In the wholesale distribution industry, timing, flexibility, and efficiency are critical. For companies managing high-volume product movement, ensuring on-time delivery and seamless logistics can be a complex challenge. This case study explores how Averitt’s comprehensive transportation and logistics services have helped All South Flooring optimize operations, elevate service levels, and gain a competitive edge in the Southeast market.

The demand for solar energy is rapidly increasing across residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. As more companies invest in sustainable energy solutions, the logistics of transporting and storing solar components have become increasingly complex. From solar panels and inverters to batteries and racking, these high-value, damage-sensitive materials require careful handling, storage, and transportation to ensure they arrive safely and on time.

The automotive industry relies on seamless logistics to keep production lines running smoothly. For one major automotive manufacturer, managing freight from over 30 vendors in Mexico to a production facility in Alabama presented significant challenges.

In today’s fast-paced supply chain environment, having a reliable logistics partner can make all the difference. Spectra Gutter Systems, the largest manufacturer of rainware (gutters, downspouts, trim coil, and components) in the U.S., needed a seamless solution to support its growing operations—from importing and warehousing to distribution and final delivery.

As global trade tensions continue to fluctuate, businesses importing goods into the U.S. face an uncertain landscape of tariffs and regulatory changes. Many shippers are accelerating their imports ahead of tariff implementation to avoid rising costs, but this surge in volume brings a new challenge—where to store and distribute this excess inventory efficiently.

Recent shifts in trade policy have led to significant tariff adjustments, impacting supply chains across multiple industries and regions. As global trade dynamics continue to evolve, businesses must stay informed and proactive in adapting their sourcing, logistics, and cost management strategies.

Welcome to the 10th Annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. This milestone edition reflects the perspectives of over 1,000 shippers from diverse shipper industries, providing a comprehensive outlook on the challenges and opportunities shaping 2025.

Over the past decade, supply chains have undergone transformative changes, from adapting to global disruptions to embracing emerging technologies. As we embark on 2025, this white paper continues to serve as a critical resource, offering actionable insights to help shippers navigate the complexities of the modern logistics landscape.

With data-driven analysis, industry trends, and expert recommendations, we aim to equip you with the tools and knowledge to build resilient, efficient, and forward-thinking supply chain strategies.

In recent weeks, Mexico has implemented significant tariff and duty adjustments, catching many businesses off guard and triggering a wave of supply chain recalibration. The new measures include a 35% tariff on imported textiles and a 19% duty on goods shipped via courier services. According to Reuters, these changes aim to curb practices that exploit Mexico's trade advantages, particularly targeting e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu.

As we move into 2025, supply chain professionals face a dynamic landscape shaped by emerging challenges and transformative opportunities. To stay ahead, companies must focus on proactive planning and resilient strategies to overcome potential disruptions and capitalize on new advancements.

This year, we're spreading holiday cheer in true logistics style with a fun twist on the classic "12 Days of Christmas" song. From seamless deliveries to drivers driving and freight containers moving, our team is here to deliver joy and excellence all season long. Watch the video...

At Averitt, our commitment to community service is more than a corporate responsibility; it's a heartfelt mission that's grown deeply personal for each of us. As Thanksgiving approaches, we're reflecting on a year marked by remarkable generosity and impactful service, a journey made possible by the unwavering support of our customers and the selfless dedication of our associates.

As we approach 2025, businesses engaged in international trade face three major supply chain hurdles: the disruptions caused by Chinese New Year (CNY), the looming threat of potential tariffs on foreign-made products, and the unresolved contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX).

When it comes to shipment management, it’s easy to get caught up in discussions about transit times and capacity. However, there’s one crucial element that often flies under the radar: customer service.

San Antonio, Texas, a city known for both its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, is rapidly emerging as a key player in global logistics. While tourists flock to iconic landmarks like the Alamo and the scenic River Walk, business leaders are increasingly recognizing San Antonio’s strategic importance as a crucial hub for cross-border shipping.

