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Your Supply Chain is Only as Strong as the Weakest Link: Leveraging the Talents of Your Internal Logistics Team

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013

 

By Brian Hamilton, HR Manager and Mike Challman, VP Operations

As the economic recovery continues, companies are, again, looking toward growth and expansion.  The years of stagnation or retrenchment, however, forced many chemical shippers to reduce staff and limit investment in associate development.  As a result, a growing gap now exists between business requirements and the ability to meet those needs with existing resources.  While partnering with a third party logistics provider (3PL) can help fill this void, chemical companies must also refocus on developing internal resources to manage internal controls and processes associated with supply chain management. 

The most effective 3PLs employ a variety of approaches to leverage talent within their organizations.  Outlined below are some of the critical methodologies used by ChemLogix that can be used to develop and retain your own internal logistic resources  

Cross-train, cross-pollinate and provide development opportunities
Supply chain management is a complex endeavor, one in which the various elements are strongly linked throughout an organization.  An associate in one department who has knowledge or experience of other areas can provide invaluable insight and perspective.  The best 3PLs provide associates with opportunities to train in, or transfer into, other areas of the organization. 

Associates at all levels of a 3PL organization are also given professional development opportunities to remain current on market trends and further their understanding of the logistics world. Not only is the supply chain discipline complicated; it is incredibly dynamic and fast-moving.  Technologies, regulations, market pressures and best practices are constantly updating.  3PLs and chemical shippers alike must ensure staff remains knowledgeable on changes while developing their expertise in the field.

Utilize a documented career path process and post all job openings internally
3PLs that can show talented associates a career path create value for everyone: the 3PL organization, itself, by leveraging home-grown talent; customers who receive the benefit of knowledgeable and enthusiastic associates at all levels of the support structure; and the associates themselves, who remain motivated to advance within the 3PL organization for the long term future.  Unless a confidentiality issue exists, a healthy 3PL organization posts every open position for internal associate review and application.  External hiring costs 1.7 times more than an internal hire; and research shows that as few as 40%-60% of external hires are successful versus 75% for internal candidates.  The 3PL with a successful internal hiring program also provides its customers with greater cost efficiency and more dependable support.   Chemical shippers can consider doing the same for every type of associated within its organization, not just those involved in the supply chain.

Establish a referral program that taps into the talented acquaintances of your talented associates
When an internal posting doesn’t yield candidates, your associates can still help fill positions.  A referral program with a monetary incentive turns associates into instant logistics recruiters.  The best professionals have large networks of talented contacts.  Studies show that candidates recommended by associates are more likely to succeed as most associates only recommend qualified candidates.  After all, his/her reputation is on the line, too. Employee referral programs are especially effective in cases of highly specialized positions that might be difficult to fill through conventional channels – not an uncommon situation with logistics roles.  The 3PL with an effective referral program will have a greater success rate with external hires.

Actively engage the two most important human elements of the supply chain – customers and associates
Successful3PLs have an appetite for continuous improvement and actively seek feedback about associates’ effectiveness directly from customers.  Customers know what valuable support looks like and they know what they need from a 3PL.  An open line of communication between the 3PL and client helps immeasurably to determine associate strengths and areas for improvement – on both sides.  Using this feedback, a 3PL and chemical shipper can improve its associate development programs. 

Management, from the most senior levels on down, should also be genuinely interested in listening to their own associates’ input.  Associates appreciate the opportunity to be heard.  Interaction should be both structured and unstructured as some of the most valuable exchanges can occur in the break room.

While today’s shippers need exceptional support from 3PL partners to respond rapidly and effectively to the new business opportunities that are emerging as we exit the Great Recession, retaining and developing internal resources remain important issues to implement successful supply chain strategies.   The 3PL that has embraced the value of associate development will be ready to provide critical support and responsiveness to its clients.  The same is true for the shipper who needs talented staff to work with a 3PL to get the most out of the partnership.

