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Day: 29 June 2023

TechCenter for Testing Unit Load Security

Posted on by David Priestman

Perfectly secured for transport; customers can now have their transport security systems thoroughly tested at Mosca’s new TechCenter. Starting on 28 June, load units can be subjected to sliding, tilting and vibration forces on different test stands. Using the data collected, customers can immediately optimise their load unit security and efficiently minimise material resources. At the same time, they can ensure compliance with legal restrictions in the event of an accident.

On long transport routes, load units and the systems used to hold them in place are subject to a wide variety of stress situations. Load security systems therefore need to be designed to withstand powerful forces from vibrations, impact from potholes or sudden acceleration and deceleration. Mosca opened its new TechCenter on 28 June to help freight companies ensure that their cargo can be safely transported without damage. The Mosca TechCenter uses four test benches to precisely simulate the different forces affecting load units. This enables customers to make sure their load security systems are ready to withstand the stress of transport.

Johannes Wieder, Sales Manager Logistics at Mosca, explains: “Our main objective is to pack and secure load units correctly and robustly in order to minimise damage and injury during transport. Companies need to be aware of their responsibilities when they transport goods. After all, they are liable for any damage caused by improper load unit security. Here at the TechCenter, we carry out testing in accordance with EUMOS 40509 and other key standards.” In the event of an accident, customers can use the detailed test reports from the TechCenter to prove that they have taken all the necessary precautions and thoroughly checked their load security systems.

Four test stations, one calculator and numerous optimisation options

The Mosca TechCenter uses several high-tech systems designed to simulate various load conditions. These include a tilt testing tool, a horizontal stability tester to measure acceleration and deceleration, an impact tester for measuring shock or crushing forces and a vertical vibration system. There is also a camera-supported evaluation unit that records and analyses deformations during stability testing. A data logger is used to record and compile the required data on shocks, vibrations and sudden acceleration during transport. This unit can also be loaned to customers to simulate load units on their specific transport routes. “The customised tests and extensive data collected enable our customers to analyse their transport routes in detail and precisely adapt their transport security systems accordingly,” Wieder explains.

An in-depth analysis of the material input is also conducted. “This often shows options to significantly reduce the primary packaging and save valuable resources,” Wieder says. “It also enables us to design packaging that minimises material input but still protects the goods from damage.” The CO2 product calculator developed by Mosca is used to provide the exact emission data for the specific packaging.

Uncomplicated process provides essential data

It’s easy for customers to arrange an appointment at the Mosca TechCenter. They can simply use the contact form on the company website and outline specific challenges that need to be taken into account during testing. Mosca experts then work with the customer’s technicians to create a test plan that is optimally tailored to the needs of the product as well as the transport route. They also take into account the relevant standards. Different legal requirements must be met depending on the country to which the shipment is being transported and specific tests may be required.

Once the test plan is finalised, customers can send multiple pallets with secured products and a maximum weight of 1.5 tonnes to Mosca. This way, if a pallet is insufficiently secured for transport and gets damaged during testing, there is enough material to complete the remaining tests. Mosca can optionally strap or stretch wrap the products using its own machines in an adjacent showroom. This enables a direct comparison between different types of packaging.

Action-packed opening event with company tour and live demonstrations

Mosca hosted the first group of interested visitors on 28 June. The grand opening of the Mosca TechCenter took place with live demonstrations of the testing routines, group discussions and a dynamic exchange of information. Mosca CEO, Timo Mosca: “Our TechCenter enables us to offer customers professional support when it comes to securing and efficiently packing their unit loads. At the same time, it helps us improve transport safety.”

TechCenter for Testing Unit Load Security

Posted on by David Priestman

Perfectly secured for transport; customers can now have their transport security systems thoroughly tested at Mosca’s new TechCenter. Starting on 28 June, load units can be subjected to sliding, tilting and vibration forces on different test stands. Using the data collected, customers can immediately optimise their load unit security and efficiently minimise material resources. At the same time, they can ensure compliance with legal restrictions in the event of an accident.

On long transport routes, load units and the systems used to hold them in place are subject to a wide variety of stress situations. Load security systems therefore need to be designed to withstand powerful forces from vibrations, impact from potholes or sudden acceleration and deceleration. Mosca opened its new TechCenter on 28 June to help freight companies ensure that their cargo can be safely transported without damage. The Mosca TechCenter uses four test benches to precisely simulate the different forces affecting load units. This enables customers to make sure their load security systems are ready to withstand the stress of transport.

