Logistics Management (Highlands Ranch, CO) articles from September 2005

Logistics Management (Highlands Ranch, CO) archives from September 2005

The fuel crisis has prompted truckers to launch a campaign for Congressional action.(Management UPDATE: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... The fuel crisis has prompted truckers to launch a campaign for Congressional action. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has initiated the National Fuel Price Crisis Watch, a campaign to "put a face on the problem" that the rapid rise in...

The Teamsters have come out swinging against the revised HOS rules.(Management UPDATE: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... The union believes that the recently modified hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for truck drivers will increase the potential for deadly accidents by forcing drivers to spend more hours on the road than they do now. Two years ago, the Bush...

Expect to see a new type of security seal on inspected containers.(Management UPDATE: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began using bolt-type seals early last month. After a container undergoes a physical inspection, Customs officers will apply the seals, which are compliant with the International Organization for...

Midwest shippers will have another option for routing their Asian imports.(Management UPDATE: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Three railroads are working together to provide an intermodal service that connects the Mexican port of Lazaro Cardenas and Kansas City. The Kansas City Southern Railway, Transportacion Ferroviaria Mexicana (TFM), and The Texas Mexican Railway...

West Coast port congestion has pushed one ocean carrier eastward.(Management UPDATE: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Tokyo-based logistics and ocean transportation company Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) said it plans to operate the first direct container service between Jacksonville, Fla., and Asia. MOL cited congestion and price inefficiencies at California ports...

A new book delves into how RFID will change supply chains.(Management UPDATE: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) has published Breakthrough Connective Technology: How RFID and Other Applications are Revolutionizing the Supply Chain. The book was written by Pete Abell, a co-founder of the RFID...

If rural roads seem more crowded lately, you're not imagining things.(Management UPDATE: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... According to the Federal Highway Administration, traffic on rural interstate highways increased 36 percent between 1992 and 2002, significantly higher than the 25-percent increase in traffic on urban interstates during that period. Traffic...

What's the largest cold storage company in North America?(Management UPDATE: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... The International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) says that Atlas Cold Storage, with 219 million cubic feet of gross refrigerated space, holds first place among its member companies in North America. The next-largest provider of...

Steamship lines should start looking over their shoulders at parcel carriers, according to IBM Business Consulting Services.(Management UPDATE: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Steamship lines should start looking over their shoulders at parcel carriers, according to IBM Business Consulting Services. In its report, "Setting a New Course in the Container Shipping Industry," IBM's researchers say that the greatest...

"Don't put all your eggs in the China basket.".(Management UPDATE: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... That warning comes from Julian Keeling, president of airfreight wholesaler Consolidators International. Speaking at the Trans-Pacific Air Cargo Conference, Keeling chastised the air cargo community for "being hypnotized by China." Although the...

If North American trade is an important part of your business, consider attending the BorderTrade Alliance's 2005 Conference and Trade Show, which will take place October 13 and 14 in San Antonio, Texas.(Management UPDATE: AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... If North American trade is an important part of your business, consider attending the BorderTrade Alliance's 2005 Conference and Trade Show, which will take place October 13 and 14 in San Antonio, Texas. The conference will look at the impact...

Man with a mission.(VIEWPOINT)
September 1, 2005... If you're not jumping out of your chair to continue--or begin--your cargo security efforts after reading the article about Carrier Corp.'s Mexican subsidiary on Page 49, you'd better do a little soul searching to make sure you're in the right...

Truckload carriers reported an unexpected 0.2% drop in average prices charged in July.(TRUCKING)
September 1, 2005... Truckload carriers reported an unexpected 0.2% drop in average prices charged in July. Could this be a signal that capacity has finally started to loosen up and the driver shortage has begun to moderate? We won't know until we see a string of...

The impact of soaring fuel costs is being felt in the airfeight business.(AIR)
September 1, 2005... The impact of soaring fuel costs is being felt in the airfeight business. With crude oil prices heading toward $80 a barrel, U.S. refiners pumped up the average wholesale price of jet fuel in July by 56.4% from year-ago levels. Average prices...

