Perspective

For years, just-in-time supply chain practices were the name of the game for many companies. But in the aftermath of the pandemic and subsequent supply chain tangles, building up and keeping heavier inventories has come to the forefront as a core strategy. While there’s merit to both approaches, companies need to be prepared and take some action on unintended consequences of the new sea change.

Over the past few years, we have learned that the more we can do remotely, the more we can potentially mitigate disruptions to business. Across supply chains, a cloud-based transportation management system can help companies facilitate remote operations, allowing businesses — even small ones — to make smarter choices, reduce costs and be more competitive.

As the American workforce continues to experience major shifts and fluxes, there’s an opportunity for those of us in the trucking and logistics industries to attract new drivers and workers looking for a post-pandemic change.

Supply chain disruptions have impacted the quality of life for virtually every American. The delays and bottlenecks, which began early in the pandemic, continue sending shockwaves throughout our economy, leading to higher prices and back orders with no end in sight.

A question to ask the decision-makers in Washington: If the goal is to get more cleaner, greener trucks on the road, why does the federal government keep the 12% federal excise tax on the sale of a new truck?

There are so many developments occurring in the electric vehicle space that it is becoming hard to keep up. But before fleets rush out to invest in battery-electric trucks, there are important things that need to be taken into account — and not all of the considerations are obvious at first glance. Fleets interested in EVs need to start preparing now.

Quantum computing might be a new frontier in easing logistics management.

Many technologies exist to help fleets monitor cargo in their trailers, but carriers must be mindful of how the cargo itself — including what it’s made of — might impact the effectiveness of their tracking systems, especially if they look to make a change. Better trailer management can also improve drivers’ job satisfaction by mitigating issues they sometimes face in detention time and finding empty trailers.

Remote work can open trucking and logistics companies up to talent from new markets and people.