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Helpful Articles - Logistics

As we head into the second quarter of 2020, many experts are keeping their eyes on the results of the IMO’s low-sulfur mandate, which took effect January 1. Among the factors they’re examining include the supply of low-sulfur diesel fuel, which has the potential to significantly impact ocean freight pricing. Whether you’re just getting up to speed on the low-sulfur mandate—or you’re one of those people keeping the pulse on this issue—we’ve put together a list of the best resources we’ve found online. Use these links to stay on top of this emerging issue. By doing so, you’ll be well-positioned to make the business decisions...

Whether you’re choosing your first career or considering a new career path, know that the future for supply chain management professionals is bright. Strong salary opportunities, upward mobility potential, and a healthy job market all come together to make a career in supply chain management a compelling choice. When it comes to securing a job, getting a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management will show potential employers how serious you are about the field. If you’re a high schooler looking at college options or a non-traditional student who’s completing a bachelor’s degree, you’ll find plenty of options across the country for studying this growing field....

Human beings have been thinking about robots and automation for thousands of years. But how are they using automation and AI in supply chain? In Greek mythology, Hephaestus, the god of fire, created three-legged tables that moved on their own. A bronze man named Talos, who was powered by a single vein of lead, guarded the island of Crete. More recent television shows like Battlestar Galactica and Westworld imagine the consequences of conscious machines. You have only to consider the fact that Saudi Arabia recently extended citizenship to the robot Sophia in order to realize that we’re making significant strides in the world of automation...

For the last few months, our ocean freight specialists at Approved and across our network of DeWitt sister companies have been keeping a close watch on the effects of the International Maritime Organization’s low-sulfur mandate. Now that the January 1 deadline has come and gone, we wanted to share an update on the real-world effects of the IMO’s mandate. We talked to our experts to discover what they’re seeing on a day-to-day basis in the ocean freight markets. But before we dive into their observations, we’ll give you a quick refresher on the issues at play. What Is the IMO 2020 Low-Sulfur Mandate? If you’re...

Last Updated: 9/15/2024  If you've ever looked at a bill of lading (BOL), you'll see three parties named on the document: the shipper, the carrier, and the consignee.   If you're new to the logistics world, these terms may be unfamiliar—or confusing. In order to make it simple for you to 1) understand your bill of lading and 2) give your freight forwarder the information they need to effectively move your shipment, we'll walk you these three main parties on your bill of lading.   BOL Meaning in Logistics: Three Key Parties Explained A bill of lading (BOL) is a legal document issued by a carrier that outlines the details of a shipment, including the type of goods, quantity, and destination....

Pallets can make it much easier to handle and transport your goods traveling via air freight, as is the case with goods shipping via ocean freight. Additionally, freight that’s placed on a pallet can be moved without touching the actual goods themselves, reducing the possibility of damage.   That being said, incorrectly prepping your palletized freight puts it at high risk during transit. In order to decrease the possibility of damage to your goods, we’ve put together a list of the most common mistakes we see in palletized air freight. We’ll also share our solutions to help you correct these mistakes. By reviewing this list, you’ll set the stage for ensuring that your shipment reaches its destination in perfect condition—and on time.  Mistake #1: Overpacking Your Shipment  When you’re preparing your air freight shipments,...