January, 2009 | List all feature stories REDISCOVERING THE CLASSICS Logistics fundamentals are oft cited but more often overlooked or misread. Mastering these basics builds a foundation for supply chain sophistication. So grab your slippers, pull up a chair, and stoke the fire -- get comfortable. Join us as we retire to Inbound Logistics' library of logistics best practices and dust off some classics.By Joseph O'Reilly * VOLUME I: Prologue: Off the Shelf * VOLUME II: Committing to Core Carriers * VOLUME III: Truckload Consolidation * VOLUME IV: Inbound Routing Guides * VOLUME V: Transloading * VOLUME VI: Crossdocking * VOLUME VII: Labor Management * VOLUME VIII: Forklift Utilization * VOLUME IX: Epilogue: …ver más…

Maintaining a stable of preferred carriers for specific lanes, points of origin, and niche service capabilities is an essential best practice that requires consistent evaluation. Trucking companies frequently look for new business and shippers regularly measure carrier performance and competitiveness to find the best partners.
Building long-term relationships with proven service providers allows businesses to mediate market and economic cycles, negotiate better rates, enhance flexibility, and create a cohesive and robust transportation network that drives value to the enterprise and its customers.
Helping companies build and manage core carrier programs is what Lakeshore Logistics does. The Broadview Heights, Ohio-based transportation management company started up operations in 2002 to help small- and medium-sized businesses manage the complexity of their transportation networks.
"There was a huge need for supply chain management capabilities that addressed small company needs," says Ed Caruso, president and co-owner/founder of Lakeshore Logistics. As one of its primary functions, the transportation management company helps customers leverage core carrier programs to reduce costs and improve service.
"Customers generally come to us with a compelling event," says Caruso. "They may wonder why they pay $1.4 million in annual transportation costs.