE ASSETS WITH
A ROBUST DATABASE
Managers can use mobile
devices to access critical
data stored on a database
housed on an advanced
technology platform.
Mobile access allows for
10
convenient tracking of
assets, maintenance, and
allocation.
14 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
4 FREE UP RESOURCES BY
FINE-TUNING PLANNING
A business can fine-tune
its planning processes by
eliminating antiquated
methods and manual-
heavy procedures while
simultaneously leveraging
mobile technologies.
This frees up resources
and increases agility by
empowering mobile device
users to be more proactive
and respond quickly to
challenges.
5 IMPROVE DATA
COLLECTION
Many advanced mobile
technology systems
improve data collection and
information delivery. This
promotes transparency and
elevates efficiency regardless
of location while minimizing
ANTICIPATE EXPECTATIONS TO
IMPROVE THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Mobile device optimization utilizing the right software can improve the overall customer
experience. An intuitive technology platform allows mobile device users to receive updates
and notifications on their mobile devices—enabling them to meet customer expectations.
disturbances and delays.
Real-time data collection
and transparency is the
backbone of a supply chain.
Sharing that information
across the organization via
mobile devices enables vital
connections to partners
and customers, allowing the
supply chain to function at
its full potential.
6 BOOST KEY INSIGHTS TO
AUGMENT REPORTING
An innovative technology
platform delivers critical
insight into a company’s
supply chain, offering team
members access to key
reports, trends, statistics,
and real-time data, which
allows the organization
to make adjustments to
enhance efficiency and
accuracy.
7 IMPROVE DEMAND
VISIBILITY
A proven technology
platform improves visibility
to better anticipate
demand, which is necessary
to properly plan and
create accurate forecasts.
SOURCE: TOM MARTUCCI, CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
CONSOLIDATED INTERMODAL TECHNOLOGIES
A platform with strong
mobile device accessibility
baked in also makes it easier
to source and distribute
goods on time and cost-
effectively, which provides
a positive impact to the
bottom line.
8 INCORPORATE SECURITY
BEST PRACTICES
Mobile devices are especially
prone to security risks;
therefore, a technology
platform should adhere to
security best practices and
seamlessly work with and
comply to existing security
standards.
9 ASSESS SUPPLY CHAIN
HEALTH PROACTIVELY
Unpredictable global
challenges over the past few
years have sent some supply
chains into a tailspin, causing
uncertainty and ambiguity.
Companies can quickly
determine the health of their
supply chain and how to
mitigate risk throughout their
operations, including mobile
devices, thanks to innovative
technology platforms.
 ®

Proactively
investing in THE WORLD CONNECTS HERE

infrastructure
for your
supply chain

SCSPA.COM/WHYSCPORTS
 Cosmetics
INVENTORY
MANAGEMENT
GETS A
MAKEOVER ON SUPPLY CHAINS
From managing ingredient shortages to finding a
production plan that delivers the right amount of
product when and where it’s needed, cosmetics
companies face significant supply chain challenges.
Many are turning to automation to meet these
challenges. One example is Belcorp, a multinational
beauty brand corporation operating for more than
55 years primarily in Latin America. The company
sought a software solution that would both enhance
inventory performance of more than 90,000 SKUs
and elevate service.
Reducing and properly positioning inventory
across its network would help managers make agile
decisions while minimizing environmental impact.
But Belcorp also needed access to statistical and
optimization tools that could calculate optimal
stock levels.
Its search led Belcorp to ToolsGroup, a Boston-
based supply chain planning software provider. It
implemented ToolsGroup’s demand planning, multi-
echelon inventory optimization and replenishment
solutions to help right-size inventory levels and
improve stock positions.
Since implementing the solution, Belcorp has
reduced on-hand inventory while positioning
available stock where it can best fill demand.
16 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
THE LIPSTICK EFFECT
While much of the current U.S. economic news has focused on
recession fears driven by inflation and geopolitical concerns, the
cosmetics industry is sitting pretty because American consumers
are still spending heavily on beauty products. To understand why,
consider the lipstick effect.
The lipstick effect occurs when consumers continue to spend
money on luxury items during times of economic stress. The term
was coined by Estée Lauder’s former chairperson, Leonard Lauder,
who observed how lipstick sales soared in the wake of Sept. 11 and
theorized that lipstick must be a contrary indicator of an economy.
Recent data supports Lauder’s theory. The beauty category was “a
rare bright spot” for retailers in 2022, finds the NPD Group, and the
only discretionary retail category to enjoy rising unit sales in the first
half of 2022. Makeup sales, including lipstick, were up 20%, skincare
was up 12%, fragrance was up 15%, and hair care was up 28%.
But greater demand for product creates greater strain on the
supply chain. For example, the lipstick effect can make it tricky
for cosmetics firms to predict economic downturns, so managing
inventory levels can be a challenge.
To leverage the lipstick effect and drive supply chain efficiencies,
cosmetics companies do the following:
● Prioritize supply chain stability
● Find the right pricing balance
● Diversify product offerings
● Invest in technology that helps to predict demand
 VERTICALFOCUS

FACING
SUPPLY CHAIN
CHALLENGES
ULTA ULTR A-
While some challenges are common
to every industry, others are unique
to a particular market segment. The

FOCUSED ON TECH
cosmetics industry will face at least
four unique supply chain challenges in
2023, according to analysts at rfxcel, a
Technology is changing the playing field for all industries, including beauty products. part of the Antares Vision Group.
The larger players understand that the technologies that disrupt a process today Combating counterfeit goods.
can lead to huge efficiencies and profits tomorrow. They are investing more Cosmetics are often pricey,
time and money in funding the development of technology that will drive their which makes them attractive to
business forward. counterfeiters. In fact, counterfeit
Take Ulta Beauty as an example. The largest beauty retailer in the United products cost the cosmetics and
States recently launched Prisma Ventures, a digital innovation fund that will invest personal care sector between
$20 million in emerging tech startups with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, $4.5 million and $5.6 million and
augmented reality, Internet of Things, and personalized data-driven technology. created 10% of all customs seizures in
2019, according to a Statistica report.
The Ulta Beauty Prisma Ventures team evaluates these tech startups based on
five key metrics: “Traceability in a digital supply chain,
including serialization and real-time
1. Alignment with an Ulta focus area
environmental monitoring solutions, is
2. Leadership and cultural compatibility the best defense,” the report advises.
3. Diligence and risk assessment
Ensuring sustainability. While
4. Business plan and scalability regulatory concerns drive sustainability
5. IP and differentiation efforts at many companies, cosmetics
consumers continue to demand
Early investments in start-ups that include Haut.ai, Adeptmind, Revea, LUUM, and
accountability, requiring suppliers
ReStyle have enabled greater personalization and diagnosis within Ulta Beauty’s
to focus on sustainable sourcing,
digital skin and hair experiences, the company says.
packaging, and manufacturing.
Minimizing product damage.
APPLYING A BETTER FOUNDATION Climate control that reduces the
risk of damage during shipment is
While the benefits of robotics solutions in cosmetics manufacturing are solid, crucial. Cosmetics companies should
implementation can prove shaky. Packaging or picking products that come in a make climate control part of a larger
range of sizes and shapes creates unique challenges that have led many cosmetics
real-time environmental monitoring
companies to build processes that piece together a variety of solutions.
solution such as Integrated Monitoring,
For example, because cosmetics products often deal with liquids at a variety which uses Internet of Things devices
of viscosities, liquid filling can be particularly troublesome for manufacturers with to monitor conditions, including
diverse product ranges. temperature, during transportation.
There may be another way. Addressing labor issues. Sourcing
Shemesh Automation has developed a solution that the company says can high-quality ingredients is essential,
handle feeding, filling, capping, labeling, case packing, and palletizing cosmetics but the cosmetics sector has dealt with
products of all shapes and sizes. The company’s TKS-C60 solution consists of three illegal labor issues. Sourcing requires
ABB Delta Robots—one on the product unscrambling station, one for multi-capping, vigilant monitoring of labor practices,
and one for case packing—and an integrated vision system. The solution is able to making end-to-end traceability,
pack multiple product types with one line, according to the company. visibility, and transparency crucial.

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 17

READERPROFILE as told to Karen Kroll

Best of the Bunch

SHAUN BUNCH is senior vice president of supply chain with
Northern Tool + Equipment, which offers more than 100,000
tools—from air compressors to welding tables—through 130-plus
stores, catalog, and website.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversee distribution, fulfillment, network design, inventory and demand
planning, forecasting, transportation, logistics, safety, and facilities, among other functions.

EXPERIENCE: Vice president, logistics and inventory management, Sleep Number

Corporation; vice president, fulfillment and final mile, Ashley Furniture Industries; senior
director, online operations and fulfillment, Sears Holding; director of distribution and logistics
and logistics manager, Coca-Cola Consolidated, and senior operations manager, Amazon.

EDUCATION: M.B.A., Sullivan University; B.S. Business Administration, University of

South Carolina.

W hile interning with Walmart,

I visited a distribution center
in Monroe, North Carolina, and
immediately knew this was where I
wanted to be.
There was so much going on: high-
tech conveyors and de-palletizers,
trucks coming in and out, people
working on different things. I
was hooked.
Then, early in my days at Amazon,
I learned the importance of being
able to quickly change and try new
things. As part of an operations team
that launched multiple new buildings, I
had the opportunity to teach and train
new employees, open new facilities, and
implement technology to go faster.
As I grew in my career, I learned
different aspects of the distribution
network, including transportation,
inventory management, and
e-commerce operations. I got into
network design and the engineering that
goes into figuring out not just where
you’re at, but how to skate to where the
puck is going and build a network for
the future.
The patience to try and fail is not easy, especially in
a violently changing supply chain environment. But
once you get it nailed down, you can execute fast.
When I joined Ashley Furniture, we
worked on the customer experience
from a customer lens, and not just
an operations lens. We focused on
enhancing the experience once
the drivers and furniture arrived at
customers’ homes. When you cross into
somebody’s home, the experience is not
just important; it’s sacred.
At Northern Tool + Equipment,
our customers are the ones who do
the tough jobs. They kept the country
running during the pandemic. They’re
professionals and serious DIYers, who
want pro-grade tools.
We aren’t just a store trying to
sell goods. We’re anchors in our
communities and we keep the people
who do these jobs working.
I’m proud of our ability over the past
few years to not just adjust, but also to be
agile. We’re not a small ship, but we’re
much smaller than the biggest ships.
Those ships can weather some storms,
but they’re also hard to turn.

18 Inbound Logistics • March 2023


We’re strong enough to weather the
storms, and we also can make agile cuts
and invest in supply chain initiatives to
make us stronger and better. For instance,
we’re implementing ship-from-store
technology for customers using our direct
channel. Utilizing store inventory gets us
geographically closer to the customer and
normalizes inventory.
We launched with an alpha site. We
try and fail, and hone the system before
we plug it into place. The patience to do
that is not easy, especially in a violently
changing supply chain environment. But
once you get it nailed down, you can
execute fast. That has been key to the
success of this program.
We’re growing and investing in new
facilities and systems in an environment
where everything is scary and up for grabs,
and a lot of folks are trying not to collapse.
I’m grateful for the growth of my team as
we’ve done this.
asi_halfpgIL_0323_final_• 2/21/23 3:29 PM Page 1
Shaun Bunch Answers the Big Questions
1 What activity makes you better at
supply chain management?
I’ve coached my three teenagers
in basketball at all levels. Coaching
basketball is one of my passions
and it plays into my obsession with
supply chain. Basketball is a sport
of orchestration and adjusting to
the dynamics of the other team.
You have to have good plays and
training so each individual can
harmonize as a team, and then
respond to the other team.
2 If you could speed the development
of a supply-chain-disrupting
technology, what would you choose?
Better technology around the
movement of big and heavy
n goods.
READERPROFILE
3 Who are your heroes?
My grandfather is one. His
ability to lead our family and in
the community, his work ethic, his
kindness, his business savvy and
smarts, and his ability to unite—I
strive to be like him every day.
Professionally, I love risk-takers;
people who charge in with a
vision, not knowing exactly how
to get there. But they charge
anyway because they know it’ll
work. Jeff Bezos gets a lot of
bad press, but Amazon started
out like everything: an idea. His
ability to be fearless in building
it was monumental. It taught me
if you have a vision and you’re
passionate about executing it,
anything’s possible.

GLOBAL
LOGISTICS
International Transportation Services
▪ PORT-TO-DOOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS
▪ CUSTOMS BROKERAGE

SOLUTIONS ▪ FREIGHT FORWARDER, NVOCC

▪ AIR FREIGHT SERVICES
▪ IMPORTER SECURITY FILING SERVICES (10+2)
www.alliance.com ▪ SHIPPERS RISK COVERAGE SERVICES
March 2023 Inbound Logistics 19
NOTED
[ IN FOCUS]
> GOOD WORKS
• Atlas Air sent a 747-8F aircraft filled with humanitarian and
relief supplies from Washington Dulles International Airport
to earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Atlas Air donated
the use of the aircraft and crew and Turkish Airlines collected
clothes, medical supplies, and other essentials.
> MILESTONE
n Milky Way, a division of LTI, celebrates its 75th
anniversary in 2023. The bulk milk transporter serves
producers in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
> UP THE CHAIN
• ITS Logistics appointed Peter Weis as its chief information
officer and senior vice president of supply chain services. Weis
brings 20 years of global C-suite IT leadership experience to
the company.
20 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
The Supply Chain in Brief
> RECOGNITION
• Dayton Freight Lines received the 2022 LTL Carrier of
the Year Award from Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. This
award recognizes superior performance in on-time
service, claims ratio, and responsiveness to Scotts’
capacity needs. (Pictured: Mike Cronin (left), executive
vice president and Tom Cronin, CEO and president,
Dayton Freight Lines, accept the award.)
• Federal longshore and harbor workers’ compensation
insurance provider Signal Mutual awarded APM
Terminals its Industry Safety Leadership Award for
2021-2022.
• Avetta’s support center team won a 2022 International
Service Excellence Award, presented by the Customer
Service Institute of America and the International
Council of Customer Service Organizations. The team
also was named as a 2022 Service Excellence Up and
Comer for improving satisfaction scores and reducing
customer wait times.
• Gartner awarded two Power of the Profession Supply
Chain Awards to Microsoft for Supply Chain Breakthrough
of the Year and Process or Technology Innovation of the
Year for its submission titled Real Time Visibility Enabling
a Sentient Supply Chain, which detailed how Microsoft
transformed its devices supply chain.
 NOTED
> M&A > GREEN SEEDS
n Descartes Systems Group acquired GroundCloud, a
cloud-based provider of last-mile solutions and road
safety compliance tools.

n To expand its last-mile offerings, PITT OHIO

secured a minority stake in Aria Logistics, a nationwide
provider of large format residential delivery. Services
include curbside, threshold, room of choice, and white
glove delivery.

n GEODIS has finalized its acquisition of trans-o-flex,
a leading German network for temperature-controlled
pharmaceutical goods and express premium
delivery. The acquisition boosts GEODIS's presence
in the healthcare market and enhances its delivery
capabilities in Europe.
n Overhaul, a provider of supply chain visibility, risk,
compliance, and insurance solutions, purchased
SensiGuard security services from Sensitech. The
acquisition expands Overhaul’s global footprint by
adding offices in Brazil, Mexico, and Czech Republic.
n Lufthansa Cargo will equip all its Boeing 777
freighters with AeroSHARK surface film. The technology
mimics the microscopic structure of shark skin, which
provides fuel efficiencies and reduces emissions.
n US Foods Holding received its first battery-electric
powered Freightliner eCascadia trucks at its La Mirada,
California distribution center. The food service
distributor plans to add a total of 30 electric trucks to its
distribution fleet.

> SEALED DEALS

n ROI sold Atlas Motor Express, a Boston-area trucking
company that specializes in less-than-truckload
freight, consolidation, and final-mile deliveries, to
Laconia Best Warehousing and Distribution.

n To boost its customs brokerage, clearance, and

consulting solutions offerings, EFL Global acquired
Trans American Customhouse Brokers.

n Horizon Air Freight purchased Transmarine

Navigation Corporation. The acquisition allows Horizon
Air Freight to offer port call agency services at
Transmarine's 12 served ports in the Gulf Coast, West
Coast, Hawaii, and Argentina.
n Asset-based truckload carrier Big G Express
acquired RTR Transportation, a nationwide dry
van truckload carrier that offers local cartage,
warehousing, cross-dock, trailer rework, and storage
trailers. Both companies are based in Tennessee.
• Apotea, an online pharmacy, automated its logistics
center with the piece-picking robot eOperator solution,
a collaboration among Element Logic, AutoStore, and
RightHand Robotics.
• Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants implemented
ArrowStream's food service cloud platform for supply chain
intelligence in its network of more than 275 chain operators
across 100,000 restaurant locations, 1,300 distribution
locations, and 10,000 manufacturers.

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 21

TAKEAWAYS Shaping the Future of the Global Supply Chain

WAR IN UKRAINE
SQUEEZES SHIPPING
More than one year after Russia’s initial invasion of
Ukraine, global supply chains are feeling the impact.
In the months after the invasion, total vessels moving
in and out of Ukraine dropped from 109 in January 2022
to just two in June 2022, according to data tracked by
project44. Combine the lack of vessel movement with
trade sanctions on Russian exports, and you have a recipe
for global inflation and commodity price spiking.
To mitigate these challenges, many companies are
diversifying their supply chains by changing from single to
multi-supplier sourcing. In some cases, they are shifting
from offshoring to nearshoring.

135 139 141

123
134
128

109
The invasion of
Ukraine started
Look Ma, No Hands
100 112 Feb. 23, 2022 As autonomous driving gains some traction, transportation
116
Vessel Count

Total vessels companies are building partnerships to bring self-driving

Vessels arriving trucks from concept to reality.
50 Vessels departing
To that end, Ascend, a truckload carrier that offers
12 14
2
6 7 middle-mile supply chain solutions, partnered with Volvo
0
Autonomous Solutions (VAS) to test autonomous, long
Jan ‘21 Apr ‘21 Jul ‘21 Oct ‘21 Jan ‘22 Apr ‘22 Jul ‘22 Oct ‘22 Jan ‘23 distance linehaul options.
As part of the pilot, Ascend will pick up customer loads
79 79 80 Total vessels and transport them to VAS hubs in Dallas and Houston.
80
74
71
Vessels arriving
71
68
65 67 Vessels departing From there, VAS will move loads to Ascend destination
67 69
60 62 hubs, where drivers will pick them up for delivery to
58
The invasion of
Vessel Count

Ukraine started final destinations.

40 40 41 41 Feb. 23, 2022
40 37 36
34 33 35 34
36
33
30 34 35 “In the future, the VAS transportation solution could
32 33
30
20
28 21 combine the service and transit time benefits afforded
20

4
4
4
by point-to-point truckload movements with the linehaul
0
2
advantages of intermodal rail transportation,” says Michael
Jan ‘21 Apr ‘21 Jul ‘21 Oct ‘21 Jan ‘22 Apr ‘22 Jul ‘22 Oct ‘22 Jan ‘23 McLary, CEO of Ascend.

The war in Ukraine has led to significant supply chain Potential benefits of autonomous driving include
challenges, exemplified by a sharp drop-off of vessels arriving increased safety, faster delivery schedules that can
and leaving Ukraine since the war began. This chart shows take advantage of 24/7 operation, and increased fuel
numbers from Odesa, the largest port in Ukraine, which mirror
the country’s overall numbers. (Source: project44) optimization due to computer-guided synchronization and
vehicle operation optimization, according to Ascend.

