Beginner's Guide to Logistics

How Is Telematics Used in Vehicles?

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 20:38:29 +0000

Being telematics is used in vehicles and is tied to GPS systems, telematics is found in various types of equipment. There are various brands of communication systems that use and rely on telematics to work. All these devices work differently but share one common thread. They all transmit and receive data to help the user. The transmitted data can be in the form of a graph, map, spreadsheet, or some other type of output display.

There are various companies that make communications equipment that work in vehicles that use telematics to function. This equipment can be set up in the vehicle in no time. The brands of devices that are made today include:

• ESITrack: This device provides a car and ship GPS data telematics. ESITrack is a Vehicle Tracking Device provider. They use a software protocol that is not patented. And being that it is open source means other companies can take the protocol and use it. The two protocols that ESITrack developed were vi-track and Inovatrack. ESI protocol is a simple but flexible protocol that uses low data rate communication.
• OnStar: OnStar is a very famous communications device that is found in most General Motors vehicles produced today. The device is also advertised on TV and radio these days.
• Tele Aid: This technology is provided by Mercedes-Benz and Maybach by ATX Group. The communication device is also partially owned by Vodafone, a British mobile phone operator, and the largest mobile telecommunications network company in the world.
• BMW Assist: This technology is provided by BMW and Rolls-Royce by ATX Group. This is also partially owned by Vodafone.
• C-pod: This technology is provided mainly for leisure boat owners by Pilotfish Marine.
• TrackYourTruck: This technology provides the ability to track and retrieve Vehicle Tracking Services online businesses and consumers. Vehicle Tracking Services is used for tracking vehicles for the purpose of collecting and transmitting of vehicle activity and GPS data.

Telematics Devices You Can Purchase For Your Vehicle

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 20:38:59 +0000

Telematics devices as described above are available to purchase from the companies who made them. You will need to check them out to see which one works for your situation. It really depends on what type of vehicle you have and your needs. Evaluate them and see which one will work for you.

• ESITrack: ESITrack is a company that provides GPS tracking devices for your tracking needs. Their telematics devices are based on radio, GSM, and satellite communications. They are in business to make your navigation needs better and easier. You can access all kinds of information about your vehicles. To learn more about the company and the devices they make go to http://www.esitrack.com/.
• OnStar: OnStar is as you know a very famous GPS system. The system can do anything and record any kind of information about your vehicle. Millions of people use OnStar in their vehicles. It has to be installed in a factory. But the investment is well worth the cost. To learn more about the service just go to http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/index.jsp.
• Tele Aid: With this device, when you drive a Mercedes-Benz, Tele Aid is there with you and to protect you. The system is there to help you when you need it. It operates through a combination GPS and wireless communications that is built into the car. To learn more about Tele Aid go to http://www.teleaid.com/index.html.
• BMW Assist: BMW Assist is a technology that offers the user safety, security, and convenience, all at a touch of a button. BMW Assist connects you to trained response specialist to help you with anything you need help with. It doesn’t matter if it is an emergency situation or just directions to a particular place. The system also includes Bluetooth technology. To find out more about this technology and how it can help you just go to http://www.bmwusa.com/owners/bmwassist/default.
• C-pod: If you are into sailing, you know it is not just a pastime like it use to be. It is now more likely a hobby to many enthusiasts. If you are one of these and you own a boat, having a C-pod installed in your boat is like having management system. You can survey and manage your whole area by way of the web or your cell phone. It is basically your ears and eyes to the boat. Check it out at http://www.pilotfish.net/.
• TrackYourTruck: Everyone one who owns or operates a truck needs this system install. Why? Because this device help you to keep track of your equipment, trucks, and makes sure you are getting the most money for your vehicles use. If you are looking for a way to track your vehicles using real-time GPS devices and get the data you need to run your business better, this may be for you. If you own or use a truck, this system may be what you are looking for. Go to http://www.trackyourtruck.com/.