Surveys of U.S.-based barge and containership companies show that the average price for water transportation services increased 0.5% in July, nearly reversing June's 0.6% price cut.(WATER)
September 1, 2005... Surveys of U.S.-based barge and containership companies show that the average price for water transportation services increased 0.5% in July, nearly reversing June's 0.6% price cut. After a 3.4% price hike in May, companies that ship freight on...

Bad news from the Bureau of Labor Statistics about coverage of rail prices: We will continue to receive intermodal and carload price data, but the carload detail on the various commodities being hauled has been eliminated from the survey.(RAIL)
September 1, 2005... Bad news from the Bureau of Labor Statistics about coverage of rail prices: We will continue to receive intermodal and carload price data, but the carload detail on the various commodities being hauled has been eliminated from the survey. Our...

Shippers brace for higher fuel surcharges this fall: the average shipper now pays fuel surcharges of 13.3 percent and expects to pay 18.2 percent by autumn.(NEwS & ANALYSIS)
September 1, 2005... WALTHAM, Mass.--Frustrated with rising oil prices and seeing no relief in sight, the vast majority of shippers anticipates that diesel fuel surcharges will rise substantially this autumn. A remarkable 90 percent of the 893 readers who...

The top 10 sources of ocean imports.(News Capsule)
September 1, 2005... The United States imports more goods (in terms of value) from China by ocean than from any other country. (millions of U.S. dollars) China $149,071 Japan $92,149 Germany ...

FMCSA makes minimal changes to HOS rules.(REGULATION)
September 1, 2005... WASHINGTON--Shippers and motor carriers will know soon whether public safety groups will mount a court challenge to the latest revision of the hours-of-service (HOS) rules for truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration...

Hurricane disrupts service in all modes.(EMERGENCY RESPONSE)
September 1, 2005... WALTHAM, Mass.--In the days following Hurricane Katrina's rampage through the U.S. Gulf Coast, it became clear that disruptions to freight transportation will have an enormous impact on the U.S. economy for months, if not years, to come....

Carriers look to IT to rein in costs.(TECHNOLOGY)
September 1, 2005... NEW YORK--Transportation and warehousing companies spent $30 billion on information technology (IT) and telecom expenditures during 2004, according to new research from Frost & Sullivan. The report, "IT and Telecom Spending Trends within the...

Mergers continue: Hapag-Lloyd to buy CP Ships.(MARITIME)
September 1, 2005... TORONTO--Ocean shippers could have fewer shipping options if German liner company Hapag-Lloyd merges with CP Ships Ltd. of Toronto. Last month, Hapag-Lloyd's parent, TUI AG of Hannover, Germany, offered to buy the Canadian ocean carrier for...

For the record.(NEWS & ANALYSIS)
September 1, 2005... In the Third-Party Logistics section of the 2005 Quest for Quality (August 2005, "All-Star 3PLs," Page 57) the name of UTi Integrated Logistics was incorrect in the table and in the text. Logistics Management regrets the error. In the...

3PLs are seeking profits over growth.(OUTSOURCING)
September 1, 2005... DEDHAM, Mass.--A recent study indicates that third-party logistics (3PL) companies are starting to focus on profitable growth rather than on revenue growth. ARC Advisory Group in Dedham, Mass., canvassed 20 third parties for its report,...

Toyota Material Handling U.S.A.(NEW SERVICES)
September 1, 2005... Lift-truck maker Toyota Material Handling U.S.A. has opened a new National Customer Center at its manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ind. The $11 million NCC features a 360-degree showroom, a theater for customized presentations, a 120-seat...

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.(NEW SERVICES)
September 1, 2005... Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, a global logistics service provider, now offers domestic door-to-door service that is fully integrated with its international offerings. The domestic service will be supported by a newly created National Service...

Pinnacle Engineering.(NEW SERVICES)
September 1, 2005... Materials handling safety audits now offered by Pinnacle Engineering assess risks and identify opportunities for greater efficiency and savings through improved safety. The audits cover personnel, product, facilities, and materials handling...