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) will soon implement some significant changes to LTL freight classifications, shifting to a more streamlined, density-focused model. These changes, coming in Docket 2025-1, aim to simplify processes and reduce disputes between shippers and carriers.

In today’s rapidly evolving global trade environment, the concepts of nearshoring and reshoring have become pivotal strategies for companies aiming to enhance supply chain resilience and efficiency. With the significant shift away from reliance on China, businesses are increasingly focusing on bringing manufacturing closer to home, particularly to North America.

This white paper explores the complexities, benefits, and strategic considerations of nearshoring and reshoring, offering insights into how logistics and procurement professionals can effectively transition to these models to support cross-border operations among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

At Averitt, we often talk about the "Power of One." It's our way of saying that, no matter what, we are one team working toward one goal—to deliver outstanding service for our customers, support our associates, and build a strong future. But what drives us forward every single day? It's our team of dedicated drivers, who are the true heart of Averitt.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike is officially underway, causing significant disruptions across the U.S. supply chain. With no resolution reached between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), shippers are already feeling the effects of this strike at East and Gulf Coast ports. The strike threatens to create backlogs, delays, and significant supply chain disruptions as shippers scramble to find alternative routes and solutions.

At Averitt, we live by the belief of "Always Averitt," which drives us to continually invest in our infrastructure to meet the growing needs of our customers and support our dedicated associates. Over the years, we've made significant investments in our facilities and distribution centers across key logistics hubs, increasing our capacity and expanding our range of supply chain solutions. These upgrades not only enhance our ability to serve current demands but also position us to support future growth.

In June 2024, Averitt conducted a comprehensive midyear supply chain management survey to gain insights into the challenges faced by shippers when using multiple transportation and logistics providers. The survey reached 989 respondents from small to midsized and enterprise companies across nearly every industry. These individuals primarily work in operations, specifically in logistics and supply chain management, as well as in procurement.

We are thrilled to showcase our new state-of-the-art Louisville Distribution & Fulfillment Center. This impressive facility is strategically located at the nexus of America’s heartland and the Eastern United States, making it a prime logistics hub for both domestic and international shipping.

The first Averitt Expo in Dallas was a resounding success, bringing together customers and Averitt subject matter experts under one roof. The event aimed to showcase Averitt's comprehensive logistics solutions and foster connections that drive business growth through The Power of One!

Discover how Averitt has become an integral part of Cracker Barrel’s supply chain success in our latest case study video. Over nearly 25 years, Averitt has provided Cracker Barrel with comprehensive logistics solutions, from global visibility to seamless transportation management.

Cargo theft has been a persistent issue in the logistics industry, but the first quarter of 2024 saw a significant uptick in cargo theft incidents. Driven by ongoing supply chain disruptions and shortages, data reveals a near-record level of thefts expected this year, with 925 reported incidents in just the first three months of 2024. This represents a 46% increase compared to the same period last year, and the total value of stolen cargo is nearing $76 million.

The implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2020 significantly reshaped economic relationships across North America. This modernized trade agreement replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and aimed to facilitate cross-border trade and investment among the three countries.

Peak seasons, such as holidays or special sales events, are periods when businesses typically experience significantly higher demand than usual. These seasons are often crucial in helping companies meet their annual revenue goals, and they require an efficient and robust supply chain to manage the increased load effectively.

For over five decades, the CMA Festival has been a cornerstone of Nashville's cultural landscape, celebrating the best of country music and drawing in fans from around the globe. This year’s headliners include the queen of country music herself – Dolly Parton, along with Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, and many others. As the festival continues to evolve, Averitt's On Tour Logistics (OTL) service plays a vital role behind the scenes, ensuring that the festival's logistical needs are met with precision and expertise.

When time is a critical factor, expedited shipping is the driving force behind swift and reliable deliveries. Let's explore the basic fundamentals of expedited shipping in Ground, Air, and Cross-Border freight transportation.

Over the past four years, the North American supply chain has begun a transformation driven by numerous large-scale events. Whether it's revaluating the viability of overseas manufacturing hubs in once-trade-friendly territories or circumventing the Suez Canal, supply chain managers are constantly on red alert these days.

