by logisticsplus | Feb 28, 2022 | News
A recent article published in Logistics Management magazine and online at Supply Chain Management Review, written by Sara Banks from Accenture, suggests a strong collaboration between 3PLs and shippers can help to bring innovative solutions that will benefit both in the future. You can read the full article here: Time For Shippers & 3PLs to Innovate Together.
Accenture’s research shows four capabilities shippers want from logistics companies. They are presented here with a note under each regarding Logistics Plus.
End-to-end services. Shippers are looking for a one-stop shop for all logistics services. This means that, beyond basic logistics, they want a trusted logistics provider that delivers new services such as advisory and supply chain consulting services, analytics capabilities, e-commerce channel management capabilities, and even algorithms that match demand and supply.
Logistics Plus has evolved by both necessity and design over the past 25 years. As a company known for saying YES, not NO, to unique supply chain challenges, we’ve developed a network of solutions that span the entire supply chain, from procurement to warehousing to final mile delivery. We call this Global Logistics + So Much More. With our 3.5PL and 4PL solutions, we strive to provide the end-to-end services our customers require so that they can remain focused on what they do best: making and selling great products.
- Better experiences. Shippers want a logistics partner that knows their business and will work with them to overcome challenges by bringing in customer-centric solutions. Our research revealed the need for 3PLs to build service consistency, flexibility, and responsiveness to create more satisfying customer experiences.
We are hardly perfect, but there is one trait that shippers can expect when they work with Logistics Plus: a contagious passion for excellence. It’s that passion that has enabled Logistics Plus to earn numerous service and workplace awards and to have positive word-of-mouth referrals that have supported our continuous growth. It may seem like a small thing, but every one of our employees is provided a mobile phone with the expectation that our customers need and deserve flexible, 24/7/365 support. The freight never stops moving.
- Proactive, data-driven insights. Shippers are eager to partner with 3PLs that have data and analytics capabilities to provide visibility and insights to help them make better supply chain decisions. For example, digital twin capabilities that tap into data to simulate supply chain impacts will help 3PLs guide shippers in decisions with more certainty.
We like to point out that today, Logistics Plus is as much a technology company as a logistics company. And that is not by accident. The demands of our customers have driven us to make substantial investments in technology and business intelligence applications. Our global supply chain control towers and business intelligence tools are world-class. We know that information and insights are just as critical in today’s supply chain as are shipments and freight.
- Purpose aligned to their values. Increasingly, shippers are choosing to work with businesses that are more integrated with theirs and share their values. For example, in the logistics space, sustainability is a key issue and becoming a “must-have” requirement for all players.
Shippers looking to align themselves with a 3Pl focused on employee diversity and environmental sustainability will find that Logistics Plus shares those same values. The 50 country flags that fly on top of our global headquarters, each representing the nationality of one of our employees, showcase our celebration of diversity. The fact that we were the first global 3PL to receive Plastic Neutrality Certification for offsetting 19 tonnes of plastic use in 2020 is a testament to our commitment to making the world a better place.
The notes above are just a few thoughts regarding these four capability areas that are important to shippers. Logistics Plus is ready and willing to work collaboratively with shippers to create value and share in the benefits. Contact us to learn more.
by logisticsplus | Feb 16, 2022 | News
Logistics Plus has, once again, been profiled as a top third-party logistics (3PL) company by Inbound Logistics magazine for its annual Logistics Planner. In its 30th year of publication, the 2022 industry planner helps companies find the right technology solutions and transportation and logistics partners to drive supply chain efficiency. With both print and digital editions, the annual issue is updated with profiles of leaders in transportation, technology, logistics, and more who stand ready to help businesses face upcoming challenges to optimize their supply chains.
The Logistics Plus profile appears on page 348 of the publication, and an accompanying advertisement appears on page 137. The profile and advertisement formally present our new theme “Global Logistics + So Much More” as a follow-up to A 21st Century Logistics Company™ introduced last year.
Working as your 3PL, 3.5PL, or 4PL partner, Logistics Plus is the company that handles supply chain challenges from start to finish by doing what other logistics companies can’t or won’t do. We’re small enough to be agile and responsive to your needs, yet large enough to have a network of solutions that span your entire supply chain.
You can view PDF versions of the Logistics Plus profile and advertisement by clicking the two images below.
