News & Highlights
Written by CSCMP Corporate Member Brian Kempisty of Port X Logistics.
The coronavirus pandemic both created new problems and highlighted existing issues across the supply chain. This has been especially evident at the ports. Unrelenting port congestion — coupled with equipment shortages — has made importing goods an irritating headache at best and an expensive nightmare at worst.
Navigating today’s supply chain woes is not impossible, but it does require a new approach. Companies that have historically treated drayage and other inland transportation services as an afterthought will need to shift this mindset in order to survive in the current maritime environment.
Written by CSCMP Corporate Member Matt Lucey, VP of Contingency Services at FHI.
It’s not news anymore that warehousing and logistics operations are struggling to attract, hire and retain associates. It was a difficult task pre-COVID-19 that’s become next to impossible in some regions of the country where multiple facilities are located in close proximity to each other.
To help these warehousing operations catch up—and catch their breath—there is a solution: contingency labor services. This approach deploys teams of experienced associates and managers who help stabilize an operation by supporting rapid growth temporary needs, or seasonal volume. Engaging a contingency team, such as those provided by FHI, to augment an existing workforce allows an operation’s management to refocus and address other issues.
Written by CSCMP Corporate Member Erminio Di Paola, Vice President of Product Management at HERE Technologies.
The growth of eCommerce and supply chains has resulted in the need for more warehouses worldwide. Costs are rising, as well. This means operating efficient, productive warehouses and distribution centers is more important now than ever before. Asset tracking can help reduce costs, boost warehouse efficiency and improve productivity. Location-powered asset tracking can help optimize your warehouses and distribution centers. Some of the key uses are indoor tracking, asset utilization, and enhancing digital twins.
According to the April Logistics Manager’s Index Report®, the overall index came in at 69.7. While this represents a significant rate of growth and exceeds the all-time average of 65.3, it is down significantly from March’s all-time high of 76.2. This reading marks the first time since January 2021 that the overall index has come in lower than 70.0 – ending the streak of consecutive readings over 70 at 14. This dip is largely due to changes in the transportation market, which has softened significantly given decreased consumer demand and high diesel prices encouraging more efficient shipping.
Despite the slowdown, respondents are predicting a future growth rate of 67.8 over the next 12 months, down from March’s future prediction of 70.2.