Logistics and Transportation

Friday, March 11, 2011

The Use of Logistics in Goods Transportation

Companies that provide logistic services can significantly reduce your company's spending on goods transportation. While this reduction margin may be negligible in short-distance transportation, it plays a tremendously important role in long-distance transportation.

For companies that perform services in logistics Ukraine is no exception. Like in any other country, these logistic companies plan the most efficient route from intra-city to international scale. In most cases motor transportation of goods is used. When combined delivery by several different transportation methods is used, like, for instance, railway and sea transportation, it is necessary to transport the goods to the place of loading and to the warehouse. Motor delivery is best suited for this purpose, irrespective of what transport will be used afterwards.

In motor transportation of goods the first and foremost stage is the layout of the route. In short-distance transportation routes are usually optimized for the shortest distance possible. When distances are longer, the route is planned with more consideration, and it top priority is convenience, and not the actual distance.

The aforementioned convenience is characterized, mostly, by the abundance of refueling and service stations, places where the driver can rest and get a meal, etc. It is very important to consider the probability of traffic jams along the route, as traversing such traffic-intensive streets may greatly increase the delivery time. Another important element of route evaluation is the scan for potential dangers, including sharp turns and steep slopes.

In long-distance transportation which is most often done internationally, the safety of the goods in transit is an important consideration. For that reason, freight forwarding in Ukraine is an ever-popular service. Transportation companies either accompany goods themselves or employ the services of other specialized companies. Either way, this forwarding agent, who is practically the person that accompanies the goods, can at any time report to the owner of the goods about their whereabouts and current status.

Friday, January 21, 2011

How a Logistics Audit Can Identify Bottlenecks and Improvements for Organizations

An audit is an evaluation of an organization, a specific process or a system. The crucial aspect of an audit is that it is based on an unbiased examination which will provide an objective point of view. In an organization, an audit can be carried out directly either by the concerned department or by an internal audit group or by an external specialized company.

Whether performed in-house or outsourced, there are numerous benefits for companies conducting audits such as establishing sustainable quality standards and providing constant access to reliable information. Audits will support strategic and managerial decision making and help identify areas for improvement and eliminate inefficiencies.

A professionally carried out audit and subsequent implementations will improve efficiency, drive sustainability and help the corporate image of an organization in the eyes of internal or external customers and shareholders.

For the purpose of this article, we will focus on a specific field among the wide scope of audits, which is the Freight Logistics Audit. The goal of a Logistics Audit is to objectively examine a company's existing logistics and transportation operations and flows, assess the efficiency of the systems and processes in place and to provide the organization with recommendations and guidelines on its Supply Chain and freight management.

A Logistics audit will invariably start with gathering quantitative and qualitative data from key stakeholders and with analyzing and interpreting this information. The main departments collaborating in data collection and interviews will typically be Logistics and Transportation as well as Warehousing, Purchasing, Production, Trade Compliance, Customer service and IT departments. All these departments are involved directly or indirectly in the supply chain and can provide a valuable insight on the situation as well as benefit from the outcomes of the audit.

The gathered and analyzed information will be transferred to as-is process, documentary and physical flows maps to provide a clear understanding and help evaluate the entire process in order to identify any inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste(1). The audit team will then provide suggestions for improvements and modifications summarized on "to-be" maps and adequately prioritized. Specific recommendations, action items and risk assessments will accompany these suggestions and solutions to help with their implementation. The gathered data will be used to back-up findings, quantify logistics costs and potential savings through data analysis and benchmarking.

A freight logistics audit will generally cover both inbound and outbound transportation as well as other logistics related activities such as stock management, warehousing or trade compliance. Typical findings will generally relate to the (without being limited to) logistics sourcing strategy, customs compliance performance, HTS management, freight optimization and consolidation, order and stock management, ERP and logistics systems interaction, process streamlining and unification, premium transportation limitation and regulation, logistics provider portfolio strategy and contract management.

Logistics & Transportation Industry is under pressure to meet greater customer expectations, improving return on assets, minimizing costs, optimizing capacity and promoting operational excellence. The industry is at the forefront to adopt new technologies to facilitate time specific delivery and electronic tracking. In this rapidly changing environment, it is imperative to ensure that investments help to rationalize costs and provide the intelligence to optimize inter-modal flows.

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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Logistics Engineering

Logistics engineering mainly deals with the application of engineering methods to solve logistics problems. Logistics is the science of planning, organizing, and executing activities for delivering the required goods or services to the right location at the right time. Logistics engineering supports every stage of an activity to satisfy customer requirements.