When it comes to simplifying and streamlining transportation management, using a dedicated fleet within your operations can give you total control of your shipping needs. On the other hand, managing a dedicated fleet can also be a very time-consuming and resource-heavy burden for organizations of any size.

For many, the name Savannah evokes images of moss-draped oaks and historic cobblestone streets. Yet beneath this picturesque Southern charm lies another reality altogether: the city's role as one of the most important logistics and distribution centers in international trade. Several factors contribute to Savannah’s rise as a global logistics hub.

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024, promises to be a captivating astronomical event, but it could also affect supply chains and transportation, especially without proper planning. Here's a short guide on what you need to know about this rare occurrence, along with crucial transportation tips. 

As the only alcohol legally designated as a product of the U.S. by the Senate Concurrent Resolution 19 of 1964, it’s no wonder bourbon has profoundly shaped the taste palette across both the nation and the world. With 95% of the world's bourbon made in Kentucky, the state is known as an epicenter for spirits production.

In the past few years, the bourbon and spirits industry has seen a surge in growth. Amidst this dynamic landscape, Averitt has carved out a distinctive role in supporting and enhancing the spirits supply chain. In an insightful interview with Todd Harrett, one of Averitt’s Transportation Specialists, we unravel the company's journey, its impact on the industry, and the unique strategies that set Averitt apart.

In the complex world of freight logistics, companies are constantly seeking innovative solutions to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize their environmental impact. One such solution is pool distribution. Let’s examine what pool distribution is and the advantages of incorporating it into your transportation strategy.

Freight shipping is a fundamental element of global trade and the backbone of supply chains worldwide. It involves the movement of goods from manufacturers to markets, which is vital in keeping the wheels of commerce turning. Understanding the principles of freight movement is essential for businesses and individuals engaged in shipping or receiving goods.

Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping presents several unique challenges in the world of freight and logistics. Chief among these is LTL rate management – due largely to the sheer number of factors that influence LTL shipping rates.

The United States and Canada have long enjoyed a special relationship forged by shared geography, similar values, and strong economic ties. They share the longest international border (at 5,525 miles) and the strongest bilateral trade relationship (with nearly $2.6 billion exchanged every day) of any two countries in the world. Despite some challenges in recent years – such as domestic economic anxiety, COVID-19, and national security concerns – the two countries retain a partnership model unlike any other. In fact, the U.S. continues to be the primary source of goods imported into Canada, with China a distant second.

Mobile, Alabama — well-known for its historical importance and cultural heritage — is quickly establishing itself as an essential logistics hub in the Southern United States. This shift is not only transforming the city's economic landscape but also highlighting its strategic role in transportation and supply chain management.

Navigating the world of freight shipping can be daunting, especially for those new to the field. From a sea of acronyms to unique terminology to a maze of regulations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But the good news is that for most small business owners, there's only one shipping category they need to understand: Less-Than-Truckload, or LTL.

For any business, choosing a freight transportation provider is a cornerstone of effective supply chain management. Working with a trustworthy and efficient partner can streamline your entire operation, from warehouse to doorstep.

Special Delivery - Holiday Cheer! We just wanted to take a second and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our team to you this holiday season. Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

Identifying the most optimum distribution strategy is crucial for shippers to streamline the movement of goods and enhance supply chain efficiency. There are two primary types of distribution strategies that leverage warehouses to stage freight for distribution to final destinations: regional and centralized.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of North American trade, businesses face a critical challenge: managing the increasing freight congestion at the U.S.-Mexico border. This bottleneck not only slows down operations but also adds significant costs.

The shipping industry can be complex and constantly changing, much like a challenging puzzle with moving pieces. For those involved in shipping freight and managing logistics for a business, this means facing a series of obstacles.

Through the years, Nashville has been celebrated for a wide range of qualities – from its vibrant music scene, to its role as a healthcare epicenter, to its famous hot chicken and more. But there’s another important facet of the city that’s often overlooked – its role as a crucial logistics hub for the transportation and distribution industries.