22 Inbound Logistics • March 2023


AIR CARGO
GAINS ALTITUDE
Air cargo levels are showing signs
of rebounding to pre-pandemic
levels. North American carriers
reported a 5.1% decrease in
demand in 2022 when compared
with 2021, but capacity increased
4.2%, according to the International
Air Transport Association.
Comparing these figures with
2019 shows demand at 13.7%
and capacity at 8.2% above
pre-pandemic levels.
Here are the top 10 global
airports–based on total cargo–
leveraging the increased demand,
according to Airports Council
International:
1. Hong Kong International Airport
2. Memphis International Airport
3. Shanghai Pudong International
Airport
4. Ted Stevens Anchorage
International Airport
5. Incheon International Airport
6. Louisville International Airport
7. Taiwan Taoyuan International
Airport
8. Los Angeles International
Airport
9. Narita International Airport
10. Hamad International Airport
TAKEAWAYS
Gaining Vision in
Ocean Freight’s Murky Depths
What you don’t know can hurt you. Half of ocean freight stakeholders responding to a
recent report released by FourKites say they have zero visibility into their ocean freight.
More than 20% still rely on manual track-and-trace processes to locate their ocean freight
in the supply chain. Once that cargo hits land, the numbers get better. Up to 73% report
having some level of visibility into their over-the-road shipping.
It will take some work to get those numbers close. Fortunately, ocean freight
executives are ready to invest time and money. FourKites’ report, The Great Reset:
Ocean Shipping in a Post-
Pandemic World, also finds that
73% plan to invest in supply
chain visibility technologies,
with 46% saying they are going to
invest more in 2023 than they did
in 2022.
Ocean freight executives also
expect to face labor challenges,
high shipping costs, and impacts to
customer service in 2023.
KEEPING THE
LAST MILE IN SIGHT
When customers order an item, they want it delivered now.
Retailers realize this, but they also have to keep costs in mind.
A study FarEye conducted with Researchscape International
finds that retailers with more than $100 million in sales seek to
improve the top key performance indicators of on-time delivery
(74%) and cost per delivery (62%). But as supply chain complexities increase, on-time
deliveries become more challenging.
To help solve this issue, many retailers outsource their delivery networks, but this comes
with its own set of problems. For example, the initial report findings show that 84% of
retailers that have outsourced their delivery networks now want more control over those
networks. Visibility is the biggest reason why; 33% of retailers say accessing reliable
information is a challenge.
To address these shortcomings, 77% of logistics providers say they expect to expand their
budgets for last-mile delivery technology, and 82% say they will likely change or buy a new
last-mile delivery solution in the next one to two years.
To enable more efficient, cutting-edge deliveries and lower costs, logistics providers are
also evaluating electric vehicles (80%), autonomous vehicles (44%), and drones (38%).
March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 23
SPONSORED CONTENT
Supply Chain Challenge?
SOLVED
Key Ingredients for Efficiency: 3PL
Partnership Delivers Multiple Benefits
By partnering with Hub Group, a major dairy and food ingredient company is finding the right capacity
at the right time while using supply chain data to become more time- and cost-efficient.
THE CHALLENGE
One of the oldest and largest dairy
and food ingredient companies in the
industry had several daily challenges that
were impeding its supply chain. They
needed a solution.
“We are a trading company as well
as a dairy,” said the company’s logistics
manager. “We buy and sell dry milk
powder and bulk salted and unsalted
butter from every major bulk co-op in
the United States. We take hundreds of
loads of powder and other refrigerated
dairy products and ship them to over 40
warehouses throughout the United States.
It is a very busy operation.” The logistics
manager explained his biggest daily
challenges were finding capacity, finding
the time to do it all, and cutting costs.
In addition to frequent capacity issues,
timing within an eight-hour window
had become increasingly difficult. “We
do a lot of quotes that don’t necessarily
turn into tenders, but they take time to
process. We do about 30 shipments a
24 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
day. In addition to that, I also do sales for
the company. Finding the time to do it
all is a daily challenge.”
In addition, the company faced
extremely high transportation costs over
the past 18 months. With escalating
fuel prices and transportation costs,
mitigating freight spend was a priority.
THE SOLUTION
Hub Group assessed the needs and
addressed the challenges of a complex
supply chain by providing more efficient
and reliable transportation management.
The company’s logistics manager
confirms, “I talk to my 3PL sales
representative frequently. When it
comes to last-minute orders, I can count
on Hub Group because they are very
dependable. Even when capacity is tight,
they can source the trucks I need. When
my sales rep says he is going to cover a
reefer load for me, he gets it moving.
There is good trust there and that gives
me peace of mind when I consider
whom I want to choose as a supply chain
solutions provider. I know I can send a
load over and forget about it. I know that
if there is a problem my representative
won’t wait to contact me. He sends
me daily updates of all my shipments,
when they are scheduled, if they’ve been
picked up or if they’ve been delivered. I
like the personal updates, but I also know
that their TMS has real-time tracking so I
can always access that as well.”
THE RESULTS
The company’s strong relationship
with its 3PL has reaped multiple
benefits. By choosing Hub Group, the
company now is able to find the right
capacity at the right time while using
the data to be more efficient, saving
time and costs. As a bonus, there is the
trust and peace of mind that come from
working with a solutions provider that
not only understands the challenges
but delivers customizable solutions to
address the growing company’s needs.
For more information, contact us at
www.hubgroup.com.
To learn more:
info@hubgroup.com
800-377-5833
hubgroup.com
 [INSIGHT]

GLOBALTRADE
by Dana Bodnar
Senior Economist, Atradius
dana.bodnar@atradius.com | 800-822-3223

Ukraine War’s Supply Chain Impact

In February 2022, Russian forces invaded Ukraine. While this is When Russia first invaded Ukraine,
we expected that the conflict would be
a terrible humanitarian event, it also impacts the global economy. complete by the end of 2022. One year
There are economic repercussions not only in Europe, but also later, we now expect the two countries
across the globe, especially since the timing of the war was not ideal. to remain in protracted conflict, at least
as long as Western military support
As economies recovered from the countries to scramble for energy continues. Combined with simmering
pandemic, the conflict between Russia alternatives in the United States and the tensions in Beijing, this could ensure
and Ukraine exacerbated existing Middle East, but at a much higher cost. global value chains will continue to shift,
unsolved problems. The underlying This shortage has caused high global with U.S. producers opting for trade with
global economic issue is the supply energy prices, as well as record profits neighbors and allies.
and demand imbalance inherited from for oil and gas companies. It has also
the pandemic. brought about major changes to the TAKING ON THE CHALLENGES
Based on calculations done before the global energy trade, mainly U.S. crude Rerouting supply chains is expensive.
war, global GDP was forecast to grow by oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) Identifying and vetting new suppliers
3.6% in 2023. The latest forecasts show exports to Europe. can be complex and time-consuming.
1.3% growth for the year. Similarly, pre- U.S. oil and gas will continue to fill Companies are also dependent on
war, Atradius predicted that global trade Europe’s energy supply gap in the short transportation and logistics infrastructure,
would grow 4.5% in 2022 and 3.5% in term, but this crisis will also expedite which may need to be upgraded, leading
2023. However, the estimated figures are policies to speed up the transition away to delays and reduced product quality.
now 3% and 1.5% respectively. from fossil fuels. Expect to see more With inflation already weighing on
investment and momentum in cleaner margins, taking on these extra costs is a
IMPACT ON COMMERCE LNG alongside efforts to reduce the difficult choice but can contribute to a
Russia and Ukraine are the countries greenhouse gas impact of trade. more sustainable long-term strategy.
most affected by this war. While these Energy hikes also impact food Price volatility and economic
two countries don’t appear to be major production costs. Russia and Ukraine uncertainty will continue throughout
players internationally—representing accounted for a good part of wheat, corn, 2023. To help businesses find some
less than 2% of global GDP combined— barley, and fertilizer exports. In 2023, extra cash flow, it would be a good idea
much of what they do contribute fertilizer shortages will be a significant to increase the efficiency of current
to the global economy is important constraint on global food supply. resources and expand investment in
for commerce. Commodities were also affected over lower carbon fuels and other clean
Russia is a main supplier of oil and the past year. Russia is a major supplier energy technology—this could be a
gas to European nations, and that supply of nickel, used in battery production, and win-win for the sector in the interest
has dropped by 80% since the start of Ukraine is a major supplier of neon, used of meeting energy needs and energy
the war. This shortage forced European in semiconductors. transition demands. n

26 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 The Port of
New York &
New Jersey
has your cargo
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• Six container terminals serve all
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• Four on-dock and near-dock
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 [INSIGHT]

RISKS
RISKS&REWARDS
by Skyler Chi
Head of Enterprise Accounts, Exiger
schi@exiger.com | 212-455-9400

Preparing Now For What

the Future May Bring
In 2022, it became clear that effective supply chain risk management businesses to have visibility into their
supply chains.
(SCRM) is not a luxury but a necessity. The year saw numerous The UFLPA requires companies to
disruptions to global supply chains, including Russia’s invasion of perform adequate due diligence on their
suppliers to ensure they are not importing
Ukraine, the Log4Shell vulnerability, and concerns over rail strikes. goods made from forced labor in the
Xinjiang region of China.
The added complexity of new effects on the global economy, vendors, NDAA 889 prohibits government
regulations such as the Uyghur Forced and supply chain that are still being felt. contractors from providing
Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Following the invasion, companies telecommunications and surveillance
compounded these disruptions. It is needed to ensure the safety of personnel goods from certain Chinese entities to the
not surprising, then, that 79% of boards on the ground, then look to their suppliers federal government. In both cases, it is the
responding to the EY Global Board Risk to see the invasion’s full impact on responsibility of the business to comply
Survey 2021 believe that improving risk their company. with these regulations.
management will be crucial for creating The subsequent global sanctions on
value in the next five years. Russian entities and businesses added 2023: WHAT IS TO COME 
As the risk and compliance environment complexity, with organizations quickly The effects of an economic downturn
continues to evolve in 2023, businesses working to identify the impact of cutting are already felt across the globe and will
must prioritize robust SCRM and third- ties with sanctioned entities. The swift continue throughout 2023, leaving SCRM
party risk management to protect their action this required demonstrated the in a tricky position.
operations from future challenges. To do critical nature of supply chain visibility and In the United States, the impact of an
this, companies need access to the data robust SCRM processes. economic downturn is already evident
and tools that enable them to proactively Throughout the year, cyber supply chain with more than 88,000 layoffs in the tech
strengthen their SCRM posture. By taking vulnerabilities became a major concern. sector this year. As the economic downturn
action now, businesses can be better In September, Microsoft confirmed two persists, companies will cut costs and run
prepared for whatever the future may bring. zero-day vulnerabilities. Earlier in the year, leaner supply chains. Moving back to just-
the Log4shell incident demonstrated the in-time SCRM can negatively impact
2022: THE CASE FOR SCRM impact that widespread vulnerabilities in a businesses, especially with heightened
In 2022, the global supply chain company’s software supply chain can have. regulatory pressure. Companies need to
faced numerous disruptions that tested Firms found it difficult to quickly respond to, find a balance between cutting costs and
the resilience of almost all businesses. assess, and mitigate these vulnerabilities in ensuring compliance.
In February, Russia’s Ukraine invasion near real time without the use of technology. Environmental, social, and governance
resulted in significant and immediate Regulatory action, such as the UFLPA (ESG) issues are expected to become a
effects on personnel, with longstanding and NDAA 889, increased pressure on key focus in the context of supply chains

28 Inbound Logistics • March 2023


in the coming year. This is particularly
relevant in the wake of regulations that
prohibit the use of goods made with forced
labor. As a result, ESG principles are likely
to be emphasized within supply chains in
various regions.
Additionally, the recent geopolitical
disruption caused by the Russia-Ukraine
conflict highlight the potential impact of
such disruptions on global supply chains.
With tensions rising between China and
Taiwan, organizations need to consider the
impact that geopolitical disruption in Asia
could have on their supply chains.
BEGIN PREPARING TODAY
Organizations shouldn’t wait for
widespread disruption or a shutdown
of company systems to strengthen their
SCRM posture. Beyond the benefits of
having a clear, overarching view of an
organization’s supply chain ecosystem, a
robust SCRM program and framework
can assist companies increase return on
investment. By providing the flexibility to
quickly act and respond when supply chain
disruptions occur, or new regulations come
into effect, organizations have the ability to
better overcome disruption and continue
business as usual.
Implementing robust supply chain
mitigation strategies, including bridging
and buffering, can help an organization
prepare for what’s to come.
Bridging means bridging the gap with
suppliers to ensure communication is
strong before, during, and after any type of
crisis, including climate-related events.
Buffering refers to inventory reserves that
act as a buffer, or alternative supply sources
should primary suppliers face disruption.
Proactively implementing these mitigation
strategies can help a business respond with
agility in the face of disruption.
As supply chain disruptions become
more complex, the technology used to
RISKS&REWARDS
detect and mitigate associated risks is also
advancing. These developments, such as
the ability to perform sub-tier illumination
and modeling from a command center,
can greatly enhance supply chain risk
management. In the near future, increased
predictability in supply chain disruptions
will be a game-changer for SCRM.
EVOLVING WITH THE RISKS
The risk and compliance landscapes
continue to evolve, and businesses must
aim to remain one step ahead. But with
robust SCRM practices, companies can
weather the storms ahead and best position
themselves to succeed in the face of
evolving threats.
Knowledge is key. Knowing where you
stand today, understanding the risks and
regulations on the horizon, and being
armed with real-time visibility into your
supply chain can ensure your organization
can thrive for years to come. n

If not, they should be reading this.

Spread the good news by getting your vendors,
partners, and team members reading Inbound Logistics.
Point them to inboundlogistics.com/subscribe

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 29

ICC=inventory carrying costs C=capital T=taxes I=insurance W=warehouse costs X=shrinkage S=scrap O=obsolescence costs R=recovery
 [INSIGHT]

ITMATTERS
by Heather Kosztowny
Senior Data Scientist, Everstream Analytics
info@everstream.ai | 800-261-7947

Stabilizing the Chemical Supply Chain

The chemicals industry may be stable, but the risks companies With risk analysis platforms,
companies can customize alerts to
frequently face are volatile. Multi-stage shipping routes for monitor specific regions, facilities, or
hazardous or delicate materials incur risk at every step. Shifting to materials. Early warnings can guide
just-in-time inventories, with more frequent, smaller shipments, is a a company to declare force majeure,
for example, and avoid late delivery
catalyst for procurement and logistics problems. penalties or look for additional mitigation
strategies or alternative suppliers.
Today it’s possible to map an entire route disruptions. Artificial intelligence Companies can stay ahead of
supply network—supplier, production, can then generate detailed heat maps for compliance with risk analysis tools.
distribution, customer sites—with near different transportation lanes or regions, Utilizing predictive analytics technology,
real-time status updates on material highlighting segments that present the chemical companies can rate the
moving via ports, airports, roads, or rail. greatest risk. likelihood of emerging regulations and
Predictive analytics allows companies For shipments in the planning plan for the necessary process changes.
to visualize and rate multiple types of risk or transit phase, machine learning Legislation changes can trigger supply
before they materialize, estimate potential modeling can make risk-adjusted ETA slowdowns as suppliers respond. For
damage costs, and solidify alternate plans predictions to provide accurate and example, an explosion at a chemical
before problems explode. These tools also updated arrival estimates. company can set off a wave of industrial
help companies comply with the latest safety inspection campaigns. These
regulations and laws. HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM campaigns usually trigger nationwide
Tracking transportation mile by mile Risk assessment platforms can forecast production halts, plant closures, and
helps reveal potential route disruptions. As supply catastrophes. Critical compounds industrial zone shutdowns.
cargo moves from supplier to warehouse or raw materials are often placed Risk is an inherent part of chemicals
to customers, issues like impassable together in specific geographic locations procurement, production, and
flooded roads or high winds shutting to be close to processing expertise. transportation, but predictive analytics
down ports can occur. A major sporting These geographic clusters are prone enables companies to visualize and
event can reroute or even shut down to area-wide problems that can lead rate multiple types of risk before they
shipping lanes for high-risk materials. to catastrophes. materialize. Once a company fully
Airport security events can hold up For example, Houston is home to 39% integrates a risk assessment system, it
shipments for hours. of the waterborne chemicals industry can predict, monitor, and minimize
By leveraging risk assessment platforms, and is at increased risk for disruptions dangerous threats and conditions. This
companies can go beyond simple location from hurricanes. A category 4 hurricane helps establish new levels of safety
monitoring to show weather or traffic making landfall in Southeast Texas and security, mitigation strategies, and
forecasts for an entire shipping route. provides a significant risk for widespread recommended alternatives, thus lowering
Additional data can reveal other potential chemical supply chain disruptions. supply chain risk. n

30 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

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OCEANFREIGHT
by Jim Blaeser
Chief Procurement Officer, Omni Logistics
jblaeser@omnilogistics.com | 817-552-5270

Container Shipping Shifts Balance

The East Coast is back in fashion for import supply chains that rely • Compare the cost and transit times
associated with East Coast and West
on containerized ocean freight. However, for many small and mid- Coast ocean freight and inland logistics
sized shippers with historic dependency on Southern California and verify that the financials work.
• Evaluate freight handling and value-
distribution hubs, old habits will be hard to break.
added service requirements to ensure
Container ports on the East Coast have been dependent on Southern you can deliver consistent products
benefited from historic infrastructure California as a distribution hub—have a to customers.
investment in preparation for the harder time adjusting to the use of East • Review the breadth and assortment
Panama Canal expansion, which was Coast ports for a few key reasons: of your inventory and identifying sales
completed in 2016. Larger ships now • Lack of national distribution patterns by SKU or family of SKUs.
can reach East Coast ports faster and at a centers. Small and mid-sized firms Streamline or target the scope of
lower cost. often don’t have the same network what is moving to generate the most
As a result, East Coast ports have established on the East or Gulf Coast bang for your buck and mitigate risk
grown their share of imports over the past that they have in Southern California to and complexity.
decade. But no model accounted for the provide the care and handling import • Take a closer look at your customer
acceleration of this trend. freight requires. mix and delivery models. This
• Gaps in transportation networks. includes understanding your mix
QUIET ON THE COAST Smaller shippers often rely on a smaller of pickup versus delivered freight
Supply chain disruption spurred by network of carriers, brokers, and third- and volumes of business-to-business,
the pandemic created congestion and party logistics providers to move product business-to-consumer, or direct-to-
delays, which were particularly acute to market. consumer shipments.
at Southern California ports. At peak • Control over the inventory pile. The • Build a model that incorporates
levels in January 2022, 109 container biggest benefit to limiting the network all of the above and create and test
ships idled off the coast of Long Beach, to one distribution point is inventory scenarios: What if 20%, 30%, or 50% of
waiting for berth. Couple all this with a control. And most importers who shift your inbound freight shifts to the East
West Coast labor situation that remains to East Coast gateways will split their Coast? The goal is to set about making
tenuous and you see shippers voting with inventory pile across multiple sites. systematic changes so you can manage
their feet. The West Coast ports haven’t and tweak your balance between ports
been this quiet since 2011. SMALL SHIPPER’S TO-DO LIST over time.
Adjusting an established supply To navigate this dynamic landscape, Ultimately, shippers need to look at
chain is challenging for any company, shippers have to start by examining the all the inputs that influence total landed
but larger businesses have the building complexity of their supply chains and the cost, run scenario-based models, and
blocks to redesign their networks. Small options in front of them. This process measure the potential benefits against
or mid-sized importers—many of which can include: real-world implementation risks. n

32 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

SPONSORED

INCREASING
E-COMMERCE EFFICIENCIES

BLOCK BY
BLOCK
Consumer expectations continue to stack up, and pressures
on e-tailers are mounting. Here’s how companies are building
efficiencies and constructing e-fulfillment strategies.