Modern technologies, communication links, and control systems are essential to manage materials, services, and financial goals. Logistics engineering help to improvise new materials to suit the situation for a cost effective performance. Strategy management, research methodology, industrial engineering, supply chain management, quality assurance, and systems simulation and modelling are integrated in the logistics engineering field. This linking supports the functional area of logistics such as procurement, maintenance, transportation, disposition, and distribution.

Asset tracking and e-logistics used in the field of logistics management increase the efficiency and reliability of the distribution process. The method to trace the status of ordered products increases confidence among the customers. Analytical models and computer simulations help to improve overall performances. The proper implementation of logistic engineering processes ensures operational reliability, less maintenance cost, personal safety, and customer confidence. Designing of new products with high quality and less cost is recommended in logistics engineering. Maintenance planning using modern technologies of troubleshooting and built-in test equipments aid in providing speedy and accurate maintenance services.

Automation of system helps to upgrade the production process. Implementation of industrial engineering in the logistics management increase quality and quantity of production. Manpower requirements are reduced due to logistics engineering and help to lower the cost of production too. This helps to assure business objectives globally. Logistics engineering help to rationalize the process of logistics services, improve customer satisfaction, and save budgets of business dealings.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Transportation and Logistics - That Shipping Software Totally Sucks

One day as I started checking my emails, I briefly skimmed through the subject lines of over 100 of them. They all seemed to be typical emails, I mean people looking to set up appointments, asking questions about their supply chain, and trying to ensure their product is safe.

As I neared the bottom of the emails one subject line caught my attention. It read, "Logistic Software Sucks...!" Naturally I was quite curious, as I am a definite proponent of Freight Software. As I started reading the email I could tell the tone on the other end was very bitter, and angry. The writer went on to say that he felt cheated, because the company that he was going through was charging him for the software system that he was using, and he didn't feel as if there was any real value. He went on to say that when he met with the Sales Person he explained to him that he wanted something state of the art, that wouldn't become obsolete within the next couple of years. The sales rep assured him that he had just the thing for his company.

As it turned out, the customer had spent in the neighborhood of $2500.00 for this software system, and he really didn't use any of the features. The software was definitely top of the line, and had all the "bells and whistles" that any large company would had loved to have in their possession. This customer was very upset with his purchase. It was to the point wherein I felt that I needed to pick up the phone to call him back. We chatted for awhile, and I think he vented and felt better, but he did feel that his purchase was a waste. I helped him by showing him the best way to hide many of the features that he had no need for, and take advantage of the features that he did need.

The customer swore to never use this company again, and that he would tell all of his business colleagues how cheated he felt.

For companies who are of small to medium size($75k - $5 million), typically a standard software system will be robust enough for their supply chain needs. It is easy to see how a customer can get caught up in the "cool" sizzle of a product, especially during this age wherein you can get software to perform many different tasks. However, there are some basic features/values that a shipper needs to focus their attention on when it comes to Logistic Software.

1) Ease of Use- The system needs to be easy enough for anyone in the warehouse to use without hesitation. The strongest software systems these days are basically point and click. The sizzle, is put into the information and reports, that can be generated, and not how "cool" the site looks.

2) Time Savings- This shouldn't surprise anyone, because these days "time is money" and the warehouse personnel typically has multiple job dulties to get done before they punch out. Being able to navigate and process shipments with quickness and efficiency is a top priority.

3) Cost Savings- Nowadays, just getting a great software system is not enough. If your system doesn't come equipped with stellar rates then you need to seek out another provider. Seeking the services of a strong 3PL can help in both these areas.

4) Creating and Quoting All Types of Loads- Your software has to be able to allow you to create a Bill Of Lading on the site quickly. Gone are the days of filling out manual bills to give to the carriers. With top software, it should allow for you to create and send via online, or at the worst case scenario, send it through a fax.

5) Tracking and Tracing- When I think of this feature I think of my first company that I worked for, Fedex. They took this concept and reinvented it several times over. The idea of tracking and tracing is not just an extra, nowadays, but a must. Freight carriers, small package carriers, Freight Forwarders all have to be on top of their game when it comes to having tools to locate a customer's package, or they will not keep the business. Along with this, is also being able to get a POD (proof of delivery) online as well.

6) Claims- Although this is a sore subject for many customers in the shipping world, the reality is that bad things happen to shipments. A good software system will allow the customer to file a claim online, as well as getting feedback from that very same portal, regarding the progress of the claim.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Logistics - Using Motor Transportation

Companies that provide logistic services in Ukraine can significantly reduce your expenditure in goods transportation.

And even though in case of short distances this reduction is negligible, in case of long-distance transportation its significance becomes obvious.

Logistics companies usually provide services in both actual transportation from source to destination and additional support.

When motor transportation of goods is used, the first and the most important stage is to choose a route. When distances are short, the most important issue is choosing the shortest route available. Yet at longer distances the route requires more consideration and the convenience of the route may be even more important than its actual length.

