White Papers

Starting July 19, 2025, major National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®) updates will affect how LTL freight is classified, potentially impacting rates, billing, and operations. Download this Shipper Checklist to gain practical guidance to help you navigate these changes—understand how reclassifications will affect pricing and liability, ensure accurate dimensions to prevent costly disputes, optimize packaging for efficiency and cost savings, and align with partners to stay ahead of changes.

Bills of lading have been central documents to the shipping industry for centuries and yet, as vital as they are, they have escaped the wave of digitalization that has swept the world for decades now. Hesitancy to change and other challenges are only starting to be overcome, but the push to adopt electronic bills of lading (eBLs) is stronger than ever.

In this DCSA report, learn how the industry can unlock the next phase of digital trade through standardized, easily readable, legally recognized and interoperable eBLs — which are now a reality — by collaborating between stakeholders, achieve improved efficiencies and fulfill this technology's promise of savings.

Evolving dynamics of United States–China trade relations are prompting North American importers to diversify vendors and bring sourcing closer to home. Nearshoring is gaining momentum as a strategic response to trade barriers, rising labor costs in Asia and pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions. Adopting or expanding a nearshoring strategy requires legal and regulatory compliance intricacies; solving shipper dependability challenges; and new language, infrastructure and cost considerations.

The reelection of Donald Trump has led to increased debate on North American trade and pushed potential tariff hikes into the spotlight, with trade embargoes threatening to reshape supply chains. This white paper explores the increasing need for the creation of extensive intra-Americas supply chains, key steps to take in transitioning from existing Asian suppliers, and the impact of community and technological investments.

Cross-border freight is an important element of today’s supply chain. It offers significant advantages to shippers, including reduced costs, shorter wait times and increased efficiencies. However, it also has unique obstacles, including shifting regulations, competing documentation, etc. A key element to success is selecting a knowledgeable carrier with the right expertise and resources to make the process as smooth as possible.

Download the latest guide from Werner® to learn more about:

· The state of cross-border freight

· Must-have solutions for moving freight across borders

· Finding the right cross-border carrier to navigate a dynamic truckload market

Cargo theft has become a pressing risk in transportation and logistics, with incidents surging worldwide, particularly in the United States. The fallout from these crimes extends beyond lost freight, affecting product replacement, incident management, insurance rates, sales, and overall reputation.

As thefts from trucks and facilities rise, freight forwarders can gain a competitive edge by understanding the tactics of organized groups. By enhancing security protocols at every step of the freight journey—from origin to destination—they can proactively safeguard their cargo and reduce vulnerability, especially during inland transportation, which is crucial for successful logistics operations.

This paper reveals five essential insights for freight forwarders regarding cargo theft, highlighting trends in the U.S. and offering key prevention strategies. It also explores the vital role of partnerships in strengthening security across the logistics landscape.

Coping with the jarring discord of supply chain disruption is not easy. For weary supply chain professionals, news of shipment delays can be like hearing fingernails on a chalkboard. Today, supply pipelines are ultra-vulnerable to interruptions, from political conflicts in the Red Sea to the Panama Canal’s water levels delaying traffic. Fortunately, modern supply chain technology can help by providing visibility and supporting the strategic orchestration of resources and routes.

This paper explores supply chain resiliency and ways technology can help organizations overcome current pipeline challenges, turn visibility into agility, and use data insights to discern reliable patterns. Learn how to keep your business synchronized and the supply chain in step with customer expectations with our tips for taking action.

Produced by Journal of Commerce Custom Content in partnership with DP World

In July, Journal of Commerce surveyed industry leaders on the factors currently shaping their approach to a new inter-Americas trade landscape. The responses illuminate changing priorities and emerging trends within supply chain management, particularly the shift from extended global networks to more concentrated, regional models. Findings include optimism around market potential, as well as key challenges preventing deployment of new supply chain strategies. Despite hurdles, companies are motivated by cost efficiency and reduced risk of disruptions as they consider whether to diversify their supply chains or maintain the relationship strength of a single-vendor approach.

Created in partnership with DP World, this report examines the elements influencing regional trade adaptation, development of dedicated inter-Americas supply chains, and the decision to diversify, consolidate or maintain the status quo. The insights uncovered are critical to shaping future initiatives, where a more localized and diversified approach could be key to gaining a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing global trade landscape.