Posted in 3pl, Financial, General, intermodal, International, outsourcing, Transportation | No Comments »

Lasting Values: What Every Professional Should Bring on the Job

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

By Mike Challman, Vice President, North American Operations, CLX Logistics, LLC

When I was a younger man, I developed and, then, refined over the years a simple list of tenets to guide my personal and professional life.  As I’ve grown as a leader, I’ve seen clearly how these principles yield a very high level of performance when embraced by a work team.  Applying these values, which include both things to do and things to avoid, will inevitably lead to success for both the team and its individual members.

BE COOPERATIVE –  Recognize the importance of working together.  Don’t worry about who gets the credit.

A high-performing team links individual effort to group results.  Individuals can still have specific goals and should certainly be acknowledged for their contributions.  It is essential to recognize and reward behavior that contributes to overall team success.  Do it consistently and members will become confident that they will be properly recognized for supporting team goals.  There is room enough for everyone to succeed, if they work together.

BE CREATIVE   –   Find new and better ways to do things.  Trust that your ideas are worthwhile. 

“It’s the way we’ve always done it” is a toxic attitude to a vibrant team environment.  If a team won’t adapt and improve, first-rate solutions can quickly become cut-rate.  And some of the best ideas can come from newer team members.  A fresh set of eyes may recognize an opportunity that is camouflaged to veterans.  The creative spirit thrives when team members think aloud, offer suggestions, ask questions and challenge the status quo.

BE COMPASSIONATE   –   Encourage one another.  Help others.

Many of us spend more waking hours during the week with our work team than our families.  We need to treat team members with the level of respect and support that we want for ourselves or the people for which we care.  That includes taking time to recognize a teammate who does something good.  A sincere ‘thank you’ from a colleague might mean more than a comment from a leader.  People want to be appreciated.  A sincere word of encouragement costs you nothing.

BE COURAGEOUS   –   Take a strong stand in support of your values and ideas.  Take a risk.

It can be scary to advocate for something that challenges prevailing sentiment or the team leader’s opinion.  It’s scarier still if you stand alone.  But if you’ve done your homework and strongly believe that your proposal is right for the team, take a deep breath and push ahead.  The most capable teams foster an environment that encourages open interactions and objective discussion.  If we’re not risking, then we’re not moving forward.

AVOID COMPLAINING   –   Focus on what you can do to make things better.  Control your own destiny.

It’s natural to need to vent sometimes.  But there is a fine line between blowing off steam and becoming a victim.  When team members are encouraged to focus more on resolution and less on the problem, the level of empowerment rises dramatically.  Recognizing a problem is usually relatively easy; expressing unhappiness about it is even easier.  Moving past that emotion and seeking answers is where real strength lies, and that is where a strong team will focus its collective power.

AVOID COMPLACENCY   –   ‘Good enough’ is almost never good enough.  Raise the bar.

An old colleague used to say, “Perfect is the Enemy of Good”.  More often it seems that “good enough” can become the enemy of “great”.  A high-performing team will have progressive goals.  When a set of clear, specific objectives are achieved, newer and higher targets must be set.  The achievement of goals should still be celebrated.  Every win, both big and small, is important.  The team can celebrate that success before getting down to the business of reaching the next level.

AVOID CRITICIZING   –   Believe that everyone is trying to do their best.  Help them to do better.

Constructive criticism and critical analysis are good things.  The negative, judgmental variety is destructive to the culture of a team.  We work with people from all sorts of backgrounds and many different life experiences.  One constant is true of virtually everyone; we want to do our best and we want to be successful.  Before you declare a struggling teammate to be a lost cause, ask yourself – would I want help if that was me?  If so, be that support.

AVOID CAPITULATING   –   Persevere in the face of challenges.  “Never, never, never give up.” – Churchill

High-performing teams demonstrate endurance, commitment and tenacity.  Sometimes it is easy and fun; other times, grim and demanding.  It is important to keep the long view, to expect some bumps in the road, to communicate openly and to focus on improvement.  The best teams foster an environment where members trust, challenge, encourage and support one another.  A high-performing, results-oriented team will foster the individual achievement of each of its members.  It won’t always be easy, but the rewards are worth it, guaranteed.

