The use of domestic containers has outperformed other modes of transport during 2013, increasing 9.3%, while overall intermodal transport grew 4.6% during the past year, according to statistics released by the Intermodal Association of North America. International intermodal transport also showed growth, expanding 2.3% during 2013. Of the seven largest corridors within the US, the … Read more
The US Postal Service continues to lose money, posting a $354 million loss over the past three months, according to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. While still steep, those losses don’t compare to the $1.3 billion the agency lost during the same quarter the previous year. In an effort to stop the bleeding, the cost of … Read more
Fatigue, stress and injury are the enemy of any efficient and profitable operation. When these increase, the result is often lost productivity and increased employee turnover, both of which affect the bottom line. That’s why many manufacturing and warehousing management teams are now looking to improved ergonomics to relieve stress and increase comfort for workers. … Read more
A new white paper examines the growing overlap between Warehouse Management Systems and execution software. “Warehouse Execution Software Breathes New Life Into DC Operations” was sponsored by Forte, the manufacturer of warehouse management software. The white paper looks at how next-generation modular software platforms can lower upgrade costs, integrate with existing software, and provide a … Read more
The final version of a report predicting the future of the US materials handling and logistics industry was recently issued. The “US Roadmap for Material Handling & Logistics” examines the ten biggest trends that can be anticipated during the next decade. The report was developed over the course of the past year and is based … Read more
Here’s a sneak preview of some of the articles you will see on this week’s Bahrns blog: Keeping your hydraulic operating efficiently can save you both time and money. We’ll show you the proper techniques you can use to refill your hydraulic jacks on your own. Plus, today’s manufacturers and warehouse operators are looking to … Read more
Hydraulic shop jacks are used to lift automobiles, shop equipment and other heavy equipment easily and safely. They work by pushing fluid — usually oil — to push pistons that lift the heavy objects up off the ground. When you buy a hydraulic jack new, it usually will come already filled with oil. But in … Read more
The marketing and research firm IDC has released its annual list of predictions for the coming business year and it’s topped by a surge in omni-channel fulfillment among manufacturers and retailers. Omni-channel retailing is when all the available shopping channels are integrated seamlessly, including mobile Internet devices, computers, brick and mortar storefronts, TV, radio direct … Read more
The Reusable Packaging Board — a packaging industry advisory council — announced recently that its 2014 executive committee and board of directors will be ist largest ever. The new RPB board has 15 members, including Phil Davis, senior perishables supply chain manager for The Kroger Company; Cindy Doman, senior packaging engineering executive at Herman Miller; … Read more
Amherst, New York, based materials handling manufacturer Columbus McKinnon announced that Jeff Armfield has been named its new executive director for global product strategy and development. Armfield, who took the reins on Jan. 20, came from Axle Tech International, where he served as global director of engineering and product management at that firm’s Troy, Michigan, … Read more