As practical uses for AI continue to gain traction, the logistics and supply chain industry faces a brief window to adapt and prepare for what will undoubtedly be a seismic shift in how business is conducted. Odyssey Logistics recently conducted a study of over one hundred shippers to understand how AI is impacting the industry today, as well as how it might impact the future.

In this free e-Book, learn:

• Current State of AI Adoption & Industry Concerns

• AI Integration Strategy for Shippers

• Top Industry Concern (Hint: It’s not fuel prices)

For international supply chains, container visibility has been approached from different angles over the years, from fully manual updates in spreadsheets, to various tech solutions building upon user experience, changing mindsets and evolving innovation. But better visibility solves for only half of the problem. Without a through line for international logistics teams to execute, additional data is often overwhelming, and often, due to high data latency and manual errors, unusable.

This white paper examines the concept of container lifecycle management (CLM), which marries advances in data accessibility and precision with execution functionality. Equal parts strategy, technology and philosophy, CLM creates a framework for international logistics teams to operate and work more collaboratively with their internal and external partners for improved supply chain efficiency.

Artificial intelligence will drive the next leap in supply chain operations, and the timing of adoption will play a significant role in setting freight forwarders ahead of their competition. The critical question to answer for your business is not if or when, but how you will begin — or continue — to integrate AI.

This white paper spotlights the best places to start as well as factors to consider as you expand AI application, including the human-automation balance and change management challenges of reconciling novel tech-based processes with entrenched traditional workflows. The future of logistics is irrevocably tied to AI; the right strategy will ensure that businesses are not just participants, but pioneers, in progress.

Like many other industries, it’s difficult to decarbonize the maritime transportation sector. Its market size, impact on the global economy, the number of players and countries involved all come in the way of decarbonization. Does this mean shippers can continue doing business maintaining the status quo? Not at all. The question is, what can shippers do in a sector as vast as maritime transportation, especially when very few things are under your direct control? A lot! This eBook talks about the top 7 ways shippers can have a direct impact on CO2 emissions to help them start taking measures for their sustainability strategy.

Facing challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border due to congested lanes? You’re not alone. With the increased trade caused by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and more foreign countries viewing Mexico as a manufacturing hub, the border has become a major bottleneck, causing delays and inefficiencies for businesses.

This white paper, “Bypassing the Bottleneck: Solutions for Avoiding Freight Congestion at the U.S.-Mexico Border,” is a practical guide for those affected by these border delays. It’s a must-read for shippers, logistics providers, and any business involved in U.S.-Mexico trade that analyzes the current situation while exploring innovative solutions to these congestion issues.

Download your copy of the white paper today to find out how you can navigate this congestion more effectively with new strategies that can help your business avoid delays, optimize operations, and take full advantage of trading with our neighbor to the South.

In this white paper, AD Ports Group offers a case study for the port industry, thriving amid global uncertainty through strategic acquisitions, capital investment and service offering diversification. Key topics include:

• Positioning your business to capitalize on the opportunities that develop in response to challenges.

• How diversification can help foster existing relationships and is crucial for international as well as local partners.

• Looking beyond traditional terminal operations and toward collaborations to better serve customers and markets.

• Enhancing inter- and intra-regional trade; forging new agreements with frontier and emerging markets; and collaborating with multilateral trade organizations.

The growing demand for ports’ resiliency, scalability, efficiency, and enhanced environmental impact is well-documented. However, the path through these unique obstacles in the ports’ ecosystem is a challenging one. Explore approaches for sustainable transformation in the ports’ ecosystem through the adoption of new technologies, and operating models. This approach toward anticipating, planning, and executing technology adoption over a now, near, and next horizon are outlined, as well as some experiences for managing change in this environment.

Smart containers are revolutionizing cargo transportation by solving the needs of multiple supply chain stakeholders. Users are leveraging live Internet of Things (IoT) data and AI-enabled analytics - to deliver next-level asset intelligence for the intermodal industry. The technology and applications drive real tangible benefits. Explore the compelling use cases of industry trailblazer Hapag-Lloyd. Discover how digitalized containers and innovative analytics ensure safety, security, and compliance across global trade.

