Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Watch for important logistics management information

Register with resources that will send you special announcements and headlines that affect your business. You can usually specify the types of alerts you need from news services that provide them. Find separate sources for transportation management information, supply chain logistics management and routing software to make sure you get all the news you require.

I recommend: Logistics Management is a must-read for industry professionals who need to keep up with global news. Supply & Demand Chain Executive covers news from all stages of the industrial supply chain.

Seek out detailed logistics management information

Read reports and magazines that cover the industry further than the headlines. Watch for the articles that provide information and reviews about such things as the latest inventory software and mobile communication devices. Subscribe to magazines for logistics management that look at coming trends and feature industry leaders.

I recommend: American Shipper provides news and insight into the global logistics markets and the news that affect the industry. Fleet Owner keeps up with the daily headlines while providing blogs and expert articles that look at trends and industry-wide issues, such as how the political climate affects trade and what impact new government regulations will have on the transportation side of the logistics arena.

Read logistics management and distribution news published by trade groups or magazines

By joining other professionals in logistics management services or subscribing to trade magazines, you can receive the results of surveys and find analytical reports provided for members or subscribers only. They will cover the issues most important to logistics management professionals, such as new global opportunities that have been freed of restrictive regulations and trade agreements, insights into the latest supply chain software being developed as well as information about new logistics techniques being utilized by the industry.

I recommend: Reed Business Information offers a one-stop opportunity to subscribe to multiple trade publications that focus exclusively on logistics management. You can also get news highlights and networking opportunities by joining the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Watch peripheral news items, such as financial and consumer goods news, that will affect the logistics management services industry so that you can prepare for emerging issues and changes within the industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick appropriate logistics management software for your company's needs

Logistics management software makes it easy to schedule and track shipments, as well as keeping a detailed inventory of shipment contents. Many logistics management software programs, including freight management programs, are suitable for businesses of any size. There are also some specialty programs on the market that are for businesses in a certain sector or of a certain size.

I recommend: Infor has global logistics management software. This company offers a free demo version that you can download from the website to help you decide if this program meets your company's needs. Cadre Technologies has numerous logistics software programs that you can customize to fit your needs. You can schedule a guided demo in which a company representative will guide you through the program of your choice to ensure that you fully understand the program.

Work with a third party freight management company

Sometimes, especially in large companies, it is easier to hire a third party transportation management company. There are numerous benefits to this, including added insurance that your freight arrives on time and securely. Additionally, the third party logistics management services are the ones who will have to ensure compliance with freight regulations.

I recommend: Logistics Management Solutions offers flexible logistics management solutions. This company works with you to find a solution that works for your company. Cardinal Solutions offers full service logistics solutions, including inventory management.

Transport goods internationally using international logistics management services

Selling and transporting large quantities of goods overseas requires careful planning. Using an international logistics management company makes this easier as that company is responsible for ensuring that they follow all applicable international shipping laws.

I recommend: FedEx has an international logistics management division. This company offers supply chain logistics management solutions with a full guarantee of on time delivery. Ozburn-Hessey offers international logistics solutions, including both truckload and less than truckload shipping services.

Keep abreast of logistics management regulations

Laws and regulations concerning logistics management, especially international logistics management, change constantly. Keeping up to date on all of these laws and regulations ensures that your company won't have to pay fines, which enables you to keep prices low.

I recommend: Logistics Management offers online webcasts to help you stay up to date on the latest logistics management information. You can register to participate in these webcasts or you can subscribe to the company's free magazine. Become a member of Council of Supply Management Professionals to take advantage of email alerts concerning information about logistics management in your sector and shipping locations. As a member, you can also post jobs, browse resumes, take part in round table discussions and use the education and training tools, including on site workshops.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Comparison shop for new logistical management solutions at least once per year to ensure that you aren't overpaying for the services.

1. Earn a degree or certificate in logistics management necessary for an upper-level job in logistical management or international logistics management.
2. Sign up for online courses to improve your logistics management skills with continuing education.
3. Seek out seminars and workshops for specific logistics management information like freight management or supply chain logistics management to boost your marketability.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Enroll at a college or training center for a degree in logistics management and distribution

Subjects you'll need to study in logistics management service curriculum include supply chain management, transportation logistics, materials managing and business development. Each will give you in-depth training if you endeavor to work in industries like manufacturing or distribution.

I recommend: The American Public University offers online transportation and logistics management degrees. The B.A. and M.A. programs cover such topics as transportation security, intermodal transportation and transportation economics. Find a school near you that offers logistic management degrees through Education Portal. Get a certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the University of North Texas.

Use online courses as a way to study additional logistics management services at your own pace

Since logistics management professionals are responsible for planning, controlling and implementing the storage and movement of goods and information, it's vital to keep up-to-date on each facet of the supply chain. Online courses let you get this education at home without interrupting your current job duties.

I recommend: The Institute of Logistical Management offers online courses on topics like the fundamentals of transportation and logistics, transportation systems, business logistics principles and freight management system topics like freight claims management. Supply Chain Online offers courses to help you brush up on the fundamentals of supply chain management like aligning strategies, Internet technologies and performance measures.

Gain added knowledge of your company's logistics management system through focused seminars

If you want to add skills to your resume or need additional training in specific areas like international logistics management, for example, enroll in workshops to keep your logistics management information current. This will help your logistics management team increase its efficiency and reliability.

I recommend: Improve your logistics management skills with a logistics negotiations seminar from Sales Training America. The session will cover increasing profits, employee training and negotiation strategies to ease conflict during logistics negotiations. Use Train Up to find a location near you that offers a seminar in supply chain management. Seminars cover new logistics models, the supply chain map and models for order and inventory management.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Network with other professionals at transportation logistics management seminars to discover additional ways to make your supply chain management more efficient. Finding a new vendor, cost-cutting strategy or management tip, for example, can go a long way to making your system more effective.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Freight management

Freight management is the management of your shipped goods from door to door. It can involve the packaging of goods and grouping items going to similar locations together in order to save on shipping.

I recommend: Freight Management specializes in freight management and describes some of the services they provide.

Cycle counting

Cycle counting is a system used to count inventory and correct any errors. However, rather than counting all of the items, you only count a certain percentage, similar to the way polls work. Cycle done is done on a more frequent basis than regular inventory audits.

I recommend: Visit Strategos for an in-depth look at cycle counting.

Intermodal transportation

Intermodal transportation uses more than one method to transport your goods. For example, you may use ships, trains, airplanes or trucks. By doing this, you'll be able to get the best deal on shipping costs.

I recommend: Learn about intermodal transportation from a report at Hofstra University.

Supply and demand chain

The supply and demand chain is the way that companies can get feedback and learn how many products to make and ship to retailers. Orders come in and then products are created and shipped to retailers. Depending on sales, production levels can be increased or decreased so that the company can remain profitable.

I recommend: View the supply and demand chain wheel and Supply and Demand Chain Executive.

Customs and border patrol (CBP)

Customs and border patrol is a branch of the government that regulates importing and exporting. It's important for all goods that ship to meet the customs regulations for the country that you are shipping them to.

I recommend: Visit the main U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website.

American Logistics Association

The American Logistics Association is a professional organization for those in the logistics industry. Membership offers a good opportunity to network with others and learn about new techniques.

I recommend: Learn more about the American Logistics Association by visiting their website.