People who study shippers said senders and receivers of freight want predictability - even as the economy and technology change rapidly.
Truck makers and other manufacturers, meanwhile, said their engineers are pushing scientific advances to improve transportation operations, all during several sessions at the Transportation Research Board's annual meeting.
The logistics manager of a retail chain, for instance, said Jan. 14 that he uses as much software technology as possible to lessen the likelihood of supply chain disruptions, and a University of California, Berkeley engineering researcher said he is trying to develop truck platoons that are similar to trains on highways.
"Visibility is key for us at every level," said Gary Fast, logistics director for Canadian Tire Corp., a retail chain. Fast said he plans deliveries to the minute and tracks the performance of vendors and internal company operations. He also talks to suppliers, government officials and anyone who might affect his operations.