How Will Rising Fuel Prices Effect Transportation & Logistics Industries?

Implementing RFID and barcoding technologies can improve efficiency and cut operating costs in the transportation and logistics industry, but when fuel prices are at an all-time high, what more can be done?

While consumers are definitely feeling increased gas prices at the pump, diesel fuel is predicted to rise to unprecedented heights, putting pressure on the transportation and logistics industry. In order to combat high fuel prices, some trucking companies have decided to impose fuel surcharges.

However, even with a fuel surcharge in place, trucking companies may not be able to cover all of their costs. Those in the transportation and logistics industry are doing everything they can to reduce fuel costs, such as adding skirts, upgrading to newer trucks, cutting down on idle times and eliminating out of route miles.

But just how much will fuel prices rise? And will higher fuel prices lead to technological innovation?

Share your thoughts on how rising fuel prices will affect the transportation and logistics industry by commenting below, or on our facebook or twitter pages.

Logistics and supply chain management can make or break a company’s revenue—efficiency creates success, but inefficiency can lead to errors and send a company on the fast track to failure. When companies create their logistics strategies, they look for structure, function, implementation and strategy, considering everything from transportation to their competitors. But, how exactly did logistics and supply chain management get it’s start?

I came across this excellent infographic on the history of logistics and supply chain management. According to the graphic, the term logistics appeared as early as 1898, but we all know that it wasn’t until mass production from Ford in 1927 where it became such a large factor in the success and efficiency of a company.

The manufacturing and materials handling industry demands harsh environments, mobility and little room for error or wasted time. Mobile barcode printers are key in the manufacturing and materials handling industry because printing barcode labels, rather than handwriting information, saves time and increases accuracy.

Using a barcode printer helps keep a better record to ensure products and materials get where they need to when they need to be there. In addition, keeping track of inventory on-the-go is crucial to accurate production cycles and manufacturing output.

Using barcode labels and a mobile barcode printer reduces error and offers a superior workflow to manual methods.

Learn about more manufacturing and materials handling solutions that can save time, money and increase overall efficiencies.

Direct Store Delivery (DSD) Distributors that have been around a while know that it can be hard to stay on top of deliveries while keeping up with growing needs and new challenges. However, it’s important to take the time to reexamine your needs and explore how new technology can help accomplish them. When reexamining your current technology, consider the following:

Is it easy to use?
Don’t make people think more than they have to—software should be intuitive so employees can do their work quickly and without having to troubleshoot.

Is it efficient?
Does your management application offer integrated sales, administrative, and operational processes for maximum efficiency?

How much visibility does it offer?
Critical information should be available at your fingertips.

Does it allow for growth?
Should you undergo a rapid expansion, would your software be able to grow with you?

Is support offered?
Whatever solution you choose, make sure support is available 24/7 in case anything should ever go wrong.

Learn more about DSD solutions by reading the whitepaper, “Improve Route Accounting and DSD Cost-Effectiveness with Mobility Technology.”

A version of this article was originally featured in our newsletter, “Eye on ROI,” and was written by Sebastien Charroud, Product Manager, eoStar by Rutherford & Associates. Sign up to receive future newsletters.

Learn how Mercy healthcare system was able to increase efficiency by following GS1 standards.

A recent study, “Perfect Order and Beyond,” describes how Mercy healthcare system integrated GS1 Standards in order to optimize their supply chain and thus, enhance patient safety.

ROi, a healthcare supply chain company founded by Mercy, and BD (Becton, Dickinson and Co.), a medical device company, used GS1 standards as a tool to improve their business processes and achieve a higher level of performance.

After implementing the GS1 standards, they discovered:

• Increased accuracy in billing
• Real-time product usage updates
• Improved infrastructure for patient care
• 73 percent reduction in discrepancies on purchase orders
• 30 percent reduction in days payable outstanding

Learn more about efficiency in the health care industry.