New-product development and a complete makeover of its supply chain came simultaneously for Motorola. Ann Deardorff, senior director of quality and strategy, outlines some of the challenges the electronics giant has faced so far in this ongoing project.

Rather than take a hands-off approach to transportation, the U.S. Department of Commerce is very much involved in trying to bring efficiencies to the country's freight policies, says Joe Holecko, a global trade specialist with the department's International Trade Administration.

Dick Metzler, chief commercial officer of Greatwide Logistics Services, discusses whether the transportation and logistics market is returning to health or if signs of life merely illustrate Wall Street's colorful term for a small, brief recovery.

Sustainability has moved from buzzword to boardroom mandate, says Michael Youn, logistics manager for Cintas, a provider of uniforms, apparel and other services. Leadership from the top is required to effectively engage the team charged with carrying out the initiative.

This recession required trucking companies to exhibit new levels of grit and business acuity. Lessons learned and changes implemented will have implications that stretch well into the next business cycle.