Johannes Wieder, Sales Manager Logistics at Mosca, explains: “Our main objective is to pack and secure load units correctly and robustly in order to minimise damage and injury during transport. Companies need to be aware of their responsibilities when they transport goods. After all, they are liable for any damage caused by improper load unit security. Here at the TechCenter, we carry out testing in accordance with EUMOS 40509 and other key standards.” In the event of an accident, customers can use the detailed test reports from the TechCenter to prove that they have taken all the necessary precautions and thoroughly checked their load security systems.

Four test stations, one calculator and numerous optimisation options

The Mosca TechCenter uses several high-tech systems designed to simulate various load conditions. These include a tilt testing tool, a horizontal stability tester to measure acceleration and deceleration, an impact tester for measuring shock or crushing forces and a vertical vibration system. There is also a camera-supported evaluation unit that records and analyses deformations during stability testing. A data logger is used to record and compile the required data on shocks, vibrations and sudden acceleration during transport. This unit can also be loaned to customers to simulate load units on their specific transport routes. “The customised tests and extensive data collected enable our customers to analyse their transport routes in detail and precisely adapt their transport security systems accordingly,” Wieder explains.

An in-depth analysis of the material input is also conducted. “This often shows options to significantly reduce the primary packaging and save valuable resources,” Wieder says. “It also enables us to design packaging that minimises material input but still protects the goods from damage.” The CO2 product calculator developed by Mosca is used to provide the exact emission data for the specific packaging.

Uncomplicated process provides essential data

It’s easy for customers to arrange an appointment at the Mosca TechCenter. They can simply use the contact form on the company website and outline specific challenges that need to be taken into account during testing. Mosca experts then work with the customer’s technicians to create a test plan that is optimally tailored to the needs of the product as well as the transport route. They also take into account the relevant standards. Different legal requirements must be met depending on the country to which the shipment is being transported and specific tests may be required.

Once the test plan is finalised, customers can send multiple pallets with secured products and a maximum weight of 1.5 tonnes to Mosca. This way, if a pallet is insufficiently secured for transport and gets damaged during testing, there is enough material to complete the remaining tests. Mosca can optionally strap or stretch wrap the products using its own machines in an adjacent showroom. This enables a direct comparison between different types of packaging.

Action-packed opening event with company tour and live demonstrations

Mosca hosted the first group of interested visitors on 28 June. The grand opening of the Mosca TechCenter took place with live demonstrations of the testing routines, group discussions and a dynamic exchange of information. Mosca CEO, Timo Mosca: “Our TechCenter enables us to offer customers professional support when it comes to securing and efficiently packing their unit loads. At the same time, it helps us improve transport safety.”

Driver Shortage isn’t just Personnel Problem

Posted on by David Priestman

It’s no secret that global supply chain disruption has dominated headlines since mid-2020, writes Stephan Sieber (pictured), CEO of Transporeon. And, over the past three years, the continuing aftershocks of the COVID pandemic, combined with geopolitical factors and an economic downturn, have caused significant upheaval for shippers, cargo receivers, service providers, brokers, freight forwarders, carriers – and of course consumers.

Today, driver shortages in the road freight sector are threatening to cause further disruption. Catalysed by initial pandemic downtime – which saw many drivers leave the industry, take early retirement or extended sick leave – driver shortages are now a significant strain on supply chains. Especially given rising demand for road freight transportation.

A recent report by the world road transport body IRU revealed that there could be an eye watering two million unfilled driving positions in Europe by 2026 (already now there are around half a million unfilled positions in Europe).

In the UK, a drop in migration from Central and Eastern Europe caused by Brexit has further highlighted driver shortages where, according to the French transportation union FO Transports, the number of driving vacancies in France could currently be as high as 50,000. The situation is even worse in neighbouring countries where there are currently around 80,000 vacant driving positions in both Germany and Poland (IRU).

Transforming the ‘Great Retirement’ into greater opportunities

With a global recession looming, it’s widely believed that we’ll soon see an influx of candidates onto the job market. Though this may ease personnel shortages in some sectors, it’s unlikely to solve road freight driver shortages.

