The company searches for a lead logistics provider that can meet the needs of the highly regulated medical equipment industry. James Matney, global logistics manager, reports on the results.

Shippers are looking to turn over responsibility for logistics, and third parties are happy to oblige. But are they ready for what 2010 will bring?

A networked transportation management service, in which key supply chain participants share information and visibility through a central hub, is more cost efficient and more effective than traditional transportation management applications, says Alan Dunkerley, vice president of product management at Descartes Systems Group.

Managing costs and taking advantage of low freight rates, to be sure - but their real concern is maintaining a high level of customer service in a time of reduced demand.