Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

A Gartner survey reveals a divide among supply chain professionals regarding increasing safety stock versus adhering to lean manufacturing principles. The automotive and high-tech industries lean towards boosting inventory, while sectors like industrial manufacturing show less interest. Companies must strike a balance to build a resilient supply chain, encompassing risk assessment, supply chain visibility, diversified sourcing, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. This approach allows businesses to navigate disruptions effectively while maintaining operational efficiency and responsiveness to market demands.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Quest for Quality Awards Honor Top Logistics and Supply Chain Firms

Quest for Quality Awards Honor Top Logistics and Supply Chain Firms

The 42nd “Excellence in Quality Award” recognizes 160 logistics service providers for their outstanding performance. Recipients are directly rated by readers of the *Logistics Management* magazine, ensuring impartiality. Evaluation criteria include on-time delivery, value, and information technology. The award aims to incentivize excellent service and provide a reliable benchmark for companies, ultimately promoting the development of the logistics industry. It highlights companies that demonstrate superior quality and customer-centric approaches within the logistics sector.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Shipping Crisis Delays and Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Woes

US Shipping Crisis Delays and Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Woes

This article delves into the complex reasons behind shipping delays and soaring freight rates in the United States. These factors include pandemic-induced labor shortages, infrastructure bottlenecks and port congestion, surging and imbalanced demand, rising fuel costs, a vicious cycle of container shortages, and the impact of regulatory policies. The article emphasizes that addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort from the government, businesses, and industry associations, involving comprehensive and integrated solutions to alleviate the current crisis.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Container Imports Drop in August As Demand Weakens

US Container Imports Drop in August As Demand Weakens

US containerized freight imports decreased by 12% year-over-year in August, marking the 13th consecutive month of decline, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. This reflects weak consumer demand and ongoing supply chain adjustments. Consumer goods imports experienced significant drops, and the outlook for industrial goods demand is also bleak. Experts attribute this to continued destocking and weakness in typically non-seasonal sectors. The full-year outlook is stable rather than prosperous, requiring businesses to adapt their supply chains. The government should monitor consumer data and implement measures to stimulate domestic demand.

12/31/2025 Logistics
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Customs Clearance Invoice and Bill Handling Guide: Key Analysis of Split and Consolidated Invoicing

Customs Clearance Invoice and Bill Handling Guide: Key Analysis of Split and Consolidated Invoicing

This article provides a detailed analysis of how to prepare customs declaration packing lists and invoices for clients in international trade, according to the principle of 'separate customs declaration, consolidated documentation.' It emphasizes the impact of destination port customs clearance requirements on document preparation and highlights the independence between customs declaration in the exporting country and customs clearance in the importing country.

07/21/2025 Customs Knowledge
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3pls Expand Tech and Scale to Meet Ecommerce Demand

3pls Expand Tech and Scale to Meet Ecommerce Demand

The continued growth of e-commerce presents both opportunities and challenges, with surging order volumes, high return rates, and labor shortages becoming increasingly prominent. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers, leveraging their technology, scale, and expertise, are crucial for e-commerce businesses to address these challenges and improve efficiency. Through the application of automation, artificial intelligence, and other technologies, 3PLs help companies optimize warehousing, transportation, and reverse logistics, thereby maintaining a competitive edge in the dynamic market.

01/07/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Logistics Industry Faces Weak Demand Labor Unrest and Bankruptcies

Logistics Industry Faces Weak Demand Labor Unrest and Bankruptcies

The logistics industry faces challenges from weak demand and overcapacity. A potential UPS strike and Yellow's bankruptcy crisis add to the uncertainty. The report predicts truckload rates may bottom out, while the LTL market remains under pressure. Heavy-duty truck orders exceeded expectations, and the used truck market is cooling down. The industry outlook is unclear, with shippers currently holding the advantage. This complex situation necessitates careful planning and adaptation from all stakeholders to navigate the evolving landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ecommerce Boom Spurs Parcel Delivery Demand and Pricing Shifts

Ecommerce Boom Spurs Parcel Delivery Demand and Pricing Shifts

E-commerce is fueling rapid growth in the parcel market, with price wars and service upgrades coexisting. Experts advise shippers to closely monitor changes in dimensional weight pricing rules, optimize packaging, and leverage a diverse range of carriers to navigate the increasingly complex market environment. These strategies are crucial for effective cost control and maintaining competitiveness in the dynamic landscape of e-commerce logistics and parcel delivery.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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