General Freight Services.(NEW SERVICES)
September 1, 2005... General Freight Services, a third-party provider of road, rail, and specialized transportation services, has relaunched its brand in conjunction with a number of new investments in personnel, operations, and technology. The brokerage and...

APX Logistics.(NEW SERVICES)
September 1, 2005... SelectShip service from APX Logistics offers savings of up to 23 percent for businesses that ship between 100 and 500 packages per day. The business-to-consumer package delivery company serves any U.S. residence with no delivery-area surcharges...

Datebook.(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... Sep. 25-27. NASSTRAC Fall 2005 Conference. Baltimore. NASSTRAC. 952-442-8850 or www.nasstrac.org Sep. 27-29. Frontline Solutions Conference and Exposition. Chicago. Advanstar Communications, www.frontlineexpo.com or 212-398-9680 Oct....

Pay special attention to pictorial precautionary marks.(Bohman on PRICING)
September 1, 2005... If your freight requires special handling or stowage, you'll want to become familiar with National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) Item 682. This rule, titled "Pictorial Precautionary Markings," requires that one or more of the pictorial...

RFID: unlocking high performance in supply chain planning.(Byrne on EXCELLENCE)
September 1, 2005... Most supply chain professionals are familiar with the basics of radio frequency identification (RFID). However, readers may not be aware that RFID is destined to play an increasingly vital role in highly strategic supply chain applications....

High-wire act: our 14th annual benchmarking survey finds shippers struggling to balance service excellence with cost control.(14TH ANNUAL LOGISTICS SURVEY)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2005... Logistics has become a sort of high-wire act. Logistics today are walking a tightrope, juggling competing demands for outstanding customer service and cost control while trying to avoid being knocked off their precarious perch by rising freight...

Partners in speed: partnering with an LTL carrier has helped Ames True Temper meet the tight timetables of its finicky retail customers.(TRANSPORTATION TRENDS)
September 1, 2005... Like most logisticians, Cindy Cline's job is to ensure a smooth, predictable flow of product, from raw materials to manufacturing plants to ocean carriers to inbound distribution centers, and finally to retail outlets. That's the plan, anyway....

New trends shape supply chain software market: the SCM space springs back to life as software vendors respond to buyers' changing needs.
September 1, 2005... Supply chain software vendors are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but now it's up to them to maximize the opportunity by turning out the best-of-breed solutions that today's businesses are seeking. After watching sales...

Taking the high road to C-TPAT: Carrier Corp.'s Mexican division is following a rigorous path to earn C-TPAT membership. Its approach provides a model for security compliance programs.(GLOBAL LOGISTICS)
September 1, 2005... Just about now, a team of inspectors will be touring the Monterrey plant of Carrier Mexico, S.A. de C.V., one of North America's largest manufacturers of air conditioning units for shopping malls, supermarkets, and factories. The inspectors are...

Round 'em up! Yard management systems can help logistics managers control the area outside their dock doors.(SUPPLY CHAIN TECHNOLOGY)
September 1, 2005... It may not be as widely used as its cousins, transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management sys tems (WMS), but yard management software (YMS) is coming into its own as shippers look for something more sophisticated than a pad...

The latest in lift trucks: durability, ergonomics, and maneuverability are high on manufacturers' priority lists this year.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... The last year has been a busy one for lift-truck suppliers, with manufacturers introducing many new models. Counter-balanced trucks have received the most attention, with stockpickers, pallet trucks, and reach trucks also sporting new or...

Omni-directional lift truck optimizes maneuverability.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... MODEL: SIDEWINDER ATX-3000 New omni-directional technology allows this truck to travel in all directions, even in tight spaces where turning is impossible. Four independently driven wheels with polyurethane-coated rollers rotate freely to...

Pneumatic-tire trucks improve comfort.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... MODEL: P3000-P7000 A new series of pneumatic-tire lift trucks is designed to improve operator comfort and productivity. The full-suspension seat provides a comfortable ride while an elastic comfort strap reduces the risk of cinching, even...