The e-commerce landscape has witnessed a significant transformation over the past few years. In 2022 alone, e-commerce sales in the U.S. exceeded a staggering $1 trillion. This shift has prompted businesses of all types to reevaluate their distribution strategies to meet the ever-growing consumer demand for faster deliveries.

Shippers rely on their supply chain partners to deliver their products efficiently and effectively, making safety essential.

It’s no secret that the nationwide scarcity of truck parking is disrupting supply chains, safety, and driver recruitment. This issue has garnered attention from several industry news sources, like FreightWaves and Transport Topics, and has even seeped into technology in the form of mobile apps to help truck drivers.

While the Greek philosopher Heraclitus might not have had digital technology in mind when he wrote that “change is the only constant in life,” his words certainly ring true in the context of the rapidly evolving technology we see every day.

In a recent interview with Ed Smith, Vice President of Averitt Distribution and Fulfillment, we gained valuable insights into the current state of the warehousing market. In the discussion, Smith highlights the current challenges and shifts in consumer dynamics that are playing out in the marketplace.

The holiday season is a critical time for retailers, presenting both sizable opportunities and significant challenges. As consumer demand skyrockets, the resilience and efficiency of a retailer’s supply chain are put to the test.

Initially, the concept of transloading might raise concerns about complicating the supply chain and triggering extra costs – whether due to transit delays or other variables. However, reality presents a different picture.

Jumping headfirst into any new industry can be overwhelming, especially in the transportation industry.  Understanding the common terminologies and industry jargon used in conversations can feel particularly daunting at first. To help you jump right into conversation with your peers, we’ve put together a list of nine key industry terms that you should become acquainted with. 

Defining continuity in the corporate world is, at times, difficult to do. Everyone has their own outlook on what continuity means to them. Longevity, for instance, isn’t necessarily the core of continuity. As we have seen time and time again in the transportation industry, even long-standing companies can experience critical issues that negatively impact their associates and customers when continuity is an afterthought.  

International trade can often seem like a labyrinthian maze of jargon and abbreviations. It’s a world with an extensive list of unique rules, procedures, and terminology that can seem daunting at first glance. And one word that gives many new global shippers pause is the abbreviation “Incoterms.”

Big Ass Fans (BAF) – a global manufacturer and distributor of high-volume fans based out of Lexington, KY, trusts Averitt with transporting their industry-leading airflow products. As a trusted and reliable transportation and supply chain solutions provider, Averitt helps businesses like BAF achieve their goals by working side-by-side to develop customized transportation solutions. 

In 1980, the Motor Carrier Regulatory Reform and Modernization Act was signed into law, effectively deregulating the trucking industry and allowing carriers to price independently.  

“Just load the truck.” 

For anyone not versed in the finer aspects of logistics and transportation management, those four words may appear to represent one of the easier links in the supply chain. However, far more goes into safe and efficient load planning than simply firing up the forklift and moving a few pallets.

Since its introduction to the music festival scene in 2002, Bonnaroo has boasted record-breaking numbers of attendees and set the stage for many notable performances. And any Bonnaroovian will agree that the ‘Roo lives up to its name, which comes from a Creole slang term meaning “a really good time.” 

Call it what you will – the Windy City, Chi-Town, the City of Big Shoulders – Chicago has a unique place in the pantheon of American cities. 

Efficiency and reliability can be challenging to improve when it comes to the complexity of inbound supply chains — particularly with operations involving imported cargo. With multiple service providers and touch points, your ability to make meaningful refinements to your strategy can be difficult. Fortunately, there are ways to simplify the process and establish a seamless connection between the various links in this area of your supply chain.

Sooner or later, most companies trying to optimize their supply chain will arrive at a similar crossroads – choosing between owning and operating a private fleet or outsourcing their transportation needs to a dedicated fleet services provider.

Averitt is a trusted and reliable transportation and supply chain solutions provider that plays a crucial role in supporting Kentucky's bourbon and spirits industry. Backed by over 50 years of award-winning service, Averitt helps distillers, bottlers, and other associated businesses achieve their transportation goals with customized solutions.