Route convenience is characterized by, first and foremost, the availability of refueling and repair stations, places to rest and have meals. It is very important to watch for traffic jams along the way as traversing such streets may result in a significant increase of delivery time. No less important a factor is the potential danger of the road - it has to do with abrupt turns and dangerous slopes.

Using logistics in Ukraine one can construct the most efficient route, both inside the city and between cities. In the majority of cases motor transportation is used. If combined delivery is used, for instance, in railway and sea transportation, it is necessary to deliver goods to a port and to a warehouse. Motor transportation is best for this, no matter what transport you plan on using further along the route.

A very important factor in goods transportation is the accompanying freight forwarding in Ukraine. This service is especially important for international shipping.

When goods are transported over long distances, especially when they are transported between countries, a temporary warehouse is imperative for smooth operation. Such warehouse should provide verification of transferred goods and accompanying documentation. This stage is very important as the future safety of goods depends on the correct choice of the temporary warehouse now.

These factors help to plan the route in the most efficient manner thus improving goods safety from possible damage and dramatically reduce the delivery time.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Business Logistic

The dictionary defines logistics as ?The time related positioning of resources.? Hence, logistics can be considered as an implement for getting resources such as products, people, and services as and when they are needed. It is not easy to manufacture any product or promote it without proper logistical support. Business Logistics entails the amalgamation of information, conveyance, inventory, storing, handling of material, and packaging. The functional responsibility of logistics is the geographical relocation of resources, work in progression, and finish inventories at the lowest charge achievable. Hence, logistics involves creation of ?people systems? rather than ?machine systems?.

Business logistics as a concept developed only in the 1950s. It was evolved because of the increased complication of supplying business ventures with materials and transportation of these finished products in a global chain of supply. This management is increasingly realized through experts in the field of business logistics. Logistics in business focuses on the flow either internally or externally of the business venture.

The main task of a logistics manager involves procurement, transport, storage, and organizing the execution of these proceedings. Logistics managers have to typically merge a general awareness of each of these operations so that there is a coordination of resources in an organization.

There are two essentially different forms of logistics. One optimizes a fixed flow of substance through a set of connections of transport links and storage space. The other form enables the synchronization of a series of the performing assets to carry out a specific venture.

Effective business logistics augments the competitive position of a business. It contemplates the tools of logistics management but concentrates on the relationships that are required to be built through the supply chain to release the latent potential.

The doctrine of business logistics can be practiced on any organization, regardless of size, in public or private sector, in domestic or international scenario as well as in service or manufacturing industry.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Score Card Improvement for Vendor Compliancy: Can Logistics Software Help?

There are two obstacles encountered by manufacturing companies as they aim for higher sales: improving their products, and achieving scorecard improvement for vendor compliancy. If your company does business with smaller retailers and smaller corporations, you may think that vendor compliancy isn't much of an issue. But, if you aspire to sell your goods through major retailers or to big corporations, meeting vendor compliancy could even require you to change some of your basic business practices, including how you handle your shipping process.

Scorecard Improvement for Vendor Compliancy and Shipping Logistics

The complexity of compliance standards among large businesses is reflective of the chaos that would occur were they not in place. When a business has relationships with hundreds or thousands of vendors, it needs to standardize its vending process to make the reception of and payment for products as efficient as possible. At smaller businesses, a lower volume of vending relationships means that vendor standards needn't be as stringent. For example, smaller businesses usually don't have as many rules about how goods are labeled, packaged, and delivered as large businesses do.

The biggest reason why manufacturers avoid vending with large businesses is the cost of implementing infrastructure necessary to meet complex compliance standards. But, considering the sales power of selling goods through major retailers and to large corporations, a better cost saving strategy is to look for less expensive ways to get the infrastructure you need, one of which could be the implementation of logistics software, also referred to as freight management software. Logistics software aids in the vendor compliance process in two ways: it can secure the labeling, packaging, and delivery arrangements required by tough compliance standards, and it can do so at a fraction of the cost of other shipping logistics methods.

In addition to using logistics software, companies also rely on in house logistical departments and third party logistics (3PL) to meet shipping related compliance issues, both of which are more expensive-and often less comprehensive-than freight management software. Freight management software achieves its economy by allowing companies to become their own logistic providers without hiring logistic experts, or hiring 3PL providers that essentially serve as middlemen. Freight transportation software is priced as software as a service (SAAS), making it the most affordable way to receive full-scale logistical services. One year after implementation, most companies reduce their annual shipping cost by 10 percent, savings that make additional compliance measures more affordable.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Transportation and Logistics Software - What Are Its Advantages?

