Freight insights: Best online resources for understanding supply chain management

Are you a logistics or supply chain professional looking for answers, news, or insights? You don't have to rely solely on experts or people in your network anymore! The internet has made it much easier to connect with like-minded individuals and find solutions to your freight, logistics, or supply chain problems. Of course, the sheer volume of resources out there has also made it a lot harder sift through them all...

So if you’re one of the many transportation managers in the industry that find themselves stuck doom-scrolling through updates and wondering which sources to trust in the rapidly changing environment that you find yourself in, here’s our list of the top online resources that deliver.

Our picks for the top online resources for supply chain news and updates

1. Supply Chain Dive
2. Supply Chain Management Review
3. Inbound Logistics
4. Logistics Management
5. FreightWaves
6. LinkedIn Groups
7. Community Forums
8. The Otterly Informed Newsletter

1. Supply Chain Dive

Providing in-depth journalism and insights into the most impactful news and trends shaping supply chain management, Supply Chain Dive is the perfect resource for the supply chain pro who wants to stay on top of their game. With both a website and newsletter that covers topics such as logistics, freight, operations, procurement, regulation, technology, and more, it doesn’t matter if whether you're a transportation guru, a logistics wizard, or a procurement mastermind, Supply Chain Dive covers it all and delivers it in a way that’s easy to digest.

2. Supply Chain Management Review

If you're a supply chain pro who wants to dive deeper into the industry and gain a greater understanding of its intricacies, then Supply Chain Management Review is the resource for you. This magazine and website offers in-depth articles, research reports, and case studies that cover everything from sourcing and procurement to transportation and logistics. So grab your reading glasses and get ready to become the Einstein of your supply chain.

3. Inbound Logistics

Do you manage the inbound supply chain and feel like you're swimming upstream without a paddle? Fear not, my friend, because Inbound Logistics is here to help. This magazine and website is chock-full of articles, case studies, and research reports that focus specifically on the topics that matter most to you (ie. inbound logistics, obviously) including transportation, warehousing, and inventory management. So if you're an inbound logistics master or just starting out, Inbound Logistics has got your back.

4. Logistics Management 

Logistics Management is like the Swiss Army knife of supply chain resources. It covers everything from transportation and distribution to inventory management and technology. Whether you're a seasoned supply chain pro or just starting out, Logistics Management offers a variety of articles, research reports, and case studies to help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the industry. Plus, who doesn't love a good Swiss Army knife?

5. FreightWaves

FreightWaves is a digital media platform that provides breaking news, market analysis, and commentary on the global freight and logistics industry. From multiple live-streaming video channels and podcasts with supply chain and logistics experts who know their stuff, to some of the industry’s most in-depth and trusted market analysis reports, FreightWaves is a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain insights into the freight and logistics industry. Whether you're a freight broker, carrier, shipper, or anyone else in the supply chain, FreightWaves has something for you. 

6. LinkedIn Groups

Are you a social butterfly who loves connecting with other supply chain pros? Then LinkedIn Groups is the place for you. There are plenty of groups dedicated to supply chain management, logistics, and transportation, and they offer a wealth of information and resources for professionals who want to stay in the know. So go ahead, join a group or two, and start networking like a boss. (And don’t forget to follow Shipwell!)

7. Community Forums

If you're looking for a community-driven platform to ask and answer supply chain questions, there are plenty of options out there on the internet, but of all of those, Quora and Reddit should be at the top of your list. Quora’s site is a goldmine for niche topics, and you can find experts in pretty much any field imaginable, so if you're struggling with a specific supply chain problem, post your question on Quora and wait for the answers to roll in. Reddit, on the other hand, while touting itself as ‘the front page of the internet’ it’s sometimes more like the Wild West — but for supply chain professionals, it can be a valuable resource. There are numerous subreddits dedicated to logistics and supply chain management, where you can find threads on topics ranging from last-mile delivery to blockchain technology. The anonymity of Reddit can be both a blessing and a curse, but if you take the time to sift through the noise, you can find some hidden gems. Check out r/supplychain, in particular, to see if someone has the resources you need.

8. The Otterly Informed Newsletter

If you're not already subscribed to The Otterly Informed Newsletter, you're missing out on some seriously juicy supply chain intel. With monthly issues covering everything from emerging technologies to industry trends to insider tips on how to optimize your supply chain operations, it focuses on community-driven topics that actually matter to those in the industry, so you'll actually enjoy reading it! 

Finally, we'd be remiss not to mention the Shipwell blog (welcome!) where we provide articles specifically geared toward logistics and supply chain professionals. 

Of course, if you’re looking for specific tips on how to improve your own supply chain, our team of experts is always glad to offer some handy advice, so click here to schedule a chat with them anytime!