Business, Technology, Logistics

Retailers Turn to Logistics Providers to Help Manage Returns Process

For online retailers, one of the challenges with the reverse logistics process is knowing what to do once items are returned. Some products could be returned to a finished goods warehouse whereas defective ones could go to a location to refurbish or recycle the product.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
January 8, 2019
Business, Technology, Logistics

Logistics Companies Aim to Ease Returns, Keep Costs Low Amid E-Commerce Rise

As the continued rise of e-commerce increases the number of product returns, retailers and shippers are working to ease the returns process to boost customer satisfaction. They’re doing so by turning to logistics providers for technology and services that can optimize their reverse logistics networks and keep costs low.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
January 8, 2019
Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety

Awake and Aware

Distracted and drowsy driving creates risk for drivers as well as fleets, but various forms of technology can alert drivers to these hazards and enable fleets to tailor training to prevent future events.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
December 7, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety

Investigating Thermal Event Causes Is Crucial, Experts Say

No fleet or truck driver wants to experience a thermal event, but if a fire occurs, those in the industry said it is crucial to find out why it happened.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
November 9, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety, Top 100

Thwarting Thermal Events

Fires in tractor-trailers, often referred to as thermal events, can result in significant damage to equipment as well as cargo, but despite an ongoing focus on preventing them, the number of incidents doesn’t appear to be dropping.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
November 9, 2018
Business, Technology, Fuel, Logistics

UPS, Walmart Find Electric Vehicles Offer Benefits, Opportunities

OAKLAND, Calif. — Representatives from UPS Inc. and Walmart Inc., two of the country’s largest fleets, said electric vehicles can provide environmental, economic and community benefits, which make efforts to work through challenges surrounding duty cycle, charging infrastructure and cost worthwhile.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
October 29, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment

Collaboration Needed for Electric Vehicle Market to Thrive, Experts Say

OAKLAND, Calif. — A strong collaboration among all parties involved in the life cycle of electric vehicles, including original equipment manufacturers, fleets and utilities, is needed to advance the technologies. 

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
October 29, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety

App-Enabled Freight Platforms Help Small Carriers Find Loads, Boost Efficiency

Large fleets typically have been the first to benefit from the spread of technology in trucking, but digital freight brokers are working to extend some of the same advantages to smaller carriers and independent drivers.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
October 5, 2018
Business, Logistics, Top 50, Top 100

Supply Chain Partners Focus on Efficiency to Improve Capacity

LONG BEACH, Calif. — High freight levels, decreased productivity and the driver shortage have contributed to tightened capacity, and carriers and intermodal providers said they are focusing on efficiency to meet supply chain demands.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
September 25, 2018
Government, Business

Tariffs Could Spur Early Imports, Higher Inventories

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Retailers speaking at the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal Expo 2018 said they could move up product shipments due to tariffs being placed on China.

Mindy Long | Special to Transport Topics
September 24, 2018