Articles | June 2011

Feature Stories

Full Circle: Reverse Logistics Keeps Products Green to the End

Green reverse logistics strategies to reuse, refurbish, and recycle products and raw materials not only benefit the environment, but also save money and increase profits.

Career Solutions: Working Smarter

Advanced logistics and supply chain education brings rewards such as greater job satisfaction, the potential for promotion, and a salary uptick.

Green on the Ground

When looking for environmental sustainability solutions, which ground transport mode -- truck or rail -- is greener?

The Rail/Ag Connection: An American Revival

As U.S. railroads and agricultural businesses embark on a new era of relevance, they are encountering new opportuniteis working together, and old grievances working apart.

Case Studies

I.T. Toolkit

When Just Enough Goes All the Way

In the midst of organizational change, furniture retailer Design Within Reach upgrades its demand forecasting and replenishment system to better control inventory.

Reader Profile

Jennifer Burkhardt: What's Brewing?

Jennifer Burkhardt, transportation manager of the specialty coffee business at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, takes charge of all movements into and out of the company’s manufacturing and distribution sites.

Commentary

3PL Line: Third-Party Logistics PerspectivesJohn Rodeheffer

Does Your 3PL Provide ‘Golden Rule’ Customer Service?

John Rodeheffer of Zipline Logistics outlines how to find a 3PL that delivers "Golden Rule" customer service: who treat others as they want to be treated, with honest and transparent communication.

Carriers Corner: Air, Ocean, Rail, Road TopicsSimon Kaye

Ports Plug In: Electronic Tracking Tools Create Smooth Sailing for Ocean Cargo

Most ports today compete globally with one another and reflect tremendous productivity gains in ocean transport achieved in recent decades. Simon Kaye of Jaguar Freight offers tips on choosing a port with electronic and data processing sophistication.

Checking InFelecia Stratton

For the Love of the Green

Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton questions whether the green consumer phenomenon is a fad – and what it means for supply chain and logistics sustainability initiatives.

IT Matters: Logistics & Supply Chain TechnologySteve Ford

Rallying CFO Support for Your Supply Chain Initiatives

Steve Ford, CFO of TradeCard, outlines strategies for enlisting your chief financial officer’s support for supply chain initiatives.

How-To

Ten Tips

Managing Fresh Produce Shipments

Shipping fresh produce requires quick movement through the supply chain to prevent product spoilage. C.H. Robinson’s general managers, Gary York, Bob Biesterfeld, and Mark Petersen, provide advice for managing produce shipments.