Logistics, Trade Administration and Supply Chain

When retailers managed inventory, one of the methods for inventory control was to use some form of a trigger-point method replenishment program. That is, when an item in stock is depleted to the level of the trigger point quantity, a purchase order is placed on a vendor to replenish the item. In such systems, retailers make their own forecast and inventory control rules. Alternately, retailers will replenish on a fixed cycle i.e. once a week basis and order an amount to fill designated shelf space for an item. According to the International Mass Retail Association, over 60 percent of hard goods and almost 40 percent of soft goods are under replenishment programs managed by retailers. Although retailer-managed replenishment programs are expected to continue, there are also expected to be a substantial growth in vendor-managed inventory (VMI) that is continuous replenishment. With electronic data interchange (EDI) and point of sale data, vendors can be as aware of what is on the ret...

C-TPAT qualifications for air carriers: Active air carrier transporting cargo shipments to the US; Have an active Airline Code registered with CBP; Possess a valid continuous international carrier bond registered with the CBP; Have designated company official that will be the primary cargo security officer responsible for the C-TPAT program; Commit to maintaining C-TPAT security guidelines for air carriers; Create and provide CBP with a C-TPAT supply chain security profile, which identifies how the air carrier will meet, maintain and enhance internal policy to meet the C-TPAT security guidelines for air carriers. Security Guidelines for Air Carriers Air Carriers must conduct a comprehensive assessment of their international supply chain based on the C-TPAT security guidelines. Where an air cargo outsource or contracts elements of their supply chain such as conveyance, foreign facility, domestic warehouses or any other elements, the air carrier must work with these busi...

Transportation: Transportation is a very essential part of the logistics system. A major focus in logistics is upon the physical movement or flow of goods or upon the network that moves the product. This network is composed of transportation agencies that provide the service for the firm. The logistics manager is responsible for selecting the mode or modes of transportation used in moving the raw materials and finished goods or for developing private transportation as an alternative. Storage: A second area, which has a trade-off relationship with transportation, is storage or in some circumstances called warehousing. It involves two separate but closely related activities i.e. inventory management and warehousing. A direct relationship exist between transportation and the level of inventory and the number of warehouses required. For instance, if firms use a relatively slow means of transport, they usually have to keep higher inventory levels and usually have more warehousing spa...