Third Party Logistics Overview

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 17:05:46 +0000

Trying to handle a business is one major undertaking. You have to be concerned with manufacturing products, making sure the products are tested before leaving your factory, assuring on time delivery, and of course billing the customer. All these activities are known as logistics. Dealing with the logistics of the business is very time consuming. It takes effort and expertise. What if there are a lot of returns? Is the business prepared for that? Because of the amount of work involved, many businesses take these functions or the whole logistics functions to a third party. This way they can focus on running and growing the business. Being this is the case third party logistics (3PL) firms have grown dramatically over the years, especially the last two to three years. Just what is involved in hiring a third party logistics firm and why should they be used? First, what type of outsourcing is available for companies that want to go in this direction? To consider this we need to look at what levels of outsourcing are available:

• Transactional outsourcing: This type of outsourcing is based on a per transaction basis with no type of long term contract involved. The third party logistics company just comes in when necessary, performs the job, and completes the assignment. That’s it.
• Tactical outsourcing: This type of outsourcing is more on a long term basis. But the contracts can be negotiated. Also, all IT systems that are used are integrated to make free information available to all parties.
• Strategic outsourcing: This is based on a long-term relationship where the third party and the company work together harmoniously. The 3PL literally becomes a partner to the company. And handles all their supply chain management systems.

How is 3PL (Third Party Logistics) Defined and Why is it Used?

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 17:06:49 +0000

As more businesses get involved in the process of manufacturing and selling their products, they find the task of dealing with all aspects of the supply chain or logistics of it gets overwhelming. So what happens? They outsource all work to a third party. The goal of a third party logistics or 3PL company is to assist the company by managing the company’s complex distribution systems and requirements.

So why use 3PL? Well there are a number of reasons beyond what was described above. Some of these reasons may include:

• Saving time: It is a fact that by outsourcing all logistics and distribution to an outside firm will save the company time. This way the company can use this free time to grow their business and make it more profitable.
• Lack of Expertise: Many companies just don’t have the personnel to handle the load. They may have the staff to do it, but the staff may not be knowledgeable or experienced in all phases of this work. Therefore, to handle such a task would be insurmountable.
• Help with responsibility: In many cases, a company just may not be able to tackle all responsibilities involved in the logistics processes and procedures. So to accommodate the situation, they shift some of the responsibility over to a 3PL to help out. This way the work gets done within a reasonable time and efficiently.
• Revamp the distribution system: Some times a company can’t see the weakness in a system because the manager doesn’t look at everything objectively. By bringing in an outside firm to handle matters, the 3PL could find weaknesses and take steps to help the company overcome those weaknesses. The end result is a much more organized and fully-functional distribution system.

How to Implement Third Party Logistics

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 17:07:24 +0000

Using a 3PL firms helps companies better manage their business from every angle. Many companies rate 3PLs as the best way to do business and get work done. These companies used 3Pls in the past with excellent results. So using 3PLs does work. But in order to use a 3PL you must make certain of a number of factors for your plan to implement hiring a 3PL to work right. These factors are:

• Have a strategy in place: Before you decide to hire an outside firm to help you manage the logistics of your company, you got to have a strategy. If you don’t have one, you won’t know what you want from the 3PL, and the 3PL won’t be able to deliver the goods. So the first thing to do is know where you stand first.
• Analyze your situation: By analyzing your present system, you can understand where your strengths lie, and where you have weaknesses. You can also evaluate any possible opportunities and deal with any threats that may come along with regard to outsourcing.
• Do a study: Before you call any firm to do the work for you, do a comprehensive study as to the advantages, disadvantages, challenges you may face, and costs involved. This will help you to determine if you need to outsource your work or not.
• Document your processes and procedures: If you document every step you take in your logistics processes and procedures, you may uncover things you did not know anything about. By doing this at least you can gain a better understanding of what you are doing and if it lives up to your expectations or not.
• Interview and evaluate: Before you hire any particular company, interview several and check them out against your present needs to see who comes closest to the right fit for what you need them for.
• Homework time: After you have evaluated a few providers, check them out to get more info about them. Check out their references and talk to any past or existing customers. This is the only way you’ll know if they are legitimate or not.
• Create a costs analysis: When you are evaluating the costs involved in hiring an outside firm to handle your logistics, you are getting a clear idea as to whether you can afford it or not.

Third Party Logistics Firms You Can Work With

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 17:07:58 +0000

Finding a suitable 3PL is or can be the hard part. There are so many of them around. You basically have to know what you are looking for ahead of time, before you can make your selection. What are your needs? What are you trying to accomplish. Know this and you will know who you want to hire. Here are some firms that you may want to contact. They are leading providers of logistics and logistics management. Check them out and see if one might work for you.