Three-wheel truck cuts repair costs.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... MODEL: TMX Built for use in manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing applications, this truck is AC-powered, eliminating the need to replace or service brushes. The three-wheeled, counter-balanced model is available in capacities from...

Stockpicker boosts operator stability.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... MODEL: SP 3400 SERIES These stockpickers promise smooth acceleration, plugging, braking, and travel speeds of up to 7.5 miles per hour. The frame and mast are designed for extra stability at all heights, says the manufacturer. The trucks...

Upgrades improve reliability, cut costs.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... MODEL: FORTIS H40-7OFT Sit-down, counterbalanced, pneumatic-tire lift trucks lower the cost of operation while exceeding standards for dependability, productivity, and ergonomics, says the manufacturer. With capacities ranging from...

Compact truck allows one-handed operation.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... MODEL: EKS 314 AC technology extends this truck's performance with low energy consumption, and further cuts energy costs with a regenerative lowering and braking design. The truck handles loads weighing up to 3,000 pounds and reaches...

Three-wheel truck maximizes battery life.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... MODEL: RX 50-16 A three-wheel, rear-drive electric lift truck offers excellent maneuverability and flexibility in high-density warehousing and indoor/outdoor applications. The truck's variable wheelbase operation optimizes traction, travel...

Low-emission truck performs in style.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... MODEL: N-GENERATION The N-Generation line of forklifts has been redesigned for a more contemporary appearance and to optimize efficiency. The trucks are available in eight different models, with three fuel configurations and capacities...

Pallet truck for specialized environments.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... MODEL: SPN SERIES A redesign of this center-control pallet truck, available in 6,000- and 8,000-pound capacities, has increased efficiency and performance while adding a contemporary appearance. An environmental package makes the...

Bi-directional reach truck elevates productivity.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... MODEL: 7400 REACH-FORK The new bi-directional 7400 Reach-Fork truck promises to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase operator productivity. Its AC motor provides quicker acceleration, smoother direction changes, quieter and more...

Ergonomic electric pallet truck is easy to operate.(Lift Trucks: WAREHOUSE & DC)
September 1, 2005... MODEL: 7-SERIES Featuring an ergonomic control handle, mechanical chassis enhancements, and a soft-cushioned rider platform, these pallet trucks are designed to increase reliability, durability, and operator comfort. Larger-sized pull rods...

Trailer stand prevents tip-overs.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... The TS-2000 trailer stand from Rite-Hire is designed to prevent trailers from tipping over and landing gear from collapsing. The stand fits under the nose of "spotted" trailers to help support and prevent loading dock accidents. The...

Rough-surface label prevents adhesive "bleeding".(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... A label for rough, cast-metal surfaces avoids the adhesive "bleeding" that often prevents a clean dispensing process, says the manufacturer. This "BleedStop" system uses peel-off labels that prevent the unintentional transfer of adhesives to...

Fleet management software identifies cost savings.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... The AmeriQuest Fleet Management system, developed through a partnership between Richer Systems Group Inc. and AmeriQuest Transportation and Logistics Resources Corp., is targeted toward shippers that own and maintain their own trucks and...

Conveyor facilitates transfer of small items.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Dorner's new 7400 Series sanitary conveyors with a 1.5-inch diameter nose-bar transfer option provide a conveying solution for small food items and ingredients. The nose-bar transfer option is designed to eliminate the gap, or "valley," formed...

Hexagonal corrugated drums save space.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... According to the manufacturer, TCC Hex Drums provide a lower-cost alternative to plastic, metal, or fiber drums for handling various powders. The hexagonal, corrugated drums are designed to knock down flat, providing a ten-to-one space...

Waiting for the shoe to drop.(PARTING SHOT)
September 1, 2005... I'M NOT KNOWN FOR MY STOCK TIPS. But five years ago, I moved all of the money in my 401 K plan from stocks to bonds two weeks before the stock market tumbled. My fortuitous transfer of funds was precipitated by a report from a trucking...