The primary reasons for this are demographic shifts leading to the ‘Great Retirement’. The same IRU report found that 30% of drivers are planning to retire by 2026 – outstripping any potential recession-related increases in driver availability. So, it’s clear that simply poaching drivers from elsewhere in the industry isn’t a long-term solution for companies.

The IRU also found that young people are joining the driver community in the road freight industry at a rate between four and seven times lower than drivers are retiring – with the average age for European drivers now over 50 years old.

Twentieth-century approaches won’t solve a twenty-first-century problem

The bottom line is that the European driver shortage is not just a personnel problem. Dwindling driver numbers would not present such a challenge if transport operations were smarter and more efficient. According to scientists at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, increasing the efficiency of US drivers by just 18 more minutes of active driving time per day could solve the country’s driver shortage. This claim was based on research in the US but pointed out that the same principle is likely to apply in Europe.

There’s a multitude of ways that companies can look to boost efficiency. But to do so, they must first understand where there’s room for improvement. More are now turning to solutions that offer real-time insights. This helps companies to uncover previously hidden inefficiencies (like empty runs and excessive waiting times in yards) and improve visibility by tracing deliveries.

Within the logistics industry, another trend we’re seeing is Autonomous Case-handling Robot systems (ACR) to reduce labour needs. Self-driving trucks are still a long way off in logistics transportation, but it is possible to make significant efficiencies within warehouses in loading and unloading processes, as well as automating time slot and yard management processes. But by implementing smart software, businesses can start to look to reduce waiting times for drivers from hours to minutes.

Ultimately though, enhancing the effectiveness of transport logistics depends on increasing collaboration between all participants, rather than companies simply working to optimise its own performance – as is currently often the case. Indeed, a recent survey of international supply chain experts revealed that the vast majority rate ‘increased collaboration between supply chain partners’ as both ‘highly probable’ and ‘highly desirable’ in the run-up to 2025.

When working collaboratively as part of a wider network, rather than in isolation, organisations can significantly streamline key processes such as freight sourcing, transport execution, dock scheduling, freight matching, payment and settlement.

Solving the UK and Europe’s road freight driver shortage can’t be done overnight. And, moving forward, companies should view this as an operational matter, rather than simply an HR or personnel problem. The solution lies in adopting a network approach and collaborative solutions that focus on finding new efficiencies.

With the unique approach of combining automation, real-time insight, and collaboration, a transportation management platform can alleviate the driver shortage, reducing empty miles, eliminating unnecessary dwell times and optimising yard operations – the integral intersection between the road and the warehouse.

Driver Shortage isn’t just Personnel Problem

Posted on by David Priestman

It’s no secret that global supply chain disruption has dominated headlines since mid-2020, writes Stephan Sieber (pictured), CEO of Transporeon. And, over the past three years, the continuing aftershocks of the COVID pandemic, combined with geopolitical factors and an economic downturn, have caused significant upheaval for shippers, cargo receivers, service providers, brokers, freight forwarders, carriers – and of course consumers.

Today, driver shortages in the road freight sector are threatening to cause further disruption. Catalysed by initial pandemic downtime – which saw many drivers leave the industry, take early retirement or extended sick leave – driver shortages are now a significant strain on supply chains. Especially given rising demand for road freight transportation.

A recent report by the world road transport body IRU revealed that there could be an eye watering two million unfilled driving positions in Europe by 2026 (already now there are around half a million unfilled positions in Europe).

In the UK, a drop in migration from Central and Eastern Europe caused by Brexit has further highlighted driver shortages where, according to the French transportation union FO Transports, the number of driving vacancies in France could currently be as high as 50,000. The situation is even worse in neighbouring countries where there are currently around 80,000 vacant driving positions in both Germany and Poland (IRU).

Transforming the ‘Great Retirement’ into greater opportunities

With a global recession looming, it’s widely believed that we’ll soon see an influx of candidates onto the job market. Though this may ease personnel shortages in some sectors, it’s unlikely to solve road freight driver shortages.

The primary reasons for this are demographic shifts leading to the ‘Great Retirement’. The same IRU report found that 30% of drivers are planning to retire by 2026 – outstripping any potential recession-related increases in driver availability. So, it’s clear that simply poaching drivers from elsewhere in the industry isn’t a long-term solution for companies.

