Inbound Logistics | October 2024

CONTENTS OCTOBER 2024 | VOL. 44 | NO. 10

FEATURES 26 STRENGTHENING PORT-RAIL CONNECTIONS U.S. ports embrace rail connections through capital and technology investments designed to move cargo quickly and more efficiently. 32 SMART SAILING: MARITIME SUCCESS STRATEGIES Faced with a complex wave of interconnected challenges, ocean carriers keep shipments on course by refining schedules, enhancing fleets, adding new technology tools, and introducing greener fuels.

INPRACTICE 12 READER PROFILE: MARCUS CHUNG THREADS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INTO SUPPLY CHAIN DECISIONS Ensuring that garments are produced ethically and

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GOOD QUESTION What supply chain term will be top of mind in 2025?

efficiently has been the main focus of Marcus Chung’s career. He also works to make an impact beyond his business role by championing sustainability and social impact causes.

INSIGHT 4 CHECKING IN AI power drives supply chain gymnastics 8 10 TIPS Strengthening supplier relationships 10 GOOD QUESTION What supply chain term will be top of mind in 2025? 22 LEAN SUPPLY CHAIN The lean, green supply chain: Where 1+1=3 24 VISIBILITY Improving global rail container visibility INFO 40 WEB_CITE CITY 42 SUPPLY CHAIN INSIGHTS 46 CALENDAR 47 RESOURCE CENTER

37 IT TOOLKIT: NEW ERP SMOOTHS THE WAY

CONTENT PARTNERS 20 GENERIX SOLOCHAIN WMS OFFERS SMOOTH IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS AND EFFICIENCY GAINS Offered by Generix 21 BETTER SERVICE, LOWER COST—THE LTL ELECTRONIC BILL OF LADING Offered by SMC 3 to leverage a scalable solution that has enabled the company to reduce inventory and grow profits. To upgrade its existing ERP, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter maker E.T. Browne Drug Company worked with its long-time partner SYSPRO

INFOCUS 1 INFO SNACKS 14 NOTED 16 TAKEAWAYS 44 IN BRIEF 48 LAST MILE Peak season pitfalls and perils

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 • October 2024

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