As October 1 approaches, most supply chain eyes will be turned toward Washington to see what Congress does about the transportation spending bill scheduled to expire on that date. By now, most of us are aware of our deteriorating infrastructure and the billions of dollars it will take to bring highways and bridges up to […]
The June issue of Maxim magazine ran an ad placed by a San Antonio law firm which had a picture of the front of an over the road tractor with the tagline, “Serial Killer”. Below the photo the ad stated “3561 people died on America’s highways last year. Another 2.36 million were injured. You need […]
For several decades the rates for less than truckload shipments have been based on “classes” published in the National Motor Freight Classification. There are 18 of these classes, ranging from Class 50, the lowest rates to Class 500 which are the highest. In 1983, the Interstate Commerce Commission mandated that these classes should be […]
So said Captain Kirk when he wanted to make a quick trip between the starship Enterprise and a nearby planet. When you think about this logically, it sounds a little ridiculous, doesn’t it? But maybe not……For the past two years, the concept of 3D printing has been getting an increasing amount of press in […]
If you haven’t read Walter Isaacson’s superb biography of Steve Jobs, you owe it to yourself to do so. It is a fascinating account of a brilliant personality who at a young age demonstrated to the world how to connect creativity and innovation with technology. He was often difficult and unreasonable; and according to one […]
Several times yearly, Verinder Syal, a Chicago marketing consultant, publishes a very informative newsletter on marketing innovations and techniques. One of his best from 2013, contained a summary of The Art of Customer Service, taken from the book, Reality Check: The Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition, by Guy Kawasaki. Kawasaki was one […]
When the most recent transportation bill (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, or MAP – 21), was passed in 2012, the Department of Transportation was tasked with developing rules that would require the use of electronic logging devices (ELD) in all commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce. The primary purpose of these rules […]
As Supply Chain professionals we are continually evaluating options and alternatives for the transactional activities we have responsibility. We all know someone who seems to know everyone in industry. Network development is more than having lunch, sharing personal information or exchanging contact information. An effective networker works hard at reinforcing the value of the relationships […]
If current trends continue, The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service could very likely place over the road truck drivers on the list of endangered species. There probably is no one in our industry today that is unaware of the shortage of drivers in the country. At least once a week the trade press reminds us […]
On February 26, President Obama unveiled a $302 billion, four year infrastructure improvement plan designed to fund necessary modernization and repair projects in the country, as well as provide a much needed increase in employment. Of course, the source of the funding is a major concern and many are skeptical about the ability of Congress […]