34 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 35
 INCREASING E-COMMERCE EFFICIENCIES
BLOCK BY BLOCK
S everal years into the
e-commerce sales boom,
organizations face an evolving
set of pressures.
Topping the list is the slowing
growth rate of online orders. Total
retail sales in Q4 2022 grew 5.2%
year over year, with e-commerce
accounting for 26.4% of that growth,
DigitalCommerce360 reports.
While impressive, it’s a fraction of
e-commerce’s 74.6% share of retail
growth in the same period in 2020.
Inflation has also become a greater
concern. Prices have jumped for
numerous budget items, such as
packaging, materials, and the cost of
borrowing, with the Fed Funds rate
increasing from near zero in March 2022
to about 4.5% one year later.
BOXED IN BY
CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS
Even with these challenges, many
consumers still expect their orders to
arrive within a day or two. Most also
assume the orders will be accurate.
These shifts are prompting
many organizations to rethink their
e-commerce fulfillment and operations.
“Companies are going back to the supply
chain models that were developed out
By 2026, 75% of large enterprises will have adopted some form of intralogistics smart robots
within their warehouse operations, Gartner predicts. Since robots are not as dexterous as
people, implementing software tools can address how and which products to handle.
36 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
of necessity during the pandemic, and
making them more efficient,” says Alan
Amling, Ph.D., distinguished fellow,
University of Tennessee, Knoxville,
Global Supply Chain Institute.
GETTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
For example, many companies
are actively preparing for the next
level of fulfillment automation, says
Tim Smith, chief technology officer
with MagicLogic Optimization
Inc., which provides powerful load
planning software.
One sign of this is the growing
number of robotics deployments.
Robots can streamline operations and
cut the miles people must often walk
within fulfillment centers, Smith says.
By 2026, 75% of large enterprises will
have adopted some form of intralogistics
smart robots within their warehouse
operations, Gartner predicts.  Supply chain organizations that
Yet robots also can present
challenges. “Robots are not as smart or
versatile or dexterous as people,” Smith
says. “Software implementations that
engage robots need to consider how
the devices will actually move and
place products.”
It’s also critical to consider what
the robots will pick, says Amy David,
clinical associated professor of
management with Purdue University.
For instance, when picking mammoth
bags of dog food, the packaging materials
need to provide enough tension that the
robots don’t drop them, but not so much
that the robots rip them.
Over time, it’s possible packaging will
change so robots can better handle it,
David says. If major retailers demand
that vendors provide robot-compatible
packaging, it’s likely companies
will comply.
STREAMLINING PROCESSES
Given consumers’ continued
expectations for rapid deliveries,
companies need a streamlined
fulfillment process and negotiated
freight rates, says Aley Saleh, manager,
supply chain implementation with
Clarkston Consulting.
leverage technology to automate
order processes—while also ensuring
accurate, complete master data across
their enterprises—can mitigate supply
chain risk, plan for various scenarios,
and create an omnichannel strategy
to provide customers an end-to-end
e-commerce journey.
GAINING VISIBILITY
Visibility also is key to boosting
efficiency and improving fulfillment
operations. Systems that show the
orders coming into the system, as well
as the inventory available across stores,
distribution centers, and warehouses,
enable a “cost-optimized network,” says
Lakshman Lakshmanan, managing
director with the consumer and
retail group of Alvarez & Marsal, a
management consultancy.
Competing effectively in today’s
business environment requires supply
chain organizations to leverage every
possible asset in their networks. This
often means using technology to provide
visibility that can help determine the
optimal mix of fulfillment options for
each order, Lakshmanan says. Does it
make sense to ship from the store? To
pull from a distribution center?
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 INCREASING E-COMMERCE EFFICIENCIES
BLOCK BY BLOCK
Enterprises leverage technology to determine the optimal mix of fulfillment options for each
order. Ship from the store or pull from a distribution center? E-commerce companies have to
balance the need to manage costs and provide quality service.
In making these decisions,
e-commerce companies need to consider
both optimizing costs and providing
quality service, Lakshmanan says. For
example, picking and shipping items
from stores can be a way to quickly get
products to customers, yet it also tends to
be more expensive than filling orders in
a warehouse.
MINI WAREHOUSES
“Dark stores” are an option when
it comes to filling orders of dry goods
and perishable grocery items, says Kirk
Waldrop, managing director, operations
transformation, with Grant Thornton.
These mini warehouses are similar
to grocery stores, but dedicated to
filling e-commerce orders. This
keeps e-commerce traffic from stores
and establishes dedicated stock for
online orders.
Dark stores also add complexity, such
as the potential need for a home delivery
fleet to deliver orders, Waldrop says. An
alternative option is a transportation
solution that drops these e-commerce
orders at the stores.
As companies implement automation
technology, many are focused on
gaining as much from their investments
as possible, Smith says. Often, once
38 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
a company chalks up a return in one
area, management will ask how they
can use the information the solution is
generating to find gains in other areas.
JOINING FORCES
To better take on the e-commerce
behemoths, some small to mid-size
retailers are banding together. Their
goal? To lower costs and share capacity,
Amling says.
Quiet Platforms, a subsidiary of
American Eagle, says it “levels the
playing field for small and mid-sized
retailers by providing access to shared
supply chain assets and relationships
across every link of the chain,” according
to a press release.
The biggest challenge in this model
often isn’t technology, but building
trust between multiple retailers and
carriers, Lakshmanan says. For instance,
excessive inventory and poor order
management can become embedded in
the organization, draining efficiency and
boosting costs for all.
Along with deploying technology,
supply chain organizations can take
other steps to boost operational
performance. A growing number
of e-commerce retailers are asking
consumers if they’d like to consolidate
individual orders and receive one
shipment, David says. Customers who
agree may earn incentives, such as
coupons good for future orders.
Companies can legitimately pitch this
option as an environmentally friendly
approach. At the same time, it cuts
costs and enables businesses to use their
fulfillment and carrier capacity more
efficiently, David says.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
To tackle the labor shortage,
e-commerce organizations can
diversify recruiting efforts and foster an
environment in which all people feel
welcome, David says. This can include
reaching out to groups that historically
haven’t been a focus of recruiting, like
the LGBTQ community.
Streamlining processes also can
boost efficiency. One seemingly simple
example is placing items that are picked
more often within easy reach. Sometimes
there’s no rhyme or reason regarding
which products go into which bins, so
pickers wander back and forth, Waldrop
says. When inventory placement reflects
ordering patterns, pickers can work
more quickly.
While many companies had to quickly
react to the e-commerce jump a few
years ago, they now have an opportunity
to fine-tune operations and build a
foundation for future success. Leveraging
this opportunity will prove key, as most
consumers have become accustomed to
rapid, accurate deliveries.
“Consumer expectations don’t go in
reverse,” Amling says.
MAGICLOGIC:
OPTIMIZING LOAD PLANNING
From its headquarters in British
Columbia, Canada, MagicLogic develops
load-planning software that leverages
powerful algorithms to optimize even
extremely challenging loads.
“We play a niche, but essential role
in shippers’ e-commerce operations,”
Smith says. Over the past 24 years, the
company’s solutions have been installed
in more than 3,380 applications across
51 countries.Many shippers turn to
 CUBE-IQ or transportation management systems,
MagicLogic offers two types of including many customized systems,”
solutions: Cube-IQ and BlackBox. Smith says. New installations are often
Cube-IQ is designed to assist with up and running within a few days.
manual load planning. Among other BlackBox supports complex, mixed-
features, it offers flexible loading and case pallet-stacking, including robotics
stacking rules to ensure load weights or manual pack stations. It’s scalable,
remain within limits, keeping them safe and through its diagnostic and self-
and legal. monitoring tools, easily maintained.
Cube-IQ also helps load planners BlackBox can support both shippers that
WE PLAY A NICHE, BUT
achieve maximum fill rates, while a must fill hundreds of e-commerce orders
ESSENTIAL ROLE IN SHIPPERS’ sophisticated rules engine ensures in real time, as well as those managing
E-COMMERCE OPERATIONS. the most efficient container is intense cartonization operations.
automatically selected. Near real-time
-TIM SMITH response capabilities mean shippers CUTTING SHIPPING COSTS
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
MAGICLOGIC OPTIMIZATION INC. can use the results during checkout as Among the many companies that have
well as for picking, carton selection, benefited from MagicLogic’s solution is
and fulfillment. a hardware company that needed help
The software runs in multiple in packing products more efficiently
MagicLogic when they’re tackling languages, and additional languages can while ensuring they arrived in perfect
unique challenges, Smith says. Some be added without new software releases. condition. With MagicLogic’s BlackBox,
are handling specialized products or the company has been able to pack its
managing unique workflows. Others BLACKBOX products more precisely, cutting both
have highly customized warehouse Shippers looking for an automated packaging and transportation costs. In
management systems; to work with these, load planning solution can turn all, the company has slashed its shipping
most load management solutions will to MagicLogic’s BlackBox, which expenses by hundreds of thousands of
also have to be extensively customized. can adeptly plan loads without dollars annually.
MagicLogic’s adaptability and user intervention. Results like these keep MagicLogic
versatility allow it to offer customized “Industry-standard APIs allow it busier than ever. “We’re gaining an
solutions to help all shippers effectively to become a seamless part of most increasing list of happy customers and
address these and other challenges. companies’ existing ERP, or warehouse partners,” Smith says. n
A significant and bottom-line benefit
of MagicLogic is that it offers valuable
metrics about each shipment that can
inform decision-making and enhance
operations. The metrics include
information on how full and heavy each
load was; how much (if any) damage
occurred during shipping; and how
much was spent on packaging.
By analyzing this and other
information, shippers can identify trends
and determine ways to adjust their
fulfillment and logistics operations to
gain efficiencies. This might include,
for instance, changing carton sizes or
slashing the portion of shipments that
are expedited, while still meeting service
level agreements.
“When you have a fast way to evaluate
these issues before you take action, you
can simulate and cost out all possible
MagicLogic provides software that optimizes load planning by leveraging powerful algorithms
options, then choose the best one,” that can tackle even extremely challenging loads. The company offers customized solutions to
Smith says. help shippers meet a range of challenges, from specialized products to unique workflows.

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 39

 V I T ED TO:
YOU'RE IN

BR I NG N E W
TR A D I NG
PAR T N E RS
TO THE
PARTY
More U.S
Plus One . companies are a
strategies guest to join Chin sking a
a
border of , inviting suppliers sourcing
the world beyond th
powerhou ’s p r im ary outso e
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40 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 I
seen before,” says Rosemary Coates, a
supply chain consultant and executive
f you think China looks less attractive these days director and chair of the Reshoring
as a place to source or manufacture, you’re not Institute, a nonprofit that helps U.S.
alone. Increasing numbers of U.S. companies firms start manufacturing in the
have sought alternatives to China in recent years, United States.
“Companies couldn’t get product
planning either to leave that country altogether or to out of China,” Coates says. “They
diversify their sourcing. had real difficulties with the factories
For instance, 88% of respondents to a 2022 Capterra opening and closing. That’s still
happening today.”
survey of supply chain professionals at small and mid-sized Along with production delays in
companies say they plan to switch at least some of their recent years, port congestion and high
sourcing to suppliers closer to the United States, while shipping rates have also made some
45% say they plan to switch all of their suppliers. companies rethink long supply chains
rooted in China. Consider the U.S.
fashion industry.
“When there was port congestion
coming out of China, some U.S.
Some firms open factories or strike “When that list came out, business buyers responded to the long lead
deals with vendors in the United States, contacts started asking me to look for times by buying and storing larger
Mexico, or elsewhere near home. alternative manufacturing sources quantities,” says Raine Mahdi, founder
Others seek alternatives to China in for them,” says Erik Brigham, who and CEO of Zipfox, an online sourcing
South or Southeast Asia. And some, at the time ran an export business in marketplace with an initial focus on
like one client of Washington, D.C.- Thailand. Observing a demand for Thai Mexico. “But that means more cash
based FTI Consulting, plan to source suppliers, Brigham launched a new tied up for longer.”
from different regions to support enterprise to fill the need, Bangkok- With much shorter lead times on
different markets. based Thailand Sourcing. orders from Mexico, clothing brands
“The company is looking at India, Then came the pandemic and can buy in smaller increments.
Vietnam, and other places to support China’s Zero COVID policy. Other factors turning U.S.
the EMEA [Europe, Middle East, and “The pandemic introduced risk companies away from China include
Africa] market,” says Ron Scalzo, senior into supply chains like we’ve never ongoing geopolitical tensions, concern
managing director with FTI’s Corporate
Finance and Restructuring section.
“They are also looking at Mexico, or
possibly onshoring in the United States,
to support the U.S. market.”
Outsourcing to countries other
than China is nothing new; Mexican
maquiladoras have served U.S.
brand owners since the 1960s. But
for companies that rely on China’s
prodigious manufacturing ecosystem,
several recent factors are prompting a
fresh look at other parts of the world.

TARIFFS, COVID, AND CONFLICT

One factor is the trade war that
revved up in 2018, when the United
States imposed hefty new tariffs on
Chinese imports. One document,
known as List 3, named about
Trade shows such as EvoLatam Expo, a conference that brings U.S. e-commerce merchants
$200 billion worth of goods from China together with suppliers from Latin America, can be a good source of information when
that would incur additional tariffs. considering alternative sourcing locations.

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 41

about intellectual property, and—
for some —the desire to label their
products Made in the USA.
“There has always been a subset
of consumers who might want to buy
American,” says Scalzo. “That subset
is growing.”
BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO
Whatever its reasons for moving
away, a U.S. company entrenched in
China might face a tough transition.
First, cutting old ties can be tricky. “For
example, if you have shipped a mold or
tool to China to assist with production,
you’re never getting that back,”
Coates says.
Also, departure can turn a supplier
into a competitor. After you’ve taught a
manufacturer where to source materials
and how to make your product according
to your standards, when you leave, that
knowledge stays behind. “They’re going
to continue to manufacture your product
and label it differently,” she warns.
For a company that owns a factory in
China, multi-year employment contracts
can also complicate an exit. “You have
to pay out to the end of that contract,”
Coates says. In a plant with thousands of
workers, that’s a big expense.
The search for non-Chinese suppliers
Companies looking for global sourcing advice have many options. Thailand Sourcing, for
example, partners with established, certified manufacturers who produce only quality goods.
The company sources 45 different commodities for customers in 50 countries worldwide.
42 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
Trade wars, pandemic lockdowns, rising costs, and shipping delays are among the reasons
international companies are leaving China to build factories like this one in Thailand.
or contract manufacturers can also
prove challenging.
“When you enter China, there’s a
massive city that has 2,000 factories,
of which 100 will meet with you,” says
Kevin McGaffey, founder of Bangkok-
based MOTOA Group, a sourcing
company that specializes in finding
alternatives to China. “You have time
for 10. Five or six will say ‘yes,’ and four
will be competitive.
“Try that same thing in Gujarat,
India, Haiphong, Vietnam, or Samut
Prakan, Thailand, and you will have a
PHOTO: THAILAND SOURCING
very different experience,” he adds.
Even when you locate a capable
supplier, you won’t find the same
supportive infrastructure that
China provides.
“It’s not just where your plant is,
but where your raw materials and
components are coming from,” Scalzo
says. Those sources tend to be in China
or other parts of Asia. “How do you
begin to shift the entire supply chain
going upstream?” he asks.
A firm that moves out of China
must also learn to navigate a new
business culture.
For instance, in Latin America,
personal relationships are crucial.
“You can’t just e-mail or text a
supplier and say, ‘Can you make this
product?’” explains Amy Wees, founder
of Amazing at Home, an Austin-based
consultancy for e-commerce merchants
and co-founder of the EvoLatam Expo,
an annual trade show in Mexico that
introduces e-commerce brand owners to
Latin American suppliers..
“You need to go in person and build
those relationships to get things done,”
she says.
Also, suppliers in Mexico aren’t
always well-versed in the nuts and bolts
of contract manufacturing. “It’s not that
Mexico doesn’t have those capabilities,”
Wees says. “It just requires more of a
partnership and conversation.”
Companies migrating from China
to another Asian country could get a
shock when it comes time to negotiate
a business deal. “I’ve visited 80-plus
executive teams and owners, and they’ll
say, ‘I don’t understand why this is
difficult and why these terms aren’t what
I want,” says McGaffey.
Chinese suppliers can rely on their
government to finance production, but
their counterparts in other countries look
to their buyers for that money, he adds.
Brigham agrees that buyers will need
to get used to different purchasing terms.
“If you’ve been getting net 90 days
out of China for 20 years and then you
move to Thailand, don’t be surprised if
they want 30/70 FOB [30% deposit/70%
due upon transfer of the bill of lading],”
Brigham says. “They want skin in the
game. Even if they don’t need the
money, to them it’s an important part of
building trust.”
STEPS FOR SUCCESS
If you’re looking for alternatives
to China, one important early step
is to establish which criteria you’ll
use to choose the new country and
new suppliers.
“The criteria is a little different for
everybody,” Scalzo says. “The basics are
available labor, access to raw materials
and components, and infrastructure.”
Along with what’s available now, keep
in mind how the infrastructure is likely
to improve in the coming years. Take
Mexico, for example.
“The infrastructure for trans-border
Mexico to U.S. support is not nearly
what it needs to be,” says Scalzo. But
we’re likely to see new investment,
particularly in rail facilities, to support
more cross-border trade, he says.
For companies trying to decide
whether to reshore to the United States,
the key might lie in how much labor
their processes involve.
“If the process involves sewing, high
labor content, and high-touch labor,
then look for a low-cost country if you’re
going to move out of China,” Coates
advises. “If you are highly automated,
or plan to be, the economics shift
significantly.” Then it’s possible to make
TOMORROW'S REGIONAL
TRADE GROWTH LEADERS
WORLD REGIONS 2021-2026:
PREDICTED EXPORT VOLUME GROWTH RATES
R Rank
1 ASEAN 5.6% +1
2 South & Central Asia 5.0% +1
3 Sub-Saharan Africa 4.4% +6
4 Rest of East Asia & Pacific 3.8% 0
5 South & Central America, Caribbean 3.8% +1
6 Middle East & North Africa 3.5% +2
7 North America 3.4% 0
8 China 3.4% -7
9 Europe 3.3% -4
Data Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2022
Trade growth is spread across a wider variety of countries, according
to DHL's Trade Growth Atlas 2022. China accounted for 25% of trade
growth in recent years and is predicted to continue to have the largest
growth, but its share is likely to fall by half, to 13%.
Vietnam, India, and the Philippines stand out in terms of both speed
and scale of projected trade growth through 2026. All three have
potential to benefit from efforts to diversify China-centric strategies.
While emerging economies increased their shares of world trade from
24% to 40% between 2000 and 2012, with half the increase driven by
China alone, these shares have barely changed over the past decade.
Emerging economies continue to race forward on measures of
connectivity, innovation, and leading companies. They are becoming
more important exporters of sophisticated manufactured products,
and increasingly compete not only on low costs, but also on
innovation and quality.
the case for domestic production. with a prototype or small order first, test
Some further advice from the experts the relationship, work out the kinks,”
on sourcing from a country other says Mahdi.
than China: Meet in person. Before Wees started
Do the homework. “Go through the leading sourcing trips to Mexico, she
same steps you would when vetting any once asked a supplier there to give her
new supplier: Get quotes from a few a quote for a product she wanted for her
different people, ask for samples, start own e-commerce business. “Their quote
March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 43
was higher than I sell that product for at
retail,” she says.
Then Wees made a visit. Face-to-face
NEW TOOLS FOR SOURCING
discussions revealed that many Mexican FROM LATIN AMERICA
suppliers thought Americans wanted to
buy their existing products at wholesale Raine Mahdi founded the Zipfox online sourcing marketplace to give
rates. Once Wees explained that she buyers an alternative to platforms such as China-based Alibaba and Global
was a brand owner, developing her own Sources. Those platforms pose risks, Mahdi says, because they sign on as
products and looking for a contract many suppliers as possible. That leaves buyers to search through a field of
manufacturing relationship, she received listings with no clue about which vendors offer good value.
more palatable quotes.
“If you’re looking for T-shirts or phone cases, do you need 500 options?”
Consider the total cost. The
Mahdi asks. “Or would you rather have 25 high-quality options, maybe with
cost per unit to produce an item in
different sizes and different minimum order quantities?”
Mexico is generally higher than in
China. “However, once you take into Zipfox launched in 2022 as a place to find Mexican suppliers, which
consideration that you’re not paying Mahdi says his company vets carefully before letting them join the platform.
tariffs, in many cases you will realize a Eventually, Zipfox aims to become a global marketplace, with plans to
savings,” Wees says. expand into Central and South America in early 2023. “We’ve put feelers out
Be flexible. When approaching a in Egypt, South Africa, and India, just to test the markets,” he adds.
potential supplier, don’t get hung up on
In the long run, Zipfox will probably even add Chinese suppliers. “But now
the way you operate in China. “You have
is not the time,” Mahdi says.
to manage your expectations and realize
that it’s like a first date with a person For buyers—especially e-commerce brand owners—who want to make in-
from a different culture whom you’ve person contacts in Mexico and beyond, the EvoLatam Expo offers a chance
never met,” McGaffey says. to check out suppliers in many different categories.
Don’t delay. While Mexico has
“Most of us don’t just sell things made of wood, or just household goods,”
enough production capacity today,
says Amy Wees, an online merchant, e-commerce consultant, and co-
that could change. “Some factories are
founder of EvoLatam. “We’re used to going to trade shows like the Canton
already saying they can’t take any new
Fair in China, ASD in Las Vegas, or Global Sources in Hong Kong.”
business because they’re inundated with
orders,” says Mahdi. When Wees and her business partner started to lead sourcing trips to
Now is the time to start making Mexico, they found trade shows for single categories, such as ceramics.
connections. “Make the decision to “But there was nothing that would help an e-commerce brand owner source
at least start testing manufacturers in from multiple categories at once,” she says.
Latin America and start establishing
They founded EvoLatam to fill that need. “If we were going to evolve
relationships, even if at a small scale,
e-commerce into sourcing in Latin America, this was an absolute requirement,”
keeping somebody in your pocket as a
Wees says.
backup supplier,” he advises.
The same goes for other parts of the
world. “If you are able to get a quote
from Thailand specifically, and you’re
working with someone you trust, take it
very seriously,” Brigham says. “And think
about what it would mean in the long
term to have a diverse supply chain for
this specific product, even if it costs a
little more up front.”
If, for your purposes, you think of
China as a sinking Titanic, and countries
such as Vietnam and India as potential
lifeboats, make sure to secure your place
while capacity remains. “If it’s Southeast
Asia you want to go to, it’s filling up fast,” Zipfox locates and vets suppliers in Mexico and around the world. The platform handles
Brigham says. n the entire sourcing process, from product search to shipping.

