Inbound Logistics | August 2026

CONTENTS 30 14 SUPPLY CHAIN MOVES TO HELP RETAILERS SURVIVE AND THRIVE FEATURES AUGUST 2026 | VOL. 46 | NO. 8

INFOCUS 1 INFO SNACKS 12 NOTED 14 TAKEAWAYS 58 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT 60 IN BRIEF 64 LAST MILE

Winning retail today demands a smarter supply chain, including dynamic stores, flexible distribution, total inventory control, and a rock-solid returns strategy.

INSIGHT 4 CHECKING IN 3PL contracts evolve into 4PL solutions 6 GOOD QUESTION What’s one thing to do now to ensure your company will be in business in 5 years? 8 10 TIPS Building a strong warehouse workforce 26 FREIGHT FRAUD How to stop freight fraud before it starts 27 RETAIL RETHINK The cost of disconnected systems 28 RISKS AND REWARDS Hard-to-insure risks pressure cash flow INFO 56 SUPPLY CHAIN INSIGHTS 62 CALENDAR 63 RESOURCE CENTER INPRACTICE 10 SUPPLY CHAIN P.O.V. FREIGHT MANAGER TAKES A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO PROBLEM SOLVING Brian Waite, Global Freight Manager at Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions, knows creating a space where people feel comfortable sharing ideas is essential.

36 CONTENT PARTNERS REPORT PORT UPDATE: SHORING UP SUPPLY CHAINS See how ports and port-supporting organizations lift their communities and spur economic development. 48 CONTENT PARTNERS REPORT COLD CHAIN SOLUTIONS STAY FRESH With consumers demanding more fresh foods and product integrity at a premium, shippers turn to providers equipped to navigate a volatile and demanding landscape.

CONTENT PARTNERS 18 Proposed Transportation Bill: What Does It Mean for Women In Trucking? Oered by Women In Trucking 19 How to Improve Your Warehouse Picking Process During Peak Seasons and Returns Oered by Engineering Innovation 20 Fewer Containers, Same Freight: The Overweight Corridor Advantage Oered by Custom Goods Logistics 22 Why Every Freight Mode Matters More Than Ever Oered by KDL Logistics 23 Plan Complex Heavy Haul Moves With Fewer Surprises Oered by Landstar 24 Why Carrier Costing Is Becoming Core Logistics Infrastructure Oered by SMC 3

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 oces. 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

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