Table of Contents: February 2010
Supply Chain Execution Software: Does your software need a tune-up?
Spiraling costs and order fulfillment delays may be signs that your supply chain software needs some attention.
Spiraling costs and order fulfillment delays may be signs that your supply chain software needs some attention.
transportation report: Truckers, rails looking to share the load
After decades of sometimes bitter rivalry, truckers and railroads are now teaming up to market an expanding array of joint intermodal services.
After decades of sometimes bitter rivalry, truckers and railroads are now teaming up to market an expanding array of joint intermodal services.
Conveyors: Conveyor makers say worst is behind them
After a dismal 2009, makers of conveying and sortation systems believe a modest recovery is under way. In the meantime, look for great deals on equipment.
After a dismal 2009, makers of conveying and sortation systems believe a modest recovery is under way. In the meantime, look for great deals on equipment.
thought leaders: IWLA chief unfazed by recession's challengesA slumping economy didn't stop Joel Anderson from boosting the group's membership, finances in 2009. Now, he's looking to build on that success.
Outsourcing: Contract changes could stop 3PL "savings leakage"
When the savings from their outsourcing arrangements taper off, shippers often blame the provider. They'd do better to look at their contracts.
When the savings from their outsourcing arrangements taper off, shippers often blame the provider. They'd do better to look at their contracts.
Voices
Basic Training: In boom times or bust, "green" is smart business
It's not easy being green during a slowdown, but that's likely what it'll take to stay in the game.
It's not easy being green during a slowdown, but that's likely what it'll take to stay in the game.
Big Picture: A look back on 30 years of deregulation
Despite some casualties, deregulation of the rail and trucking industries has proved an unarguable success.
Despite some casualties, deregulation of the rail and trucking industries has proved an unarguable success.
Techwatch: Software developer working on "crystal ball for rates"
Transportation technology company says new model predicts truckload rates by lane a month out.
Transportation technology company says new model predicts truckload rates by lane a month out.
Outbound: EPA's carbon decision a clear case of backdoor regulation
By declaring carbon dioxide to be an air pollutant under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has granted itself the authority to embark on a sweeping regulatory initiative—whether Congress approves of the idea or not.
By declaring carbon dioxide to be an air pollutant under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has granted itself the authority to embark on a sweeping regulatory initiative—whether Congress approves of the idea or not.
Inbound
MHIA releases hoist manual, monorail standards
Trade group offers technical bulletins to the industry free of charge.
Trade group offers technical bulletins to the industry free of charge.
CSCMP unveils new membership classes
New to the field? Between jobs? Working overseas? The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals has a special membership option for you.
New to the field? Between jobs? Working overseas? The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals has a special membership option for you.
Cold-ironing to have electrifying effect on California port
APL's switch to electrified berths at Port of Oakland expected to cut vessel emissions by 50,000 pounds a year.
APL's switch to electrified berths at Port of Oakland expected to cut vessel emissions by 50,000 pounds a year.
Newsworthy
YRC agrees to fifth extension of tender offer
LTL sees progress in acceptance rate for debt-for-equity swap.
LTL sees progress in acceptance rate for debt-for-equity swap.
YRC seen making progress in getting equity deal done
Trucker says it has received provisional approval for proposed debt-equity swap from lenders, but details, outlook remain murky.
Trucker says it has received provisional approval for proposed debt-equity swap from lenders, but details, outlook remain murky.
Transplace to be acquired by private equity firm
Third-party logistics service specialist says deal will provide capital needed for expansion.
Third-party logistics service specialist says deal will provide capital needed for expansion.
YRC extends debt tender offer to Monday; exchange appears to make progress
New deadline for debt-for-equity swap is today.
New deadline for debt-for-equity swap is today.
YRC extends tender offer
Amid growing concerns over customer defections, troubled LTL carrier pushes back debt-for-equity swap deadline.
Amid growing concerns over customer defections, troubled LTL carrier pushes back debt-for-equity swap deadline.
