Trucking companies need a way to monitor driver behavior, even as they struggle to cope with a rising number of potential distractions in the cab, says Bill Shepard, co-founder of Geo-Point Partners LLC.

In the area of transportation, the slumping economy has proved to be both blessing and curse, depending on which side of the deal you're on, says Mark Storen, president of Tectus Consulting.

Companies are aware of the issue, but many still lack detailed programs for tracing and calculating their carbon footprints over the extended supply chain, according to Luka Powanga, executive director of the Global Commerce Forum.

Jerry Hempstead, chief animator of Hempstead Consulting, shows how shippers can untangle the complex tariffs and surcharges of express and parcel carriers, and implement strategies that can save money while improving service.