• Exel: Exel is a leading provider of logistics services. They know how important the supply chain is to a company and the ability to management it proper is Exel’s total commitment. As a matter of fact, while you may be doing other things to grow your business, Exel is taking care of delivering the goods to your customers, and whatever other needs you may have. They provide solutions in manufacturing, retail, and other industries. To learn more about why they are rated the top of the chain, just go to http://www.exel.com/cl/home/.
• APL Logistics: APL Logistics is in business to make your business a winner. They deal with all aspects of logistics and will help you management your processes and procedures so you don’t have to. To learn more about how APL Logistics can help you just swing over to http://www.apllogistics.com/.
• IWLA: The IWLA deals with warehouse logistics the world over. They handle all 3PLs and are the central point to contact if you are looking for a 3PL in your area. Go to http://www.iwla.com/ and see if they can help you find a 3PL close to you.
• Ryder: Ryder is not just a trucking company. They also have a logistics division that handles all aspects of the supply chain management system. They will send a team of consultants into your work place, assess your situation, and process any analysis they obtain, and identify ways to help you make your system better. Just go to http://www.ryder.com/ and look for supply chain services.
• CH Robinson: Here is a company that has been around for over 100 years. They have dealt with way over 18,000 customers and guarantee that they will turn your logistics systems around to make your business more productive. To look into them further go to http://www.chrobinson.com/.

Contract Warehousing

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 21:47:38 +0000

Contract Warehousing Overview

Contract Warehousing Resources

Contract Warehousing Solutions

Contract Warehousing Services

Reverse Logistics

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 21:49:48 +0000

Reverse Logistics Overview

Just what is Reverse Logistics and Why is it so Important to Prepare for it?

How Can Third-Party Providers Help With Reverse Logistics?

Looking for Third-Party Providers Who Work With Reverse Logistics

Distribution

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 21:51:03 +0000

Distribution Overview

What Does Distribution Mean For a Company?

The Logistics of Distribution

Considerations in Distribution

Third Party Logistics

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 21:52:16 +0000

Third Party Logistics Overview

How is 3PL (Third Party Logistics) Defined and Why is it Used?

How to Implement Third Party Logistics

Third Party Logistics Firms You Can Work With

What Is LTL Freight?

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 19:19:19 +0000

LTL or Less Than Truckload shipping is the transportation of relatively small freight. The alternatives to LTL carriers are parcel carriers or full truckload carriers. Parcel carriers usually handle small packages and freight that can be broken down in to units less than 150 pounds. Full truckload carriers move freight that is loaded into a semi trailer. Semi trailers are typically between 26 and 53 feet and thereby require a substantial amount of freight to make transportation economical.

Less Than Truckload shipping is a thin-margined business, so costs must be minimized. Two of the biggest costs for Less Than Truckload shippers are fuel and labor. Many Less Than Truckload shippers have unionized labor, therefore labor costs are relatively fixed, and so minimizing fuel usage is a significant goal. This translates to maximizing the utilization of every trailer for every mile driven. Ideally, every trailer carrying freight would contain a maximum level of freight by both weight and volume. The weight and volume characteristics of a set of freight is referred to as freight mix.

What Is The Difference Between LTL Freight And Full Truckload Operations?

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 19:20:25 +0000

Full truckload carriers normally deliver a semi trailer to a shipper who will fill the shipment with freight for one destination. After the trailer is loaded the driver returns to the shipper to collect the required paperwork, such as Bill of lading, Invoice, Customs paperwork, and departs with the trailer containing freight. In most cases the driver then proceeds directly to the consignee and delivers the freight. Occasionally, a driver will transfer the trailer to another driver who will drive the freight the rest of the way. Full truckload transit times are normally constrained by the drivers availability according to Hours of Service regulations and distance. It is normally accepted that full truckload drivers will transport freight at an average of 47 miles per hour, this includes traffic jams or queues at intersection.

One advantage full truckload carriers have over less than truckload carriers is that the freight is never handled in route whereas an LTL shipment will typically be transported on several different trailers.

