SMC3’s Jump Start 2024 conference began with Andrew Slusher, SMC3’s CEO, noting record-high attendance. Drawn by the promise of dynamic conversation on the state of the supply chain, participants saw the first day unfold with a series of presentations that varied from the qualities of leadership to what macroeconomic trends to expect in the coming year.

What does it take to forge a productive, mutually beneficial relationship between shippers and carriers in today’s competitive LTL environment? As attendees at SMC3’s recent LTL webinar on the topic learned, it boils down to four things: partners sharing data, analytics, crucial insight, and getting to the “we.” In the third LTL online learning session, […]

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the supply chain and logistics industry churns through mountains of data to move products from the point of origin to the final destination. According to the American Trucking Association, there were 11.46 billion tons of freight transported by trucks in 2022 and you can imagine the volume of data generated […]

The trucking industry has a significant challenge—knowing which customers and accounts are most and least profitable. Having this information can empower carriers to move freight more efficiently and cost effectively, which thereby improves the bottom line. This challenge took center stage at a recent TCA webinar where participants from SMC3 and XTL Transportation Inc. discussed how to make better business decisions through activity-based costing. When asked how carriers do costing today, the vast majority of the attendees said they rely on team member experience and knowledge.

Of all the macroeconomic issues that have plagued the business world over the past few years, the persistent shortage of skilled labor has been a uniquely painful thorn in the side of industry. This trend is especially distressing in the realm of supply chain management, where expert analysis, bold leadership, and hard-won industry know-how are key in keeping companies (and the economy at large) functioning efficiently.

Contracts are the heart of supplier/carrier relationships. They spell out in clear terms what is expected of both parties and therefore serve as an expression of trust that holds a given job together. Contracts can also be a source of major headaches if they are not properly negotiated or if they fail to address key provisions.