If you are a small to midsize company that tries to ship your goods without the aid of transportation logistics, you'll likely end paying significantly more for shipping than you would if your hired a third party logistics (3PL) provider or implemented online transportation and logistics software. Without the aid of freight logistics, the cost of the shipping process can prohibitive for small to midsize companies for two main reasons: they either pay full truckload FTL shipping (full truck load) rates to ship partial loads or, realizing the economic disadvantage of FTL shipping for partial loads, they use parcel shipping, which is also a disadvantage when shipping multiple parcels on a regular basis. In response to these situations, 3PL and transportation and logistics software can revolutionize a company's sipping costs by providing them with options such as LTL shipping (less than truckload), integrated transportation methods based on competitive pricing and shorter shipping routes based on route analytics.

But while 3PL and logistics software function in the same capacity, the latter has two basic advantages over the former, beginning with price differential.

Price Differential

Although 3PL and logistics software companies serve the same purpose, they are principally different in their corporate make up. Third party logistics providers are freight logistics experts that act as middlemen between manufacturers and shipping companies, while logistics-software providers are freight logistics experts that specialize in creating freight logistics software, which they offer as an online software application for an affordable monthly fee. In other words, when you opt for 3PL, you end up paying more because you pay for an expert to manage your account, whereas logistics software lets you manage your own freight logistics through an easy to use interface. Essentially, 3PL providers make their money by charging you for a logistics service that you could easily perform on your own with the aid of logistics software. It's as simple as that.

Level of Control

When you outsource a service that isn't one of your company's core competencies, you're naturally at the mercy of the company that you outsource to. This is not to say to that 3PL providers are out to profit on their clients' lack of logistics expertise in an ulterior way. But it does mean that 3PL providers are always looking for LTL shipping rates and other shipping options that offer the greatest price differential between what the options actually cost and what they charge their clients to secure those options. In some cases, the greatest price differential might result from shipping your goods with a company that doesn't have the best reputation; a situation that you could easily avoid if you opt for logistics software. In addition to allowing more control over what companies you ship with, logistics software also allows each of your company departments to participate in the shipping decision process by accessing the software online, which can prove extremely valuable from an accounting and management perspective.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Logistic Straps Secure Cargo for Transport

A logistic strap is a must have for any person or company that ships, transports or delivers cargo, whether across town or across the globe. These devices are must-haves to ensure safety and minimize damages. They are vastly superior and easier to use than lashing cargo with ropes or chains and are much less likely to harm valuable items.

There are a few differences in design to consider when choosing the right logistic strap. One of the main differences is the mechanism for actually tightening the strap around the item that's being secured. There are two tightening systems available, the cam system and the ratchet system. The cam system operates by running the strap through the cam to tighten the strap. The clasp on the cam will grip the strap and will remain taught until released by the user.

The ratchet system comes in two separate pieces. This works by feeding the longer strap through the ratchet on the other piece. Once the two ends are connected to the anchor points, the strap is tightened using the ratchet lever. This system results in a very tight and secure lashing. The ratchet is released by simply pulling the release tab and opening the ratchet. It takes a little longer to get used to the ratchet system, but once mastered, it is quicker and more secure system than the cam design.

The other main variable in logistic strap construction is the method by which the strap connects to the anchor points on whatever the cargo is being secured to. These end fittings come in several different formats. Many end fittings are hooks such as j-hooks, flat hooks or snap hooks. The most versatile logistic strap is one with end fittings designed for use with what is referred to as airline track. These tracks allow the logistics strap to be anchored anywhere along the length of the track as opposed to a fixed anchor point.

Monday, November 15, 2010

A Rundown On Logistics Vs Transportation

Two of the most important sectors that help move a country's economy are logistics and transportation. Both are important cogs in the wheels of economy since they help bring in and distribute goods and materials. For example, if there is shortage of wheat and rice in Malaysia or Vietnam, other South Asian nations can help in providing supplies to satisfy the need.

Logistics and transportation are two words closely related to each other. As a matter of fact, with the example given previously, both processes are done hand in hand. But the question is can one really survive without the other? Or is there no absolute difference between the two and that both logistics and transportation are referring to the same entity?

Transportation refers to the means of distributing goods, supplies, resources, information, people, and energy from the original point to the destination point using any of the five modes of transport: animal-drive, air, road, rail, and water, or a combination thereof. Since transportation is concerned only with moving the supplies, someone has to take care of handing, packaging, managing the time the goods are fetched and delivered, and maintaining coordination, especially when inter-modal or a combination of two or more transport modes is used. That's when logistics comes in.

Logistics is defined as the process of managing goods, supplies, resources, information, people, and even energy from the source to the user. Any country can testify how important logistics is for its health. Logistics is not just a company that gets your airmails delivered promptly. Logistics is found in every department of a government, from the military to health agency, from education to infrastructure agency, and of course, the time-conscious world of commerce. This application of logistics is more popularly known as business logistics.