Posted in 3pl, Financial, General, intermodal, International, outsourcing, Transportation, Uncategorized | No Comments »

European Benchmark Study Reveals Trends In Overseas Chemical Bulk Freight Market

Friday, January 18th, 2013

Michiel van Dorst, Supply Chain Consultant, LHC Consulting
Gijs Hofman, Supply Chain Consultant, LHC Consulting

A 2012 Full Truck Load Chemical Liquid Bulk Benchmark study conducted by LHC Consulting (a CLX Logistics company) compared the contracted freight rates of chemical shippers for liquid bulk transport on a pan-European basis. The study accounted for differences in transport specifications including mode of transport, equipment type and product classification. Companies participating in the study collaboratively spend approximately €420 million ($560 million) annually on chemical liquid bulk freight.

Study results revealed that on an aggregate basis, freight rates for shipping chemical liquid bulk loads throughout Europe have decreased slightly between 2011 and 2012. At the same time, prices across different trade lanes often moved in opposite directions. For example, shipments originating from the Iberian Peninsula on average became 9% less expensive, caused, in part by the financial crisis in that part of Europe. During that same period, shipments out of Sweden became 5% more expensive.

While basic freight rates generally decreased from 2011 to 2012, increasing fuel prices (approximately 10%) propelled total costs for liquid bulk freight, indicating that fuel costs continue to account for an even larger part of total freight spend.

Outlook for 2013

Last year, 82% of shippers expected an average freight rate increase of up to 5%. This year, only 45% of surveyed shippers anticipate an increase, while that same percentage expects steady freight rates for the upcoming year.

While no shippers predicted a fall in freight rates last year, 10% of survey respondents expect chemical liquid bulk freight rates to decrease in 2013 by a maximum of 5%. The deteriorating macroeconomic situation in Europe may have stimulated this change of opinion among chemical shippers as an economic decline in chemicals demand will result in lower capacity requirements for shipping these products. As carriers typically try to maximize fleet utilization, they may agree to be paid lower prices by customers. This, in turn, could lead to a drop in freight rates.

Trends in chemical liquid bulk shipping

Interesting trends in chemical liquid bulk shipping identified in the study:

  • Most chemical shippers participating in the benchmark (86%) procure FTL chemical liquid bulk freight on a pan-European level. Only a small number of companies follows a more decentralized approach and procures liquid bulk freight on either a country or site level.
  • The main focus during a tender for chemical liquid bulk freight is on cost (35%), followed by service (25%), security (21%) and sustainability (13%).
  • Shippers have significantly increased their carrier base over the past year from an average of 19 to 29, perhaps as a way to safeguard capacity at a time when carriers frequently go out of business.
  • Not all shippers measure “on time” delivery performance of their carriers. Companies that do measure carriers’ performance on average apply a target of close to 99%. In day-to-day practice, carriers deliver almost 97 out of every 100 shipments on time.
  • Chemical shippers use a range of services provided by carriers including the shipment of dangerous goods under ADR regulations, EDI connectivity, temperature-controlled transport, loading and unloading, Track & Trace functionality and documents handling.
  • Most corporate strategies on sustainability in transport are limited to increasing the share of intermodal transport through a combination of road and rail, barge and/or short sea transport. While the carbon reduction potential of intermodal transport as compared to road transport can be significant for specific trade lanes, various operational and financial constraints inhibit a full modal shift across all lanes.

In September 2012, CLX Logistics LLC, parent company of ChemLogix LLC, established international operations with the acquisition of Netherlands-based LHC Consulting, a consultancy firm offering supply chain management and logistics services to multiple industries throughout Europe. With skill sets in logistics and technology implementation, in-depth knowledge of the European transportation market and a large European client base, LHC Consulting brings the essential resources necessary for CLX Logistics to expand its position in Europe while enhancing service to its current international customers.


