The Logistics Lifeline | Mar 2024

Welcome to March’s edition of the Logistics Lifeline. We created this newsletter for companies and individuals that want to keep up with the fast pace of an ever-changing market.

Below you will find a monthly recap of the supply chain topics we’re watching, including essential aspects of network transportation, drayage, container management, distribution and fulfillment, supply chain technology, and what it takes to join the team at ITS.

? (New) Meme of the month:

Get up to speed with rail ramp and port conditions with March’s US Port/Rail Index

This month’s index covers the most significant concerns over the next 12 months, including trucking capacity exiting the market and container supply chains at risk due to diversions around Red Sea avoidance effects. In addition, as Q2 approaches, the index will closely follow the International Longshoremen Association (ILA) negotiations as current ocean contracts are being deliberated. Get more in-depth with March's index.

Inform your distribution + fulfillment decisions with the Q1 Distribution + Fulfillment Index?

This quarter the index reveals that the new supply wave will crest soon, as starts fell abruptly in 2023. A total of 282.4 million square feet of projects have started this year after 598 million square feet began construction in 2022. Furthermore, mindful spending became a main theme in 2023 and will likely continue in 2024. Download your copy of the index.

Are you a Shopify merchant looking to expand into more retail channels?

As your business grows, it's essential to meet your customers wherever they shop. Support your retail expansion with a flexible omnichannel distribution network provided by ITS. Our team specializes in omnichannel fulfillment and is here to help ecommerce businesses transition into retail with a cost-effective solution. Expand beyond Shopify with an omnichannel approach.

Navigating warehouse pricing models

Warehouse pricing models provide a structured approach to pricing goods stored in warehouses. Choosing the right model is an essential to ensuring your supply chain is optimized for efficient operations and max profitability. Understanding and negotiating the most suitable model helps businesses set their supply chain up for success. Learn more and make informed decisions about warehouse pricing models for your business.

Add sustainability to your fulfillment

With sustainability, small efforts can add up to make a big difference. From eco-friendly packaging solutions to optimizing packaging sizes for reduced waste, these strategies can help businesses minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency. Explore 9 cost-effective ways to add sustainability to your fulfillment process.

Routing Guides, an important part of logistics you might not know about

Routing guides are publications issued by retailers to outline regulations and specifications for transporting goods from suppliers to retail outlets and customers. These guides enable retailers to set consistent expectations for shippers and ensure adherence to specified standards, encompassing everything from designated carriers and modes of transportation to rates and service expectations. Learn more about routing guides.

Take a closer look at warehouse costs

Did you know warehousing takes up 13% of total supply chain costs? When contemplating outsourcing fulfillment and warehousing to a third-party provider, it’s important to understand pricing and fee structures. Warehouse expenses vary based on factors such as order volume, storage duration, and fulfillment method. Get the best deal by learning more about warehousing costs.

Workplace culture: What it's like to work at ITS Logistics

Learn more about what it’s like to work at ITS Logistics—our training process, company values, perks, and culture. We strive to be one of the best companies to work for and are always looking for motivated and qualified individuals to join our team. Find out if you are a great fit for ITS!