The IRU also found that young people are joining the driver community in the road freight industry at a rate between four and seven times lower than drivers are retiring – with the average age for European drivers now over 50 years old.

Twentieth-century approaches won’t solve a twenty-first-century problem

The bottom line is that the European driver shortage is not just a personnel problem. Dwindling driver numbers would not present such a challenge if transport operations were smarter and more efficient. According to scientists at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, increasing the efficiency of US drivers by just 18 more minutes of active driving time per day could solve the country’s driver shortage. This claim was based on research in the US but pointed out that the same principle is likely to apply in Europe.

There’s a multitude of ways that companies can look to boost efficiency. But to do so, they must first understand where there’s room for improvement. More are now turning to solutions that offer real-time insights. This helps companies to uncover previously hidden inefficiencies (like empty runs and excessive waiting times in yards) and improve visibility by tracing deliveries.

Within the logistics industry, another trend we’re seeing is Autonomous Case-handling Robot systems (ACR) to reduce labour needs. Self-driving trucks are still a long way off in logistics transportation, but it is possible to make significant efficiencies within warehouses in loading and unloading processes, as well as automating time slot and yard management processes. But by implementing smart software, businesses can start to look to reduce waiting times for drivers from hours to minutes.

Ultimately though, enhancing the effectiveness of transport logistics depends on increasing collaboration between all participants, rather than companies simply working to optimise its own performance – as is currently often the case. Indeed, a recent survey of international supply chain experts revealed that the vast majority rate ‘increased collaboration between supply chain partners’ as both ‘highly probable’ and ‘highly desirable’ in the run-up to 2025.

When working collaboratively as part of a wider network, rather than in isolation, organisations can significantly streamline key processes such as freight sourcing, transport execution, dock scheduling, freight matching, payment and settlement.

Solving the UK and Europe’s road freight driver shortage can’t be done overnight. And, moving forward, companies should view this as an operational matter, rather than simply an HR or personnel problem. The solution lies in adopting a network approach and collaborative solutions that focus on finding new efficiencies.

With the unique approach of combining automation, real-time insight, and collaboration, a transportation management platform can alleviate the driver shortage, reducing empty miles, eliminating unnecessary dwell times and optimising yard operations – the integral intersection between the road and the warehouse.

MSC Air Cargo Partners with IBS

Posted on by David Priestman

IBS Software, a global leader of SaaS solutions to the travel and cargo industry, has been selected by the air cargo unit of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, as a strategic partner in a bid to digitally transform its air cargo operations.

iCargo, the Software as a Service solution for air cargo management from IBS Software, will install a true digital platform that covers cargo sales, operations, cargo accounting and portal for MSC. The standard product implementation will help MSC to go-live faster and start business operations at the earliest opportunity. Once fully implemented, iCargo will enable MSC to have full visibility of its air cargo value chain, covering sales, operations and accounting, while also gaining insights for continuous business improvement.

The partnership enables IBS Software to deploy iCargo for a company that is already the world’s largest container carrier and which is now growing its MSC Air Cargo unit, as a complementary business to its core ocean shipping solution. iCargo adheres to best practices in the air cargo industry and is fully compliant with global industry standards and initiatives – such as Cargo iQ, C-XML, OneRecord, e-AWB and e-Freight – making this latest development a remarkable moment across the logistics industry. It is an important step toward achieving seamless operations across multi-modal logistics models, increased efficiency and the productivity to power rapid global trade and growth IBS Software has long advocated for.

“This is our first step into this market, and we plan to continue exploring avenues to develop air cargo in a way that complements MSC’s overall solutions to our customers. This is why we’ve engaged IBS Software in a strategic agreement to implement their industry leading iCargo platform. While we appreciate that many existing processes may remain relevant, our business is continuously evolving; and we believe that improvements in how a multimodal business operates internally can help its customers achieve success. We see great potential in IBS Software’s capabilities and solutions, through which we expect to harness the power of digitalisation to help achieve MSC Air Cargo’s objectives” said Mr. Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President, MSC Air Cargo.