Posted in intermodal, International, outsourcing, Transportation | No Comments »

Having Shipping Capacity Issues? Consider Obtaining Volume Where Capacity Already Exists

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

Posted in 3pl, Financial, General, intermodal, International, outsourcing, Transportation, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Are you Paying Too Much for Your Shipments? Benchmark Your Carrier Activities to Find Out

Friday, September 28th, 2012

By Mike Challman, ChemLogix, LLC
Vice President, North American Operations
ChemLogix.com

When was the last time you analyzed your actual carrier costs?   If you haven’t reviewed your carrier activity in the past 12 to 18 months, there’s a good chance your costs are above what you’ve planned, above the rates listed in your routing guide and, quite possibly, above competitive market rates.

Over the past year or more, virtually every shipper has begun to feel the pinch of increasingly limited carrier capacity in the market, and all indications are that this scarcity may only get worse as the economy continues to improve.  Legislative actions and plans (CSA 2010, Hours of Service and other potential regulatory changes), a growing driver shortage and a reduction of fleet size by many carriers during the Great Recession are just a few of the issues that have led to a premium being placed on quality carrier capacity. As a result, many shippers are experiencing increased freight costs but may not realize its full extent.  It’s easy to see the impact of direct rate increases from a carrier, but not so easy to recognize the impact of a greater incidence of spot rates or having to reach deeper into your routing guide to find a carrier who will move your load at their contracted rate.  And to top it off, continued high fuel costs mean steep fuel surcharges from carriers.  As a result of all of this, you may be surprised to learn that your freight costs are much higher than you thought and represent a more significant percentage of the delivered price of your products.

Your procurement department is confident they negotiated good rates, and that may be entirely true, so why worry?   To remain competitive and understand actual transportation costs, shippers need to closely monitor the activity in their own networks to get an accurate picture of how they are buying in the market.  The transportation market is a constantly moving target, and much can change in very short periods.   As well, if your carrier selection decisions are made at the site level, even with a routing guide in hand, there is no guarantee that those decisions are consistently cost-effective.  By reviewing shipment history, carrier assignments and freight invoices, a benchmark study will reveal what you actually paid for your transportation activities.  But knowing what you spent is only half of the answer you need; you also need to compare your buying to that of other similar shippers.  By relating your shipment data to market rates for your specific modes, lanes and geographic regions, a benchmark study can determine if your rates are best in class, market competitive or above the market.

Through this analysis, the benchmark study can provide actionable insights on the competitiveness of your company’s actual freight rates.  It can also serve as a basis to negotiate significant improvements to your carrier agreements where they are most needed, while at the same time give you a view of good rates that you need to maintain at their current level.  Finally, the study can help you to control and standardize accessorial charges and fuel surcharges across your carrier base.

Sounds like a worthwhile exercise, can’t we do it ourselves?  Compiling and analyzing this type of study requires a significant investment of time and resources, as well as access to current and accurate market freight rates and related information to which most shippers simply don’t have ready access.  That’s where a knowledgeable third party logistics provider (3PL) such as Chemlogix becomes invaluable.  Possessing up-to-date market intelligence, an established carrier network and an experienced team of transportation professionals focused on this work, a 3PL that is familiar with your industry can perform a thorough benchmark study.  A non-asset 3PL offers the added advantage of being asset-neutral, meaning you get the best possible carrier solution and not one that favors the provider’s own trucks.  And all of this can be done faster and more cost effectively than most in-house logistic departments who don’t have the available time, resources or experience for this endeavor.

Using benchmark results, 3PLs can take you to the next step in negotiating rates with carriers for service in specific lanes and regions and identifying new sources to replace those that have priced themselves too high for your business. To find out more about how benchmarking can provide you with the tools and analysis to mitigate rising carrier costs, contact us at information@chemlogix.com or visit our web site at: http://www.chemlogix.com/solutions/freight-procurement.

Posted in 3pl, Financial, General, intermodal, outsourcing, Transportation | No Comments »

Trade Mission to Europe Provides Insights As ChemLogix Global Builds International Logistics Operations

Thursday, August 16th, 2012

By Steve Hamilton, President and CEO, CLX Logistics

Traveling with PA Governor Tom Corbett with a delegation of Pennsylvania business leaders on an International Trade Mission to Europe this past March provided insights into new business opportunities and cultural considerations as ChemLogix Global expands its international logistics business throughout Europe.