Let’s face it – the term "sales rep" is enough to make some people's eyes glaze over. After all, plenty of us carry negative perceptions based on experiences with pushy, upselling salespeople who just won't take "no" for an answer.

As the last few years have shown, there's little margin for error in today's fast-moving supply chains – which is why shippers and carriers alike are constantly looking for ways to streamline their processes and improve efficiency. One approach that's gained in popularity in recent years – particularly in the wake of capacity crunches and driver shortages – is the use of companies that offer drop and hook services. 

While for many people the name Louisville, KY conjures images of horse racing and mint juleps, the city also boasts a less widely recognized reputation – that of a critical shipping and transportation hub for companies across the country and around the world.

While the global supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic shined a bright light on the need for companies to bring their manufacturing back to North America, interest in nearshoring and reshoring has been growing steadily for several years.

We’ve all heard the adage that "you get what you pay for." Well, it's just as true in the world of logistics as it is in any other aspect of life. While there can be countless reasons for disparities in cost between different transportation providers – from network size to technology and more – the reliability and service most shippers rightly expect will typically come at some type of premium.

In most people’s minds, Memphis is associated with three main things: delicious barbecue, soulful blues, and of course, Elvis’ beloved Graceland. But what’s less widely known is that the city also represents the single most significant shipping hub in the Western Hemisphere.

Truck driver detention is nothing new. The issue has been discussed, debated, and argued about for years. Yet, in all that time, the challenge has only worsened – causing increasing ripples across supply chains and throwing off truckload delivery schedules that were already impacted by supply shortages, capacity issues, and an ongoing driver shortage. In this post, we examine some of the contributing factors.

Hiring military veterans has proven time and time again to be a win-win situation for both transportation companies and the veterans themselves. For our returning servicemen and women, our industry provides a good job, a stable career path, and an opportunity to utilize much of the skills and training gained during the course of military duty.

Trucking is an indispensable part of the US economy, accounting for roughly 70% of all goods transported nationwide. Truck driving is also the most common job in roughly 28 of the country’s 50 states. 

Yet every time a truck driver gets behind the wheel, they face risks. The occupation ranks among the most dangerous in America, with upwards of 766 fatal injuries annually. Although 80% of these accidents are caused by cars and other passenger vehicles, accidents can also be caused by any number of factors – such as careless handling of the truck, driver fatigue, and equipment failure.

For all the variables of international commerce – with its endless combinations of commodities, origins, and destinations – there are still some things all shippers have in common: a desire to streamline the supply chain and reduce freight costs.

The issue of driver retention is an ongoing challenge in the transportation industry. Not only has it become harder to find qualified drivers, but recruiting, vetting, and training them is more time-consuming and expensive than ever.

Along with the cost of staffing and materials, shipping and transportation management consistently ranks as one of the most expensive items in a company’s budget.

The rising cost and decreased supply of fuel continue to pose a significant challenge for shippers and carriers alike. Ongoing concerns over inflation, foreign wars, and economic uncertainty have only exacerbated the problem, with the national average price of diesel fuel soaring past previous records. As of May 16, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported an average increase of $2.37 over a year ago, with sections of the East Coast seeing hikes of $3 or more.

On March 1, 2022, the Felicity Ace sank in the Atlantic Ocean. Traveling from Germany to the U.S., the ship was carrying thousands of luxury cars from Volkswagen, including Porsches, Lamborghinis, and Bentleys. According to Reuters, without international cargo insurance coverage the financial losses could equal upwards of $155 million.

For over 15 years, the relationship between Averitt and Virco, an American manufacturer and supplier of school furniture and equipment, has continued to thrive and grow. From standard LTL services to dedicated fleet operations, and international forwarding, Averitt helps Virco deliver first-class delivery experience to schools and offices—even through the most challenging of times.

