Some call it the “Amazon effect.” Others simply note that as eCommerce matures, consumers have gotten increasingly used to getting what they want—when they want it—contributing to an overall rise in expectations across the board. Either way, it’s becoming clear that consumer expectations are impacting supply chains—and not always in the ways you’d expect. In this article, we’ll share 14 customer experience statistics that can (or should!) influence the way many supply chains run. One note: Even though your business may not sell direct to consumers, it still may feel the ripple effect from these expectations. For example, if you supply a business that sells...

Continuing education is an important element for succeeding in any career. Working in logistics and supply chain management is no different. Honing your skills and keeping them sharp as new trends and technologies emerge will keep you at the top of your field. Going the extra mile and pursuing a supply chain certification or a logistics certification can give your career even more momentum. Adding a designation to your resume demonstrates a long-term commitment to your field, which can make you more marketable to a potential employer. Additionally, a well-respected certification can offer greater opportunities for promotions and salary bumps at your current job. Finally,...

With a population that's just over three million, Puerto Rico can offer your business a quick and relatively simple way to expand your customer base. Even with Puerto Rico import tax considerations, this can be especially true if you already have a successful business model in another Jones Act destination. With the help of a good freight forwarder, you may be able to rapidly duplicate this setup to serve the Puerto Rico market.   As we deliver full-service logistics solutions to Puerto Rico, we've gotten a number of questions about customs and taxes when shipping freight to and from Puerto Rico. To help you decide...

A freight forwarder can provide tremendous leverage in your business. By coordinating shipments from multiple suppliers over multiple modes of transportation, a good freight forwarder can streamline your logistics, freeing you up to focus on other important aspects of running your business. Most freight forwarders will have their own onboarding process. They’ll walk you through a series of questions to establish procedures for a working relationship that meets your needs. The very best freight forwarders will make this process simple and easy—such that you likely won’t have many concerns or questions on a day-to-day basis. However, as with any type of vendor you work with,...

It’s safe to say that the current environment is offering a host of challenges to businesses of all types. Many are seeing significant disruptions in sourcing, especially when it comes to overseas suppliers. Others are seeing demand shift unexpectedly on a dime. And still, others are seeing uncertainty in shipping methods they’ve relied on for years. Additionally, many businesses find themselves in the position of needing to manage their cash flow more aggressively than ever before. In uncertain times, planning for your future is more important than ever. Despite the current challenges, many businesses are looking ahead to a time when operations will resume. How...

Back-to-school shopping is big business for retailers. With sales numbers second only to the winter holidays, the back-to-school season offers stores a nice bump in revenue as families shop for K-12 and college supplies for their children. The good news for 2020? Per-house spending has been trending upward, according to the National Retail Foundation. A 2019 study revealed that families with children in elementary through high school planned to spend $696.70, which beat the previous record in 2012 of $688.62. Families with college-age children were expected to spend even more. Their average reached $976.78, which was higher than the previous record of $969.88 set in...