With the goal of making new alliances and scouting potential locations for ChemLogix Global to set up new facilities in Europe, I joined seven business leaders from a diverse range of Pennsylvania-based companies to meet with different corporations, business leaders and dignitaries in Leon, Paris, Stuttgart and Düsseldorf.

Visiting chemical companies throughout Germany and France confirmed their interest in shale gas produced in PA and corporate readiness for the type of robust transportation management technology and resources available from ChemLogix Global.

While strong nationalism still exists among businesses in Europe, globalization is growing within many logistics departments, with in-house personnel transplanted from different countries including the United States.  As chemical companies become more diverse and open to work with businesses outside their own country, ChemLogix Global wants to be positioned to support their supply chain management needs.

To strengthen our presence and readiness in Europe, we are looking to establish an overseas operation that will enable us to better work with international companies in their own time zones and within their own territories.  An international office will enable us to work with new and existing customers in their own backyard while building greater relationships and understanding of their unique supply chain challenges.

In the months ahead, we hope to announce our new European office locations.  To find out more about our international logistics business and how we can deliver value to your company, click here or call 215-461-3800.

Posted in 3pl, Financial, General, intermodal, International, outsourcing, Transportation | No Comments »

Do You Have the Resources to Address Today’s Transportation Shortages?

Thursday, July 26th, 2012

By Ed Hildebrandt, Senior Vice President of Business Development

Carrier capacity constraints ebb and flow with economic conditions. Right now, as capacity tightens in most markets, many shippers are being caught by lessening capacity without the resources to maintain their existing carriers and/or identify new transportation sources without paying more for shipments. Several factors are limiting truck driver and asset availability while increasing costs:

•    Truck drivers and assets have not rebounded to meet increased demand
•    New hours of service for truckers limit the amount of time that can be spent on the road, restricting driver availability
•    As truckers retire (average truck driver age is 50s), not enough younger drivers are available to fill vacant spots
•    Fuel surcharges don’t fully compensate drivers for higher fuel costs
•    Roller coaster effect of demand at fracking sites in central and southern Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Wyoming, Texas, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota are taking Over The Road (OTR) drivers from the system

As shippers compete with other shippers – as well as third-party logistics providers – for available capacity, logistic departments must have the right tools to pick up new capacity and avoid losing existing carriers to competitors.   For example, companies with transportation management systems (TMS) can electronically broadcast logistics requirements to market, identify available trucking assets in the network and quickly match capacity to their needs.  In recent years, shippers had to engage as many as 15-20 additional carriers just to satisfy daily freight requirements.
Using TMS technology, shippers can also access granular information about transportation expenditures to pinpoint mode shifts, identify accessorial costs in real time and effect changes before costs escalate out of control. A TMS can gather freight accrual information on a per shipment basis in real time instead of waiting several weeks after the shipment when carriers send invoices for payment.  Today, most financial executives are very concerned about timely posting of freight costs and their ability to calculate profitability down to the SKU level for each client.
Small and mid-sized companies without the resources or budget to acquire and maintain in-house TMS can contract the services of third-party consultants (3PLs) that offer the technology, knowledge and networks to support chemical companies in meeting specific supply chain requirements.
In an oversold market, shippers needing to add volume may find it difficult to attract and find it without increasing costs.  Maintaining data on different freight markets and carriers, a 3PL can match your volume to a carrier’s complementary or empty return lanes.  A managed services partner can also identify reasons why freight may not be attractive to carriers – too many plant delays impacting loading times, too many cancelled or re-booked loads, too many consignees with unloading delays, poor treatment at plants, slow freight payment  – and help solve these issues in order to expand existing carrier capacity.  A 3PL can also suggest new modes of transportation, such as intermodal, to reduce the need for OTR assets.
If you decide to look for a managed services partner that can support you with the right tools and resources to become more competitive, find a resource that knows your market. While different outsource companies may offer similar capabilities and technology tools, many may not know how they apply to your business. Only third-party consultants experienced within your industry have the knowledge, networks and databases necessary to address your specific issues.
ChemLogix is a leading provider of managed services and technology to the chemical industry. An IBM Advanced Business Partner, we offer IBM’s TMS and network-design solutions along with comprehensive multi-modal transportation management services for all modes, enabling chemical shippers to drive economic value while improving performance.  To set up an appointment to discuss your requirements and access your business, please contact us at call 215-461-3805 or email information@chemlogix.com.