“We’re thrilled to embark on this partnership and to support MSC Air Cargo’s new business objectives in the cargo industry. We’re confident the iCargo solution and the team that continuously innovates our products will take MSC’s multi-modal business model to new heights.” said Ashok Rajan, Head of Cargo & Logistics Solutions at IBS Software.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, privately owned and founded in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte. As one of the world’s leading container shipping lines, MSC has 675 offices across 155 countries worldwide with over 150,000 employees. With access to an integrated network of road, rail and sea transport resources which stretches across the globe, the company prides itself on delivering global services with local knowledge. MSC Air Cargo is a new business unit that complements the existing ocean container shipping solutions and is serving key trade lanes and various industries, including those which traditionally have significant air cargo transportation needs.

MSC Air Cargo Partners with IBS

Posted on by Keith McKinley

IBS Software, a global leader of SaaS solutions to the travel and cargo industry, has been selected by the air cargo unit of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, as a strategic partner in a bid to digitally transform its air cargo operations.

iCargo, the Software as a Service solution for air cargo management from IBS Software, will install a true digital platform that covers cargo sales, operations, cargo accounting and portal for MSC. The standard product implementation will help MSC to go-live faster and start business operations at the earliest opportunity. Once fully implemented, iCargo will enable MSC to have full visibility of its air cargo value chain, covering sales, operations and accounting, while also gaining insights for continuous business improvement.

The partnership enables IBS Software to deploy iCargo for a company that is already the world’s largest container carrier and which is now growing its MSC Air Cargo unit, as a complementary business to its core ocean shipping solution. iCargo adheres to best practices in the air cargo industry and is fully compliant with global industry standards and initiatives – such as Cargo iQ, C-XML, OneRecord, e-AWB and e-Freight – making this latest development a remarkable moment across the logistics industry. It is an important step toward achieving seamless operations across multi-modal logistics models, increased efficiency and the productivity to power rapid global trade and growth IBS Software has long advocated for.

“This is our first step into this market, and we plan to continue exploring avenues to develop air cargo in a way that complements MSC’s overall solutions to our customers. This is why we’ve engaged IBS Software in a strategic agreement to implement their industry leading iCargo platform. While we appreciate that many existing processes may remain relevant, our business is continuously evolving; and we believe that improvements in how a multimodal business operates internally can help its customers achieve success. We see great potential in IBS Software’s capabilities and solutions, through which we expect to harness the power of digitalisation to help achieve MSC Air Cargo’s objectives” said Mr. Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President, MSC Air Cargo.

“We’re thrilled to embark on this partnership and to support MSC Air Cargo’s new business objectives in the cargo industry. We’re confident the iCargo solution and the team that continuously innovates our products will take MSC’s multi-modal business model to new heights.” said Ashok Rajan, Head of Cargo & Logistics Solutions at IBS Software.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, privately owned and founded in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte. As one of the world’s leading container shipping lines, MSC has 675 offices across 155 countries worldwide with over 150,000 employees. With access to an integrated network of road, rail and sea transport resources which stretches across the globe, the company prides itself on delivering global services with local knowledge. MSC Air Cargo is a new business unit that complements the existing ocean container shipping solutions and is serving key trade lanes and various industries, including those which traditionally have significant air cargo transportation needs.

Middle Mile not Supply Chain Middle Child

Posted on by David Priestman

CloudSort Corporation, a logistics technology company for packaged goods moving through the supply chain curated a panel of supply chain and logistics leaders to dive into a robust discussion around the under-innovated and often ignored, yet vital middle mile. As an innovator of the middle mile, CloudSort discussed how its proprietary and modular Cloud-based software platform creates mutually-beneficial partnerships – all while delivering value that enhances the end customer experience.

The panel was moderated by Kevin Lawton, featured CloudSort CEO and Founder Derek Szopa and included a diverse group of experts across supply chain including:
● Ryan Park, Head of Product & Insights, CloudSort
● Ellen Voie, CEO/Founder/President, Women In Trucking
● Allison Ullrich, Director of Supply Chain, Outer
● Dwight Shakespeare, eCommerce Director, Jillamy

“It’s no surprise that the middle mile has historically been deprioritized within the industry, however we continue to see increasing attention being given to its importance and ability to transport goods from points A to B more efficiently thanks to the technological advancements transforming today’s supply chain,” said Derek Szopa, CEO of CloudSort. “We were inspired to bring partners and industry experts together in our panel discussion to share the ways a modular middle mile can do just that for their businesses, shippers, carriers and the end-consumer.”