A critical moment for drayage The world of transportation is rapidly evolving and the drayage market is in a unique position to capitalize on ongoing demand for globally sourced goods. As providers servicing the crucial first mile of the supply chain — transporting goods from “port to door” — drayage carriers play a vital role in keeping commerce moving from point of origin to point of destination.

This comprehensive report will take readers behind the scenes of the drayage world to examine its crucial importance to the supply chain and highlight the transformational role technology can play in modernizing the industry.

Is your company expanding production beyond China into Southeast Asia and India? If so, watch out. Many companies are getting tripped up by the logistics and regulatory details of the move.

Our eBook – The Logistics of China Plus One – reviews the freight, regulatory and cultural issues that must be considered when diversifying production beyond China to other Asian countries. Our eBook provides advice to manage these expansion projects smarter and reduce your risk.

Market fluctuations highlight the importance of understanding your supply chain connective tissue — the window of time between the manufacturing process and the ensuing logistics legs. Research suggests that shippers are returning to purchase order (PO) data — and next-generation technology used for its management — to gain a new foothold.

Seasonal demand and economic shifts heighten the call for this data. This white paper, produced in partnership with Century Supply Chain Solutions, examines how better insight into the first mile can inform cost-saving transportation and warehousing modifications.

Are you tired of navigating the complex logistics hurdles of your inbound cargo supply chain? The challenges you face from the moment a container arrives at the port and all of the ensuing touch points before your products reach their final destination can result in heightened chances of encountering damages and transit delays, and increased overall costs. The white paper "Streamlining Inbound Cargo Logistic" is a comprehensive guide that is designed exclusively for shippers that manage supply chains with container movement through the nation's ports and rail yards. From drayage to inland transport and inventory management and final delivery, each aspect of the inbound supply chain is analyzed to identify areas of opportunity for improvement. Ready to revolutionize your inbound cargo supply chain? Download our white paper today and unlock the secrets that can help you save money, time, and resources. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your business into a lean, agile, and highly competitive force in the logistics landscape.

Many companies have pledged to decarbonize or to make the transition net zero in the coming years. Net zero is an ideal state where the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) released into the Earth’s atmosphere is balanced by the amount of GHGs removed. Therefore, decarbonization efforts are needed to reach net zero. Sounds simple, right? Click download to learn more!

Supply chain constraints, a prolonged spike in marine shipping costs and geopolitical tensions have spurred more multinationals to relocate manufacturing and export facilities to Mexico to better serve their North American customers. Greater proximity to the United States provides numerous cost, time and environmental benefits. Those same factors are also driving many US companies to switch to Mexico-based suppliers.

The nearshoring boom shows little sign of ebbing in the post-pandemic global economy. Yet transporting freight cross-border from Mexico still poses many challenges.

If nearshoring is becoming a larger component of your business, this white paper outlines the key questions you need to answer.

As the focus on reducing supply chain inefficiencies sharpens, third-party collaboration has risen in strategic importance. Companies are prioritizing the ability to nimbly select, implement, and pivot with tech solutions. But, as the application of technology moves past digitization or automation of single steps into a wholly integrated revision of the business, we must also consider the need for change management. Bridging these emerging gaps beyond tasks and tools is fundamental to digital transformation.

The fear of investing in the wrong solution or throwing good money after bad can stall many plans. And lack of standardization and interoperability represent insurmountable hurdles unless industry leaders step forward with bold commitments and decisions. Making those moves requires calculations, thoughtful planning and guidance, with the right experts in the room and long-term strategy in place.

The supply chain disruptions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic have exposed the risks cargo owners carry in being arms-length from the terminal fee payment and scheduling processesfor their container freight. The OSRA and California AB 2406 regulations have required stakeholders to provide more information regarding demurrage calculations; still, Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCO’s) remain in the position of being re-billed weeks after the fact for much of their demurrage and other terminal fees by their service provider intermediaries.

These delays add complications for BCOs, including a lack of clarity and complex auditing.

When BCO delivery preferences are missed and/orunanticipated demurrage is incurred, BCO’s are left without reliable answers to important questions: Was terminal capacity really the issue? Or perhaps was the capacity or scheduling priority of their drayage service providers the primary cause?