Posted in 3pl, Financial, General, intermodal, International, outsourcing, Transportation, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Getting Best Rates for Hazmat Shipments as New Hours of Service,Retiring Drivers Further Limit Capacity

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

As chemical shippers compete for limited truck driver and asset availability to transport hazmat materials, new hours of service regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration restrict driver time behind the wheel in an effort to ensure greater safety on the roads.   Effective February (with a compliance date of July, 2013), the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work within a week is now 70 hours, a reduction of 15% from 82 hours.

These new driving restrictions further reduce transportation capacity for chemical shippers not only as truckers drive less, but many will leave the business as they make less money.  With the average age of a truck driver around 55, many also will retire within the next decade without a sufficient replacement of younger drivers.  As a result of truck driver shortages, available carriers for hazmat will start charging more for shipments.   But transportation costs are not totally out of your control.

Getting the best rates for hauling hazmat materials often depends on doing your homework and understanding your options when contracting rates.   While you can establish a hazmat fee as part of your line haul charges, shippers who transport both hazmat and non-hazmat products should obtain quotes shipping non-hazmat materials and then add on a hazmat accessorial charge.  Sometimes, a carrier may suggest a rate that allows you to move both hazmat  and non-hazmat product; but you end up paying too much as you are charged the same rate for non-hazmat loads.  Optimally, it makes more sense to ask for a non-hazmat rate and negotiate a hazmat accessorial fee when applicable.

When negotiating rates, contact at least five carriers and compare costs and contract requirements.  If you find a preferred carrier is more expensive than their competitors, use your market intelligence (competitor rates) to negotiate a better rate.

Don’t have the resources or time to identify and evaluate new potential carriers?  A third-party logistics provider (3PL) specialized in your industry can offers the contract expertise, market intelligence and carrier relationships to establish the best fees for your transportation requirements.  To find out more about Benchmarks and Freight Procurement, refer to the ChemLogix section of the CLX web site at http://www.clxlogistics.com/services/freight-procurement-bids-and-benchmark/.

 

Posted in 3pl, Financial, General, intermodal, International, outsourcing, Transportation | No Comments »

Are You Getting The Most From Your 3PL?

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Are you getting true value from your third party logistics (3PL) outsource in support of your international shipping operations?  Does your 3PL merely provide contracted services or truly work with you as a strategic partner, involved in your supply chain and assisting with sourcing and supply chain network decisions?

3PLs typically offer a range of important supply chain management services that support customers’ daily transportation operations including:

    • Shipment information tracking
    • Accurate billing
    • International shipment bookings
    • Warehouse and carrier coordination

But you should expect more! 

Through your 3PL, you should have access to the latest global trade management systems that automate supply chain processes while providing you with real-time visibility into transportation operations.  Going a step further, your 3PL should generate valuable reports using data available through the system that review details of supply chain performance for different department heads and, ultimately, support new strategic directives.

Understanding your transportation processes and goals, your 3PL should help analyze your current supply chain methodologies and recommend new strategies.  Perhaps it is time to consider more efficient carriers and routings.  Redefining existing transportation operations can make a difference in cost and delivery time frames.

On an international basis, your 3PL should possess the knowledge and experience to complete necessary documentation, provide competitive international rates and develop basic strategies related to transportation and distribution of chemical products to different countries.   Your outsource should understand compliance regulations pertaining to product importation/ exportation with different countries as well as the United States to assure a smooth transport of product into and out of countries. They should assist you in identifying your product category to ensure proper labeling and containment during shipment.  This is especially critical for products identified as hazardous.

