By February, omnichannel retailers were responding to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, closing stores and factories in China, and reallocating inventory to still-active markets to mitigate the pandemic’s initial impact. Changes of this magnitude and nature do not come easily for most retailers, but those with truly integrated omnichannel systems can see, project demand for and shift inventory with relative ease, just one of the many ways omnichannel retailers can respond to a global pandemic or […]
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Author Archive for Ken Fleming
As e-commerce returns volume continues to skyrocket alongside continued growth of online shopping, top shippers are challenging the notion of returns as a cost of doing business they must accept. In some cases, in fact, a lot can be done to counter the growth of returns from an operational perspective, and many of the world’s biggest retailers have identified game-changing insights by looking at the returns process more critically. In 2020 and beyond, look for […]
Read More →By the end of October 2019, with or without an agreement, Brexit will have a major impact on cross-border shipping. Businesses that haven’t already prepared should start by better understanding the specific nature and extent of the looming changes. By proactively addressing potential challenges to shipping operations brought on by Brexit, businesses can work to ensure a smooth transition, provide a seamless customer experience, proficiently manage delays and keep costs in line with expectations. Change […]
Read More →Interest in adding a TMS for parcel continues to rise among shippers as the multifaceted ROI of a parcel TMS becomes better understood. While a TMS for parcel can help shippers better manage rapid increases in parcel volume, it can also help manufacturers and other new parcel shippers instantly adapt to provide excellent customer service in a profitable way. No longer just about saving dollars, more shippers have begun to realize they can provide improved […]
Read More →Shippers need to consider add-on or accessorial carrier fees, not just base rates, to control shipping costs without sacrificing service. Still, downplaying the importance of keeping regular tabs on those base rates can wreak havoc on a shipper’s costs; they remain an incredibly important part of the equation. As they struggle to control their shipping costs and retain razor-thin margins, many retailers today feel like they’re at the mercy of carriers, which are commanding record-high rates for their services. This article offers practical advice on getting good service at a lower cost.
Read More →In markets with unpredictable logistics questions, automation can help businesses find the answer Companies are leaping head first into new markets, looking to cash in on the lucrative omni-channel opportunities unlocked by the global expansion of e-commerce. Yet as they race to add customers, build sales and boost revenues abroad, many companies are putting potential profits in jeopardy by entering new markets without a solid plan for managing their global shipping and logistics operations. As […]
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Supply Chain Brief
Simplifying the Burden of Hazmat Returns
Most companies are familiar with the federal, state and local rules and regulations established by departments of transportation for outbound HAZMAT shipments. HAZMAT returns, on the other hand, introduce a new and much less reliable player into the game: the consumer. When a consumer needs to return items that qualify as HAZMAT, they must follow the same established rules and regulations – and those rules and regulations must be provided by the retailer accepting the return shipment.
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