Business logistics, unlike military logistics where the concern is focused more on speed and quantity, is more concentrated on delivering the exact item, at the ideal time and place, at an ideal price, using an efficient amount of energy, man power, and financial resource. It is the business of most couriers in the world.

While most couriers have their own vehicles, such as air planes, ocean jets, trucks, and ferries, it is not really necessary for business logisticians to have their own means of transportation. In cases like this, trucking or shipping service providers are hired to distribute the commodities.

For example, in sending goods to a country where air travel is not available, the courier gets the services of a shipping company, and additionally, a trucker to help in delivering the goods once the ship has arrived. The courier has the responsibility to choose which ship and truck provides the fastest yet efficient handling of the supplies. A courier might also need a place of storage or a warehouse company, especially when there is a need to stock the goods while waiting for the trucker. Most shipping companies, however, do have their own warehouses.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Logistics Companies

Logistics companies provide logistical solutions for organizations. In the manufacturing industry, this usually includes warehousing, transportation, and distribution. Manufacturers need to concentrate on their core business and therefore outsource other functions to logistical companies. These companies work on a contractual basis and are called third party logistics provider.

Logistics companies are generally asset-based and operate a large fleet of delivery vans, trucks, ships, and cargo planes. Many third party logistics companies operate in the United States today. Their basic function is to transfer goods from point A to point B in the most efficient way. These companies specialize in providing logistical support to clients and regularly upgrade their equipment based on available technology. Some of these companies operate a large fleet of aircraft, in some cases, even more than commercial airlines. These companies also operate large automated warehouses to store goods during transportation and distribution.

There are also fourth party logistics providers who only use computer systems and intellectual capital. These companies design and implement all the logistics needed by an organization.

Logistical companies improve the operational efficiency of organizations by allowing fast movement of goods and services. Both, third and fourth party logistics providers work closely and share critical information, in order to constantly improve the existing system of logistics. Data is collected from every component in the supply chain. This data is then analyzed and changes are made, if necessary, to ensure the smooth flow of goods.

The number of companies providing logistical support has grown over the years. Due to stiff competition, companies are turning to logistics companies for help. Automated systems used in supply chain management have helped in saving time and reduces the danger of damage to goods. Today almost all organizations big or small depend on these logistics providers for their operational needs.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Integrated Logistics Solutions - Experience Makes Things Better

If the company manages the logistic services by themselves, things would be very difficult and extra expenses would occur.

Integrated logistics services include transportation, handling of over-dimensional and heavy lift cargo, equipment leasing and rental, port operations, customs clearance and international freight forwarding.

All these various services are provided by one service provider, rather than outsourcing it to different companies.

If it is outsourced to different service providers the coordination and effectiveness of the work would reduce. It will become really difficult to manage and many problems could occur. There are many logistic firms that provide integrated logistics services so that the outsourcing company is at its ease.

The common facilities that usually an integrated logistic firm provides are as follows:

• Logistics network design
• Order fulfillment and distribution
• Consolidation and deconsolidation
• Transportation outsourcing
• Reverse logistics

Basically integrated logistics service provider will help you to organize and manage every area associated to transportation of goods. Selecting the mode of transportation is always very important and essential.

The service rates normally differ on two aspects:

• The area where the goods need to be transported.
• It also depends on the weight of the consignments to be shipped.

Integrated logistics service provider would take every possible effort to deliver the consignment to the desired destination within the time promised.

An experienced service provider will have the required tools and machines to take care of your shipments, so that they are easily moved and carefully handled as this helps to avoid damage to the goods. Specialized tools are present to pack the goods effectively, workers are given material handling training to avoid mistakes and deliver the goods safely.

If goods were to be transported by the company itself surely there would occur some or the other problem because of which the goods would get stuck at the customs. Thus Logistic firm will have all the required documents ready on time to avoid the possible error or stoppage at the custom office. Thus goods get cleared easily at customs.

Therefore, Integrated Logistics Solutions provider will help to let you have everything at one roof and in much more systematic manner. So always choose to have an integrated logistic service provider for better service and better satisfaction.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Transportation & Logistics - 10 Things Shippers Want to Look For When Selecting a Freight Carrier

The current economy has provided the Transportation Industry with an influx of new companies that are looking to try to break into Shipping Freight. These companies are smart, because they are not looking to compete with the Big Boys, like the Fedex, UPS, and Conway's of the world, but they are looking to fulfill a niche market.

They hire a cousin to be the driver, and a friend to work the books. They acquire all necessary licenses and pay the fees that need to be paid and their in business. From this point on many of them proceed to the market place to offer, not value, but cheap rates, thus dropping the Industry market value down considerably. So with this in mind, a typical shipper probably has, at the least, 15 knocks on their door from potential new shipping vendors who say they want an opportunity to bid on their Freight.