Honouring Technology Innovation

Having tackled some of the middle mile’s biggest challenges, CloudSort’s cloud-based sortation software brings together all the players – omnichannel retailers, online retailers, fulfilment centres and third-party logistics businesses (3PLs), shippers, carriers and end-consumers – with an ecosystem that reduces capital intensity and improves efficiency by moving work to the point of greatest value creation.

With the middle mile becoming more prominent in the industry, companies are taking steps to directly control aspects of their delivery experience, and CloudSort enables them to make smarter choices about how shipments move along the supply chain, benefiting e-commerce by extending order windows and providing capacity that scales. As a result of this, CloudSort’s modular platform has just been named Sortation System Innovation of the Year by SupplyTech Breakthrough, which received more than 1,400 nominations and recognizes the world’s best companies, products and services in the supply chain technology and logistics industry.

A Single Destination for Middle Mile Logistics

A first-of-its-kind cloud-based sortation software that sorts, groups and routes packages based on the parameters defined by a user or system, the CloudSort platform is modular – able to be configured in real time, while reducing barriers to entry for organizations that want to take control of their own supply chain. It’s infinitely scalable, providing an agile and adaptive approach that harnesses predictive technology to sort smarter and route better.

Knowing that the industry’s complex, systemic problems required a paradigm shift and not just incremental adjustments, CloudSort designed its platform to address the issues for shippers and carriers to trade in delivery capacity. Unlike other package level sortation systems on the market today, CloudSort sortation operations are easier, cheaper and faster to build which puts deliveries closer to their destinations, sooner.

CloudSort enables adaptive nodes, rather than static pre-planned hub-and-spoke routes, through smarter sortation earlier on and that rely on artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. Partners can engage in multiple ways through modular solutions that can scale up and down, so it’s fully customizable, meaning CloudSort technology is interoperable and designed for seamless integration with both shippers and carriers’ existing tech stacks.
● Human-first tech design engages, entertains, and empowers front-line employees to do their best work
● Innovative and sustainable containerization solutions facilitate more direct shipment transfers and produce less material waste
● Enables businesses to tap into its system at a rate that works for them, which enables a safer ‘test and learn’ environment for innovation and experimentation
● Inherently responds to seasonal fluctuations in supply and demand

Modular Solutions

CloudSort’s middle mile software platform is the backbone of its modular solutions, which can be configured to meet the specific needs of any business since it integrates with existing systems and partners.
● For businesses that only need the technology to transform current operations, CloudSort integrates with existing stack and systems, and manages everything from manifesting and routing to payment and tracking.
● Its forwarding gets shipments from points A to B by ground or air in the most efficient and cost-effective way because its platform complements a partner’s existing operations and works alongside their teams.
● By becoming a host in its network, any business can monetize its sortation activities and assets while helping strengthen and grow the CloudSort ecosystem.
● It offers a fully-outsourced delivery solution for the middle mile from dock to doorstep, by coordinating and optimizing every aspect of the delivery journey.
● Its smarter sortation, better routing, and innovative containerization raise the bar on delivery. Intelligent sortation that occurs earlier in the delivery journey has a compounding effect on speed and accuracy later on to ensure shipments get where they’re meant to go, faster.

The CloudSort network is a combination of company and host operated facilities, where all facilities use the same software and follow established processes to ensure a uniform experience across all locations. With established operations in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Nashville, Indianapolis and Philadelphia, CloudSort recently expanded its U.S. footprint to Ohio and Illinois bringing its combined total to eight operations to serve clients across the country.

Middle Mile not Supply Chain Middle Child

Posted on by David Priestman

CloudSort Corporation, a logistics technology company for packaged goods moving through the supply chain curated a panel of supply chain and logistics leaders to dive into a robust discussion around the under-innovated and often ignored, yet vital middle mile. As an innovator of the middle mile, CloudSort discussed how its proprietary and modular Cloud-based software platform creates mutually-beneficial partnerships – all while delivering value that enhances the end customer experience.

