Inbound Logistics

Inbound #Logistics is an educational #supplychain content resource for businesses seeking to match demand to supply and orient operations to support that shift.

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

💥 The readers have spoken! The votes are in and we are excited to announce our Reader's Choice Top 10 3PLs of 2026.... Congrats to:

1. @EchoLogistics
2. @HubGroup
3. #KencoGroup
4. @ShipStation Global (formerly WWEX Group)
5. @DHLsupplychain
6. @LyndenInc
7. @R2_Logistics
8. @PLSLogistics
9. #ODWlogistics
10. @RyderSystemInc

Thanks to everyone who voted!

#Top103PLs #Top10 #3PLs #InboundLogistics

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

📈Data comes from everywhere in the supply chain: shipments, invoices, warehouse shifts, carrier negotiations, returns—the list goes on. Companies that put their data to work tend to spend less, move faster, and catch problems sooner. Those that don’t can end up overpaying or making poor decisions without realizing it.

Sorting through your mounds of data and fixing challenges like these is a big job, and many shippers don’t have the staff or software to do it alone. That’s where specialized providers come in. Each of the following companies featured in the Inbound Logistics 2026 Logistics Planner works on one or more of these problems.

@CT_Logistics_ | Founded in 1923, CT Logistics specializes in freight audit and payment, with ISO-certified processes and payments managed in more than 100 countries. The company also offers a transportation management system and other analytics tools.

Fortigo | Fortigo combines a cloud-based multimodal TMS with freight audit and payment in a single system. It is a FedEx Certified Freight Bill Audit and Pay provider for parcel and LTL, and offers real-time dashboards and a savings guarantee.

@Freightgate | Driven by a culture of continuous innovation, Freightgate has offered a cloud logistics platform since 2000. It covers TMS, rate management, and global shipment visibility for shippers, forwarders, and carriers.

@A3Freight | A3 pairs freight payment with consulting and AI-assisted spend analysis. Its team validates the savings it finds and works with clients to capture them. Services include benchmarking, claims management, and contract negotiation.

ARTC Logistics @ar_traffic | ARTC has provided transportation software and services since 1964. Its offerings include freight audit and payment, rate negotiation support, and custom studies, along with an online dashboard that tracks freight spend.

@CTSIGlobal | CTSI-Global, in business since 1957, processes tens of billions of dollars in freight spend each year. It offers global freight audit and payment, parcel spend management, the Honeybee TMS, and dashboards for benchmarking and trend analysis.

@EasyMetrics | Easy Metrics makes a cloud-based warehouse performance platform that combines labor, process, and financial data. Operations managers can see cost to serve and gross margin by customer, process, and facility.

Looking for more partners to help you find and fix logistics cost leaks? Check out the 2026 Logistics Planner today: https://t.co/167inZWmq5

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

@BreakthroughNA Read the full story here: https://t.co/jSiYDmdW42

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

Freight demand has barely moved this year, but costs have climbed in phases.

@BreakthroughNA Chief Economist Marc Schaffer laid out why shippers are paying more to move the same amount of product:

📈 Truckload spot rates were up about 37% year-over year-in September, and contract rates were up about 29%.

⛽ The crack spread between crude oil and finished diesel is at record levels, with U.S. diesel inventories near five-year lows.

🚛 Capacity is tight, and enforcement of English language proficiency rules is adding pressure in border states.

📦 Volume in Breakthrough’s shipper data is flat, meaning supply is driving the increase.

Breakthrough’s forecast has fuel prices elevated through 2027. Contract rates are expected to keep repricing upward toward spot.

We spoke to Marc to better understand what are shippers can do about it.

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

🚨 EVENT ALERT: Our live webinar with @OdysseyLogistic' Mike Beckwith is happening tomorrow, October 21, at 1:00 PM ET.

If you haven't reserved your spot yet, there's still time to learn how to protect your freight from sudden fraud, driver out-of-service orders, and roadside inspection delays before your loads fall through.

Can't make the live session? Register anyway, and we’ll email you the full recording.

Register now: https://t.co/m9EmQ4bGvv

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

The logistics world never stops moving. Neither do we. 🚛📦 With fresh insights on everything from transportation strategy to tech innovations, Inbound Logistics keeps you one step ahead.

Get your FREE subscription today → https://t.co/KrBiDk3LHE

#LogisticsLeaders #SupplyChainStrategy #InboundLogistics

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

📣 What we're talking about this week: Everything you need to know about #hazmat #logistics; how to assess your #transportation contingency plans; how #3PLs can help with #AI; this year's top #trucking trends; the future of #parcel delivery #infrastructure. https://t.co/RHbHDou3tC

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

It’s been a few months since the landmark $10B last-mile delivery deal between @DHLGlobal and @USPS Find out what DHL eCommerce Americas CEO Scott Ashbaugh told us about the future of parcel delivery infrastructure in the U.S. — and why he believes USPS makes sense as the last-mile provider of choice.