44 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

A Global Leader
The Port of Long Beach is committed to being the world’s first zero-emissions
port by 2035. We’re at the forefront with the hemisphere’s most advanced
cargo terminal and expanded electric and rail infrastructure.
INCOTERMS:
THE GOOD, THE BAD,
AND THE AMBIGUOUS

Incoterms are a set of international rules that interpret the most

commonly used trade terms. Applying Incoterms to sales and purchase
contracts makes global trade easier and helps partners in different
countries understand one another.

By Debra Phillips

D oing business globally can

be complex. With multiple
stakeholders, several transportation
modes often required to move a product,
and customs regulations to comply with,
shippers have many details to address
before a shipment is loaded on a vessel.
Enter Incoterms. These rules serve as
a guidebook for many aspects of global
cargo transportation, but are primarily
designed to address the obligations of
the seller and the buyer of a shipment
relative to cost and risk throughout the
process leading up to cargo being loaded
and while in transit.
WHY USE INCOTERMS?
“Incoterms allow for standardized
technology and eliminate the risk of
inconsistencies in language terms,” says
Phil Denning, vice president of U.S.
sea logistics and operations for Kuehne
+ Nagel. “They also clearly define the
cost and risk responsibilities for both
the seller and the buyer, in addition
to assigning responsibility for customs
clearance, first- and last-mile delivery,
and insurance coverage.”
The International Chamber of
Commerce first published Incoterms in
1936, and update the rules approximately
every five years. The most recent changes
were made in 2020.

46 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 It is a good idea for shippers to
regularly refresh their knowledge of
Incoterms to ensure they are aware of all
current changes.
Here are the most current Incoterms
and what they cover.
EXW (Ex Works or Ex-Warehouse)
When goods are sold, it is the seller's
responsibility to package the goods
and make them available to the buyer.
The buyer is responsible for collecting
the goods and all costs associated with
shipping, exporting, and importing. The
seller is no longer responsible for the
goods once the buyer is made aware that
they are ready for collection.
FCA (Free Carrier)
The seller is responsible for making
the goods available at an agreed-
upon location, such as a warehouse or
shipping terminal. If the goods need
to be moved before the international
shipment, the seller is responsible
for arranging and paying for the
transportation and for loading the
goods onto the buyer’s chosen mode
of transportation.
The seller is also responsible for
clearing the goods for export and paying
any export charges. At this point, the
buyer assumes responsibility for the
goods and should provide a bill of lading
to the seller once the goods are loaded
for transportation.
CTP (Carriage Paid To)
The seller is responsible for
packing and transporting goods to
the international carrier, covering
customs and export costs, and paying for
international shipping.
While the seller pays for the
international transport, responsibility
for loss or damage transfers to the buyer
once the goods have been delivered to
the international carrier.
CIP (Carriage Insurance Paid To)
In addition to the items addressed in
the CTP rule, the CIP Incoterm also
requires the seller to pay for insurance
coverage for the goods in transit. Some
companies choose to require insurance
to cover 110% of the value of the goods.
However, the seller and buyer can agree
on the specific amount of coverage for
a shipment.
DAP (Delivery at Place)
This rule states that the seller is
responsible for delivering the goods to an
agreed-upon location, bearing all costs
for exporting and transporting the goods
as well as the risks during transport until
the goods are delivered to the destination
the buyer selects.
At this point, all responsibility transfers
to the buyer including covering the
costs and process of unloading the goods
and paying all import duties, taxes, and
customs clearance fees.
March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 47
DPU (Delivery at Place Unloaded)
When cargo arrives at its destination,
the seller is responsible for providing
resources to unload goods for the buyer.
Once all the goods have been unloaded,
the buyer is responsible for import
duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees.
DDP (Delivery Duty Paid)
This Incoterm makes the seller
responsible for delivering the goods to
the buyer. The seller is also responsible
for delivering the goods to the port or
shipping terminal, overseeing the goods
being unloaded, paying export fees and
international shipping fees at the port
of origin, and ensuring the goods are
cleared through customs when they
arrive at the destination port.
The seller pays import and customs
clearance fees, delivers the goods, and is
responsible for all risks involved in the
transaction to this point.
FAS (Free Alongside Ship)
The seller is responsible for all charges
and risks associated with transporting the
goods from their location to the ship’s
loading bay. After delivery, the buyer is
responsible for the risk, cost of loading
the goods, and essentially everything else
associated with the shipment.
FOB (Free on Board)
The seller is responsible for all risks
and costs associated with transporting the
goods from their location to the shipping
terminal. The seller also must make
sure the goods are loaded onto the ship
as well as handle export clearances and
associated costs.
CFR (Cost and Freight)
This Incoterm states that the seller
takes responsibility for all risks and
costs of transporting the goods to the
international carrier, arranging for the
goods to be loaded, and acquiring and
paying for export clearances.
The seller is also responsible for the
cost of transporting the goods to the
buyer’s destination port. Responsibility
only transfers to the buyer once the
goods arrive at their port of destination.
48 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)
This Incoterm is different from CFR
because it stipulates that the seller is
responsible for the cost of insuring the
goods when they are in transit.
ARE THE RULES EASY TO USE?
“Incoterms are a specialized body of
knowledge,” says Andy Dyer, president
of transportation management for AFS
Logistics. “The buyer and seller must
agree to the terms, so if either party does
not have the same interpretation of the
rules, there can be conflicts.”
Another factor that adds to the
complexity of using Incoterms is that
the sales contracting process typically
involves different parties within a
company than the ones who will be
responsible for abiding by the terms.
No one is required to use Incoterms
and some companies choose not to do
so. In that scenario, “It’s all good until it
isn’t,” says Radhika Mulastanam, director
of international services for AFS.
Many aspects of global shipping
can go awry, including not having
adequate labor at the port for loading
and unloading cargo, late deliveries by
transportation providers, or even damage
to the cargo or vessel in transit.
“That is why it is important to have
terms in place to navigate unexpected
issues or conflicts,” says Dyer.
Incoterms rules hold universal meaning for buyers and sellers around the world, and facilitate
trillions of dollars in global trade each year.
HOW INCOTERMS IMPACT
SHIPPING COSTS
When choosing Incoterms for a
contract, an old adage holds true: You get
what you negotiated.
For example, buying goods under
the Ex-Works or (EXW) rule or the
Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) can
result in very different costs for the buyer
and seller.
Another aspect that is important
for sellers and buyers to analyze is
the distribution of transportation
costs and duties to be performed, like
loading, unloading, and packaging of
goods. The combined cost of trucking,
ocean, and rail can have a significant
impact on the overall cost of the cargo
being transported.
While a seller or buyer may pay less
for an international shipment based on
the allocation of transportation costs,
deciding which party is best prepared
to organize fast, safe, and cost-efficient
transportation can have impacts beyond
cost savings.
The goal is that the product being
shipped globally reaches the end
consumer on time and is undamaged.
Rules can provide a framework, but not
the expertise to select the best providers
to ensure cargo gets to the port of origin
and is ready to be processed at the
destination port.
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WHAT GLOBAL CONDITIONS
IMPACT INCOTERMS?
International shipping has had its
share of challenges over the past few
years, from port congestion to the war
in Ukraine.
“While global unrest can result in
other challenges for global shippers,
it is unlikely to impact the use of
Incoterms,” notes Maren Corbett,
director of operational transformation for
Kuehne + Nagel.
Mulastanam shares this example:
“When there was a tsunami several
years ago, new cars were held at a port
in Japan because conditions made it
physically impossible to deliver the cars.
Had the tsunami occurred while the
cars were still on the vessel, rather than
offloaded, cost allocation would have
been different, based on Incoterms.”
“The financial instability of
destination countries can influence
the use of Incoterms,” says Corbett.
“For example, all shipments for
Venezuela must move on C-terms due to
currency fluctuations.”
Incoterms provide a basic framework
to allocate cost, risk, and duties to global
shipments. However, the terms change,
can be confusing, and only apply if both
the seller and buyer agree. Shippers
should review the rules periodically for
changes and, when in doubt, partner
with a third-party provider specializing in
global shipping. n

ASKED & ANSWERED: INCOTERMS FAQs

Here are some common questions shippers have
about Incoterms.
Do Incoterms apply to services as well as goods?
Primarily, Incoterms apply to goods. They are not
intended for services in trade. There are some exceptions
when training is included with the goods being traded. If
the training materials and demonstrations are imported,
Incoterms may be relevant. However, the key takeaway is
that Incoterms apply to goods.
How do Incoterms work?
The terms provide a foundation for commonly negotiated
global or cross-border trade aspects. When buyers and
sellers agree to do business following these universal
terms, they simplify the process of global trade because
companies have a framework for negotiations. Customs
authorities also use Incoterms to establish the base for
import taxes.
How do Incoterms affect the price of global transactions?
The terms define which aspects of transportation and
insurance are assigned to the buyer and the seller. For
example, the seller must have shipments ready for
collection by the buyer. In many cases, the goods can be
collected from the seller’s warehouse or distribution center.
In DDP terms, the seller must have the shipment
ready for unloading at the buyer's warehouse. Any costs
incurred in transporting the goods from the seller's
location to the buyer’s location can increase the price of
the transaction for the seller—the party responsible for
delivering the goods to the buyer.
Can Incoterms be modified by a contract?
The simple answer is yes. The terms are not laws or
regulations and can be modified by the seller or buyer.
However, the more significantly the contract language
varies from the concepts established by Incoterms,
the more difficult it can become to refer to case law or
precedents in the event of a claims dispute.
Are Incoterms legally binding?
The terms are legally binding to the degree that a sales
contract is legally binding. On their own, the terms are
not legally binding unless they are used in a contract or
agreement between sellers and buyers.
Are Incoterms required on a commercial invoice?
They are not. However, Customs may use a specific
term as the basis of valuation for goods being
shipped internationally. By using an Incoterm for
the transaction, the seller and buyer can influence
the amount of the valuation and reduce valuation
challenges.
What Incoterms should be used for domestic
shipments?
There is no restriction on the use of Incoterms for
domestic shipments. It is important that the sales
contract clearly states which aspects of the terms do
not apply to a specific transaction.
Should Incoterms be used for air freight?
The terms that can be applied to air cargo are: EXW,
DDP, DPU, CIP, DAP, FCA, and CPT.

What do Incoterms not cover?
Many aspects of global trade are not covered by
Incoterms, including title transfer, conflict resolution, the
currency of payment, exchange rates, the jurisdiction of
trade law, and liability on post-clearance audits.
When does title transfer occur in Incoterms?
Incoterms does not address the issue of title transfer.
However, the rules do address the point of delivery.
Some companies use the words “title transfer” and
“point of delivery” interchangeably.

50 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 GLOBAL TRADE
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
GUIDE 2023

Global trade management (GTM) systems and services are more important than
ever in today’s complex and disrupted business environment. GTM solutions
support the logistics, compliance, and communication aspects of import/export
operations, and help manage multiple transportation modes. From resource
planning and trade compliance to customs filings and data analytics, here are the
providers that can help ensure your global supply chain runs smoothly.

52 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

3rdwave
3rdwave.co
Trade compliance and international
transportation trade management platform
that integrates supply chain data into
operational execution and actionable
business insights. Simplifies import and
export trade compliance processes through
automation, visibility, and control, which
minimizes trade risk.
Acuitive Solutions
AcuitiveSolutions.com
Pre-payment global freight bill audit module
automates the audit process. Receives data
inputs from carriers, 3PLs, and forwarders,
and then automatically validates the correct
invoices and isolates discrepancies. Audits
100% of all freight bills, prompts carrier
self-correction prior to payment, and reduces
administrative time and costs.
AEB
aeb.com
Provides automated export and import
declarations. Communicates seamlessly
with Customs. Keeps shippers up to date
with changes to customs law. Collaborates
with customs brokers using automatic
data exchange via API. Maintains a reliable
network of broker partners.
Bamboo Rose
bamboorose.com
Provides retailers, suppliers, freight
forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, and
banks a single unified view of their financial,
logistics, and compliance operations across
the supply chain. Integrates quality control,
supplier compliance, import, export, supply
chain visibility, customs, and financial
forecasting. Regulatory and country-specific
intelligence is embedded into the platform,
providing a worldwide, centralized solution
that helps mitigate supply chain and
compliance risk.
Blume Global
blumeglobal.com
A multimodal supply chain platform
that provides end-to-end domestic and
international logistics execution from first
mile to last. Provides visibility throughout
the value chain, from carrier sourcing to
delivery, in one unified collaborative cloud
platform. Services include multimodal
contract management and intelligent carrier
selection. A drayage marketplace identifies
hidden drayage capacity in real time to
handle demand surges. A seamless booking
process simplifies complex global multimodal
shipments.
CargoWise
cargowise.com
Helps centralize global trade operations and
provides increased control over international
compliance, while driving lower-risk cross-
border execution and faster multimodal
movements. Streamlines import clearances
with automated data entry to help drive
accuracy and improve productivity. Correctly
classifies goods and meets regulatory
requirements with real-time legislation
updates and reference materials. Submits
the right paperwork in the right language,
manages finances in multiple currencies, and
ensures shippers deal with trusted providers.
CDM Software
Solutions
cdmsoft.com
Provides software solutions for the logistics,
supply chain, shipment compliance, energy
and safety industries. Offers web-based
forwarding operations including air, ocean,
truck export, and import documentation.
Provides global shipment compliance
including the United States, Canada, United
Kingdom, European Union, and Japan
customs. Services include air and ocean
carrier shipment tracking and integrated
accounting.
Centrade
centrade.io
Enables end-to-end visibility of global
supply chains. Provides impactful data and
customized reporting—from on-the-water
inventory reports and landed cost per unit
to carrier and forwarder performances—that
drive meaningful supply chain decision-
making. The platform can display SKU-level
GLOBAL TRADE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS GUIDE 2023
and multi-shipment tracking in one view,
offering transparency and control. Seamlessly
unites all preferred vendors and carriers
within its network by leveraging its global
trading partner onboarding expertise.
Descartes
descartes.com
One of the world’s largest import/export
trade databases. Gathered from official
filings with customs agencies and ministries
around the world, the global trade database
is detailed, up to date, and authoritative.
It utilizes artificial intelligence and data
visualization to generate in-depth business
intelligence that helps maximize supply chain
efficiency, satisfy customer demand, and
enable continued growth. Includes product
classification and duty determination, denied
party screening, export compliance, duty
and tariff data, import/export data and trade
research, and data analytics.
E2open
e2open.com
Manages every aspect of global trade on a
single platform. Provides comprehensive,
up-to-date trade content to help shippers
centralize and standardize processes
while reducing the risk of cross-border
non-compliance. Provides a full range of
functionality, including regulatory trade
compliance, duty management, customs
declarations filing, and a proprietary trade
content database covering 270+ countries.
Capabilities cover product classification,
restricted party screening, origin point
calculation, duty management, export/import
processes, and customs support.
March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 53
 53
 Eezy Import
eezyimport.com
Focuses on helping small businesses
navigate import management. Customs and
global shipping solutions include importer
security filing, applying entry summaries to
U.S. Customs, getting an immediate online
quote for a less-than-containerload shipment
and booking it in seconds. Tracks shipment
GLOBAL TRADE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS GUIDE 2023
status online and provides live email and
text notifications. Purchases customs bonds
for imports and marine insurance to protect
goods against damage. An online customs
solution enables shippers to file an ISF (10+2)
and Entry Summary (7501) in minutes and cut
expenses.
Freightgate
freightgate.net
A logistics cloud platform that offers
transportation management solutions for
global shippers, forwarders, and carriers
to effectively manage supply chain
workflows. Provides modular solutions that
are integrated, scalable, and affordable.
Solutions can be implemented with minimal
capital investment and a “pay as you go”
approach to assure that a company buys
only what it needs when it needs it while
minimizing technology infrastructure
investment.
Freightos
freightos.com
Connects key participants across the
global freight ecosystem, including
hundreds of airlines, ocean liners, and
trucking companies, thousands of freight
forwarders, and more than 10,000 importers/
exporters, through a transparent digital
platform that allows real-time global freight
rate comparison, booking, payment, and
shipment management. Instantly compares
air, ocean, and trucking freight quotes
from reliable forwarders and carriers, all
backed with reviews, all-in prices, and the
information shippers need to choose the right
shipping option.
54 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
Infor
infor.com
Infor Nexus Global Freight Management
Software is a cloud solution built for cross-
ocean, international logistics complexities.
The platform connects the activities of
international buyers and suppliers through
native applications to streamline visibility
with a worldwide network of thousands
of global logistics service providers.
Synchronizes shipment planning, automation
and optimization, multimodal rating,
shipment tracking and global network
connectivity.
IntelliTrans
intellitrans.com
Global control tower provides supply chain
transparency; aggregates, completes, and
enhances data from a variety of sources;
offers visibility into and execution of
different aspects of the supply chain; and
generates data-driven alerts and analytics
that ask deeper questions and deliver
meaningful insights. The IntelliTransTMS
provides shipment execution and visibility
across rail, truck, intermodal, barge, and
ocean shipments. Reduces labor-intensive,
time-consuming, and error-prone business
processes.
Livingston
livingstonintl.com
Livingston offers TradeSphere global trade
management software, a compliance
manager’s ultimate dashboard that helps
stay within limited budgets by monitoring
and managing global operations from
one platform. It provides a consolidated
view of the complexities of international
trade requirements, from compliance
documentation to updated and interpreted
regulations and protocols. Creates and stores
transaction information in one database to
improve visibility and ensure timely, accurate
communication.
LOG-NET
LOG-NET.com
End-to-end global trade management
platform with a single instance that
seamlessly integrates order management,
production, transportation, compliance,
audit, and cost management. The platform’s
capabilities run with advanced artificial
intelligence. Offers comprehensive
visibility to transportation, documentation,
and warehousing; sense and response
autonomous execution; and flexible
integration to hundreds of partner types.
Magaya
magaya.com
A digital freight platform focused on the
physical movement of goods, including
rate management, booking, execution
of shipments and operations, as well as
visibility of the international movement of
goods—complete with reporting. Customs
compliance functionality supports foreign
trade zones and customs brokerage,
including real-time data exchange with U.S.
Customs. Serves freight forwarders, 3PLs,
NVOCCs, warehouses, couriers, and customs
brokerages.
MIC
mic-cust.com
MIC-CUST offers an international customs
self-filing solution on one single technical
platform for more than 55 countries,
automating electronic import and export
clearance processes including special
customs regimes and inventory management.
Provides the ability to generate an import
customs declaration in one country from
export data of another country. MIC’s Export
Control Management allows for central
management of all company transactions
under export control law and detailed checks
of business transactions with respect to the
relevant regulations.
Navegate
navegate.com
Works with its affiliated licensed brokerage
operation and a licensed U.S. customs
broker to perform a comprehensive audit of
shippers’ import procedures and customs
bonds, providing the importer of record an
annual customs audit and bond audit report.
Digitally-enabled ISF services manage all
importer security filings with Customs and
makes all ISF documentation available within
the Navegate software, including the sharing
of ISF confirmations with a designated
customs broker.
nVision Global
corporate.nvisionglobal.com
Impact TMS is an automated order
management system that allows global
shipment creation, ratings, spot quotes, and
reverse auction. Additional features include
tender booking, and shipment track and
trace. Available for all modes and services.
Oracle
oracle.com/globaltrade
A global compliance solution that centrally
manages business processes related to
cross-border trade. Provides visibility and
control over orders and shipments and
ensures adherence to trade regulations.
QAD
qad.com
Offers integrated global trade management
and multi-carrier shipping in a single
end-to-end solution. Multilingual, multi-
currency solution supports multi-date
formats. Capabilities include import/export
management; free trade agreements; foreign
trade zones; restricted party screening; trade
compliance analytics; global, multi-carrier
shipping; visibility; and freight bill auditing.
QAD Precision
precisionsoftware.com
Helps simplify global supply chains by
integrating end-to-end global trade
management with multi-carrier transportation
execution in a single solution. The solution
is multilingual, multi currency and supports
multi-date formats. Key features include:
import management; export management;
free trade agreements; foreign-trade zone;
restricted party screening; trade content; and
trade compliance analytics.
SAP
sap.com
Allows shippers to run worldwide compliance
from a single platform that integrates
trade services across the entire enterprise.
Accelerates cross-border supply chains
by automating and streamlining trade
processes to control costs, reduce the risk of
penalties and fines, and clear customs faster.
Centralizes global trade management with a
single repository for all compliance master
data and content. Provides on-premise or
cloud deployment, comprehensive import
and export management, management
of free-trade agreements and customs
procedures, and self-filing and broker
communication.
SEKO Logistics
sekologistics.com
Provides access to all SEKO global logistics
and management tools in one portal.
From booking international shipments to
running custom reports, MySEKO enables
full international tracking, with detailed
visibility of shipment progress, and individual
parcels for e-commerce companies. Features
global search capability, order management
visibility, and multi-language support. It
also enables full international tracking,
with detailed visibility of the progress of
shipments, and even individual parcels for
e-commerce customers.
Softlink
softlinkglobal.com
Logi-Sys, Logi-Sys Pro, Live Impex, and
Visual Impex software solutions automate
operations across the entire global supply
chain. The freight forwarding management
software covers sales, marketing, finance,
and complex tax compliance for international
logistics providers and freight forwarders.
GLOBAL TRADE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS GUIDE 2023
Thomson Reuters
ONESOURCE
tax.thomsonreuters.com
Simplifies the entire global trade
management process with trade compliance
information and facilitation tools that
automate routine tasks. Manages risk to stay
ahead of constant global regulatory changes
impacting the supply chain. Improves
supply chain efficiency and saves time by
automating a company’s import and export
operations. Delivers bottom-line savings by
reducing the cost of goods sold through duty
savings programs.
TransportGistics
TransportGistics.com
Facilitates transportation procurement
workflows from bid request through pricing
management to accurate payment, closure
and analytics. Offers shipment tracking and
purchase order tracking with proactive alerts.
Provides landed cost pricing calculations,
comparisons and what-ifs. Supports
decision making through visual analytics,
dashboards and KPIs. Helps improve vendor
compliance and vendor management, reduce
transportation management expenses,
manage transportation functions, and
execute transportation tasks including
procurement.
March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 55
 55
 SPONSORED

E R IA
R ELLED Y
L I TI
PHOTO: GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY

56 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 PHOTO: Renovations to Berth 1 at Garden City Terminal at the
Port of Savannah are nearing completion. The project gives
Savannah four berths for vessels carrying 16,000+ TEUs,
and three additional berths. The improvements will increase
the port’s annual berth capacity by 25%.

