Freight carriers play a crucial role in the logistics industry, moving goods from one place to another efficiently and safely. Each carrier type, whether it’s ground, railway, ocean, air, or freight forwarder, has its own pros and cons depending on factors such as cost, speed, and reliability. Understanding the pros and cons of each type is essential for making the best decisions for your company. What are the Types of Freight Carriers? There are several ways to carry freight, each with its advantages and considerations. Ground Freight (Road): Ground freight, primarily transported by trucks ..read more

Businesses in today’s competitive industry are always searching for ways to increase their earnings. Many fail to consider how accessorial charges affect their overall profitability. Although these costs might not seem like much initially, they can quickly pile up and reduce your earnings. Accessory costs significantly affect revenue, and you can reduce their influence by making smarter decisions based on your understanding of how these additional shipping costs affect profitability. Learn to examine accessory fees’ potential effects on profitability and apply effective ways to minimize them ..read more

Excelsior Integrated, with operations and facilities located in Lee, Massachusetts and Fresno, California, has formed a 4PL network partnership with PSI of Atlanta, Georgia to deliver innovative fulfillment solutions to businesses nationwide and globally. These two leading Third Party Logistics companies (3PL) have integrated to leverage their respective expertise, technology, strategic locations, and mutual customer-centric approaches, offering new game changing logistics opportunities for them and their clientele. A primary driver for this strategic relationship is to provide e-commerce busi ..read more

Freight classification, managed by freight forwarders, is an important component of the shipping industry. It determines the price and handling requirements for different types of goods. Understanding the nuances of these classes can help shippers and receivers save time and money. A solid understanding of freight classes ensures a smooth and affordable shipping service. What are Freight Classes? Freight classes are standardized classifications used in the shipping and logistics industry to categorize different types of goods based on their density, storability, handling requirements, and liab ..read more

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has revolutionized the way businesses conduct transactions and communicate with each other. It allows for the electronic exchange of business documents in a standardized format, making processes more simple and cost-effective. Understanding EDI is essential for businesses looking to stay competitive in the global trade. What is EDI? Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a method of exchanging business documents electronically between different computer systems, enabling smooth communication and data transfer between trading partners. Instead of relying on paper ..read more

When shipping items, carriers calculate the cost based on either the package’s actual weight or its dimensional weight, whichever is greater. This can often lead to unexpected charges for shippers and recipients alike. Understanding dimensional weight is crucial for anyone who regularly ships packages, as it can impact the shipping cost and efficiency of the process. What is Dimensional Weight? Dimensional weight, also called volumetric weight, is a method used in shipping to determine the cost of transporting a package based on its actual weight and size. Suppose you have two packages: a smal ..read more

Fill rate, the percentage of customer demand met by available inventory is a vital indicator in supply chain management. It reflects a company’s ability to fulfill orders promptly, impacting overall business success. However, fulfillment issues such as stockouts or delayed deliveries can undermine this indicator. Understanding its importance is crucial for effective supply chain management and business success. What is a Fill Rate? A fill rate, or order fulfillment rate, refers to the percentage of customer orders that can be fulfilled completely from the available inventory at a given time. I ..read more

Shipping zones are crucial in determining your orders’ cost and delivery time. Understanding how these zones work can help you make the best decisions about shipping carriers and methods to choose. Knowing how these zones can affect your company can also help you improve your fulfillment procedure and the general client experience, regardless of the size of your e-commerce business. What are Shipping Zones? Shipping zones are defined geographical areas used by carriers to determine shipping rates. These zones simplify shipping by providing a standardized framework for calculating costs based o ..read more

JIT (Just-In-Time) inventory is a concept that emphasizes the minimization of inventory levels to reduce waste and improve efficiency. While this approach has proven successful for many businesses, it also comes with some challenges and risks. Understanding the pros and cons of JIT inventory will provide you with the knowledge you need to decide if this tactic is helpful for your company. It will help you find the ideal balance between risk and efficiency in your inventory management procedures. What is Just-In-Time in Managing Inventory? Just-In-Time inventory management is a strategy that re ..read more

Businesses use routing instructions as a crucial tool to expedite shipping and guarantee that goods arrive at their destination on schedule. Routing guides provide businesses control over their logistical processes by outlining specific shipment guidelines. It’s critical to comprehend the function of routing guides in the shipping process to properly navigate the complexities of shipping. Routing instructions are essential for maximizing transportation efficiency and cutting expenses, from choosing the best shipping carrier to defining delivery standards. What is a Routing Guide? A routing gui ..read more