Listen to the clip, then check out the full video podcast here: https://t.co/orGNtVLqrk

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

📖 Ready for two fresh picks from the Inbound Logistics Supply Chain Insights library? This info hub features the latest research from industry leaders to help you make smarter, faster decisions.

This week’s two essential reads are:

Why Going Global Isn’t Always the Right Call – Get a practical framework for balancing global, domestic, regional, and hybrid sourcing based on cost, service, risk, and operational readiness. Offered by @G3_Enterprises

How to Prepare for Peak Season – And Avoid the Nightmare Before Christmas – Download this playbook for insider tips to capitalize on peak opportunities while reducing risk and stress during the holiday rush. Offered by jam-n Logistics

Access the full collection for free: https://t.co/DdVdLk4Fn4

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

Yards used to be an afterthought in supply chain management. Not anymore.

Modern yard management systems (YMS), often powered by AI, are eliminating blind spots with real-time visibility. The payoff:
✔️ Less detention and demurrage
✔️ Fewer idle dock doors
✔️ Reduced product spoilage
✔️ Shorter driver wait times

Our new special report, Turning Yards Into Strategic Ground, features insights from @KalerisOfficial, @KellerLogistics, @yard_management, and @YMXLogistics.

Read the full report: https://t.co/zuUDrgaOgy

#SupplyChain #YardManagement #Logistics #YMS

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

Driver issues are now the #1 concern for 71% of carriers. 🚛 And for shippers, cargo theft has spiked to a top concern for 53%.

Our 2026 Trucking Perspectives Report surveyed hundreds of market participants to find out how the industry is responding to workforce pressures, rising fuel costs, supply constraints, and more.

Watch the 🎥 for key findings 👉

📊 Read the full report: https://t.co/veEsBm5e58

🏆 PLUS: Find your next carrier partner in our 2026 Top 100 Trucking Companies list: https://t.co/Z6Yr6OAhLa

#Trucking #Logistics #SupplyChain #Shippers #Carriers #FreightTransportation

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

Think your load is safe just because it's booked? Think again.

Rates can be locked and carriers confirmed, but double brokering, driver compliance flags, or surprise enforcement actions can put your freight at risk instantly.

In this upcoming Inbound Logistics webinar, Mike Beckwith, CTB (VP of Operations at @OdysseyLogistic) shares actionable strategies to protect your booked capacity—and how to respond fast when a carrier falls through.

🗓️ Wednesday, October 21 | 1:00 PM EDT / 10:00 AM PDT
🔗 Register here: https://t.co/m9EmQ4bGvv

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

Meet this week’s Planner Partner spotlight: @WSI_Logistics. A private 3PL with 60 years of experience, WSI has a warehouse network spanning 14 million sq. ft. Combining efficient processes and advanced technology, WSI helps businesses optimize logistics, enhance operations, and boost customer satisfaction.

👉 Learn more about WSI here: https://t.co/urshw12dca

Looking for more trusted supply chain partners? Find a leading logistics provider here:
https://t.co/Fy2SFYoZFZ

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

🥖 Overnight on Oct. 11, hackers accessed the refrigeration controllers at roughly 150 French supermarkets and set them to defrost.

Les Mousquetaires, Intermarché’s parent company, says fridges ran as hot as 50°C (or 122°F) for about six hours. Affected stores were forced to throw out all their fresh and frozen food.

The reported entry point was outdated or unpatched Danfoss controllers with remote access that wasn’t properly secured. Danfoss says the targeted models were obsolete or not updated.

Practical takeaways for anyone moving or storing perishables:

→ Cold chain risk doesn’t stop at the reefer trailer. Store coolers, DC freezers, and pharma storage run on connected controllers too.
→ Know which of your refrigeration controllers are reachable from the internet and who is responsible for patching them.
→ Intermarché warned its insurance may not cover this type of incident. Read your policy before you need it.

Cold chain threats have historically been physical. As technology evolves, they've become digital too.

Image: AFP

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

@dimerco @ascm_hq Catch the full conversation here: https://t.co/knIwJ0INRh

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

@dimerco CEO Jeffrey Shih has been at the forefront of global trade for some 30 years. What does he see as the most pressing concerns in the current global trade environment? We caught up with him on the sidelines of the @ascm_hq CHAINge conference to find out.

Shih shared his thoughts on the current operating environment, high-tech cargo security, tariff maneuvering, and how freight forwarders are leveraging technology to protect their bottom lines.