With an expansive
infrastructure, more cargo
capacity on the way, and
access to a qualified
workforce, continued
logistics prominence is on
Georgia’s horizon.

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 57

 PROPELLED BY LOGISTICS
orld-renowned golfer
Bobby Jones, a proud
son of Georgia, knew
something about
moving an object from here to there as
expeditiously as possible. “The secret to
golf, and business, is to turn three shots
into two,” he famously declared.
You might say that Jones—who held
degrees from Atlanta’s Georgia Tech
and Emory universities and picked up
another degree from Harvard for good
measure—was a master of logistics before
the term was commonplace in business
and industry.
It is only fitting that he called
Georgia home.
Managing the movement of products
from one place to another quickly and
efficiently—through the air, across the
water, and over winding terrain, if not
sand traps—is the essence of logistics, the
Peach State’s stock in trade.
Businesses of all types and sizes thrive
in Georgia, thanks in large part to the
state’s pro-business government policies,
traditionally low unemployment,
available real estate, and ideal location—
the latter especially important to
the providers of distribution and
logistics services.
Add to all that the state’s plentiful
educational and organizational resources
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the 12th largest air cargo hub in North
America and home to one of the world’s largest carriers, Delta Air Lines. The airport hosts
16 cargo carriers and offers more than 2 million square feet of cargo handling space.
58 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
that are readily accessible to logistics
professionals. The sum total is a treasure
trove of logistics assets.
ARIN I ER
Georgia’s comprehensive logistics
infrastructure includes Hartsfield-
Jackson Atlanta International Airport
(ATL), the busiest and most efficient
airport in the world—and, many say, the
best in North America.
ATL is an economic star of Georgia,
generating a $34.8-billion impact for
metro Atlanta and providing more than
63,000 jobs on-site, making it the state’s
largest employer.
Hartsfield-Jackson is a global gateway,
offering nonstop service to more than
150 domestic and 70 international
destinations. These locales include
major commercial centers in Europe,
Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and South
and Central America.
In addition, ATL holds the distinction
of being the first airport in the world to
serve more than 100 million passengers
in a single year.
Georgia also is home to Savannah/
Hilton Head International Airport
(SAV), where passenger traffic reached
an unprecedented high in 2022: more
than 3.5 million passengers, a 27%
increase from 2021.
The airport’s record growth has been
spurred by expanded services offered by
airlines and by visitors to the region’s
popular destinations of Savannah and
Hilton Head Island.
SAV is currently engaged in capital
projects totaling more than $150 million.
Not only will improvements allow for
additional growth in passenger traffic, but
they also will lay the groundwork for a
new air cargo complex and an expanded
general aviation complex. These
improvements will stimulate regional
development and add to the airport’s
$4.2-billion economic impact.
In all, Georgia’s airport system
includes 104 publicly owned, public-
use airports, nine commercial service
airports, and 95 general aviation airports.
The airports are essential to the
state’s transportation and economic
infrastructure, supporting distribution
and logistics as well as other diversified
industries including technology,
manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture.
ER LAND AND EA
Georgia’s location provides direct rail
access to the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast,
and Midwest regions of the United
States. Both Eastern U.S. Class I
railroads, CSX and Norfolk Southern,
along with 24 short-line railroads, track
across the state.
The Intermodal Division of the
Georgia Department of Transportation
(GDOT) conducts planning and project
development for freight, passenger, and
commuter operations within the state,
and oversees the development of the
State Rail Plan, which identifies long-
range freight and passenger needs.
Also crisscrossing the state are six U.S.
interstates—1,200 miles of highway—
connecting shippers to 80% of the
country in two days or less driving time.
To keep cargo and passenger traffic
moving smoothly, GDOT even has a
formal online and telephone program for
reporting potholes.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s extensive port
assets—which include deepwater ports in
Savannah and Brunswick—continually
improve their logistics operations.
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 PROPELLED BY LOGISTICS
Savannah is poised to increase and
expand services across an arc of inland
markets, from Atlanta to Memphis,
extending to St. Louis, Chicago, and the
Ohio Valley.
Georgia’s resources enable the state to
handle and haul more than $900 billion
in cargo each year.
EM ERED Y E ERTI E
Geographical and infrastructure
strengths notwithstanding, the true
power behind Georgia’s logistics throne
is expertise. Specialized programs in the
state’s colleges and universities, as well
as professional associations, combine
to place Georgia at the leading edge of
logistics thinking and innovation.
In addition to Georgia Tech and
Emory, logistics programs at Georgia
Southern and numerous other
universities and technical colleges are
among the most respected and best
endowed in the world.
A particularly notable example of
government-based logistics resources
is the Georgia Center of Innovation, a
strategic arm of the Georgia Department
of Economic Development, which
offers logistics as one of its six areas of
assistance and expertise.
The Georgia Ports Authority handled a record 5.9 million twenty-foot equivalent container
units (TEUs) in 2022, an increase of 5% over 2021. The Port of Savannah is set to increase
annual capacity from 6 million to 7.5 million TEUs in 2023, and to 9 million by 2025.
60 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
The Center of Innovation annually
hosts the Georgia Logistics Summit,
bringing together speakers from
prominent shippers and leaders in the
state’s infrastructure and economic
development communities, as well
as speakers from some of the world’s
most prominent supply chain
focused companies.
Moreover, the state’s logistics network
is both powered and utilized by more
than 15,000 logistics establishments. It is
from this community of colleagues that
Georgia ultimately derives its definition
as the logistics state.
GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY:
RT LEADER I east of the Mississippi River.
A principal player in the extraordinary
logistics success of Georgia is the
Georgia Ports Authority (GPA),
which directly employs 1,800 logistics
professionals and oversees the state’s
two deepwater ports and three inland
terminals. The GPA is committed to
making Georgia a national leader in the
response to challenges brought about
by the supply chain issues of the past
few years.
“The recent challenges have
powered a transition toward a more
digital marketplace,” says Cliff Pyron,
the GPA’s chief commercial officer.
“As more consumers have adopted
online shopping, the supply chain has
begun a long-term shift to better serve
e-commerce. This involves greater
warehouse capacity closer to population
centers, with these distribution centers
carrying a wider array of SKUs than
traditional warehouses.
“Additionally, more cargo owners are
diversifying their ports of entry into the
United States as a hedge against delays
caused by port congestion,” he says,
adding that many cargo owners are now
discovering the efficiencies of landing
freight closer to major population centers
TA IN INT LAR E MAR ET
The main differentiator for East Coast
ports is proximity to most of the nation’s
largest markets. Some 44% of the U.S.
population is within a 5 to 16 hour drive
of the Savannah deepwater port. These
trends have resulted in greater demand
for port services at GPA.
The GPA has instituted an aggressive
expansion plan to ensure cargo
fluidity. In November 2021, the GPA
commissioned the final set of working
tracks at the Mason Mega Rail Terminal,
boosting GPA’s rail lift capacity to 1
million containers per year, an increase
of 30%.
Additionally, the Port of Savannah’s
Peak Capacity Project added 1.2 million
TEUs of annual capacity by expanding
container yard space at Garden
City Terminal.
GPA also is conducting renovations
to Berth 1 at Garden City and the
significant expansion of container storage
there. The Authority is establishing two
large-ship berths at Savannah’s Ocean
Terminal and renovating that 200-acre
facility into an all-container terminal.
These projects will double Savannah’s
capacity to handle 16,000-plus TEU
vessels. The Savannah Transload Facility,
slated to open at Garden City Terminal
in July 2023, will speed the transition of
cargo from containers to over-the-road
delivery trucks.
 PROPELLED BY LOGISTICS

“Our philosophy of maintaining
capacity at least 20% over current
demand allowed our terminals to keep
cargo moving, despite unprecedented
volumes over the past three years,” Pyron
says, adding that the state’s transportation
infrastructure improvements augment
the GPA’s efforts.
“GPA has a strong partnership
with the Georgia Department of
Transportation, which is making major
improvements to truck routes through
Savannah, Atlanta, and other markets,”
he says. “Direct access to Interstates 95
and 16 means truck cargo gets on the
way to its destination without metro
traffic congestion.”
Meanwhile, on-terminal rail at the
Port of Savannah links to Georgia’s 4,600
miles of active rail lines, the largest rail
network in the Southeast. GPA is now
also providing domestic intermodal
service through its Mason Mega Rail
Terminal for 53-foot containers.
In addition, Georgia features a wealth
of available near-port land that has aided
aggressive investment within the third-
party logistics sector.
IFS FREIGHT:
IM LIFYIN NNE TI N
Georgia’s ideal location puts
it securely in the driver’s seat for
transportation and logistics. “For the
Southeast region, shippers can get their
products the next day for the most part,”
says Dan Witt, CEO of IFS Freight.
As the price of transportation assets
such as tractors and trailers increases
and availability decreases, IFS has
implemented an improved preventive
maintenance program so its fleet assets
meet and exceed clients’ needs.
“We can transport anything or find the
right carrier who can,” Witt says. “If you
can’t find a carrier with enough capacity,
we can ship it for you with our own
trucks and carriers.”
In 2014, the company purchased its
own transportation assets to help a client.
That fleet has since grown to five tractor
trailers, 16 tanker trailers, and three dry
van trailers.
“IFS Freight connects you with
the best carriers for less-than-truckoad
(LTL), full truckload, or intermodal
shipping,” Witt says. “We make LTL
and full truckload simple, so you can
focus on your business and not worry
about logistics.”
Based in Alpharetta, Georgia,
IFS Freight is part of the Atlanta
metropolitan region. The company ships
domestically across the United States
and Canada through an expansive carrier
network. Witt says IFS prides itself on
customized solutions to reduce shipping
costs and boost efficiency through
multiple transport modes.
EY ND RATE
“Our team has direct experience
working with different carriers in nearly
every role,” he explains. “We understand
firsthand how logistics works from an
inside perspective.
“We’ve applied our extensive third-
party logistics knowledge to create a
superlative shipping experience,” Witt
adds. “Our goals are simple—top-notch
service and comprehensive long-haul,
regional, and local shipping options that
exceed expectations.”
IFS Freight opened its doors in 2005
IFS Freight operates its own fleet of tanker trailers, tractor trailers, and dry van trailers, and
offers an expansive carrier network. From left to right: Dan Witt, CEO; Jason Turley, vice
president, sales and operations; and Ronnie Glover, professional driver.
with a goal to connect businesses with
the best shipping rates from the industry’s
best carriers. “Today, we still do just
that,” Witt says.
“We’re more than just a logistics
services provider,” he adds. “We’re
problem solvers. We go beyond helping
you find the best rate by solving your
real business problems—even when
the carriers can’t address your unique
requirements. Our clients love us
because we make their job easier.”
IFS Freight distinguishes itself as
a unique Georgia logistics asset. “We
provide a niche transportation service;
we transport non-hazmat liquid bulk in
tanker trailers,” Witt explains. “While we
also provide dry van services, our core is
in the tanker field.”
He is enthusiastic about the impact
of electric vehicles (EVs) in logistics.
“We provide trucking services within
a 250-mile radius of Atlanta, so we are
particularly interested in EVs,” he says.
The forward-looking focus is yet
another way that logistics professionals
in Georgia are leading the way for
their peers.
“We offer more service options and
savings opportunities every year,” Witt says.