DHS to enforce security rules for chemical storage and distribution
If you're involved in the storage, transportation, or distribution of chemicals, the Department of Homeland Security says it's time to comply with security regulations.
If you're involved in the storage, transportation, or distribution of chemicals, the Department of Homeland Security says it's time to comply with security regulations.
Cass freight index declines in December
After strong showing in November, monthly shipping index ends year with a slide.
After strong showing in November, monthly shipping index ends year with a slide.
U.S. manufacturing picks up steam
Institute for Supply Management's factory index rose in December to its highest level since April 2006.
Institute for Supply Management's factory index rose in December to its highest level since April 2006.
DHL seen "very close" to Wilmington air park deal
DHL said to be winding up negotiations to donate the abandoned air park to Ohio county.
DHL said to be winding up negotiations to donate the abandoned air park to Ohio county.
UPS to revamp U.S. small-package business, lay off 1,800
Transportation giant says restructuring will not result in closure of any U.S. operating facilities.
Transportation giant says restructuring will not result in closure of any U.S. operating facilities.
Container import volumes rise after 30-month decline
December Port Tracker report shows first year-over-year gains in retail container traffic since mid-2007.
December Port Tracker report shows first year-over-year gains in retail container traffic since mid-2007.
Wal-Mart to cut produce supplier base
Retailer to consolidate fruit, vegetable suppliers in bid to reduce global supply chain costs.
Retailer to consolidate fruit, vegetable suppliers in bid to reduce global supply chain costs.
YRC to shippers: Got freight? Get a coupon!
Trucker offers discount coupons to customers in bid to stimulate business in difficult market.
Trucker offers discount coupons to customers in bid to stimulate business in difficult market.
Supply chain begins mobilizing to help Haiti
American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) offers members' support for disaster relief efforts following devastating earthquake.
American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) offers members' support for disaster relief efforts following devastating earthquake.
Rail volumes projected to rise
Consulting group predicts rail carloads will begin to grow in first quarter, after plunging to 22-year low in 2009.
Consulting group predicts rail carloads will begin to grow in first quarter, after plunging to 22-year low in 2009.
How you can help Haiti relief efforts
As many as 1.5 million people have been left homeless by last Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti. If you—or you company—would like to donate services or supplies, a new message from the American Logistics Aid Network explains how the supply chain community can help.
As many as 1.5 million people have been left homeless by last Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti. If you—or you company—would like to donate services or supplies, a new message from the American Logistics Aid Network explains how the supply chain community can help.
DHL transfers ownership of Wilmington airport to Ohio county; formal announcement to come tomorrow
Agreement caps nearly a year of complex negotiations, paves way for planned redevelopment of abandoned site.
Agreement caps nearly a year of complex negotiations, paves way for planned redevelopment of abandoned site.
Former DOT head: "Cap and trade" dead following Brown's Senate election
Measure was almost dead before election, says James Burnley. "Now we can remove the 'almost.'"
Measure was almost dead before election, says James Burnley. "Now we can remove the 'almost.'"
Leading economist sees solid growth in first half; tailing off in second half
Inventory rebuilding and government stimulus programs will buoy economy in the near term, economist tells SMC³ winter meeting in Atlanta.
Inventory rebuilding and government stimulus programs will buoy economy in the near term, economist tells SMC³ winter meeting in Atlanta.
Pallets cause of recent Tylenol recall?
Johnson & Johnson cites contaminated wood pallets as possible cause of musty odor that triggered health complaints.
Johnson & Johnson cites contaminated wood pallets as possible cause of musty odor that triggered health complaints.
Shippers balk at "emergency" surcharge
Members of an Asian shipper group are up in arms over trans-Pacific ocean carriers' new "emergency revenue charge."
Members of an Asian shipper group are up in arms over trans-Pacific ocean carriers' new "emergency revenue charge."
One year on, shippers have yet to feel pain of DHL's exit
Bad economy has kept rates escalations in check.
Bad economy has kept rates escalations in check.
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