Last month, I gave a presentation to a group of senior transportation and supply chain executives. It was entitled “Predictable Surprises,” because it addressed how transportation and supply chain professionals can eliminate unpleasant surprises by looking at and evaluating issues in the transportation industry, and projecting how those issues will affect their companies.
One of the things we have highlighted over the years is the need for transportation professionals to stay abreast of what is happening in the transportation industry. It is in that spirit that we want to note that the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) recently has amended the NMFC rules for reporting concealed freight damage.
Shippers tend to retain a freight audit and payment company for a long time, which means choosing the right one is a big deal.
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the C-Level Spotlight Transportation Report.
In 2002, I spoke at a supply chain forum for Presidents and CEOs. Since there was a labor dispute going on at the ports on the west coast at the time, I asked a hypothetical question: “What would happen if the west coast ports shut down, and you were not able to get products delivered in a timely manner?” Thirteen years later, this hypothetical question has become a reality for many companies.
With the arrival of the New Year, many of us make resolutions. One of mine is to take the advice Seth Godin offered in a recent blog post: “Practice looking in the mirror and saying, ‘Yes!’” We have enough gatekeepers in our lives, especially in the workplace. I see it all the time in the supply chain management industry, and I am sure you see if in your place of work as well. People become too worried about potential failure and blame; as a result, they are reluctant to put their ideas out there.
