How Automation Helps Mitigate Supply Chain Disruptions

Automation is appearing in areas of business never seen before. Jason Lockard, SVP of managed logistics of BlueGrace Logistics, talks automation, disruption, labor shortage and other trends impacting shippers, live from ProMat.

March 31, 2023

BlueGrace Logistics LLC

Editor-in-chief Marina Mayer sat down with Jason Lockard, SVP of managed logistics at BlueGrace Logistics, live from ProMat in Chicago, to discuss the company's Q1 Logistics Confidence Index, customer retail trends and how disruptions impact shippers' future.

CLICK HERE to learn why shippers planning for Q2 should identify and cross-reference their data points to see if it lines up with the latest LCI, as outlined in Lockard's receive contributed byline.

Women In Supply Chain Vertical Color

Nominations Close June 7 for 2024 Women in Supply Chain Award

This award recognizes female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network. Submissions close June 7!

Adobe Stock 207220202

SCN Summit: State of the Supply Chain

June 4, 2024

Register now to hear from experts about the State of Today’s Supply Chains through topics revolve around Warehouse Automation, Generative AI, Automation, Electrification, Company Culture and more.

Mitigating supply chain threats is of utmost importance heading into 2024.

Mitigating Supply Chains: More Than Just Table-Stakes

Not being able to see ahead and predict and plan accordingly is what sometimes plagues many of today’s supply chain companies. Here’s why mitigating supply chain threats is of utmost importance heading into 2024.

Pexels Students At Table

Leveraging Diverse Generational Skills for AI-Driven Logistics Success

The next five years represent a unique moment of generational equilibrium when all these qualities will co-exist in the logistics workforce. This is a golden opportunity that the industry should seize.

Doubletree Studio Adobe Stock 225586230

Refrigerated Truckload Rates Fell in March

Spot truckload rates continued to slide in March as demand for trucking services moved toward typical seasonal levels, reported DAT Freight & Analytics.

Stock Supply Chain Photo

Global Trade Activity Indicates Rebound in Demand for Manufactured Goods

New data from Tradeshift's Q1 Index of Global Trade Health paints an encouraging picture for global trade, with robust growth observed in China and the United States, alongside indications of a rebound in global demand for manufactured goods.

Annika Adobe Stock 589591429

Digitalization Efforts to Help Shippers Navigate Complex Supply Chain Landscape

Digitalization will remain a linchpin of success, enabling all industry stakeholders to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead in this dynamic world of global trade.

Quality Stock Arts Adobe Stock 507033815

Safeguarding Platform to Help Combat Fraud in Transportation and Logistics

Descartes Systems Group developed Descartes MacroPoint FraudGuard to help freight brokers, 3PLs and shippers identify and prevent fraudulent activities related to carrier information, load tracking, and shipment status.

Intangles Travel Shop Health Issues

InRoute Connect to Improve Turnaround Times for Commercial Vehicles in Need of Maintenance

Intangles announced InRoute Connect, a product designed to significantly improve the turnaround time of commercial vehicles in need of maintenance while on the road.

Generative Art Adobe Stock 609457865

Carrier Sourcing to Revolutionize Freight Brokerage Operations

Trucker Tools launched Carrier Sourcing, which empower freight brokers to source and vet new carriers with unparalleled confidence.

Olaf Simon Adobe Stock 350588461

Fuel Costs Could Remain Drag on Trucking Conditions

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) for February fell to -5.31 from January’s reading of -1.41. A sharp increase in diesel prices was the principal factor in the deterioration in market conditions for carriers.

Baltimore Bridge Christine Adobe Stock 769092028

Baltimore Bridge Collapse Results in Severe Rating for Atlantic Ocean

Index data from ITS Logistics reflects the considerable demand shifts for the Ports of Norfolk, New York, and New Jersey due to the recent Francis Scott Key Bridge damage.

Truck carries cargo with digital connections for global management.

Streamlining Transportation Management Strategies

As businesses continue to prioritize streamlined logistics, the strategies and subsequent actions taken will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation management.

Taina Sohlman Adobe Stock 331508680 Editorial Use Only

LTL and Truckload Rates Hold Steady

In parcel, the index shows the effect of fuel surcharge increases and other accessorial changes to drive net rate growth in Q1 and Q2 2024, despite limited overall demand.

Mike Mareen Adobe Stock 381902807 Editorial Use Only

Cold Chain Track-and-Trace Technology to Exceed $7B

ABI Research projects that worldwide revenues from food cold chain track-and-trace operations will surpass $7 billion by 2032.

Pexels Truck Fleet

Zipline Logistics Acquires Summit Eleven

Zipline Logistics acquired Summit Eleven, a multi-modal transportation provider.

I Qoncept Adobe Stock 261895566

Relying on 3PLs in a Flat Market

A reputable 3PL becomes the guiding light for shippers in flat market conditions, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to prioritize reliability and service quality and mitigate the driver shortage.

Scharfsinn86 Adobe Stock 420080513

The Role of Medium-Duty EV Trucks During Peak Seasons

All last-mile food deliveries should be made with electric vehicles (EVs) sooner rather than later. So, the big question is, why aren’t we there yet?

Doubletree Studio Adobe Stock 225586230

Logistics Managers' Index Shows Optimism Toward Future of Logistics, Despite Transportation Prices on the Rise

This is the seventh time in the last eight months that the LMI has shown expansion. This growth is driven by the buildup of inventories, the subsequent tightening of warehousing, and the ongoing slow yet steady recovery in transportation.

Annika Adobe Stock 589591429

Global Business Optimism Continues to Climb, Indicating Sustained Confidence

The latest quarterly report from Dun & Bradstreet highlights a sustained positive trend in the global business outlook, with the Global Business Optimism Index rising 5.4% quarter over quarter.

Vit Adobe Stock 248257640

Extreme Weather is Top Challenge for Transportation Professionals in 2024

Shippers and carriers are prioritizing climate change, sustainability and new partnerships while capacity is favorable, according to research compiled by Breakthrough.

I Qoncept Adobe Stock 261895566

Sheer Logistics Acquires CargoBarn, Enhances 3PL and 4PL Services

Sheer Logistics acquired CargoBarn, a tech-enabled third-party logistics provider (3PL) that provides full truckload freight brokerage, expedited, drayage, and other specialized services.

Carolyn Franks Adobe Stock 157451465

FTR Shippers Conditions Index Declines

FTR’s January Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) fell 3 points in January to a reading of 3.4. While still positive, the SCI was the weakest it had been since September 2023.

Einride Lynwood Smartcharger 1

Smartcharger Station for Electric Heavy-Duty Freight

Einride opened its first U.S. Einride Smartcharger Station in Lynwood, Calif., strategically located near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach along the I-710.

Odua Images Stock adobe com

Which Software is Best for Food Delivery Businesses in 2024?

By addressing operational efficiency, enhancing customer happiness and providing scalability, businesses can overcome obstacles and carve their niche in the flourishing food delivery industry of 2024.

Doubletree Studio Adobe Stock 225586230

Key IT Advances Shaping Vehicle Logistics

A comprehensive study from INFORM underscores a robust forecast for market growth in vehicle logistics and identifies key technologies driving innovation.

елена дзюба Adobe Stock 605765994

AI Design Feature to Elevate Operational Efficiency in Trucking Industry

Optimal Dynamics introduced new artificial decision intelligence (ADI) features designed to help elevate operational efficiency and financial success for trucking companies.