The white paper by Envio 360 digs deeper into these questions and explains how container orchestration solutions are changing the landscape for BCOs by offering new execution models that provide greater control over their financial and execution decisions.

We often see that companies who wait until the last minute find themselves racking up thousands of dollars in fees and surcharges while their freight sits in the port for days/weeks waiting for drivers and equipment to become available. Port X Logistics helps customers avoid potential delays and staggering fees by helping them plan shipments as far ahead as possible and by supplying all members of the supply chain with complete access and visibility— ensuring each shipment's safe journey from its origin to its destination with no delays.

What comes to mind when you hear these phrases; “the real value of business intelligence”, “the value of data”, “enhancing data and its value”? The first thing that should come to mind is how can I better understand the data and how can I use the data to understand my costs and make better decisions. Customers typically see value in a partner that makes their lives easier and improves their overall sense of well-being. In their minds, the benefits of improved analytics and decision-making ability is worth the cost of doing business with the partner. Customers want business partners that offer continuously enhanced value opportunities, and they’ll continue to reward those partners with their business

Over a period of time, we realized the importance of becoming resilient and sustainable technologically for future uncertainty but how far can container shipping management be automated? Where are the technological limits? And what areas of the supply chain can an Ocean TMS automate? Discover in this e-Book the potential of technology to transform the maritime industry and how far it can help you to manage container shipping operations.

• A multi-enterprise transportation platform proved to be a needed shot in the arm to this major brand name who was struggling with unpredictable, unreliable transportation costs and assets, as well as inaccurate on-shelf inventory. You’ll find out what “multi-enterprise” means and how similar brands, retailers and manufacturers can:

• Reliably reduce truckload transportation costs 8-10%
• Enhance and extend the capabilities of siloed TMS solutions
• Ensure inventory availability where and when it’s needed
• Achieve sustainability goals

Digitalization. The term is taking over the supply chain - but is it really as daunting as it sounds?

The short answer is “no” - but only if you know where to start.

This whitepaper breaks down one of the most complex movements in maritime and logistics - explaining what digitalization is, why it’s important, where to start, and how other leading shipping organizations now benefit from making the change.

Take a look now for actionable insights on:

• How to start your digitalization journey
• Real world examples of success with digitalization in shipping and logistics
• What the future holds for digitalization

In the logistics industry, there are various variable costs, and some of these, unfortunately, are out of the control of a traditional company’s scope. With the current rise of diesel, many of the key players of the supply chain have been affected; some of them include, manufacturers, shippers, wholesalers, and distributors before ending up with higher factory-gate prices and, ultimately, higher prices for consumers.

KDL Logistics’ goal is an interactive partnership. By meeting regularly with our clients, we gain a better understanding how their business is changing and can help them minimize the effects of the global transportation market. We are industry experts committed to staying ahead of these developments and arming your team with best practices for adjusting to market forces. Our clients are more competitive because they can react more quickly to these changes than their peers.

Ports are key to the maritime logistics system as part of effective supply chain management. Increasingly the competitiveness of service providers in the supply chain is influencing how ports respond to the need for efficiency. Just as ports are critical to world trade, so is world trade critical to ports. This JOC whitepaper identifies the key drivers of port investment market growth and challenges to watch.

Access the Xeneta Q2 2022 Ocean Shipping Deep Dive Report and get an overview of the major developments in the container shipping market. The report will help you stay abreast of key macro-economic events to foresee potential risks and plan your ocean freight procurement accordingly.

Things you will learn from this report:

· Container Volume Updates on Major Trade Lanes

· Are Long-term Freight Rates Peaking?

· Macroeconomic Impact on Ocean Freight Rates

· Global Schedule Reliability

· And more...