The panel was moderated by Kevin Lawton, featured CloudSort CEO and Founder Derek Szopa and included a diverse group of experts across supply chain including:
● Ryan Park, Head of Product & Insights, CloudSort
● Ellen Voie, CEO/Founder/President, Women In Trucking
● Allison Ullrich, Director of Supply Chain, Outer
● Dwight Shakespeare, eCommerce Director, Jillamy

“It’s no surprise that the middle mile has historically been deprioritized within the industry, however we continue to see increasing attention being given to its importance and ability to transport goods from points A to B more efficiently thanks to the technological advancements transforming today’s supply chain,” said Derek Szopa, CEO of CloudSort. “We were inspired to bring partners and industry experts together in our panel discussion to share the ways a modular middle mile can do just that for their businesses, shippers, carriers and the end-consumer.”

Honouring Technology Innovation

Having tackled some of the middle mile’s biggest challenges, CloudSort’s cloud-based sortation software brings together all the players – omnichannel retailers, online retailers, fulfilment centres and third-party logistics businesses (3PLs), shippers, carriers and end-consumers – with an ecosystem that reduces capital intensity and improves efficiency by moving work to the point of greatest value creation.

With the middle mile becoming more prominent in the industry, companies are taking steps to directly control aspects of their delivery experience, and CloudSort enables them to make smarter choices about how shipments move along the supply chain, benefiting e-commerce by extending order windows and providing capacity that scales. As a result of this, CloudSort’s modular platform has just been named Sortation System Innovation of the Year by SupplyTech Breakthrough, which received more than 1,400 nominations and recognizes the world’s best companies, products and services in the supply chain technology and logistics industry.

A Single Destination for Middle Mile Logistics

A first-of-its-kind cloud-based sortation software that sorts, groups and routes packages based on the parameters defined by a user or system, the CloudSort platform is modular – able to be configured in real time, while reducing barriers to entry for organizations that want to take control of their own supply chain. It’s infinitely scalable, providing an agile and adaptive approach that harnesses predictive technology to sort smarter and route better.

Knowing that the industry’s complex, systemic problems required a paradigm shift and not just incremental adjustments, CloudSort designed its platform to address the issues for shippers and carriers to trade in delivery capacity. Unlike other package level sortation systems on the market today, CloudSort sortation operations are easier, cheaper and faster to build which puts deliveries closer to their destinations, sooner.

CloudSort enables adaptive nodes, rather than static pre-planned hub-and-spoke routes, through smarter sortation earlier on and that rely on artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. Partners can engage in multiple ways through modular solutions that can scale up and down, so it’s fully customizable, meaning CloudSort technology is interoperable and designed for seamless integration with both shippers and carriers’ existing tech stacks.
● Human-first tech design engages, entertains, and empowers front-line employees to do their best work
● Innovative and sustainable containerization solutions facilitate more direct shipment transfers and produce less material waste
● Enables businesses to tap into its system at a rate that works for them, which enables a safer ‘test and learn’ environment for innovation and experimentation
● Inherently responds to seasonal fluctuations in supply and demand

Modular Solutions

CloudSort’s middle mile software platform is the backbone of its modular solutions, which can be configured to meet the specific needs of any business since it integrates with existing systems and partners.
● For businesses that only need the technology to transform current operations, CloudSort integrates with existing stack and systems, and manages everything from manifesting and routing to payment and tracking.
● Its forwarding gets shipments from points A to B by ground or air in the most efficient and cost-effective way because its platform complements a partner’s existing operations and works alongside their teams.
● By becoming a host in its network, any business can monetize its sortation activities and assets while helping strengthen and grow the CloudSort ecosystem.
● It offers a fully-outsourced delivery solution for the middle mile from dock to doorstep, by coordinating and optimizing every aspect of the delivery journey.
● Its smarter sortation, better routing, and innovative containerization raise the bar on delivery. Intelligent sortation that occurs earlier in the delivery journey has a compounding effect on speed and accuracy later on to ensure shipments get where they’re meant to go, faster.

The CloudSort network is a combination of company and host operated facilities, where all facilities use the same software and follow established processes to ensure a uniform experience across all locations. With established operations in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Nashville, Indianapolis and Philadelphia, CloudSort recently expanded its U.S. footprint to Ohio and Illinois bringing its combined total to eight operations to serve clients across the country.

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