Cecelia Hicks

Since getting significantly more involved with Supply Chain strategy and operations, I wanted to "freshen up" my Logistics knowledge. After months of training + studying I have passed the Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution exam. Would highly recommend for anyone involved in Supply Chain!

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Super productive day today with my colleagues at the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management at the University of Arkansas! Janeth Gabaldon and I recorded videos for our incoming class of graduate students. Then, we got to hang out with Brian Fugate, Marc Scott, Brent D. Williams, and a handful of other notable campus stars for an informal reception. All in all, it was a good reminder that we can do a lot using video conferencing, but there are still times when showing up in person and having face-to-face conversations is a thousand times better. ~Mr. Supply Chain #AlwaysBeLearning #AlwaysBeTeaching #SupplyChainU #WooPigSooie

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Great post by Nate Skiver. There is a growing trend among parcel carriers to introduce new Delivery Area Surcharges (DAS), particularly in urban areas. Major carriers like UPS and FedEx, now followed by OnTrac, have recently adjusted their pricing models to include these surcharges, effective this spring. At SpeedX, we understand that transparent and straightforward pricing is crucial for our clients. That's why we do not charge DAS in urban areas. Our commitment remains to provide reliable, efficient, and cost-effective last-mile delivery solutions without hidden fees or complex pricing structures. For shippers feeling the pinch of new surcharges, reach out! #logistics #lastmiledelivery #surcharges #ecommercedelivery

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LTL not just for emergencies. It fills network gaps alongside full truckload, intermodal, and dedicated fleet options. Here're some examples. Get the full guide to working LTL freight into your multimodal mix: http://sndr.pro/2Y

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Interesting Freightvine interview with Kelly Abney, Chief Logistics Office of the US Postal Service. In part of it, he talks about network changes in the USPS to bend the cost curve on delivery. For several years at Target, I was focused on designing Target's last-mile network for e-commerce ("Direct to Guest") deliveries, and USPS injection was a major component of the network strategy. Hearing about it from the other side was enlightening. Data Driven Supply Chain LLC https://lnkd.in/g-dEUsuz #lastmile #supplychain #ecommerce

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If you ship with Fedex, UPS or DHL and aren't working with a parcel auditor, you're likely overspending on your small parcel costs. Leaving service failure refunds on the table, or overpaying on your shipping rates, means there's money slipping through the cracks that could be back in your pocket. At ProfitTrust, we ensure you never miss a refund owed to you and that your rates are always optimized. Our technology automates the entire claims process, saving you time and money, and our data-driven insights help you secure the best rates possible. We've saved clients up to 35% on their FedEx, UPS and DHL expenses without changing their carrier or accounts. It's more likely than not that we can find at least a 10% savings for you too. Let's connect and I’ll show you how our technology delivers these savings and optimizes your shipping spend.

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Retailers should consider adding the option of alternate delivery locations..."in the checkout process" for the consumer. In the current scenario, the customers buys from a retailer, they then need to go the carrier's website or use their app to redirect a package to a secure facility....which isn't the best customer experience. #customerexperience #alternatedeliverylocations

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Big News: What the CDL Downgrade Means for the Holiday Supply Chain On November 18, the FMCSA downgraded the CDLs of over 170,000 drivers with unresolved drug and alcohol violations. This move significantly shrinks the pool of available drivers, hitting the supply chain hard just as holiday demand peaks. The Impact • Higher Costs: Reduced capacity means higher freight rates. • Delays: Expect longer shipping times. • Strained Customer Expectations: Delivery timelines may be tougher to meet. How We Can Respond 1. Lock in Capacity Early: Secure reliable carriers now. 2. Leverage Data: Use tools to anticipate and prevent bottlenecks. 3. Diversify Solutions: Look into intermodal or regional fulfillment strategies. 4. Set Expectations: Be upfront with customers about potential delays. Yes, this will increase costs, but with the right strategy, we can minimize the impact and keep goods moving. The key is staying ahead, staying flexible, and communicating clearly. Let’s rise to the challenge—supply chains are built for resilience. #SupplyChain #HolidayLogistics #Leadership

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Is your drayage operation agile and flexible enough to transition your containers outside of East Coast and Gulf ports? A potential labor strike appears imminent, threatening to shut down six of the ten busiest ports in the US. This article serves as an important heads-up, suggesting that shippers seek alternative routes for their imports and exports. At TI, our team operates from all major ports, rail hubs, rail ramps, and US ports of entry. We alleviate administrative burdens, eliminate accessorial charges and freight delays, and provide visibility for all shipments from the port to your customer's door. #TransportationInsight

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A recent study has validated Verst's insights from a few years ago, highlighting that Phoenix's strategic location near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach positions it perfectly for efficient distribution throughout the Southwest. With three facilities in the Phoenix area, Verst Logistics is well-equipped to meet your distribution center needs. If your organization is contemplating a change to its distribution network, please reach out to discuss how we can support you in this transition. #warehouse #distributioncenter #supplychainmanagement #phoenix #logistics

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I have an opinion piece in Transport Topics this month - it discusses what TL carriers need to know about how shippers look at transportation procurement. Specifically, I address the importance of monitoring the Spot Premium Ratio and the New Rate Differential in the markets. Enjoy the short read! #TL #transportation #procurement #spotpremiumratio #newratedifferential https://lnkd.in/esxiuvdP

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If you are a shipper importing into East/Gulf Coast ports during peak season, capacity that hasn't been procured already will likely be difficult - and definitely more expensive - to obtain in the coming months. Why? Planned East/Gulf Coast capacity additions have been consumed by the Asia to Europe routes because of longer shipping times due to Cape of Good Hope re-routings and congestion. Increased asset capacity was planned for West Coast ports in an attempt to alleviate the original, larger capacity and congestion problems. This maneuver by shipping lines came before the problems on the East Coast became apparent. No single solution will help shippers avoid higher ocean rates. But they can potentially reduce the risk of higher rates and maintain timely deliveries by diversifying their shipping options and being adaptable during this fluctuating peak season. For more details, see our recent blog post. https://lnkd.in/gKPPDVhG

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LTL not just for emergencies. It fills network gaps alongside full truckload, intermodal, and dedicated fleet options. Here're some examples. Get the full guide to working LTL freight into your multimodal mix: http://sndr.pro/2Y

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LTL not just for emergencies. It fills network gaps alongside full truckload, intermodal, and dedicated fleet options. Here're some examples. Get the full guide to working LTL freight into your multimodal mix: http://sndr.pro/2Y

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