You can view the entire 2022 Logistics Planner digital edition online here: https://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/digital/
by logisticsplus | Feb 14, 2022 | News
Each year, 100 million+ viewers worldwide tune in for the Super Bowl. They watch the national anthem, coin toss, opening kickoff, halftime show, funny commercials, and the game (obviously). What the viewers don’t see is the countless amount of hours spent planning and pulling off one of the most significant events of the year. From logistics to transportation to supply chain management, NFL venues undergo extensive preparation for the big day. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant supply chain management considerations for Super Bowl Sunday.
Preparing The Venue
The stadium and NFL personnel must coordinate with their employees, vendors, teams, and volunteers to ensure that equipment, uniforms, and the field are all ready in advance of the game. The transportation piece of the supply chain management plan is crucial so that the players’ helmets, cleats, pads, and jerseys all make it to the proper locker room. On top of that, the coaches, medical staff, and other team members all have equipment of their own that must arrive at the venue. Merchandising is another supply chain consideration for the venue. Branded merchandise for each team needs to be designed, manufactured, shipped, and made available within a two-week time frame.
The Halftime Show
The biggest logistical challenge behind the Super Bowl halftime show is setting up the stage the minute the first half of the game ends. The stage is typically wheeled onto the field using roughly fifty carts, each requiring ten people to move. On top of the stage, an additional twenty carts carrying audio equipment get transported to the field. In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, hundreds of trucks arrive at the venue with stage materials, props, electrical equipment, generators, and much more. Every minor detail, including delivery windows, returns and item replacements, and storage locations, is considered.
Supply Chain Sustainability
Over twenty years ago, the NFL introduced an environmental program that focuses on sustainability efforts for the Super Bowl. The league considers many things when selecting the next Super Bowl site, with sustainability efforts being a high priority. For example, Super Bowl LIII was at Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Being a newer stadium, it boasted many sustainability features, including its LEED certification. The building uses about half as much water as other stadiums of similar size. Additionally, the NFL’s environmental program works with nearly ninety non-profit organizations to help repurpose, recycle, and reuse materials treated as waste during the game.
Viewers At Home
The city where the Super Bowl is hosted is not the only location with supply chain management challenges. The Super Bowl is the second-largest food-eating day in the United States behind Thanksgiving. It is estimated that 1.3 billion chicken wings are consumed, 11.2 million pounds of potato chips are eaten, and 325 million gallons of beer are drunk in just one day. Around the country, that puts a tremendous amount of stress on local restaurants, grocery stores, and beer distributors to keep up with demand.
Although the game only lasts a few hours, planning and preparing for the Super Bowl takes months. Proper supply chain management is the backbone of what makes the biggest game of the year a constant success. Ensure you give the appropriate planning and preparation needed for your own company’s supply chain. If you need a partner for any of that, let us know – we’re here to help!
by logisticsplus | Jan 28, 2022 | News
Many companies can provide third-party global logistics services. Most of them have a single or few specialties, such as domestic transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, audit and freight payment, etc. But with our 25+ years of experience, Logistics Plus is much more than a typical 3PL. We’re the company known for saying YES, not NO, to your unique supply chain challenges. We handle projects from start to finish by doing what other logistics companies can’t or won’t do – and you won’t be waiting on us. We operate leanly to be agile and responsive to your needs, yet we are large enough to have a network of solutions that span your entire supply chain.
In other words, we provide Global Logistics + So Much More.
We are a 21st Century Logistics Company™ and leading worldwide provider of transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, technology, and supply chain solutions. And here are ten reasons why companies work with us:
We manage your logistics so you can focus on your core business.- We have been in business for over 25 years, and our teams have a wide variety of skills across many disciplines – we can do pretty much anything needed across your entire supply chain.
- Our teams can integrate with your company in various ways, from full-time onsite resources to offsite logistics management of multiple locations.
- We manage inbound and outbound domestic freight and international cargo across all modes of transportation.
- Using technology, business intelligence, and global control towers, we connect all the links in your supply chain, from vendors to customers, to provide end-to-end shipment visibility. From international sourcing to warehousing inventory to final delivery, you see it all.
- We’re small enough to be agile and responsive to your needs yet large enough to have a network of solutions that span your entire supply chain. We call this the ‘Goldilocks Zone,’ and your business will always be important to us.
- Our services are customized to your requirements, so you always get exactly what you want and need. And because we’re nimble, you won’t be waiting on us.