62 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

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 PROPELLED BY LOGISTICS
SYFAN LOGISTICS:
T E UT ERN AY
Georgia’s value proposition in the
logistics field is an extension of its way of
life, according to Steve Syfan, executive
vice president of Syfan Logistics.
“There’s something about Georgia,”
he says. “Georgia has the right people.
It’s that Southern hospitality. When we
ask how you’re doing, we really mean it.”
That friendly and familial approach
to business has worked well for Georgia
and for Syfan Logistics, which remains
a family company nearly four decades
after it was founded by CEO Jim
Syfan, Steve’s father. The senior Syfan
worked in the transportation brokerage
industry before launching his original
company, Turbo Transport, in 1984 in
Gainesville, Georgia.
Today, Syfan Logistics is an asset-
based $450-million company with more
than 450 employees. Yet the company’s
leadership team—which also includes
Steve’s brother Greg, who serves as
company president—still holds its values
as important as its value.
Company literature puts it this way:
“Though we are a successful high-tech,
multi-million-dollar corporation, Syfan
Logistics remains a family business at
With more than 450 employees, Syfan Logistics remains a family business, nurturing client
relationships and maintaining a clear focus on its core mission: Transporting cargo to its
destination with zero complications—on time, every time, drama-free.
64 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
heart—and an old-fashioned American
success story. It’s our job to transport
your cargo to its destination with zero
complications—on time, every time,
drama-free.”
Sales efforts are characterized
by adherence to the mission. “Our
philosophy is to find out what you need
from us, not the other way around,”
Steve says. “We strive to find out what
our customers’ needs are and offer
them a solution. By doing this we earn
their trust and respect, which allows
us the opportunity to grow a stronger
relationship that will last.”
He credits Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp
with setting a similar tone in state
government’s relationship with business.
He points out that Georgia was among
the first states to reopen its workplaces
when pandemic concerns began to ease.
“I told the governor that he paused us, he
didn’t shut us down,” Steve says.
Syfan Logistics took advantage of
the opportunity to return employees to
in-person work, but also recognized that
employees’ personal costs were affected.
“When they came back, so did their
expenses—primarily food and fuel,”
Steve says. “We compensated them
for that.”
It was a demonstration of the culture
that his father imbued the company with
from the start. “My dad’s philosophy is to
show it more than say it,” Steve says.
E ANDIN INT DRAYA E
The company further demonstrated
its commitment to Georgia with
its expansion into ocean drayage
services, providing final-mile delivery
of containers both ways between ports
and Syfan’s carrier partners. The Syfan
Ocean Dray Team has been building its
operations since 2021 to provide greater
convenience to shipping customers.
Another plus for Syfan’s entry into
maritime services is the development of
a new inland port for Northeast Georgia
near Syfan’s headquarters in Gainesville.
The company also has a new office
in Savannah.
“We’re in a growth pattern,” Steve
says. “We’re in the midst of doubling our
office space.”
And initiatives such as an extensive
paid internship program through
regional colleges and universities
continue to define the company’s
commitment to its Georgia home. He
lauds the state for playing its part by its
diligence in maintaining and improving
conditions for logistics professionals.
“The Georgia Department of
Transportation stays on top of the
interstate system and the needs of
business,” he says. “The infrastructure
is in place and Georgia is good at
planning ahead.”
ATLANTA BONDED WAREHOUSE:
MEETIN ALLEN E
For all its assets, Georgia is not
immune to the economic challenges
facing every region of the country—
and the businesses that operate within
them—in an era when the only constant
seems to be change.
In logistics as in other sectors,
however, it helps that Georgia enjoys an
economic climate that is the envy of the
nation. The state continues its perennial
occupancy of the top position on
popular lists of the best states in which to
do business.
 PROPELLED BY LOGISTICS
Hal Justice, vice president of sales
and operations for Atlanta Bonded
Warehouse (ABW), says Georgia’s
business-friendly environment is
especially helpful to businesses struggling
to attract and retain qualified workers.
“Georgia is doing everything that it
can and should to get people to move
here,” he says. “The state has done a
terrific job in making Georgia attractive
for business. We’re exceptionally
pro-business.”
For logistics businesses like ABW—
the Southeast’s leading provider of
temperature-controlled and ambient
warehousing, co-packaging, and LTL/
TL transportation services—Georgia’s
“very positive influx of new residents”
helps soften some of the impact of labor
shortages, he says.
LA R AIN
“I can speak for the whole industry,
not just Atlanta and not just Georgia,”
Justice says. “Everybody is dealing with
the same pains. Number one is labor and
number two is cost—the cost of labor
and the cost of rent.”
ABW compensates its employees at
the “higher end of the market,” yet the
challenge of filling positions remains.
“The gig economy has hit the logistics
business,” he says, and the situation is
aggravated by inflation. “We’re all subject
to the same market forces. There’s a lot
of hand-wringing over the economy.”
Atlanta Bonded Warehouse is a leading provider of co-packaging, temperature-controlled and
ambient warehousing, and LTL/TL transportation services in the Southeast. The company has
streamlined workflows through meticulous time management and automation.
66 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
The bright side, Justice says, is that
Georgia is coping as well or better with
national economic challenges than
other parts of the country. The major
distribution markets of Los Angeles,
Chicago, and Dallas, as well as the states
of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, are all
experiencing the same challenges.
F R IN A EAD
ABW has found that increased
automation and an expansion of
engineered standards—wherein
workers’ time management is carefully
measured—have enabled the company
to maintain its history of success.
“Demand for storage capacity and
warehouse services remains strong,”
Justice says. “We focus on improving
productivity, selective automation, and
configuring our WMS (warehouse
management system) to improve or
streamline our internal workflows.”
For its WMS, ABW relies on Blue
Yonder, a leader in digital supply chain
transformations and omni-channel
commerce fulfillment.
Through such efforts, Justice says,
ABW has effectively dealt with the
issues intrinsic to the “new normal”
of logistics operations management.
Likewise, these initiatives have enabled
ABW to minimize price increases to its
customers—an especially notable benefit
in the food industry, where the effects of
inflation have hit particularly hard.
With more than 70 years of third-
party logistics experience, ABW remains
a Georgia standout by offering clients a
distinct competitive advantage through
its singular focus on providing an
optimal customer experience in the 3PL
industry. Services include supply chain
management and integrated warehouse
management systems or proprietary
systems provided by its customers.
ABW offers an additional asset:
Colonial Cartage Corporation,
an in-house carrier that provides
comprehensive transportation services
throughout the Southeast, Southwest,
Midwest, and the Great Plains.
TAYLORED SERVICES:
A ILITY T ADA T
In uncertain times, Georgia’s
logistics providers have demonstrated
an exceptional ability to adapt. For
Taylored Services, which marked its 30th
anniversary in 2022 as a leader in 3PL
warehouse, distribution, and fulfillment
services, flexibility has been a key
to success.
With both East Coast and West Coast
locations, the company added new luster
to Georgia’s logistics landscape in 2022
when it opened a new distribution site
near the Port of Savannah.
Although the pandemic created
challenges and caused a few shifts in the
way the company operates, including an
increased focus on digitalization driving
enhanced efficiency and cost savings,
Taylored Services has thrived.
In addition, demand for contactless
delivery has increased significantly
due to associated health and safety
protocols. This has led Taylored Services
to increase its use of virtual signatures
and contactless delivery methods, and
to focus more on technology to ensure
timely and safe deliveries.
Companies providing logistics services
have improved overall through their
innovative responses to change. All
companies have been forced to create
more flexible and resilient supply
chains in order to respond to changing
customer demands and deliver high-
quality products.
 PROPELLED BY LOGISTICS
Taylored Services works with Georgia’s
local and state government organizations
to identify and utilize the best resources
available to expand and improve the
logistics capabilities of the state.
The company collaborates with
regional partners to develop and execute
initiatives that enhance and strengthen
transportation, supply chain, and
infrastructure networks. It also provides
training and technical assistance to
increase the capability and capacity of
local logistics service providers.
EDU ATI N AND INN ATI N
Taylored Services has leveraged the
expertise of the state’s technical college
system and Georgia’s Department of
Economic Development (GDEcD).
Through the Georgia Quick Start
program, the company was able to
quickly onboard staff at the start of the
pandemic, as well as help retrain existing
staff to keep up with industry changes.
Moreover, Georgia’s Innovation Fund
has been instrumental in providing
additional capital for the company’s
Logistics Computer and Software
Upgrade project, completed in late 2020.
And the Logistics Certification
Program offered by the GDEcD has
provided a number of certifications to
members of the company’s staff, allowing
them to remain up to date on industry
standards, regulations, and best practices.
Taylored Services marked its 30th anniversary as a leader in 3PL warehouse, distribution, and
fulfillment services in 2022. With both East Coast and West Coast locations, the company
recently opened a distribution site near the Port of Savannah.
68 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
For Taylored Services, Georgia is an
ideal logistics location because it offers
advantageous distribution networks,
excellent infrastructure, convenient
access to global markets, and the support
of both a business-friendly environment
and exceptional workforce development.
Taylored Services provides a variety
of logistics services in Georgia, focusing
on areas such as global logistics,
regional trucking, dedicated regional
truck fleets, and warehousing services.
The company has invested heavily in
innovation, including software and
technology upgrades.
The 3PL has also invested in a new
customer relationship management
system to improve communication
with customers and ensure improved
customer service. In the near future the
company will introduce a self-service
portal enabling customers to access their
accounts and make changes online.
SMC3:
I A AND RE UND
“The pandemic caused a whipsaw
in demand and then supply, straining
supply chains around the world,” says
Brian Thompson, chief commercial
officer of SMC³, a Georgia over-the-
road data and solutions provider,
optimizing freight transportation across
the supply chain.
“But the logistics sector has risen to
the challenge so that supply chains are
now more diversified, connected, and
resilient than prior to the pandemic,”
he adds.
Headquartered in the Atlanta suburb
of Peachtree City, SMC³ has a unique
perspective of logistics in Georgia. In
conjunction with faculty at Georgia
College & State University (GCSU),
SMC³—a “one-stop knowledge hub of
everything LTL”—developed an online
educational curriculum and the only
program that certifies LTL expertise.
The company produced the
program in partnership with
LogisticsTrainingCenter.com, headed
by GCSU logistics professor Dr. Karl
Manrodt. The LTL Online Education
program offers five courses from the
fundamentals of LTL to advanced topics
like LTL business analytics.
ADDRE IN ALLEN E
AND RTUNITIE
The pandemic’s effects have especially
impacted e-commerce and digitization
in the industry, Thompson says. More
frequent, smaller shipments have
become more common as fulfillment
centers proliferated near population
centers, and that has translated into
stronger demand for LTL and parcel.
Tight capacity strongly affected
carrier service performance in the LTL
business. “This unpredictability in
service intensified shipper interest in
shipment visibility as they struggled to
manage inventory,” he says. “The need to
leverage the benefits of technology drove
many shippers to seek solutions from
3PLs that already had access to advanced
technology solutions.”
Despite a slowdown in LTL bid
activity for the past three years,
Thompson says, good news has returned.
“Pent-up demand and easing capacity
in early 2023 resulted in increased
interest from shippers to test market
prices through formal bid events,” he
says. SMC³ has bid technology that
enables shippers to reach out to a broad
set of providers for capacity and price
offers through automation of the many
components of the bid process.
 PROPELLED BY LOGISTICS
“GEORGIA OFFERS TREMENDOUS
INFRASTRUCTURE—FROM PORTS TO
ROADS TO AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT—
THAT HAS ATTRACTED NUMEROUS
HIGH-QUALITY FREIGHT CARRIERS,
MANUFACTURERS, LOGISTICS AND
TRANSPORTATION, AND TECHNOLOGY
COMPANIES.”
-BRIAN THOMPSON
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, SMC3
Then there are the unique advantages integrations to connect shippers, logistics
of Georgia’s place on the map. service providers, and their asset-
“Georgia offers tremendous based providers.
infrastructure—from ports to roads “There is a tremendous opportunity
to an international airport—that to increase proactive monitoring,
has attracted numerous high-quality automation, and leverage data to create
freight carriers, manufacturers, logistics solutions that result in savings and
and transportation, and technology more effective management across
companies,” Thompson says. “Their the supply chain,” Thompson says.
presence ensures there are many partners “Watch for SMC³, as a top-tier logistics
within a geographically concentrated area data and technology provider, to
with which to innovate and collaborate.” continue innovating in this space with
As part of its corporate citizenship and new solutions to be unveiled in 2023
community outreach initiatives, SMC³ and beyond.”
partners with nonprofits and educational
institutions around Atlanta to provide NVISION GLOBAL:
community assistance and work with RLD IDE REA
young adults to educate them on the More than just a North American
professional benefits of pursuing a career logistics powerhouse, Georgia’s strength
in logistics and supply chain. and reach extends around the world.
In addition, SMC³ distinguishes That power is exemplified by the role of
itself as a particular Georgia logistics Atlanta-based nVision Global, a world
asset through its annual Jump Start leader in global freight management
conference in January. The conference solutions and services.
brings together more than 600 key The company specializes in freight
players and executives from across the audit and payment, order management,
country to meet, network, and learn from supplier management, visibility, TMS,
transportation industry experts. and freight spend analytics. Its Impact
SMC³ plans to continue developing TMS (transportation management
“WHILE HEADQUARTERED IN ATLANTA, WE FOCUS ON GLOBAL
COMPANIES TO PARTNER WITH AND THAT IS WHY WE HAVE OFFICES
ALL OVER THE WORLD.
WE HAVE REFINED OUR TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT SOLUTION
FOR OUR GLOBAL CUSTOMERS.”
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES, NVISION GLOBAL
70 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
system) platform allows clients to
plan, organize, and manage their
global shipments in one easy-to-use
global solution.
In addition to its Atlanta headquarters,
nVision has corporate offices strategically
placed around the world. Locations
include Costa Rica (Central America);
Ningbo, China; Noida, India; Kolkata,
India; Cluj, Romania; Maastricht,
Netherlands; and Glasgow, Scotland.
L AL ER E TI E
“While headquartered in Atlanta, we
focus on global companies to partner
with and that is why we have offices
all over the world,” explains Stewart
Dunsmore, nVision’s senior vice
president, supply chain services.
That global perspective gives
nVision a special appreciation for the
unique assets of Georgia. Dunsmore
cites the state’s centralized location
for distribution and fulfillment; the
advantages of its Charleston, Brunswick,
and Savannah ports; and its geographical
position as a “gateway to Florida.”
Furthermore, a major plus is access
to Georgia’s array of top universities and
supply chain professionals, including the
Atlanta branch of the Council of Supply
Chain Management Professionals
(CSCMP).
“We have partnered with and
financially support the local CSCMP
chapter to help further their cause
and to work with local supply chain
professionals,” says Dunsmore, who adds
that a past nVision executive served as
the Atlanta chapter’s president.
One of the most significant changes in
logistics that has occurred in recent years
is an increased demand for visibility and
-STEWART DUNSMORE
Simply World Class

JIT Warehousing & Logistics is a proven leader  in the Over a quarter of a century in the import/export  industry,
warehousing and distribution industry. JIT  operates JIT offers world class warehousing,  trucking, shipside
throughout the United States moving  various commodities delivery, intermodal services,  specialty hauling, crane
including steel and metal  products, machinery, wood services, cross docking,  escort services and so much
products, palletized  cargo, and more.  more. All Company  owned equipment!  

Our Savannah, Georgia warehousing facilities  consist JIT is your turn key, Just-In-Time operator. 
of over a million square feet of inside  storage and an
additional 10 acres of outside  storage. We are located A new 226,000 sq ft  Norfolk Southern rail served
only a half mile from the  Georgia Port Authority’s Ocean warehouse will open in June 2023. JIT  complexes can
Terminal and 3.5  miles from Garden City Terminal.  meet all your logistic needs.

216 East Lathrop Ave. • PO Box 861 • Savannah, GA 31402 • 912-201-0050 • Fax: 912-201-0307 • quotes@jitwhse.com 
 PROPELLED BY LOGISTICS

tracking shipments in transit—a demand
that can be satisfied by nVision’s Impact
TMS. Companies are looking for more
ways to save—with solutions provided
by nVision’s freight audit, TMS and
claims products.
nVision has adapted to the supply
chain challenges of recent years with
continuous TMS enhancements,
enabling the processing of global parcel
shipments, application programming
interfaces (API) integrations with
transportation providers and enterprise
resource planning (ERP) platforms;
customs integration and documentation
capabilities; and an updated and
enhanced business analytics platform,
notes Dunsmore.
“We have refined our Transportation
Management Solution for our global
customers to ensure it has all the features
they need to seamlessly integrate their
internal systems, their suppliers, and all
transportation providers into a single
application,” Dunsmore says. “The TMS
seamlessly integrates with our Global
Freight Audit & Payment platform
as well.”
The company’s stature throughout
the world is enhanced by its Georgia
home, he says. “With so many large
corporations, we are able to target them
as potential customers,” Dunsmore says,
adding that each region of the world
requires familiarity and expertise.
“We have spent more than 30 years
designing and developing some of the
best solutions worldwide to address
global freight management,” he says.
“Our global infrastructure gives us the
ability to manage global supply chains
utilizing our global control towers within
the regions.”
JIT WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS:
FAMILY AND FUTURE
When all is said and done, it is the job
of logistics professionals to get your cargo
from here to there seamlessly and with
as few detours as possible. That does not
mean there are no twists and turns along
the way, but a quality logistics provider
makes the needed adjustments without
interrupting the flow.
Georgia’s logistics professionals get
it. And they lead the way in making the
adjustments necessitated by supply chain
challenges that have caused so much
disarray elsewhere.
Savannah-based JIT Warehousing &
Logistics serves as a prominent example.
As the company’s name implies, JIT’s
mission is to deliver just-in-time service
to its clients.
Vice President Anna Lockwood cites
the driver and labor shortages that have
bedeviled the industry as a primary
challenge that the pros have taken in
stride. Offering competitive wages and
incentives has been key to maintaining
JIT’s quality service and labor.
“We’ve grown our over-dimensional
division with an additional crane yard
and added trucks and specialized trailers
and equipment,” she adds.

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FOOD AND
72 Inbound BEVERAGE
Logistics • March 2023 • PARCEL SHIPPING • AUTOMOTIVE • MANUFACTURING • HEALTHCARE
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS • RETAIL/CONSUMER PRODUCTS • ELECTRONICS • PAPER PRODUCTS
 JIT responded to meet a surge of
imports. While the surge has now ebbed,
she says, the issue was the catalyst for
a long-lasting benefit: “We grew to
accommodate and then, when the influx
leveled off, we have maintained diversity
to keep that growth,” Lockwood says.
Like many Georgia logistics firms,
JIT is a family business. Other family
members include President and Founder
Ben Goldberg, Executive Vice President
Evelyn Goldberg-Davis, and Vice
President Trevor Lockwood.
The company has been in operation
for more than three decades and enjoys
both the literal—it is located just a half
mile from the GPA’s Ocean Terminal and
about 3.5 miles from the Garden City
Terminal—as well as historical advantages
of its deep roots in the logistics state.
At the same time, JIT keeps its vision
on the future. “We have explored using
CNG trucks and now have five in our
fleet,” Lockwood says, adding that some
of the older diesel-consuming trucks
SyfanLogistics.com | Gainesville, GA | 855.287.8485 | 770.287.8485
Savannah-based JIT Warehousing & Logistics provides trucking, warehousing, drayage,
and over-dimensional services. The provider expanded its over-dimensional division with an
additional crane yard and added trucks and specialized trailers and equipment.
have been traded in to make way for the or not—that may place obstacles in
more modern vehicles. the road down the line. “JIT is finding
JIT also is building an additional additional avenues to maintain business
240,000-square-foot Norfolk Southern- with importers through not only our
served rail facility to handle more local terminal but also through other
export commodities. terminals back to our local facilities,” ,
In addition to operating facilities Lockwood says.
on the Norfolk Southern rail line, “Due to our variety and capabilities,
JIT maintains several other Savannah we are a first call for problem solving for
locations offering more than 750,000 many of the lines and entities that work
square feet of warehouse space. alongside the GPA,” she says.
JIT is exploring strategies to keep the It is precisely this level of cooperation
business robust regardless of whatever and collaboration that keeps logistics as a
economic challenges—pandemic-related constant Georgia state of mind. n
March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 73
 PROPELLED BY LOGISTICS

Atlanta Bonded Warehouse • www.atlantabonded.com

Atlanta Bonded Warehouse (ABW) has been providing public and contract food-
grade, temperature-controlled distribution services for 70 years. ABW is a leader in
providing integrated asset-based logistics solutions for the food, pharmaceutical,
household durables, and CPG industries. Our goal is total customer satisfaction
through continuous innovation in technology and in best practices by focusing on
teamwork, integrity, and accountability, all in a safe working environment.

Georgia Ports Authority • www.gaports.com

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), which includes the Port of Savannah, the Port of
Brunswick, the Bainbridge Inland Barge Terminal, and the Columbus Inland Barge
Terminal, is committed to maintaining its competitive edge through development of
leading-edge technology, marketing, and operations to move cargo faster. Deepwater
ports in Savannah and Brunswick, together with inland barge operations in
Bainbridge and Columbus, are Georgia’s gateways to the world; the critical conduits
through which raw materials and finished products flow to and from destinations
around the globe. Find out more at www.gaports.com

IFS Freight • www.ifsfreight.com

IFS Freight makes less-than-truckload, full truckload, and liquid bulk tanker
shipping fast, easy, and affordable by connecting businesses with the best shipping
rates from the industry’s best carriers. A full suite of solutions includes shipping
services from IFS’s own fleet. The company’s Intelli-Freight tool makes LTL pallet
shipping simple and affordable. Get ready for a reliable, affordable shipping
experience. At IFS Freight, we address your unique shipping challenges while
providing first-class service.

JIT Warehousing & Logistics • jitwhse.com

JIT Warehousing & Logistics is a proven warehousing and distribution leader,
offering world-class warehousing, trucking, shipside delivery, intermodal
services, specialty hauling and much more. Based in Savannah, Georgia, JIT
operates throughout the United States, moving a variety of commodities.
Operating all company-owned equipment JIT Warehousing & Logistics
is your turnkey, just-in-time partner.

74 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 THE BEST OF GEORGIA ON THE WEB

nVision Global • www.nvisionglobal.com

nVision Global is an industry leader in providing configurable logistics services and
solutions for customers around the world, enabling them to optimize their supply
chain and gain access to critical data. We offer a full suite of logistics services and
solutions that allow for end-to-end shipment and supply chain management and
visibility.

SMC3 • www.smc3.com
SMC3—the leading provider of freight transportation technology data and
solutions—delivers the only integrated suite of intelligent technology data solutions
geared toward the less than truckload and truckload industries. As a leader in
both transportation software innovation and supply chain education, more than
5,000 North American shippers, carriers, logistics service providers and freight
payment companies rely on SMC3’s sophisticated LTL base rates, content, and
expert bidding tools to make the best business decisions.

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.

Taylored Services • www.tayloredservices.com

Taylored Services looks at your business as if we were a box moving through your
supply chain. Our goal: to provide a comprehensive array of fulfillment services
that best fit your business needs. Award-winning retail experts. Strategically
located bi-coastal facilities. Expertise in wholesale and retail distribution. Best-in-
class systems and technology. A full range of logistics services including: drayage
management, transload, DC bypass, crossdock, case distribution, unit fulfillment
(B2B, B2C, Digital), and value-added distribution solutions (repacking, reticketing,
point of purchase, display assembly, inserts and labeling, returns).

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 75

 ITTOOLKIT
Operating in Style
THE CUSTOMER:
Launched in 2016 in Quebec, Canada,
JOELLE Collection sells quality, stylish
women’s clothing, accessories, and
jewelry online and in two retail stores.
THE PROVIDER:
The Descartes Systems Group Inc.
offers on-demand, software-as-
a-service solutions that address
productivity, performance, and
security for logistics-intensive
businesses.
by Karen Kroll
[IN PRACTICE]
After working for several years in the field of styling and fashion,
Joelle Desaulniers created the eponymous JOELLE Collection. The
Quebec-based company offers unique dresses, sweaters, jumpsuits,
and jewelry, among other items, through a thriving online business
and a boutique in Trois-Rivieres. Another boutique in Place Ste-Foy
is slated to open later in 2023.
“JOELLE’s mission is to break the parcel shipping solution would
rules of fashion by putting women at the match the company’s business model
heart of our priorities in the making of and improve JOELLE Collection’s
our clothes,” says Isabelle Courchesne, fulfillment processes.
director of operations with JOELLE
Inc. The goal is to allow women to IMPROVING WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS
develop self-confidence and flourish, so The management team at JOELLE
they can evolve into the best version of Collection had seen a success story
themselves, she adds. about another Peoplevox customer, also
As the popularity of JOELLE in the direct-to-consumer fashion and
Collection grew, its operations needed apparel industry, says Troy Graham,
to keep pace. Management was looking vice president of business development
to make several changes, including for Descartes.
automating more inbound processes, Descartes applies a scanning-based
increasing the company’s ability to pick approach to daily warehouse operations
and pack more orders, and reducing the that helps ensure transaction accuracy
risk of fulfillment errors. and confirms that inventory numbers
In addition, JOELLE Collection’s between storefronts and warehouse
inventory system needed to synchronize operations are consistent, helping to
with the company’s Shopify sales prevent overselling.
platform, so it would accurately The solutions also can automate
reflect actual warehouse inventory to e-commerce operations and
online customers. integrate multiple sales channels and
In late 2021, Courchesne and her marketplaces. Retailers and direct-to-
colleagues started assessing whether consumer brands also can benefit from
Descartes’ Peoplevox e-commerce e-commerce-focused warehousing
warehouse management solution and technology, parcel shipping capabilities
ShipRush multi-carrier e-commerce and mobile fulfillment solutions.
March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 77
 The Peoplevox warehouse
CASEBOOK STUDY
management solution, which more

than 100 companies globally have
successfully deployed, is geared to
help mid-market, direct-to-consumer
e-commerce brands manage inventory
and accurately fulfill orders.
“Peoplevox helps companies deliver
on the promise to customers to fulfill
their orders on time and accurately the
first time,” Graham says. 
Many companies that deploy
Descartes operate across multiple sales
channels, including their own websites
and brick-and-mortar stores, as well as
on Amazon and other marketplaces.
To keep customers happy, they need to
avoid selling items that aren’t actually
in stock.
This can happen in several ways. For
instance, if a company places an order
for 100 products but receives only 96,
it still might record 100 to inventory.
By working with Peoplevox to barcode
scan each product into the warehouse,
the company knows what’s actually in
inventory, limiting the risk of selling
items it doesn’t have.
Always in Fashion
THE CHALLENGES
JOELLE Collection, a Quebec-based fashion brand, has grown substantially
since its 2016 launch. A lack of manpower and an increase in inventory levels
prompted management to consider automating more inbound processes.
The company also wanted to boost its ability to pick and pack as many orders
as possible and to reduce the risk of fulfillment errors. Any inventory system it
chose would need to synchronize with the company’s Shopify sales platform
to accurately reflect actual warehouse inventory to online customers.
THE SOLUTION
Together, two systems from Descartes—the Peoplevox e-commerce
warehouse management solution and the ShipRush multi-carrier
e-commerce parcel shipping solution—enable JOELLE Collection to provide
accurate and timely order fulfillment and customer service.
THE RESULTS
The same number of warehouse employees now process three times the
number of packages they previously were able to handle, while operational
reports provide insight into warehouse performance.