The United States and Canada share the longest international border (at 5,525 miles) and the strongest bilateral trade relationship (with nearly $2 billion exchanged every day) of any two countries in the world. In fact, the U.S. is by far the dominant point of origin for goods imported into Canada, with China a distant second. A key reason for that strong relationship is the relative ease of transporting goods from one country to another via truck, which is supported by more than 120 land ports-of-entry lining the border.

The meteoric rise in e-commerce over the last several years has led to unprecedented retail sales. Unfortunately, it has also led to an unprecedented number of returns. It’s estimated that 30% of online orders are returned, as opposed to just under 9% for goods purchased from a brick & mortar retailer. Tracking these aftermarket activities can provide insight into your overall logistics management. Which is why shippers and suppliers alike need a sound reverse logistics plan.

The term ‘Transportation Management System’ has become increasingly common in the logistics industry as companies look for ways to remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

When it comes to volume shipments, distribution can become complex. From managing multiple pickup and delivery points across less-than-truckload and truckload operations, finding ways to increase efficiency and reduce overall costs is an achievable goal. Utilizing cross-docking services is a prime example of how shippers can find ways to save time, money, and paperwork.

Supply chain disruptions tend to strike when we least expect them. In many cases, they are often the result of events that are out of our control. From inclement weather to international relations, and even pandemics, on-time freight delivery can never be fully guaranteed. However, planning ahead and communicating with consumers can help shippers and service providers reduce the impact. 

It would be fair to say that Yukon Outfitters has always had a knack for “adaptation.” For proof, you don’t have to look any further than the story of how the company got its start.

It's a story as American as apple pie: A lighting salesman begins tinkering with manufacturing designs of his own, using nights and weekends to build lamps in his garage. Over time, he starts selling them to mom-and-pop lighting stores, until he can afford to buy a space in a popular industry trade show.

On January 1, 2020 Incoterms 2020 went into effect. These rules from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) establish guidelines for how shipments are handled between buyers and sellers in different countries.

On January 16th, the long-delayed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was passed by the United States Senate by a vote of 89 to 10. On January 29th, President Trump signed it into effect. This agreement, drawn up as a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) of 1994, offers many modifications that are expected to provide an uptick in cross-border trade.

As demand has risen in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce supply chains, shippers have been faced with a challenge. Smaller and more frequent orders mean shorter lead times and less product to fill a truck. That forces consumer packaged goods (CPG) shippers to use less-than-truckload services more often.

Cloud-based technology is rapidly becoming more than just an outlier or a luxury. Businesses around the world have recognized the potential that a cloud-based supply chain strategy has to dramatically increase both efficiency and profitability.

For a logistics or delivery company to claim that they offer “unmatched care” when it comes to handling shipments is nothing new. There is, however, a service that takes this concept even further – white glove service.

Since exploding on the scene in 2012, Florida Georgia Line has amassed one of the largest followings in country music. And those passionate fans had the chance to see them up close during their 2019 “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country” tour.

As one of the world’s biggest musical artists, Ed Sheeran doesn’t do things halfway. That was definitely the case with his 2018 North American Stadium Tour in support of his Grammy-winning third album, “Divide.”

No matter what type of shipping option you use, there’s one fact everyone learns pretty quickly – fuel surcharges can add up in a hurry.

The LTL shipping industry is busier than ever. As a result, space within trucks is also tighter than ever before. This places added responsibility on the shoulders of shippers and carriers to ensure that each shipment is packaged as safely and efficiently as possible.

The demand for final mile delivery and white glove delivery services is rapidly growing for large and heavy products that aren't suitable for parcel shipping. These types of residential deliveries generally require the use of two-man delivery teams. Pulling off a successful final mile delivery, however, will require planning and actions on behalf of the recipient. 

Over the past several years, two important challenges have developed for supply chains. First, the growth of online shopping has increased shipping volumes and demand for quick deliveries to consumers. Secondly, the driver shortage has strained freight capacity across multiple areas of the supply chain process.

Together, these challenges have forced shippers to rethink their warehousing and distribution services strategy. This is especially true for shippers that move mid to high volumes of freight across multiple markets.