- We have offices and warehouses in over 30 countries around the world, and we have valued partners in most other countries – we are a global solutions company.
- Our professionals are available to you 24/7/365 – after all, this is still very much a people business.
- With our trademark Passion For Excellence™, we are the company that puts the + in logistics by solving problems and taking away your headaches!
You may find our introductory video, presentation, and brochure online at www.logisticsplus.com/introduction-to-logistics-plus-passion-for-excellence. Contact us and let us know if you’d be interested in a quick phone or Zoom call to see if we can help you address your 21st-century supply chain challenges.
by logisticsplus | Jan 11, 2022 | News
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all parts of the global logistics industry. From the way we source raw materials to how final deliveries are made, the industry has changed forever. With an increasingly globalized world, the demand for logistics services is at an all-time high. Each year, the logistics industry undergoes significant change. As the world continues to move forward, it is crucial to stay ahead of trends and innovations that will shape the future of logistics. Let’s look at some of the top global logistics trends to expect in 2022.
Last-Mile Delivery Services
The pandemic provided a significant spark to the already growing e-commerce industry. As consumer behavior changed and online shopping increased, parcel delivery demand surged. Customers want their orders quickly, and they want to know exactly where their order is every step of the way. Last-mile (sometimes called final-mile) delivery is a term used to describe the last leg of delivering goods from a warehouse to the end customer. Logistics companies must heavily invest in tracking and route optimization tools to increase efficiency to keep up with this trend. Even after the pandemic passes us, e-commerce will never go away.
Supply Chain Visibility
According to Forbes, more than 90% of supply chain executives said that supply chain visibility is a key to their success. Although this isn’t a new trend for 2022, it becomes more vital each year. In addition to identifying trends early to prevent issues, visibility is required to provide good customer service. Predictive analytics, custom reporting, interactive dashboards, and control tower capabilities are all ways to increase supply chain visibility.
Focus on Returns Management
With the number of online orders increasing, it only makes sense that returns are also growing. When searching for a logistics partner, e-commerce sellers want a reliable and straightforward returns process. To provide a positive customer experience, a logistics provider must handle returns in large numbers, provide inventory management, and integrate with e-commerce platforms to process returns. Many companies will adopt new technology that streamlines this process to run returns management as efficiently as possible.
Conversion to Cloud-Based Systems
Cloud-based computing provides an upper hand when it comes to total logistics management. Although there are many effective cloud-based solutions in place, 2022 is expected to bring even more. Logistics companies can facilitate scalability, improve reliability, and increase security by utilizing cloud-based systems. For global logistics companies with users worldwide, a cloud-based system can help enhance back-office operations due to the collaboration and accessibility features it offers.
Autonomous Trucking Research & Development
While self-driving trucks may not hit the road in 2022, look for transportation companies to continue to invest in autonomous vehicle research. According to PitchBook, in the first half of 2021, investors put a record $5.6 billion into companies developing autonomous driving technologies. Logistics companies view autonomous trucking as a massive opportunity to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Even though it’s hard for trucking companies to keep up with demand, autonomous trucking can help alleviate the concern over driver shortages.
Staff Recruiting & Retention
In a tight labor market, it’s become challenging to find the necessary talent required to run logistics operations smoothly. This results in a lack of resources, postponed deliveries, strained relationships with partners and suppliers, and other challenges. The labor market shortage extends well past the logistics industry. The shortage has led many retailers to discover the value of a logistics partner that can take over cumbersome responsibilities such as storing, picking, packing, and other headaches. Addressing staff recruitment and retention is one of the global logistics trends to stay for the foreseeable future.
Sustainable Logistics Practices
Another notable trend in the global logistics industry is the advancement of sustainable logistics practices. In addition to benefitting us and our planet, it’s cost-effective, promotes a good brand, and increases customer loyalty. Most reputable logistics companies join sustainability partnerships and organizations that encourage cleaner fuel, more efficient equipment, and lower emissions. As we shift to 2022, look for even more businesses to lower their carbon footprint to align with this sustainability trend.
The future of the global logistics industry is constantly evolving. Over the past two years, we’ve learned that supply chain disruptions are inevitable, and you must plan ahead. As e-commerce continues to explode and new challenges arise, 2022 will be another year of advancements and innovations shaping the logistics industry.
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