Inbound Logistics | November 2024

CONTENT PARTNERS 20 INVESTMENT GROWTH SEEN IN SUPPLY CHAIN TECHNOLOGIES THAT EMPOWER HUMAN WORKFORCE Offered by MHI 21 EDI ISN’T DYING—IT’S EVOLVING AND CAN BE INTEGRATED WITH API Offered by SMC 3 22 CUSTOMER SERVICE—A MAGNET FOR MORE BUSINESS Offered by Landstar CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2024 | VOL. 44 | NO. 11 INFOCUS 1 INFO SNACKS 14 NOTED 16 TAKEAWAYS 58 IN BRIEF 64 LAST MILE Pallet, meet drone

FEATURES 30 FAST TRACK TO EXPEDITED SHIPPING SUCCESS Expedited shipping helps organizations elevate competitive edge, enhance customer satisfaction, and swiftly respond to supply chain disruptions—all while keeping inventory costs in check. 36 EXPEDITED CARRIERS GUIDE Reliable expedited freight services are crucial for businesses that need to move critical, time-sensitive goods quickly and cost-effectively. Find your next expedited partner in this guide. 42 SHIPPERS GET ON BOARD WITH AIR CARGO With ecommerce growth soaring and global trade accelerating, demand for air cargo solutions is rising. Can capacity keep up with the industry’s rapid ascent? 46 SPONSORED DC AUTOMATION GETS REAL These systems are doing the heavy lifting to boost warehouse efficiency in today’s modern distribution centers.

INFO 56 SUPPLY CHAIN INSIGHTS 60 CALENDAR 62 RESOURCE CENTER INPRACTICE

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12 LEADERSHIP: SETTING THE LTL WORLD ON FIRE As executive director of

INSIGHT 4 CHECKING IN What happens when robotics, Starlink, and AI converge? 8 10 TIPS Upgrading your supply chain skill set 10 GOOD QUESTION What logistics function will AI have the most profound impact on? 24 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AI and the essential supply chain worker 26 RISKS & REWARDS Securing the core through third-party risk management 28 VIEWPOINT Why we need advanced manufacturing

the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Debbie Sparks helps drive digital transformation. 53 IT TOOLKIT: CONSTRUCTING EFFICIENT INVENTORY MANAGEMENT Kinnunen—a provider of construction and outdoor power equipment and services— levels up with a robust and unified ERP system offering real-time inventory insight and end-to-end capabilities.

Inbound Logistics (ISSN 0888-8493, USPS 703990) is mailed monthly to approximately 60,000 business professionals who buy, specify, or recommend logistics technology, transportation, and related services, by Thomas, a Xometry company, 6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 800, North Bethesda, MD 20852. Periodicals postage paid at North Bethesda, MD, and additional mailing offices. All rights reserved. The publisher accepts no responsibility for the validity of claims of any products or services described. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic means, or stored in any information retrieval system, without permission from the publisher. Postmaster send address changes to: Inbound Logistics, P.O. Box 1167, Lowell, MA 01853-9900

2 Inbound Logistics • November 2024

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