New technologies, such as cloud computing, are enabling such visibility, and more companies are adopting cloud solutions for some of their supply-chain-related business processes.

Other technologies, too, can benefit the supply chain. Warehouse automation and ruggedized mobile devices are two such technologies that are explored, along with cloud computing, in this month’s cover story. 

The visibility that cloud computing can bring to a supply chain can be a huge benefit in evaluating and mitigating supply chain risk. In his article, Dan McCue takes a hard look at supply chain risk and what companies are doing to mitigate it. Just having visibility into the supply chain isn’t enough; vetting out suppliers and planning for potential problems is key.

On the topic of risk, we also delve into the safety of containers as they are shipped across the oceans. In this article , we learn all the things that can go wrong at sea and find out why it’s important to be insured.

On a related note, our update on bulk and breakbulk ports  shows that they are optimizing their services to meet the demands of various commodities.

On the cusp of the launch of Apple’s iPad 3 (if Internet rumors are to be believed), our update on the LTL industry  and the services it offers to the consumer electronics sector is especially timely. Gone are the days when LTL carriers just shipped cargo from point A to point B; now they offer an array of services regionally and globally.

None of this would be possible, however, without a safe, efficient, productive trucking industry. To that end, Brian Everett updates us on the Stand Up for Trucking fly-in to D.C. in February that was coordinated by NASSTRAC and enabled industry executives to speak directly with their representatives regarding the most pressing issues in trucking today. Were their voices heard? Click here  to find out.