Our Whitepaper Series gives you the valuable market intelligence on the state of today's logistics industry. Based on a survey of companies across various industries, the reports identify common practices, challenges and emerging trends in the industry.

• 2011 E-Fulfillment Trends Report
  The growth of e-commerce has elevated order fulfillment to a critical business function. Companies are challenged to deliver the perfect order every time while providing a consistent brand experience from channel to channel — in store, via catalog or online. To accommodate this growing complexity, fulfillment now requires sophisticated processes, state-of-the-art resources, and an in-depth understanding of the multi-channel environment. The E-Fulfillment Trends Report looks closely at the fulfillment practice today. Based on an online survey of industry professionals, this in-depth study addresses key questions: Who is using e-fulfillment and why? How are they managing their operations? What trends are emerging nationwide?

• 2011 Cross-Docking Trends Report
  Cross-docking has increased significantly over the past few years, according to a recent survey sponsored by Saddle Creek Corporation. The practice serves as a viable strategy for companies challenged by today’s unpredictable economy – helping to improve service levels, reduce transportation costs and consolidate shipments to destination. The 2011 Cross-Docking Trends Report explores the latest cross-docking practices, benefits and challenges, outsourcing trends and more.

• 2010 Distribution Network Trends Report
  Manufacturers, distributors and retailers are making significant changes to their supply chain distribution networks as a result of recent economic challenges. According to an industry survey sponsored by Saddle Creek Corporation, the top three areas of change include transportation, warehouse size and/or configuration, and shipment consolidation. Learn more about these and other emerging trends in the design and management of distribution networks in the 2010 Distribution Network Trends Report.

• 2009 Secondary Packaging Outsourcing Report
  Increased flexibility and reduced costs are two top reasons why manufacturers are outsourcing their secondary packaging services, according to a new study sponsored by Saddle Creek Corporation and Contract Packaging magazine. Based on an online survey of contract packaging users, the 2009 Secondary Packaging Outsourcing Report explores these benefits as well as common practices and emerging trends in the outsourcing of secondary packaging.

• 2008 Cross-Docking Trends Report
  Improved service levels, reduced transportation costs and less required warehouse space are just some of the reasons that more companies are cross-docking today. These benefits, along with common practices, challenges, and changing trends, are explored in detail in the 2008 Cross-Docking Trends Report, a whitepaper sponsored by Saddle Creek Corporation.

•  2007 Food Logistics Industry Report
  Cross-docking is increasing, paper-based order-pick methods are still most common, and the vast majority of food and beverage companies outsource some or all of their transportation, according to the 2007 Food Logistics Industry Report, sponsored by Saddle Creek Corporation. Based on a survey executives involved in the warehousing and/or transportation management of food and beverage products in the United States, the whitepaper examines food logistics practices and trends.
   

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