10 tips for tough times

Everybody is looking for ways to cut costs right now. But it's not always easy for logistics and DC managers to come up with fresh ideas.

Hyster Co. says it can help. The lifttruck manufacturer has posted a booklet on its Web site that presents 10 strategies for managing material handling costs. Each of the tips includes a quickscan list of steps you can take, followed by a paragraph explaining the potential benefits.

Areas where you may "strike gold" include energy costs, safety and insurance, equipment financing and taxes, purchasing and contracts, and maintenance.

Some of the suggestions will be nothing new to managers, but the lineup includes plenty of "gee, I never thought of that" ideas, such as renegotiating insurance coverage or taking advantage of municipal, state, and federal tax breaks for job creation, energy efficiency, and the like.

Download the free booklet here.