Most customers at this point take the rate sheet, or at the least, take the sales reps card to perhaps give them a quote opportunity. The issue that faces a warehouse Manager is that every sales rep that enters the door is talking about 1 thing, and one thing only- cheap rates. It's not a wonder why Warehouse Manager's are at their wits end with Sales Calls. This article consists of some general guidelines that a shipper should consider when looking to hire a freight carrier. This list is compiled from consulting with many clients in the industry, as well as several Operation Managers.

10 Areas That a Shipper Wants To Examine Prior To Hiring a Freight Company:

1) Service Commitment- Make sure to ask questions directly concerning the destinations that you ship. Often times carriers will list transit times and destinations that they might not serve directly, but may have agents working for them their. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with an Agent relationship, but this is something that you want to make sure you ask the carrier.

2) Accountability- If a carrier promises you something make sure you hold them to it...Freight is not an exact science, so many things can come into play with regards to shipping- weather, load factor, mechanical issues, the list goes on and on... Make sure carriers take ownership of their promises and guarantees.

3) Price- I list this 3rd on the list because, believe it or not, price is not as big as people want to play it out to be. You see, if your product doesn't make it's destination safely and in good transit time, it won't matter if you received a dirt cheap rate because you will have a very unhappy customer. At times customers can live with a long transit time, but those times are, few and far between, in today's market.

4) Follow Up- If the Carrier doesn't get back to you in a timely fashion, or forgets altogether, then you definitely want to reevaluate your choice of vendors. Whether it be your sales rep, or your customer service agent, poor follow up runs through the company typically.

5) Operations- Grumpy operations personnel make for poor service all around. If you ever feel as if "you are bothering your operations representatives" then you definitely need a new company. In freight you might be dealing with employees who have been in the business for over 30 years, and really don't like their jobs- they often take it out on the customer. Don't fall into this trap!

6) Technology- We are in Y2K!!! If a company is not able to provide you with online capabilities and up to date information on your shipments then this might be a sign to look for another company. Please understand, there are many shippers that prefer to have a live person than use online technology, and that's fine, but the Freight carrier needs to be able to back that up with online technology for quick reports and a more efficient Distribution system.

7) Customer Service- We've all had those bad service experiences going out to dinner with our spouse, a rude customer service operator, so I'm sure you can relate to this topic. Never settle for rudeness because of cheap rates, you'll end up regretting it in the long run-guaranteed.

8) Ease of Engagement- This speaks for itself, because it should always be easy to get a hold of your Sales Person or the Operations Team. Companies that are good in this category do things like, answer the phone within 3 rings; follow up with emails/phone calls the same day; take a proactive approach to service rather than reactive.

9) Recoverability- I coined this term a few years back. When something bad happens, the good companies get right on it and maintain solid communications with the Shipper and all necessary parties. We all know that things happen, but it's how Carriers respond and recover that make them GREAT.Often times mishaps are what help solidify a Customer-Carrier relationship- ironic.

10) Gut- More important than all of the other topics combined is to make sure you use your gut instinct. If you don't feel right about the carrier, or if you can't seem to find anything good about them other than price then you might need to take a mental note and look deep at their company because the GUT is usually right on the money.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Freight Transportation Logistics

The process of administering your warehouse inventory, transporting your freight, is all naturally operated by a company's logistics. By definition, logistics is coordinating and managing the transport of your specific goods from your warehouse to the consumer. In order to find the most cost-efficient method for doing this, you need to sit down and consider what is most streamlined and best for your company.

Most of the profit comes from the time between when a product has been completely manufactured and when that same product is purchased by the consumer. The shorter this process is, the more money you make. However, the same goes for the opposite; the longer this takes, the less profit you gain. In order to coordinate these freight transportation services, you need to concentrate on logistics in order to create a logical plan of action. If your company is large enough, you can form a logistics team to make decisions on this process. In all, the full logistics plan for freight transportation will include bringing the inventory from the company to the freight transportation company, and from the freights to the consumer, or ending client. In order to keep this process coordinated, a database system will needed in order to watch over all of the inventory, inventory levels will need to be monitored to be aware of surplus or shortage, and noticing the cost and discovering the most cost-efficient method for storing and transporting goods. All parts of this process must be carefully controlled.

To find the best freight transportation services for your company's money is another responsibility for a logistics team. The team must obtain crucial freight rate quotes and look to keep them extremely low. Since the deregulation of the truck industry by the government, management has generally been made much easier. Communication errors have been reduced due to improvements in technology in tracking and general communication.