To that point, look at Amazon's warehousing and distribution services model. Marketplace shippers (and increasingly Amazon's own line of products) sell to customers throughout North America and around the globe. To keep customer prices under control, Amazon understands the value in local and regional warehousing and distribution services.

With approximately 75 fulfillment centers and 25 sortation centers in the U.S. alone, the company's supply chain is structured to reduce final mile transit times and costs. This structure allows sellers to stage inventory across multiple key markets rather than having to ship individual orders hundreds or even thousands of miles.

Well, that warehousing and distribution services strategy is great for Amazon's sellers, but what about B2B and B2C shippers that sell and move products independently? It goes without saying that most businesses lack the capital to build a supply chain infrastructure on the scale of Amazon. Nonetheless, local and regional fulfillment solutions are increasingly becoming available to shippers to meet the growing demands of today's supply chain.

Transportation costs can quickly eat into budgets that involve long haul shipments. As more businesses struggle to find long haul capacity due to the driver shortage, intermodal shipping is increasingly a viable option. 

In late 2018, more than 2,300 shippers participated in our 4th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. The following article examines a portion of the results.

In late 2018, more than 2,300 shippers participated in our 4th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. The following article examines a portion of the results.

For most, 2018 was a very robust year in terms of business growth and shipping. According to the
Commerce Department, the gross domestic product (GDP) reached a 3.5 percent annualized rate in the third quarter. Driven by the Trump administration’s $1.5 trillion tax cut package, businesses took advantage of increased consumer spending to make investments over the course of the year.

In late 2018, more than 2,300 shippers participated in our 4th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. The following article examines a portion of the results.

In late 2018, we asked shippers to participate in our 4th annual State of the North American Supply Chain survey. The purpose of the survey is gauge the challenges that shippers faced over the course of 2018, and to gain a better understanding of what they believe will be their biggest challenges in 2019. 

One of the most challenging aspects of the holiday season, particularly for retail shipping, can be the aftermath. Many purchases are often returned due to damages, wrong sizes and a variety of other reasons. To recoup losses, businesses are often able to ship the returned goods back to their suppliers for a refund or rebate.

Do you ship to or from Canada? If so, you know there’s no shortage of paperwork and shipping rules involved when shipping across the U.S.-Canada border. In fact, it can be easy to miss something - and many shippers do. How can you avoid common cross-border shipping mistakes when moving goods to and from Canada? Here are five tips to get you started.

As the busiest time of year for retailers, the holiday season can be a roller coaster of preparation and execution across all areas of business. From gauging the latest shopping trends to staffing temporary employees, there are several moving pieces that need to work together to succeed. One part of the puzzle that certainly can't be overlooked is inventory and supply chain planning.

Cargo insurance is vital for the protection of your products that originate from or are destined for locations abroad. Aside from protecting your business from financial losses associated with lost or damaged cargo, insurance can protect you a variety of maritime shipping risks, such as the law of general average.

For the past 3 years the ocean carriers operating in the Transpacific and Indian Subcontinent Trade Lanes have made attempts on the first day of each month and again on the 15^th day of the month to try and pass through rate increases to help them recover from years of unprofitability. The newly formed alliances that were finalized in 2017 helped them recover to a point where the carriers collectively recorded a year of profitability. That still left them with years of negative numbers to recover from.

3 Ways To Reduce Supply Chain Environmental Impact

Together, shippers and carriers can significantly reduce a supply chain's impact on the environment. Knowing which questions to ask of your carriers and how to identify service providers with a green mindset may not always be clear though. Consider these three factors when looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint with the help of your carriers.

In February 2018, we discussed solutions that can help shippers navigate the freight capacity crunch currently felt throughout the U.S. Current challenges with capacity, however, are not limited to freight moving domestically. Cross-border freight capacity between the U.S. and Mexico, for example, has become increasingly difficult to secure in recent years.

Football season is officially underway in the U.S., which means team colors are flying proudly around the nation and grills are pumping out burgers and brats at a dizzying pace.

And as we root for our favorite college and pro teams to make it to the championships this season, we can also take pages from the grid iron playbooks and apply them to our own supply chain practices. 

