Guest Commentaries

Transportation Market Update Outlook – Where Are We Headed?

Ben Cubitt April 30, 2019

Despite a difficult first three quarters of 2018, the market began to show signs of softening and improved capacity in Q4. This softening and improved truckload and intermodal capacity has continued into 2019, and the outlook for a steadier market has remained. This quick shift from the historically tight market of 2018 to a more shipper-friendly market at the start of 2019 has been a surprise to many within the industry.

Three Ways Material Handling Equipment Is Changing with Rise of E-Commerce

Russell Wells April 25, 2019

As online sales become increasingly popular, the growth of e-commerce has impacted every part of the supply chain, and material handling equipment (MHE) and fleet services are no different. With more and more brands looking to develop their e-commerce capabilities, their needs for moving and handling inventory are shifting as well.

Last Mile Shipping Success Requires a Holistic Approach

Robert Iaria April 23, 2019

Crowdsourcing apps, same-day delivery, and ecommerce trends continue to impact last mile delivery expectations. With this ever-changing landscape, cost-effective management of the last mile has become a challenge that needs a broader view.

Another Way to Transform the Customer Experience

Chris Jones April 18, 2019

We just finished our conference, Descartes Evolution 2019, where the theme was Transforming the Customer Experience. I reflected on a session where our customer explained how they were transforming the customer experience in a unique way in logistics: by extending the planning horizon. The retailer significantly improved its ability to complete repairs on the first visit, and correspondingly cut overall response time, by providing better schedule visibility to technicians in advance of actual service dates.

Blockchain is Coming to Transportation – Here’s How

JP Wiggins April 11, 2019

The transportation industry has long discussed blockchain with a healthy dose of skepticism or has taken a wait-and-see approach to its adoption. But lately, we’ve started seeing more optimism and ideas for blockchain’s use, especially as it emerges as a possible solution to shipment visibility and carrier communications.