A few takeaways from our conversation:

→ “If you don’t have automation and efficiency, you simply can’t handle that volume [of today’s vessels] without continuous port congestion.”

→ “The stakes are higher now because the value density of tech cargo has skyrocketed.”

→ “Over 50% of the revenue for many top American high-tech companies comes from Asia. The interdependence is real.”

→ “With today’s supply chain complexity, shippers need true strategic partners who understand end-to-end duty mitigation, compliance, FTZ warehousing, and secure last-mile delivery”

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

Supply chain professionals met in Nashville last week for @cscmp EDGE 2026, and two topics came up in nearly every conversation: AI and freight fraud.

Highlights from our coverage:

• @esteelauderco’s Roberto Canevari explained how the company decides which products need speed, agility, or resilience
• TQL’s David Mitsui said cargo theft incidents are down while the value per theft climbs
• The 31st Langley 3PL Study was released
• @BreakthroughNA presented on diesel supply and truckload capacity.

Read the full recap: https://t.co/yrtH01Synj

#CSCMPEDGE #SupplyChain #Logistics

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

Our publisher Keith Biondo sharing some thoughts today: The Philippines Container Crisis — A Harbinger of Transpacific Friction

Do your Asia-Pacific supply lines touch Southeast Asia? Then dial into what's going on at the Philippines ports of Manila, Batangas, and Subic Bay.

What started as landside container imbalance and yard congestion is now a serious operational bottleneck. What's the problem? Imports are heavily outstripping exports leaving empty cans piling up with nowhere to put them. Off-dock storage is jammed at 100% capacity, and truckers are stranded waiting to drop off empty boxes.

First to take action is Hapag-Lloyd, by temporarily suspending new container bookings into Philippine ports through year-end. If that doesn't take the pressure off, other liners will likely follow suit. Then local drayage delays will quickly cascade into broader feeder disruptions and regional port omitted sailings. While you are waiting for the dust to settle you can take action to limit damage of similar SNAFUs:

• Build extra lead time into regional feeder schedules routing through Philippine transshipment gateways when destination ports lack off-dock empty storage.
• Audit your contracts to ensure you aren't paying for carrier-driven gate closures.
• Negotiate clear terms regarding demurrage, detention, and return location liabilities when destination ports lack off-dock storage.
• Keep close tabs on local warehousing and bonded facilities which will be essential buffers while port fluidity normalizes.

We’re tracking how carrier delistings and empty-container evacuations play out and what it means for your broader demand-driven strategy.

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

📣 What we're talking about this week: #WMS flexibility: promise vs. reality; the new era of #global #trade (from a CEO who knows); mapping #AI to #supplychain resilience; a smarter solution for #footwear #fulfillment. https://t.co/Kec0Ly4aWU

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

𝗔𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗽𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄.

@DHLGlobal and @NYUStern released the latest Globalization Tracker this week. A few numbers stood out:

→ Goods trade grew faster in H1 2026 than in any half-year in the past 15 years, apart from the Covid rebound.

→ AI-enabling goods like semiconductors and data-transmission equipment drove 42% of goods trade growth in 2025. In Q1 2026, that share hit 76%.

→ Growth is forecast at 3.4% a year through 2029, up from 2.7% over the last decade. That outlook is stronger than it was before the tariff hikes or the Iran war.

Tariffs and the Strait of Hormuz closure did real damage in specific places.

Saudi Arabia’s trade value fell 37% in the first five months of the year, but the global impact on trade numbers was limited.

The U.S. accounts for only about 13% of world imports and roughly half of those were exempt from the tariff increases. Direct U.S.–China trade has fallen to 1.6% of world trade, but Chinese inputs increasingly reach the U.S. through third countries. Counting those indirect imports, U.S. reliance on China has dropped only slightly.

The report advises leasers to plan for disruption without retreating from global markets. Companies that pull back while competitors stay global risk losing ground.

Source: DHL Globalization Tracker, October 2026

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

Watch the full webinar: https://t.co/JaGuyKVRC8

[Inbound Logistics @ILMagazine]

You wouldn’t build a house without architectural blueprints—so why start a WMS implementation without a solid design phase?

Those were Glenn VanLandingham’s wise words during our recent webinar featuring him and Andrew Hooser of Blue Current.

In this clip, Glenn (VP of Implementation at @DatexWMS) breaks down why the discovery and solution design phase is the single most critical predictor of WMS project success.

When evaluating software vendors, he says, make sure to ask:

🔹 What does your discovery process actually look like?
🔹 Who needs to be involved from our team, and for how long?
🔹 How many meetings and deep-dive sessions will be required?

What questions do you ask potential vendors during the design phase? Tell us below.👇