Archive for December, 2008
Where the Days Ahead May Lead Us
· CommentsThis time of the year is not just about coming up with Top 10 lists, as I wrote about yesterday; it’s also a time to reflect on the year that was and where the days ahead may lead us.
December 28th is five days away. A year ago on this day I learned that my father had lung cancer. As I wrote at the time, “Just like that… Continue reading
We’re getting close to the end of the year, which means every media outlet is obligated to publish a top 10 list of things that happened in 2008, along with predictions for the coming year. I enjoy reading these lists, especially those related to movies and music, but I’m less excited about creating my own list. In my opinion, the past is history, and the future is uncertain, even more… Continue reading
Last Friday, I purposely stayed away from writing about the economy or other negative news, not wanting to end the week on a low note. I think I’ll do the same today, as I sit here and wait for the snow to come.
This morning the Department of Transportation issued its yearly Santa-related press release. According to the press release, Santa will have access to “Santa Skylanes” (military… Continue reading
Ryder Refocuses Its Strategy
· CommentsLast week, Con-way revised its earnings guidance for Q4 and outlined several actions it was taking (e.g., workforce reduction, expense curtailment initiatives) in response to the weakening economy. This morning, Ryder issued a similar press release, but the company’s actions are not just a response to the weak economy; they’re a shift (a refocusing) in strategy for Ryder.
The most significant move is Ryder’s decision to discontinue… Continue reading
CIOs at Logistics Service Providers
· CommentsComputerworld recently announced its list of the “Premier 100 IT Leaders for 2009” and three executives from logistics companies are included: Jacquelyn Barretta, CIO at Con-way; Erin M. Van Zeeland, VP of Business Transformation at Schneider National; and John G. Higbe, VP of IT at Landstar System. Logistics is an industry that doesn’t get much respect from an IT standpoint, so it’s nice to see these individuals and companies… Continue reading
California and the Trucking Industry
· CommentsIf you want a glimpse of how “green” regulations (as well as “infrastructure” initiatives) could impact logistics operations in the near future, look no further than California. Several regulations are on the books or in the approval process that aim to improve the state’s air quality and reduce greenhouse gases. A noble cause, but it’s not one without costs, challenges, and tradeoffs.
Last Friday, for example, the Air Resources… Continue reading
California and the Trucking Industry
· CommentsIf you want a glimpse of how “green” regulations (as well as “infrastructure” initiatives) could impact logistics operations in the near future, look no further than California. Several regulations are on the books, or in the approval process, that aim to improve the state’s air quality and reduce greenhouse gases. A noble cause, but it’s not one without costs, challenges, and tradeoffs.
Last Friday, for example, the Air Resources… Continue reading
I don’t normally comment on customer wins, but the recent news of Geodis “acquiring IBM’s global logistics flow management platform” warrants some attention because this announcement could be viewed as a new strategy in logistics outsourcing. For the past couple of years, I’ve been saying that the business models of logistics service providers, technology companies, and consultants are starting to converge. I’ve highlighted, for example, how i2 Technologies, LeanLogistics… Continue reading
