American Shipper magazine : Logistics

Information technology program called “huge leap” to modernizing auto parts supply chain. By Chris Gillis North American automakers have some of the most technologically advanced assembly lines in the world, but behind the scenes their handling of vital logistics information for parts coming from overseas is reminiscent of days gone by. Industry logisticians led by the Automotiv...

In April 2009 this column said shippers and carriers each year negotiate terms of service as though they’re on either end of a baseball bat — swing or be swung at, depending on prevailing market conditions ( “Bid responsibly,” www.AmericanShipper.com/links ). In the 16 months since, the “bat” has changed hands a number of times as the transportation industry has experienced unprecedente...

Infrastructure must vie for shrinking capital pie. Walter Kemmsies Moffatt & Nichol Beyond the current difficulties in obtaining credit due to the dysfunctional banking system in many major economies, an even more intense competition for capital is shaping up that will negatively impact transportation. In many parts of the world, the United States in particular, there is substa...

Logistics sector looks to rebound from poor 2009 as firms carry out efficiency initiatives. By Eric Kulisch U.S. companies spent $244 billion less to transport and store their goods in 2009 than the previous year. But the 18.2 percent decrease was directly related to the recession rather than new innovations that made the logistics sector more productive, according to the annual Stat...