LOST AND FOUND

Peoplevox also can help companies
locate products they didn’t know they
had. This can occur when products
have been shelved incorrectly and are
seemingly lost.
The system also can be configured
to prioritize certain orders, such as
those that need to be filled within a
specific time frame. Because Peoplevox
automatically generates shipping labels
when orders are dispatched, it cuts the
overall time required to process an order.
Additionally, through its reporting
capabilities, Peoplevox can help
shippers assess the performance of
their warehouses. The reports can
show information such as the number
of orders processed each day, among
other metrics.
Reports can show employee
productivity as well. In many growing
e-commerce companies, the productivity
between pickers can vary widely, and yet JOELLE Collection sells women’s clothing, accessories, and jewelry via its website and two retail
management has no way of uncovering locations. To better manage inventory, the company automated its inbound processes.

78 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

the differences, Graham says. Once a
company has this information, it can
decide if, for instance, more training
is needed or if some types of orders
generally encounter roadblocks. “It’s like
a fuel gauge in a car,” Graham says.
The reporting tools also can help
managers assess how much order
volume can grow before they need to
bring on additional workers.
GROWING SHIPPING VOLUME
Descartes’ ShipRush solution,
which JOELLE Collection also
implemented, is a widely integrated
and quick-to-deploy multi-carrier
parcel and less-than-truckload (LTL)
shipping platform. It allows businesses
to grow their shipping volume through
advanced automation capabilities, a
business rules engine, and a set of APIs
(application programming interfaces) for
rating, shipping and tracking.
The system connects e-commerce
companies with the parcel and LTL
carriers of their choice, using their
own negotiated rates or rate discounts
available through the platform.
Two common shipping challenges are
picking the right carrier and determining
optimal service level combinations.
In some warehouses, it’s not unusual
for packages to ship before anyone has
checked how quickly they need to arrive
at their destination. That can mean
shippers pay for faster service than they
actually need.
The Shiprush system leverages
business rules to identify an optimal
combination of carrier and service
level combination. Graham provides
an example: A company sells T-shirts
directly to consumers, so its packages
tend to be lightweight and headed for
residential addresses. ShipRush can
identify the transportation method best
suited for these types of packages.
In 2021, before it began working
with Descartes, JOELLE Collection
had implemented a new inventory
management system. This helped the
team get comfortable with the basics
of system implementation projects,
which helped speed the process of
Descartes’ solutions help JOELLE Collection deliver quality customer service by focusing on
critical fulfillment practices, such as shipping orders on time and providing order visibility.
implementing Descartes’ warehouse
management and parcel shipping
solutions, Courchesne says. In addition,
the company’s warehouse had been
mapped, and it already had all the
necessary equipment.
In part because these steps had
already occurred, JOELLE Collection
and Descartes went from training to
implementation to full production in
about four months. The solutions went
live in September 2022.
READY, SET, IMPLEMENT
A typical Peoplevox implementation
starts with a kickoff call, Graham
says. Next steps include preparing for
implementation, migrating data from
legacy systems, configuring the system to
customer workflows and business rules,
and then training from end to end.
After JOELLE Collection selected
Descartes, the two companies held
weekly training sessions focused on
helping users get comfortable with the
software. It doesn’t take long—often, new
employees can become productive in
less than one hour, Graham says.
After training is completed, Descartes
transitions to the User Acceptance
Testing (UAT) phase. At this point, the
customer is hands-on and using the
solution to validate its use cases.
When all integrations have been
tested, planning starts for “Go Live.”
Descartes supports customers through
their go-live date and then for a few
weeks after that. This helps ensure
everything is running smoothly
and the client is maximizing the
solution’s efficiency.
Together, PeopleVox and ShipRush
help direct-to-consumer brands like
JOELLE Collection deliver quality
customer service by focusing on several
critical fulfillment practices, Graham
says. These include confirming every
order, shipping each order on time, even
during peak seasons; shipping the right
items in the right quantities to the right
customers; and providing customers with
visibility into the status of their orders,
until they’ve been received.
REAPING THE BENEFITS
The Descartes solutions enable
JOELLE Collection to ship three times
more parcels daily with the same number
of employees. “It gave us real-time
visibility over our inventory levels and
allowed us to receive additional inventory
in real time,” Courchesne says.
“The system also helps us produce
multiple operational reports and evaluate
employee performance while controlling
operations remotely,” she adds. n
March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 79
WEB _CITE

CITY
b i t . l y/ i l _ w c c

IN THIS SECTION:

3PLs – Associations
3PLS

ALLIANCE SHIPPERS INC. • www.alliance.com

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 customs clearance, equipment/
driver leasing and expedited transportation. When you need a transportation service
broker who listens and designs shipping solutions around your exact needs, we’re ready.

ASSOCIATED LOGISTICS GROUP • associatedlogistics.com

It is Associated Logistics Group’s mission to provide exceptional value to our customers’
shipping and logistics needs. We do this through ongoing investment in our employees,
continuously improving technology and software stack, and overall passion for what
we do. Our success is a function of our customers’ success, therefore we treat our
customers’ logistics concerns as if they were our own. We are available all the time, we
are responsive all the time—we add to our customers’ bottom line and we do it on time.

ODYSSEY LOGISTICS & TECHNOLOGY • www.odysseylogistics.com

Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation (Odyssey) combines deep industry
expertise with leading technology to provide multimodal logistics management services
to the chemical industry and other process manufacturers. Odyssey enables clients
to outsource any part of their logistics processes to achieve savings through reduced
transportation and infrastructure costs, measurable customer service and process
improvements, and improved data quality and management. Odyssey is a leader in
intermodal with expertise in liquid food, chemicals, and metals transport.

ASSOCIATIONS

MHI • www.mhi.org
Material Handling Industry (MHI) is an international trade association that has
represented the industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling
equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, third-party logistics providers,
consultants, and publishers. The association also sponsors trade events such as
ProMat and MODEX to showcase the products and services of its member companies
and to educate industry professionals on the industrial productivity solutions
provided through material handling logistics.

80 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 WEB _CITE

CITY
b i t . l y/ i l _ w c c

IN THIS SECTION:

Associations – Equipment Leasing

ASSOCIATIONS

TRANSPORT LOGISTIC TRADE FAIR • transportlogistic.de/en

Transport Logistic is the leading international trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT and
supply chain management. Since 1978, it has been held every two years in Munich. Being
considered the leading platform for international networking in the logistics industry,
this four-day trade show offers innovative products, systems and technologies as well as
a wealth of expert knowledge.

DEDICATED CONTRACT CARRIAGE

RUAN • www.ruan.com
Ruan’s Integrated Supply Chain Solutions offer it all, including dedicated contract
transportation, managed transportation, and value-added warehousing. We combine
the flexibility of our non-asset and asset-based capabilities with optimal technology
and superior service focused on continuous improvement, cost savings, and supply
chain efficiency. The Ruan team partners with customers to evaluate, optimize, and
deliver a one-source, integrated supply chain solution.

E-COMMERCE

MAGICLOGIC OPTIMIZATION • www.magiclogicoptimization.com

MagicLogic’s Cube-IQ Load Planning system is built around the best loading engine on the
market and will give you optimal volume/weight utilization. Cube-IQ optimizes the loading
of items in one or more containers, optionally of different sizes: we will select the right
containers for your load. Complex shapes help to make sure we can help you to load more
of your items every time.

EQUIPMENT LEASING

TURBO SALES & LEASING • www.turboterminaltractors.com

Turbo leases one of the nation’s largest inventories of terminal tractors—including
top brands like TICO, Ottawa, and Capacity—for large fleets based at warehouses,
distribution centers, and ports. The No. 1 priority behind Turbo’s leasing program is
to maintain minimal downtime and maximum uptime for the 24/7 operations of its
customers. Terminal tractor leasing programs are customized to each customer’s
specific needs and budget requirements because Turbo understands that
one size (or lease) does not fit all.

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 81

WEB _CITE

CITY
b i t . l y/ i l _ w c c

IN THIS SECTION:

Freight Marketplace – Global Logistics

FREIGHT MARKETPLACE

DAT • www.dat.com
DAT operates the largest truckload freight marketplace in North America. Transportation
brokers, carriers, news organizations, and industry analysts rely on DAT for market trends
and data insights derived from 249 million freight matches and a database of $110 billion
of market transactions. The DAT freight marketplace enables shippers to find the right
load at the right place, any time; get capacity they can count on; and tap into the clearest
view of the freight markets.

FREIGHT PAYMENT/AUDIT SERVICES

nVISION GLOBAL • www.nvisionglobal.com

nVision Global is an industry leader in providing configurable logistics services and
solutions for customers around the world, enabling them to optimize their supply chain
and gain access to critical data. We offer a full suite of logistics services and solutions
that allow for end-to-end shipment and supply chain management and visibility. Our
solutions include a global, multi-modal TMS application, international freight audit and
payment, loss & damage/overcharge/service failure claims management, as well as
industry-leading logistics analysis solutions.

GLOBAL LOGISTICS

AERO FULFILLMENT SERVICES • www.aerofulfillment.com

Since 1986, Aero has been the right choice for Fortune 1000 through established
e-commerce businesses to make their fulfillment more effective, more efficient and
easier to manage. Our Midwest location allows our clients to centralize their inventory,
eliminating the complexities and additional costs typical of a multi-facility set up. And our
unique arrangements with our shipping partners allows us to provide 3-day ship (or less)
to the lower 48 states—at ground rates.

COSCO SHIPPING LINES (NORTH AMERICA) INC. • lines.coscoshipping.com

COSCO Shipping brings the highest quality of ocean cargo transportation
services to every corner of the globe, with one of the largest, newest and
“greenest” fleets making frequent and timely calls to the busiest ports worldwide.
COSCO Shipping delivers your containerized cargo quickly, economically
and securely, interfacing with rail, road, barge, air and more, with advanced
equipment and technology leading the way to absolute supply chain efficiency.
And, there is no other ocean carrier who knows China better.

82 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 WEB _CITE

CITY
b i t . l y/ i l _ w c c

IN THIS SECTION:

Global Logistics
GLOBAL LOGISTICS

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.

EVERGREEN SHIPPING AGENCY (AMERICA) CORP.

www.evergreen-shipping.us
Evergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corp. is the North America general agent for
Evergreen Line, one of the world’s leading ocean carriers. Serving U.S. importers and
exporters since 1974, Evergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corp. offers one of the
largest intermodal networks in the United States, including worldwide ocean shipping
and inland transportation services. Together with its principals, EGA continues to offer
unmatched international transportation service.

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.

MARYLAND PORT ADMINISTRATION • www.mpa.maryland.gov

Located in the nation’s third-largest consumer group, the Port of Baltimore
has an impressive array of distribution locations, with more on the way. As
an import destination from China, the most cost-effective and quickest way
to tap this affluent market is by bringing your cargo direct to Baltimore,
where you will be greeted with world-class efficiency and customer service.
Find out more at www.marylandports.com.

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 83

WEB _CITE

CITY
b i t . l y/ i l _ w c c

IN THIS SECTION:

Global Logistics – Logistics IT
GLOBAL LOGISTICS

PORT AUTHORITY OF NY & NJ • www.panynj.gov/port

The Port of New York and New Jersey is the largest port on the East Coast and gateway
to one of the most concentrated and affluent consumer markets in North America. With
access to more than 134 million consumers within 250 miles of the port, our network of
terminals, rail and roadways ensures that cargo moves efficiently, cost effectively and in
a way that is environmentally sustainable.

SOUTH CAROLINA PORTS AUTHORITY • www.scspa.com

In a world where speed to market, seamless processes, and flexibility are essential,
South Carolina’s ports deliver. Home to the Southeast’s deepwater port, the South
Carolina Ports Authority is the industry leader in productive operations, big ship
handling, efficient market reach, and environmental responsibility.

GLOBAL TRADE

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 provider—coast to coast,
border to border. Visit the website to learn what Hub can do for you.

LOGISTICS IT

SMC 3 • www.smc3.com
SMC3—the leading provider of freight transportation technology data and solutions—
delivers the only integrated suite of intelligent technology data solutions geared
toward the less than truckload and truckload industries. As a leader in both
transportation software innovation and supply chain education, more than 5,000
North American shippers, carriers, logistics service providers and freight-payment
companies rely on SMC3’s sophisticated LTL base rates, content, and expert
bidding tools to make the best business decisions, achieve higher returns on their
transportation investments, and meet the dynamic demands of the market.

84 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 WEB _CITE

CITY
b i t . l y/ i l _ w c c

IN THIS SECTION:

Ports – Transportation
PORTS

PORT EVERGLADES • www.porteverglades.net

Nobody moves cargo in and out faster than Port Everglades. The port is part of a
thriving global transportation network that counts among its attributes a favorable
location less than one mile from the Atlantic Shipping Lane, direct access to multimodal
inland links through Florida’s interstate and highway systems, and an FEC rail hub within
two miles. Across the street is Fort Lauderdale Airport, one of the fastest-growing
airports in the nation. Visit the website for more details.

PORT OF LONG BEACH • www.polb.com

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s busiest seaports, a leading gateway for trade
between the United States and Asia. During the next 10 to 15 years, the Port of Long Beach
plans to create at least four container terminals of more than 300 acres each, and to build
at least one other large terminal. The new terminals will have dockside rail facilities, which
allow cargo to be transferred directly between ships and trains. Such transfers speed
deliveries between Long Beach and markets nationwide. For more information on the
advantages and services offered by the Port of Long Beach, visit www.polb.com.

SITE SELECTION

PHARR BRIDGE • www.pharrbridge.com

The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge serves as one of the most important ports of entry
for the U.S.-Mexico border. It handles both commercial and passenger-operated vehicles
and crosses about 175,000 vehicles monthly. The Pharr International Bridge is also the
only commercial bridge crossing in Hidalgo County, and is the number two bridge in the
country for crossing of fruits and vegetables. The Pharr International Bridge connects
US Hwy. 281/I-69W to the City of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, the fastest growing city in Mexico.

TRANSPORTATION

POLARIS TRANSPORTATION GROUP • www.polaristransport.com

Polaris Transportation Group is best known for scheduled LTL service between
Canada and the United States. Polaris specializes in the shipment of dry goods. But
it also has developed complementary transportation services including: specialized
movement of trade show displays and exhibits, third-party cross-border and domestic
freight management, cross-border and domestic intermodal service, expedited
ground and air service, and global air and ocean freight forwarding.

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 85

SUPPLYCHAIN Insights
The Latest Free Whitepapers, Videos, Podcasts, and More...

VIDEO

HOW TO MAX CUBE YOUR CONTAINERS OR TRAILERS

Offered by MagicLogic
It can be difficult to plan what items or units belong in
which trucks and routes. That’s where MagicLogic can
help. Its solutions use algorithms capable of handling
complex load planning challenges. For instance, its
CUBE-IQ load optimization software offers advanced
truck loading capabilities, mixed palletization, and near-
real-time carbonization. Tune in to this video to find out
how this solution can optimize your load planning.
bit.ly/SCI323MagicLogic

W H I T E PA P E R S

GET COSTS UNDER CONTROL THREE LAYERS OF HOW TO BUILD A WINNING

WITH THESE TECHNOLOGIES
Offered by Flock Freight
and Inbound Logistics
Leading shippers recognize that
the only way to survive—and
thrive—in the current climate
is through the strategic use of
supply chain and transportation
technology. Inbound Logistics
researched the cost-reducing
technologies that shippers should
consider, along with a road map
to successful implementation.
Get actionable, data-driven
insights to position your business
for optimal profitability in 2023.
FORKLIFT SAFETY
Offered by Hyster
There’s no one-size-fits-all
solution to support lift truck
operating best practices. Forklift
safety requires a comprehensive,
multi-faceted approach that
includes training, real-time
support, and ongoing monitoring
after the fact. Not only that, but
those elements must evolve over
time. Discover how operations
can leverage a comprehensive
forklift safety strategy, and why
this is non-negotiable for high-
intensity applications.
LSP BID PACKAGE
Offered by FourKites
Logistics service providers
(LSPs) are gearing up for
the approaching bid season.
While capacity at low cost with
reliable transit times used to
be a differentiator, customer
expectations have changed. Get
this ebook to learn what shippers
expect in a bid package; why cost
and reliable transit times are no
longer unique differentiators; and
how technology can be the secret
weapon that sets you apart from
the competition.

bit.ly/SCI323Flock bit.ly/SCI323Hyster SCI323Fourkites

86 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 SUPPLYCHAINInsights
W H I T E PA P E R S

THE FUTURE OF LOCAL FREIGHT: TOP TRENDS IN TACKLE LABOR CHALLENGES

HOW COMPANIES CAN SAVE
TIME WITH TECHNOLOGY
Offered by Mothership
Small businesses spend up to
500 hours annually managing
their shipments. Traditionally
tedious, manual processes are
labor-intensive and low-value for
most shippers. However, process
automation through technology
is taking the final mile into the
future. In this whitepaper, you’ll
learn how companies are reaping
efficiency benefits from a tech-
driven competitive advantage.
E-COMMERCE AUTOMATION
Offered by Kenco
To truly understand the
increasing value of e-commerce
automation, it’s essential to
understand how it is impacted by
issues such as labor shortages,
inflation, and increased
e-commerce activity. This
whitepaper provides insights
into improving your e-commerce
program through automation.
bit.ly/SCI323Kenco
WITH WAREHOUSE ROBOTICS
Offered by Inbound Logistics
With labor shortages and
demand volatility affecting
distribution center operations,
many are now asking: Is it time
to automate my warehouse?
This digital edition of Inbound
Logistics explores how to deploy
automation and robotics to
achieve DC objectives. The
edition also reveals peak season
takeaways and highlights
approaches for tackling
emergency logistics situations.

SCI223Mothership bit.ly/SCI323IL

PODCAST

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY?

A WORD WITH DAN VAN ALSTINE, CHAIRMAN OF THE
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS

Dan Van Alstine, president and chief operating officer of

Ruan, has taken on another mantle as the chairman of the
American Trucking Associations. As the leader of an industry
that has been thrust into the spotlight, Van Alstine has set
many goals to move trucking forward into an exciting new
Dave Van Alstine year. Inbound Logistics sits down with Van Alstine to find
out what it is about trucking and logistics that moves him
Apple Google and what that has to do with the 1962 Green Bay Packers.
Listen on:
Alexa Spotify bit.ly/SCI323ILPod

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 87

SPOTLIGHT
[ IN FOCUS]

Tracking and Labeling Solutions

> NB Series Mobile Powered Cart: The
redesigned workstation from Newcastle
Systems streamlines labeling processes and
can be configured for different workflows
in the warehouse, production or retail floor.
Able to run up to 4 devices for 8 to 12 hours
of normal use, the NB Series accommodates
laser printers, monitors, testing equipment,
and scales.
> Oyster3 for
LoRaWAN:
This rugged
battery-
powered GPS
asset tracking device for LoRaWAN
networks tracks assets when they’re
on the move and enters sleep mode
when they’re stationary to conserve
power. Featuring 10 years of battery
life, the device from Digital Matter
can be secured on assets with
screws, bolts, cable ties, and rivets.

> VOLT770 Carbon > JT-S Jewelry Loop Tag: SimplyRFiD’s > Crosswave: The Crosswave label
Applicator: The updated jewelry loop tag with high- from Confidex comes with 360-degree
applicator from performance chips works with the readability and includes the new
Phoenix Labeling SimplyRFiD Wave Inventory App, Impinj RAIN RFID tag chip for high-
helps streamline letting companies take inventory of a memory applications. Confidex, a
the package store with about 2,000 to 3,000 items Beontag company, launched new tag
labeling process in around 5 minutes. The tag loops upgrades for Crosswave labels as well
in e-commerce around the jewelry and locks into as its other industrial-grade products,
logistics place. Jewelers including off and on-metal labels for
operations. The automated labeling can pre-print industrial parts tracking as well as
system can integrate into scan-label- information and long-term container tracking.
apply-manifest or SLAM processes, pre-encode the
where the use of compressed air is RFID tag or
eliminated. The applicator is adaptable use them pre-
to different heights and uses electric programmed
stepper motors to ensure worker and place a
safety, eliminating the need for label over the
protective barriers. tag.

> Siena Insights: The no-code AI platform offered by

Siena Analytics, a Peak Technologies company, provides
warehouse inventory visibility and can detect labeling and
packaging issues before products are shipped. The software
combines image recognition with artificial intelligence to
deliver real-time data about products as they pass through
distribution centers, enabling companies to track products
from pre-arrival through the last mile.

88 Inbound Logistics • March 2023

 SPOTLIGHT
> Wiliot IoT Platform: The platform leverages
Wiliot’s Internet-of-Things Pixels, stamp-sized
computers that cost pennies, to enable item-level
tracking. The battery-free IoT Pixels can attach
to any product or packaging to connect it to the
internet—enabling products to transmit item-level
information about their location, temperature, and
carbon footprint. With this real-time data, businesses
can make more precise supply chain decisions.

