What's your strategy for staying up-to-date on logistics trends?

1 Read industry publications and blogs

One of the easiest and most accessible ways to stay up-to-date on logistics trends is to read industry publications and blogs that cover topics relevant to your field. There are many online and offline sources that offer insights, analysis, news, and opinions on logistics issues, such as Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management Review, Inbound Logistics, Logistics Viewpoints, and more. You can subscribe to their newsletters, follow them on social media, or bookmark their websites and check them regularly. Reading industry publications and blogs can help you learn from experts, discover new ideas, and stay aware of the current and emerging challenges and opportunities in logistics.

2 Join professional associations and networks

Another way to stay up-to-date on logistics trends is to join professional associations and networks that connect you with other logistics professionals and provide you with opportunities for learning and development. For example, you can join the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL), or the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), depending on your area of specialization and interest. By joining these associations and networks, you can access their publications, events, webinars, courses, certifications, and other resources that can help you enhance your knowledge and skills in logistics.

3 Attend industry events and conferences

A third way to stay up-to-date on logistics trends is to attend industry events and conferences that bring together logistics professionals, experts, vendors, and stakeholders to share information, experiences, and best practices. These events and conferences can expose you to the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in logistics, as well as provide you with networking and collaboration opportunities. Some of the popular and reputable events and conferences in logistics include the CSCMP EDGE Conference, the ISM Annual Conference, the MODEX Show, the Supply Chain & Logistics Summit & Expo, and the Transport Logistic Fair.

4 Follow thought leaders and influencers

A fourth way to stay up-to-date on logistics trends is to follow thought leaders and influencers who have a strong reputation and influence in the logistics industry. These are people who have extensive experience, expertise, and vision in logistics, and who share their insights, opinions, and predictions on various platforms, such as blogs, podcasts, social media, books, or magazines. Some examples of thought leaders and influencers in logistics are Steve Banker, Lora Cecere, Adrian Gonzalez, Kate Vitasek, and Mike Regan. By following these people, you can learn from their perspectives, insights, and foresights, and keep yourself updated on the future directions and developments in logistics.

5 Experiment with new tools and technologies

A fifth way to stay up-to-date on logistics trends is to experiment with new tools and technologies that can help you improve your logistics processes, performance, and efficiency. There are many tools and technologies that are transforming the logistics industry, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, internet of things, robotics, and more. You can explore these tools and technologies by researching them, testing them, or implementing them in your logistics operations, depending on your needs, goals, and resources. Experimenting with new tools and technologies can help you stay ahead of the curve, gain a competitive edge, and solve your logistics problems in innovative ways.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?