by logisticsplus | Jan 9, 2024 | News
The logistics and supply chain industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of e-commerce, global conflicts, and technological advancements. Let’s take a look at some of the key trends that are expected to shape the industry in 2024.
1. Increased focus on visibility
- Businesses are increasingly demanding real-time data and insights into their supply chains. This is leading to the adoption of technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to track goods and materials throughout the supply chain.
2. Sustainability becoming a top priority
- Consumers and businesses are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of the supply chain. This leads to a focus on reducing emissions, waste, and resource consumption. Companies are looking for ways to optimize their packaging, transportation routes, and logistics operations to be more sustainable.
3. Automation and robotics on the rise
- Automation and robotics improve efficiency and accuracy in warehouses and distribution centers. This is helping to reduce labor costs and improve throughput.
4. Continued growth of e-commerce
- The e-commerce market is expected to grow in 2024, which will pressure logistics and supply chain operators to meet the demand for fast and efficient delivery. This is leading to the development of new delivery models and enhancements to fulfillment centers.
5. Talent shortage remains a challenge
- The logistics and supply chain industry is facing a talent shortage, as there is a high demand for skilled workers. This makes it difficult for companies to find the people they need to operate their supply chains effectively.
6. Geopolitical factors continue to disrupt supply chains
- Wars in Ukraine and Israel, rising trade tensions, and other geopolitical factors continue to disrupt supply chains. This makes it more difficult for companies to source materials and goods, leading to higher consumer prices.
These are just some of the trends that are expected to shape the global logistics and supply chain industry in 2024. Companies that can adapt to these changes and leverage new technologies will be well-positioned to succeed in 2024 and beyond.
Want to stay in the loop on supply chain news, demand, and pricing trends? Be sure to check out and subscribe to our monthly LogisticsPULSE Executive Briefing.
by logisticsplus | Jan 6, 2024 | News
Logistics Plus Customs Brokerage Manager Gretchen Blough made another appearance on NPR’s 1/5/24 edition of Marketplace to comment on how shippers are coping with supply chain disruptions.
“There are quite a few challenges that are out there for the average importer and shipper,” Gretchen told Kai Ryssdal. “We’re helping them meet those challenges and find ways to work around them.”
Listen to her comments online at https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace/in-ice-cream-out-cookies/#Staying-ahead-of-the-curve or listen to the entire podcast by clicking below (Gretchen appears at the 14:00 mark).
Marketplace® is a nonprofit news organization on a mission to raise the economic intelligence of the country. For more than 30 years, they have helped people become smarter about the economic forces that touch their daily lives through the unorthodox story, the casual conversation, and the unexpected angle on the news.
by logisticsplus | Dec 19, 2023 | News
Logistics Plus is Named a 2024 Top 3PL by Multichannel Merchant
It’s the seventh consecutive year Logistics Plus has been named to the list.
ERIE, PA (December 19, 2023) – Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP), a leading worldwide provider of transportation, logistics, and supply chain solutions, is proud to announce it has been named a Multichannel Merchant (MCM) 2024 Top 3PL and added to its online directory. For a seventh straight year, Logistics Plus will be joining dozens of other leading third-party logistics providers selected by Multichannel Merchant in its eighth annual directory.
The company profiles in the MCM Top 3PL directory include vital information to help you in the selection process, including key services offered, average annual client order volume, top three merchandise categories handled, facility locations, and more. It also breaks out the percentage of the continental U.S. covered based on days in transit to end customers, a critical differentiator for merchants. The directory is available throughout the year.
“With nearly seven million square feet of warehousing in the U.S. alone, and more abroad, we support complete omnichannel fulfillment solutions, including B2B, wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels such as FBA, FBM, and dozens of other marketplaces and shopping carts,” said Scott Frederick, CMO for Logistics Plus. “We are honored that Multichannel Merchant continues to acknowledge Logistics Plus as a top 3PL provider in the competitive, growing e-commerce space.”
