January 26, 2012

In our previous post (Making the Sales Surge Connection ), we explored transportation-related problems that can unseat special retailing events such as seasonal sales, promotions, and product launches. In this post we offer some suggestions for improving this critical link in the sales push supply chain.
Since a lack of communication is often at the heart of problems like these, one solution is to include transportation in the planning loop. This might sound obvious, but all too often freight management issues are overlooked during the preparatory stages of a sales event. Read More…
January 19, 2012

With a record-setting holiday buying season in its rear view mirror, what has the freight transportation industry learned about the challenges of supporting special sales events such as seasonal demand peaks, product launches, and promotional campaigns?
In this post, we take a look at the pitfalls that shippers and service providers face when planning for these spikes in demand. Next week, we’ll offer some strategies for avoiding missteps that cause lost sales and frustrated customers. Read More…
January 12, 2012

How would you react to a transportation service provider’s scorecard of your performance as a customer?
Some providers are turning the tables on shippers in this way. It is even possible that the scorecarding of shippers by carriers will become a new industry best practice.
Whether you are indignant, inspired, or intrigued by the idea, examining your network from the carrier’s vantage point can reveal issues that previously went unrecognized. The revelations may be uncomfortable, but addressing them can benefit both buyer and seller in a number of ways. Read More…