The last main responsibility for freight transportation services is to ensure transportation times are accurate. Trust is important to companies as far as accurate shipment times go. While organization is a key factor, quick shipment ability is just as important. Accurate prediction due to improved highways and interstates now exists, resulting in a better service experience for the consumer and your company, as well as the freight transportation company.

Monday, October 25, 2010

A Rundown On Logistics Vs Transportation

Just lately, truckers and shipping companies have begun adapting logistics as part of their business operation. This raises the question then as to which service to avail of when sending goods. Should one go for logistics or transportation companies?

Whether one chooses logistics over transportation, the answer will have no difference. See, even transport companies employ logistics to their business operations. Both indeed must go hand in hand in order to achieve secure and efficient delivery goo

Friday, October 22, 2010

The Annual Transport Logistic Exhibition in Munich Guide

The Munich Trade Fair Centre will see an influx of visitors between the 12th and 15th of May 2009 with the upcoming international exhibition for logistics, telematics and transport. This years Transport Logistics Exhibition had attracted over 1,500 exhibitors from 57 different countries who were left impressed with the platform's magnetism drawing almost 47,000 trade visitors from 118 countries. The 2009 Annual Transport Logistic Exhibition is expected to be an even bigger success.

The Transport Logistics expo has played the role of the world's largest exhibition for the transport, logistics and telematics sector. The event also acts as a meeting ground for highly influential giants in the industry who contribute innovative products and provide solutions to industry issues.

The highlights of this much talked about event are both the huge spectrum of exhibits that it has on offer as well as the presence of an audience full of international professionals and market leaders. While the fair has an essential purpose of presenting practical solutions to the transportation's complex sector, it also opens out the huge network of transport systems, telematics and logistics under one roof.

The venue, the Munich Trade centre is well equipped with modern technological infrastructure and is known for its flexibility and state-of-the-art presentation technology that ensures exhibitors and visitors of a pleasant experience with no inconveniences.

Both exhibitors and visitors need to worry about transportation hassles as Munich is in the heart of Europe and has excellent infrastructure that ensures easy and quick accessibility. The Munich Airport is at a distance of thirty minutes by car from the venue, while the Hauptbahnhof Main Railway Station connects to the Trade centre via an underground system and is a twenty minute journey. Munich is known for its efficient local public transport system, making transportation the last thing that could create problems for visitors to the Annual Transport Logistic Exhibition in the city.

Accommodation is also well-cared for by the city of Munich which has a wide range of hotels and guesthouses providing visitors with different options in terms of both luxury and cost. While the city is full of functional, service oriented and budget friendly hotels, it is also home to internationally known luxurious five star hotels like the Le Meridien and the Mandarin Oriental.

The Transport Logistic Exhibition has been a preferred destination for hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors as a result of the infallible reputation it has built over the years. The event has seen many exhibitors coming back to launch new products and diversify as well as develop their customer base. The fair has also seen tremendous growth in numerical terms. No wonder then, that it has seen rapid bookings for its upcoming May 2009 fair by loyal and new exhibitors who now have a chance of combining work with leisure in the beautifully sophisticated city of Munich!

A Guide to the Ship and Port Qatar Exhibition

The Ship and Port Qatar Exhibition is expected to create waves of success in the Middle East and Asia between the 5th and 7th of May 2009 at the Qatar International Exhibition Centre, Doha. Being the third International Ship Building, Port and Marine Technology Exhibition and Conference for these regions, the event has slowly yet successfully made a name for itself in the international markets.

The exhibition will be customized to cater to international manufacturers who are looking into entering the fast growing and demanding markets of the Middle Eastern Regions. An essential factor that defines this event is that it is open only to trade visitors, thus ensuring exhibitors' interaction with genuine visitors.

The Ship and Port Qatar event will act as a platform for exhibitors who can display their latest innovations and offer their updated services to the eastern markets. Exhibitors also get a chance to foray into new markets via a trusted platform that has an enormous network of visitors including key decision makers with high purchasing power.

While it would not be true to say that Doha's infrastructure meets the standard of other global cities, it would be unfair to call it inefficient. Connected to the world by the Doha international Airport which is Qatar's only international airport; Doha is known for its excellent road network and has an extensive bus system. However, the preferred mode of transportation is usually taxis and cars which shuttle from the airport to the Qatar International Exhibition Centre as well as take visitors around the city at reasonable rates.

Also, the city of Doha is home to some renowned hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott and Ramada Plaza, providing international citizens with world-class luxury. Visitors who prefer more cost friendly alternatives need not worry as Doha also has hotels starting at low-prices yet ensuring prompt services and facilities.

