3PL RFP

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3PL growth outpacing GDP
Material Handling & Logistics
The 3PL industry is growing at a faster rate in 2013 than gross domestic product, according to analysts from Tompkins International. However, their analysis calls for more aggressive growth than the 6 percent cited by other sources. "Global GDP is expected to expand by 2.2 percent and less than 2 percent in the U.S.," said Valerie Bonebrake, senior vice president, Tompkins International. "Tompkins believes 3PL growth will be three to four times GDP, or 7 to 10 percent for 2013."More

Government shutdown isn't slowing imports
Material Handling & Logistics
Import volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to grow 9.1 percent in October over the same month last year, despite concerns about the government shutdown, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. The numbers reflect merchandise ordered months before the shutdown as retailers planned for the holiday season.More

Tricks of the Trade: Forklift damage issues
Today's Facility Manager
Q: We are dealing with constant maintenance issues in our distribution center concerning rack and equipment protection, specifically due to forklift damage. We use bollards to protect critical areas in the distribution center. However these bollards become damaged, and often the concrete is broken, which leads to a new maintenance problem. Are there any better methods of protection from the overzealous forklift driver? We have used both surface mounted and cored versions of guard posts, but eventually even the floor gives way. Are there flexible products to use?More

7 ways to cultivate creativity in business
By Emma Fitzpatrick
I recently rediscovered one of my favorite quotes: "Creativity is intelligence having fun." — Albert Einstein. And how true. PR firms and businesses alike are full of brilliant thinkers, so let's help them have more fun and exercise their creativity — which will ultimately affect the bottom line. Here are seven tips to integrate into your business to have a bit more fun and a whole lot of ground-breaking ideas.More

Share your knowledge
MultiBriefs
In an effort to enhance the overall content of WERCWatch, we'd like to include peer-written articles in future editions. As a member of WERC, your knowledge of the industry lends itself to unprecedented expertise. And we're hoping you'll share this expertise with your peers through well-written commentary. Because of the digital format, there's no word or graphical limit. Our group of talented editors can help with final edits. If you're interested in participating, please contact Ronnie Richard to discuss logistics.More

The right mind to negotiate
By Michael J. Berens
Much of a business leader's time is spent in negotiation. Brokering a deal, cutting costs, expanding distribution channels, selling a proposal, hiring talent, managing staff — all require the skill to negotiate with others effectively. Negotiation can be exhilarating; it can also be stressful. For that reason, some leaders relish the opportunity to negotiate, while others dread it. As it turns out, how you feel about negotiating can have a significant impact on the outcome of your negotiations.More

Supply Chain Pioneers: A Discipline Comes of Age
DC Velocity
Pioneers Joe Andraski, George Gecowets, Roger Kallock and Mark Richards discuss the emergence of logistics and supply chain management and the early days of CSCMP.More

Video: Structural vs. roll form rack
DC Velocity
A comparison of structural steel and roll form warehouse rack.More

DC managers want task interleaving — What's it all about?
Supply Chain Digest
A recent survey on the future of warehousing and distribution found that among many other data points, logistics managers want to take greater advantage of "task interleaving." In that study from Motorola Solutions, 48 percent say they plan on increasing their use of so-called "task interleaving" in their DC operations over the next few years. So what is task interleaving all about?More

Helping employees manage workplace stress
By Joy Burgess
Workplace stress costs nearly $300 billion annually, due to rehabilitation, absenteeism from work and health care. Although some workplace stress is normal, when employees face excessive stress in the workplace, their physical, emotional and mental health may be negatively impacted.More

Dansko: Distinctive distribution
Modern Materials Handling
When Dansko designed a new distribution center, it went for efficiency, growth and a system as unique as its brand.More