Your 3PL also should advise you of current market conditions that may affect the import and export of your freight.  Is the U.S. restricting trade with specific countries?   And are you taking advantage of recent free-trade agreements?  You don’t want to miss any ideal opportunities that can support your international trade business.

In addition to ensuring compliance, you want a 3PL with the resources to identify the best carriers and rates for international transportation.  At ChemLogix, we benchmark customer’s shipping rates against ever-changing ocean freight market to ensure carrier rates remain competitive and our customers are getting the best value from their existing carriers.  Does your 3PL do that as part of your services?

Findings in the 2012 16th Annual Third-Party Logistics Study (http://www.3plstudy.com/about) noted that established 3PLs are adjusting their business models to provide greater value to shippers.  If not are you really getting shareholder value from your outsource logistics provider, perhaps its time to find another a new 3PL source that can work as your partner.

Contact ChemLogix for a free evaluation of your supply chain operations by contacting us at (215) 461-3805 or information@chemlogix.com.

Posted in 3pl, General, International, outsourcing, Transportation | No Comments »

TMS Mobile Applications Get Us Closer to Meeting the Rubber on the Road

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Mike Skinner, VP, ChemLogix Technologies
m.skinner@chemlogix.com
ChemLogix, LLC. www.chemlogix.com

Online applications for mobile devices are emerging in ways that can finally close or reduce many of the information gaps in the supply chain between Transportation Planning, the Shipping/Receiving dock, customers, and even Accounts Payable.  These mobile applications are enabling shippers to: interface directly and more effectively with logistic partners; access logistics information in non-traditional business settings; and enhance communications where access to a computer is not readily available.

Transportation Management System (TMS) Carrier Mobile Applications, already available for the Apple iPhone/iPad, are giving carriers the ability to communicate directly with a shipper’s TMS, even from the cab of their truck, to respond to shipment tender requests and to report shipment status in real-time.

This remote interface capability is especially important to shippers needing to communicate with smaller carriers who do not have EDI systems, including for those owner/operators whose dispatch offices ride in the passenger seats of their tractors.  Once trained on the iPhone application, shippers can contact carriers online who can immediately respond to tender requests.

Once booked on a load, carriers can interface through the TMS application to provide pickup, delivery and ETA status updates. Tying this information onto their own networks, shippers can feed real-time data directly into their TMS systems.   In addition to finding out immediately if carriers can accept their loads, shippers gain greater visibility to in-transit inventory status from pickup to delivery.  It’s a win-win situation as carriers are able to respond to tender requests in real time, while on the other side shippers are able to provide enhanced communications to customers for improved service, and fewer surprise calls from customers asking where their shipments are.

Mobile Applications at the Plant/Warehouse

The iPad and other emerging tablet devices create additional opportunities to bring transportation information quickly and easily to its point of greatest impact.  TMS mobile applications currently in development will enable sales reps to retrieve real-time reports and updates on shipment delivery performance.  Rather than rely on last month’s performance reports, sales reps will be able to access the latest data on delivery stats for loads while buying a coffee at Starbucks on their way into a client meeting.  A week-old performance report showing 99% on-time delivery means nothing to the client if three shipments in the past two days were late or missed.  Nothing ruins a sales call faster than bad surprises.

At the plant, on the loading dock, at the guard shack, or in the cab of the pup-truck moving trailers to the dock for loading, iPad/tablet applications will provide real-time information and process feedback from workers regarding shipping and receiving appointments, trailer assignments, and guard shack-monitored in-gate/out-gate dates/times.

When it comes down to it, supply chain and transportation optimization and management systems are only as good as the timeliness and accuracy of information delivered to the right place at the right time.  Mobile apps for phones and tablet PC’s now available and in development offer supply chain management the next opportunity to leap forward.

Posted in 3pl, General, intermodal, International, outsourcing, Transportation | No Comments »

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