Ports like yours are under intense pressure to move more, and are already strained for capacity as the number of containers being shipped worldwide continues to grow. See how double empty container handling could help your business unlock greater productivity and lower the cost per container moved:

• Increased throughput – With greater speed and efficiency, double handling could increase throughput by up to 30%
• Optimized space – Build stacks up to nine high to maximize ground slot usage
• Reduced congestion – Double handling may help reduce congestion inside the terminal and on roads, meaning fewer queues and optimized traffic flows
• Lower cost of ownership – Reduced fuel usage and tire wear
• Double reefer handling – Handle two refrigerated units at once, even if they have a wet floor or an imbalanced load

According to Logistics Management, the average freight forwarder was 10-15 years behind in its technology before the pandemic, with only 33 percent saying tech held a top priority in the company's objectives. However, following the disruptions of 2020, many companies are prioritizing technology investments.

After downloading the white paper by filling out the form to the right, learn about:

● The Ongoing Challenges in Supply Chain Management

● What Does Resilience Look Like for the Supply Chain Industry?

● How Technology Investments Can Build Resilience

● Use Cases in How Supply Chains Have Leveraged Technology to Build Resilience

● The Benefits and ROI of Investing in Supply Chain Technology

Finally, learn how Expedock partners with freight forwarders on their processes to reduce document processing time to <1 minute on a documentation level, saving time and manpower.

Supply chain volatility is now the norm, and it’s likely here to stay for the foreseeable future. To take control amid the chaos, innovative sourcing leaders are shifting from traditional cycle-based sourcing to dynamic market sourcing to elevate their team out of tactical firefighting and into the role of strategic category managers. But how are they doing this?

Download our white paper to learn:

• The solutions best-in-class teams are using to achieve business goals
• How dynamic market sourcing allows for greater cost and risk management
• How sourcing tech is can help your team stop reacting and regain control of the market

On time in full (OTIF) might just be the four most important words associated with any supply chain.

OTIF delivery is the goal of any shipper and retailer… and end customer, for that matter: to have products arrive on time and in full. Anything less could bring dire consequences, such as entire truckloads of rotten perishables. Damaged shipments that could cost millions in losses, as evidenced by cases and cases of Covid vaccines that were deemed unusable after exceeding acceptable temperature variances. Freight being turned away due to tardiness — or for arriving too early. Any or all of which could lead to lost revenue, angry customers, significant fines, or even legal action. To read more click on the download button below.

Traditionally when shippers negotiated their ocean contracts, the question looming over their heads was: “What is going to happen with rates this year?”

Price will always be an important part of any supply chain decision, but many shippers might not realize the hidden costs associated with underperforming contracts and the compounding impact it can have on their business downstream.

Download our latest guide where we surveyed 10 supply chain executives to understand the true cost associated with underperforming contracts and strategies that BCO’s can use to optimize their contracts for both reliability and cost.

In this white paper, you’ll learn about:

• The average contract compliance rate of the 10 BCOs and how the lack of performance impacted transportation and inventory carrying costs
• Strategies to prioritize your network for both reliability and cost
• A free excel template to help you decide the right mix of ocean contracts to optimize your network

Want a more resilient supply chain in 2022?

If you want to avoid disruptions in 2022, mini-bidding is a sure-fire way to increase resilience in your freight procurement strategy. This strategy allows you to adapt to market changes quickly and get the best prices possible at that moment.

In this eBook, discover how a mini-bid strategy can help you reach your freight procurement goals and make it out of 2022 unscathed.

Download it to learn...

✓ How mini-bidding helps you adapt to market change

✓ The best tech for mini-bid strategies

✓ How to implement mini-bidding in your team.

Plus – Read the exclusive case study from Europe’s leading agricultural manufacturer.

Managing logistics in-house and outsourcing both have advantages, but what’s right for your company is unique.

TransImpact gets right to the answers you need to decide how much or how little outsourcing will help your shipping function in the eBook: In-house Logistics or Outsourced — Which Is the Better Choice for You?

By the way, outsourcing doesn’t have to be all or nothing. In this eBook you’ll learn about the many benefits (and limitations) of outsourcing and the questions to ask when it comes to the three areas we feel are most important to consider: people, technology, and carrier partners.

Access the Xeneta Q1 2022 Ocean Shipping Deep Dive Report and get an overview of the major developments in the container shipping market. The report will help you stay abreast of key macro-economic events to foresee potential risks and plan your ocean freight procurement accordingly.

Things you will learn from this report:

· How rising consumer prices affect container pricing

· Carrier tactics to secure extra capacity

· Container shipping demand trends

· And more...