United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) reached a $1.3 million settlement with the New York State Attorney General's Office, resolving allegations that the company knowingly permitted package-delivery trucks in serious disrepair to be used by UPS employees throughout the state.

A proposal to limit the number of hours truck drivers spend behind the wheel each day would increase costs for businesses and consumers while undermining intended safety benefits by putting more trucks on the road during the most-congested hours, the National Retail Federation (NRF) told federal transportation officials this week.

The proposed Hours of Service changes put forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in December 2010 would have a negative impact on over-the-road transportation and would severely cripple supply chain operations, according to NASSTRAC, an industry association that represents the interests of freight shippers in all modes of transportation. On Friday, March 4, NASSTRAC submitted its comments on FMCSA’s proposed changes to the rules jointly with The Health and Personal Care Logistics Conference.

The Integrated Systems and Controls (ISC) Council of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) has released Sentiment Towards Automation in Warehousing, Distribution and Manufacturing, the second in a series of Automation Reports. Several key takeaways important to the material handling and logistics industry emerged.

Cross-docking is on the rise, according to a new study from Saddle Creek Corp., a nationwide third-party logistics provider. The 2011 Cross-Docking Trends Report indicates that more and more companies are finding value in the practice’s ability to take costs out of the system, manage inventory levels, increase efficiencies and accommodate unpredictable customer demand.

Purolator Courier Ltd is now Purolator Inc. and Purolator USA is now Purolator International. According to the company, these changes mark the evolution of Purolator from a courier company to a comprehensive logistics service provider focused on delivering in Canada and leveraging the full range of its multi-modal capabilities.

It’s a time-honored tradition that inventory managers sometimes stockpile extra supplies against the fear of parts or materials shortages, whether on the shop floor, in hospital storerooms or in MRO departments. But who would have thought even sales executives engage in the practice?

Express transportation company FedEx Express is adding new services for customers including FedEx First Overnight Freight and FedEx 2Day A.M. and is making further enhancements to FedEx First Overnight. The services aim to provide customers with faster, time-definite shipping options backed by a money-back guarantee.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has downgraded its airline industry outlook for 2011 to $8.6 billion from the $9.1 billion it estimated in December 2010. This is a 46% fall in net profits compared to the $16 billion (revised from $15.1 billion) earned by the industry in 2010. On expected industry revenues of $594 billion, the $8.6 billion 2011 profit equates to a net profit margin of 1.4%.

Logistics Management Solutions (LMS), a non-asset-based third-party logistics provider, has acquired McCann’s Piggyback Consolidation Inc., an Intermodal Marketing Company (IMC) based in Fenton, Mo. Through the acquisition, LMS will add intermodal services to its offerings and create a new subsidiary, Freight Management Solutions (FMS). FMS will specialize in intermodal and freight brokerage services while its parent company, LMS, will focus on supply chain management solutions.

A stretch of Interstate 480 near my home in Independence, Ohio spans the Cuyahoga River Valley. It’s known as the Valley View Bridge. I drive over it frequently, never thinking of the 200-foot drop I would experience if my car ever sailed over the edge. It’s an experience nobody could describe because nobody could survive it. It was the last experience Larry Cunningham ever had.

Recent business headlines are implying that rising labor costs in China are diminishing its attractiveness as a sourcing partner. Logistics professionals know better. They know that material handling and logistics efficiencies, combined with a good set of alternative sourcing plans, can help manufacturers protect profit margins.

Sometimes the best talent is already employed and not looking to make a move. These people can be game changers for your organization.

Introducing "Tri-Dex™" Label Holders for Slotted Plastic Bins
Aigner Index is pleased to introduce a complete labeling system for plastic bins with label slots. "Tri-Dex™" Label Holders are made of clear PVC which is fabricated to a tri-fold configuration that seals and protects the label. Just laser print a label, slide it into the holder and snap it into place. Laser Inserts are included with printing instructions. Click here for more info.