About Multichannel Merchant
Multichannel Merchant reaches key decision makers responsible for e-commerce, management, marketing, and operations at companies that sell merchandise through multiple channels — including e-commerce, mobile, social, and catalog. Multichannel Merchant delivers original research, as well as in-depth analysis of trends and best practices, news, tactical/how-to, executive summaries, technology and supplier comparisons, tip sheets, and resource information to help companies sell & deliver products wherever and whenever the customer wants them – at home, work, store or other locations. Visit them online at multichannelmerchant.com.
About Logistics Plus, Inc.
Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP) is a 21st-century logistics company and a leading worldwide provider of transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, technology, and supply chain solutions. LP works in the background to help businesses manage their supply chains in a constantly changing world. Founded in 1996, today LP has annual global sales of over $500M with more than 1,000 employees located in 50+ countries worldwide. LP is recognized as one of the fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, a top 3PL provider, a top 100 logistics company, a top freight brokerage and warehousing provider, and a great place to work. With a Passion For Excellence™, its employees put the PLUS in LOGISTICS by doing the big things properly, plus the countless little things that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
by logisticsplus | Dec 15, 2023 | News
Alert Message 1: Maersk Halts Red Sea Voyages
Maersk has instructed all of its vessels headed for the southern entrance to the Red Sea to halt immediately due to heightened hijack fears. The shipping giant sent a message to all crews in the vicinity of the Bab al-Mandab Strait to stop after two of their vessels were attacked on December 14th and 15th. If the decision is echoed by other shipping lines, sea trade markets could see a drastic impact in both transit times and cost hikes.
You can read more about this situation on the Ship Technology website here: www.ship-technology.com/news/shipping-giant-maersk-halts-southern-red-sea-voyages/?cf-view
Alert Message 2: Panama Canal Water Shortages
The Panama Canal water shortages remain as the canal authorities continue to impose restrictions limiting the number of vessels that can pass through daily. In November, the total transits declined 22% from the prior month. Reservation slots are being slashed in December and into January 2024. The Panama Canal is the primary route for 57% of the total cargo transported in container ships from Asia to the eastern coast of the US.
You can read more about this situation on the Freight Waves website here: www.freightwaves.com/news/panama-canal-transits-plunge-as-larger-ships-are-turned-away
What can businesses do to mitigate the impact on their supply chains?
- Diversify their shipping routes. Businesses should consider using alternative shipping routes. An experienced freight forwarder, like Logistics Plus, can assist in evaluating such routes’ transit time and cost trade-offs.
- Work with suppliers to manage inventory. Businesses should work with their suppliers to manage inventory levels and ensure they have enough stock to meet customer demand.
- Communicate with customers. Businesses should communicate with their customers about potential delays and disruptions caused by these issues.
Logistics Plus is actively monitoring both situations to avoid supply chain disruptions. If you have any questions or concerns about how these issues may affect your supply chain, contact our team of experts today.
by logisticsplus | Dec 14, 2023 | News
(Click to view the Logistics Plus featured content)
Logistics Plus was featured in the autumn 2023 interactive issue of the FDI Alliance International magazine. Logistics Plus can be found on pages 74 and 75 of the magazine, which was focused on connecting people to the world from Erie, Pennsylvania. A special thanks to the Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) for the mention.
The article states, “Given Erie’s wealth of logistics assets, it’s no wonder that the city also boasts a global leader in transportation and supply chain solutions: Logistics Plus.” It continues, “But as a leader in business intelligence and technology, as well as shipping, Logistics Plus also prides itself on being nimble and creative in implementing digital solutions to meet the needs of customers – including data dashboards, proprietary mobile apps, and custom cloud-based portals. It’s that commitment to customer needs that sets Logistics Plus apart and makes it a unique asset for businesses in Erie.”
About FDI Alliance International
We showcase the most attractive business destinations in North America and Canada to Site Selectors and CEOs from Europe and the UK. FDI Alliance is a platform strictly aimed at decision-makers. We present easily digestible yet detailed information on the most attractive locations in North America and Canada. Our specialized team collects the relative information and data needed for evaluating and analyzing prime locations for business attraction.
