Part 1 in our series on pharmaceutical distribution outlined a big picture overview of the current (but ever-changing) model of the pharma cold chain. In this post, we dive further into the Good Distribution Practices (GDPs) recommended to guarantee supply chain safety and security of medications as they move from manufacturer to patient. Because prescription drugs have become more expensive and specialized, the...

Written by SmartSense | April 10, 2019 | Supply Chain

The trucking industry was hot last year. While many shipments were made in bulk and filled an entire truck going from a single origin to a single destination, many were not filled to capacity. These shipments fit into another category: less than truckload, also referred to as “LTL.”

Written by SmartSense | April 5, 2019 | Supply Chain

For some time now, imports to the United States have far exceeded exports. Containerization has contributed to this imbalance. In fact, shipping goods via containers has radically changed the face of global transportation. The shipping container is an interchangeable unit that can accommodate all shapes and sizes of cargo. Planners can track it and change modes of transportation according to the demands of shippers....

Written by SmartSense | March 29, 2019 | Supply Chain

The pharmaceutical distribution supply chain will be the focus of a three-part series over the next several weeks. Why? This topic has only gained in importance since the turn of the 21st century. As medications, delivery methods, and technologies change rapidly to meet expanding patient needs, manufacturers and distributors must adapt and evolve. They have the obligation to ensure that medicines and vaccines are...

Written by SmartSense | March 27, 2019 | Supply Chain

"In the freight industry, the year-round produce that we enjoy impacts the supply and demand for trucks, affects capacity, and freight rates as well," writes FreightWaves Market Expert Michael Crosby on their website. "Strawberries and lettuce from California, tomatoes and oranges from Florida or grapefruit and pecans from Texas definitely influence the freight markets, but there’s more than inland transportation...

Written by SmartSense | March 20, 2019 | Food Safety, HACCP, Supply Chain

The National Football League has 32 teams. Each weekend during football season somebody is playing at home and somebody is playing away. This amounts to a significant logistical feat – or at least it is for one East Coast team.

Written by SmartSense | March 15, 2019 | Supply Chain