Originally published in Inbound Logistics

Maine Pointe EVP Michael Notarangeli says that innovation and continuous improvement are the first things to look for. The only constant in logistics and supply chain is change, so the ability to innovate is an essential ingredient in a lasting relationship. 

Originally published in ISM's Inside Supply Management

ISM’s Inside Supply Management Weekly published a second article based on their interview with Maine Pointe CEO Steve Bowen. Both articles represent an excellent proof point around Maine Pointe’s thought leadership on the digital supply chain. The second article, titled “Developing a holistic supply chain view in a digital age,” reinforces Steve’s book while also discussing the value of Total Value Optimization (TVO), with specific examples on how clients achieved an end-to-end supply chain view. The first article, “Identifying and seizing value-creation opportunities,” covers the missed opportunities of supply management and on creating value beyond just cost savings. 

Originally published in CFO Dive

The most useful metrics combine financial with operational measurements, Maine Pointe's Nate Powrie said. These often track efficiencies in procurement, operational productivity, logistics, sales and marketing. Read on...

Originally published in Supply Chain Dive

North Dakota approved legislation to pilot the freight method as a way to deal with increased demand for drivers amid high turnover rates. Mike Notarangeli discusses the challenges of "road trains" saying, "There are advantages of road trains — increased capacity, improved efficiency, better driver utilization — but there are downsides as well, including increased maintenance on equipment, increased safety risk and limited access.”

As published in Supply Chain Dive

Solar panels on trucks can supplement battery and power lift gates, though the technology today isn't enough to power a truck down the road.

Sustainability has taken a key place in logistics decisions, and also could figure strongly in a fleet manager’s consideration of solar, Maine Pointe's Michael Notarangeli told Supply 
Chain Dive. Read on...

Originally published in Oil Voice

Long-term speculation on the future  of the oil and gas industry, along with environmental concerns, has led to intensified interest in alternative energy sources, such as solar.

In the shipping industry, where over-the-road trucks consume huge amounts of oil and gas, a business case can be made for incorporating solar panels. The considerable amount of unused real estate on the roof of trailers could feasibly be utilized to incorporate green technology into the trucking business.

Shippers of high-value freight are adapting their processes to address the problem of cargo theft. Maine Pointe EVP Logistics Michael Notarangeli notes that part of the problem is the nature of the supply chain, which includes well-marked vans and reefers and frequently unattended trailers. The driver shortage also plays a role, and Mike says that shippers need to properly verify driver credentials and put proper vetting procedures in place. He lays out a set of six best practices to prevent cargo theft in this insightful and important industry article. 

Originally Posted in Inbound Logistics

Inbound Logistics' monthly "Good Question" feature asked industry leaders "What was your first job in logistics and what did it teach you."

Orginally published in Chief Executive Magazine

Hundreds of challenges face American CEOs every day, but the most pressing challenge is the one that is least talked about and most misunderstood. This crisis is in a chronic shortage of long-haul truck and rail transportation which is already pushing up costs, and resulting in uncertain delivery times, shrinking margins, and profit warnings.

Originally posted on Supply Chain Dive

Advanced technology and working with shippers can help the Postal Service survive in an e-commerce dominated world.

When it comes to deliveries, the digital age has changed everything, and it’s no secret that USPS is suffering. Where people used to write letters, they now use email. In the second quarter of 2018, for example, USPS package volume grew by 69 million pieces, but mail volumes declined by 700 million pieces.