Depending on where you live, there are certain times of the year when bad weather is more likely to impact your supply chain. From hurricane season along the coasts to potential tornadoes inland, Mother Nature can quickly jeopardize your day-to-day operations. While you can't control the weather, there are a few precautions you can take to minimize its effects on your supply chain.

When you ship in volume, using less-than-truckload (LTL) for distribution is generally the most cost-effective solution for regional and short haul transportation. However, if your freight is moving a long distance, such as from the West Coast to locations across the country, the cost of moving multiple less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments can quickly add up.

When your freight is tendered into the care of your driver, the carrier does all that it can to ensure that it arrives to its destination on time, on target, and intact. To succeed, there are steps that both the carrier and the shipper can take to ensure that your freight moves without unnecessary delay or damage, including: the proper completion of the bill of lading, addressing and handling labels, as well as proper packaging.

The person driving your product from point A to point B provides more than safe, reliable transportation. For every hour they are associated with your logo and brand, they represent your business to drivers on the road, people at restaurants and truck stops, and ultimately, to your customer. Drivers are an often-overlooked piece of the customer experience puzzle, but they present a valuable opportunity to represent your company well.

One of the biggest challenges of running a retail supply chain is inventory replenishment. For many operations, high volume products need to be replenished on short notice during demand surges. Also referred to as just-in-time inventory replenishment, such surges can occur during predictable periods (i.e., holidays and peak seasons) or on a regular basis for a company that steadily moves a product. 

Partnering for Measurable Supply Chain Improvements

Reducing Tons Of Supply Chain Waste

SalonCentric, a nationwide wholesale salon and beauty supply distributor, wanted to find a way to reduce its impact on the environment while also minimizing its supply chain costs.

One area of its supply chain that SalonCentric saw an opportunity to make a difference with was the company's use of traditional cardboard boxes for shipping. Corrugate boxes, a staple of most retail supply chains, are great for transportation. However, such containers have a short shelf life and quickly find themselves in landfills.

To address the problem, SalonCentric invested in reusable plastic tote bins. The use of the bins had an astounding positive impact on the company's environmental footprint. 

Winter is upon us, and businesses throughout North America are running in high gear to meet end-of-the-year deadlines and to prepare for the new year. At the same time, the winter months can bring more volatility to your supply chain and shipping practices. 

One of the many challenges that shippers and freight managers face in their supply chain are accessorial charges. Also referred to as "value-added services," these charges are the additional costs that are applied to a shipment that requires extra services from the carrier beyond standard pickup and delivery.

The term expedited transportation is often considered the definition of a "double-edged sword." It is a necessity for urgent shipments, but it can also be a costly method of transportation. While there's generally no easy way to avoid using expedited transportation when you're up against tight deadlines, there are options you may not have considered that could actually save you on both time and cost.

It's a variation on a classic children's math problem: "If a freight train travelling 50 mph and a truck travelling 65 mph leave at the same time, where will your freight be tomorrow morning?"

It's hard to believe how long it's been since the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team took the Barcelona games by storm in 1992. Nicknamed the "Dream Team," this group of athletic superstars, which featured the likes of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley, crushed their competitors by an average of 44 points.

What is a warehouse management system?

In recent years, you've probably heard or read about warehouse management systems (WMS) in trade magazines and online. So what are they and how do they work?

In this third and final part of our series on how you can reduce the likelihood of being hit by Must Arrive By Date (MABD) fines and delivery chargebacks, we will discuss the final key to making a successful journey to retail store shelves: your carrier. 

Green is everywhere! From product packaging to energy-efficient warehouses to waste reduction, supply chain professionals are paying closer attention to how their practices impact the environment.

Do you ship to or from Canada? If so, you know there’s no shortage of paperwork and shipping rules involved when shipping across the U.S-Canada border. In fact, it can be easy to miss something - and many cross-border shippers do, inevitably causing delays and service failures. How can you avoid common cross-border shipping mistakes when moving goods to and from Canada? Here are five tips to get you started: