Approved Freight Forwarders
Helpful Articles - Supply Chain

If you don't work in freight or logistics, you might not think much about how the everyday products we rely on get to the shelf. However, if you do work in the industry, you likely have an appreciation for the intricate dance between suppliers, manufacturers, carriers, and retailers that ensures we have everything we need to live, work, and play.   That said, it's challenging to appreciate the full magnitude of the industry, the sheer volume of goods that get moved, and the impact on the global economy. Below, you'll find 12 surprising statistics that reveal just how huge the freight and logistics industry really is, both in size and importance. (In fact, some of them might even surprise veterans of the industry!)  0%of international goods estimated to move by sea...

With more than 80% of international goods estimated to move by sea, ocean freight fuels our global economy.i In fact, the industry has been on a long-term track to growth, with volume nearly tripling since 1990.ii  Since ocean freight is clearly here to stay, many have become concerned about its environmental impact. The industry faces several challenges along the road to sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  However, thanks to advances in green technology, many shipping companies are successfully reducing their environmental footprint.   Whether you're a company looking to embrace sustainability or simply curious about sustainability, we'll give you a run-down of the latest green tech solutions for ocean freight. While some have become established practices, others are still in development—truly on the cutting edge of "what's next" for the shipping...

Sustainability has become a hot topic in the world of logistics and supply chain management. Some companies embrace this value for ethical reasons.   Others are leveraging sustainability measures to appeal to consumers, who are increasingly aware of environmental practices. In fact, a recent Forrester study published in Forbes revealed that 32% of U.S. consumers "prioritize companies that are actively reducing their impact on the environment."i   Finally, many companies are pursuing sustainability measures to stay compliant with regulations. For example, the International Maritime Organization's low-sulfur mandate required many companies to reduce sulfur oxide emissions by changing fuels or adopting new technology. One of the trends we're seeing in sustainability is a move toward liquified natural gas (LNG)-fueled ships....

Although last year’s scramble for household items has mostly passed, supply chain challenges continue to crop up in 2021. The backup at US ports, semiconductor chip shortages, and other supply issues have affected industries across the board. Even national chains like Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A are feeling the pinch.  We’ve seen our customers face several supply chain challenges of their own this year, and we’ve helped them create solutions that kept their businesses moving forward. To share some of these solutions with you, we called on our Approved experts who have been navigating supply chain issues alongside our clients. Below, you’ll find their top tips for surviving the supply chain challenges of 2021.  #1: It Might...

It's something thousands of people ask Google every month, and, if you're not in the freight/logistics industry, it's not really common knowledge. So we're here to clear up the answer to this frequently asked question:  What is a 3PL?  In addition to explaining exactly what a 3PL company is, we'll also take you on a quick tour of what a 3PL does—and how they can help you with your business logistics. Let's dive in!  What Is a 3PL?  3PL is actually an acronym that stands for 3rd–Party Logistics. When someone hires a 3PL company, they're turning over their logistics—including things like warehousing and fulfillment—to a third party. That third party, the 3PL, is a company...

Out of all the links in a supply chain, the delivery phase is where the rubber meets the road. It's that crucial moment in which the product that you've worked so hard to bring to fruition ends up in the hands of the person you created it for.   As you may already realize, how your product gets delivered is just important as the product itself—and maybe even more so. To illustrate this point, consider this statistic from a survey produced by Convey, a delivery experience management software developer. Their research revealed that 84% of consumers say that they won't buy again from a brand after just one single bad delivery experience. In other words, the delivery phase of your supply chain is crucial to your customer...