> Loftware Spectrum: The software solution from

Loftware helps enterprises create, manage, and print
labels across a global network via a browser-based
interface. Companies can make sure their suppliers and
co-packers print accurate labels using the companies’
own templates and with their own data. The platform is
benchmarked to process and print more than 2 million
labels per day.

> SparkScan: Letting enterprises switch from dedicated

scanners to smartphones, SparkScan from Scandit is a
pre-built smartphone scanning interface designed for high-
performance barcode scanning. SparkScan fits on top of
any smartphone application. Part of the Scandit Smart Data
Capture platform, it provides an intuitive user interface for
scan-intensive workflows such as inventory management
and goods receiving.

> AirTrack IP-2A Printer: The industrial barcode

label printer from Barcodes is designed for heavy-
duty industrial thermal printing in warehouses,
distribution centers, and fulfillment sites. The IP-2A
offers ultra-fast print speeds of up to 14 inches per
second and is available at 203, 300, or 600 dpi to
accommodate different print needs. The printer
includes self-diagnostic device management and can
provide warnings and preventative actions to keep
workflows moving.

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 89

INBRIEF
[ IN FOCUS]
>PRODUCTS
 The nestable Retail E5.3
order picking pallet from
Cabka is more rigid than
its predecessor and can be
fitted with different anti-
slip grommets. It offers
new optional edges for
fruit, vegetable, and meat
crates, ensuring they remain
securely in place.
> The new
Omnidirectional
Dolly Mover ODM
from materials
handling equipment
manufacturer
AGILOX North
America is an
autonomous mobile
robot guided by
the company’s X-Swarm
intelligence. The compact
vehicle can transport loads
with a maximum weight of
661 pounds to a maximum
lifting height of 10 inches.
> Packsize launched the
X5 solution, an automated
system that produces
ready-to-pack boxes for
high-volume e-commerce
applications. The machine
cuts, creases, glues, erects,
and labels right-sized boxes
for automated output
onto a conveyor, cart, or
packstation. It makes up to
600 boxes per hour.
90 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
>SERVICES
> APM Terminals Mobile in
Alabama is expanding its rail
infrastructure capabilities,
planning additional tracks,
rail yard storage space, and
improved access from the
berth to the railyard. The
planned $60-million rail
expansion doubles cargo
capacity.
> DHL relocated its Carson,
California, pickup and
delivery operation to a
service center in Redondo
Beach that is 60% larger
than its previous facility. The
larger service center can
process up to 3,775 pieces
per hour, handling both U.S.
domestic and time-definite
international shipments.
New Services and Solutions
> The new EFFER iQ.950 HP
heavy loader crane from Hiab, part
of Cargotec, lets operators perform a
wide range of vertical and horizontal
lifting jobs safely and precisely at high
speeds. The multipurpose crane’s
dimensions and weight make it suitable
for installation on several trucks.
> Gebrüder Weiss continued fulfillment and distribution
its U.S. expansion with a services. The new facility
new warehouse in Elgin, is located 21 miles
Illinois. The warehouse is from Newark Liberty
part of a larger expansion in International Airport.
the Illinois area and brings
> ITS Logistics added a third
an additional 106,000
warehouse to its existing
square feet of space to the
campus in Whitestown,
company’s Illinois footprint.
Indiana. ITS’ Midwest
> The Georgia Ports operations now total more
Authority will construct than 1.3 million square feet
seven additional of distribution space.
refrigerated container racks
> ContainerPort Group,
at Garden City Terminal
a carrier specializing
in Savannah, for a total of
in drayage solutions,
more than 3,500 plugs.
expanded services in
> Aeronet Worldwide’s Philadelphia with additional
Newark, New Jersey, station freight capacity and
moved its operation to a increased driver support.
larger facility, doubling its Customers can now reach
warehouse capacity. The nearly 41 million people
move provides additional within a 150-mile radius of
space for e-commerce the port.

> SEKO Logistics teamed
up with Happy Returns,
a PayPal company, to let
companies offer shoppers
the option of utilizing Happy
Returns’ in-person Return
Bars in more than 5,000
locations. Through the SEKO
OmniReturns online portal,
shoppers can initiate the
return, get a QR code, and
drop off the item without a
box or printed label.
>TRANSPORTATION
> Lufthansa Cargo
increased its freighter
capacity to China, offering
79 weekly services operated
by Boeing 777F aircraft in
May 18-20, 2023 | Las Colinas Resort | Dallas, TX
Keith Woody
Senior Vice President, Global Head of StrategicSourcing,
Chief Procurement Officer Contingent Labor and Logistics
Fulton Bank
To enquire more information, please contact:
Isidora Avraam at isidoraa@marcusevanscy.com
its summer schedule. Long-
haul services commence
from its international hub in
Frankfurt.
> MSC added two shipping
services connecting Saudi
Arabia to East Africa.
Operating on four vessels
with a 2,500-TEU capacity
each, the weekly East
Africa – Red Sea service
links Jeddah Islamic Port
and King Abdullah Port to
Djibouti, Mombasa, and Dar
Es Salaam with a transit
time of two days, 9 days,
and 12 days respectively.
MSC runs its bi-monthly Red
Sea service also from the
ports of Jeddah and King
Abdullah to Port Sudan with
a one-day transit time.
Neil Aronson
Uber Technologies, Inc.
INBRIEF
>TECHNOLOGY
> AutoScheduler.AI
introduced the Make-n-Ship
warehouse optimization
platform to let companies
load products straight
off the production line
and better orchestrate
 Lydia Voice 9, the new
production, warehousing,
voice solution from EPG
and transportation plans.
(Ehrhardt Partner Group),
Make-n-Ship lets companies
was certified by SAP (SAP
match the supply of trailers
to their production output. ICC) with SAP S/4HANA
and SAP NetWeaver for
> Shippers can glean extended warehouse
lane-specific information management. This means
to expedite spot market Lydia Voice can be
transactions with the integrated into a company’s
new Rate Pulse solution existing SAP environment
from Emerge, a freight without the need for
procurement platform. middleware.
It was a great summit with lots of new
information and new trends/insights.
Closely net working with many one-on-one
meetings. Productive and informative.
VP, Supply Chain, FOCUS Brands
Melani Wilson Smith David N. Braxton
Former Chief Senior Vice President,
Procurement Officer Global Procurement
PepsiCo Bank of America
March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 91
CALENDAR
Connect with industry peers, join thought-provoking discussions, and discover the future of supply chain.
APR 26-27, 2023
NEW YORK, NY
2023 Business
Agility Conference
bit.ly/2023_Business_Agility
The conference offers two days
of stories, insights, practical
advice, and inspiration centered
on business agility. The event
brings together seasoned
practitioners of business agility
who have enabled supply chain
innovation.
MAY 8-10, 2023
ORLANDO, FL
Gartner Supply
Chain Symposium/
Xpo™ 2023
www.gartner.com/en/conferences/
na/supply-chain-us
The event delivers insights and
strategies for chief supply chain
officers and supply chain lead-
ers to drive measurable impact
within their organizations. It pro-
vides actionable advice to help
supply chain leaders develop
agile and resilient supply chains
as well as mitigate risk and
respond to disruption.
MAY 9-10, 2023
VIRTUAL
Smart Transportation
Conference
transportation-conference.com
Uncover the next industrial rev-
olution—transport decarboniza-
tion—which will drive the path
for smart tools to build a flexible
transport network and net-zero
emission technology. Global
experts delve into winning
strategies and technologies,
discussing a strategic roadmap.
92 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
MAY
SAN DIEGO, CA
TLC 49th Annual Conference
www.tlcouncil.org
1-3, The Transportation and Logistics Council’s annual conference
provides educational sessions with experts and practitioners offering
2023 practical information and advice for your daily logistics practices.
Three full-day seminars cover contracting for transportation services.
MAY 16-17, 2023
DALLAS, TX
American Supply
Chain Summit
supplychainus.com
The annual summit brings
together more than 150 CEOs,
vice presidents, and directors
in supply chain and logistics
across industries such as food
and beverage, CPG, pharma,
retail, medical devices, and
aerospace, alongside vendors
and executive speakers. The
event examines key case stud-
ies on navigating supply chain
disruptions.
MAY 18-20, 2023
DALLAS, TX
Chief Procurement
Officer Summit
www.may23.cpo-summit.com
This invitation-only summit
draws senior procurement
executives and suppliers and
solution providers. Event con-
tent aligns with key procure-
ment challenges and interests,
relevant market developments,
and practical and progressive
ideas and strategies.
MAY 24-25, 2023
VIRTUAL
Supply Chain
Digitalization
Conference 2023
supplychain-conference.com
The event engages with its
manufacturing audience to
explore effective strategies and
impactful technologies that can
overcome current and future
supply chain challenges.
Logistics Events 2023
MAY 30-31, 2023
VIRTUAL
Container
Shipping Conference
container-shipping-conference.com
Key players in the container,
transport, and logistics industry
convene to discuss global
market issues and technical
challenges. Shippers, 3PLs,
freight forwarders, carriers,
government and port officials,
and transportation and logistics
providers explore the latest de-
velopments and best practices
in the container industry.
JUNE 11-13, 2023
SAVANNAH, GA
2023
ELEVATE Conference
www.tmsatoday.org/events-listing
TMSA ELEVATE attracts sales
and marketing talent across
the transportation and logis-
tics industry for two days of
keynotes, breakout sessions,
and networking. Topics include
digital strategies, lead genera-
tion, public relations, advertising,
generational marketing, CRM,
automation, social media, CX,
and sales training.
JUNE 14-15, 2023
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Home Delivery World
bit.ly/Home_Delivery_World_23
This conference and exhibition
delves into last-mile logistics in
the United States and abroad.
The show is dedicated to uncov-
ering innovative solutions for re-
tailers, grocers, CPGs, and 3PLs
facing challenges across the
supply chain from warehousing
to fulfillment and the last mile.
These events were scheduled to proceed as of press time.
JUN 26-28, 2023
ORLANDO, FL
Connections 2023
www.smc3connections.com
This three-day supply chain
event produced annually
by SMC³ provides the ideal
environment for networking
and industry education. Carriers,
shippers, logistics service pro-
viders, and technology providers
attend the summer’s collabo-
rative supply chain intelligence
event for its presenters and
timely content.
SEPT 11-13, 2023
LONG BEACH, CA
IANA Intermodal
Expo 2023
www.intermodal.org/
intermodalexpo
Hosted by the Intermodal
Association of North America,
this event is the intermodal
industry’s platform for products,
services, and solutions. The
intermodal industry comes
together to exchange ideas and
discuss the state of the inter-
modal supply chain.
SEPT 18-20, 2023
MIAMI, FL
Americas Food &
Beverage Show
& Conference
americasfoodandbeverage.com
This show and conference is
the meeting point for decision
makers in the food and bever-
age sector. The event also offers
panel discussions on supply
chain challenges and FDA
compliance.
Why Is Our Podcast #1 in Logistics?
We’ve Got the Top Thought Leaders!

Jim Syfan, Lewie Pugh, Dan Van Alstine

Steve Syfan, Executive VP President, COO,
SYFAN LOGISTICS OOIDA RUAN

Wes Wheeler Megan Smith Jason Gillespie

President, President & CEO, Dir. of Continuous Improvement,
UPS HEALTHCARE SYMBIA LOGISTICS DHL

VISIT bit.ly/PodcastIL
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INBOUND LOGISTICS PODCAST
RESOURCECENTER
Use our Resource Center and let the information you need find you.
3PLs
Alliance Shippers Inc.: Offers
comprehensive logistics solutions,
including temperature control,
intermodal, ocean, truck, and air.
www.alliance.com
800-222-0451
Associated Global Systems: Offers
a complete menu of transportation
services and logistics and distribution
solutions, plus a full range of
international services, available in the
United States, Canada, and in more
than 150 countries around the world.
www.agsystems.com
800-645-8300
Echo Global Logistics: Connects
businesses that need to ship products
with carriers who transport goods.
www.echo.com
800-354-7993
Hub Group: Designs, continually
optimizes, and applies technology
to customer supply chains for better
service, efficiency, and total visibility.
www.hubgroup.com
800-377-5833
IFS Freight: Makes LTL, full truckload,
and liquid bulk tanker shipping fast,
easy and affordable by connecting
businesses with the best shipping rates
from the industry’s best carriers.
ifsfreight.com
888-824-2321
Lynden: Multimodal capabilities, in
Alaska, Canada, the Pacific Northwest,
Hawaii, and around the world.
lynden.com
888-596-3361
Odyssey Logistics & Technology:
Strategically manages logistics
operations, regardless of cargo size,
class, or destination.
www.odysseylogistics.com
855-875-0681
94 Inbound Logistics • March 2023
EVENTS
Chief Procurement Officer Summit:
Brings leading senior procurement
executives and innovative suppliers
and solution providers together to
discuss procurement challenges.
May 18-20, 2023 in Dallas, Texas.
www.may23.cpo-summit.com
800-225-7145
FULFILLMENT
Aero Fulfillment Services: Offers
solutions to help e-commerce
businesses make fulfillment more
effective and efficient.
www.aerofulfillment.com
800-225-7145
GEORGIA LOGISTICS
Atlanta Bonded Warehouse: For 70
years, ABW has provided public and
contract food-grade, temperature-
controlled distribution services. ABW
offers integrated logistics solutions for
the food, pharma, and CPG industries.
www.atlantabonded.com
770-425-3000
Georgia Ports Authority: Deepwater
terminals in Savannah and Brunswick
ensure the continuous flow of goods to
and from global destinations.
www.gaports.com
912-963-5526
JIT Warehousing & Logistics: Offers
world-class warehousing, trucking,
shipside delivery, intermodal services,
specialty hauling, and much more. JIT
operates throughout the United States,
moving a variety of commodities.
jitwhse.com
912-963-5526
nVision Global: Provides global
freight invoice audit, payment, and
transportation spend management
services.
nvisionglobal.com
770-474-4122
Syfan Logistics: Asset-based logistics
company focused on food, auto, and
package delivery.
www.syfanlogistics.com
855-287-8485
Taylored Services: With a national
footprint of more than 4mm
square feet, Taylored Services
offers multichannel services from
fulfillment to warehousing, along with
transportation services from drayage to
transloading.
www.tayloredservices.com
732-750-9000
FREIGHT MARKETPLACE
DAT: Trucking’s largest network
matches the right load to the right truck
at the right price.
www.dat.com
800-547-5417
LAST MILE
FedEx Freight Direct: Ships
residentially nationwide, offering
multiple levels of service on items over
150 pounds, from basic to appointment
to premium room-of-choice placement.
fedex.com/direct
1.800.GoFedEx
LOGISTICS IT
MagicLogic Optimization: Provides
load planning solutions that can
handle complex requirements,
including mixed-mode load planning,
mixed-case palletization software for
packstations and robots, and high-
speed cartonization.
www.magiclogic.com
206-274-6248
SMC3: An LTL and truckload data and
solutions provider, optimizing freight
transportation across the supply chain.
www.smc3.com
800-845-8090
 RESOURCECENTER
FOR A SPECIFIC RESPONSE Contact these advertisers directly. Please tell them you saw their ad in Inbound Logistics.
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OCEAN FREIGHT
COSCO Shipping Lines (North
America): Provides end-to-end
solutions, including multi-modal
transportation and logistics.
lines.coscoshipping.com
281-765-6800
Evergreen Line: A modern fleet of
containerships serves an array of trade
lanes around the world.
www.evergreen-line.com
201-761-3000
PORTS
Maryland Port Administration:
Baltimore’s six public marine terminals
handle autos, roll on/roll off, containers,
forest products, and project cargo.
mpa.maryland.gov
800-638-7519
Port Authority of New York & New
Jersey: Builds, operates, and maintains
important transportation and trade
infrastructure assets, including a
network of major airports, bridges, and
the busiest seaport on the East Coast.
www.panynj.gov
888-PORTNYNJ
Port Everglades: One of Florida’s
leading seaports for containerized
cargo. The perfect hub and point of
entry for companies that conduct
business in Central America and South
America, the Caribbean, Europe, and
the Far East.
www.porteverglades.net
954-523-3404
Port of Long Beach: One of the
world’s busiest seaports and a leading
gateway for trade between the United
States and Asia.
polb.com
562-283-7000
Port Tampa Bay: Florida’s new supply
chain solution for container cargo.
www.porttb.com
800-741-2297
South Carolina Ports Authority: Home
to a deep and wide harbor, SC Ports
offers customized service, productive
operations, big ship handling, efficient
market reach and environmental
responsibility, whether you’re moving
containers, 700-ton steam generators,
or automobiles.
www.scspa.com
843-577-8786
SITE SELECTION
Pharr International Bridge: One of
the most important ports of entry
for the U.S.-Mexico border, handling
commercial and passenger vehicles.
bridge.pharr-tx.gov
956-402-4660

COMPANY PAGE COMPANY PAGE

Aero Fulfillment Services 33 Lynden 5
Alliance Shippers Inc. 19 MagicLogic Optimization 37
Associated Logistics Group 3 Maryland Port Administration 13
Atlanta Bonded Warehouse 69 nVision Global 63
Chief Procurement Officer Summit 91 Odyssey Logistics 7
COSCO SHIPPING Lines (North America) 51 Pharr Bridge 76
DAT Cover 3 Port Authority of NY & NJ 27
Echo Global Logistics Cover 4 Port Everglades 8-9
Evergreen Line 25 Port of Long Beach 45
FedEx Freight Direct 31 Port Tampa Bay 49
Georgia Ports Authority 65 SMC3 59
Hub Group Cover 2, 24 South Carolina Ports Authority 15
IFS Freight 67 Syfan Logistics 72-73
JIT Warehousing & Logistics 71 Taylored Services 61

March 2023 • Inbound Logistics 95

 THELAST
LAST
LASTMILE
Logistics Outside the Box

The Great Outdoors: Peak Opportunities

As more Americans venture outdoors, apparel and gear makers net more
direct-to-consumer sales and embark on the path to a more sustainable supply chain.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES CLIMB IN POPULARITY

Outdoor recreation accounted for $862 billion in gross economic output in 2021, says the U.S. Bureau
of Economic Analysis. The following activities generated the most value:
● Boating/fishing ($27.3 billion in current-dollar value added)
● RVing ($25.1 billion)
● Hunting/shooting/trapping ($10.8 billion)

HIKE IN DTC GAINS 164

Outdoor participants are more likely to shop at specialty retail shops, according to the Outdoor million
Industry Association (OIA). Outdoor products maker YETI coupled retail store expansion with Estimated number of people
accelerated e-commerce growth to report strong direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales in 2022. in the United States who enjoyed
In fact, the DTC channel for YETI accounted for 60% of net sales in 2022, up from 50% in 2020. The the outdoors in 2021, according to
year-over-year hike in DTC net sales was a robust 21% for YETI despite supply chain disruptions. the Outdoor Industry Association

SCALING THE GREEN MOUNTAIN

Outdoor apparel companies are gearing up to reach an ambitious milestone: becoming the world’s
first climate-positive industry by 2030. Some steps they’ve taken:
● Burton, New Balance, Patagonia, REI, and Gore, along with the OIA, are exploring how suppliers
in China, Japan, and Taiwan could shift to using industrial heat pumps to decarbonize thermal
heating processes in apparel and textile factories.
● OIA members including Columbia Sportswear and The North Face are eliminating some chemicals
used to waterproof fabrics. 54%
● OIA Climate Action Corps members Klean Kanteen, MiiR, Stanley, and YETI teamed up to reduce Share of Americans ages
emissions and set science-based targets across their manufacturing supply chains. 6 and older who engaged in at
least one outdoor activity in 2021
WILD FOR RENTALS
While the number of people enjoying the outdoors increases, the number of total outings has
decreased over the past decade, thanks to fewer “core” participants (individuals who participate 51
times or more in outdoor recreation activities in the past 12 months, as defined by the OIA).
Capitalizing on this growing, but less hard-core, participant base, Moosejaw, a retailer specializing
in outdoor gear and apparel, introduced a gear rental program in 2022. The program gives
consumers the option to rent by category such as tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks, or rent a
customized package designed for a specific activity including car camping, comfort camping, standard
backpacking, or ultralight backpacking. Rentals exceeding $49 are shipped directly to the customer’s Nearly 7%
home or destination at no charge; at the end of the rental, customers ship back, also at no charge. Increase in the outdoor participant
base since the pandemic began
Sources: Outdoor Industry Association; U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis;
Sustainable Brands; RetailWire; YETI

96 Inbound Logistics • March 2023