Less than truckload carriers typically have several drivers in a city where is shipper is located to collect freight from various shippers. Usually the same driver will visit the same shipper each time a shipment goes by a particular carrier. Once the driver has made several stops and has picked up enough freight to fill his trailer with either enough volume or weight, he returns to his terminal to have his trailer unloaded. The trailer is unloaded and the individual shipments are then weighed and rated for billing purposes. Next, the freight is then loaded onto an outbound trailer that will forward the freight to either a break bulk or other terminal. Once the freight arrives at its next stop along its way it will be transferred to another trailer and forwarded to the terminal in its destination city where it will be transferred to the trailer that will deliver it to the consignee. A shipment may be handled four or more times by the carrier, not including the initial loading and unloading.

Transit times for Less Than Truckload freight is much slower than for Full Truckload. Transit times in Less Than Truckload shipments are not exactly related to the direct distance from shipper to consignee. Less Than Truckload transit times are solely dependent upon the makeup of the network of Terminals and Break bulks that are operated by a carrier. If a carrier offers a next day service region shipments ranging from 0 to approximately 500 miles will most likely be delivered at similar times during the next day.

The main advantage of using a Less Than Truckload carrier is that a shipment may be delivered at a very small percentage of the cost if it had to be sent on a large trailer by itself. Also, Less Than Truckload carriers typically offer guarantees whereas Full Truckload carriers normally do not.

What Is The Difference Between Less Than Truckload Operations and Parcel Carrier Operations?

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 19:20:49 +0000

A parcel carrier traditionally only handles shipments weighing less than approximately 150 pounds. Parcel carriers typically still compete with Less Than Truckload carriers by convincing shippers to break larger shipments down to smaller packages. Parcel carriers typically refer to multipiece shipments as Hundredweight shipments as the rating is based on 100 pounds. The Hundredweight rate is multiplied by the shipment's weight and then divided by 100 and then rounded up to the nearest hundred.

Less Than Truckload carriers prefer to handle shipments with the least amount of handling units possible. Less Than Truckload carriers prefer a shipment of 1 pallet containing 100 boxes shrink-wrapped to form one piece rather than 100 individual pieces. This reduces handling costs and the risk of damage during transit. Typically the rates of Less Than Truckload carriers per pound are less than the rate of parcel carriers.

Both Less Than Truckload carriers and parcel carriers are similar in the fact that they both use a network of hubs and terminals to deliver freight. Delivery times by both types of service providers are not directly dependent upon the distance between shipper and consignee. Also, using a Less Than Truckload carrier is very similar to that of using a parcel carrier.

The shipper often has a regular, if not daily, pickup schedule and can log onto the carriers homepage to schedule pickups, track shipments, print paperwork, and manage billing information.

How Do I Prepare A Shipment For LTL Freight?

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 19:21:12 +0000

Since freight sent via Less Than Truckload carriers must be handled several times during transit it must be packaged to withstand unintentional drops from dockworkers or forklifts. It is recommended that you load freight onto pallets or package freight into crate. Cardboard boxes are also acceptable.

Freight sent via Less Than Truckload carriers is subject to misrouting or misleading, so it is a good practice to put the Tracking number on each side of each piece of freight. If the destination state and zip code are affixed to each side as well misleading is less likely to occur. Even though it is not required it is a good practice to affix a relatively large label including four letter Carrier Code, Tracking Number, Destination Station, and Destination Zip Code of the shipment. The easier it is for dockworkers to identify an individual shipment the less likely it is to be put in the wrong place. If the only piece of identification is the tracking number the dockworker will have a harder time identifying the shipment pieces and as such the chances of freight being loaded onto the wrong trailer is greater therefore increasing the transit time and also increasing the chances of the shipment being lost.

Is LTL Freight Only Shipped By Trucks?

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 19:21:29 +0000

Not all Less Than Truckload shipments travel by truck alone. Less Than Truckload carriers rely on rail or air to forward some freight to its destination. Less Than Truckload carriers are normally able to deal with railroads more effectively than small shippers are able to as Less Than Truckload carriers typically send a large volume of freight each and every day. Less Than Truckload carriers are able to monitor railroad performance to ensure delivery of freight within the specified delivery window. An intermodal shipment employs several methods of transporting goods from start to finish. It is possible for a shipment to start out on the railroad, then be transferred to an ocean carrier, and end up on a truck before delivery.

Intermodal shipping is considered advantageous by some shippers because there is no handling of the freight when it changes from one carrier to the next. Pallets are used to consolidate many things into one easy to move container. Because handling is reduced, it also reduces damage and loss, increase security, and allows the items to be transported more quickly.

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