Testament to its genuine services, diverse market power and positive response, 96% of previous exhibitors from the 2007 event have confirmed their comeback as participants in the next event scheduled for 2009. Earlier exhibitors were left speechless with the high-quality visitors that attended the event and with the local business potential which the event was capable of offering. Several satisfied exhibitors claimed that the Ship and Port Qatar expo was their best experience in Middle East maritime exhibitions.

Friday, October 15, 2010

What Is Logistics?

For many years, there was no such thing as a specialized logistics position at most companies. However, once businesses starting shipping their products outside of their regions, logistics becomes a major part of the company. People who work in logistics need to be creative in terms of trying to keep costs down for the company as well as figuring out quick and easy ways for companies to alert suppliers when they need more products Barcode labels and laser printer labels have really made life easier for those in logistics. Now, when a product's code is scanned it can alert the supplier immediately that one unit has been sold/left the retailer or company. Keeping up with how many codes have been scanned helps forecast when a new shipment will be needed and how fast the units are leaving the retailer or company. All of this and more is part of the job of someone working in logistics.

Most business schools today offer specialized degrees in logistics and transportation of goods. The degree involves the usual business curriculum with an emphasis on looking at numbers and cost of transportation as well as how to make the whole system more effective. Those studying this type of degree need to be able to help companies cost cuts and be as reliable as possible to the people they supply their products to, not only for their own sake, but for the retailer or other business they are selling to as well. Logistics involves forecasting in terms of when a company's clients will need more products. Now, students also have to learn about various laws involving products and transportation outside of the U.S. This is a new realm for students as companies continue expanding their companies around the globe.

An example of the job of someone in logistics would be working for a cola company to get the cola product to the grocery stores across the nation and in some cases around the world. The cola company wants to get their product to the selected grocery stores as quickly and efficiently as possible so as to avoid stock-outs. A person working in logistics would figure out how to transport the product for a little as possible, the timing on the shipping of the cola (because if done too late, then there is the risk of a stock out), and to figure out the best way for grocery stores to let the cola company know when they need more product.

Logistics has become an important part of American companies even since shipping across not only the country, but also across the globe began. It is important for everyone to understand the importance of logistics as our economy becomes much more global. Businesses in the United States are just now really starting to expand globally, which will include much more work for those in logistics. It will be quite the challenge for those in the field to adapt to the global market with all of the different transportation laws and regulations that will be in effect. One thing is for certain; however, the future of logistics looks to be very bright.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Transportation and Logistics Software - What Are Its Advantages?

But while 3PL and logistics software function in the same capacity, the latter has two basic advantages over the former, beginning with price differential.

Price Differential

Level of Control

Friday, October 8, 2010

6 Parenting Tips on Special Education Law and Transportation

Are you the parent of a child with autism or a physical disability that needs transportation? Do you wonder what the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states is the schools responsibility, to provide transportation for your child? This article will discuss what IDEA requires as far as transportation for your child with a disability. Also discussed are parenting tips that you can use, to help your child receive this important service.

Under IDEA transportation is considered a related service. A related service is transportation, developmental, corrective, and other services. . .as may be required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education. . .
What this means is that if your child requires transportation in order to benefit from their education, special education personnel are required to provide it.

Parenting Tips:

1. When advocating for your child, remember that; transportation not only means to and from school, but also in and around the school building, and any specialized equipment required by your child.

2. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prevents discrimination on the basis of disability. The law reads: No qualified student shall on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any . . .transportation. . .or activity.

For Example: Your child with a physical disability is not allowed to go on a field trip, because the class cannot get the wheelchair bus. This would be a section 504 complaint, because your child is being discriminated against, on the basis of their disability. I have dealt with this situation, and the school district usually quickly fixes the transportation problem, if you tell them that you may file a Section 504 complaint. Section 504 is covered by the Office of Civil Rights in Washington, though each state has at least one office.

3. If your child requires an assistant in the classroom then you may be able to get a bus assistant, if your child's disability requires it. The goal of transportation as a related service is to provide safe access to education. So if your child needs a bus assistant in order to get safely to school, school personnel are required to provide it.

4. If your school district is not providing needed transportation for your child, you can be reimbursed, for providing the transportation yourself. Make sure that your child's IEP, states that they need transportation as a related service, and that you will be reimbursed.

A district may also be required to reimburse parents where:

A. Transportation is needed to provide FAPE and the district fails to meet its obligation.
B. The district doesn't recognize the need for transportation.
C. The district makes inadequate provisions for transportation.

5. If your child's extracurricular activity is related to their IEP goals and objectives, then transportation must be given. For Example: If your child has autism and needs to work on social skills, they can gain that from extra curricular activities. In that case transportation needs to be given by your school district.

6. School districts are not allowed to shorten your child's school day due to transportation. Unfortunately it happens all the time, and you may have to stand up to special education personnel for the good of your child.