The Logistics Lifeline | April 2024

Welcome to April’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 drayage, container management, distribution and fulfillment, network transportation, technology, and what it takes to join the team at ITS.

Meme of the month:

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

This month, the index reflects the considerable demand shifts for the Ports of Norfolk, New York, and New Jersey due to the recent Francis Scott Key Bridge damage, effectively eliminating access to the inner harbor and closing the Port of Baltimore. Get more in-depth with April'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.

CNBC Interview with Paul Brashier on the Latest Impacts of the Port of Baltimore Closure

A combination of rising post Lunar New Year imports and supply chain disruptions at US ports could increase port congestion and challenge operations.Our Vice President of Drayage and Intermodal Paul Brashier recently did an interview with CNBC on current and forecasted port conditions. Read Lori Ann LaRocco's coverage of the situation here.

Logistics in the Data Era: Redefining Value, Opportunity, and the Modern 3PL

When it comes to supply chain visibility, there's more now than there ever has been—thanks to a surge of investment in logistics technology over the last decade. Improved visibility has had a surprising effect on the industry and has redefined what it means to be a modern 3PL. Learn more about how visibility has changed value, opportunity, and the modern 3PL in an article written by ITS Logistics CEO Scott Pruneau.

5 Supply Chain Tips for Ecommerce Brands Making the Jump to Omnichannel

Did you know around 85% of retail sales still happen offline? That's all the more reason to embrace omnichannel retail. Expanding into omnichannel can help businesses reach more shoppers and deliver a consistent experience over every sales channel. Explore 5 Supply Chain Tips for expanding into omnichannel.

Our Comprehensive Guide to Intermodal Transportation

Intermodal transportation proves particularly beneficial when a shipping route aligns with a mode of transport, primarily rail, as opposed to over-the-road (OTR) transport, which can sometimes be more expensive and less efficient than rail. By combining modes of transportation, shippers can save money, create efficiency, and even reduce their carbon footprint. Check out our comprehensive guide to intermodal transportation